The uniform heartiness with which the ministers of Connecticut received us was emulated by our Massachusetts brethren. Wherever we came, a cordial welcome awaited us, and when we left, an equally cordial God-speed accompanied us. Our meetings were held almost entirely in the western part of the State. Hampshire, Hampden and Berkshire counties were the field, and forty-two different churches were visited. Just here I might as well make note of the delightful weather we had all through our Massachusetts campaign—only one unpleasant evening during the time, and that not sufficiently so to keep the people at home. Very fortunate we were that evening in Lee—the well-known go-to-meeting habits of the people gave us a large audience, compared with some other places visited on pleasant evenings; and in connection with the weather, how can I forbear mention of the country—its native beauty, striking grandeur, and historic interest—who that knows New England can be ignorant of these? Valleys where poets might go crazy in the vain attempt to sing their glory, New England’s sturdy sons have turned into factories of wealth. The Mountains Holyoke, Sugar Loaf, Tom and Toby, seeming to keep perpetual watch of the busy life in the valleys below, and then the stories of Indian romance that, lingering still, encircle some spots with their own weird interest; the houses of such as Edwards, Field and Bellamy, open up historic trains of thought which lead to the fountain-head of those intellectual and moral forces which have made not only Western Massachusetts, but all New England such an influential power in the best development of our country. These “sceptred dead,” from whom not yet has the realm of empire departed! What with pleasant weather, beautiful scenery, romantic tales and historic reminiscence, the fatigue of travel and wear of speaking, were considerably lightened. In many cases, the afternoon meetings proved, both in point of numbers and interest, the best. People who leave their homes and business in the afternoon, riding in some cases four or five miles to attend a meeting, bring with them an inspiration which a speaker cannot fail to feel; and after he has gone, his words remain to be thought over and acted upon. What a difference between an audience pleased only when the speaker entertains them, and one that is gathered because of already awakened interest in the cause of missions! Well, we had both kinds, but our afternoon audiences were chiefly of the latter. Buckland, Ashfield, Lee, Amherst and Chicopee, are especially worthy of mention for the large audiences given us, while, with the exception of two places, which I will not mention, all the others accorded us a generous hearing, larger indeed than, under the circumstances, could have been expected.