The opening of the New Year, 1817, as is customary on such occasions, was attended with festivities and social amusements among the young people. And the following incident will readily illustrate the peculiar power which Mr. Badger could wield over the young, as likewise the efficiency of the Gospel as preached by him. On the first day of January he spoke to a large assembly in Pittsford, from the following very significant passage in Ezekiel 36: 26. "A new heart also will I give you." The young people, many of them, called it the best New Year's they had ever enjoyed, and many whose conversions dated in 1816 were quickened and refreshed by the words of the new minister. Great preparations were being made for a ball in the town of Pittsford on the 9th; but it so happened that one of the principal managers and another influential young man were so divinely struck with the sentiments of the sermon given on New Year's Day, that all trifling, gay, or mirthful thoughts were rendered alien to their minds. Within four days they also had to speak of a sweet and rapturous bliss they had found in their newly awakened love to Christ. Instead of attending the mirth of the 9th, they sent the following letter to their companions: "PITTSFORD, January 8, 1817. "DEAR YOUNG FRIENDS,--We were members of your intended party, and anticipated, we presume, as much pleasure as you will enjoy in our New Year's Ball; but to the joy of our hearts, within a few days God has done great things for our souls, whereof we are glad, and instead of attending the ball, we are prompted by our feelings to spend the same afternoon in solemn prayer for the welfare of our fellow youth; and whilst you are engaged in vain mirth, will you remember that we, your companions, are on our knees praying to God, the Friend of us all, for your eternal welfare? We are, with the tenderest regards and love, your friends, "J. WADE, "NATH. SWIFT."