Morning Star

Eld. John Colby's Letter.

Brother Burr:—The following letter, written by Eld. Colby to Eld Joseph White, has been put into my hands. It never has been published, and was not designed for the public eye. It may, however, be read with a good degree of interest, and it is accordingly submitted. Eld. White was then in Rhode Island.

J. F.

EASTPORT, Me. March 20, 1816.

I, John, who also am your brother and companion in tribulation and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, am on the Isle that is called Moose, (or Moose Island,) for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ, which I have to deliver to the dying inhabitants here; for I will not eat till I have told my errand.

Believing that Joseph is yet alive, and not knowing that I shall see him before I die, I improve a few moments to converse with my dear brother, through the medium now before your eyes. These few lines will inform you that I left Portland on Tuesday morning, the 5th, and arrived here on Lord's day morning, the 10th of March. That day and evening was a solemn and joyful time to the inhabitants of Eastport. Joyful to saints, solemn to sinners. Christ was in the midst. I have been preaching since, as often as my health would allow, for I have been very unwell since I have been here; last week in particular. This week I am rather better. My cough is very troublesome at the best. But though I am weak and feeble, my great Redeemer is strong. The prospect of a revival here is very encouraging. The meetings are crowded and solemn. Backsliders and formal professors begin to wake up, and rise from the dead and prophesy. The unconverted begin to mourn and weep, and some of them to howl. This evening we have a prayer meeting appointed for the first time. I trust the Lord will be with us. Pray for us, my brother, in the eastern country, for the people here have long sat in darkness. I shall work with all my might while I am here, for I feel anxious to close my visit and return to R. I. I hope the Lord will be with you, my brother, and help you to sound an alarm through the State. I pray earnestly to God by night and day, that the reformation may continue to spread. I cannot bear to think it should stop. O, may the brethren and sisters all be faithful and preach the preaching that God bids them, for this will contribute much to the spread of his work. And as for the poor mourning souls in that region, I cannot forget them. They are before me night and day. The Lord convert them and bring them to praise his heavenly name. O, may none of them get discouraged, since it is heaven they are mourning for. Tell them, by the grace of God, I'll meet them there. But my sheet is full, and so is my heart. My ardent wishes can't be told, so I can say no more.

JOHN COLBY.