Returning to our date of 1804, and the doings of that session, we note further, that Elder Gorton, of Mayfield, was appointed missionary for this year, on the same route Mr. Covell took the year before.

When the brethren came to hear the verbal account of Mr. Covell's mission, they were importunate with him, that he should publish his narrative, deeming that it would promote the blessed cause. Perhaps this will be as appropriate a place as any, for its insertion. It is rendered verbatim and entire.

CHAPTER IV.

A Narrative of a Missionary Tour through the Western Settlements of the State of New-York, and into the south-western parts of the Province of Upper Canada: Performed by Lemuel Covell, of Pittstown, in company with Elder Obed Warren, of Salem, in the Fall of 1803: With an Appendix, containing several Speeches to and from the Indians.

TO THE CANDID READER.

Being frequently called upon to give a statement of the occurrences of my missionary tour with Elder Warren, and of the reception we met with in general; and being desirous of giving all the information in my power, that might afford any satisfaction to those who feel interested in the spread of the gospel and the enlargement of the Redeemer's kingdom-I concluded to publish a concise narrative of our travels, believing that such a narrative would be best calculated to give the desired information. I made known my mind on the subject to Elder Warren, my fellow traveller, and desired him to unite with me in the publication. He assured me that he would gladly unite with me in the performance, if it was in his power; but that his arrangements were such as would render it very inconvenient for him. For some time after this, I determined not to publish anything on the subject-fearing that the circumstance of my doing it separately, might be considered as the effect of arrogance, and be productive of unhappy consequences. But the repeated solicitations of a great number of my Christian friends, have occasioned a serious review of the subject. I have ́endeavored to weigh every circumstance

with as much candor as I am capable of; and, upon mature reflection, I can see no just reason why any should censure me for publishing what is really trueprovided it can be, in any degree, beneficial to those who wish well to the cause of Christ, or in any wise subservient to the upbuilding of his kingdom. Whether these effects will attend the subsequent narrative, or not, depends entirely on the will of the Great Disposer of all things; and to Him I am heartily willing to submit the issue. That it may be, in some degree, useful to the lovers of mankind, and subservient to the cause of the Redeemer, is the sincere desire of

The Public's devoted Servant,

Pittstown, July 28th, 1804.

LEMUEL COVELL.

A NARRATIVE, &c.

On Monday, the 22d of August, Elder Warren arrived at my house, and at 5 o'clock P. M. preached a sermon at our meeting-house, from 1 Thess. v, 25. He had unfortunately taken a very heavy cold a few days. before he set out from home, which so affected his lungs, that it was with great difficulty he could speak so as to be heard distinctly.

On the morning of Tuesday, the 23d, we set off from my house on our journey, and at 4 in the P. M., arrived at the Baptist meeting-house, in Clifton Park, where brother Warren preached a sermon on the benefits and pleasures of wearing the yoke of Christ. After sermon we went home with Elder Peck, and spent the evening in a very agreeable manner, and I believe for edification.

Wednesday, 24th-We rode about 30 miles, to Mr. Nicholas Rouse's, at Cobuskill, where we tarried all night.

Thursday, 25th-Rode to Wooster, a town to the south of Cherry-Valley, in the county of Schoharie.— This town is but newly settled, and the people very destitute of gospel privileges. There is a small Baptist church there; but they have no ordained minister. In the afternoon I preached a sermon to them: they seemed really rejoiced at our coming to visit them, and very desirous of the privileges of the gospel ministry. After preaching, we had a very pleasing interview with a number of the brethren, who stayed for some conversation. At evening, we went home with Deacon French, where we spent the night. I think, considering the des

titute situation of these brethren, and their anxiety for maintaining a Christian travail, they are entitled to the assistance of such churches and ministers as have it in their power to lend them assistance; and, especially, to the notice of missionaries.

Friday, 26th-In the afternoon we rode, accompanied by Deacon French, and several of the brethren, to Cherry-Valley, where we heard a Mr. Farley, an open communion Baptist, preach. After his discourse was ended, the people seemed very desirous that one of us should give them a sermon. There was a person to be baptized, and we concluded, if time would permit, to comply with their request, after the administration of the ordinance. We repaired to the water, Mr. Farley administered the ordinance, and the people returned to the house, in order to hear preaching. Brother Warren being still afflicted with hoarseness, desired me to preach. I delivered a short discourse, from Rom. v, 1. Here we found a number of brethren of the open communion order, some of them very zealous and devotional. It was proposed to hold a religious conference this evening, to which all parties consented. We went and took supper with a Mr. Waldo, a Presbyterian brother, who treated us with the utmost civility, and refreshed us in a very hospitable manner. In the evening we repaired to the place appointed for conference, and had a very agreeable interview in religious conversation, prayer, and singing praises to the great Author of all things, and source of every blessing.

Saturday, 27th-We pursued our journey, intending to ride, this day, as far as Exeter. Part of the way we had the company of Mr. Farley, and some of his brethren, who were returning to Richfield, the place of their residence. We had considerable discourse with them, as we rode together, respecting their religious opinions,