universe. As I lay on the bottom of the river, my pain abated; but the bed was hard-from the necessity and nature of the sleep into which I was falling, and the inextinguishable desire of being awake to life-I reflected, that I must now breathe, or breathe no more! But finding the attempt useless and distressing, 1 continued voluntarily to suspend my breath, and soon, all sense and consciousness ceased. On first return of thought, I imagined that I was on the bed where I slept the night before, and it was now a dark and stormy night. The scene through which I had passed, occurred to my mind, and I supposed it to be a dream, and that it had drenched me entirely with a cold perspiration. I resolved to start, and thoroughly awake, that I might be certain it was a dream. As I made the attempt, I felt that I was weak, and concluded I would not fatigue myself more, as I should naturally awake in a moment or two. On this I perceived a glimmering of light, and heard the clapping of hands, seemingly at a distance, but rapidly approaching; when at the time it should have reached me, I found I was lying on the shore, surrounded by weeping friends, who were striking my hands, and attempting by friction to restore to animation. I was told that I had been in that situation fifteen or twenty minutes. Though I saw and heard and felt, my sensations were those of distress. There was but a spark of life, in a body of death! serving

scarcely more than to evidence its desolation; still there was a joy, a great joy in being again alive, and this blessing was confirmed by a restoration, ere long to health and strength.

My mind for sometime previous, had been in a state of darkness and conflict, and the danger into which I was then plunged, impressed me as a judgment. The consternation of the scene, and especially of this impression, precluded other thoughts, but immediately on my rescue, and finding that I was a subject of mercy, the name of Christ occurred to my mind and produ ced an exultation far superior to the joys of restored life; and I thought if one had only reminded me of it in my distress, it would have caused me almost to leap from the water; at least, it would have given wings to my faith, and rendered me triumphant.

It was then my determination, that if ever I should attend the dying, I would speak to them repeatedly of Christ, that the sound of His name, should be mingled with their sufferings of body and mind, and should be the last they heard in this state of sin and mortality. "He is a rock," all else is wave and darkness.

WM. PATTEN. (aged 17 yrs.) After fruitless efforts to rescue the sufferer, the horse being frightened at his struggling in the river, a young gentleman took another horse and plunged into the place where it was supposed he had sunk for the last time--putting his hand

down at a venture-seized his loose coat, which was providentially unbuttoned, and floated near the surface of the water; by that the apparently lifeless body of his friend, was drawn to the shore, and though distant from any dwelling house, the Lord was pleased to bless the means used for resuscitation. Forever praised be His holy name.

HARTFORD, June 7th, 1780.

Is it you my dear, my thrice dear son, that have been, as it were, entering the world of spirits and called back? Why was you not permitted to enter? I hope because that great, that merciful, that good God has some great work for you to do. May your spared life, be devoted to his service, and you be made a great and rich blessing in the world. What proofs have we, not only from the word, but providences of God, that it is of infinite importance for us to stand, with our loins girt about us, and our lamps trimmed and burning; and may we see to it, that we have oil in our lamps, ready for the coming of our Lord and Savior. Our dear uncle Davenport, sojourns with us, and was our mouth to your great Redeemer and Preserver, to render our most hearty thanks for your life, when in such eminent danger. Did I inform

you of your brother George's being preserved in almost as much danger? if I have not, I am much to blame. In the beginning of Dec'r. he went down to see H. W,-they went on the bank of the river to play, which was a little frozen, in attempting to get some ice to throw; his feet slipt, and he went in where I supposed it was over my head, and in a most gloomy place; but that most merciful God, had prepared a stick, and some places in the rock, that he was enabled to extricate himself. O, that this remarkable, as well as all the dispensations of Providence, may be sanctified to us, that we may learn all those important lessons, designed by the Father of the human family. I believe, my dear, it will be best for you to come home before commencement, and spend as much time as you can consis tently with your studies. We will try what we can do for you; we all feel anxious to see you. The Lord be with your spirit, and grant you all needed salvation, light and direction. Accept a still larger share of love, from your most affectionate Mother. RUTH PATTEN.

Mr. Wm. Patten.

HARTFORD, April 20th, 1784.

My Dear Son

I desire to bless God that I am permitted to write you after so long an illness. I have seen

much of His goodness; may I be enabled to live answerably. We have been looking and longing to see you this long time, till now; we shall rest till the election, when I trust you will not disappoint us. With regard to my advice, my dear, I am entirely unable to advise you. I do not know the circumstances of either people. I endeavor after my imperfect manner, from day to day, to beg all that light, assistance and direction that is necessary for you. Be very careful to live near to God, to cast all your cares and burdens and fears upon His directions, in a humble manner, and He will direct your steps. You are not quite ignorant of the trials attending a minister; and especially among a gay, irreligious people; however, you must not fear to go wherever God, in His providence, calls you. Put your trust in Him-His grace will be sufficient for you at all times; may that ever be the case. You are under very peculiar obligations to devote yourself to the Most High. It has been my most ardent desire, that my son might be a bright example of piety, as well as other qualifications for abundant usefulness. God can do every thing for us, His dear church, and for the world, which they need-blessed be His name. The children join in the most tender love with your Affectionate Mother,

Rev. Wm. Patten, New London.

R. PATTEN.