far from limiting Himself to any certain method in His
proceedings with sinners under legal convictions. In some instances, it
seems easy for our reasoning powers to discern the methods of divine
wisdom, in His dealings with the soul under awakenings; in others, His
footsteps cannot be traced, and His ways are past finding out. Some who
are less distinctly wrought upon, in what is preparatory to grace,
appear no less eminent in gracious experiences afterwards. There is in
nothing a greater difference, in different persons, than with respect to
the time of their being under trouble; some but a few days, and others
for months or years. There were many in this town, who had been, before
this effusion of the Spirit upon us, for years, and some for many years,
concerned about their salvation. Though probably they were not
thoroughly awakened, yet they were concerned to such a degree as to be
very uneasy, so as to live an uncomfortable disquieted life. They
continued in a way of taking considerable pains about their salvation;
but had never obtained any comfortable evidence of a good state. Several
such persons, in this extraordinary time, have received light; but many
of them were some of the last. They first saw multitudes of others
rejoicing, with songs of deliverance in their mouths, who before had
seemed wholly careless and at ease, and in pursuit of vanity; while they
had been bowed down with solicitude about their souls. Yea, some had
lived licentiously, and so continued till a little before they were
converted; and yet soon grew up t