GENTLEMEN,

The above are extracts of letters from the Rev. John Evans Findley, of Mason County, in the state of Kentucky, to the subscriber, who, from an intimacy of above 20 years standing, can, with confidence, recommend him to your readers, as a person of unblemished character; cautious in forming his opinion, either of men or things; and not tinctured, even in the smallest degree, with the obtruding rant of enthusiasm. In perfect consistency with this coolness and deliberation of character, the discerning reader will, no doubt, have observed, that, in the above accounts of the rise and progress of religion in the State of Kentucky and Cumberland, Mr. Findley has not only confined himself principally to facts, but that these facts are related in the simple language of narrative; unadorned with any of those extravagant embellishments, which are the customary offspring of an imagination untutored by the guidance of mature and deliberate judgment. Cautious, too, of forming a decisive opinion, either of the primary cause, or final issue, of the religious exercises of which he writes, he modestly contents himself with hoping well of both. From these considerations, therefore, it is presumed, that your readers will give full credit to the existence of the facts, as stated by him in the above narrative; how various soever their opinions may be, with respect to their nature, origin, or continuance.

If, however, the subscriber might be permitted to hazard a sentiment of his own on the subject, it would /231/ be, that the religious exercises, mentioned in the above letter, were effected, at least in their origin, by the immediate energy of some invisible Agent. -- The age of the boys, who, it seems, were the first subjects of the extraordinary work, which is now spread over all the country where it took its rife, is, of itself, sufficient to induce this belief; for, not only candor, but common sense, forbids us to suppose them capable of devising so complete a collusion, in order to deceive their parents and friends, in a matter of so serious a nature. Indeed, the impression that was made upon the minds of their neighbours and friends (without the exception of a single individual) the moment they heard the boys relate what they had experienced, establishes the above sentiment, beyond any reasonable doubt; especially if, to this latter consideration, we add the many extraordinary events, of a similar kind with those above mentioned, which became visible at different places, and on different occasions; particularly in the month of August at Caneridge, where a prodigious concourse of people (supposed, by some, 21,000) of different religions, and different ages, of all ranks, and different professions, were personally and busily engaged in the discharge of religious exercises, and all of them under the apparent guidance of the same Spirit.

Here let it be remarked, as worthy of special notice, that the Governor of the State, a Lawyer, and a Physician were among the number; and that the two latter came to the ground under the influence of inveterate prejudice; the Doctor being an avowed Deist, and the Lawyer, in the plenitude of contempt, ascending the scorner's chair. To what probable cause then shall we ascribe these things, unless it be the immediate agency of some invisible superior Being?

If it be asked, whether that Being be a good or a bad one, the subscriber, instead of a direct answer, begs leave to express a wish, that your readers would exercise a generous candor, until time shall have fairly developed the secret. "If the work," spoken of above, "be of man," or of any created Being, "it will come to nought;" but, if it "be of God," /232/ in vain shall any oppose, by ridicule or otherwise; for they "cannot overthrow it." "The counsel of the Lord, that shall stand, and he will do all his pleasure;" whether it be by "ordaining praise out of the mouths of Babes and Sucklings," or by bringing down the lofty looks of the great ones of the earth, and making "them his willing people, in the day of his power;" for "who hath an arm like God? Or who can thunder with a voice like his? If he but touch the mountains, they smoke! If he but speak, the perpetual hills do bow, and the everlasting mountains are scattered!"

I am, Gentlemen, respectfully yours,
DANIEL JONES.
MOUNT-PROSPECT, JAN. 6, 1802.