their publication in a permanent form. We are happy to find that many personal friends of the writer have concurred in this opinion; and we hope that these reminiscences will find a wide circulation.

"JOHN COPELAND,

“M. TOOKER,

"F. G. HIBBARD.

"Geneva, October 21, 1846."

Should the perusal afford, in any degree, pleasure and profit to those who may read these sketches, it will accomplish the highest expectation of

THE AUTHOR.

RECOLLECTIONS OF THE PAST.

DEAR BROTHER ROUNDS,-Several of my 'friends, both of the ministry and membership of the church, have for several years urged me to publish, either in some of our periodicals, or in pamphlet form, some of the incidents and events which I have witnessed, or that have come to my knowledge in days past, and which are known to but few now living. I have hitherto declined, thinking I had not sufficient leisure. But now, being superannuated, and in this wintry season mostly in my room, I have concluded to offer a few scraps for publication, should you think proper to admit them into the columns of our Northern Christian Advocate.

These sketches will present facts and events which may be useful to some, and which, if not written, will soon pass into oblivion. If there are any who peruse your columns merely in search of flowers, they need not be at the trouble of looking over these sketches. In alluding to individuals, I shall

generally use only the initials of names; as some persons are still living, whose history is intimately connected with the incidents here recorded, who might not be pleased, should names be given.

NUMBER I.

In the year 1800 the inhabitants of the counties of Saratoga and Montgomery were somewhat alarmed by the appearance of the smallpox in their neighborhood; and our physicians generally advised the people of that section of country to forestall the disease by inoculation. Accordingly, several neighborhoods bordering on the line which divided the above-named counties, agreed to employ a physician for that purpose. Two houses were provided; one in Saratoga, the other in Montgomery, being distant from each other about one mile and a half, for the accommodation of such as were disposed to adopt the measure of inoculation. Most of the youth of both sexes in that vicinity entered either the one or the other of these houses. I think it was about Christmas when they were opened for the reception of patients. One of these houses was owned and occupied by J. C. and his wife, who were members of the Meth

odist Episcopal Church, as were also his father and mother, with some other members of the family. But he had a brother, R. C., who, for several years, had been noted for his profligacy and wickedness. This young man was one of the number that entered the "pock-house owned by his brother. On his first entrance, he profanely vowed that he would not starve himself for the small-pox; but would indulge himself as usual in meats and drinks. But it was soon seen and felt in both these houses that the small-pox was not to be trifled with, though taken by inoculation. Most of the patients in both houses, either through want of skill or prudence in the physician, or from some other cause, suffered severely. But poor R. C., when the disease fastened upon him, which was at a much later period than with most of the others, soon became an object of astonishment and pity. The particulars of his appearance and sufferings I will attempt to describe. It will perhaps give an idea of his condition to say, that for twenty-one days he was incapable of moving a limb, or of uttering a word. And frequently, during this time, his attendants could hardly determine whether it was a living being or a loathsome corpse that lay before them. While he was thus suspended between life and death,

great anxiety was felt and manifested for him by the community generally; but especially by his family connections and the few pious persons in the neighborhood. By these, prayer was made almost without ceasing for him, in public and in private. Sometimes his parents and other friends would come within sight of the house, and there offer up prayer in his behalf. On one occasion, accompanied by one of the itinerant preachers, who frequently called at his father's house, in their monthly rounds on the then Saratoga circuit, they came as near the house as they dare adventure themselves, and there kneeling in the cold deep snow, poured out their souls in prayer for him, that he might be raised up again, or that if taken away by death, mercy might be extended to his soul; and that he might be saved from the death that never dies. At length, on a certain morning, when those who had watched by his bed during the night had left, his brother J. came into the room, and stood looking upon him; when he partly opened his eyes, and slightly moved the covering of the bed with one of his hands. His brother was much surprised, and rejoiced to see these signs of returning life. Shortly after, he again opened his eyes, drew up his right hand, and removed the bed clothes from his breast.