Morning Star

Parsonsfield, July 17th, 1830.

Brother Burr,

It will doubtless be pleasing to the friends of Zion, to read some account of the late revival of religion in this town, in the vicinity of what is called the Middle road. About twelve months ago at a church meeting, it was thought proper to establish a monthly conference at Dea. John H. Rand's for the accommodation of a few aged members, who were unable to go out of their neighborhood to attend such meetings. The first meeting was refreshing. About twenty persons, old and young, attended. The dear old saints seemed to be filled with joy unspeakable and full of glory. They seemed quite overcome to think that they were once more permitted to enjoy a privilege of meeting in religious conference with their brethren on earth; a privilege of which they had long been deprived, by reason of bodily infirmity, and never again expected to realize. The young people who attended were deeply affected with their acclamations of joy, and heart-felt expressions of gratitude to God, for His great and unexpected goodness in this dispensation. This, followed by well-adapted and powerful exhortations of the brethren and sisters who were present, seemed to fasten conviction on the minds of a number of the youth, like a nail in a sure place; and laid the foundation of a glorious revival in the neighborhood. At their second meeting, not quite so many attended, but they still enjoyed a refreshing time from the presence of the Lord. The old saints were still happy; and great solemnity still rested on the minds of the youth.

Weekly prayer meetings were constantly kept up in the neighborhood, by Dea. Samuel Moulton, jr. Dea. John Rand, and Br. John Foster. These meetings were generally well attended, and conviction appeared to increase on the minds of the youth. And as conviction increased the number of attendants at monthly conference multiplied. The brethren often expressed strong hopes of a revival, and fervently prayed for an outpouring of the Spirit and an ingathering of souls. Those under conviction became much more serious in their lives and conversation, gave attendance to reading the scriptures, and, those who had praying parents, gave more constant attendance at the family altar. But nothing appeared in public assemblies, but solemnity and attention to the word and prayers of the saints, till the month of December. Four were then hopefully converted, and two were baptized. Since that the work has gradually and solemnly progressed, till rising of thirty persons have been hopefully converted in one neighborhood. Twenty-eight have been baptized at different times.

By reason of my ill health, twenty-four have been baptized by Elder Elias Libby, and four have since been baptized by myself. The scene has been and still is very glorious. Some whole families bow around the family altar. When I visit their places of worship in the morning, I am generally met at the door by a company of blooming young men, each with the friendly hand extended, as though they emulated each other to see who should embrace their poor old pastor first; and when I am about to leave them at night, the room is generally crowded with converts to join in the parting hymn, and to solicit the prayers of one who esteems himself "less than the least of all saints." While gratitude and divine pleasure, mingled with heavenly joy, beams in the eyes of the old saints to see their children walking in the truth. In the course of this work, Eld. Elias Libby has attended many meetings, and his gospel labors have not been in vain in the Lord. Some have been awakened, and many have been comforted by his preaching. Eld. Jeremiah Bullock and several others, have also been useful in the work. But for the most part, the meetings have been carried on by exhortations and prayers. On the whole, we are constrained to say, without any disparagement to the instruments, "It is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes."

As to outward opposition, there has been as little as could have been reasonably expected in a world like this. Ever since the days of Cain and Abel, there has been an opposition to the life and power of religion. Those who are born after the flesh, in some way or other, always persecute those who are born after the spirit. They generally manifest their opposition in proportion to their power. Under despotic intolerant governments, and national religious establishments, they generally have recourse to the sword of persecution, and apply the fire and faggot, and various other tortures, as a preventative against the spread of reformation. But, under free governments, where liberty and equality are the order of the day, opposition shows itself in other forms. They generally make great use of the tongue of slander, and endeavor, in some way or other, to defame those who are the principal instruments in the work; either by degrading their character, undervaluing their gifts, or finding fault with their improvement; or with those who are the subjects of the work. These sons of Hagar, will at least mock a little sometimes, and the children of the Promise must not lay it too much to heart. Opposers have always the worst of it. They frequently make great work for repentance, and if they do not repent here, they will mourn at the last, and say, "How have I hated instruction, and mine ears despised reproof." Christ has said, "Wo to you that laugh now, for ye shall mourn and weep."

The triumphing of the wicked is short. Their laughing time will soon be at an end, and their mourning, weeping time, fast approaches. The day of the Lord is near; and "who may abide the day of his coming, and stand when he appeareth." None but such as have clean hands and pure hearts. These, and these alone, shall ascend the hill of the Lord, and dwell in his holy place. Finally, "It is better to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud."

Yours, in gospel bonds,

John Buzzell.