Morning Star

RHODE ISLAND.

We have recently received a communication from an interesting correspondent in Rhode Island, which, tho' principally on business, suggests some things of no ordinary importance. The following remark we think is no less applicable to preachers in this vicinity, than to those who live in R. I. "We who profess to have been called of God to a dispensation of the gospel are not sufficiently active in our calling; we are deficient in zeal, in knowledge, and in humility—we have not that deep, intelligent, ardent, and constant piety which might reasonably be expected from our advantages and calling, and which are indispensably necessary in the preachers of the gospel, in order to their being eminently and extensively useful." Our correspondent further remarks: "we are deficient in number." He thinks that there is a great call for gospel laborers in Rhode Island. Eld. John M. Yearnshaw, who has been very extensively useful in the R. I. Q. M. has finally left that State, with a view to labor in the state of New York. They have now scarcely any preachers among them but such as are settled over churches and congregations; and as such these are useful; but they lack travelling gifts among them. A great field is opened in that country for the organization of new churches, and a more extensive spread of a free gospel, could the necessary labor be furnished.

We are informed that there are several places in the south part of the State where the people would be glad to settle a suitable preacher among them. In consequence of the removal of Eld. Yearnshaw those two churches to whom he ministered are left destitute of the regular and stated administrations of the word and ordinances. In both those places the work of God has been manifest for a year or two past; and at the present time in each place there are many who are anxiously inquiring the way to Zion. These churches and congregations, we learn, are very solicitous to obtain a faithful servant and laborer in the vineyard to reside among them, and statedly administer to them in word and doctrine.

Our informant inquires: "Have you no preachers at the eastward of intelligence, wisdom, zeal, and piety who would be willing to make some sacrifices in the cause of Christ and come over and help us? Where is Br. R******? Where is Br. [I know not who?] Send us, if you can, a few men of the right stamp, peace makers, lovers of order, lovers of God—men who shall not astound us by their new discoveries in ordinances, or Politics—men who shall not assume pre-eminence and dictation, but who will be willing to meet us on terms of equality, and unite with us in laboring to promote the great interests of religion."

The prospects are favorable in R. I. The brethren are at peace among themselves; and, so far as the information of our correspondent extends, a good degree of union exists among the preachers and churches. Some of the preachers have matured a plan, which if carried into effect, will, in all probability, prove profitable. It is, that two days' meetings be attended in all the churches, and that all those meetings be attended generally by all the preachers in the Q. M.

The account from which the foregoing remarks are gathered is thus closed: "The public mind and feeling, in our State, are decidedly in favor of our sentiments—Free Communion and Free Salvation appear to the people in general much more consistent with reason and the word of God, than the restrictive system of former times."

S. B.