It does not fall in with the design of this volume to give a
complete account of the revival, but we cannot leave it without a
word more about the instrumentality of Mr. Stoddard in connection
with that work of grace. He was abundant in preaching. He did not
think that the most ordinary sermons are good enough for the mission
field; for he knew that the Nestorians could discriminate as well as
others nearer home, and so wrote out his sermons carefully in
English, but in the Syriac idiom, noting on a blank page the books
consulted in their preparation. He also excelled in labors for
individuals. The first inquirer became such while Mr. Stoddard
pressed home upon his conscience his guilt as a sinner against God;
and the same is true of many others. After conversing with a person,
he always led him to the throne of grace, and then had him present
his own offering there; and after such a one had left, he seemed
unable to turn his thoughts to any thing else, till again in private
he had commended him to God. Indeed, he often began to do this
before they descended the stairs. He kept a little book, in which he
recorded every case, the state in which he found the person, and any
subsequent change; and it was noticed that where he began, he
continued to labor, not only till there was hope, but even assurance
of hope.
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