Baskinridge and New Brunswick

Thursday, November 6. After breakfast this morning, at the desire of Mr. Cross, I went and [reconstructed: gave] a word of exhortation to, and sung and prayed with a few people in the barn. There was a sweet melting among them again, and the Lord was peculiarly present with us. Before I mounted my horse, [reconstructed: someone] came to me under great soul-concern. A lad about thirteen years old told me, he never felt sin before yesterday. A poor Negro woman said, she was filled with a love of Christ; and being too fond of the instrument, would gladly have gone with me. Her master, a godly man, confessed. But I bid her go home, and with a thankful heart serve her present master. When I was upon my horse several women came to shake my hand. I asked one whether she knew Christ. She said yes. "How long?" "Three years," said she, "the third Sunday in next March." I asked another the same question. She answered, "Yes, but I am waiting for a fresh breathing from the blessed Spirit." I, with pleasure, took my leave of them, and rode agreeably in company with many children of God to New-Brunswick, 23 miles from Baskinridge. Here letters awaited me from Savannah, acquainting me that there had been a great mortality among the people of that place. That my family lived in love, the orphans continued very healthy, and that a minister was coming over to supply my place at Savannah. This last much rejoiced me, being resolved to give up Savannah living as soon as I arrived at Georgia. A parish and the Orphan-House together are too much for me; besides, God seems to show me it is my duty to evangelize, and not to fix in any particular place. In the evening I preached in Mr. Gilbert Tennant's meeting house, and was led in my discourse to comfort the hearts of God's dear people. A little after, Mr. B— (a young minister, who, I trust, will hereafter come fairly out for God) preached for about an hour, and then, at the desire of dear Mr. Gilbert Tennent, I concluded with a word of exhortation. The Lord was pleased to communicate himself to me freely. My soul was filled with his blessed presence. The word fell with weight. And after sermon in private prayer with my dear friends, oh how did my loving Savior cause my cup to overflow! He permitted me to talk with him as a man talks with his friend. This I take to be that Parrhesia, or freedom of speech which St. Paul speaks of, and through the Lord Jesus believers have access to the Father. Oh the happiness of those who are really born again of God!