DEVOTIONAL FEELINGS. 
63 
through the atonement made by the offering of his 
Son, the boundless and overwhelming effects of 
his love herein displayed, and the radiant light and 
hopes of everlasting blessedness and spiritual en¬ 
joyment, which, by the event commemorated, they 
were encouraged to anticipate, were all adapted to 
awaken, in minds susceptible as theirs, no com¬ 
mon train of feelings. Often have we seen the 
intense emotion of the heart, at these seasons, 
strongly depicted in the countenance, and the face 
suffused with tears. 
The hundreds who remained to witness the 
scene were not unconcerned spectators. Their 
deep interest in what was passing, was indicated 
in their thoughtful and agitated countenances, and 
the subsequent conduct of many evinced the kind 
of impression they received. The anxious concern 
which we had witnessed among the people, since 
the preceding summer, appeared to increase, and 
demanded redoubled efforts for their spiritual ad¬ 
vantage. Numbers came as candidates for baptism, 
and regularly attended the meeting for the instruc¬ 
tion of such. Others, from among those who had 
been baptized, desired to be admitted to church 
fellowship. 
Our liveliest affections were awakened on their 
behalf; but while we had reason to believe many 
were sincere, we had also reason to fear that 
others were influenced by less commendable mo¬ 
tives. Anxious to afford encouragement or caution, 
as the circumstances or character of each required, 
it was not easy to satisfy our own minds as to the 
best manner of proceeding. We feared to dis¬ 
courage any who were sincerely seeking a more 
intimate acquaintance with Christ, and who were 
desirous to be fully instructed in all things con- 
