the town. Take the town in general, and so far as I can judge, they are
as rational and intelligent a people as most I have been acquainted
with. Many of them have been noted for religion; and particularly
remarkable for their distinct knowledge in things that relate to heart
religion, and Christian experience, and their great regards thereto.

I am the third minister who has been settled in the town. The Rev. Mr.
Eleazer Mather, who was the first, was ordained in July, 1669. He was
one whose heart was much in his work, and abundant in labors for the
good of precious souls. He had the high esteem and great love for his
people, and was blessed with no small success. The Rev. Mr. Stoddard who
succeeded him, came first to the town the November after his death; but
was not ordained till September 11, 1672, and died February 11, 1728-9.
So that he continued in the work of the ministry here, from his first
coming to town, near 60 years. And as he was eminent and renowned for
his gifts and grace; so he was blessed, from the beginning, with
extraordinary success in his ministry, in the conversion of many souls.
He had five harvests, as he called them. The first was about 57 years
ago; the second about 53; the third about 40; the fourth about 24; the
fifth and last about 18 years ago. Some of these times were much more
remarkable than others, and the ingathering of souls more plentiful.
Those about 53, and 40, and 24 years ago, were much greater than either
the first or the last: but in each of them, I have heard my grandfather
say, the greater part of the young people in the town, seemed to be
mainly concerned for their eternal salva