1839 BAPTIST DIARY. Rev. C. C. Long - Student at Waterville Baptist College - Samuel Francis Smith &c.

A superb and informative manuscript document related to the Baptists in Maine and Massachusetts during the early 19th century, the then-current environment of the Second Great Awakening, etc., 

The manuscript was written by a divinity student at Waterville College in 1839. Originally founded as the Maine Literary and Theological Institution, what would become Colby College had the name Waterville College from 1821 to 1867.

The diary is that of Charles C. Long [Rev. C. C. Long], later a pastor of multiple Baptist churches across Maine. And his diary is superb. Though he does not contribute daily, his notes are often deeply spiritual, full of self-reflection, and informative about the institution itself.

Of some note, Long happened to be a student at Waterville at the precise time Samuel Francis Smith was pastoring the Baptist church in Waterville and was also serving on the faculty at the College. Long mentions Smith on multiple occasions. S. F. Smith was of course the Baptist divine responsible for penning the patriotic work, America [My Country 'tis of Thee]

Extracts:

"Nothing special took place in my feelings until this morning Sabbath, Feb 3, while I waited for my class mates to meet me at my room for a prayer meeting (it being previously appointed). While waiting I began to reflect upon the state of my own feelings, find no one came to assist us in our meeting. I knelt with my ***** and offered up to God our morning prayer - sweet indeed was the moment, although I was filled with my own ways, I wept that we as a class felt so little of the love of God in our own hearts. I attended public worship. Text. I and my father are one. And PM. For as often as ye eat this bread and drink this cup, ye do show &c. filled with doubts and fears with respect to the sincerity of my own heart, I at last concluded to decide the question and take a seat at the Lord's supper, was there reminded of Christ veiled in humanity, his glory, the contrast between his sufferings on the cross and our sins, also that in coming around the table of our ascended Lord we should feel a spirit of prayer, all which made the scene interesting to me." 

"Listened to Rev. Smith AM on the sub. Christ equal with God, I Cor. 15, received some new ideas, on reason for the division of the Godhead.

"Listened to S. F. Smith in PM, saw a peculiar beauty in the Gospel as worthy of the notice of all - It is a faithful saying, &c."

"The past week has been replete with blessings, reflection & prayer has been sweet, class prayer meetings very interesting. It seems as though God was about to pour out his Spirit upon us. Oh how my soul would leap for joy to see sinners converted. I feel as though I could take them by the hand & lead them to Christ [and say,] 'Listen to the Gospel. The blood of Christ cleanseth from all sins!'"

"Although through the week past I have not enjoyed that lively influence of the Spirit, which every Christian loves to enjoy, yet I have not been altogether forgetful of the blessings God is conferring upon me. I love to think, I love to pray, I love to bring the case of sinners before God; this I think I can do with the assurance that God will hear. I fain would live with all that love which Christ manifested while on earth." [1839]

"Have felt this day to give myself away to God in partaking of the memorial of his death and sufferings. The week past has been one of some interest, although I have not felt that spirit of prayer which Jacob did when he wrestled with the angel, yet I have thought much and had some desires for the welfare of sinners. Oh, that God would revive his work in our midst!" [1839]

"Hardly any rays of religious light seem to beam upon my mind, one continual cloud of darkness, blacker than might, seems to shroud my mind. I think but don't feel. I hear but don't understand. I feel but little disposition to carry my case to God. How can I live at such a poor dying rate? My love so cold, so faint to thee and thine to us so great." [1840]

"Commenced to teach the school in Academy in Freedom. Taught this school six months. Found Freedom a hard place for the enjoyment of religion. Preached more than one half of the Sabbaths for the seasons, sometimes enjoyed myself very much." [1841]

"Commenced school in Camden at Goose River, had about 75 scholars. Spent the winter very pleasantly, preached most of the sabbaths, taught school 4 1/2 months. After I closed my school it was requested to stay and preach through the seasons and half of the time at Goose River, the other to the first Baptist Church in Camden. Arrangements being made I commenced to labour the first of April 1842 and half of the time in the first Ch in Camden, the other at Goose River. Enjoyed my mind very well through the latter part of the winter and spring. Was very much impressed with the idea that it was my duty to stay and preach to the people at the River for as yet there was no church organized." [1842]

"A council was convened at this place and organized a church. Here I received ordination. The meeting held two days, the scene was deeply solemn, never before did I feel more the responsibility that was laid upon me, the season was interesting, and I think I felt the power of religion in my soul and that I could be preserved only by God. We were a little band of professed Christians, twelve in all; six males and six females. We hope, we prayed that the Lord would pour out his Spirit and add to the little flock, such as should be saved." [1842]

21pp. in all. Complete with no evidence of loss.