When this work of God appeared to be at its greatest height, a poor weak
man who belongs to the town, being in great spiritual trouble, was
hurried with violent temptations to cut his own throat, and made an
attempt, but did not do it effectually. He, after this, continued a
considerable time exceedingly overwhelmed with melancholy; but has not
for a long time been very greatly delivered, by the light of God's
countenance lifted up upon him, and has expressed a great sense of his
sin in so far yielding to temptation; and there are in him all hopeful
evidences of his having been made a subject of saving mercy.
In the latter part of May, it began to be very sensible that the Spirit
of God was gradually withdrawing from us, and after this time Satan
seemed to be more let loose, and raged in a dreadful manner. The first
instance wherein it appeared, was a person putting an end to his own
life by cutting his throat. He was a gentleman of more than common
understanding, of strict morals, religious in his behavior, and a useful
and honorable person in the town; but was of a family that are
exceedingly prone to the disease of