THE LIBRARY 
 
 OF 
 
 THE UNIVERSITY 
 
 OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 LOS ANGELES 
 
 Ex Librls 
 
 Katharine F. Richmond 
 
 and 
 
 Henry C. Fall
 
 41^4^^ 
 
 ■■ "-y. 
 
 '/' 
 

 
 7 i,!-,r„-f:, l,ll,„,)^. Jn.sO.n 
 
 ^t^^ .^4-^/^^^-^^^^^ 

 
 THE 
 
 LIFE, EXPERIENCE, AND TRAVELS, 
 
 JOHN COLBY, 
 
 PREACHER OF THE GOSPEL. 
 
 WRITTEN BY HIMSELF 
 
 Come Bad hear, all ye that fear God and I will declare what he 
 
 halh done for my soul Psalms, Ixvi. 16. 
 
 We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen. 
 John, iii. 11. 
 
 LOWELL, MASS. 
 
 PUBLISHED BY N. THUKSTON Sc A. WATSOX. 
 1838.
 
 Power press of L. Huntress.... Central st., Lowell, Ms.
 
 
 PREFACE, 
 
 To THK Header. 
 
 When I first began tc^keep a Journal of my Life and 
 Travels, I had no intention of publishing a acroU of it in my 
 life time. But, when I had travelled several years, and hid 
 seen many hundreds of souls converted to God, I thought it 
 a duty which I owed to Him, and his people, to publish a 
 brief account of the wonderful manifestations of his good- 
 ness, and displays of his power, both to myself and others: 
 fearing-, if I did not put these things to the press myself, 
 they might, like some other valuable writings of this nature, 
 be neglected and never be published. And being strongly 
 fiolicted by many of the lovers of Jesus, of different de- 
 nominations, I prepared this first volume for the press, which 
 contains a brief account of the first twenty-seven years, 
 (lacking a few months) of my life. — In giving this account, 
 I have endeavored to make use of words easy to be under- 
 stood, and to avoid all exaggeration ; and have labored to 
 represent those things which I have seen and heard, as they 
 appeared to me at the time. 
 
 I have sometimes found it necessary, in great reforma- 
 tions, &c. to mention ihe particulars from day to day ; while 
 at other times, I have passed over months and years, with 
 very few remarks. 
 
 'if:^F^?-lH
 
 IV 
 
 I have also been iinJer the necessity of mentioning the 
 names of a great many people, and sometimes their char- 
 acters ; hut not with a design of doing them any harm. — 
 Where people have been kind to me, I have noted it ; and 
 where I have met with opposition, I have mentioned that, 
 and only wish, that such may amend their ways and their 
 doings. I do not expect that the following sheets will he 
 very entertaining, to tliose who are the avowed enemies of 
 Jesus Christ ; nor to those who have a form of godliness, 
 l)ut deny the power thereof. And perhaps those who are 
 built, and building, on the doctrines of men, will oveiloc-k 
 my subject. While I humbly trust, those, who liave found 
 Him, of whom Moses in the law and the prophets did write, 
 Jesus of Nazareth, will most heartily join with me, to 
 speak of the glory of his kingdom, and talk of his power. — 
 I, therefore, dedicate it to God and his people — and to poor 
 mourning, laboring, heavy-laden, penitent sinners, who are 
 longing for an interest in Chri t. Hand it, O my Saviour, 
 to the hearts of thousands, to their eternal joy, and thine 
 eternal praise. Amen. J. C
 
 LIFE, &c. OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 I was born in the town of Sandwich, in the county 
 of Strafford, and State of New-Hampshire, Decem- 
 ber 9th, A. D. 1787. My father's name was Thom- 
 as Colby, born at Amesbury, Mass ; my mother, 
 Elizabeth Atwood, born in Weare, N. H. ; they 
 now reside in Sutton Vt. formerly Billy mead. I re- 
 member when I was but a child, and while in the midst 
 of those vanities peculiar to that age, the Lord reprov- 
 ed me by his spirit, and manifested to my mind, that 
 I was born to die. And being informed by my in- 
 structors, that there was a day of judgement after 
 death, at which time all the dead, both small and 
 great, must stand before God, and be judged accord- 
 ing to the deeds done in the body; and that those wha 
 loved God, and were sincere christians, would bs re- 
 ceived into heaven, where God and angels resided: 
 But, that those who were not christians, would ba 
 cast into hell, where the devil and his angels were con- 
 fined. — While I thought on these things, a question 
 like this arose in my mind. What is it to be a christ- 
 ian? And not being able to determine in my own 
 mind, being only about eight years of age, my anxiety 
 led me to enter into a conversation on the subject, 
 with my brother, who was older than myself, in hopes 
 to get some information from him. But the most that 
 I can remember of his conversation is, that he toli
 
 6 LIFE OF JOHN COLET. 
 
 me, that faihoi* and mother were christians; and that 
 he and I were sinners, l^ut, said he, "1 mean to be a 
 christian bi^fore I die." I answered, so do I. I re- 
 member I tlioii^rht tliat he was older than I, and if he 
 could put offthe-e things to a future period, it might 
 be well for me to do so loo. JUit 1 can now see, 
 how children in the morning of life, neglect seeking the 
 Lord, by the example of tliose who are older. It 
 pleased God, one night in a dream, to convince me, 
 that 1 had a soul, which would exist after my body 
 was dead. In the dead of niaht, while deep sleep 
 W'as upon me, I dreamed, and lo! a man entered the 
 door of the aj)artment where May, \vith a loaded mus- 
 ket in his hand; aufi while 1 lay looking at i!ie man, to 
 my great surprise, he took aim at me and fired! The 
 explosion was loud as thunder; and the fatal charge 
 pierced through my breast. An awful scene immedi- 
 ately presented! ftiy body began to decay and fade 
 like the flower of the grass, until it returned to its 
 mother earth, and fell into a silent ro|)Ose. The soul 
 revived in proportion to the recession of the body, 
 and appeared to be both perplexed and distressed, and 
 in great consternation flew around the walls of the clay 
 tenement, fluttering at each avenue, and crying for 
 help, as if loth to leave its wonted abode; until the 
 lungs ceased to heave, the pulse to beat, and blood to 
 flow. The soul then was forced out. The scene 
 then appeared eternal, and as I was about to take my 
 flight to unknown worlds, and leave every earthly 
 thing behind me, I immediately awoke, and behold it 
 was a dream ! 
 
 This thoroughly convinced me that the soul exist- 
 ed after the body was dead. Conviction now began 
 to roll heavy on my mind; but my language was "Lord, 
 I am young — I am but a child — spare me till such 
 and such a time — then I will attend to thy call." — 
 But alas! when the appointed time came, 1 was no 
 less anxiousjto put of}' these things than before. How-
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 7 
 
 ever, the alarming dream followed me; and by times, 
 to such a degree, that I sometimes wished I had nev- 
 er been born. 
 
 I also recollect, that I was one day coming from 
 meeting, and as I was contemplating on my situation, 
 I felt such a load of sin and guilt upon my conscience, 
 that it seemed to me, that I could not live under it. 
 In this distress, I cried out with an audible voice, 
 "here Lord I am, do with me as thou wilt." But 
 notwithstanding I so cried, I soon found that I was 
 unwilling that the will of God should be done. For 
 when I returned home, I felt an impression (which I 
 really think was from the Lord) to kneel down and 
 pray to him for mercy. And had I obeyed it, I doubt 
 not, that I should have found rest and peace to my 
 troubled soul. ^ But the cross appeared so great to me. 
 that instead of obeying the Spirit of God, I immedi- 
 ately began to pray, like Felix, "go thy way for this 
 time, and when I have a convenient season, f will call 
 for tiiee," But, alas! how shocking must have been 
 the consequence, had he granted my wicked prayer; 
 that is, "gone his way," and returned to me no more. 
 I must then have taken up this doleful lamentation; 
 "the harvest is past, the summer is ended, and I am 
 not saved." Bui mercy interposed; the golden scep- 
 tre was held out, and life and salvation offered to a 
 guilty sinner, without money or price, but not with- 
 out an hearty repentance. My attention was often 
 called up, both by mercies and judgements; and I of- 
 ten felt my danger, especially in times when deaths 
 were frequent; also in thunder storms, I was much 
 terrified, especially if I was away from my parents: 
 but if I could get near to them, or any other good 
 people, I thought they would be a kind of refuge fur 
 me, and felt myself more secure, and thought I might 
 be s|)ared for their sake. 
 
 Here I must omit the rehearsal of a multitude of 
 occurrences, which happened in the course of several
 
 8 LIFE OP JOHN COLBY. 
 
 years, whilst a great part of the time I was travelling 
 in pain all the day, and a dreadful sound in my ears; 
 the devil all the while throwing the most awful tempt- 
 ations into my mind, and trying by all his hellish art, 
 to lull my conscience to sleep, 'relling me that "to- 
 morrow shall be as this day, and much more abund- 
 ant." Always trying to persuade me to neglect seek- 
 ing the Lord tor the present. But I remember when 
 I was in my fourteenth year, I was greatly awakened, 
 by the conversation and death of my grandmother Col- 
 by, she being fourscore and four years old; being 
 brought upon her death bed, having a hope like an 
 anchor to the soul, both sure and steadfast — her work 
 all done, and I believe well done. I went one day to 
 visit her, and while I was beholding her languishing 
 situation, her body fast decaying, her soul patiently 
 waiting for her change, and desiring to meet death, 
 and to exchange a world of sorrow and pain, for a 
 world of joy and pleasure; she turned her dying eyes 
 on me and said, "John, you have been a good boy to 
 rae, and now, all I require of yon is, to love the Lord." 
 These words reached my soul, and the requirement I 
 never forgot. When I retired from the mournful 
 scene, and was returning home, the sorrows of my 
 heart drowned my eyes with tears. Her words were 
 fastened in my heart, like a nail in a sure place. My 
 gins, like ponderous mountains, appeared to revolve 
 upon my guilty soul. I knew not what to do. If I 
 looked up; I saw the justice of (iod. If 1 looked 
 down, I saw a hell, which was enlarged without meas- 
 ure, gaping to receive me. If I looked forward, I 
 beheld an approaching, (endless) eternity, into which 
 I must soon enter. If I looked back, I saw a life spent 
 in sin, and considered that damnation must be my por- 
 tion; and that forever and ever. But notwithstand- 
 ing all those impressions, I was not 3ntirely willing to 
 deny myself, take up my cross daily, and follow the 
 blessed Redeemer; and therefore, could not as yet be
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBT. 9 
 
 his disciple. So I still remained in a state of con- 
 demnation, and under the power of a carnal mind. 
 When I arrived to the age of fifteen, my father sold 
 his possessions in Sandwich, and removed his family 
 to Billymead, state of Vermont, county of Caledonia, 
 where, coming into a new country, and being in new 
 company, and beholding new objects, I found my for- 
 mer determinations very much frustrated; and my 
 mind began to be filled with many things which prov- 
 ed detrimental to the work of regeneration. And as I 
 advanced in years, I found my mind more strongly 
 inclined to seek for worldly riches, honors &c. I be- 
 gan, also, to be much inclined to go into rude compa- 
 ny, (which every person under conviction must bid 
 adieu to, or the Spirit of God will surely leave them.) 
 These things produced in me a great stupidity of mind; 
 yet I was not entirely without conviction. 
 
 I recollect of joining a company of young people 
 one evening, who were met for what they called civil 
 mirth. The evening was chiefly spent in dancing, an 
 exercise which I never practised; but being strongly 
 persuaded, rather than be considered as separate from 
 the company, I consented, and joined the dance. 
 This was a dear dance to me; for as soon as I retired 
 and had got home, I began to take a retrospective view 
 of the scene, and to think of what I had been about; 
 and asked myself the following questions: — Has this 
 night's work been for the glory of that God who made 
 me a rational creature, and has fed me, and clothed 
 me, and blessed me with gospel privileges, afforded 
 me a day and means of grace, and given me a space 
 to repent, and just time enough to make my peace 
 with him? Have I conducted this evening as one that 
 must give an account, and as I can answer before his 
 judgement seat? These questions were scarcely pro- 
 pounded in my mind, before I felt the sentence of con- 
 demnation in myself. I found that my heart condemn- 
 ed me; and remembered that God was greater than
 
 10 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 my heart, and knew all things; and would bring every 
 work into judgement. I retired to my bed for repose; 
 but the torment of n)y mind was sucii, that I could not 
 rest. Fearful apprehensions filled my soul, and I dar- 
 ed not close my eyes in sleep, lest i should awake in 
 hell. Under this distress, I renewed my old promis- 
 es to reform, which, however, I afterwards broke in 
 many instances; but the Lord was stfll mindful of me, 
 and convinced me of my errors, arid reminded me of 
 my broken promises, by laying his chastising rod up- 
 on me; for, from the time that I was ten, till I was 
 nineteen years of age, I had a settled fever five times; 
 and several times my life was despaired of. I had 
 many other diseases incident to our mortal frame, 
 which attended through the same term of time; be- 
 sides many dreadful accidents, from which 1 did but 
 narrowly escape with my life. And I have often 
 thought since, that if it had not been that some minis- 
 tering spirit prevented me, I must have been suddenly 
 hurled into eternity in all my sins. And when I re- 
 flect on the dangers I have escaped, I am struck with 
 astonishment, and am a wonder to myself that 1 am 
 out of hell, and on praying ground. But, glory to 
 God, that his Spirit still strove with me, and called 
 upon me in nameless ways. Yet I continued to run 
 the dangerous road, and often grieved that tender Spir- 
 it, which so kindly reproved me. 
 
 When I was about seventeen years and nine months 
 old, a reformation began in the town where 1 lived, 
 and one of my sisters, who was peculiarly dear to me, 
 was the first that was converted and baptized. This 
 greatly astonished and alarmed me. An evening 
 meeting was appointed in the neighborhood, which 1 
 attended, and I believe the Spirit of God fell on the 
 assembly in a marvellous manner; and the very found- 
 ation of every earthly mind seemed to tremble. 
 
 My eldest brother, who had for many years before 
 possessed religion, and had been in a backslidden
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 11 
 
 State, was alarmed of his situation, and that evening, 
 was led to such a view of his state, that he walked the 
 street and field in the greatest agony of soul, under a 
 persuasion that his day of grace was over. However, 
 it pleased God to grant him salvation before the close 
 of the meeting. This struck me under deep convic- 
 tion; and my prayer to God was, that he would re- 
 deem my soul from sin and death, and prepare me for 
 my approaching dissolution. I returned home, and it 
 appeared to me that my prayer in some good measure 
 was answered. I fell very different from what I had 
 felt before. The gloom which had so long been gath- 
 ering on my mind, and seemed to veil universal na- 
 ture, was all dispelled; a sweet calmness filled my 
 soul — but I was not able to comprehend my feelings; 
 for I thought it impossible that God had changed my 
 state, the work-was so different from what I had ex- 
 pected. For (like other unconverted people) I had 
 been, all my days, drawing a plan of the whole work 
 of regeneration, and had every feature of it painted out 
 in my mind; but when 1 came to compare my then 
 present feelings, with the picture I bad drawn in my 
 ignorance, they did not agree. "The natural man, 
 receiveth not the things of the spirit of God, for they 
 are foolishness unto him; neither can he know them, be- 
 cause they are spiritually discerned." In this situa- 
 tion, notwithstanding the peace I felt in my soul, I 
 feared I had received nothing from the Lord. Thus, 
 for a number of days, I passed through a scene of tri- 
 als, before I obtained an unshaken hope in God. I 
 have often thought, if my change had been as conspic- 
 uous to me as that of some, who can tell the hour, and 
 the moment, and the very spot where they were, when 
 their sins like mountains, were removed from them and 
 the effulgent rays of the glory of God shined in and 
 filled their souls; I might have thrown away many, 
 perhaps one half, of the real christians in the world, 
 because they could not tell such an experience as my-
 
 12 LIFE OF JOHN GOLBY. 
 
 self. 15ut the Lord, foreseeing what he intended for 
 ine to do, was pleased to lead me along in this little 
 way, for which I thank his hlessed name. I believe 
 there was as great a difference between my conversion 
 and that of many christians, as tiiere would be between 
 the feelings of two men born and brought up in a dun- 
 geon; the one brought out of it at noon day, when the 
 sun shone in its meridian glory; the other brought out 
 first by Ptar light, then enjoyed moonlight, then day- 
 break, then sun-rise; yet 1 can bless (iod, that I now 
 enjoy, the same sun beams, that all the true followers 
 of the Lamb enjoy. But, I would not be understood 
 to mean, that I consider regeneration a progressive 
 work; for that change, in reality, is wrought, as soon 
 as God can say to the soul, "son, or daughter, thy 
 sins be forgiven thee." — But the difficulty of not con- 
 sidering it a change in one's self, appears to arise from 
 not clearly understanding the true witness in the soul; 
 or from not obtaining those corresponding evidences, 
 which strengthen the witness in the soul, and confirm 
 the hope of the new creature. In a little more than a 
 month after this, I obtained this hope, and with thir- 
 teen others, followed our Lord and Saviour into the 
 water, and were buried with him by baptism. This 
 was on the eighth day of December, A. U. 1805. 
 The day following, was my birth day, that is to say, 
 the ninth day of December. On that day, I joined the 
 church of Christ in Billymead, and endeavored to take 
 the armor of God, and to face the field; and declared 
 perpetual war with every darling sin. I travelled 
 about one year, through changing scenes and had ma- 
 ny happy hours, when I was faithful to the Lord. I 
 felt it my duty to bear a public and living testimony 
 for God; and in doing this, I found an exceeding great 
 reward. Yet I often had many doubts, whether 1 was 
 ever made free by the Son, or washed in the precious 
 blood of Christ, which cleanseth from all sin. During 
 this period, I thought I felt a great desire to see sin-
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLET. 13 
 
 ners converted; but I little thought that it would ever 
 be my lot, to go and preach the gospel to them, until 
 I was nineteen years of age. About this time, I be- 
 gan to feel mipressions on my mind which I knew not 
 what to do with. These words were continually 
 sounding in my ears — " Go ye into all the world and 
 preach the gospel to every creature." This voice 
 sounded solemn, but the work was so unexpected and 
 trying to me, that I could not consent to believe that 
 it was from the Lord ; but concluded that it must be 
 from an enemy. I went to bed one evening, and as I 
 lay in solemn contemplation on the subject ; all at 
 once an astonishing scene of eternal things, opened 
 to my view. I thought the day of judgment had come, 
 and I viewed myself standmg on an extensive plain, 
 which was so large that I cculd not see across it. — 
 Universal nature seemed to be all in commotion. — 
 The earth and seas were all in convulsion ; while rat- 
 tling thunders were rumbling through the vast concave, 
 and rolling from pole to pole. I sought for an hiding 
 place, but, to my great astonishment and horror, when 
 I looked as far as my eye could explore, I could see 
 neither mountain, rock, nor hill to hide me from the 
 face of him who sat upon the throne, and from the 
 wrath of the Lamb. Neither could I see any other 
 person but myself; I stood alone in this broad space. 
 The vengeance of God was displayed, and such aw- 
 ful thunder as I never heard before, was continually 
 bursting and rattling over my head. It seemed as if 
 those explosions began in the third heavens, and came 
 rolling down with increasing majesty, and every bolt 
 was directed at me. In this situation, I clearly saw 
 that the justice of God must have its demands, and 
 viewed myself a lost and undone sinner; and that, 
 " forever and ever." It appeared, that my name was 
 not enrolled in the Lamb's book of life, and that I 
 had no inheritance in the kingdom of heaven. O! I 
 can never express the horror of conscience which I 
 2
 
 14 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 felt. And what still added to my liorror, was, thai 
 notwithstanding the frowns of the Almiglny seemed 
 enough to sink a world, I was made capable to hear 
 them. For it then appeared to me, that the omnipo- 
 tent God had so formed me, that it would be impos- 
 sible to strike me into non-existence again. In this 
 situation, 1 was expecting every moment to hear my 
 awful doom, " Depart ye cursed." In the mean time, 
 the heavens were gathering blackness ; earth's huge 
 pillars giving away! All on a sudden, the scene was 
 changed ; in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, I 
 was translated, and caught up into the kingdom of 
 heaven, where, with inexpressible admiration, and joy 
 unspeakable, I beheld the glories of the place. O! 
 the sweet raptures of heavenly love, which instantly 
 filled my soul, when I heard with the greatest trans- 
 port and astonishment, the shouts of victory and songs 
 of praise, echoing through the upper world! while 
 myriads and myriads, stood round the dazzling throne 
 of God and the Lamb; all in sweet harmony, crying, 
 Glory! Glory to God in the highest! Oh! how 1 was 
 filled with raptures and astonishment, while I beheld 
 John the Baptist, Stephen, Peter, Paul, John Rogers, 
 and thousands of others, who were slain for the word 
 of God, and the testimony which they held; and seal- 
 ed their testimonies with their blood; and took their 
 happy flight from chopping-blocks, burning stakes, 
 racking-wheels and scalding cauldrons of oil, and nu- 
 merous other cruel tortures, new in the realms of glo- 
 ry, all clad in white robes! and in addition to these, 
 an innumerable company, a multitude which no man 
 could number, who had come out of great tribulation, 
 and had washed their robes, and made them white in 
 the blood of the Lamb. These, all joined in melo- 
 dious anthems of never ceasing praises, which made 
 all the heavenly arches ring with melody. While the 
 angels joined to sing creating goodness; the saints all 
 sang redeeming love. The glory of the place was in-
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 15 
 
 describable. They had no need of the light of the 
 sun, nor of the moon ; for the Lord God and the 
 Lamb, was the hght of the city. It is impossible for 
 me, to express what I then enjoyed; neither, can I 
 find language to describe what 1 there beheld. Lut it 
 appeared to me, that one moment's enjoyment there, 
 would more than compensate for all the sufferings of 
 the whole church of God on earth. Well might the 
 apostle say, '• Now we see through a glass darkly, 
 but then face to face." It appeared to me, that eter- 
 nity would just be long enough, to disclose the beau- 
 ties and unfold the mysteries of heaven. 
 
 After lying in this situation I know not how long; 
 and whether in the body or out of the body I cannot 
 tell, ((iod knoweth,) I came to myself, and found that 
 I was on the earth, for which I felt to mourn; and for 
 a short time, my spirit sunk within me, until I had re- 
 collected the subject, which I was musing upon, when 
 I lay down ; namely; the impressions I had felt to go 
 and preach the glad tidings of salvation to a lost world. 
 I then concluded, that what I had seen, was to con- 
 firm me in my duty; and that the impressions I had 
 felt were not imaginary, nor from an enemy, as I had 
 before supposed; but, that the Lord was in reality 
 calling me into his vineyard to labor. I would here 
 observe, that I did not believe at that time, neither 
 have I since, that I was in a natural sleep. This will 
 doubtless seem strange to many, and indeed it does 
 to me; but I can say, that I had never entertained 
 such an extensive idea, and glorious view, of heaven 
 before. Neither did I ever have such a discovery of 
 the horrors of the damned, or of the torments and 
 self-reflections of lost sinners. 
 
 I think I can now say, with David, Psal. Ixiii. 3 
 and 17: '' Fori was envious at the foolish, when I 
 saw the prosperity of the wicked; until I went into 
 the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end."
 
 16 LIFE OF JOHN COLBT. 
 
 Since tlmt time, tlie language of my soul has been 
 like that of llie poet: 
 
 " Pity the nations, our God, 
 Constrain llie earth to come; 
 
 Send thy victorious arm abroad, 
 And call the strangers home." 
 
 After considering the vision, and the situation that I 
 myself was in, while stanthng alone on the spacious 
 plain, amidst the direful storm before described; it 
 appeared to me, that (lod had by this, shewn me the 
 shelterless state of all poor sinners. 'J'hat as I stood 
 alone, so they must each one explore the dark moun- 
 tains of deatli alone; and, as single creatures, stand at 
 the dreadful tribunal of tlie Most High; and after be- 
 ing dismissed, with hearing the heart rending sentence, 
 '■• Depart ye cursed into everlasting fire prepared for 
 the devil end his angels," they must forever, and ever, 
 suffer and endure, the horrible tempest which God 
 shall rain upon them. See Psal. xi. 6 — "Upon the 
 wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an 
 horrible tetnpest: this shall be the portion of their 
 cup." And Prov. ix. 12 — " If thou be wise thou 
 shah be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou 
 ALONE shalt bear it." 
 
 These things bore with solemn weight on my mind, 
 from day to day. And as I felt the weight ol' the 
 cause of God, and worth of souls increasing, and be- 
 gan to count the cost of being a laborer in the vine- 
 yard of the Lord; 1 found that such must forsake fa- 
 thers and mothers, brethren and sisters, wives and 
 children, houses and lands, and be willing to lay down 
 their lives for the sake of Christ and his gosepel, or 
 not be worthy of him. These things, (or the most of 
 them) were so dear to me, that it was like giving up 
 my life to leave thc.m. 
 
 However, I l)egan to feel more and more of the 
 reality of my being called into a public station^ and
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY 17 
 
 to have striking views of the languishing state of Sion; 
 and of the more deplorable state of poor sinners. — 
 And when I beheld the greatness of the harvest, and 
 how few tlie faithful laborers; I began to pray the 
 Lord of the harvest, to send forth laborers. But 
 when I thus prayed, the answer was, "• Go ye into 
 the vineyard," &c. About the first sensible impres- 
 sion which I felt on my mind, to preach the gospel, 
 was, that I must go through the southern and western 
 climes; and in particular, that I must visit the people 
 in the State of Ohio. But the thoughts of leaving my 
 native land, my loving friends, and other dear enjoy- 
 ments; together with a consideration of travelling so 
 great a journey, into a strange and unknown country, 
 and myself but a child; magnified the cross, and ren- 
 dered the trial (as I thought) almost insurmountable. 
 However, I pondered these things in my heart; for as 
 yet I had not divulged them to any person. But a- 
 bout this time, many of my brethren and sisters in the 
 Lord, began to have a feeling sense of the weight I 
 felt on my mind, and some of them came and told me 
 it was revealed to them that the Lord was calling me 
 to preach the Gospel, and that I was unwilling to go. 
 To this I made them no answer; but acted like one 
 amazed, or as if I knew not what it meant, for Itho't 
 I would almost rather die, than to make known what I 
 felt on my mind, lest I should be deceived or bring a 
 reproach upon the cause of God; which I thought 1 
 would not knowingly do, for ten thousand worlds. — 
 One evening, after seriously meditating upon these 
 things, and realizing my accountability to God; and 
 considering how willing I ought to be to obey him in 
 all his requirements, I fell asleep; and dreamed that I 
 was in a meeting, where a vast, an exceedin£:ly 
 numerous concourse of people were assembled. — 
 Elder Becwith,* being present, was much engaged in 
 
 *A preacher who lives in Billymead.
 
 18 LIFE OF JOHN COLnY. 
 
 preiiching to them. But on a sudden, he stopped, and 
 stood ill profound silence, about the space of a min- 
 ute, lie then turned about and looking solemnly up- 
 on me, said " John, you must take my place." 'J his 
 struck me o good deal, and 1 began to wonder what 
 he could mean by this strange salutation. When I a- 
 woke, and thought on my dream, I was sensible, ac- 
 cording to the im])ressions I had felt for a number of 
 months, I had to stand in a public lot, receive words 
 at the liOrd's mouth, and warn the people from him, 
 or the blood of sinners would be found in my skirts. 
 I strove in my little measure, from time to time, to 
 tell sinners the danger ihey were in, and to speak com- 
 fortably to the saints, in our slated meetings; and flat- 
 tered myself that that would do for me, and thought I 
 niiglil be excused from travelling abroad; especially, 
 when I considered that I was under age, and must of 
 necessity slay at home t'll I was twenty-one. My 
 two older brethren being of age, and for themselves; 
 my father a man of property, and a great deal of busi- 
 ness on hand; and 1 being at that time, the main help 
 which he had left; rendered my assistance so necessary 
 to him, that I thought it put the matter beyond a doubt 
 that it was my duty to stay with him till I was twenty- 
 one. Upon this ground 1 began to settle, but found 
 it to be a barren land indeed. Yet I continued in this 
 situation till I arrived at the age of twenty. And al- 
 though I strove to live a solemn, watchful and prayer- 
 ful life, 1 found that my mind began to be much at- 
 tached and glued to the things o( time and sense — 
 The world, with all its cares, began to crowd into my 
 mind; also, its riches, honours, beauties, charms and 
 fashions, in all their pomp and splendour were pre- 
 sented to me. And it seemed as if the devil had 
 power over me to take me up, like as on an exceed- 
 ing high mountain, and shew me all the kingdoms of 
 the world and the glories of them; and then promise 
 to give them all to me, if I would fall down and wor-
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 19 
 
 ship him; or, in other words, forsake religion and go 
 back into the world again. But the thought of doing 
 this, was worse than death to me. I now began to 
 find it necessary to bestir myself, shake ofl' sloth, re- 
 sist the devil, and tread the world beneath my feet. — * 
 And to this end I found it necessary to go often to the 
 throne of grace, and make known my requests to the 
 Lord. And can say, that I found him to be a present 
 help, in every time of trouble. 
 
 O may I ever give thanks to the Lord, for his mer- 
 ciful kindness to me in sparing my unprofitable life till 
 now? O what scenes o( trials, temptations, and dan- 
 gers, the Lord hath led me thro'! 
 
 for a thousand tongues to sing, 
 Mr dear Redeemer's praise; 
 The glories of my God and King, 
 And triumphs of his grace! 
 
 The winter after I was twenty in December, I went 
 to school. And had Christ been my preceptor or 
 master. I should doubtless have known more of his 
 love, and enjoyed my mind bettel* in the spring. But 
 1 found my studies had too much stolen my attention, 
 and kept my mind from better enjoyments. Yet I 
 felt some good degree of the love of God in my heart, 
 and a sense of the worth of souls in my mind. 
 
 At the commencement of spring, I retired from 
 school, and returned to my usual labour with my fa- 
 ther; and as I vvrought with him in the field, my mind 
 began to enter more extensively into the field of the 
 gospel. And upon careful examination 1 found I had 
 been limiting the Holy One of Israel. For, while 
 the Lord had been calling me, to the great and ardu- 
 ous work of preaching the gospel, I had been saying, 
 "Not so Lord;" or, in other words, stop, Lord, till I 
 am of age: "I am but a child," ^"C. And upon 
 these and suchlike trivial excuses, I had been neglec-
 
 20 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 ting my duty, and disobeying the voice of my heaven- 
 ly i'athi^r, and soul's best friend. 
 
 A sense of duty now began to revolve upon my 
 mind, with double weight; while the world, with all 
 its affluence and grandeur, seemed to recede and dis- 
 appear. And notwithstanding my mind had been 
 formerly much after the riches of this vain world, and 
 the prospect iiad bid fair for my obtaining it; I now 
 had a full discovery of the emptiness and fading nature 
 of all transitory enjoyments. And under this discove- 
 ry was made to cry out, in the language o( the poet, 
 
 Lord what a wretched land is this, 
 
 That yields us no supply ; 
 No cheering fruits, no wholesome tree, 
 
 Nor stream of living joy. 
 
 And prayed that God would now help me to sign a 
 divorce to every deceitful enjoyment of this alluring 
 world. For I now beheld through the eye of faith, 
 the glories of that better, fairer, brighter world above. 
 
 my God! shall I be an inhabitant there, to see as I 
 am now seen, and to know as I am now known? — 
 but alas! I yet dwell in this dreary abode. I am yet 
 a resident on the earth; and have a great work to do 
 for my blessed master. And how can I live and be 
 happy; or die in peace if I do not perform it? Under 
 this consideration, I cried out, "Lord, prepare a worm 
 for so important a work, which I see 1 must do or be 
 condemned in the day of judgment." I now felt a 
 greater sense of my accountability to (jod, than I ever 
 did before. Time seemed comparatively like a bub- 
 ble on the water. And I said, "O how quickly shall 
 
 1 see the Lord himself descend from heaven with a 
 shout, with the voice of the archangel, and the trump 
 of God! O how fast the day approaches, when the 
 Lord will be revealed from heaven, with his mighty 
 angels, in flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that 
 know not God! And when in my meditation 1 look-
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 21 
 
 ed again, I saw thousands and tens of thousands of 
 thoughtless souls, with the greatest rapidity approach- 
 ing eternity's awful brink! O eternity! vast eternity! 
 what heart can conceive, what tongue can express the 
 duration of it! And yet Christless souls will venture 
 on its dreadful brink, unapprehensive of danger! These 
 alarming considerations began to call up my attention 
 more and more; and I strove to improve every op- 
 portunity of conversing with the unconverted on the 
 subject of religion; especially those of my compan- 
 ions. I also felt it my duty, and esteemed it a privi- 
 lege, to exhort in public meetings; and sometimes I 
 had particular passages of scripture impressed on my 
 mind to explain. But the cross was so great that I 
 generally neglected it. For I thought if I proceeded 
 in that way the people would soon begin to say 
 '■'John Colby is setting out to be a preacher,^' And 
 that was a sound I did not love to hear. Not because 
 I was ashamed of the gospel of Christ, but because of 
 my weakness and unworthiness of preaching it. For 
 I viewed it to be a great and solemn thing to be mouth 
 for God, and stand between the living and dead, or to 
 have the care of souls entrusted witli me. And yet 
 I was loth to see souls perish, with a Snviour in their 
 view; and wade through the mercies of God, by the 
 gate of heaven down to darkness and long despair. 
 Thus was my soul pressed, like a cart filled with 
 sheaves, under a solemn sense of these important 
 things, till at length it became my whole study, day 
 and night, asleep or awake; and when I was in the 
 field, i scarce knew what I was doing, or how the 
 time passed away. A dismal gloom seemed again to 
 overspread all nature, and if possible, to a greaier 
 degree than what I had experienced, when I was und^r 
 conviction for my sins. Every enjoyment of life 
 looked like nothing and vanity; and gold and silver as 
 mean as dust, l.ife itself, seemed almost burdensome. 
 My appetite failed —
 
 LITE OF JOHN COLBr. 
 
 "My daily bread like ashes grew 
 Unpleasant to my taste." 
 
 Oft times when I returned from my lobour in the field, 
 I could eat nothing. My indulgent motiier often in- 
 quired the occasion of my not eating, and notwithstand- 
 ing I knew, I was unwilling to tell her. She some- 
 times told me that I looked sick or as one in a con- 
 sumption. And indeed 1 viewed myself, and was 
 looked upon by others, during that summer, as one 
 swiltly approaching the grave. I chose to spend all 
 my leisure hours in secret prayer, in some solitary 
 place; especially early in the mornings, and late in the 
 evenings. The most lonley places seemed the most 
 delightful to me. 1 took but little satisfaction in the 
 company of my dearest friends. I felt like one alone; 
 and the language of my heart was like that of the 
 Prophet, "O that I had in the wilderness a lodging 
 place of wayfaring men." And at other times, "Oh! 
 that mine head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain 
 of tears, that I might weep day and night, for the 
 slain of the daughters of my people." 
 
 The whole earth, with all its inhabitants, seemed 
 to roll up before me; particularly the young peo{)le, 
 and those of my class. And oh! how inexpressibly 
 painful was the sight! To see hundreds and thou- 
 sands of^blooming youths spending their golden mo- 
 ments in parties, pleasures, and pastimes; frolicking 
 and dancing over a burning lake! Oh! what stupen- 
 dous folly, thought I, must they be guilty of, who 
 choose sin's short and momentary jileasures, at the 
 dear expense of suffering the vengeance of eternal 
 fire! Sometimes, when I realized the sad condition 
 the world of mankind was in, I asked myself the ques- 
 tion, "Should I not be willing to wander to and fro 
 all my days, if I were sure that I could be instrumen- 
 tal in the salvation of one soul?" And I thought I 
 should, if I died in the service. But at other times,
 
 LIFE OP JOHN COLBT. 23 
 
 unbelief, or a sense of my weakness, constrained me 
 to say, "Who is sufficient for these things?" 
 
 While I thus pondered upon my duty to God and 
 his people, and sought to know how I should best glo- 
 rify him, promote his cause in the world and discharge 
 the important duty which I felt incumbent on me, I 
 happened to light on the following hymn:— 
 
 I hear the gospel's joyful sound, 
 
 An organ I shall be, 
 To sound aloud redeeming love, 
 
 And sinners' misery. 
 
 My honored parents, fare you well, 
 
 My Jesus doth me call ; 
 I leave you here with God, until 
 
 I meet you once for all. 
 
 My dear connexions I'll forsake, 
 
 My parents and their house ; 
 And to the wilderness betake, 
 
 To pay the Lord my vows. 
 
 And I'll forsake my chiefest mates, 
 
 That nature can afford ; 
 And wear the shield into the field, 
 
 To wait upon the Lord. 
 
 Then through the wilderness I'll run, 
 
 Preaching the gospel free ; 
 be not anxious for your son, 
 
 The Lord will comfort me. 
 
 And if through preaching I should gain 
 
 True subjects to my Lord, 
 'Twill more than recompense my paifl, 
 
 To see them love his word.
 
 24 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 My soul doth wish Mount Zion well, 
 
 Whate'er becomes of me ; 
 There my best friends aad kindred dwell, 
 
 And there I long to be. 
 
 This hymn most beautifully expressed the feelings of 
 my heart in general, and the last verse in a particular 
 manner. For I felt as though I wanted every one 
 else to bo happy, if I was miserable myself. And 
 fervently wished the prosperity of Zion, which I view- 
 ed as coming out of great tribulation, and suffering 
 the vile aspersions and persecutions of a wicked and 
 gainsaying world. 
 
 I frequently retired into solitary places; and with a 
 degree of delight, mingled with flowing tears, repeat- 
 ed the hymn. 
 
 The foregoing account, which I have given of my 
 particular trials, under the divine impressions of the 
 spirit of the Lord, is but a little part of what I really 
 passed through; for time would fail me to point out 
 every particular exercise of my mind, while under 
 those impressions, to preach the gospel. And not- 
 withstanding I strove to bear a public testimony for 
 the Lord, and to tell poor unconverted sinners the 
 danger they were in, and exposed to; yet I took but 
 little satisfaction therein. For several months, I gen- 
 erally felt worse when I returned from meeting than 
 when I went. And I am convinced that the reason 
 of this was, because the Lord was calling me to gf) 
 and preach the gospel to other cities, and i was diso- 
 bedient to his call ; and therefore could not be happy 
 in disobedience. I continued in this situation until 
 December, 1808 ; at which time I was twenty-one 
 years of age. 
 
 At this time, again, I felt the impression renewed, 
 to arise, and go to the state of Ohio, and to cry against 
 it ; and it seemed as if the Lord said, " their wick- 
 edness is come up before me." But like Jonah, I
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBT. 25 
 
 fled from the presence of the Lord ; not to Tarshish 
 but to Peacham, and went to the Academy, where 
 1 spent the winter. And the spring following the 
 Lord sent out, not a great tempest upon the waters^ 
 but a great sickness among the people. Men's hearts 
 were almost broken, to see their relations on every 
 hand dying ; great fear came upon them, and, like 
 the ancient mariners, every man cried unto his God, 
 that he would stay his judgemenls, and lighten their 
 souls of them. But alas ! I was gone down, not into 
 the sides of the ship, but had my mind so engaged and 
 amused with literature, that I was fallen into a spirit- 
 ual sleep ! and it seemed as if the destroying 
 angel came to me and said " what meanest thou, O 
 sleeper ! Arise, and go into the v.-ork of God, or thou 
 shalt surely perish !" For I took the contagion, and 
 was sick, as I supposed, of the fever. Then I pray- 
 ed unto the Lord God out of the midst of my afflic- 
 tion; and he heard the voice of my supplication, re- 
 moved the disease, and withheld his afflicting hand. — 
 I returned to Billymead, and the word of the Lord 
 came unto me again saying, '' go unto Ohio, that 
 great country, and preach in it the preaching I bid 
 thee." But, instead of going to Ohio, I went to work 
 to finish a gristmill, which I had begun the fall before; 
 and by the time I had completed that, and had got it 
 agoing, I felt like one cast down into the deep, the 
 earth, with its bars about him; or like one grinding 
 in a prison house; or as one confined between two 
 keepers, (unbelief and disobedience;) one on either 
 hand. Tliese two soldiers or servants of the enemy, 
 kept me close till the third day of June, 1809. On 
 this day, I met with my brethren *in conference. — 
 When 1 left home 1 had not the least thought of re- 
 vealing my mind; for I had so long been sinking un- 
 der trials which I had brought upon myself by disobe- 
 dience, that I never expected to rise alDove them; and 
 often thought, like Jonah, that it was even better for
 
 26 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 me to die than to live. Init the spirit of the Lord be- 
 ing wonderfully manifest in our meetlne;., I felt imme- 
 diately arraigned in my own mind to make public what 
 I had so long concealed; for as yet I had not revealed 
 my mind to any person. And 1 think it v.as the great- 
 est cross 1 had ever taken up. It appeared to me as 
 if life "and death were set before me and I could have 
 my choice, and must choose then. 
 
 Lnder this discovery 1 mentally looked to the Lord 
 and said, " They that observe lying vanities, forsake 
 their own mercies; but I will sacrifice unto thee with 
 the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have 
 vowed ; salvation is of the Lord. " I then had strength 
 given me to open my mouth, and in presence of (Jod 
 and the Church to declare the travel of my mind. — 
 Truly, it was a solemn, weeping time, both with my- 
 self and the brethren. When I had done speaking, 
 the brethren and sisters, with one accord, declared 
 that they were satisfied that the Lord, of a truth, had 
 called me to be an ambassador for Christ, to preach 
 the everlasting gospel; and as such they recommend- 
 ed me. 
 
 1 fblt immediately as if I was in a new world; the 
 gloom which had so long overspread the universe, was 
 all scattered; the intervening clouds withdrew; and 
 my soul leaped into liberty ! Ihe next day, being 
 Sabbath, I arose early in the morning, and walked in- 
 to the field. Every thing looked delightsome; every 
 vegetable, with all the feathered songsters, seemed to 
 be praising God; and I thought I could add my note 
 with the rest. When the bright luminary of the day 
 appeared, with his ten thousand dazzling rays of light 
 darting through the world, shining on tiie evil and on 
 the good, he seemed to magnify his great Creator. I 
 really thought, I never saw the sun shine with such 
 refulgency before. While gazing on his golden rays, 
 I said, O how willing is the sun to perform his office 
 and fill his place! how ready to obey the will of bis
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 27 
 
 great Creator! This was to me like the beginning of 
 days, or the day of my espousal. The change ap- 
 peared as great, or greater, if possible, than when I 
 was first brought out of nature's darkness, into God's 
 marvellous light. At a seasonable hour I proceeded 
 to the meeting, and found a multitude had come to- 
 gether (as I supposed,) to hear the new preacher ! — 
 But no one can tell how little and insuflicient I looked 
 upon myself! I thought I could really say, I was less 
 than the least of all saints. Tlie brethren put it upon 
 me to preach; and I felt it from the Lord to be my 
 duty to try. I spake from Isaiah xl. 6, 7, 8, words 
 which had been running in my mind the preceding 
 week; (occasioned, probably, by means of my at- 
 tending a funeral in the neighborhood; and also the 
 wedding of one of my brothers.) 1 preached as well 
 as I could; the^Lord knows best what I said; I be- 
 lieve, however, it was a solemn time. 
 
 When I recollect the many internal calls and im- 
 pressions I have had from God to preach the gospel, 
 1 am astonished that there are so many in the world, 
 who think that a college education, with a town or par- 
 ish call, are sufficient to qualify a man to preach the 
 gospel of Christ ! O mistaken, deluded souls ! who 
 think tliat the gospel consists in the wisdo n of men, 
 and not in the power of God. But happy is that ser- 
 vant, whose preaching (like Paul's) is not with enti- 
 cing words of men's wisdom; but in demonstration 
 of the Spirit and of power. 
 
 From this fourth day of June, every thing unlike to 
 God, began to sink in my view; and my mind began 
 to rise. I practised preaching every first day of the 
 week, at Biliymead, or in one of the adjacent towns; 
 1 also attended some meetings on other days. In the 
 intervals, I labored with my hands; and with my earn- 
 ings, I purchased me a horse, saddle and bridle, &c. 
 On the 6th day of August, being tlie first day of the 
 week, I attended a meeting at Biliymead. In the fore-
 
 Zb LIFE OF JOHN COI.EY. 
 
 noon, I tii.-^d to prearli fi-om 2d 'i'imotliy, clinptcr iv: 
 7tli nnd 8ih vers^es, "1 have fnnalit a good figlit, 1 have 
 finishod my coiirso, I have kept die ("aidi: hencefonh 
 there is laid up lor nieanown of righteousness, \vhi( h 
 the Lord, the righteous judge, shaH give nie at liiat 
 day; and not to me only, but unio all diem also that 
 love his appearing." I enjoyed but litile libi riy in 
 speaking, and fell much dissatisfied in my own mind. 
 Ihis threw me inlo a trial. It seemed to me that ev- 
 ery body thought 1 was out of my lot. 1 begr.ii to 
 call my faiUi in question, to doubt the reality of my 
 call, and I feared I was deceiving myselfaiid my breih- 
 ren. Under considerations like these, 1 went to the 
 Lord in prayer, and continued in that exercise through 
 the intermission. 7 he substance of my petition was, 
 that if he had called me to preach his word, he would 
 manifest it, and stand by me in the afternoon, that I 
 might have liberty, and enjoy the life and power of re- 
 ligion in my soul, '^l he afternoon meeting began, and 
 after singing and prayer, the brethren sat, and appear- 
 ed waitini:;, as if they were expecting me to pteach. 
 But I felt determined not tcj attempt it, unless I felt 
 something special. After sitting silent for some time, 
 and mentally praying that the Lord would decide the 
 doubtful case that afternoon, that is, whether he had 
 called me to preach or not; and if 1 had run befoie I 
 was sent of God, that he would confound me before 
 the people if I attempted to speak in his name. I 
 felt some impression, and thought it my duty to arise 
 and speak from litus ii, 11; " For the Grace of iiod 
 that bringeth salvation, hith appeared to all men." — 
 I repeated these uords as the foundation of a discourse, 
 and after speaking a few minutes, I quoted several pas- 
 sages by way of introduction, and attempted to re- 
 turn to my text, but behold it was gone ! I had for- 
 gc/tten it; and had no bible with me to find it; lor 1 
 had never obtained confidence enough to hold a bible 
 in my heaid while I was speaking. 1 then began to
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 29 
 
 coiiclLule, that the Lord was about to answer my prayer 
 sure enough, and chain up my mouth in silence. It 
 seemed as if the enemy surrounded me wiih all his 
 forces; my mind was immediately thrown into con- 
 fusion, and almost into distraction. I ceased speak- 
 ing and sat down without telling the audience the oc- 
 casion of it. No one can tell, neither can I express how 
 I then felt. What made me feel the worse, was, there 
 were two judges present who were occasionally in the 
 town; they loomed up before me like mountains ! — 
 When the meeting ended I withdrew from the house 
 and returned home. I strove as much as possible to 
 shun all company, for I neither wanted to speak with 
 or see any person. After I got home, my failier ask- 
 ed me the occasion of my not finishing my sermon; 
 fo.-, said he, I thought you had laid your work out 
 very well. I made him little or no answer, but left 
 the house and retired to the woods, with a strong 
 templation never to return again. For I thought I had 
 rather be banished, or buried under the base of the 
 most huge mountain, than ever be seen again upon 
 earth. 1 travelled a mile or two, till I came to a riv- 
 er, where I stood and looked into the water for some 
 time; and thought it would be a good time to put an 
 end to my life. But the following words immediately 
 occurred to my mind, " no murderer hath eternal life 
 abiding in him." I obtained strength from the Lord 
 to withdraw from the river. My next conclusion was. 
 to slay in the woods till I died. I continued wander- 
 ing about till near dark; and after looking the matter 
 over and over, and putting up many prayers to God, I 
 felt some more composed in my mind; and conclu- 
 ded that it might be possible that I had done wrong, 
 and had tempted the Lord by a.=king of him a sijin. 
 
 After many solitary hours in prayers and tears, I 
 
 mustered all the resolution, faith and hope I could, 
 
 and returned home. But as to my preaching again, I 
 
 concluded the matter was decided. Yet there was 
 
 *3
 
 30 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 one difficulty in the way, which I knew not how to 
 surmount. I hr.d a meetinir appoiiiled in another town 
 the next, l^ahbath, which i must of necessity attend, 
 or forfeit my word; and that I could not bear to do. 
 I passed the week in deep waters, till the Sabbath 
 came. I went on to niy appointment but felt an un- 
 usual gloom and a great defjression of spiiit. I tho't 
 I would tell the })eople i was not called to preach, 
 and that I should never try to again. .After the peo- 
 ple assembled I began to look round upon them, and 
 souls began to look precious; and almost before I was 
 aware 1 arose upon my leet and began to preach to 
 thetn. The love and power of God was manifested 
 in a blessed manner. From this I took encourage- 
 ment to resist the tempter; he fled from me; and my 
 mind, in a g(.od measure was relieved, ^'o 1 contin- 
 ued as usual in my leeble manner to blow the trumpet 
 in Zion. 
 
 About this time a general solemnity began to gath- 
 er on the minds of the people; and there seemed to 
 be a sound of abundance of rain; while a few mercy 
 drops fell. But the main cloud of blessing passed 
 over, and did not return till about twelve months af- 
 terwards. 
 
 I now began to be convinced by my feelings, that 
 my work was done for the present in that region, and 
 that I must go and preach the gospel of the kingdom 
 to other cities also. Trying as it was to my nature ; 
 being convmced that the time was come when I must 
 leave all my natural friends, and journey into the wes- 
 tern climes; I began to talk about it in earnest, and to 
 make preparations for the journey. Yet I could not 
 persuade my friends to be reconciled to it, nor yet to 
 believe that I should go, until a day or two before I 
 sat out. They all prophesied evil concerning me; 
 they said it must be a delusion of the enemy. For if 
 I was called to preach, I could as well preach in my 
 native land as any where else; and, they thought, much
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 31 
 
 better. Besides, they conjectured for me to travel 
 so far into a different climate must be very prejudi- 
 cial to my health, even if I lived; but they thought 
 most likely that I should die, and lay my bones in one 
 ol those western climes. I told them that Ninevah 
 was the place where God sent Jonah; and the west- 
 ern country was the place where he was about to send 
 me; and if f did not go, the sea would be more bois- 
 terous than ever it had been. 
 
 »*abbath, 12ih of A'^ovember, I preached my fare- 
 well sermon in Billymead, and truly, it was with the 
 assembly, as well as with myself, a solemn, weeping 
 time. Thus I closed my testimony in the town for 
 that time — Xov. 14, 1S09, I sat out on my journey. 
 But O! I cannot express the feelings of my heart, 
 whilst giving the parting hand, and leaving my ever 
 respected parents behind; thinking it very unlikely 
 that I should ever see them again beneath the sun. 
 My beloved brothers and sisters T must also leave, 
 though dear to me. The friendly visits, the inesti- 
 mable privileges we have enjoyed together, thought 
 I, must now be at an end. And I said, "O, must I 
 now leave, must I now be separated from all my na- 
 tural connexions in life? Yes, I am constrained so to 
 do; the worth of souls lays upon me, I cannot rest. 
 I must bid farewell to my kind parents and their home; 
 take my life into my hand, and go forth into the wil- 
 derness woild and pay the Lord my vows." 
 
 When I gave the parting hand to my honored fa- 
 ther, and he saw that I was going in reality, his lan- 
 guage to me was like that of Jacob to his sons; he said, 
 "well, if you must go; God Almighty go with you." 
 I left the house and hastened to the door, that I might 
 find a place to weep; and then mounted my horse 
 and sat out on my journey. As I passed through the 
 street I secretly said. 
 
 Farewell! farewell! farewell, ye northern climes! 
 To southern or western climes I now repair; 
 To unknown lands I know not where.
 
 / 
 
 32 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY 
 
 I Stayed tliat night with Judge Fiske, in Lyndon. 
 Next morning I started for Woodstock, (Vt ); but 
 on account of its being stormy and uncomfortable 
 weather, I travelled but a few miles in a day. 1 how- 
 ever the next Sabbath, got to Hartford, and attended 
 a meeting in the evening. Monday 1 crossed JVhite 
 River, and attended a funeral in the other part of the 
 town; iiad a very solemn time. After meeting f went 
 down to Woodstock, where I had previously agreed 
 to meet brother l^utnam, a young preacher who had 
 promised to travel with me into the western country. 
 JJut when I came to the place, I found he had gone 
 on to Windsor. T tlieri pursued and overtook him 
 and felt exceedingly joyful at meeting my beloved 
 brother; a man whom l had highly esteemed; and 
 with whom I had enjoyed many happy liouis in lue 
 worship of God. I anticipated we should have a great 
 deal of Happiness together, on our contemplated long 
 journey. But alas! my anticipated happiness was soon 
 blasted. We attended meeting that evening at Wind- 
 sor, and the lot fi.'ll on me to preach. I was led to 
 direct my discourse chiefly to the young people. 
 The hearers of all classes appeared solemn, and heard 
 the word with candour. I continued in that place 
 through the week, attended three meetings in Wind- 
 sor; two in Hartland; visited a number of families, 
 and received great satisfaction therein. On the sab- 
 bath, we attended at Windsor. Brother P. preached 
 in the forenoon; and 1 discovered something in his 
 preaching, which gave me very disagreeable leelings, 
 although I believed him to be sincere in what he preach- 
 ed. The particular sentiment, he advanced was, that 
 the wicked would be burned up, and cease to exist, 
 at, or immediately after the day of judgement. This 
 appeared so different from whai 1 had read in the 
 scriptures respecting the eternal state of the wicked, 
 namely, that such are in danger of e/crncr? damnation, 
 Mark lii, 29; — that "these shall go awy into everlast-
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 33 
 
 ins; punishment," Matt. xxv. 4G; — that "their wornn 
 dieth not and the fire is not quenched," JMark ix. 44, 
 46, and 48; — "suffering the vengeance of eternal fire," 
 Jude 7th verse — that "the smoke of their torment as- 
 cendelh up forever and evcr,^^ Rev. xiv. 11 — I'hese, 
 wiih many other passages which occurred to my re- 
 collection, forbade my uniting with my brother P. in 
 the support of his new and inconsistent doctrine. I 
 there!ore preached in the afternoon from Prov. 12, 
 "If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise lor thyself; but 
 if ihou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it." 1 told the 
 wicked, if they were so senseless of their ow'n happi- 
 n^s", and of their duty to their Maker, as to 
 live in sin, wickedness and folly, in this world; 
 they might expect condemnation, horror and suf- 
 fering would be intolerable in the next. In the eve- 
 ning, I atlended-a meeting in another partof the town. 
 Monday, Nov. 27th, I left Windsor, went to Weath- 
 ersfield, and attended a meeting with brother P. In 
 the evening, a goodly number came out and heard at- 
 tentively. The next day we went to Springfield (Vt), 
 met two Elders, one resided in the place, the 
 other w'fis from New^-liampshire. And as brother P. 
 had pretty much given up the idea of going on to the 
 western country with me, the two Elders, before men- 
 tioned, <^ave it as their opinion, that it would be for 
 the honor and glory of God, and greatly to my advan- 
 ttJge, Es I was going so long a journey alone, to be 
 ordained before I proceeded any further. They al- 
 so said, they believed it their duty, from the Lord, to 
 separate me to the work, whereunto the Lord had 
 called me. I had great trials on my mind with re- 
 spect to the matter. And at first objected against 
 their proposal, lor three reasons. 1. iiecause 1 was 
 absent from home. 2. I was afraid of running too 
 f.)st. o. 1 was too young. 'J hey took up these ob- 
 jections, and concluded that neither of them ought to 
 bear with any weight, 'ihey considered me to be in
 
 34 LIFE OF JOHN COLEY. 
 
 the vineyard of the Lord, let me be where I would; 
 and that the church of Christ was one, or ought to be 
 so; and of course, it mattered not where I was ordain- 
 ed. They therefore desired me not to desist, nor be 
 baffled by the enemy. They therefore appointed a 
 meeting, for the purpose of performing what they 
 thought was enjoined on them to do. 1 then retired 
 to a grove where I spent many hours in prayer and 
 meditation. I then gave the matter up and submitted 
 myself to the Lord. I concluded if 1 lived to return 
 home to ilillymead, I could lay it before the church, 
 and if they approved of the ordination, it would be 
 well; if not, if they were disposed, they could lay 
 hands on me a second time. [This I did at my re- 
 turn, and the church approved of my ordination.] 
 The elders proceeded in my ordination, according to 
 the example given in the Aevv Testament; set me 
 apart to travel, and j)reach the gospel of our Lord 
 and Savior Jesus Christ, and administer gospel ordi- 
 nances, wherever God, in his j)rovidence should call 
 me. They also gave me a certificate of my ordina- 
 tion, and a written recommendation. These, togeth- 
 er with what 1 received from the church to which I 
 belonged, I found beneficial in a strange land; but not 
 so much so as that which I had received of the bles- 
 sed Jesus. For I trust I can say the gospel which 1 
 preach I did not receive oi men; neither was I taught 
 it but by the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ. My 
 ordination was performed on the 30ih day of Novem- 
 ber, A. D. 1809; a little before I was twenty-two 
 years of age. God grant that I may ever be humble, 
 do good in my day; and never outlive my usefulness; 
 lor his great name sake. Amen. 
 
 I continued at Springfield the residue of the week; 
 and spent the titne in visiting from \)hce to place, and 
 attended a few meetings. Sabbath day, I met with 
 the elders and brethren at a school-house; nothing spe- 
 cial took place. In the evening, we met at a private
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 35 
 
 house; and while the people were gathering, I felt an 
 uncommon solemnity resting on my mind. I arose 
 and began to speak; and my mind seemed to be led to 
 address myself to a couple of proud youths, who sat 
 near to me. I described their characters, and gave 
 them a solemn warning to flee from the wrath to come. 
 It was said by those who knew them, that I pointed 
 them out exactly, although I had never seen them be- 
 fore. Towards the close of the meeting, one of them 
 started to go home, and as she passed by me! I spake 
 to her and said, "young woman' without speedy re- 
 pentance, I beheve death is about to make you a vis- 
 it." She went to the door, and made several attempts 
 to go home; but the spirit of God followed her. She 
 also went as far as the road several times, and then re- 
 turned, (as she afterwards informed me.) At length 
 she came into the house again; and notwithstanding 
 her pride she fell on her knees and cried to God for 
 mercy, and desired the saints to pray for her. The 
 next morning I calculated to leave the place. Broth- 
 er P. started on a little first, and I sat out to follow him; 
 but my mind seemed to be led directly the opposite 
 way. I turned about, and went back three miles, 
 and when he saw that I did not follow him, he re 
 turned too. I visited several families, and had a ve- 
 ry solemn season. In the evening, we met in the same 
 neighborhood we met in the night before; and the glo- 
 ry and power of the Lord was wonderfully displayed. 
 The young woman before mentioned was brought into 
 the liberty of the sons of God, and publicly praised 
 the Lord in a most wonderful manner. Several back- 
 sliders returned to their Father's house, and convic- 
 tion got hold of the minds of a number of those who 
 had been careless. The next day, I attended meeting 
 with the other elders. ,A goodly number collected, 
 and one was baptized. Wednesday, I spent the day 
 in religious visits. Thursday, (being thanksgiving 
 day), I attended a meeting in the east part of the town
 
 36 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 near Connecticut river. Friday, 1 went to Rocking- 
 We attended a nieetins; in the evening, liad a 
 comfortable season, and found a good many loving 
 brethren in that place. ►Saturday, December 9lh, 
 was my [)irthday; 1 was twenlij-iwo years cf age. 
 
 Twenty-two years of my precious time is gone, 
 
 And I'm fast hast'ning to my long and final home; 
 
 may my work be finished when I'm called to go, 
 
 And change this world of trouble for heaven and glory too. 
 
 Sabbath, December 10th, we attended meeting in 
 Rockingham. Brother P. preached in the forenoon, 
 and I preached in the afternoon ; we had a com- 
 fortable meeting. Monday, we went to the south par- 
 ish, and in die evening preached there. The people 
 appeared to be hardened in sin, and shielded against 
 the gospel. The place seemed like a paradise lost. 
 The next day we went to Athens; and when I arrived, 
 it brought to my mind old father Paul, Acts xvii. 16: 
 " Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spir- 
 it was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly giv- 
 en to idolatry." However, I hope this is not the de- 
 scription of this town, for we found a number, who, I 
 believe, are worshijrpers of the living God and not wor- 
 shippers of idols. We met with them in the evening, 
 and towards the close of the meeting, a number came 
 forward, kneeled down, and des'red us to pray for 
 them. The next day we spent in visiting from house 
 to house. We called at one house, and found ihe 
 family very much opposed to religion; and when they 
 found that our conversation was on religious subjects, 
 they desired us to quit the house. We informed 
 them that we did not come in to do them any harm. 
 Rut when I perceived that they were in a great rage, 
 and it was not in our power to calm them I asked 
 them if they were willing that I should pray with them 
 before 1 left ths house;— they answered, no. We
 
 LIFE OF JOHX COLBY. 37 
 
 then, in the presence of them all, sliook off the dust 
 of our feet for a testimony against them, and departed. 
 O that the Lord might have mercy on that family, and 
 prepare them to meet us another day. 
 
 In the evening, we attended another meeting at the 
 school house, where we met the evening before; we 
 then took our leaye of the brethren and the next day 
 went to Putney. 'Mn the evening of that day, brother 
 P. manifested th^t he had great trials on bis mind, 
 whether it was duty for him to go any further with me 
 or not. However, the next morning, he mustered 
 what resolution he had, and concluded to pursue the 
 journey with me. Accordingly we sat off, and went 
 through Dummerston, and thence through Brattlebor- 
 ough, where we attended an evening meeting. 
 
 i had now been in company with brother P. about 
 three weeks; and had expected, when I left home, 
 (as well as all my friends) to have enjoyed his com- 
 pany, and travelled as companions; to have borne 
 each other's burdens, and so to have fulfilled the law 
 of Christ. But he now concluded that it was not the 
 will of God, that he should go any further; and in 
 consequence of this conclusion, the next morning, 
 December 16th, he bade me farewell, and went back. 
 
 My trials appeared too great for me to bear; but I 
 repaired to the throne of grace, and gave myself anew 
 to the Lord. 
 
 1 had now no earthly friend with me; no one to 
 speak to, that I had ever seen before. I was now a 
 stranger in a strange land, with a lame horse, and but 
 a few dollars with me, to bear my expenses; and for 
 the good of others, (not for myself,) I had to face 
 cold winds and snow. And what was still worse, I 
 had to face a frowning world; and my contemplate4 
 journey, consisting of hundreds and hundreds of miles, 
 was into a strange country, where I had neither rela- 
 tive nor acquaintance; and not knowing what might 
 befal me, save, as Paul said, "that the Holy Ghost 
 4
 
 38 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 witnesseth In everj city, saying that bonds and afflic- 
 tions abide ine." Acts xx: 23. Under these con- 
 flicts, 1 prayed that I might have grace to be able to 
 say, as I'aul said, in the 24th verse: " but none of 
 these lhing;s move me; neither count I my life dear 
 unto myself, so that 1 might finish my course with joy 
 and the ministry which I have received of the Lord 
 Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of (iod."-- 
 Thus I left Marlborough, travelled through Wilming- 
 ton, and crossed the Green Mountain; passing through 
 Reedsborough and Woodford, and thence to Benning- 
 ton, where 1 tarried Saturday night, with a member of 
 the presbyterian or congregational church. Sabbath- 
 day morning, the old gentleman desired me to go with 
 liim to yisit his grand-daughter, who lay sick with a 
 fever. I accordingly went, conversed with, and pray- 
 ed for her. She appeared to be much concerned a- 
 bout her lost situation, (while the weeping family 
 stood around,) soon expecting to close her eyes in 
 death. ^^ e returned, and it being meeting time, we 
 repaired to the meeting house, where a multitude of 
 the rich and most popular people of Bennington, were 
 assembled to hear the Rev. Mr Marsh, minister of the 
 town. He delivered a discourse in the forenoon. In 
 the intermission, I was invited to the house where he 
 quartered, and introduced by General SafFord, the 
 gentleman with whom I stayed the night before. The 
 Parson rery politely received me, and kindly invited 
 me to preach in the afternoon. This was so much to 
 my astonishment, I hardly knew what answer to re- 
 turn him. I had been looking so much at my own 
 inability, the popularity of the place, and, I had be- 
 come almost blind to the glory of God, and the fulness 
 which is in Christ. But I immediately retired by my- 
 self, and asked wisdom of God, who knew my situa- 
 tion. I soon found as the door was open, I must step 
 ia, or be condemned for neglect, which I thought I 
 could not endure. I therefore returned and told Mr
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 59 
 
 Marsh, I would try to preach. The time having now 
 come for exercise to begin, we repaired to the place 
 of worship; and Mr Marsh, in a very polite manner, 
 led me up into the pulpit. Here I was much tried 
 and tempted of the devil, on many accounts. This I 
 considered was about the first and oldest town in the 
 State; and was formerly the capital. A place where 
 governors, generals, judges, great men, mighty men, 
 chief captains, &c, resided. The meeting house was 
 the finest and most elegant I had ever preached in. — 
 However, 1 prayed to the Lord that the fear of man 
 might be taken from me, and my prayer was answer- 
 ed. After singing and prayer, 1 read Isaiah iii, 10, 
 11; " Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well 
 wiih him; for they shall eat the fruit of their doincjs. 
 Woe unto -the wicked! it shall be ill with him; for 
 the reward of his hands shall be given him." The 
 fear of man, pride and unbelief, being immediately ta- 
 ken from me and hid from mine eyes, the spirit of 
 the Lord God was upon me, and the word, I believe, 
 not only reached the ears, but the hearts, of many of 
 the hearers. After meeting, I was invited to take tea 
 with Mr Marsh, at the house of Elijah Dewey, the 
 same house where we dined. After supper I started; 
 and as I was going out of the door the woman of the 
 house put a dollar into my hand. This seemed a woa- 
 der to me as she was an utter stranger. But I found 
 afterwards she was acquainted with my master; I think 
 it likely that she gave it to me for his sake. 
 
 In the evening, I attended meeting at a private 
 housC; where one of the members of the church lay 
 sick and supposed to be nigh unto death. I enjoyed 
 good freedom in speaking to the youth, (for there 
 were many present who heard me vi'ith candour.)-^ 
 After meeting I was strongly invited by Mr Marsh, 
 and several of the church members, to tarry with thena 
 several days. But as I did not fee! a tJius saith the 
 Lord, I told then) I must pursue my journey. Men-
 
 40 LIFE OF JOHN COLBF. 
 
 day morning, leaving Bennington, I crossed into the 
 State of New York; and passing througii lloosic, I 
 went into Fittstown. Tiie morning following I shaped 
 my course for Albany ; crossed the North River at 
 Troy, and from thence went down to the city. 1 at- 
 tended a meeting at the Methodist meeting-house, and 
 put up that night with Oslrander, a methodist preach- 
 er. 
 
 The next day, as I passed through the streets, an 
 awful solemnity fell upon my mind, and such a weight 
 for the people, that 1 felt like a cart pressed under 
 sheaves; so that I could scarcely ivaik the streets. I 
 do not know that I could have felt more solemn, if 
 Gabriel's trumpet had been at that moment sounding. 
 Here I beheld people of all classes and ages, from 
 three score and ten, down to little children, ruiiiiirg 
 to and fro in the streets, all apparently drowned with 
 the cares of the present world, and insensible to the 
 impending storm which is to be rained upon the wick- 
 ed. Some were chanting to the sound of the viol ; 
 some cursing and swearing; others crow-ding the grog- 
 shops, and drinking to drunkenness; yet hailing each 
 other over their flowing bowls, with their lips wishing 
 heaUh to others; while, by their intemperate pouring 
 down into their own throats, the slow but deadly poi- 
 son, they were ruining themselves, and probably their 
 families. Ah! poor tipplers, thought I — a few more 
 days, and you would be glad instead of the liquor you 
 are now intemperately wasting, of even a drop of wa- 
 ter to cool your tongues. J^ut I left Albany in haste. 
 Yet not without praying to God to have mercy on the 
 people. 
 
 I then passed through the lonely barrens of Water- 
 fleet to Duansburgh, where I preached in the evening, 
 and it appeared to be a profitable meeting to the youth. 
 The next day I passed through Scoharrie and Carlisle, 
 to Cobuskiln, and lodged widi Tiiomas 'i'awlman, a 
 preacher of the gospel; who informed me that when
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 41 
 
 the Lord first called him to preach, he could not read; 
 and did not know so much as the English alphabet; 
 and on that account he refused to go. That upon his 
 refusal he immediately began to preach in his sleep, 
 in dead of night; and often talked so loud as to awa- 
 ken all the people in the house. He said he contin- 
 ued in this way about six months; then consented to 
 obey the Lord and preach the preaching that God 
 bade him. He has been greatly blessed for a number 
 of years, and has seen many souls converted under 
 h's improvement. The night I tarried at his house I 
 was waked out of my sleep by his preaching; and al- 
 though he appeared to be in a sound sleep, I scarce 
 ever heard a more solemn and powerful discourse. 
 
 The day following, I went through Worcester and 
 Maryland, and thence to Otsego; crossed the b'usque- 
 hannah, and went down into Sidney, Delaware coun- 
 ty. Here I tarried over the Sabbath; preached two 
 sermons in the day time, and one in' the evening. It 
 was a day of trial to me. 1 had but little freedom in 
 speaking; and even doubted whether I was ever call- 
 ed of God to preach the gospel. Under this sore tri- 
 al, I prayed to God, and said, O Lord, decide this 
 doubtful case, or I can go no further. Here I am in 
 a strange land; I have no earthly friend to stand by 
 me; and if thou shouldst forsake me, where shall I go; 
 or, to whom shall I fly for relief. 
 
 Monday, I staid in the same neighborhood i preach- 
 ed in the evening at Isaiah Crowell's and the Lord ap- 
 peared for my deliverance, 'ihe young people, who 
 were light and carnal in meeting the day before, were 
 now clothed with solemnity, and melted into tears. — 
 Tuesday morning, after holding a long conference with 
 the brethren, (for they had no preacher in that place, 
 and therefore insisted much on my silting down with 
 them, and to go no further, but to which I consented 
 not,) J departed and went down to Jericho. And al- 
 though 1 did not fall among thieves, yet I fell in a- 
 *4
 
 42 LIFE OF JOHN COLBT. 
 
 mong; a parcel of hnrdcnpd universnlists; wlio said, it 
 mattered not how people lived in tliis world, lor all 
 would be well after death. ]>ut I fear that such ])oor 
 mistaken souls will soon find that all is not well; when 
 they, with all the thunder-struck multitude, shall be 
 summoned to the judgment seat, and be dismissed with 
 a '^ Depart yc cursed into everlasting firc,''^ ^-c. I 
 tarried in that place, two nights and one day. I 
 preached at tha dwelling-house of one Ijenneit. I 
 spoke from Rev. vi: 17. " For the great day of his 
 wrath is come, and who shall be able to stand ?" I 
 endeavored to show them from scripture, who would 
 be able to stand, and who would not be able to stand. 
 I enjoyed good freedom in sjieaking on the subject, 
 and declared among them the whole counsel of (Jod. 
 1 expected after meeting, that some of them would at- 
 tack me on the subject but none of them ventured for- 
 ward. I was informed by some of the family the next 
 day, that a number of them acknowledged that they had 
 beard the truth. 
 
 Leaving tliis jilace, 1 crossed Jericho bridge, 
 (which was the fifth time I had crossed the Susque- 
 bannah.) 1 preached in the evening on the other side 
 of the ri?er. The next day I went to Windsor ; 
 and from thence, down the Shenango river, and cross- 
 ed at k^'heiiango Point. From thence I travelled 
 through T nion to Tioga, and tarried there till sabbath 
 day morning. I then sat ofFearlv, and w^ent down to 
 Owego, expecting to preach somewhere in the village 
 that day, but they would not receive me. Of this 
 Tillage 1 can speak nothing; favorable as to their reli- 
 gion or piety. I fear it is loo much like Shenango 
 Point. I was credibly informed, that there was not 
 one christian in the place, although it is a considera- 
 ble village. I thea went on about eight miles further, 
 and found a meeting, which 1 attended. I also attend- 
 ed another meeting in the evening, in the same vicin- 
 ity. 'J his was the 51st day of December, and closed
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 48 
 
 the year 1809.— At this time I prayed and said, " O 
 thou parent of the Universe, and God of all grace ; 
 look down with compassion on thy feeble servant, 
 who has now retired to this solitary grove, to implore 
 thy favor and look up to thee for forgiveness of past 
 offences, and grace to help in days to come. Ihou 
 knowest I am hut a child, and stand in need of thy 
 grace — thy almighty arm, to support me — thy Spirit 
 to guide and direct me into all truth, while I pass 
 through this vale of tears. O may I rather die than 
 ever wickedly depart from thee, the fountain of living 
 waters. Do thou be pleased to deepen the work of 
 grace in my heart, and clothe me with humility as 
 "with a garment. Suffer me never to run before I am 
 sent ; nor keep back when thou callest me to go. And 
 as I am now not only advancing towards the grave, 
 but also journeying to a distant country, far from all 
 my relations and natural friends ; I humbly pray that 
 thou would'st be my everlasting friend, and unchang- 
 ing portion, and my exceeding great reward ; not on- 
 ly on this journey, but through the journey of life — 
 the gloomy vale of death — and in the countless years 
 of an expanded eternity. And now as it has pleased 
 thee to continue my almost useless life to the close 
 of this year, and I am about commencmg a new one ; 
 do ihou furnish me with a new supply of grace, that 
 I may be enabled better to improve the approacliing 
 year, and all my time below, than ever I have yet done. 
 Do thou remember mercy to my parents, brethren, 
 and sisters, that I have left behind, and all my breth- 
 ren in Christ, and unconverted young people, in that 
 part of thine heritage. And, do thou be pleased to 
 have compassion on the families in affliction — the ru- 
 lers of the nations — subjects and slaves — ministers 
 and people, in every state and land, in their different 
 situations and necessities. And grant that I may at 
 last, with all the sanctified millions, be preserved
 
 44 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 blameless to thy heavenly kingdom, to praise thee for- 
 ever and ever. Amen. 
 
 January 1st, 1810, I tarried in the place before 
 mentioned ; and in the evening preached at brother 
 Light's ; and, to the praise of God be it spoken, I 
 had a glorious time. Some who attended the meet- 
 ing, will, I believe, have cause to rejoice for it in the 
 day of eternity, 'i'he next day 1 left the place, en- 
 tered the State of l*ennsylvania, and passing through 
 the village at Tioga-point, I went down through Athens 
 to Ulster, and abode there that night. The next day, 
 after visiting several families, I went to brother C'ork- 
 ing's, who lived about fifteen miles distant and attend- 
 ed a meeting that evening at his house. The next 
 day 1 went through Burlington and Alba, and thence 
 into Canton, and put up with a brother by the name 
 of Powers ; I also attended a meetmg that evening at 
 his house. There was a small church lately embod- 
 ied in that place. I was led to address them in the 
 following words, •' Fear not little flock, for it is your 
 Father's good pleasure to give yoa the kingdom." 
 We had a refreshing time from the presence of the 
 Lord. The next day I took my leave of the breth- 
 ren, and went on about a mile and a half, when I call- 
 ed into a house. After having been jhere a little 
 while they invited me to stop and preach with them 
 on the next sabbath. I thought at first, I could not ; 
 but after retiring, and secretly asking the Lord to 
 manifest my duty in this respect, I felt strongly im- 
 pressed to stay. I therefore gave out the appointment, 
 and returned that day through the same neighborhood 
 where I preached the night before ; went on about 
 three miles further, and there tarried that night. The 
 next day, I still went on a mile and a half, or two miles, 
 through the woods ; and found a family where a num- 
 ber of young people resided. 1 entered into conver- 
 sation with them. I found them attentive, and they 
 appeared to be affected. Some of the young people
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLEY 45 
 
 uho had been much given to lightness, I invited to go 
 to the conference meeting, which was to be holden 
 on Saturday ; and also to attend the meeting which I 
 had appointed on the following Sabbath. And not- 
 withstaneling the distance was considerable, they went 
 on foot ; and I humbly hope they will rejoice there- 
 for to an endless eternity. This was the day of the 
 conference. I therefore attended it with the breth- 
 ren ; and in the evening, preached in the sanrie neigh- 
 borhood. Next day, being the sabbath I went on to 
 my appointment. The meeting was holden at a place 
 called Town-Day ; a noted place for wickedness. 
 The people assembled in a large number ; and if ev- 
 er the Lord assisted me he did that day. The words 
 of my text were these ; '• I have a message from God 
 unto thee." The power of the Lord fell upon the 
 people ; and there was scarcely one person young or 
 old but what shed tears ; although many of them had 
 before been awful opposersof the people of God. 
 
 Sabbath day evening, I attended another meeting 
 near the same place, and we had a glorious season on 
 account of the presence of the Lord. I told the peo- 
 ple I should leave the place the next morning ; and 
 those that were young, came and bade me farewell ! >sjf ^ 
 It seemed as if their hearts would have broken, as they 
 expected not to see me any more in this world. Such 
 a time I never witnessed. I could but cry out myself, 
 in the language of Jeremiah, O that my head were 
 waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might 
 weep day and night. There were many things which 
 took j)lace here that were remarkable, which I can- 
 not stop to relate. 
 
 Monday, 1 went on to the head of Lake Common, 
 and put up with a widow Roberts, and that night at- 
 tended a meeting at her house. The next day 1 went 
 on through Lake Common, (which is the name of a 
 river or creek,) which I forded forty-four times in 
 going thirty miles. I tarried Tuesday night, in New-
 
 46 LIFE OF JOHN COLBT. 
 
 bury, at one Smith's. The next day I went down to 
 
 Jaysbiirgh, a little village near Siisqueiiannah West 
 Branch. Here I attended a meeting among a set of 
 lukewarm baptists, and had not a very good time. 
 The rollowing evening I went about a mile, and at- 
 tended a meeting at Loyal Sock. Next day went 
 through Jersey Shore, crossed Pine Cieek, and went 
 up ihe Susquehannah river about twenty miles, into 
 Dunstable. J?y the way, I saw a large company of 
 scholars in a field. I rode up to the fence, called to 
 thsm, and they came to me. I talked to them some- 
 time, and reminded them of death, judgement, and 
 eternity. I then went on. That evening, I arrived 
 at brother BearcVs, in Dunstable. The next day, 
 crossed the Susquehannah river, and thence to Bald 
 Eagle, and so on to the Center Township. Stayed 
 that night, and attended a meeting at John Thomp- 
 son's. And the Lord by his Spirit, was with us. 
 The next day, I passed through Bellfont, to l^atton 
 Township, and tarried that night with a family of 
 Dutch. The next day, being Sabbath, I asked the 
 woman if I could have the privilege to preach in the 
 neighborhood. She told me the melhodists had a 
 prayer meeting appointed in a neighboring housa. I 
 desired her to send her boys and notify a meeting ; 
 but they appeared to be unwilling to go. I gave one 
 of them a piece of money ; he then went out and told 
 the people that there would be preaching that day. 
 A number came out to hear, and I believe, according 
 to what appeared in the meeting, and by information 
 which I received afterwards, it was not a lost o))por- 
 tunity. I then went on t<5 Half Moon, about three 
 miles, and met a large collection of people, chiefly 
 young. And having been requested to preach to the 
 youth, I addressed them from I'lccles. xii. L I had 
 great freedom in speaking, and God applied the word 
 to the hearts of the people ; almost all the assembly 
 were struck under conviction. Paul may plant, Ap-
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBT. 47 
 
 olios water ; but God giveth the increase ; and bles- 
 sed be his name. 
 
 The next morning, a man came up from the place 
 where I preached on the Sabbath ; and requested me 
 to go back and preach there again. He was an old 
 man and had spent his days in sin. I told him I 
 would go. He made the appointment, on Tuesday 
 night. I went on that day about five miles further, 
 tnd preached in the evening, at brother Saddler's ; 
 and the Lord was truly in that place indeed. I went 
 back the next day to my appointment, and met a large 
 concourse of people ; the greatest gathering, it was 
 said, that ever met in the place. I was also informed, 
 that some who attended had not been to a meeting be- 
 fore for four years ; though there had been meetings 
 holden in the place for ten or twelve years. There 
 were a number of quakers in that settlement, and ma- 
 ny of them restrained their children from going to the 
 meetings. I understood that one man, the week be- 
 fore I got there, followed his daugliter to the meeting, 
 and pulled her out of the house. But at this time, ho 
 came on foot five miles to the meeting, and let his 
 children come with him. The evening appeared to 
 be a comfortable season. After meeting was done, I 
 told the people I did not expect to meet with them 
 again. And I wished all who meant to seek the Lord 
 and wished me to pray for them, to make it manifest 
 by shaking hands with me. And I judged there were 
 about an hundred, who entered into covenant to seek 
 the Lord. And one young man, who a few days be- 
 froe, arose in meeting, shut his fist, and swore he 
 would knock down a man who stood exhorting, now 
 ceme forward, and entered into this covenant. Next 
 day I went back to brother Saddler's ; and in the 
 evening, attended a meeting in his neighborhood. 
 There nas a large company of people, but nothing 
 special took place. The next day, I felt an impres- 
 sion to meet with the quakers, (there being a society
 
 48 LIFE OF JOHN COLBI. 
 
 of that persuasion in tiie place, and it being what they 
 call their fifth day meeting.) But previous to this, I 
 had been twice to see their head man, who would give 
 no liberty to speak to them. However, the impres- 
 sion on my mind was such, that I went. After sitting 
 about an hour, trembling at the cross, I arose and 
 spake in a calm manner to them, about five or six min- 
 utes. When one of them arose and told me to sit 
 down. He said I had broke their order and ihey 
 would not hear me. I told him I did not come in as 
 a spy, but that the Lord had sent me ; and charged 
 him, upon his peril, to adhere to what I had said. I 
 then sat down, and waited till the time of their shaking 
 hands, and then went out. The next day I heard 
 they blamed the man who opposed me, and were ve- 
 ry much grieved at his conduct. My prayer was. 
 Lord, lay not this sin to his charge. Friday evening, 
 I preached at a tavern, where the people had been ve- 
 ry much opposed to religion. The next day I visit- 
 ed several families, among whom were several sick. 
 Sabbath day I made a second attempt to speak to the 
 quakers. I went to their meeting, and sat with them 
 in silence, till they arose to shake hands. I then arose 
 and told them that I had a few words to observe, if 
 there was liberty; and that if they had any objection, 
 to make it manifest; if not, I should take their silence 
 for consent. There was not a word said, but the peo- 
 ple immediately left the house, almost all of them. I 
 then walked towards the door, and began to speak. — 
 About half the people gathered in again ; I delivered 
 my message to them, and left the house. O that God 
 would have mercy on those poor formal quakers, and 
 convert their souls, that they may no longer oppose 
 the work of God. That evening, I went down about 
 four miles and preached at brother Wields. There 
 was a large collection of people, and some came from 
 a great distance. There was a general attention, and 
 many were powerfully convicted. I then appointed
 
 LJFE OF JOHN COLBY. 49 
 
 another nieetins; the next day, nt the same place, at 
 one o'clock P. M. The people gathered, and I preach- 
 ed my farewell to them; for 1 did not expect to see 
 them a2;ain. We had a powerful time through the 
 meeting, which, being done, the people seemed un- 
 willing to go away. A quaker woman, who had heen 
 very zealous of their persuasion, came to me and held 
 me by the hand near a quarter of an hour, and wept 
 wonderfully. Her husband also bade me farewell ; 
 and led along his children, one by one, to have me 
 talk with them. There was a number of quakers at 
 the meeting, particularly young people. It was e- 
 nough to melt the hardest heart, to see them cry, and 
 hear tljen take on, when I left them. This was the 
 Lord's doing, and it was marvellous in our eyes. I 
 could not leave the place until after sunset. I then 
 had to ride six or eight miles, to an evening meeting. 
 When I got there the people had been gathered some 
 time. I fell under trial, and did not know that I could 
 say a word. But as I stood by the fire, warming my- 
 sell", there was a woman, sitting close by me, having 
 a Intle child in her arms. 1 put my hand on the 
 child's head, and said, *' Verily I say unto you, ex- 
 cept ye be converted and become as little children, 
 ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." — 
 Matt, xviii: 3. I went on and spake from those words 
 and had great liberty. The Lord sent the word home 
 to the people's hearts. I found the parents of the 
 child somewhat alarmed. The- next morning I went 
 to see them; I began to talk with the man. He seem- 
 ed at first somewhat light and vain; but the Lord took 
 him in hand. I conversed with him some time; I like- 
 wise conversed with his wife. I then kneeled down 
 and prayed. They both kneeled with me, and like- 
 wise the man's brother, who was present^ and by pro- 
 fession a quaker. While I was praying, the quaker 
 cried for mercy, and the Lord converted his soul. I 
 prayed several times^ and then rose up. The man 
 5
 
 50 LIFE OF JOIIX COLBT. 
 
 who was converted, told me a little of his experience. 
 He said, a tew nights before, he dreamed he was very 
 sick, and iiad but ten days to live. At length he sent 
 tor a doctor, who, when he came, told him he must 
 die. But afterwards told him, he thought he would 
 get well. The man then told me, that he was to hear 
 me the night before; and said, when 1 came in, he 
 thought I looked like the very man whom he called 
 the doctor, 
 
 '1 he next night, I preached in Frankling, in Hun- 
 tingdon county; and there appeared to be a general 
 moving on the minds of the people. I stayed that 
 night, with the man before msntioned, with whom I 
 had talked and prayed. Late in the evening, I heard 
 him praying to (.rod for mercy. And in a few days 
 after both he and his wife were converted and joined 
 the church. 
 
 The next day, I went to see a very aged man, who 
 was sick, professing great piety, and had abundance 
 of head knowledge. But it appeared to me, that he 
 lacked heart-holiness. An awful sense rested on my 
 mind, while I considered that the old man was making 
 rapid progress into eternity, and I feared he was de- 
 ceiving himself. I retired in secret, and prayed to 
 God, that if the old man was honest hearted and fit 
 to die, that I might feel easy about him ; but if not, 
 that I might feel an awful sense of his situation. After 
 thus praying, I went in, and felt aw.^'tilly, sure enough. 
 I had such a sense of his situation, as viewing him a 
 deceived man that I could scarcely stand. 1 told him 
 what I had done, and talked very plain to him. I 
 then kneeled down and prayed ; he appeared to be 
 much affected, and wept. Sol left him. 
 
 In the evening, I attended a meeting three or four 
 miles from that, at brother Tiptin's. It was a power- 
 ful time, and many fell to the floor. Next day, at- 
 tended a meeting about two miles from that at one 
 Johnson's. The day following I visited several fam
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 51 
 
 Hies. Saturday night, I preached at Huntingdon-fur- 
 nace. Sabbath day I preached at a Methodist meet- 
 ing house in Warrier-Mark, where I met a larsje col- 
 lection of people. And through the grace of God we 
 had a universal refreshing. After meeting, I went to 
 Half-moon, (Ciuaker-vailey;) which was about eight 
 or ten miles; and attended a meeting that evening. — 
 The house was crowded in such a manner as I never 
 saw before. The people had mostly to stand up; — 
 yet they were very attentive; and I believe that good 
 was done in the name of the holy child Jesus. Mon- 
 day, I returned back, and the evening attended a meet- 
 ing at a widow Lewis's, which, 1 trust, was not alto- 
 gether in vain. Tuesday, I left the place and took a 
 journey about forty or fifty miles, to a place where 
 they had no preaclilng. Richard Saddler, of War- 
 rier-Mark, an exhorter, went with me. We crossed 
 the Bald-Eagle mountain, and from thence the Alleg- 
 hany; went over into Philipsburgh, and held a meet- 
 ing which appeared to be profitable. We then lelt 
 an appointment, to attend when we returned. Next 
 morning, we proceeded to attend a meeting, which 
 we had appointed at ten o'clock. This meeting a!s > 
 appeared to be profitable. We then rode about tea 
 or fifteen miles, and put up at Mr Little's. Xext day, 
 Feb. 1st, we held a meetmg at the same house, in the 
 town of Chinclemoos, (Clearfield county.) It was a 
 noted place for drunkenness, and other wickedness. — 
 But the people appeared to be very solemn, and many 
 of them were ready to inquire, " What shall 1 do to 
 be saved ?" 
 
 Feb 2d, went out to Susquehannah West Branch, 
 and held a meeting in a school-house; there was a 
 large collection of people, and we had a solemn time. 
 Many were struck under powerful conviction, and said 
 they were determined to live a new life. 
 
 Pebruaiy 3d, we went a few miles down the river, 
 and held a meeting at William Bloom's. This was a
 
 52 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 pi'nfitable nipcting. Many saw themselves as tlicy 
 nevi^r tlid before. 
 
 HHljlinili (lay, we went down ilic river a nuniher of 
 miles lurllier, and held a meeting at a place calK^d 
 Old Town. '1 here was a large concourse of people 
 met; and glory be given to the only wise Cod, who 
 inhabitetli eternity, for the solemnity and conviction 
 which rested on the minds of the peoole, who had be- 
 fore been so inuch given to wickethicss; but wiio now, 
 almost all of the assernl>ly, came forward, and enter- 
 ed into a covenant to serve the Lord. God help them 
 to keep their covenant. 
 
 The next day, after having visited several families, 
 we went back up the river; and at two o'clock, at- 
 tended another meeting, \vhich I think was a profitable 
 time. 'J'he next morning we left Chinclemoos, set 
 out for Clearfield, and we had a hard time to get there. 
 For we had to go all ilie way through the woods, 
 where there was no road. It was t4iought that we 
 should get lost, as others had been, in attemptinff to 
 go through. But by the mercy of Cod we found the 
 wwy, and got into C learfield settlement a little before 
 dark. And beirig filled with a sense of the goodness 
 of Cod, in directing us through the dangerous way, 
 we praised liis blessed name. The next day we at- 
 tended a meeting with the Presbyterians in that place, 
 which I think was not altogether in vain. Next morn- 
 ing, we left ( learfield, and went on to our appoint- 
 ment at Fhilipsburgh. 'J he people had collected from 
 all quarters; some cnmefrom C hinclemoos, which was 
 near twenty miles distant. T his was the place where 
 we held our first meetin<T when we went out ; and 
 here ended our circuit, in which we had many good 
 seasons. Four or five we judged were converted, and 
 a great number appeared to be powerfully convicted. 
 1 his was also the Lord's doing, and marvellous in our 
 eyes. 
 
 Next morning, we sat off for Warrier-Mark, and
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 53 
 
 crossed back over ihn Alleghany mountain into Caltl 
 EagL' valley. The people collected and we had a 
 powerful meeting in that place. VVe th/n cios&ed 
 Bald Eagle mountam, and got to brother h'addltr's a 
 little after dark, '^i he next njnrnuig, i was so uiiuell, 
 that I couM scarcely sit up, and seemed to be threat- 
 ened with a lever. I had laken a violent c( Id two 
 weeks before, and my bodily strength seemed U> be 
 declining every day. And still to add to my iifflic- 
 tion, the enemies of the cross of Christ, (ui my ab- 
 sence) had raised an awful and scandalous report about 
 me, too bad to relate. '1 his l)rouiiht fresh to my 
 mind, what my friends said to me before I lefi l.ome. 
 They asked me, what I would do, in a distant la iil,if 
 bad stories should be raised about me, while having no 
 friends to support my character 1 remembertci liiat 
 that I told them that I would trust in God. 1 ihi re- 
 fore resolved to rely on him; believing he vvould 
 plead his own cause, and the cause of them that plead 
 it. Through great infirmity of body and mind,^ went 
 that night to fiuntingdon Furnace, and attended a meet- 
 ing about five miles from brother ^-laddler's. A Ii eih- 
 odist brother preached, who had lately come to the 
 place; and on account of two or three persons who 
 had passed through the circuit, whoiii he judged lo be 
 imposters, be seemed to be shy of me; and was not 
 willing that I should unite with hmi in worship. ( n 
 this account we had a dull meeiing. The next day, 
 being sabbath, a large number oi" peo|)le assemble I; 
 and many of the brethren conversed with the preach- 
 er on account of his opposing me. They told him 
 he was wrong, as they were sure the Lord was wiih 
 me. Brother Saddler (who had been with m^ at 
 Chlnclemoos, and was as good a man as they had in 
 society,) told him if he preached that day, he did not 
 think the Lord would be with him. However he 
 went on, and we had a dark time; many of the iireih- 
 ren were much dissatisfied atid finally he gave the 
 *5
 
 54 LIFE OF JOHN COLBV. 
 
 matter up, concliuling he wns wrong. It may not be 
 amiss here to mention a similar case, \vliicli lKi|ii)enecl 
 about two weeks before, as it may learn people to look 
 ere they leap; and to be kind to strangers. I met 
 with a iMeihodist preacfjer, who examined me very 
 closely, talked very hard to me, and told me he tho't 
 I should have made more converts, to have abode in 
 my own country, &c. I told him I thanked Cod the 
 (Jay was coming, when all things would be brought to 
 light; and then it would be known what I came there 
 for. We attended a meeting together, and he tried to 
 preach; but was plainly convinced that the Lord did 
 uot assist him therein. He was much surprised, and 
 acknowledged his fault; after which we had good sea- 
 sons together. 
 
 Sabbiith after meeting, I went to Half-Moon, Cen- 
 tre county, Quaker \ alley, to attend an a[)p()intment 
 I had there. And notwithstanding the scandalous 
 story the wicked had made, 1 found the Lord had 
 cleared the way for me. The people came in multi- 
 tudes to hear the words, some as much as ten miles. 
 I spake to them and the Loid sent home the word 
 with power to their hearts. Monday and Tuesday I 
 spent among the Quakers. Tuesday night, I stayed 
 with a brotlier Welds. In the evening, a number of 
 young people, mostly Quakers, came in. I talked 
 with them some time and then prayed ; and immedi- 
 ately the young people began to pray, and cry for 
 mercy. The exercise continued about an hoiu'. In 
 the midst of it, I felt an impression that there were 
 people around the house who had come to oppose. — 
 Although I had no outward knowledge of their being 
 there, yet I was so stroagly impressed, that I prayed 
 to God to have mercy on them, and confound tliem, 
 with as much faith, as if the fact had been established 
 at the mouth of two or three witnesses. We arose, 
 and at the same time, a man and a woman came in, 
 who were parents to two of those young Quakers. —
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 55 
 
 The man immediately ordered his children home. A 
 very striking hymn instantly occurred to my mind, 
 and 1 began to sing. The poor creatures stood con- 
 founded sure enough. And although the devil tiied 
 with all his art to interrupt us. yet he could not pros- 
 ecute his design. Four of the company were hope- 
 fully converted. Glory to God ! who can work, and 
 none can hinder him. 
 
 I was afterwards informed, that the man and woman 
 had been listening at the door for some time. Ihe 
 woman herself told me that she held the door, to keep 
 her husband from breaking in ; and that he told her, 
 if she did not let him in, he would take up a log of 
 wood and smash through the door. I am astonished, 
 I am tilled with wonder, while I reflect on such con- 
 duct ! O that God would have mercy on all uncon- 
 verted parents, who oppose religion in their children. 
 I believe tlie awful consequence of such opposition 
 will never be fully known, till the final judgement ; 
 which will then be, to the astonishment of men and 
 angels. 
 
 Feb. 15th, I went to the Quakers' meeting., (which 
 was again their fifth day meeting.) But it was a 
 gloomy time to me, knowing that there was no liber- 
 ty in the meeting for me to sjieak. The next day at 
 evening, I attended meeting at a widow Lewis's ; 
 and it appeared that the Lord continued to revive his 
 work. One poor wicked man was struck with the 
 power of God, that he had even like to have fallen ; 
 but made his way out of the house. Sabbath day, I 
 attended meeting at Warrier-Mark. A Methodist 
 brother preached, and we had a good time. One in- 
 stance happened here which I must not omit to re- 
 late. A Quaker girl, that is, one of those who was 
 converted on the 'J'uesday night before, being very 
 desirous of going to this meeting, asked consent of 
 her parents, but they forbade her going. JVeverthe- 
 less, being so desirous, she resolved to take her life in
 
 56 LIFE OF JOHN COLBT. 
 
 her hand and go. Accordingly she stole away, hav- 
 ing twelve or fifteen miles to travel. And expecting 
 her mother would lollow her, she left the road and 
 took the woods, lest she should be overtaken. She 
 however got to the meeting But before it was done 
 her mother came after her sure enough ; and the poor 
 girl in a flood of tears, had to leave the house and re- 
 turn home. 
 
 Sabbath day evening, I attended a meeting in the 
 neighborhood near the meeting-house ; many, I be- 
 lieve, experienced the joys of tlje upper world. 
 
 Tuesday, I went back through Half-moon ; and in 
 the evening, attended meeting at brother Gray's. It 
 appeared that the work of the Lord was reviving 
 througlic'ut the valley. But the devil roared at a 
 dreadiul rate ; and I never saw his servants more bu- 
 sy than they were in that place. 1 left anotbe-.r ap- 
 pointment tiiere; and next day returned to lluntmgdon- 
 Furnace ; attended one meeting, and had reason to be- 
 lieve, that some good was done in that place. The 
 next day I went from house to house ; talked with 
 the people, and the Lord powerfully assisted me. I 
 also went to the Furnace, and spake to some there. 
 
 Feb. 24, I went on to brother Gray's, and attend- 
 ed the meeting belore appointed. 1 told tbe fieople 
 I expected to leave the place on the next Monday or 
 Tuesday ; and accordingly took my farewell of them. 
 It was truly a powerful time through the whole meet- 
 ing. It was a weeping, mourning season. "Blessed 
 are they that mourn now, for ihey shall be comforted." 
 
 The tirst day 1 travelled seven miles across the 
 barrens, and attended a meeting at Brother Batman's 
 where there was a great gathering of people; whose 
 religion appeared to consist mostly in revelling and 
 mirth. -One striking proof of this, I will just men- 
 tion. A w(.man, belonging to the church, being ta- 
 ken sick, thought she must die ; and promised the 
 Lord il he would spare her, she would reform, and
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 57 
 
 go no more to the ball room. Whereupon the Lord 
 raised her to heaUh ; and she appeared to be sober 
 minded. But her husband was displeased ; who, 
 will) the assistance of one of his brothers, compelled 
 her to go to a frolic. Ihe consequence was, she was 
 immediately sunk into despair, and in a few days died. 
 The man from whom I received my information, told 
 me he saw her ; and that her very countenance was 
 terrifying in her expiring moments. She cursed her 
 husband and brother, who forced lier to the ball. The 
 college-learned priest came to hear me, and was 
 much displeased with me, because I said that Jesus 
 Christ, by the grace of God, tasted death for every 
 man. However, the power of the Lord seemed to 
 fall on the people ; and crying and groaning were 
 heard through ail the house. I understood that some 
 men were so ofiposed to the work; that they wished 
 to take away their wives; bul the house being crowd- 
 ed, they could not succeed. May the Lord have 
 mercy on blind people, who will not believe that they 
 are in danger, till judgement shall bring it to light. 
 
 Sabbath day night, 1 went back to Warrier Mark, 
 and attended a meeting there for the last time. It 
 was six weeks from the time I first came to Half- 
 Moon, till I finished my labors in that place. I saw 
 a glorious revival of the work of the Lord ; a dozen 
 or fifteen hopefully converted, and perhaps, four times 
 that number under j)ower(ul conviction. O the good- 
 ness of God! W ho would not serve him? 1 felt 
 that the Lord was reviving his work in my soul. I 
 never had felt such constant joy in my mind before. 
 I had often felt in my happiest moments, something 
 that I was sensible must be done away ; for I did 
 believe that without holiness, no man could see the 
 Lord in peace. About six weeks before, as I was 
 meditating on the Scripture and the privileges of 
 God's people, I was made sensible that I needed 
 something more done in me, to qualify me for a seat
 
 58 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 at Cod's right hand. And began to pray for myself, 
 as Paul [)rayed for his brethren. 1 Thess. v. 23 ; 
 viz. that the very God of Peace, would sanctify me 
 ivholiy ; and that my whole spirit and soul and body, 
 might be preserved blameless, unto the coming of 
 our Lord Jesus Christ. My faith began to increase ; 
 and many times, while I was in prayer, I felt the 
 power of God, like a tremor through my whole soul 
 and body. My faith grew stronger in God, that if I 
 continued to go on, 1 sliould yet enjoy that degree of 
 christian perfection, which is the privilege of (iod's 
 people to enjoy. I therefore resolved to be more 
 faithful, both to God and men. 
 
 l''ob. 27, I felt that my work was done in that place; 
 and felt that I should be clean from the blood of the 
 people, if 1 saw them no more till the last judgement. 
 And though the circumstance of prevailing sickness 
 in the western country made the way look gloomy ; 
 many speaking discouraging about my eoing on fur- 
 ther ; these things, with tlie thoughts of leaving breth- 
 ren with whom 1 had been so happily united, proved 
 somewhat trying. Yet feeling that I had no contiuu- 
 ing city here ; no abiding home, but must journey on, 
 I left VVarrier Mark, on Tuesday morning, setting off 
 from brother Western's, where a large number of 
 brethren and sisters had met to bid me farewell ! 'J'he 
 trial we had in parting was inexpressible ; but the 
 thoughts of a glorious resurrection, and the hopes of 
 meeting in eternal glory, to part no more, seevned to 
 revive my drooping spirit. Bidding them an aflec- 
 tionate fu-ewell, 1 went on, and crossed the little Ju- 
 niatta, three times ; though with some diffuulty on 
 account of the height of the water. I travelled into 
 the Alleghany township, and lodged at a private house 
 on the Alleghany mountain. The family were by j)ro- 
 fession Roman Catholicks ; and not being acquainted 
 with their manner of worship, I was struck wiih some
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBT. 59 
 
 astonishment while they attended to say their prayers, 
 as they termed it. 
 
 March 1st, and 26, 1 travelled over the Alleghany, 
 passing through Chensburgh, Bulah, and Blacklick, 
 Indiana county. And being strongly invited by a 
 melhodist preacher, 1 concluded to tarry in that place 
 over the Sabbath, March 24, being Sabbath, I at- 
 tended a meeting at eleven o'clock A. M.at a brother 
 Ginning's in the township of Blacklick, in the Forks ; 
 and at three o'clock, P. M. attended another meet- 
 ing on the opposite of Blacklick creek at Brother 
 Dixion's. After the appointment was made, I was 
 informed that some of the family were sick with the 
 small pox. At first, I was at a loss what to do about 
 fulfilling the appointment, as I had never had the dis- 
 order. But on a second consideration, I concluded 
 that God, in whose service I was employed, was able 
 to deliver me from the most imminent danger. And, 
 though it looked like presumption to go to the place, 
 considering myself a stranger, and in a strange land, 
 hundreds of miles from all my natural friends ; yet I 
 concluded to go and leave the event with God. I 
 accordingly went, believing it was the will of God ; 
 and it proved a remarkable, solemn, awakening time. 
 And I doubt not but some will have cause to rejoice 
 in eternity, that they ever saw that day. 
 
 The succeeding week, (leaving the main road to 
 Pittsburgh,) I steered a southerly direction ; crossed 
 the Canawaw River, the Loyal Hannah, and passed 
 Unity township, Mount Pleasant, and Conallsville. I 
 then crossed the Yougholagania, and steered for Pitts- 
 burgh. I passed through Dunbar, Cook's-Town, &c.; 
 then crossed the Monongahela river, and went 
 through Fallowfield, Washington county, and Will- 
 iamsport, to Peter's-Creek ; at which place I preach- 
 ed on the Sabbath, it being the 1 1th of March. March 
 12, I went to Pittsburgh ; and on the 13th day, at 
 evening, I preached in the Court House. The bell
 
 CO LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 was rung to notify the town of public worship. I al- 
 so attended several other meetings in the place ; the 
 fruit of which, I hope, will appear, though it did not 
 till after many days. 
 
 March IGili, a fire broke out in Woodstreet, which 
 consumed four or five houses ; and several people 
 made a narrow escape from the flames. One, I was 
 informed, was forced to leap from a window in the sec- 
 ond story, and thus his life was saved. While view- 
 ing a cotton factory, a glass furnace, and gristmills, 
 that went by the steam of boiling water, it brought 
 to my mind a saying of Solomon, Eccl. vii. 29, "Lo, 
 this only hath 1 found that God had made man up- 
 right ; but they have sought out many inventions." 
 And that of Christ, Luke xvi. 8; "For the children 
 of this world are in their generation wiser than the 
 children of light." 
 
 After having stayed at Pittsburgh about nine days, 
 the principal part of the time with brother Encell, 1 
 left the town on the twenty-first of March, and went 
 on to J3ig-beaver, and from thence to Little-beaver, 
 where I crossed the line into the state of Ohio. From 
 thence to Yellow Creek, Jefferson county ; and pass- 
 ing through Steubensvilleand Warren, 1 came toCol- 
 erain, where I attended a meeting on the Sabbath, the 
 25ihof March, at 10 o'clock, A.M.; and at 2 o'- 
 clock P- M. the same day, I attended a meeting in St. 
 Clearsville, at Deacon Berry's, Belmont county. 
 
 March 26, I went on through Newel I's-Town to 
 Herkwood's Township, and attended a meeting in the 
 evening at a widow Gassaway's. A number came out 
 at a short notice ; but no visible movement appeared 
 to take place in the meeting ; and 1 must say, to my 
 grief, that pure religion appeared at that time to be at 
 at a very low ebb in that place. 
 
 I then passed on through Frankfort and Washing- 
 ton to Cambridge, Guernsey county, and stayed at 
 brother Beatty's; but it so happened, that 1 could
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 61 
 
 have no meeting. I tlien went to Zanesville, wliicli 
 was the seat of government, and expected to have 
 held a meeting at the State-house and had partly made 
 an appointment. Rut heing informed that all the in- 
 habitants were innoculated with the small pox ; and 
 also, that every family on tiie other side of the Mus- 
 kingum, in Springfield, were sick of the same disor- 
 der, I was advised not to stop. I then crossed the 
 Muskirignm river, and passed through Springfield and 
 Richland, Faiifield county, and thence through New- 
 Lancaster; and so on to Sciota river, and crossed it 
 with considerable danger; the water being deep, and 
 the stream swii't. I then passed tlirough ChiHicothe, 
 Koss counly, ar.d thence into Union. April 1st, Sab- 
 bath day, I attended a meeting at brother Parish's. — 
 The assembly consisted of peoj^le of various denom- 
 inations; yet there appeared to be a general concern 
 on the minds of the whole. At the close of the 
 meeting the people insisted on my making another ap- 
 pointment; which I gave out to be on the next Tues- 
 day. A number of people came and attended the 
 meeting with great solemnity; and I had reason to be- 
 lieve, that the covenant which the people entered into 
 the first meeting;, terminated in something good and 
 glorious. Several came forward at the time I left 
 them, and wished me to remember them at the throne 
 of grace. 'I'hey appeared to be under deep convic- 
 tion, and all their desire was to find a pardon for their 
 sins, and to feel the love of God. I then went to 
 ChiHicothe, and attended a meeting that evening in 
 the Methodist meeting-house. A considerable num- 
 ber came out, and among the rest, six or eight Methodist 
 preachers. 
 
 April 4th, I left the town, and went on througli 
 Clinton county, &c ; and crossing the i^ittle Miami, 
 I went to Lebanon, in Hamilton county. 
 
 April 6lh, I attended a meeting at a school house, 
 in Lebanon, where brother Farris, baptist preacher 
 6
 
 G2 LIFE OF JOHN COLEY. 
 
 was employed in teaching school. April 7ih, I spake 
 10 a number of people at the same house, it being 
 their church meeting. There was a baptist church in 
 the phice, a number of inetl)odists, and a few presby- 
 terians. Jiut they all seemed to be in a low state of 
 health in spiritual view, 
 
 April 8ih, being Sabbath day, I was invited by 
 brother Farris, to go to a place called Muddy-Creek, 
 10 miles from Lebanon, where he had an ap[)oint- 
 mcnt. 1 went, but it being a very rainy day, there 
 Mas no one attended. I then went to Cincinnati, tlie 
 capital ol the state of Ohio, which is situated on the 
 bank of the Ohio River, Lat. 39, 7 m. north, and 
 long. 84, 15 m. west. Cincinnati is a flourishing 
 town, considering its age. It was then not 20 years 
 old and contained 500 dwelling houses. The pres- 
 byterians had a house for public worship, and a set- 
 tled preacher. The method ists are a large society in 
 the town, and have an elegant stone meeting house. 
 They have several local preachers there. I heard 
 one of them preach a funeral sermon, on Tuesday, 
 the lOtli of April. The brethren made an appoint- 
 ment for me in the evening, at the methodist meeting 
 house, which 1 attended. 
 
 April 12th, I left the town and went to Springfield, 
 eight or nine miles distant. On my way 1 was taken 
 witli a kind of fever fit, and faintness, to such a de- 
 gree as I had never felt before. However, I reached 
 the house I sat out for, viz. brother Smith's, (a man 
 from Vermont.) I then took my bed. The next day, 
 at evening, 1 had a meeting appointed at the same 
 house. But I still continued so unwell, that I thought 
 I could not fulfil the appointment. But. towards night, 
 to my great joy, Elder Jeren)iah Ballard, (formerly 
 irom Aew-Hampshire,) came in. I then hoped he 
 would preach, but he being unwell, took his bed too. 
 The people gathered, and seemed to be very desirous 
 to hear preaching. I therefore rose from my bed, but
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 63 
 
 could hardly stand or speak. After I began to talk, 
 however, I began (o revive; and the Lord set home 
 the word with power. Tiie next day, April 14th, I 
 got better, and rode ten miles to a Quarterly meeiinjr 
 holden by the Christian Society on the west bank of 
 the Miami. I attended meeting with them on Satur- 
 day and Saturday evening. Sabbath day morning, a 
 large congregation assembled in a grove. And being 
 desired I preached to them in the forenoon, and El- 
 der Ballard in the atternoon. A number of convicted 
 persons came forward to be prayed for. In the eve- 
 ning we attended a meeting on the east side of the 
 Miami. 
 
 April 16, T crossed the White Water, and went 
 down into the Indiana Territory, which lies southwest 
 of the State of Ohio. Here 1 attended a meeting at 
 brother Miller's. In the evening, I attended another 
 meeting, about two miles distant Irom the place just 
 mentioned. 
 
 April IT, T went up the Miami 10 miles, and at- 
 tended a meeting at Mr Wilson's; we had a precious 
 time. All the assembly, but four or five, joined in 
 covenant to seek the Lord; and they appeared to be 
 hearty in it. One poor old man told me, that he had 
 not had such a good meeting for eighteen years. — 
 April 18th, I went back to Springfield, and atti&nded 
 a meeting at brother Smith's, which I think vvill nev- 
 er be forgotten. Leaving Springfieldj I went through 
 Hamilton, to Lemon; and in the evening attended a 
 meeting at brother Doty's. The next day, I went 
 through Middletown and Franklin, to Daton, and put 
 up at Col. Patterson's; where the christian brethren 
 were sitting in conference. Their meeting began on 
 Thursday. On Saturday, they hud an appointment 
 for preaching. But inasmuch as the preachers did not 
 bring their business to a close, in proper season to at- 
 tend public worship; they requested me to repair to 
 the stand in the grove and speak to the people. I ac-
 
 64 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 cordingly did; and in llie evening, I attended mec-ting 
 with iheni ;it brotlier J'aiteison's; we had a liapj)/ 
 lime. kT^abbath day morning, five or six were bap- 
 tized in t!)e l^ig Miami. 'J be people ilien repaired to 
 the grove; a sermon was deliveicd by Mr Thompson 
 lo a very large assembly, liie brethren then sat for 
 communion. I judged there were about two hundred 
 communicants. 
 
 'i'hese people, wh.o call themselves Chri-itians, 
 though by others called JS7iv L<ghls, appear to be the 
 most engaged in religion of any denomination in that 
 l:-tate. 'ibeir number i do not know. The metho- 
 dists, at that time were the most numerous Accord- 
 ing to their minutes, their number was about 5,000 ; 
 and between two and three thousand in the baptist 
 connexion. Besides these, lliere are in the State oth- 
 er denominations, viz. Presbyterians, Congregational- 
 ists, Covenanters, Episcopalians, Moravians, I uiher- 
 Jins, Quakers, ►^bakers, J)unkards, Universalians,IIop- 
 kinsians, &'ocinians; j-nd perhaps maiiymore. 
 
 Rabbatli day, after meeting, I went four or five 
 miles, and attended a meeting with a number of peo- 
 ple. We had a profitable season. The next day, I 
 returned and i)reached at the stand, in the grove be- 
 fore mentioned. 
 
 April 2^th, I left brother Patterson's, under some 
 peculiar trials; passed through Daton village; and from 
 thence went to V'ellow Spring, in (ireene county. — 
 'J'he water of this spring is suj)posed to be useful in 
 ahnost all disorders. People came fiom various parts 
 of Kentuc-ky and \'irginia ; and in many cases were 
 benefitted by the use of it. A.s 1 had been unwell, I 
 thought it might be of use to me. I tiierefore show- 
 ered myself and drank some of the water. That which 
 I diank, had a cathartic operation, 'i'his water comes 
 out of a ledge, at the bottom of a hill, beside a small 
 creek; and pours out with great force. It tastes very 
 different from common water. Vrherever it runs, it
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 66 
 
 leaves a yellow substance; and indeed all the bank be- 
 low the spring, appears to be of a yellow hue. 
 
 April 25th, I went to a little village called Spring- 
 field, about ten miles from the Spring, and attended a 
 meeting in the evening. The next day I went toLn- 
 ion Township, Campaign county, and put up with a 
 brother Currey a baptist minister. I found brother 
 Currey and his family in great trouble on account of 
 the death of one of his daugliteis, who had been mur- 
 dered a few days before. Next morning I was taken 
 with a violent sickness at my stomacli, and remained 
 unwell through the day. But I so far recovered my 
 strength^ as to preach at brother Goodrich's. The 
 next morning, this brother, and a brother Thomas, 
 (both baptist preachers) started with me, they having 
 several meetings on the road which I proposed to trav- 
 el. We went first to Middletown, and attended a 
 meeting on Saturday afternoon, at brother Bradley's. 
 After meeting, we travelled about eight miles to Jefi- 
 erson, in Madison county, and in the evening, held a 
 meeting at brother Harris', on the Big Derby Creek. 
 The next day b'^ing Sabbath, we attended a meeting 
 in the same neighborhood. A goodly number of peo- 
 ple attended, and paid serious attention. I spake from 
 2 Pet. i: 19. 1 found a number of pilgrims, though 
 there was no church embodied. They had no preach- 
 ing, except what they tiad from travelling preachers. 
 The next day, I went up the creek about five miles, 
 and attended a meeting at brother Taylor's in Derby 
 Township. I spake from Luke xx: IS. I had great 
 liberty in speakmg, and the presence of the 1 o; d was 
 sensibly felt by the greater pari of the congregation. 
 .Saints were comforted; sinners trembled; and back- 
 sliders resolved to arise and go to their Father's 
 house; where, doubtless, they found bread enough and 
 to spare. 
 
 May 1st, T proposed to leave the place. But being 
 disappointed o( getting my horse shod I was obliged 
 
 6.
 
 6fi LIFE OF JOHN COLEY. 
 
 >- . . 
 
 to tarry until the next dny. ^And I believe it was for 
 the best; lor the people were extremely anxious to 
 hear the word ))reached. 1 therefore gave out an ap- 
 pointment; and although ilie notice was short, a good 
 many attended, and we had a comfortable season. I 
 had reason to believe that one young woman was 
 converted; and several lukewarm professors appeared 
 to be resolved to repent and do their first work. 
 
 Way 2d, I left ])erby, and wont on. I crossed the 
 Sciota, about fifty miles above Yanesville, (the -place 
 where I crossed when I went down.) I then crossed 
 tlie Whetstone Creek, a large branch of the Sciota^ 
 and went to Woithington, Franklin county. At this 
 place, I met with Mr Kilboin-ne, an episcopalian 
 ])reacher. Here also was a church, constituted in that 
 order. But 1 thought or at least feared, they were 
 too much like the church in tSardis, mentioned in I\ev. 
 iii: ]. The next day I went to Ikickshire, Delaware 
 county. In the evening,! preached at Esq Crown's; 
 and after meeting, a gentleman who did not belong to 
 any religious society, invited me to go home with him; 
 and said, if 1 would stop in the place a montt), his 
 house should be my hofue. But 1 could not acce[)t 
 his kind offer. The next day, I went onward through 
 the \voods, to Fredricktovi^n, where 1 preached in the 
 evening at Esq. Ayer's It was rather a dull time. — 
 The day following, I went to visit a sick woman, who 
 lived in the neighborhood, whose husband was an 
 Universalian. Slie told me, after he came from nieet- 
 ing, that he said, he had not heard so good a sermon, 
 since he lived in the country, lliis 1 do not speak 
 boastingly; but it somewhat surprised me, when I 
 considered that [ had spoken so pointedly against liis 
 favourite doctrine. 
 
 The next day being S'abbath, I api)ointed a meet- 
 ing at Fredrick-Town, at two o'clock, P. M. and rode 
 about four miles to jittend a meetii^g in (he forenoon, 
 at brother Lewis's. Ai.fter I had done speakuig, a
 
 LIKE OF JOHN COLBT. 67 
 
 Calvin Baptist opposed me very sharply, because I 
 called on sinners to repent. The people seemed 
 ranch displeased with the old man for his conduct 
 towards me ; and many of ihem left his meeting in 
 the afternoon, and followed me to Fredrick-Town. I 
 there met a large assembly of people, who appeared 
 extremely solemn, and many of them deeply affec- 
 ted. My intention was, to leave the place the next 
 day ; but the people insisted on my staying longer ; 
 and were very anxious to have me settle with them. 
 Monday and Tuesday I spent in visiting the p^^ople 
 from house to house ; I believe 1 went to every house 
 in the town. Tuesday evening, I preached at Mr 
 Colver's, a little out o( town. Wednesday, at four 
 o'clock, P. M. I appointed to preach to the young 
 people. V/ednesday morning, I arose early, and 
 w^ent to Owl Creek, about ten milei ; and at eight 
 o'clock, A. M. preached at brother Leonard's. At 
 eleven o'clock, A. M. preached at Mr Vernon's. I 
 then returned to Fredrick-Town ; and at two o'clock, 
 p. M. aitended a meeting where a methodisi bro'her 
 preached. At four o'clock, P. M. 1 fulfilled my ap- 
 pointment to the youtl). A large number of people 
 gathered, and greater solemnity I never saw on the 
 minds of a congregation. The young people seemed 
 deeply affected ; and ihe most of them ^aid, ihey were 
 resolved no longer to neglect the great salvation. I 
 had a hope that some of them experienced the par- 
 doning love of God. 
 
 May 10th, I left Fredrick-Town, and steered for 
 the wilderness. After travelling fifteen or twenty 
 miles, I came to Greenstown, an Indi-an settlement. 
 From thence, I travelled nine miles, and camo to Je- 
 rome, another Indian settlement. At this place, I 
 tarried all night. [ saw nothing to eat exceptuig that 
 one old squaw roasted two or three small potatoes, 
 and ate them for her supper. I tied my horse to a 
 tree. At bed-time, the Indians wrapped themselves
 
 G8 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 in tlipir blankets, and lay down on the ground. I 
 took my cliance amons tliem ; \vrnpy)ed me in my 
 great coat ; put my saddle-bngs for a pillow, and made 
 out very well. I'he guns, bows and arrows, toma- 
 hawks and knives, were plenty all round the wigwam ; 
 yet 1 rested securely. — Next morning, 1 started very 
 early, and expected to lie in the woods that night ; 
 it was about fifty miles through the wdderness. 1 
 travelled thirty-six miles, when ni^ht overtook me ; 
 and, to my unspeakable joy and surprise, I came to a 
 house, \There a family had, a few days before moved 
 in. Ihis was in the westerly part of what was call- 
 ed Connecticut Reserve ; or what is more commonly 
 called, New Connecticut, under the government of 
 the State of Ohio. The next day, I went onward, 
 and crossed the Chickogger and was passing through 
 Stow, in Portage county And ii struck my mind, 
 that I should soon hear of a funeral. I went on a 
 short distance, and overtook a wonian. I asked tier, 
 if she was going to a meeting? ^he answered, yes. 
 I then asked, if it was a funeral? — She said, yes. I 
 fell somewhat surprised at the fact notwithstanding I 
 had so lately predicted it from a sense of my own 
 feelinsrs. 1 then turned aside, and attended the fu- 
 neral. It was a woman, aged sixty-four ; and it was 
 thought that she had made a haj)py and gainful change. 
 The next day, being the Sabbath, I turned and atten- 
 ded a meeting m the same neighborhood, at ih^ house 
 of a Mr Butler, at 10 o'clock, A. M. 1 sp;.ke from 
 ]Mati. xxiv. 44. After meeting, I rode 15 miles lo 
 Reverma, to attend a meeting. But there was a mis- 
 under'^tanding respecting the a|)pointmcnt, and of 
 course there was no gathering in that place. 
 
 May 14ih, 1 went to Warren. I found a baptist 
 church in the place ; but at that time, they did not 
 appear to have much light in their dwellings 
 
 May 15ih, I went to lirookfield, Trumbull county,
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 69 
 
 nrid preached in the evening at Mr Jones's dwelling 
 house. 
 
 I was in tlie state of Ohio, nearly two months, and 
 for the most part, had good times. The people in 
 general, used me with great hospiiality, some few in- 
 stances excepted ; one only of which 1 will mention. 
 I travelled one morning till a late hour, and being 
 tired and faint, 1 called at a house, where a large fam- 
 ily of Methodists lived, and asked the man of the house, 
 if { could have my horse fed and breakfast with him. 
 He ansv.'ered, no. However, with much solicitation, 
 I prevailed on him to give my horse a little corn, 
 (for he had hundreds of bushels in his cribs.) I then 
 went into the house, and asked the w^oman if she 
 would please to get me some breakfast. She very 
 pointedly told me she would not. I then went out 
 to my horse, and "being very hungry, I concluded I 
 I would take a part with him. So I took a handful of 
 the corn and began to eat. After which, I took a 
 bock from my saddle bagSj and concluded I would 
 compose my mind ; believing that he who fed the ra- 
 vens, would take care of me. The woman presently 
 began lo feel ilie lashes of conscience, prepared me 
 breakfast, and came out and invited me in. I accep- 
 ted the invitation, and after I had eaten, I kneeled 
 down and prayed with the family. I then suBg a fare- 
 well hymn ; and while singing, I took my leave of 
 them, by giving each one my hand. When I took 
 hold of die woman's hand, her heart burst, and a flood 
 of tears rolled down her cheeks. So I left them and 
 went my way. 
 
 The Ohio is a delightfid country ; the soil rich and 
 fertile ; and if the world should stand, it will doubt- 
 less become a very important part of the globe. It is 
 thought by most people, who are acquainted with the 
 country, that it has been inhabited before. And I 
 think that the ruins of ancient forts, entrenchments 
 and mounds, which are so plain to be seen, very much
 
 To LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 favor the idea ; although no account can be found ei- 
 ther iunnnf^ christians or the natives, when, or by 
 viiorn 'hese niijjhly things were accomphshed. ISlay 
 16 th, I h'ft the njiin, and crossed the hne into l^enn- 
 sylvania. I steered for Lake J^rie; travelled ten miles 
 and stopped at a brother INIorford's. He gave no- 
 tice to his neighbors, the people collected, and I 
 preached to them that evening. Next day, I went to 
 Meadville, on French Creek, and from thence to \Va- 
 terford, formerly known by the name of J^aboefF, and 
 situated about fifteen miles from the J>ake. 
 
 Sabbath day, May 20'Lh; I aiose early in the morn- 
 ing, and went to Erie, a considerable town lying on 
 the shore of the lake of that name. I had heard 
 much of this town, as being a noted place for wick- 
 edness. By some, by way of com|)arison it was 
 called Sodom. I was advised by christian friends 
 not to go there, there being no religious society in the 
 town. They likewise told me that the people would 
 not hear me ; and Was credibly informed that the 
 people had previously fallen into a phrenzy, burnt the 
 bible, and sprinkled the ashes with whiskey! I how- 
 ever made an a|)pointment, and the people had sea- 
 sonable notice. At the hour the meeting was to be- 
 gin, I walked through the main street, nearly half a 
 mile, with my hat off, singing the judgement hymn, 
 hoping thereby to excite their attention. I then went 
 to the place appointed ; and after wailing an hour and 
 a half, i began service. My audience consisted of 
 three men, three women, and four children. Ihere 
 were also a few more who came in before I had quite 
 done. The Lord have mercy on the people of Erie, 
 if there is any mercy for thctn. After meeting, I left 
 the town, being resolved not to sleep in the place. I 
 went fourteen miles down the Lake, preached in the 
 evening at Mr Borget's. Then leaving Pennsylvania, 
 I came into the State of New York, and entered into 
 what is called the Holland-Purchase. I thence steer-
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBT. 71 
 
 ed for Buffalo, which is at the lower end of the 
 Lake. I was much fatigued when I got there ; trav- 
 elling mostly on the Lake shore, where it was but ve- 
 ry thinly inhabited. 
 
 May 23d, 1 sat off from Black-Rock (or Buffalo,) 
 at the outlet of the Lake, to go to Niagara Falls. Af- 
 ter travelling six miles, I called at a house, to enquire 
 the way. The woman asked me if I was a preacher. 
 I told her I was. Well, said she, my son died to- 
 day, at 12 o'clock, and I want you to stop, to attend 
 his funeral and preach a sermon. For, continued 
 she, there is no minister on this side of the river, any 
 where near. I intended to have sent over into Upper 
 Canada for one ; but the river is three miles wide, 
 and tlie wind blows so hard they are afraid to cross. 
 I told her I would stop. The next day, we attended 
 to that solemnity". Meeting began at 12 o'clock. I 
 spake from Isaiah xxxviii. 41. After the closing of 
 this solenm scene I proceeded on my journey, and 
 went down the river till I came to the Falls. I here 
 beheld one of the greatest curiosities in nature. The 
 river at this place is said to be 742 yards wide. The 
 water falls 15;) feet* perpendicular height. I de- 
 scended on a ladder, eighty feet, and the remainder 
 of the distance, was not so steep but that I could walk 
 down. I there beheld with astonisoment the majes- 
 tic scene! While beholding I was struck with a deep 
 and awful sense of the majesty of Him who made 
 heaven and earth,, and the seas, and the fountains of 
 water. I can truly say, I had an excellent meeting, 
 and sweet communion, while standing below the falls, 
 though no mortal was near me. My text was, the 
 cxviith Psalm. I there enjoyed a happy season. 
 
 May 25th, I preached in the village situated on the 
 bank of the river, within forty rods of the Falls. The 
 Lord blessed the people who heard the word, and sev- 
 
 * Others say 1G5.
 
 72 LIFE OF JOHN COLBT. 
 
 eral persons were awakened. I was informed lliat it 
 was the fourth sermon tliat was ever preached in tliat 
 place. 
 
 ■May 27th, being Sabbath, I preached to a large 
 number o( people in a rope-walk. 1 enjoyed more 
 than usual liberty. In the afternoon, 1 spake from 
 Gen. xxiv. 19. The whole assembly appeared un- 
 commonly solemn ; and many of them were deeply 
 convicted. One young man arose, and confessed 
 what the Lord had done for his soul, and made a pub- 
 lic acknowledgment to his wife, and all the assembly. 
 I was at his house after meeting, and he appeared to 
 be clothed, and in his right mind, and happy in the 
 Lord. 1 also conversed with several young people, 
 who appeared as though tbey bad just awoke out of 
 sleep.' In short, it was a precious season, which will 
 no doubt be had by many in everlasting remembrance. 
 The people entreated me in a most afiecting manner, 
 to abide there, and spend my days with them. This 
 I could not consent to ; but hope the Lord of the har- 
 vest will send them a humble and laiihful minister. 
 
 JVlay 29th, I left the Falls and travelled thirty miles 
 eastward to what is called the Slayton settlement. 
 This settlement was large, and the inhabitants ap- 
 peared respectable ; but tbey had but little or no 
 preaching. I attended a meeting with them in the 
 evening, which I hope was attended with some good 
 effect. From thence I went to Batavia, and crossed 
 the Gennesee river ; passing through Avon and Lima, 
 lo Bloomfield. 
 
 May oOih, in the evening, I preached in Bloomfield. 
 This is a handsome and thickly settled town. They 
 have two meeting-houses, owned by congregational- 
 ists. There is also another church of the same order 
 in the town; besides one or two baptist cburches, and 
 several classes of methodists. 
 
 June 1st- I went to Canandaigua, Ontario county, 
 and the next day preached in that township, about two 
 miles from the villasre.
 
 ■^ 
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY, -^-y 73 
 
 June 3(1, I preached in I'armington, which joins 
 Canandaigna. There I found a large church of bap- 
 tists. 
 
 June 5th, I went to Gorhaoi; and in (he evening 
 preached at brother iSalcom's. 'ihere was a large 
 and flourishing baptist church in that place, compos- 
 ed chiefly of young people. I was informed that 
 there were as many as thirty persons iu the churcli, 
 under seventeen years of age. 
 
 June 6th, I went to Aurelius, Kauga county. In 
 this town, there was a baptist church, consisting of 
 as many as three hundred and fifty members. In the 
 town of Mentz, adjoining Aurelius, there had been a 
 very glorious reformation, the winter before, and still 
 continued to spread. From thence I travelled thro' 
 Camelius, where_ I saw the melancholy effects of a 
 tremendous thunder storm and hurricane, which had 
 happened on the evening of the 3d of June. Many 
 of the buildings on the streets through which I pass- 
 ed, were blown down; others were unroofed. The 
 most valuable lots of pine limber laid in ruin. Cat- 
 tle were killed, by the falling of trees on every hand. 
 The inhabitants were much alarmed in the time of 
 this frightful scene. Many thought it was the com- 
 mencement of the great and terrible day of the Lord. 
 By the successive flashes of lightning, it appeared as 
 if the world was all on fire; but, remarkable to relate, 
 no person was killed. In Litchfield a meeting-house 
 was burnt to ashes by lightning in the same storm. 
 
 I went from thence to Utica; and on the lOth of 
 June, being Sabbath d»y, I attended a meeting at the 
 baptist meeting-house. The people were Welch, and 
 the minster was also a Welchman. In the forenoon, 
 he spake in his own tongue. In the afternoon, at 2 
 o'clock, and again at six., I apake to a very large as- 
 sembly in the same place. There are several socie- 
 ties, of different denominations in Utica. 
 
 June 11th, I left Utica; and following the turnpike 
 7
 
 74 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 \vbicl) leads to Albany, I came to Herkimer, where a 
 remarkable reformation had lately taken place, through 
 ihe iiistrmnentality of a young wonian, who was the 
 daugbicr of a professed deist. This young woman 
 being convicted by the Hpiritof the J-ord, believed in 
 Christ; and immediately made a public declaration of 
 the astonishing goodness of God to her soul. In a 
 short time after, she followed her Lord and Master m 
 vhe ordinance of baptism. While at the water, she 
 in a most affecting manner, invited her young com- 
 ])anions to forsake their vain pursuits and delights, and 
 seek, with her, that crown of righteousness, which 
 fadeth not away. Her words had a lasting impress- 
 ion on the minds of the youth; and the reformation 
 soon began to spread. 1 was informed that fifty or 
 sixty had been brought to rejoice in the new creation, 
 or the love of God in their souls. Seven in the fam- 
 ily to which the young woman belonged were hope- 
 fully converted; her father, for one among the rest, 
 has become a very pious man, and shows great re- 
 spect for the bible. Before his conversion he would 
 not have a bible in his house; but he now has seven ; 
 (every convert must have a bible.) 
 
 Leaving Herkimer, I came to the little falls, on the 
 Mohawk river ; and from thence, to the Saratoga 
 Springs. June 14th, at evening, I preached at the 
 village near the springs in the house of brother Cady. 
 And as I had not enjoyed my health, since I was sick 
 in Ohio, I concluded to tarry a few days, and make 
 use of those waters, hoping that I might thereby re- 
 cover my health. 
 
 June Hti), being Sabbath, I preached in the bap- 
 tist meeting house, two miles south of the Springs. — 
 The assembly was large, composed chiefly of young 
 people; and being requested I directed my discourse 
 particularly to the youth, who paid great attention to 
 The word. Universal solemnity appeared on the coun- 
 tenances of the whole congregation. At the close of
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. /» 
 
 the meeting, Elder Langworthj, the minister of the 
 place requested the people to make a contribution for 
 me. I arose and desired them to desist, they there- 
 fore pioceeded no further. For I was resolved they 
 should not have it to say, I came for their money. — 
 At six o'clock I preached at i»rother Denty's, one 
 mile west of the springs. Monday evening 1 held a 
 meeting in the village near the springs, in a school- 
 house. Some persons seemed much affected under 
 the word; and I prayed earnestly that the Lord would 
 revive his work in that place. 
 
 June 20th, I went about eight or ten miles, to visit 
 what is called the first baptist church in Saratoga, and 
 preached in the evening to the people. But there was 
 but little attention paid by the unconverted; and there 
 appeared to be_ little religion in exercise among pro- 
 fessors. 
 
 June 21st, I pursued my journey, crossed North 
 River at Fort Miller, and thence to Fort Edward ; 
 and so on to Sandy-Hill; and from thence to Fort 
 Ann. I tarried that night at Moses Baxter's and had 
 a profitable visit. From thence I went to Granville; 
 and crossing into Vermont, 1 passed through Portney, 
 Cafelton, Rutland and Claredon; crossed the Green 
 Mountains ; travelled through Soesberry, Plymouth 
 and Redding; and so onto Windsor. June 25th, be- 
 ing Sabbath, I preached at Windsor. And on the 
 day following, I went to Springfield. The next day I 
 went to Rockingham, to see how the brethren did 
 there. I visited several families, and found them some 
 engaged in religion. The sam'? night, I returned to 
 Springfield; and the next day, sat out to go to Wind- 
 sor, and went as far as Weathersfield; where I stop- 
 ped and preached at 12 o'clock, and had a re- 
 freshing time with the young converts; for the Lord 
 had raised up a church in that place, while I had been 
 gone to Ohio. I attended a meeting, as I went on, 
 in the same neighborhood; and had reason to believe
 
 76 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 that my visit at that time was not wholly lost. I call- 
 ed at a door to enquire the way to ihe house where 
 the meeting was held. A young woman came to the 
 door, and gave me direction. I'o whom I said, 
 "young woman, prepare for deaths These words 
 followed her with a lasting impression; and in about 
 three weeks, she was converted, and is now happy in 
 the Lord. After meeting I went to Windsor; and at 
 six o'clock I attended a meeting at brother 'J own's. 
 I preached in this place several times as I went on the 
 fall before. A reformation had then begun, and the 
 work continued through the winter. 1 understood 
 there had been two hundred and fifty souls brought in- 
 to the liberty of the sons of God. The next day I 
 visited the people from house to house. 
 
 June 29ih, 1 attended conference with the brethren 
 at Doctor Winslovv's; where thirty or forty spoke of 
 the goodness of God; a number told their experience 
 and offered themselves for baptism. 
 
 June 30th, I visited the prisoners in the State Pris- 
 on at Windsor. 
 
 July 1st, being Sabbath, I preached at the east 
 school-house, at 8 o'clock A. M. ; I then went to the 
 meeting-house, and heard two short sermons deliver- 
 ed by a baptist minister. When he ended, I deliver- 
 ed a lengthy exhortation; after which the meeting was 
 dismissed. I then went one mile and attended a meet- 
 ing at a school house, at 4 o'clock P. JNJ. 1 then 
 went to brother T own's and preached at 6 o'clock 
 P. M. And to the praise of God be it spoken, we 
 had a good time, through the day and evening, I could 
 say of a truth that the Lord was near. Sinners were 
 alarmed; mourners w-ere enquiring the way to Zion, 
 and saints were rejoicing in it. 
 
 July 2d, I left Windsor, and started for home. I 
 travelled as far as Wfite River, and stayed that niglit 
 at brother Udil's, where I attended a meeting the lall 
 before as I went on. But found that the old man had
 
 LIFK OF JOHN COLBY. 77 
 
 gone to his long home. He died of the spotted fever. 
 A daughter of his lay sick with the same disorder ; 
 one with whom I had moch conversation, the fall be- 
 fore, concerning the salvation of her soul. She had 
 lain sick three months; and the most part of ihe time 
 speechless. In the midst of her sickness, when earih- 
 \y physicians and human exertions were baffled ; the 
 great Physician of the soul and body undertook her 
 cause; and first delivered her soul; after which her 
 body began to revive. In a low whisper, she told me 
 she was " willing to stay, and ready to go.^^ Christ 
 was precious to her, and she was precious to him. 
 
 I then went on through Hartford, Norwich, Straff- 
 ord, Vershire, and Corinth, to Topsham; where I 
 stopped and preached, near Capt. Putnam's. From 
 thence 1 travelled through Grotnn, Peacham, Danville, 
 and Wheelock,-to Billy mead. 
 
 July 6th, I arrived at my father's house greatly re- 
 joiced to find my friends all alive and well. I had 
 been gone from home about eight months, and had 
 travelled between three and four thousand miles. Af- 
 ter I left my acquaintances in Vermont, I scarcely saw 
 a person I ever saw before; neither had I any intelli- 
 gence from my friends at Billymead, until the day be- 
 lore I arrived home. When I take a retrospective 
 view of my journey, and consider the many dangers 
 I passed through in peribrming it, I am filled with sol- 
 emn gratitude to God's indtilgent hand, which led and 
 protected me through the same. I often passed thio' 
 lari;,e tracts of wilderness, where some have been de- 
 stroyed by wild beasts. Others have been lost, or 
 perished with hunger. Others killed accidentally by 
 the fall of trees. Some robbed and murdered, and 
 thrown into rivers. Others waylayed, and shot by 
 robbers, while on their passage. Some have indeed 
 been frozen to death on the nwuntains, while others 
 have been accidentally drowned in the ri^-'ers and lakes; 
 shot and tomahawked, or taken prisoners by the In- 
 *7
 
 73 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 dians; wWih I have been preserved on my passac;e 
 throu2;li the same clangers, and have received no [wirm. 
 Oh! " what sliall 1 render lo the Lord, for all his ben- 
 efits towards me ? 1 will take the cup of salvation, 
 and call upon the Lord; I will pay my vows that I 
 have vowed unto the Lord, now in the presence of 
 his people." 
 
 July 7th, I attended meeting at the house of my el- 
 dest brother, who lives in the edge of J5urk. The 
 next day, being J^abbath, I attended meeting at a 
 school house, in l^illymead, where the brethren usually 
 meet. Curiosity, I expect, led a huge number to at- 
 tend; some from one view, and some from another. 
 Having been raised up in that place, it is prc)bable 
 some were ready to say, " his hither and mother we 
 know, and his brethren and sisters are with us ; who 
 can he be ?" Others, doubtless, anxious to hear a- 
 bout the country where I had been travelling; or to 
 hear from their friends who reside in it, flocked to the 
 meeting. While a small number of the followers of 
 Christ, collected to see and hear their brother, who 
 had been so long absent; hoping to have their souls 
 refreshed, by hearing good news from a far country. 
 However, we had a solemn, and I trust, a profiiahle 
 meeting. On Tuesday following, I preached at broth- 
 er Fisk's, and on Wednesday, 1 preached at brother 
 Sandbnrn's, on what is called the t^outh Ridge. On 
 Saturday, at brother Daniel Colby's. One young man 
 was baptized. 
 
 July 15th, being Sabbath, I preached at Burk Cen- 
 ter, wlu?re a large and attentive assembly collected. — 
 My appointment in the afternoon, was to speak to the 
 youth. I had a good degree of liberty through the 
 day; and believe the opportunity was not altogether 
 in vain. In the afternoon, through bodily infirmity, I 
 felt my strength fail, for I had not seen a well day since 
 my illness in Ohio. And I triought, without some- 
 thing favorable to my health should take place that my
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBT. '79 
 
 days on earth would soon be numbered. However, I 
 think I did not feel anxious either to live or die ; 
 but desired the will of the Lord might be done. 
 
 July 18th, I attended meeting at brother Sand- 
 born's, South Ridge. It was the most solemn, con- 
 vincing, and refreshing time I had seen since I re- 
 turned home. 
 
 July 21st, [attended conference at Wheelock, On- 
 ly a few met, and they were very remiss. 
 
 July 22d, being iSabbath, I preached in the fore- 
 noon at W heelock meeting-house; and in the after- 
 noon, preached at Sheffield, where I met a pre^ ious 
 congregation in a barn. I spake from 1. Pet. i. 24. 
 I'he brethren were much engaged ; several who had 
 been lately converted, arose in the meeting, and 
 spake with life and power. It was really a rijoicing 
 time with saints, and a mourning and lamenting time 
 with sinners. At five o'clock, P. M, same day, I 
 preached again at Wheelock. 
 
 July 24tli, brother H anion, a young preacher who 
 had been to Canada, came to my father's. I was 
 much rejoiced at seeing him ; and especially to hear 
 thai the work of the Lord was going on in the j)lace 
 where lie liad been. 1 he same afternoon, we went 
 to Burk ; and that night, and the next morning, visit- 
 ed a number of families, and found many seeking af- 
 ter religion. — The same day, we returned to Billy- 
 mead, and attended a meeiing at South Ridge ; we 
 had a very solemn time. Several professers, who had 
 been in a lifeless condition, confessed their backslid- 
 ings, and returned to tlie Lord* The next day we 
 attended meeting at Billymead, in a log school house 
 at the upper end of the town. 
 
 July 27ih, we went to Burk Center again, and at- 
 tended a meeting. 
 
 July 2Sth, brother Ilamon left me; and I returned 
 to Billymead and attended church meeting. 
 
 June 29tb, being Sabbath, I attended a meeting of
 
 80 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 worship in the usual place. A very large number of 
 people were present. This was indeed a very glori- 
 ous season. 1 enjoyed great liberty in speaking ; and 
 in the course of the day, there were thirty-five wit- 
 nesses who came forward and spoke for the Lord. 
 
 August 1st, I attended meeting at brother Sand- 
 bourn's, South Ilidge. Two were that day struck 
 under conviction ; and were hopefully converted 
 within a few days after. The Thursday following I 
 attended a funeral in liurk. This was a very solemn 
 time. While I was speaking, I was so overcome 
 through infirmity of body, that I had hard work to fin- 
 ish my message. From this 1 went home sick ; but 
 so far recovered my health, that on the Saturday fol- 
 lowing, I rode to Wheelock ; and on the Sabbath 
 preached at Sheffield. On Monday I returned to 
 Wheelock, and visited from place to place ; found a 
 number of young people under deep conviction. On 
 Tuesday, returned to Billymead, and attended church 
 meeting. Wednesday, I met with the people at 
 South Kidge. Thursday, I went to Eurk ; attended 
 a conference, and had a good time. One woman ac- 
 knowledged what the Lord had done for her soul, 
 and offered herself for baptism. Friday, I preached 
 again at the log school house in Billymead ; two or 
 three converts, spake of the goodness of God ; and a 
 few prodigals returned to their Father's house. Sat- 
 urday, I preached at Lyndon, (Pudding Hill.) A 
 goodly number of people attended ; a great solemnity 
 rested on the congregation ; and many of the youth 
 were much afi'ecied. 
 
 August 12th, Sabbaih day, 1 attended a meeting at 
 Billymead. A very large concourse of people atten- 
 ded. I preached a short sermon, in the forenoon ; 
 then went to the water and baptized one brother. Af- 
 ter returning to the house of worship, I spake a (ew 
 minutes ; and then gave place to the brethren, who 
 seemed like bottles filled with new wine. Fifty-seven
 
 LIFE OFJOHN COLBY. 81 
 
 spoke, in the course of the meeting, and testified of 
 the goodness of God most feehngly. Six or eight 
 backsliders confessed their wanderings, and acknowl- 
 edged tliey liad found a famine in the land. Besides 
 these, several otliers spake of what the Lord had done 
 for their souls ; and manifested that they had a strong 
 desire to seek and serve him all their days. 
 
 August 14th, I held meeting at Mr Cushing's in 
 Burk ; and the work of the Lord, which had been 
 progressively going on, though much covered up, 
 made a more visible appearance. Three souls were 
 brought into the liberty of the sons of God. Three 
 or four more obtained a hope, though not so clear. 
 Towards the close of the meeting, I kneeled down to 
 pray ; when about a dozen young people fell on their 
 knees with me. This strange sight very much en- 
 raged the spirit of opposition. Theopposers present, 
 finding themselves unable to withstand the work alone, 
 immediately made application to a number of their 
 companions, who were collected at a store, about an 
 hundred rods distance. These came to their assist- 
 ance ; some of them half drunk ; and I expect their 
 intention was to have broken up the meeting. But 
 their master deceived them ; their courage failed :and 
 their efforts were feeble and fruitless. The next 
 day I went to Billymead, where I attended a meeting 
 at South Ridge. The day following, I went to ^•\ hee- 
 lock, met a precious number of people ; and found 
 that the Lord was carrying on his work in that place. 
 Friday, I returned to Billymead, and attended meet- 
 ing at brother Fisk's. 
 
 August 19th, being the Sabbath, I attended meeting 
 at the usual place ; and found the work of the Lord 
 in a flourishing state. — The people flocked in multi- 
 tudes, from every quarter, to hear the word, ]3ack- 
 sliriers came out froin Babylon ; left the den of lions, 
 and mountain of leopards ; and came like those an- 
 ciently flying to the city of refuge. Sinners were
 
 83 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 crying for mercy ; others confessing what God Iiad 
 done lor their souls. 'I'his was a blessed day to tne ; 
 for 1 had long waited with longing eyes, to see the 
 salvation ofCiod in this place ; and could ado[)i the 
 language of good old Simeon. 
 
 My appointmen's, through that week were as fol- 
 lows, viz. Tuesday, at brother Daniel Colby's ; where 
 I baptized four young people. Wednesday, at Burk ; 
 Thursday, at \\ heelock ; Friday at Curby ; f"^atur- 
 day, at Hillymead; where I attended a quarterly meet- 
 ing. Sabbath day, August 2Cth, the congregation be- 
 ing large, we repaired to a grove, several preachers 
 being present. A brother from New-Ilampshirc, 
 preached in the forenoon, and I spake in the afternoon. 
 It was a solemn, happy time. One, like Saul, was 
 converted ; and several were struck under convic- 
 tion. 
 
 Tuesday following, I attended meeting at Billymead; 
 Wednesday, in Burk ; Thursday, Friday, and Satur. 
 day, in W heelock. In the course of this little route, 
 seven or eight souls were hopefully converted ; and 
 the prospect of reformation was still increasing. 
 
 Sabbath day, Sept. 2d, I returned to Billymead, 
 and attended meeting there. Precious souls never 
 laid nearer to my heart; the Lord greatly assisted me 
 in speaking: and the divine power was gloriously dis- 
 played in the meeting. On Tuesday evening follow- 
 ing, there was a meeting at my father's. A large 
 number of people attended; but by some means or 
 other, it was a dark time. Wednesday, Thursday, 
 and Friday, I attended meetings in Burk, and had good 
 times Friday night, I returned home. On Satur- 
 day, being under some extraordinary impressions to 
 go to a neighboring house, I went ; and being impres- 
 sed, I entered into conversation with a young woman 
 respecting the state of her soul. I asked her if she 
 did not think it her duly to attend to secret prayer. 
 She answered, and said, I am so wicked, I do not
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 83 
 
 know as it is. I told her I believed it to be her duty; 
 and asked her if she vvouldi attend to it one month. 
 She said "I am afraid I shall forget it." 1 told her, 
 then the Lord would remind her of her duty. She at 
 lengtii consented to pray; and 1 promised to pray for 
 her. The effect was glorious. She afterwards in- 
 formed me, that she scarcely closed her eyes the first 
 night. And that instead of forgetting to pray, the 
 thought was constantly following her ; and in her 
 mind from day to day, until the Lord converted her 
 soul ; which took place about five days after. She 
 had been much given to pride ; but is now happy in 
 God ; warning her mates to flee from the wrath to 
 come. This is the Lord's doing, and marvellous in 
 our eyes. 
 
 August 29th, being Sabbath, I preached at Billy- 
 mead. Tuesday morning, a man came after me to go 
 to Lyndon, to preach a funeral sermon ; but having a 
 meeting appointed the same day in the afternoon, for 
 baptism, I declined going. He however informed me, 
 that the appointment of the funeral was at 12 o'clock ; 
 so I finally concluded to go. When I came to the 
 house of mourning, I met a large congregation of peo- 
 ple, who had come to pay their last respects to a 
 young man, a citizen of their town. I had formerly 
 been acquainted with him. — The ballroom and card 
 table, had been the things he had most delighted in. 
 Four weeks previous to his death, he attended his last 
 ball. The day he died, he manifested that he was 
 not ready to go, and believed he should get well. But 
 alas! death could not wait any longer; he must be 
 dragged away to the grave. I was solemnly impresi- 
 ed while 1 spake ; and it was a solemn and ten- 
 der time, especially with the youth. My prayer was 
 that Ciod would cause life to spring out of this death ; 
 viz: that others, being awakened by it, might believe 
 unto eternal life. After meeting I returned to Billy- 
 mead, and found a goodly number collected there ; 
 we had a good time, and 1 baptized three.
 
 84 1 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 The next day, I attended a meeting at Buik ; bad 
 a precious time, ^-^everal came tor ivard lor tl)e first 
 time, and related what the Lord had done for their 
 souls. One man in particular, who had been as vio- 
 lent an opposer as was in Burk, confessed his faults. 
 
 Thursday, I returned to 13illymead, attended a meet- 
 ing at brother I'isk's. 
 
 Sabbath day, Sep. 16th; I met with the people in 
 Billymead ; and so many people gathered that the 
 house was not snfllcient to contain them ; we there- 
 fore held our meeting in the iiighway. I trust I can 
 say, to the glory of (jod, the Blessed Jesus, passed 
 that way by his Spirit ; tor a general shock of divine 
 power was experienced through the congregation, and 
 the work of reformation began to spread rapidly 
 through the place. My prayer was, that the stone 
 which was cut out of the mountain without hands, 
 might smite the image, break it to pieces, become a 
 mountain, aiid fill the whole earth. 
 
 Tuesday morning, I went to \\ heelock, and attend- 
 ed a meeting in the afternoon, and baptized one. Af- 
 ter meeting, I returned home ; and in the evening, 
 attended a meeting at Mr. Campbell's, where I had 
 the happiness of seeing two or three hopefully brought 
 into the liberty of the gospel. 
 
 Wednesday, I attended a meeting at Wheelock meet- 
 ing house, in company with Elder Farnum and I'^lder 
 Spencer. In the evening, we attended meeting at a 
 school house. 
 
 Thursday, on my way home, I held meeting at Mr 
 Eastman's. 
 
 Friday, I met with the brethren at South Ridge, 
 Billymead. We had a refreshing time. Friday eve- 
 ning, I attended meeting at the house of Mr Blake, a 
 neighbor to my father. This was a happy season. 
 Five youths were brought out of nature's darkness, in- 
 to God's marvellous light. Several more were deep- 
 ly impressed with a sense of their lost situation ; and
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 85 
 
 soon after were brought into tlie same liberty. This 
 meeting, like Paul's meeting at Troas, continued till 
 alter the break of day. 
 
 Saturday, I went to St. Johnsbury ; and on the 
 Sabbath, Sept. 23, I preached in the meeting house 
 in that town; and on the evening of the same day, at 
 Lieut, Ladd's. 
 
 Monday on my way home, I attended meeting at 
 Lyndon. Monday evening, at Stephen Eastman's, in 
 the edse of Billymead. 
 
 Tuesday, I was called to attend a funeral at brother 
 Streeter's. A child of his, between two and three 
 years old, had fallen into a tub of water and drowned. 
 Tuesday evening, I attended meeting at Elder Buck- 
 worth's. Wednesday, both in the day and evening, 
 I attended meeting in Burk. Thursday both in the 
 day and evening, at Wheelock. Friday and Friday 
 night, at Billymead. Saturday, I attended conference 
 with the brethren in that place, and had a good time ; 
 as also in all the meetings I attended through the week. 
 The power of God was manifested in every meeting. 
 
 Sabbath day, Sept. 30th, I had a meeting of wor- 
 ship at Billymead. A large concourse of people col- 
 lected from the neighboring towns, so that we were 
 constrained to meet in a field. This was a refreshing 
 time. One young woman professed to be converted 
 in the meeting ; after which, 1 baptized two others. 
 
 October 2d, in the evening, I attended meeting in 
 Billymead. The 3d at Burk. Thursday and Thurs- 
 day evening, at Lyndon; where one, T trust, came in- 
 to the liberty of the sons of God. Friday night, I 
 met a goodly number at Mr Campbell's, in Billymead, 
 where we had a precious season. Sabbath day evening, 
 I attended two meetings, at one of which, I solemn- 
 ized a marriage. One poor widow, whose husband 
 had killed himself with opium, wished me to pray for 
 her. She also fell upon her knees, and the Lord ap- 
 peared for her soul, and made her a happy creature. 
 8
 
 86 LIFE OF JOHN COLBT. 
 
 About 12 o''clock, we were about to disperse; but 
 she begged of us not to go. For, said she, the meet- 
 ing is but just begun. 1 believe she could say of a 
 truth, " old things are passed away; and, behold ! — 
 all things are become new." 
 
 Saturday, I spent the day in visiting from house to 
 liouse; and a heavenly time I had. That day, I trust, 
 will never be forgotten by me. A little before night, I 
 called into an house; and a certain sister from New 
 Hampshire (Huldah Beedy,) fell in with me. We 
 conversed with the children, and with a young wo- 
 man who lived there, for some time. We then kneel- 
 ed down and prayed. They also kneeled and prayed 
 for themselves. The young woman and three of the 
 children, professed to find the Saviour to be precious 
 to their souls. 
 
 October 7th, being Sabbath, 1 attended meeting in 
 Billy mead; also another in the evening. 
 
 Monday, the 8th of October, we appointed a gen- 
 eral meeting for all the brethren in town to unite in 
 one body. For previous to this there had been two 
 separate meetings held. Our intention and prayer was 
 to have them both consolidated into one church. — 
 AVe met at 1 o'clock, P. M. and had an heavenly uni- 
 ting time. Six came forward, related their experi- 
 ence, and were baptized. We then, at the water, 
 all stood round in a ring; took hold of hands, kneeled 
 down, prayed, and then parted. So much was done 
 towards an union; more hereafter. 
 
 Tuesday night, I attended meeting at Billymead 
 Corner. Wednesday evening, at Burk, Thursday, at 
 Wheelock, where I baptized three. Two others 
 publicly declared what the Lord had done tor their 
 souls. I then went to Lyndon, and attended a meet- 
 ing in the evening; the Lord was there of a truth. — 
 One young woman professed to be brought into gos- 
 pel liberty. I never saw so great an appearance of a 
 reformation in Lyndon, as 1 did at that time.
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 87 
 
 Friday and Friday evening, I attended meeting in 
 Billymead. 
 
 Sabbatli day, October 14th, I preached at Lyndon, 
 to a very large number of people; and found that ihe 
 work of the Lord was still increasing. Some were 
 crying out, " What must I do to be saved ?" The 
 countenances of others bespoke their sorrows; and 
 plainly discovered a concern on their minds to obtain 
 pure religion. Our meeting in the evening was at 
 brother iSandbourn's. In this meeting, two men, who 
 had formerly been opposers of the truth, came fur- 
 ward and spake for the Lord. 
 
 Tuesday night, I attended meeting in Billymead 
 and on Wednesday, in Burk; where we had an ex- 
 cellent time. Here I baptized three persons ; ma- 
 king in all thirteen, who had been baptized there. I 
 attended meeting'that evening in the same place. 
 
 Thursday, I went to St. Johnsbury; attended meet- 
 ing in the afternoon, and in the evening; and had a 
 good time. 
 
 Friday, I came back as far as Lyndon corner, and 
 attended a meeting. In the evening, I went to 
 the north part of the town, and attended another meet- 
 ing. Two or three were brought into liberty for the 
 first time ; and five or six related their experience. 
 
 Saturday afternoon, I attended conference at Billy- 
 mead; where ten persons related their experience, and 
 offered themselves for baptism. 
 
 Sabbath day, October 21st, I met with the people 
 for worship; several spake of the goodness of God, 
 and three offered themselves for baptism. We then 
 repaired to the water, and thirteen were baptized. — 
 After which we returned to the house; but there be- 
 ing such a multitude of people, we were constrained 
 to meet out of doors. 1 talked to the people for 
 some time. And feeling a desire to see all the breth- 
 ren in town embodied into one church; I requested 
 all the brethren and sisters, who were thus minded, to
 
 88 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 arise, and march on to tl)e common. They therefore 
 arose, with one accord, and advanced; such a cloud 
 of witnesses 1 scarce ever saw before. I desired 
 tliem to form into a circle, for the conveniency of ta- 
 king their names. They did so; and their number 
 was one hunched and eleven^ besides a large number 
 of brethren belonging to other churches. I then re- 
 quested all those who desired to be prayed for to come 
 within the ring. I judged there were about fifty, who 
 entered. The brethren then joined hands, kneeled 
 down, prayed, and agreed to walk together in love. 
 This was a solemn tmie to all the people. 1 hose 
 tvithont, were much alarmed, when they considered 
 what was recorded in the last chapter of Revelation, 
 concerning such. We met again in the evening, and 
 had a refreshing season. One young womnn, (from a 
 neighboring town,) professed to be brought from a 
 state of condemnation, to enjoy peace and justification. 
 
 Tuesday night, I attended meeting again in Eilly- 
 mead. 
 
 Wednesday, I went to Wheclock, attended a meet- 
 ing and baptized one. 
 
 Thursday, I returned to the centre of Eurk, and 
 held a meeting in a school-house. We had a prec- 
 ious time. Five or six arose, and spake of the good- 
 ness of God. These never sjjoke in nieetin<j before. 
 
 Friday, October 26th, I went on as far as Lyndon, 
 and attended a meeting in the afternoon; a large con- 
 course of people attended, and I baptized ten. In 
 the evening, I attended another meeting, near the 
 same place. Five more came out and told what the 
 Lord had done for them. The next morning, 1 went 
 on to London corner, and felt as though I must stop 
 and pray. After having sung the Judgment Hymn, 
 (sitting on ray horse.) I prayed. The people flocked 
 around on every side, and it was a solemn time.* I 
 
 *I preached at the Corner a few drys before and the people would 
 not auend.
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 89 
 
 then went to Waterford, and stopped at a quarterly 
 meeting. In the evening I attended a meeting in tiie 
 same place, with Eiders Buzzell and Page. Three 
 were brought into hberty. 
 
 The next day, (being the Sabbath, October 28th,) 
 I tarried and attended meeting with the Elders and 
 brethren. i\rter worship, one brother, by the name 
 of Cheney, was ordained; and one was baptized. I 
 then went on five miles, and attended a meeting in 
 the evening. The next morning I travelled eight or 
 ten miles, to an appointment at 9 o'clock. I then 
 crossed Connecticut river, into New Hampshire, and 
 attended a meeting at Littlnton, at I o'clock P. M. — 
 From thence I went to New-Concord, and held a 
 meeting in the evening at Bagly Colby's. This was a 
 solemn time. I imderstood afterwards, that a num- 
 ber were struck under conviction. 
 
 Tuesday morning, I went to Franconia, and attend- 
 ed a meeting at 10 o'clock I then went on through 
 the long woods (called Frank Woods,) and put up at 
 Russel's in Peelmg, where I attended a meeting the 
 same evenmg. The next morning 1 went on; and at 
 ten o'clock, attended a meeting at Thornton. At 
 this meeting, there were a number of young people, 
 who appeared very haughty; but before the meeting 
 ended almost every one were melted into tears. — 
 From thence I went to Sandwich, (the place of my 
 nativity.) In the evening, I attended a meeting at 
 the house of Samuel Ambrose, a brother. Sandwich 
 has been a remarkable town for reformations. I have 
 been informed that there were more than five hundred 
 professors of religion in that place. But at that time, 
 I found religion at a low ebb. I believe there was 
 not more than one fifth part of the above number, 
 who then enjoyed the life and power of religion. — 
 Backsliders were found on every hand. I was there 
 eleven days, and attended nineteen meetings. I also 
 attended one meeting in Tamworth and one in Moul- 
 *8
 
 90 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 tonborougb. I enjoyed freedom, and saw many back- 
 sliders return to tbe Lord. Eleven or twelve youne 
 people, vvbo had never enjoyed religion before, were 
 brought to bow at the feet of Clirist, and beg for mer- 
 cy. And they found the Lord to be a present help 
 in time of trouble. They are now rejoicing in the 
 truth, and praising God, that they were ever born to 
 be born again. Several of the above number were 
 my old neighbors and companions ; which circum- 
 stance seemed to heighten my joy. 
 
 Sabbath day, November 11th, after having attend- 
 ed the general meeting at Sandwich, 1 went to llol- 
 derness, and attended a meeting at brother John 
 True's. Next morning, Nov. 12, 1 \yent to Plym- 
 outh; where I met with a number of loving brothers 
 and sisters. From thence, I went through Kumney 
 and VVentworth, and thence to Warren, where 1 at- 
 tended a meeting iliat evening at Mr Clement's tav- 
 ern. Next morning I went to Haverhill corner, where 
 I expected to have attended a meeting But finding 
 no appointment notified, I went to Well's river, where 
 I attended a meeting in the evening. 
 
 Nov. 14, I travelled on homeward, passing through 
 •^ Ryegate, Barnet, and St. Johnsbury, to Lyndon; and 
 ^ in the evening, fulfilled an appointment I had made af- 
 ter I left home. Next day I went to Billymead, and 
 found my friends well. 'Ihe day following, I went to 
 Burk. and found that the Lord had been gloriously 
 carrying on his work in that place. Ten or twelve 
 had been brought into liberty, while I had been gone. 
 I attended meeting with them in the evening; and was 
 greatly rejoiced, to find them so well engaged in the 
 cause of religion; especially some that were much 
 opposed to it, when I saw them before. 
 
 Saturday, I went to Lyndon, attended a meeting 
 with the brethren, and had a refreshing time. 
 
 Sabbath day and evening, I atttended a meeting at 
 Billymead.
 
 LIFE OFJOHN COLBY. 91 
 
 Nov. 20th, I went to Curby, and attended a meet- 
 ing the same evening in that place. Several persons 
 manifested a determination to seek reli2;ion. 
 
 Wednesday, I went to Burk where I attended a 
 meeting in the afternoon, and another in the evening. 
 I found the converts well engaged, and had the happi- 
 ness of seeing two new ones come forward. 
 
 Thursday morning, I went to Lyndon, attended a 
 meeting in the afternoon, and baptized five. In the 
 evening, I altended a meeting at the same place. 
 
 Next day, I went on about two miles towards Lyn- 
 don corner, and visited the people from house to 
 house. In the evening, I preached at a school house 
 to a crowded assembly. The next day 1 returned 
 home. 
 
 Sabbath day, Nov. 25th, I attended meeting at 
 Billymead ; and the Lord was in our midst. 
 
 Monday night, I was at brother Blake's ; a number 
 of young people being present, two of whom were 
 not converted. I conversed with them for some time. 
 I then kneeled down and prayed. They also both 
 kneeled, and prayed for themselves; the Lord ap- 
 peared in mercy, and blessed their souls ; and I trust 
 they are now on their journey to the heavenly country, 
 
 Tuesday, I went to Lyndon, held a meeting in the 
 evening, and had a happy time. I found many in- 
 quiring minds. 
 
 Wednesday, I went to Danville, having been sent 
 for by the Church, to assist in the ordination of a 
 brother. Thursday, two other Elders with myself, 
 performed the ordination ; and in the evening I 
 preached in the same place. 
 
 Friday, I went to the south part of Lyndon, and 
 held a meeting in the afternoon, at Mr Megaffy's. 
 At this meeting there were a number of young peo- 
 ple, and several very old. It was a time of general 
 weeping and mourning through the house. I went on
 
 92 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 two or three miles and attended a meeting in the eve- 
 ning. — Saturday, I went home. 
 
 Sabbath day, Dec. 2d, 1 preached at our usual 
 place of worship. At the close, we repaired to the 
 water, where I baptized two. We naet again in the 
 evening, and had a happy season. 
 
 Tuesday following, I went to the east part of Lyn- 
 don, attended meeting in the afternoon, and baptized 
 one. 
 
 Wednesday, I went to Burk ; and in the evening, 
 attended meeting at brother VV^elman's. The liearts 
 of the brethren were much comforted ; while at the 
 same time, several mourning sinners were much dis- 
 tressed. 
 
 Thursday, bemg the annual Thanksgiving, I return- 
 ed to Billymead, and attended meeting ; we had a 
 thanksgiving indeed. At the close of worship, we 
 repaired to the water, and baptized four. In the eve- 
 ning I went to the south part of the town, attended a 
 meeting, and married a couple. 
 
 Friday evening;, I attended a meeting at Burk. 
 
 Saturday, I went to Lyndon, by request, to visit a 
 sick woman 
 
 Sabbath day, December 9th, was my birth day ; 
 I being then twenty-three years old. In the day 
 time, I preached at Burk ; and in the evening, at Lyn- 
 don, where I had an appointment to preach to the 
 youih. Here was a crowded assembly, and it was 
 truly a solemn time. Spent the rest of the week in 
 Lyndon, St Johnsbury and Danville. I found many 
 inquiring minds, and some greatly distressed on ac- 
 count of their sins. 
 
 Sabbath day, Dec. 16th, I attended meeting at 
 Billymead ; and the remainder of that week I spent ia 
 the same place, Burk and Lyndon. 
 
 Sabbath day, Dec. 23d, I preached in Lyndon. 
 Tuesday following, I sat out early, to go to the South 
 part of Kerby, which was about fifteen or twenty
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBF. 93 
 
 miles. The sun arose clear, the morning appeared 
 fair and delightsome, and I entertained a pleasing hope 
 of a pleasant day. But I had not gone far, when a 
 storm suddenly arose and beat down upon me in a 
 dreadful manner. This was loud preaching to me. 
 I thought it to be a striking resemblance of tliat storm 
 of wrath which shall be poured out upon the ungodly 
 at the last day. It also brought to my mind a view of 
 the travel of the sons of men from the cradle to the 
 grave. The youth, in the morning of life, set out 
 with fair expectations of a pleasant and prosperous 
 journey, through the various scenes before them ; but 
 in an unexpected hour, the storms of trouble arise ; 
 their morning sun is beclouded and their fair pros- 
 pects all blasted. They, like the rose, make a fair 
 appearance to the beholders ; but there is a worm at 
 their root, Death, like a foe in ambush, unexpected- 
 ly rises up, and, with some deadly weapon, cuts them 
 down! 
 
 Tuesday, I attended meeting at Kerby, and had a 
 good time ; the Lord was in that place. 
 
 Wednesday, I preached in Waterford. After 
 meeting brother Cheney baptized five; In the eve- 
 ning, 1 attended al brother Cneney's ; it was a solemn 
 time. 
 
 Thursday evening, I preached in another part of the 
 town to a precious number of youths ; and 1 have rea- 
 son to believe it will be long remembered by many. 
 
 Friday and Saturday evenings, preached in Burk. 
 
 Sabbath day, Dec. 30ih, I preached in the same 
 town, to a very loving assembly of people. The most 
 of them were young converts ; and appeared to be 
 well engaged in the cause of religion. To conclude 
 this interview, I had the pleasure of going down into 
 the water, and baptizing four of those happy converts, 
 which increased the number io fifty one, who had been 
 baj)tized, since 1 returned from the westward. 
 
 Sabbath day night, I held a meeting at Brother Ru-
 
 8>4 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 fus Newell's ; where one backslider, who had stood 
 it out through all the reformation, camH home to his 
 Father's house, with a liumble acknowledgement of his 
 oflences. 
 
 Dec. 31st, I went home to my father's. A sol- 
 emn weight rested on my tnind, while I considered 
 that that day closed the year 1810. — And I feared I 
 had not made so good improvement as I might have 
 done. I looked back to the close of 1809 ; and it 
 seemed but a moment. But recollecting my prayer 
 on that day, while passing down Susquehannah river, 
 while I pleaded with God to be with me the ensuing 
 year ; I thought I had great reason to give glory to his 
 name, that he had in so many instances, heard and 
 answered my prayers, in so remarkable a manner. 
 
 Jan. 1st, 1811, I had a deep sense of the rapid 
 flight of time : and of the renewed obligation I was 
 under, to the Preserver of my unprofitable life. And 
 I renewed covenant with i)im to be more faithful in his 
 cause ; prayed for his assistance, and that I might 
 have a deeper work of grace wrought in my heart. 
 It being rumored that I was going a journey ; in the 
 evening, about thirty young people came in to see 
 me. We spent the time in conversation, singing and 
 prayer. I tarried in that region until the 19th of the 
 monthj; two things extraordinary happened in the 
 time. On the 10th, I was called to visit a sick man, 
 who had been a strong advocate of the doctrine of 
 universal salvation. 1 found him dangerou.-ly sick, 
 and in extreme bodily pain. But he made no com- 
 plaint of that. The distress of his mind, outweighed 
 it all. ft was enough to affect the hardest heart, to 
 hear him reflect on himself, for his past life. "Oh!" 
 said he, "I could have all my limbs ground to pow- 
 der if it would atone for my sins ; or I would be 
 willing to lie in this situation thirty years, if I could 
 then be happy." The next day, at his request, I vis- 
 ited hira again and tarried with him through the day.
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 95 
 
 X 
 
 At evening, I repaired to a school house, a few rods 
 distance, to a ttend a meeting. But immediately after 
 I went out, the doctor informed him, that he would 
 not live over six hours. This was shocking news to 
 him. He immediately sent and called for me ; and 
 entreated me to stay by him, and pray for him till he 
 died. About half past 11 o'clock at night, he closed 
 his eyes upon all mortal objects ; and made his exit, 
 to try new scenes, in worlds to him before unknown. 
 He retained his reason to his last moments ; and a few 
 minutes before he expired, I asked him if he had a 
 hope, that it would be well with him after death. Pie 
 answered, ' I have in part." But oh! said he, it is 
 too far off; I feel afraid to meet God ; but alas! 1 
 must go." While I stood closing his eyes, the ques- 
 tion revolved in my mind, where has his soul fled.'' 
 But this I leave for the judgement to declare. The 
 next day I preached his funeral sermon, to a large 
 concourse ol people ; and his remains were covered 
 up in the cold and silent grave ; there to remain till 
 the morning of the resurrection, when the dead, small 
 and great, must stand beiore God, and receive a just 
 sentence or reward, according to their works. 
 
 On the 17th, Iwas sent for to preach the funeral 
 sermon of two young women, who were sisters ; 
 namely, Sally and Patty Scott, in the town of Lyn- 
 don. These two sisters were both taken sick at one 
 time, with the typhus fever, and died within twenty 
 minutes of each other. This was truly an affecting 
 scene! To see two sisters, lately in the bloom of 
 youth, lie sleeping side by side in the cold embraces 
 of death, was a solemn day to the crowded assembly 
 in general ; but more especially to the numerous rel- 
 atives. 
 
 Jan. 19. I would here add, that the stroke of mor- 
 tality was repeated, until nine died out of the family, 
 in a few months. 
 
 This day I left home to journey into the eastern
 
 9C LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 country. I went as far as Waterford, where I tarried 
 a few days, and preached to the people. Froin 
 thence I crossed Connecticut Iliver, and went down 
 to New-Concord. I found the workof (iod glorious- 
 ly spreading in that place. I tarried with them about 
 a week ; attended twelve meetings ; and baptized ten 
 persons. — There were a number, who professed to be 
 born again, during my stay. At one meeting, I think 
 there were nine or ten, who came forward in public 
 trstimony for the first time. 
 
 Leaving New-Concord, I went on to Sandwich, N. 
 H. with an intention of abiding there a few weeks and 
 then to travel through the state of Rhode Island. But 
 the Lord disappointed me. I began to appoint meet- 
 ings it) different parts of the town, and went through 
 preaching the word. The Lord began immediately 
 to revive his work in every direction ; and the refor- 
 mation spread in a glorious and solemn manner. In 
 one part of the town, where I preached for the first 
 time, I told the people, that death was coming into 
 the neighborhood, within a few days; and gave iheni 
 a solemn charge, to be ready to meet him. In less 
 than one week, and aged woman in the viciiu'ty, clos- 
 ed her eyes in death. A few days afterwards, I at- 
 tended another meeting in the same neighborhood ; 
 and thought I saw a cloud like a man's hand, and heard 
 a sound of abundance of rain. However, the day wore 
 away, and many of the people withdrew from the 
 meeting, without seeing any display of divine power. 
 I then told the residue, that I had faith to believe that 
 God would work in the meeting before it closed ; and 
 that I was determined not to leave the house, so long 
 as there was one person left. — I kneeled down and 
 prayed ; and in a short time nine or ten fell on their 
 knees, and began to cry for mercy. In this manner, 
 the meeting continued the greatest part of the night; 
 and many were brought to rejoice in the Lord. 
 
 Not long after, I attended another meeting in the
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 97 
 
 same vicinhy. While I stood preaching, the power 
 of God fell on the people. One woman cried out ; 
 and in great distress walked the room, beseeching 
 God to have mercy on her soul. Others fell, and 
 cried in the same manner. The exercise continued 
 late in the evening until eleven souls, 1 trust, were 
 converted to God. I continued in Sandwich, preach- 
 ing the word, about two months. I baptized fifty four 
 persons ; and believe I saw nearly as many more con- 
 verted in the time. 1 think twenty or thirty of them 
 were baptized by Elder Quimby, and other adminis- 
 trators. In short, the work of God has been very 
 glorious in Sandwich ; and God has much people in 
 that place. 
 
 About the first of April, I began to preach in Tam- 
 worth, N. H. adjoining to Sandwich. The first time, 
 I preached at the place called the Iron-works. Sev- 
 eral were struck under conviction that day, who nev- 
 er found any peace, till they found Christ. The next 
 day, being Sabbath, I preached in the same neighbor- 
 hood ; and trulv it was an affecting time. A number 
 were deeply convinced of the importance of seeking 
 religion. Two weeks from that time I preached there 
 again. And notwithstanding many of the people 
 came to the meeting apparently lull of prejudice and 
 party spirit, yet God's power in the awakening of sin- 
 ners, was marvellously displayed. Some souls were 
 brought into gospel liberty, to praise the Lord. I 
 think I never saw a more solemn congregation of peo- 
 ple in my life. The youth, in a particular manner, 
 through the house, were melted into tenderness before 
 the Lord. One man a little past the middle age, (a 
 great politician,) came to hear and see for himsell, for 
 the first time. He brought a newspaper in his pock- 
 et to amuse himself in the intermission. He after- 
 wards informed me, that when I first came to the 
 house, and walked to the plac^'where I stood to preach; 
 he observing that I stood for some time in profound 
 9
 
 98 LirB OP JOHX COLBT. 
 
 silence, and looking over the congregation with a sol- 
 emn countenance ; it struck him that I could discern 
 between the precious and tiie vile ; and that 1 was 
 picking out the sheep from the goats. And heing 
 convicted by his conscience, of his own standing, he 
 said to himself, " if I cannot stand, with a bold coun- 
 tenance, before this man, how shall I stand before the 
 impartial judge of quick and dead ? He said he was 
 convinced that he should be found on the. left hand of 
 Christ, and be punished with everlasting destruction 
 from the presence of the Lord and the glory of his 
 power. The poor man had enough to think of in the 
 intermission, but never thought of his newspaper ; 
 neither did he afterwards for a number of days, until 
 he happened to put his hand into his pocket and found 
 it there. This was now no amusement to him. He 
 continued in great distress for about three weeks ; 
 and then he found him, of whom Moses in the law 
 and ihe prophets did write, Jesus of Nazareth. — 
 Also, a young woman who came to the same meeting, 
 being pri)ud, and bold in sin ; who had been in the 
 habit of making a mock of religion, both in public 
 and in private, was struck in a smilar manner as the 
 man mentioned above, before she heard a word, fche 
 began to cry, and continued weeping and mouruing, 
 through the day, and ceased not till she found Jesu3 
 to be precious to her soul. iShe is now, I trust, on 
 her journey " to fairer worlds on high. ' 
 
 From this, the reformation spread ; and would, I 
 believe, have spread througli the town, had it not 
 been, for certain characters who were opposed to re- 
 ligion ; who attacked the word in every way possible, 
 and opposed the reformation in a most cruel manner. 
 I often thought, when in Taniworth, of what C brist 
 said, IJatt. xxiii: 37, 38, '• O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 
 thou that killest lh« prophets, and stonest them that 
 are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered 
 thy children together, even as a hen gaihertth her
 
 LIFE OP JOHN COLBY. 99 
 
 chickens under her wings, and ye would not ! JRe- 
 hold, your house is left unto you desolate." This, I 
 believe, will be a calamity that will fall upon that peo- 
 ple, without repentance. Their house will be left 
 unto them desolate. It was not an uncommon thing 
 for parents to prevent their children from going to 
 meeting ; in some instances, where the meeting was 
 within a few rods distance : especiaily if they had been 
 before, and had got convicted. 
 
 One young man, having been under severe trials of 
 mind for several weeks, and spent his leisure hours 
 in reading, meditation and prayer, was accosted onei 
 day by his father, who said, " I do not believe in get- 
 ting religion in this way." " Why?" replied the 
 young man. " Dear father, if I have religion at all, I 
 must have such religion as the Lord gives me." For 
 my part I could wish that every one had such religion 
 as the young man referred to, had, and no other. 
 
 Notwithstanding the opposition in Tamworth, the 
 Lord was mindful of those that sought his face and 
 brought a goodly number to rejoice in his lovely name; 
 sixteen were baptized. Many more, I trust, were 
 brought to the knowledge of the truth. But by ad- 
 hering to Lo .' here is Christ; and Lo ! ih^re is 
 Christ, they were scattered, some one way, and some 
 another. In this place, I had the pleasure of bapti- 
 zing six belonging to one family, viz. the man, his 
 wife, a son, and three daughters. It was indeed a 
 pleasant sight to see so many in one family, all setting 
 out for heaven together ! Here was a church in one 
 house ; would to God there were many such church- 
 es ; or even that there was a church in every house. 
 For 1 am convinced, that reformation will never per- 
 vade the world until family religion is inculcated and 
 established among the professors of Christianity. O, 
 that the children of God would unite, in fervent prayer 
 for a reformation in Zion. 
 
 While the reformation was going on in Tamworth,
 
 100 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 as before described, a number of the inhabitants of 
 Eaton, adjacent, came over like spies, to spy out the 
 work, l^ut, unexpectedly, the bow being drawn at a 
 venture, was directed between the joints of their har- 
 ness, sunk into their hearts, and they went home sore- 
 ly wounded. The brethren from that place often re- 
 quested me to come over and preach among them. — 
 At length I appointed a meeting and went. When I 
 got to the place, I found a large concourse of people 
 together; and I felt an unusual cry in my soul to tho 
 God of Heaven, that he would make a rich display of 
 his power in the congregation. The brethren in tho 
 place at that time, were generally lukewarm ; but few 
 enjoying the power of religion. A number had en- 
 tirely forsaken the Lord, and were cut off from the 
 Church. I felt a travel of soul for professors, as well 
 as for the unconverted. And before I had done 
 speaking, I felt a satisfactory evidence, that the Lord 
 would speedily answer prayer. When 1 had done 
 speaking, I observed that almost the whole assembly 
 were in a flood of tears. The brethren arose, one af- 
 ter another, in quick succession, and spake in the 
 name of the Lord. Some rejoiced, and praised God 
 for hii goodness. Others acknowledged their luke- 
 wtrrnness ; and said they feared the Lord would spew 
 them out of his mouth. Others confessed their back- 
 sliding; that they had spent all their substance in riot- 
 ous living, &c.; and that they had striven in vain to 
 satisfy tliemselves with the husky vanities of worldly 
 riches, honors and sensual delights. About the close 
 of the day, to crown the meeting with joy, one young 
 woman was converted to God; and with extatic joy, 
 praised the great Redeemer. The next morning, 
 (like the woman of Samaria,) she came through the 
 neighborhood, and called upon her companions, to 
 come and see a man, that told her all things that ever 
 she did: assuring them that it was the Christ ; and 
 that she had found him to be altogether lovely, and
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 101 
 
 the chiefest among ten thousands. Another young 
 female, whom I observed as I entered the place was 
 very finely dressed, and ruffled off in the proudest 
 manner, caused an uncommon solemnity to fall onjmy 
 mind. Before I had done speaking, I mentioned the 
 impression I had felt at the beginning of the meeting ; 
 and then told the people, that there was a young wo- 
 man in the house, who would be immediately convert- 
 ed to God, or else her sun would set in the morning; 
 and she would be suddenly hurled to the dark shades 
 of night. The proud young woman before mention- 
 ed, immediately dropped her head, as suddenly as if an 
 arrow had gone through her heart: and an internal 
 voice said to her, '' thou art the one." She contin- 
 ued mourning and praying, I beheve, through the re- 
 maining part of tlie meeting; through the night, and 
 all the next day. The night following she was con- 
 verted; and a more humble convert I never saw. In 
 the same meeting where she was converted, five more 
 were struck under conviction, while I was speaking, 
 as I learned afterwards; and some of them experi- 
 enced religion the same night. 
 
 I then left an appointment to preach there again, in 
 about one week from that time; and went to other 
 towns, whers I had meetings appointed. My read- 
 ers will observe that I had stated appointments at this 
 time, in a number of towns; namely, Eaton, Tarn- 
 worth, Sandwich, Centerharbor, Moultonborough, and 
 Meredith, all adjoining; and that the reformation was 
 spreading through the most of these places at one 
 time. But that they may have a more perfect knowl- 
 edge, of the glorious work of God in these towns, I 
 shall give a particular description of the reformatioa 
 in each by itself. 
 
 On my return to Eaton, I found that several more 
 
 were brought to the knowledge of the truth. In my 
 
 absence, several of the converts having got together 
 
 one evening, two or three of their companions being 
 
 *9
 
 103 LIFE OF JOHN COLBT. 
 
 present wiih them; they immediately hegan to pray 
 for them; and continued praying and weeping, through 
 the night; hut, hlcssed he God, joy came in the morn- 
 ing. And they had the privilege of rejoicing with 
 them as heaven born hrethren. Our second meeting 
 began at one o'clock P. M. and continued till tlie next 
 morning. We then had an intermission for a few 
 hours, and assembled again. This meeting, also, 
 lasted through that day, and the night following. A 
 precious number of souls were hopefully converted, 
 in the course of these meetings. Previous to this, a 
 couple of young women had entered into an agree- 
 ment to resist the Spirit of the Lord, and all the 
 prayers of his children; and firmly agreed to stand 
 by each other in that obstinate resistance* let what 
 would come. But it was so ordered, in divine wis- 
 dom, that their covenant was soon broken, and their 
 agreement did not stand. For in the time of the in- 
 termission before mentioned I went into the house 
 where one of them lived. I kneeled down in the 
 family, and began to pray. After I had prayed a 
 while, I began to pray for the young woman, and I had 
 not prayed long before she fell on her knees. She 
 told me afterwards, that she had no idea of praying, 
 in case she had stayed on her knees a week. Jnit af- 
 ter remaining in this humble posture a while, she broke 
 out in the following language, " O LORD ! I had as 
 good seek for happiness in thee, and not find it, as to 
 seek for it in the world, and not find it: for I have 
 never found any real happiness in the vanities of the 
 world — none in the ball-room — none at the card ta- 
 ble — none in my gay parties and pastimes. And now, 
 O Lord, if there be any true happiness in religion, let 
 me enjoy it before I arise from my knees." 
 
 Thus she continued praying, till her soul was con- 
 verted to God. She then found that there was real 
 happiness to be enjoyed in religion. — I heard hrr say 
 not long afterwards that she longed to leave this world
 
 LIFE OP JOHN COLBY. 103 
 
 and to be with Christ. O, said she, I would not ex- 
 change what I now feel in my soul, and the hope that 
 I have beyond the grave, for ten thousand such worlds 
 as this. Her pride, and vanity, and idol gods, were 
 now no more to her than a mote. Her ruffles be- 
 came fuel for the fire ; all her superfluous ornaments 
 were laid aside. She now appeared in modest ap- 
 parel ; and her countenance, together with the visible 
 alteration of her deportment, seemed enough to strike 
 a sinner under conviction. I stayed at her father's 
 one night ; and early on the morning following, I re- 
 tired to the field to pray. While I was there in med- 
 itation I saw the young woman, in company wiib her 
 three sisters, walking hand in hand: (they were all 
 women grown, and all professors.) They passed 
 through an orchard, into a pasture, in which was a 
 grave-yard. I observed they went directly to that ; 
 and after passing a number of graves, they parted, and 
 went up two on each side of the grave of their godly 
 grandmother, who had lain in her grave about three 
 years. They all fell upon their knees ; and prayed 
 vocally. 1 could not hear their words distinctly ; but 
 I could hear their sound. It was truly a solemn and 
 affecting scene to me. I conjectured that as their 
 grandmother had been in her life time a pious woman, 
 and often prayed with them and for them ; and had 
 admonished them to seek the Lord ; they now went 
 to her grave, to confess their former neglect and ob- 
 stinacy, and to pray God for forgiveness. I then broke 
 out and said, "O my God! let this solemn act of de- 
 votion be impressed on the hearts of the rising gener- 
 ation, who disregard the council and prayers of their 
 pious parents ; lest they, like these damsels, should 
 have to go to their graves, and weep and mourn and 
 pray, and confess, over their bodies which moulder in 
 the dust." I now insert it with the same desire ; and 
 hope that my young readers will be particularly cau- 
 tious of disregarding religious instruction.
 
 104 LIFE OF JOHNCOLBT. 
 
 On the 16th June, being the Sabbath, I repaired 
 to the water and baptized tlie before mentioned young 
 women, and twenty others, mostly young people. All 
 these publicly manifested their laiih in Christ, and 
 cheerfully followed him into the watery grave ; while 
 a multitude of their youthful companions, situated on 
 the banks of the river, were looking on : some weep- 
 ing and mourning, others laughing and scoffing. The 
 enemies of the Lord were not a little displeased when 
 they saw a number of young men and young women 
 forsaking (hem. One circumstance which at that time 
 seemed to aggravate their displeasure, was, that they 
 had previously appointed to celebrate the 4tlTof July, 
 or Independence, as they call it ; which they intended 
 to do, by frolicking, dancing, singing, &c. But when 
 they saw so large a number of their companions, and 
 some who were expected to have been ilic managers 
 of the ball, forsaking them to follow Christ, they hard- 
 ly knew what to do. However, the residue resolved 
 not to be hindered ; and declared they would have 
 their frolic, let the consequence be what it would, 
 notwithstanding many had left them. Being inform- 
 ed that I was to preach in the town on the 4th of Ju- 
 ly, one broke out in a rough manner, and said, "if he 
 attempts the thing, I'll give my brother a dollar to 
 make him a coffin ; and I'll kill him, and put him in- 
 to it." I heard of their threats with great composure 
 of mind ; and was enabled, both in public and private, 
 to address them in tho language of Paul, Acts,xx. 24: 
 "But none of these things move me, neither count I 
 my life dear unto myself; so that 1 might finish my 
 course with joy, and the ministry which I have re- 
 ceived of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the 
 grace of God." 1 found, the more the work of God 
 was opposed, the more rapidly it spread. While I 
 ■was in Eato.T, I attended meetings day and night ; and 
 it was generally the case that some were converted 
 in every meeting, and the work spread gloriousl/
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 105 
 
 through almost every neighborhood in the town. 
 
 On the 4th of July, I attended to my appointment. 
 I found a large number of people had assembled ; and 
 to my great astonishment, those very young people, 
 who had been so engaged to prepare for their Inde- 
 pendent frolic, were the most of them present at the 
 meeting. I spake from Psal. Ixxxix. 15 ; "Blessed 
 is the people that know the joyful sound." I strove 
 to show the people, the difference between the sound 
 which the Psalmist alluded to, and that sound which 
 attracts the ear of the unconverted. This was a pre- 
 cious day to believers, and an alarming day to poor 
 sinners. I told the people who were fond of orations 
 on independent days, I would read them one delivered 
 by Jesus Christ, recorded Matt. xxv. beginning at the 
 81st verse, and so_^ to the end of the chapter. I then 
 assured them, that they would all hear this oration de- 
 livered by him again at the last day. Three souls 
 were hopefully converted to God before the meeting 
 closed; after which we repaired to the water, and 1 
 baptized seven. 
 
 July 14lh, being Sabbath, we met in the morning, 
 at the water, where I baptized ten. We then return- 
 ed to the place of public worship, where we enjoyed 
 the peaceful presence of God through the day. At 
 the close of worship the Lord's Supper was adminis- 
 tered, which was a solemn and delightful scene. I 
 was astonished and overcome, my heart ravished, and 
 my soul filled with transport ; so that I could scarcely 
 contain myself. To see so many of those young peo- 
 plu, that, but a few days before were spending their 
 precious time in ball-rooms, and other carnal merri- 
 ments, now uniting with their pious parents and sur- 
 rounding the Lord s table ; this was a scene more 
 pleasin^^ to me, than to have been in kings' courts. 
 
 On Sabbath day, Aug 18, 1 preached in Eaton, 
 baptized eight persons, and broke bread to them 
 again. The whole number baptized by me in that town
 
 106 LIFE OF JOHN COLBT. 
 
 was 46. Besides these, I trust there were a number 
 that experiencerJ religion, but who did not at that time 
 submit to bfptism. My prayer is, that the ('hurch in 
 Eaton, may be hke that at Jerusalem in the day of 
 Pentecost ; which continued steadfast in the apostle's 
 doctrine and fellowship, &c. 
 
 Aug. 19th, I preached at Esq. Blasdel's in the 
 same town. A man met me at the door and presen- 
 ted me a letter, which I put into my coat pocket, and 
 went into the house. Being unwell, I retired to an- 
 other apartment. The weather being warm, I took 
 off my coat and lay down. I felt an impression to 
 read my letter. I immediately arose, opened it, and 
 found it contained one dollar with these words, "The 
 Lord God Omnipotent Reigneth." I immediately 
 left the bed, repaired to the place of worship, and 
 was led to speak from the same words. Before the 
 meeting closed, the Lord reigned sure enough, b^aints 
 rejoiced, sitmers trembled. Eight poor sinners fell 
 prostrate on the floor, and a number were hopefully 
 converted. Here I must not forget to mention one 
 distinguishing providence of God towards me, in the 
 time of the above work. Not long after the reforma- 
 tion broke out in Eaton, I left an appointment, to be 
 there on the Sabbath ; and proceeded to Center-Har- 
 bour, and some other places where I had left appoint- 
 ments. On Tuesda}^, prior to my appointment at Ea- 
 ton, I was taken sick ; but through much weakness, 
 made out to get back to Sandwich, which is about 20 
 or 25 miles from Eaton. I was then reduced so low, 
 and had become so weak, that I kept my bed through 
 the day. For several hours in the afternoon I did not 
 speak only in a whisper. In the evening, Klder Dan- 
 iel Quimby came to see m.e, and when he understood 
 my appointment at Eaton, on the Sabbath, he said 
 there would be a great congregation, and much disap- 
 pointment if I failed attending ; and said I must go on 
 the next da}', and that he would go with me. He
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 107 
 
 then left me. The next morning, he came early with 
 his chaise, and told me I must go. The family where 
 I was, thought it presumption to attempt it ; for they 
 did not suppose that I was able to sit up. However, 
 I made out to get into the chaise, rode a few miles, 
 and then went into a house and rested a while. I 
 then went on again. I did so several times, in the 
 course of the dayj and at night got within four miles 
 of my appointment. Sabbath day morning, we went 
 to the meeting found a very large congregation met to 
 hear the word ; and notwithstanding my bodily weak- 
 ness, the Lord gave me strength to preach to them. 
 In the afternoon, we left the house, and went into the 
 field, the better to accommodate the people. I preach- 
 ed from Eccl. xi. 9: " Rejoice O young man," &c. 
 That meeting will doubtless be remembered in eterni- 
 ty. Here I raised'an Ebenezer, and said 'hitherto 
 the Lord hath helped me ;" for it seemed as though 
 a cordial was immediately administered to me from 
 heaven, which refreshed and supported me, both ia 
 body and mind. And notwithstanding the natural, as 
 well as the spiritual rain, fell on the assembly, before 
 1 had done speaking, yet I received no damage. For 
 the next day, I felt as well as I did before 1 was sick. 
 
 "What shall I render to my God 
 For all his kindness shown." 
 
 The reformation in Center Harbor began on the 
 12th of May, the same year. On that day, I preach- 
 ed there for the first time. I directed my discourse 
 to the youth, and God was pleased to set the word 
 home to their hearts: conviction took hold of the 
 mnids of a number. I believed the word, like good 
 seed, fell into good and honest hearts. I visited the 
 place about one week afterwards, and found a refor- 
 mation had really taken place, in the course of two 
 or three days five or six young people were hopefully 
 converted to God. From this the work spread into 
 nlmost every part of the town.
 
 108 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 June 13th, six of these happy converts, manifested 
 their love to Christ, by following him in baptism. Not 
 long after, eighteen more, at different times, followed 
 the sameexample ; which made in all 24 in number. 
 These were all unmarried people ; chiefly young mea 
 and women. 
 
 July 7th, I preached in the south part of the town, 
 to a large concourse of people, a considerable num- 
 ber of whom^ belonged in Meredith, (adjoining Cen- 
 ter Harbor on the south,) a town which 1 had not as 
 yet been into. But while I was speaking, I found my 
 mind remarkably drawn out in prayer for that people, 
 And looking around on the assembly, I said, "the work 
 of the Lord began in the North part of Center Harbor, 
 has spread to the south, and is now going into Mere- 
 dith ; look out young people! and prepare yourselves, 
 for the coming of the Lord draweih nigh! }3e care- 
 ful to entertain the heavenly stranger, whilst he is 
 passing through the town, lest he pass you by, and 
 call on you no more." Several poor sinners left the 
 meeting, deeply wounded in heart for sin, and went 
 home weeping. One young woman, who had lately 
 moved from Portsmouth, was so alarmed, that after 
 she'had retired to her bed chamber, she arose from 
 her bed in dead of night, (as I was informed,) fell on 
 her knees, and cried to God for mercy ; but could 
 find no rest lo her soul till she entered into a covenant 
 with the Lord, that she woidd go to meeting the next 
 day, and in the presence of all her companions, kneel 
 down and pray. [For I had appointed to preach at 
 Meredith the next day, at the meeting house, at 9 o'- 
 clock A. M.] I accordingly attended. A goodly 
 number of people met. I preached /rom Prov. viii. 
 17 ; " for I love them that love me ; and those that 
 seek me early shall find me." I felt the love of God 
 like fire shut up in my bones; and the Lord enabled 
 me to give every one his portion of meal in due sea- 
 son. Before I had done speaking, a cumber weie
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 109 
 
 melted into tears, and some began to cry for mercy. 
 Backsliders trembled, and confessed their backslidings: 
 and the place began to be glorious and awful on ac- 
 count of the presence of God. The meeting lasted 
 till dark, without intermission; and eight souls I trust, 
 were really Ci)nverted to God, in the course of the 
 meeting. Still to heighten the joy of God's people, 
 a number, who had been for some time in a backslid- 
 den state, came home to their Father's house. This was 
 a glorious day of Immanuel's power. But, what 
 might have reasonably been expected, immediately 
 took place. The ungodly were greatly displeased to 
 see so many of their companions forsaking them and 
 turning to the Lord. A little before I had done speak- 
 ing, one young man sat open his pew door, and ap- 
 parently in a great rage, rushed out of the house, and 
 kept around the outside. A short time afttr, while 
 some were engaged in solemn prayer to God, for poor 
 sinners who wtre then in distress, and crying to the 
 Lord to have mercy On them, this young man ap- 
 proached the door a^ain ; and seeing one of his sis- 
 ters, weeping and crying for mercy, he re-entered the 
 house, went and took her by the hand, and pulling her 
 from her seat, said, "come, go with me." ^he an- 
 swered, " 1 cannot leave the house;" and, drawing 
 her hand away, she sat down again. He renev.ed his 
 hold a second time, pulled her up, saying, -'you shall 
 go." She then seeing that she mnst either tonlk out, 
 or be dragcred out, yielded; and notwithstanding she 
 had scarcely strength to stand, being under powerful 
 conviction, yet he made her walk out, and led her a- 
 way to a house near by; slie begging him all the way 
 to let her go back; but he would not. After getting 
 her to the house, he imniediately sent for his father to 
 come to his assistance; placing himself in the door, 
 to keep the people of God from entering the house 
 while she sat with her eyes lifted up to heaven, tears 
 rolling down her cheeks, and every little while, 
 10
 
 110 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 mournful voice, enough to have affected a heart of 
 sTone, cried GOD BE MERCIFUL TO ME A 
 SINNEJi. However, he soon got assistance. Her 
 fatiier came and they sat her on a horse; one of her 
 sisters held her on, and her brother led him by the 
 bridle. In this manner they went home; but Jesus 
 OF Nazareth followed them. For soon after, the 
 young woman was converted; she came out very 
 strong and bold, and began to warn the rest of the 
 family. Her exhortations had a good effect; and soon 
 after, her mother, and two of her sisters, professed ex- 
 perimental religion, and sat out lor heaven with her. 
 The devil, in thi« instance, overshot himself; by en- 
 deavoring to hold one of his subjects by force, he lost 
 four. Christ is stronger than the strong man armed. 
 From this, the work of the Lord spread through 
 the town. Meetings were attended day and night; 
 and I scarcely attended a meeting, but that some were 
 hopefully convened. In some meetings, as many as 
 ten or twelve would profess to have experienced a sa- 
 ving change. I baptized sixty-two believers in the 
 place, at different times; while many others stood 
 trembling, and waiting to hear their blessed master 
 say, '' and now why tarriest thou; arise, and be bap- 
 tised," &c. The prospect at the water, at times of 
 ba[)tism was almost mdescribable. The ordinance 
 was administered in a very pleasant pond, which seem- 
 ed to be prepared, by the Creator, for the noble pur- 
 pose. It was but a short distance from the p'ace of 
 worship; and we often repaired to it, to attend the 
 glorious institution of heaven, while the spirit of God, 
 like a peaceful dove, descended upon us. O how 
 solemn, beautiful and pleasant, the scene, to see ten, 
 twelve, and someiiuies fif(een, follow their blessed Sa- 
 viour down into the water at one time ! — while the 
 shores were lined with ailentive spectators, and boats 
 filled with people Irom the opposite side «)f the pond. 
 It seemed sometimes as if heaven and earth had come
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. HI 
 
 together, indeed; while the converts were praising 
 God, and singing hallelujahs to the Lamb. I have 
 thought it a prelude of the day, when the saints shall 
 be made equal to angels, and shine forth in tlie king- 
 dom of their father forever and ever. 
 
 But, before 1 pass any further, I would just remark, 
 that the young man before mentioned, who showed 
 his bravery in the devil's service, was soon after mar- 
 ried- He built a house, and moved his wife home, 
 with the most sanguine hope of terrestial happiness; 
 not considering that he was at the same time engaged 
 in an unequal war. In a (ew days he was taken sick; 
 a sore gathered on his side or hip, which proved very 
 distressing, and brought him near to the gate of death. 
 But he recovered again in some measure, so as to be 
 able to ride out; and I was informed, went to meet- 
 ing. And lest tlie people should think that he had 
 been humbled by his late sickness, he walked the 
 broad Isle with as much politeness as possible, and 
 made all the presence he could. His pride, howev- 
 er, was soon stained. He returned home and the 
 Lord brought him down again. His sore grew worse, 
 and at the last account 1 had of him, he lay under the 
 doctor's hands, and his life was despaired of. I men- 
 tion this as a warning to those, who shall hereafter live 
 ungodly; that they may take warning and flee from 
 the wrath to come, and lay hold on eternal life. I at- 
 tended several funerals in the town, in the course of 
 the summer. Among others, the funeral of a man 
 who died of about middle age. His wife and one 
 child, who were buried about six or eight years be- 
 fore, were, by his request, dug up and buried along 
 with him in another place. This was a very solemn 
 scene; especially for the two orphan daughters, to see 
 their father and mother lie side by side in their cof- 
 fins. O may the Lord be a father to the poor little 
 fatherless children. The alarm in Meredith was very 
 solemn, both in mercies and judgments. Two breth-
 
 112 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 ren, one of whom belonged in this town and the other 
 in Centre Harbor, at two different times, heard me 
 pray in the air, when I was many miles from them; 
 arid said they could hear the words which I used, 
 plainly and distinctly, and that my voice sounded per- 
 ectly natural. They thought, for a while, that 1 
 must be somewhere near; until they recollected that 
 I was a great way off. 'J'hey observed that the speak- 
 ing, was in the air above them, 'ibis happened about 
 the beginning of the reformation. In the course of 
 the summer, I preached occasionally in a number of 
 towr.5, besides those already mentioned, viz. — New- 
 Hampton, Holderness, Campton, Thornton, Burton, 
 Conway, Bartlett, Adams, Effingham, Porter, Parsons- 
 field, Ussipee, Gilmanton, &c. and saw the work of 
 the Lord in about every place. 
 
 On the 3d of June, being previously sent for, I 
 went to Moultonborough, and made an appointment to 
 preach in that town on the 26th of the same month. 
 When I got to the meeting, I found the house filled 
 vvith people; as I entered the door I felt impressed to 
 sing. I accordingly began a very solemn hymn, and 
 continued smging as I walked into the house, until I 
 closed the hymn. I immediately discovered that it 
 had a powerful effect on the minds of some. One 
 careless, hardened man, who had been an opposer of 
 religion, was so struck, that he could hardly refrain 
 crying out. Meeting began about 10 o'clock, A. M. 
 and lasted till dark. A number professed to find 
 peace to their souls in the course of the meeting. — 
 From this, the work of the Lord spread in a glorious 
 manner. I baptized seventeen persons in that place, 
 in the course of the summer. 1 also baptized two in 
 Campton, and two in Holderness. In the last men- 
 tioned town, there was an appearance of a glorious re- 
 formation; but party spirit got in among professors, 
 and like a chilly frost nipped it in the bud. 
 
 " The peaceful Spirit, like a dove, 
 
 Flies from the realms of noise and strife."
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 113 
 
 August 31st, I preached at widow Thompson's,and 
 the power of the Lord seemed to rest on the assem- 
 bly. After I began to preach, a number of young 
 people came into the meeting showing a great deal of 
 pride and carelessness. One young woman, in par- 
 ticular, appeared very light and cainal, as she came 
 on the road to meeting. Being told by one of the 
 company, that she would cry before the meeting was 
 done; she protested that she would not, if one half of 
 the meeting died. 
 
 As this young woman entered the meeting, and 
 passed me I felt a very solemn impression on my 
 mind concerning her, though I never saw her before; 
 this being the first time that I had preached in that 
 part of the town. Before I ended speaking, I ob- 
 served that there was a certain young woman in the 
 meeting, who without repentance would be called out 
 of tirne in a few days; and described her so near, that 
 she and many others knew who I meant. The Wed- 
 nesday following she was taken sick, and grew worse 
 very fast, until Friday night, at which time they tho't 
 she was near dying. She however continued in about 
 the same situation until sabbath day, which was the 
 8th of September. Some of the family told me, that 
 they thought that there were as many as 200 people 
 who came in that day to see her die. I was informed 
 by her mother, that she was so weak, that she could 
 not admit more than three or four persons into the 
 room at a time, without fainting. It so happened, 
 that I preached that day within four or five miles of 
 the place. She hearing of it, sent express word to 
 nie to come and see her, and also to appoint a meet- 
 ing there that evening. Some of the family, and 
 neighbors, struck very hard against it, and said it 
 would kill her. But she would not give it up. I 
 made an appointment and got there a little before dark. 
 1 found about a hundred people collected. I went in- 
 to the room and conversed with her; but, she being
 
 IM LirE or JOHN colbt. 
 
 weak, could speak but a (evr words. I then repaired 
 to the doors, which opened into three rooms and felt 
 nothing special to say to her, until 1 had finished my 
 sermon. I then turned about and looked towards her; 
 and, calling her by name, I told her that Christ had 
 power, when on earlh, to cast out devils, healtl>e sick, 
 raise the dead, &c.; that his power was (he same now 
 that it was then ; that he was able to raise her in a 
 moment; give her strength to stand on her feet; con- 
 vert her soul; give her a tongue to praise his heaven- 
 ly name and to warn her ungodly mates around her. 
 I then broke out in prayer to the Lord God, to have 
 naercy on her, to restore ber 1o health, and convert 
 her soul. I had faith to believe that the Lord would 
 answer prayer; and that I should see her arise on her 
 feet, and praise his heavenly name. She broke out 
 in prayer about the time I did, and continued crying 
 for mercy, about fifteen minutes; at which time she 
 suddenly rose on her feet, notwithstanding they had 
 been swoln all the day, that she could not bear any 
 heavy weight on them at all. She advanced to the 
 door, and as she passed by one of her sisters, clasped 
 her in her arms, and spake to her in a most affecting 
 manner. And coming to the door, she boldly told 
 the people, that Jesus Christ was her physician, and 
 that he healed her, soul and body. She then contin- 
 ued praising God in a most solemn manner, about the 
 space of an hour. Many in the assembly shed tears 
 if»hile they heard her relate what the Lord had done 
 for her. Others appeared to be frightened and were 
 in doubt, ready to lay violent hands on her and con- 
 fine her to the bed. But she told them she was well 
 as ever she was. For, said she, Jesus lias healed me; 
 and I am determined to praise him through life, thro' 
 death, and in a vast eternity. •' And she was made 
 whole from that hour." 
 
 I continued preaching in the towns before named, 
 till the fore part of October ; at which time I left
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLST. 115 
 
 New-Hampshire, and returned to Vermont. I arri- 
 ved at my lather's, on the evening of the 5th of Oc- 
 tober, at a late hour ; and finding the family asleep I 
 retired to my bedroom, thanked the Lord for his 
 goodness and sparing mercy to me, and lay down. — 
 Next morning, when the family arose, we had a joy- 
 ful meeting ; my heart was filled with gratitude to find 
 them all alive and well. It being Sabbath, I felt 
 myself unspeakably happy, in going in company with 
 my dear relatives, to the place of worship ; where I 
 had the inexpressible pleasure of seeing the faces of 
 my brethren in Christ, and uniting in solemn devotion 
 with them. 
 
 The next Sabbath, I also preached in Billymead, 
 and continued in and about that place till the 18th of 
 the same month ; at which time I went to New Con- 
 cord, N. H. to attend a quarterly meeting, which was 
 holden on the 19th and 20th of the same month. — 
 The first day of the meeting, a large number of Elders 
 and brethren a»sembled. We had a good time. — 
 The second day the congregation was much larger ; 
 and the power of the Most High, was visibly display- 
 ed in the meeting. Some preached, some prayed, 
 some exhorted, some confessed their backsliding, and 
 others cried for mercy. 
 
 October 2ist, I returned to Billymead ; preached, 
 and visited in that town, and in the town of Burk, till 
 the next Saturday ; at which time a Quarterly Meet- 
 ing began at Billymead — being the 26th of the nionth. 
 Nothing special took place the first day ; but on the 
 second day of the meeting, we had an extraordinary 
 season. It was a stormy day, but a large number 
 collected. The exercise began with singing, pray- 
 ing, and giving glory to God, which lasted lor some 
 time, and after a short cessation, I felt much im- 
 pressed to speak from the word love ; and I can 
 truly say, I felt my heart filled with it both to saints 
 and sinners. It was said by others that I spoke near
 
 116 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 two hours ; but it seemed to me but a few minutes. 
 Towards the close, it really seemed as if the very air 
 was love ; and I felt for a season, as though 1 had 
 launched into an ocean which had neither bottom, 
 bank, nor shore ; and could only express myself, by 
 borrowing the language of a certain author : — 
 
 " Should the whole sea be turned to ink, 
 
 Were the whole earth a parrhraent made, 
 And every single stick a quill, 
 
 And every man a scribe by trade, 
 To write the love of God to man — 
 
 'Twould drain the ocean dry ; 
 Nor would the scroll contain the w-hole, 
 
 Though stretched from sky to sky." 
 
 At the close of this meeting, I bid farewell to my 
 dear relatives and friends, in that region, and sat off 
 to travel into the Eastern country ; having for my 
 companion, Jonathan Colby, my natural brother. — 
 We W'cnt that evening as far as St Johnsbury. 
 
 Monday and Tuesday, we proceeded as far as 
 Meredith, N. H. 
 
 Wednesday, October 30th, I preached in that 
 town at the meeting-house ; and after meeting, trav- 
 elled as far as Center Harbor, where we attended a 
 meeting in the evening. 
 
 Thursday, we went to Eaton, where [ preached in 
 the afternoon ; and to my great joy found the breth- 
 ren in that town well engaged. 
 
 Friday Xov. 1st, we went to ParsonsGeld, and 
 attended a meeting in the evening. 
 
 Saturday morning, we went to Buxton, to attend 
 the yearly meeting, which was holden in that town. 
 A goodly number collected, and we enjoyed the pres- 
 ence of God through the day. In the evening, meet- 
 ings of worship were holden in different parts of the 
 town. 
 
 Sabbath day, Xov. 3d, yearly meeting continued.
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 117 
 
 A very large concourse of people collected in and 
 about the meeting house. The servants of Christ, 
 like the wise virgins, had their lamps trimmed and 
 burning. They spake, one by one, in quick succes- 
 sion, in prayer, and by exhortation ; and made many 
 pertinent observations. The exercise continued ia 
 this form for some time ; and when this ended, after 
 a little silence, Elder John Buzzell, an humble 
 servant of JESUS CHRIST, and able mmister of the 
 New Testament, arose, and delivered a sermon from 
 Acts xvii. 7 ; " Saying that there is another King, 
 one Jesus." The whole scope of his sermon was to 
 set forth Jesus Christ. He first described his person. 
 2. His condescension. 3. His humiliation. 4. 
 His life and doctrine. 5. His death and sufferings. 
 6. His resurrectit)n and ascension. 7. His inter- 
 cession with his Father ; and by his Spirit, with the 
 children of men. He spake of his kingdom, of his 
 subjects, of his laws, the order of his house, his love- 
 liness, &c. When he ended, I felt impressed to speak 
 from John ix. 27 ; " Will ye also be his disciples ?" 
 And I have reason to believe, that before the close of 
 the meeting, a number answered in the affirmative. — 
 Many cried to the Lord for mercy. 
 
 Sabbath day evening, I preached at Gorham, in the 
 meeiing-house at Fort hill, to a crowded assembly. 
 
 Monday, I went back to Buxtoh, and attended the 
 Elder's meeting. In the evening, we attended a 
 meeting of worship, where we saw several souls 
 hopefully converted. 
 
 Tuesday evening, I preached again at Gorham ; I 
 had a heavenly season at brother Clement's house, 
 and also at brother Baker's 
 
 Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 6th, I preached in 
 Portland 
 
 Nov. 7ih, we left Portland, and sat off for Belfast, 
 %vhich lies on Penobscot JJay. We went that day as 
 far as Brunswick, and attended a meeting in the after- 
 noon.
 
 113 LIFE OF JOHN COLBT. 
 
 Nov. 8th, we crossed Kennebeck river, and atten- 
 ded a meeting in the evening, at Woolvvich. The 
 next day we tarried there ; and on the Sabbath, Nov. 
 lOih, I preached in Woolwich, both in the day and 
 evening. 
 
 Monday, Nov. 11th, my brother conchided to leave 
 me, and return home to his family. Accordingly, we 
 gave each other the parting hand ; and wishing a 
 blessing, we bid each other an affectionate farewell. 
 My brother returned homeward ; and I crossed over 
 to Squam-Island, where I attended a meeting in the 
 evening. 
 
 Tuesday, Nov. 12th, I went to Edgcomb ; and in 
 the evening preached to a careless, inattentive assem- 
 bly of youth. It was, however, a pretty solemn time. 
 
 Wednesday, Nov. I'Jth, I preached both in the 
 day and evening, in the same town. 
 
 Thursday, Nov. 14th I went as far as Warren, and 
 preached in the evening, at the house of Deacon 
 Crafford, a baptist; and pilgrim, travelling towards 
 Zion. 
 
 Friday, Nov. lith, I went to Camden. The 16th, 
 I went to Linconville, and attended a meeting in the 
 evening. I also tarried on the I7t>j, it being the Sab- 
 bath, and attended meeting in the day and evening — 
 Monday, Nov. 8th, I went to Belfast ; and in the 
 evening, preached at Maj. Cunningham's, at what is 
 called the upper Bridge. Tuesday, I went to the 
 west part of the town, and found brother Bean, who 
 had lately moved to that place from Sandwich, N. H. 
 I was greatly rejoiced to find him and his wife en- 
 gaged in religion. They desired me to stop and 
 preach with them in the evening. I accordingly did. 
 and we had a good time. A young woman, who 
 came with them from Sandwich, and had been one of 
 my schoolmates, was struck under conviction, and was 
 soon afttr converted. 
 
 Wednesday, I went back to what is called the
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBT. 119 
 
 Beacli, to a village situated on the shore of the Bay. 
 I preached there in the evening. 
 
 Thursday, Nov. 21st, being Thanksgiving day, I 
 notified a meeting at the same place. As 1 came to 
 my appointment, I found a man drunk in the road, 
 and when I entered the hall, I found my congregation 
 consisted of only three persons two of whom went in 
 company with me. I sung a hymn, prayed, and left 
 the village. 1 then went again to the west part of the 
 town, and stayed that night at brother Bean's ; we 
 experienced a happy season. The yonng woman 
 above mentioned, experienced a pardon of her sins. 
 The next evening, I preached at Watson's tavern. 
 And Saturday, Nov. 23d, I left Belfast, and went to 
 Knox. 
 
 Sabbath, Nov. 24th, and Monday following, both 
 in the hays and evenings, we had good seasons. 
 
 Tuesday, Nov- 26th, I went over to what is called 
 the South Ridge, and preached, and I think I never 
 saw a cnore solemn season. Several backsliders cried 
 to the Lord, and besought him to restore to them the 
 joys of his salvation. 
 
 Wednesday, Nov. 2Gth, I went with brother Ham- 
 lin, a preacher who lives in Knox, to Jackson, a town 
 where he had been preaching, and a number had been 
 lately converted. We attended meeting with them 
 in the afternoon, and thougiu that there was an ap- 
 pearance of an increase of the work. In the evening, 
 we attended a meeting in the edge of Washington. — 
 The house was crowded with people ; and almost the 
 whole assembly entered into a covenant to strive for 
 heaven. Next morning I left them, not expecting 
 ever to see them again till the general assize. 
 
 Thursday, Nov. 28th, I attended another meeting 
 with brother Hanlin, in Jackson ; and after meeting, 
 I baptized three. We attended another meeting in 
 the evening, in the same neisihborhood. I then took 
 my leave of the brethren in that town, having made
 
 120 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 . them but a short visit ; though I trust a profitable one. 
 «^ J.eaviiig Jackson, we returned to Knox, and at- 
 tended a meeting in the evening ; — two or three pro- 
 fessed to experience a change. 
 
 Sabbath day, December 1st, having been informed 
 of a quarterly meeting to be holden at Montville, I 
 felt anxious to attend it. I accordingly set ofl' early 
 and went to the place appointed. 1 found the place 
 to be a handsome well settled town, containing a large 
 number of inhabitants. I got to the place of worship 
 just as the meeting began. I went in among the 
 crowd, being a stranger to them all, and all of them 
 strangers to me, excepting a number who came with 
 me from Knox. Meeting being opened by praise^ 
 prayer, and exhortation, the lot fell on me to preach. 
 1 spoke from Revelation xiv. G, 7 ; " And I saw an- 
 other angel fij into the midst of heaven, having the 
 everlasting Gospel to preach unto them tliat dwell on 
 the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and 
 tongue, and people ; saying with a loud voice, Fear 
 God, and give glory to him ; (or the hour of his judg- 
 ment is come ; and worship him that made heaven 
 and earth, the sea, and the fountains of waters." 'J'he 
 Lord set home the word on the mind? of the peo])le. 
 The two words, ^ear God went through the assembly 
 like arrows, and many poor sinners were pricked in 
 their hearts. As near as 1 could learn afterwards, 
 about 30 persons dated their experience at that meet- 
 ing. In the evening, I preached again at the same 
 place ; and took my leave of the people, ex})fecting 
 to leave the town the next day. I stayed that night 
 at Deacon True's and had a solemn time in conver- 
 sation with his sons. 
 
 Monday morning, I took up my horse, with- a de- 
 termination to leave the town and return to Vermont. 
 But 1 had not gone over half a mile, when 1 met a 
 number going to the house where 1 sta}ed, to per- 
 suade me to tarry a w^hile in that town, 1 thought at
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 121 
 
 first I could not ; but they were so urgent, and so 
 positive that there would be a reformation if I tarried, 
 1 began to look at it, and concluded that it was not 
 impossible, but that the Lord had spoken by them. — 
 1 therefope consented, and told them they might ap- 
 point a meeting for me in the evening at Deacon 
 True's. I accordingly attended, and some were 
 struck under conviction. 
 
 Tuesday, Decem.ber 3d, by request, I went back 
 to Belfast, and preached at brother Bean's. At the 
 close of worship, I baptized one person. 
 
 Wednesday, December 4th, in the afternoon, I 
 preached at Montville, and was impressed to speak to 
 the young people, who heard me with candour. The 
 same evening, I preached in a large school- house, in 
 another part of the town, to a crowded assembly. — 
 Many were very s'olemn ; but, apparently, there was 
 but a small prospect of a reformation in that meeting. 
 Those who felt the mo^t, endeavoured to keep their 
 feelings concealed. But, their conviction wrought 
 like fire hidden under the turf. It soon began to 
 break out. After meeting, I went to Captain Demer- 
 it's and put up He and his wife were professors. I 
 tried to pi ay in the family, but had but little freedom. 
 I retired to bed but ielt much tried, tempted, cast 
 down, and afflicted. I slept but little during the 
 night. The next morning, December 5th, I arose 
 early, but knew not what to do, nor which way logo ; 
 for 1 felt almost in despair of seeing a reformation in 
 Montville. And as I was expected to be in a num- 
 ber of places westward, 1 knew not how to stay. — 
 Howevei-, 1 concluded to ask wisdom of God ; and 
 accordingly repaired to a grove, where [, by prayer, 
 opened my situation to Rim. While imploring his 
 guidance, I asked of him a sign whereby I might cer- 
 tainly know his will concerning me. It seemed as 
 though I heard or perceived an internal voice, saying 
 to me, arise, and return to the house, and there shalt 
 11
 
 122 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 thou have an Immediate answer. And as soon as I 
 returned, the sign was given me. Yet, hke (iideon, 
 I wanted a second sign. I then told the family with 
 a riimiher of others who were occasionally there, the 
 trials I had j)assed through respecting my duty ; and 
 that I felt as if the case would be immediately deci- 
 ded. I also told them that I wanted to jn.iy with 
 them before 1 went away ; and if it was tlie will of 
 God that 1 should stay any longer in the place, he 
 would convert one of the youths in the family, before 
 I should rise from my knees ; but if it was my duty 
 to leave the country, I should see no more converted 
 there. I then kneeled down and began to pray ; and 
 had prayed but a short time when the eldest daugh- 
 ter fell, and in a few mmutes, a second followed the 
 example. 'I hey both continued crying to the Lord 
 for mercy, till they obtained a pardon of their sins ; 
 and then arose and praised the (Jod of Heaven. In 
 the meantime, an unconverted young man fell before 
 the J.ord, and pleaded for the pardon of his sins. — 
 His prayer, 1 trust, was in some good measure an- 
 swered ; and I lelt fully satisfied that it was my duty 
 to s;ay. The Lord rendered to me double to what I 
 expected or asked of him. I then left that part of 
 the town and returned to Deacon True's. As I was 
 on my way, I called to a house where a young marri- 
 ed couple lived ; and after talking with them a few 
 minutes I prayed with them. The Lord heard pray- 
 er ; the woman of tjje house, and her sister, both fell 
 on their knees, and prayed in a most fervent manner, 
 till they obtained an evidence that their sins were for- 
 given. The 01 her converts, having accompanied me 
 to the house, joined these, and united to praise their 
 great deliverer. I arrived at Deacon True's, just as 
 the young men returned from the raising of a mill. I 
 sal down and began to speak to them of the goodness 
 of God, in preserving their lives through the dangers 
 of the day. I also spake to them of the wonderful
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBF. 123 
 
 pisplay of the povveo and goodness of God, which had 
 been manifested the day past in the conversion of a 
 number of their companions. Observing their atten- 
 tion and candour, and the solemnity which appeared 
 to rest on their countenances ; I was convinced that 
 the good spirit of the Lord, was powerfully striving 
 with ihein. At length, I with several others tliatcame 
 with me ; the deacon, his wife, and one dau'^hter, all 
 kneeled down and prayed. The Deacon's four sons, 
 and his niece, stood up as spectators. After some of 
 the brethren had prayed I felt an uncommon weight 
 of the worth of souls ; and the reality of eternal 
 things rolled in upon my mind. Under a sense of 
 these things, I began to pray, that the Lord would 
 have mercy on the unconverted youth that were pres- 
 ent. The more I prayed the m jre weight and travel 
 of soul I felt, till ft seemed as though 1 could never 
 cease praymg for them, until I could see them submit 
 themselves to God. Some supposed that I continued 
 in prayer about the space of an hour. But it seemed 
 to me but a few minutes. For I was so carried out 
 in the spirit, and swallowed up in love to God, and 
 precious souls, that I even lost the sense of the mo- 
 tion of time ; and felt like one unbodied, bowing be- 
 fore tlie throne of God, and basking in the beams of 
 unsullied glory. In this time, the power of God was 
 marvellously displayed, and seemed to sweep through 
 the room, like a shock of li£:htning which sweeps all 
 before it. Every person in the house, who had been 
 standing, fell before the Lord, and no longer paid at- 
 tention to the prayers of others ; but, under deep con- 
 trition, confessed their sins, each for himself or her- 
 self, and supplicated the tlirone of grace, for pardon 
 and mercy. They appeared to be deaf and blind to 
 pvery thing but the Lord Jesus Christ. This solemn 
 exercise continued without intermission, about the 
 space of four hours ; at the expiration of which time, 
 a solemn pause took place. Nearly at the same in-
 
 l24 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 stant, every one found deliverance, and immediately 
 arose, and praised God for the gieai thing he l)a(l done 
 for their souls. These people have since given (he 
 greatest proof of their being changed from nature to 
 jirace, both by word and deed. 'J hese young men, 
 belonging to a respectable family, and being reckoned 
 among the first class in town ; it gave a heavy shock 
 through the neighborhood, when it was noised abroad 
 that they had believed in Christ, and embraced reli- 
 gion. The young converts began immediately to visit 
 their associates, and to call on their gay companions, 
 10 flee from the v\rath to come. 
 
 From that time, meetings were requested in every 
 part of the town ; and 1 attended day and night, to the 
 glorious work. The reformation began to spread in 
 a most powerful manner ; so that in the course of 
 about two weeks, upwards of fifty persons professed 
 to be converted, 'ihe work was so sudden, and so 
 ])0werful, that it soon bore down all opposition. For 
 those who had been the greatest opposers to religion, 
 became helpers in the work, and its greatest advo- 
 cates. Time would fail me, to give my readei's the 
 particulars of every meeting ; though I am confident, 
 too much could not be said, about a work so glorious 
 and solemn, and so interesting to mankind. I cr.nnot, 
 however, do justice to my feelings, without making a 
 brief remark, on a few remarkable occurrences, which 
 took place in the time of the reformation. 
 
 On the first day of January, 1812, I was invited to 
 preach at the house of a young man, who had been 
 lately married. A ball having been previously ap- 
 ))ointed at the house, at the same time, he said he 
 would willingly e;ive it up, for the sake of having a 
 meeting of worship. I accepted the invitation ; and 
 when 1 came to the place, I felt an unusual solemnity 
 resting on my mind. And as it was the beginning 
 of a new year, I earnestl}' prayed that something glo- 
 rious and memorable, might take place that day, at
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBT. 125 
 
 that meeting. After I had done preaching, I renew- 
 ed my petition '. and as I had observed three young 
 women, who sat near by, on one seat, dressed in 
 mourning for the loss of their mother, who had given 
 them the parting hand, but a few days before ; 1 lelt 
 a cry begotten in my heart, that God would convert 
 them ; and that the new-year's day, might be the be- 
 ginning of days to them. As I thus prayed, they all 
 fell on their knees, and joined with me in prayer ; 
 and continued praying for several hours, till they all 
 found a degree of peace. They soon after came oul 
 boldly, professed their faith in Christ, and engaged in 
 the cause of God ; and so they remain. The man of 
 the house, and his wife both professed to find rest to 
 their souls the same evening. This was a happy ex- 
 change indeed : ta exchange a sinful ball, for a meet- 
 ing of worship ; and a state of sinful nature, for a 
 state of savmg grace. I also would remark, that the 
 ordinance of baptism was in this place remarkably 
 blessed as a means of awakening the unconverted, as 
 well as the answering of a good conscience, in those 
 converted ; who thereby publicly professed their faith 
 in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, and 
 manifested their love to him. Many of the uncon- 
 verted young men, who assisted in cutting the ice, and 
 preparing the place for the baptism of others, were 
 thereby so powerfully wrought upon, that they never 
 rested, until they believed and were baptized them- 
 selves. 
 
 The whole number that I baptized from Feb. 181 1, 
 to Feb. 1812, was thret hundred; and the most of 
 them were young people. The whole number that I 
 baptized in Montville, in two months, was eighty- 
 eighty who were baptized at the following times, vrz. 
 Dec. 26, 1811,1 baptized eight \ Jan. 2d, 1812, ten", 
 Jan. 8th, ten ; Jan. 14th, nine ; on the 15th, ten ; on 
 the 28th, sixteen ; Feb. 5th, Jive ; Feb. 7th, seven ; 
 Feb. 12th, /our; Feb. 1 5ih^ eight. The above num- 
 11*
 
 126 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 bers, together with some others, who had been pre* 
 viously baptized by other Elders, and \\\\uz in the 
 place were embodied into a church of Christ,* on 
 Feb. 13, 1812. I also baptized six, in the town of 
 Palermo. I preached several times, in the course of 
 the winter, at Belfast, with very little apparent success. 
 I also preached several times in Palermo, to some good 
 degree of satisfaction. A number were hopefully con- 
 yerted in that town ; in which was also a church em- 
 bodied, consisting of sixteen members, who appeared 
 to be well engaged in the cause of religion. '1 he last 
 time I preached in the town, the prospect of the 
 spread of the gospel was very great. 
 
 Feb. 16th, I preached my farewell sermon to the 
 people of Montville ; and took my leave of a large 
 company of loving brethren, after having administered 
 to them the Lord's Supper. Our hearts were filled 
 with deep sorrow and joy, comfort and mourning ; 
 that is, sorrow, for sin, which caused the death of 
 Christ ; joy, in his victory over death and the grave, 
 by his resurrection and ascension, his intercession 
 with his Father, and the descent of his Holy Spirit 
 upon all his humble followers ; comfort, in being 
 raised up to sit together in heavenly places in him ; 
 but, mourning, to think that we had got so soon to 
 part. However, the hope of soon meeting again, to 
 part no more, strengthened us to give each oilier the 
 parting hand for thai time, but not without the shed- 
 ding of many tears. 
 
 Feb. 18th, I left Montville, and sat off for Ver- 
 mont. I travelled that day as far as Vassalborough, 
 where I attended a meeting the same evening. 
 
 Feb. 19th I arrived at Mountvernon, preached in 
 the evening, and had a solemn season. JVext mor- 
 ning, Feb. 20th, I left the place, and proceeded tow- 
 ards New Gloucester. I preached that evening in 
 the edge of Gray, and had a solemn time. 
 
 ♦Two Deacons, and a Clerk were appointed.
 
 LITE OF JOHN COLBT. 127 
 
 Feb. 21st leaving Gray, I went through Standish, 
 Limington and Limeric, and from thence to Parsons- 
 field. 
 
 Feb. 23d, preached in that town, both in the day 
 and evening, and had a time of refreshing from the 
 presence of the Lord. 
 
 February 25th, I left Parsonsfield, and went to Sand- 
 wich- 
 February 28th, 1 preached in the evening at broth- 
 er Richardson's, in which meeting, one youth was 
 Jiopefully converted. 
 -^ March 4th, I went to Eaton, and preached that eve- 
 T)ing, and also the next day and evening. 
 
 March 7th, I returned to Sandwich, and tarried 
 there over the Sabbath. Sabbath day evening, I left 
 Sandwich, and went as far as Center Harbor. Mon- 
 day, I went to Meredith, where I spent that day and 
 the next, in preaching and visiting the brethren in that 
 Church. 
 
 March 11th, I left Center Harbor, and went as far 
 as Haverhill, N. H.; and on the 12th of March, I ar- 
 rived at home; and felt joyful at meeting my friends 
 once more, on the stage of time. 
 
 March i5th, being Sabbath, I preached in Billy- 
 mead; and in the evening I attended meeting at broth- 
 er Blake's, who married my third sister. In the same 
 meeting, David Colby, my natural brother, being the 
 fourth son of my parents, and younger than myself, 
 found rest to his soul, which added much to my joy, 
 and the joy of my friends, as well as to that of the 
 saints in general. On Wednesday evening following, 
 sister Rebecca Newall, wife of Rufus INewall, and 
 daughter of Elder Amos Beckworth, of the same town, 
 departed this 'ife in an ecstacy of heavenly joy. Af- 
 ter bidding the world a long and peaceful farewell, she 
 calmly took her leave of her husband and little son. 
 Folding her arms, like one lying down to take a sweet
 
 128 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 repose, she said, " Mr work is doi^e," and closed 
 her eyes in death. The next day, as my brother 
 Daniel and I were preparing her coffin, a cousin of 
 mine, a young woman, came in where we were at 
 work. Looking upon her, I called her by name and 
 said, " God only knows how soon a house like this, 
 may be prepared for you." She was immediately 
 struck with a sense of her situation; and on the eve- 
 ning of the 20th of March, which was the day fol« 
 lowing, she professed to have experienced religion. — 
 The funeral of sister Newall, was attended the same 
 day. I preached a sermon; a crowded and attentive 
 assembly attended the solemnity, and paid their last 
 respects to a dutiful daughter, a virtuous wife, a loving 
 sister, a pious neighbor, and a child of God. 
 
 I continued preaching in Billymead, and the towns 
 adjoining, till May 11th; during which period I saw 
 several converted; baptized ten; and attended two or 
 more funerals; one of which, was that of a member 
 of the Church, young woman, a godly sister, who 
 died in the triumphs of faith. 
 
 At this time, there was no proper meeting house in 
 Billymead; but the people had generally met, for pub- 
 lic worship, in a school house,* which was by no 
 means large enough to contain the people; on which 
 account, we had frequently been obliged to leave it, 
 and go into fields, groves, barns, &,c. I had there- 
 fore, previous to tliis visit, obtained a plan of a house, 
 which I thought would be convenient for that purpose; 
 and had resolved to lay the plan before the people of 
 the town, and encourage them to build it. This, I 
 accordingly did. And when the town met, and had 
 seen my plan, and canvassed the subject; 1 found 
 some zealous for the house; others felt themselves too 
 poor^ some had their land to pay for; some complain- 
 
 *Called by Elder John Buzzel in his " History of the Church 
 of Christ" p. 93. a meeting house; probably from the circum- 
 stance of its being the usual place of public worship.
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 129 
 
 ed of hard times — the government had laid an embar- 
 go; they expected there would be a war, and were 
 afraid that they should not be able to finish such a 
 house, &c. On the whole, I was disappointed in my 
 expectation, and found, that by the slackness of the 
 hands the budding was like to fail through. This gave 
 me at first, a disagreeable feeling, while I considered 
 how much we needed a meeting house in the place. 
 While mourning about it, and pondering the subject, 
 it came suddenly into my mind, that I must go and 
 build it myself and dedicate it to the Lord and his 
 people. At first 1 shrunk at the idea; and although [ 
 had something of property on hand, I feared I had not 
 enough to finish the house. It was, however,so strong- 
 ly impressed on my mind, that the Lord would assist 
 me in the work, and clear the way before me, that I 
 concluded to make the experiment, and leave it with 
 him to decide the issue. 1 thought if it was the Lord, 
 he would certainly open his beneficent hand to me, 
 and help me in the work; if not, all my attempts 
 would be fruitless. Having only the short time of a- 
 bout one week to tarry in town, for that time, I found 
 it would not do to delay. And having pitched on a 
 spot of land, which I thought would be the most suit- 
 able to set the house upon, (which was near the cen- 
 tre of the town, adjoining a grave yard, and, to rae, 
 the most pleasant and delightsome spot in town,) I 
 concluded il I could purchase that, I should take it 
 for granted, that it would be right to prosecute the 
 business. I therefore made application to the owner, 
 and without any difficulty purchased the land and took 
 a deed of it. Being now strengthened in my faith; I 
 immediately contracted for the frame, boards, shingles, 
 nails, &c.; also with a workman, to finish the outside 
 of the house, by the 20th of June following. I then 
 gave out an appointment to preach in the new meeting 
 house, on the last .Sabbath in the same June; while as 
 yet, I suppose, every stick of the frame was growing
 
 13q life of John colet. 
 
 in the forest. Having thus far prosecuted nny design, 
 and the day having come k>r me to leave the town; 
 May llih, 1 SI 2,1 sat oft' for Boston, Mass. and Prov- 
 idence, R. 1. I went that day as far as St. Johnsbury. 
 The next day 1 crossed Connecticut River, and pro- 
 ceeded as fiir as Warren, N. II. I put up that night 
 at Mr Richardson's. 
 
 May 13th, I went to Ilolderness; the next day to 
 Sandwich, and attended a meeting. 
 
 May 15;h, I went to Middleton, N. H. The day 
 following, I went as far as Rochester. 
 
 May 17ih, being Sabbath, I sat off'early in the morn- 
 ing, and went on to Portsmouth, N. H. Being a stran- 
 ger in the town, I knew not where, nor on whom to 
 call. But it so happened tliat I was introduced to Dr 
 Jones. He invited me to preacli; but being much fa- 
 tigued, I felt unable to speak in the forenoon, and 
 therefore had the privilege of hearing him for the first 
 time. 
 
 In the afternoon, I tried to preach, but had but lit- 
 tle liberty. It was like rowing against wind and tide. 
 I went from thence to Salisbury, and attended a meet- 
 ing at Webster's Point, in company with elder Jones, 
 on Tuesday evening. This was a solemn season. — 
 The next morning, 1 took a walk over into Amesbury, 
 the place of my father's nativity; and after my return 
 I went to Xewburyport. I called at several places; 
 went to see the meeting house, and went up into the 
 pulpit, under which George Whitfield was entombed. 
 After earnestly praying to the Lord, to make the min- 
 isters of the gospel more like Whitfield, in being wil- 
 ling to spend their lives for the cause of Christ, and 
 the salvation of souls, I left the place, in company 
 with Elder Jones, and went to Bradford, where we at- 
 tended a meeting in the evenintr. The next day we 
 went to Salem; and after attending one meeting there, 
 I left brother Jones, May 22d, and went to Boston. 
 As I passed through Charlestovvn, I overtook a fune-
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 131 
 
 ral procession, solemnly moving on to the house ap- 
 pointed for all the living. I followed the corpse to 
 the tomb. I then crossed Charlestovvn bridge; and 
 when I entered Boston, my ears were saluted with the 
 tolling of bells, five funeral processions were moving 
 on to the house of silence from different parts of the 
 town. 
 
 Saturday night, I attended meeting with the Metho- 
 dists. 
 
 Sabbath day, May 24th, 1 preached two sermons in 
 the town, at a large hall. In the forenoon I spake 
 from Songs ii. 14: "O my dove, that art in the clefts 
 of the rock," &c. it having been given me in a dream 
 the night before. In which dream I fancied myself 
 standing in a field, and saw the people coming in ev- 
 er}' direction to hear me preach. I thought I ascend- 
 ed a large rock; and a dove descended from above 
 and lighted upon my head. Immediately those words 
 occuired to my recollection; and as I began to preach 
 I awoke, and behold it was a dream. But after awa- 
 king, they bore with such weight on my mind, that I 
 took it for granted, that it was my Master's will, that 
 1 should speak from the words that dpy. And I can 
 say, to his praise, he assisted me; and I felt much 
 freedotn in discoursing on the subject. I also preach- 
 ed in the town, t+ie same evening. 
 
 On Monday evening, I preacJjed at Charlestown. — 
 Tuesday, I rode to Providence, R. I. where I attend- 
 ed a meeting m the evening. 
 
 Wednesday, May 27th, I preached in the town- 
 house both in the day and evening. Elder Farnum at- 
 tended those meetings with me. He had been preach- 
 ing in the town for several months with great apparent 
 success. The power of the Lord was manifested in 
 our meelin<^. Several poor sinners left their pews, 
 came into the broad aisle, and desired to be prayed 
 for. Ona young woman, who came forward, soooaf 
 ter professed to find peace to her soul.
 
 132 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 Thursday, I went back to Boston, and attended a 
 meeting in the evening 
 
 Friday, I went on as far as Haverhill Massachusetts, 
 and attended a meeting; that evening. Saturday morn- 
 ing I set out for Tittsfield, N. H.; and at niglit. got 
 within a few miles of tiie meeting house, wliere I had 
 an appointment with elder Ebenezer Knowlion. 
 
 Sabbath day, May 31st, 1 went on to the meeting, 
 and arrived a few minutes after the time appointed. — 
 I found the house crowded with people, and many 
 more gathered around it. I attempted to speak, but 
 was remarkably pressed and shut up, on account of 
 the people leaning on me, (as I thought,) instead of 
 Christ, but 1 believe they were soon convinced of the 
 necessity of looking beyond the watchman; for they 
 began to look to God for help, and we had a precious 
 season. The power of God was wonderfully mani- 
 fested among us; especially in the evening, at Elder 
 Knowlton's. Sinners trembled, backsliders returned 
 to their father's house, and the glory of the Lord 
 seemed to be really risen upon his people. I contin- 
 ued till the next Friday, and attended ten public meet- 
 ings. It was thought that some vi^ere convicted, or 
 converted, or reclaimed, in every meeting. Elder 
 Knowhon attended those meetings with me, and ap- 
 peared to be well engaged in the work of the Lord. 
 
 June 5th, I left Pittsfield, and went to Aottingham, 
 in company with Elder Knowlton; and we had a very 
 solemn meetmg at Elder Dyer's. The next day 1 
 went to Portsmouth, and attended a meeting in the 
 evening 
 
 June 7th, Sabbath day, I preached in Eider Jones' 
 meeting house, forenoon, afternoon, and evening; had 
 a very solemn season. 
 
 Monday morning, T left Portsmouth, went on as far 
 as Rochester, and preached in that town in the after- 
 noon. Having been out the most oil the day, in a 
 dreadful storm of wind and rain, and coming in under
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 13^ 
 
 a comfortable roof, and meeting with friendly people 
 and kind treatment, it brought to my mind the words 
 of the pro()het, Isaiah xxxii. 2: " and a man shall be 
 as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from 
 the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place; as the 
 shadow of a great rock in a weary land." I had a 
 good time in speaking from the words, especially whde 
 addressing the friendly family who had so kindly ta- 
 ken me in. May the Lord reward them for their kind- 
 ness, at the resurrection of the just. 
 
 June 9th. I preached in the court-house, in the same 
 town. From ihence I went to Middleton, where I 
 preached in the afternoon. The next day I went to 
 Sandwich, and attended our yearly meeting, which 
 continued three days; namely, 13th, 14th, and 15th 
 of June. This was a solemn and refreshing season, 
 and the best of the wine was kept ti'l the last. 
 
 I continued preaching in the town of Sandwich, till 
 the next Thursday. 1 then left the place, and went 
 to Moukonborough, and preached in the afternoon. 
 Friday, I preached at Center Harbor. 
 Saturday, I went to Sandbornton. 
 Sabbath day, June 21st, I preached in that town. 
 This was a solemn meeting, especially in the evenmg. 
 In this visit, I formed a more extensive acquaintance 
 with Elder Cheney, of that town; I found him to be 
 a man called of God, to preach the everlasting gos- 
 pel, and owned in the work. I hope the Lord will 
 give him hundreds and thousands of souls as seals of 
 his ministry. 
 
 Monday, I preached at Meredith meeting-house. — 
 Towards the close of the meeting, one soul was hope- 
 fully converted, and publicly praised God for the great 
 salvation. 
 
 Tuesday forenoon, I attended a meeting at Moul- 
 tonborough Falls: and at the close of worship, bap- 
 tized a young man. In the afternoon, 1 went to Plym- 
 outh. 
 
 12
 
 134 LIFE OF JOHN COLBT. 
 
 Wednesday, I sat off for home. 
 
 Thursday night, I arrived at my father's. And to 
 ray unspeakable joy found my friends ahve and well. 
 
 Sabbath day, June 28th, I fulfilled my appointment 
 and preached in the new meeting-house, in Billymead, 
 to a very large concourse of people. I stayed in the 
 place, at that time, only five days Had I time, and 
 had my readers patience, 1 would here give them a 
 particular account of the finishing of the meeting- 
 house,* but it must suffice just to say, to the praise of 
 God, I have been enabled to finish it off, inside and 
 out, to the turn of the key. And have taken more 
 satisfaction, in seeing my property laid out in building 
 a house to worship (Jod in, than ever any old miser 
 did, in filling up bags with silver and gold. I have 
 nearly an hundred and fifty brethren and sisters belong- 
 ing to the church of Christ in that town; and they 
 have now a comfortable house to meet in, where they 
 sit together, preach to^^ether, sing together, pray to- 
 gether, and speak and hear God's word. 
 
 Farewell my earthly friends below, 
 Tho' all so kind and dear to me; 
 
 My Jesus calls and I must go 
 To sound the gospel jubilee. 
 
 July 1st, I sat off for Meredith, N. H.; and on July 
 Sd; arrived at the place of my appointment. I had a 
 solemn interview; after which I went to the water, and 
 baptized five persons. 
 
 'i he next day, 1 went to Pittsfield. 
 
 July 5th, being the Sabbath, I preached in that 
 town, and it was a remarkably solemn time. Sever- 
 al were powerfully convicted, and one or two profess- 
 ed to find peace. 
 
 Monday, July 6th, I preached in the upper meeting 
 
 *It will be understood, that it was about two years, from 
 the lime I began the house, to the time it was finished.
 
 LirE OF JOHN COLBY. 135 
 
 house, commonly occupied by the Calvinistic Baptists 
 and Congregationalism. 
 
 Tuesday and Tuesday evening, I preached at a large 
 dwelling house, in another part of the town, to a crow- 
 ded assembly. My visit was short; but I took much 
 satisfaction in seeing sinners convicted and converted; 
 backsliders reclaimed, and saints comforted. 
 
 Wednesday, July 8th, 1 left Pittsfield, and shaped 
 my course for Montville, Me. I had to ride the prin- 
 cipal part of the way through the storm; but through 
 the mercy of God, I arrived at the place, Sabbath day 
 morning, about the time the people were gathering to 
 meeting. 1 preached but once, on the road from Pitts- 
 field to Montville, and that was in Litchfield, Me. — 
 The people in Montville had about given me up, as I 
 did not get into town on Saturday night, and conclu- 
 ded I should disappoint them. But all (heir doubts 
 were dissolved, when they saw me approaching the 
 large barn, where they were assembled. As I. enter- 
 ed the assembly, I sang the following hymn: 
 
 Brethren we have met again; 
 Let us join to pray and sing; 
 "We're alive, and Jesus reigns, 
 Praise him, in the higjiest strains. 
 
 The glory of God rested on the people, and it was a 
 solemn weeping, and rejoicing time with us all. The 
 ministers of Christ, who feel his love constraining 
 them to preach the gospel, and delight to see their 
 brethren engaged in religion, can tell how I felt, whea 
 1 got to Montville, and found about an hundred breth- 
 ren and sisters present, whom 1 had baptized in the 
 course of the last winter, all united in love. And I 
 rejoice to say, that I found them generally more en- 
 gaged than they were when I left them. And to my 
 unspeakable consolation, I found the reformation stiil 
 going on and spreading, not only in Montville, but al- 
 so in other places. 1 stayed in that region, till the
 
 J3C LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 3d of August; preached in almost every part of Mont- 
 ville; saw a number converted; and baptized ten. I 
 also preached several times in l^alermo, saw a few 
 more converted and baptized three. 
 
 Augnst 3d, as 1 was about to slart for Boston, news 
 came that a sister Knowhon was dead; and I was re- 
 quested 10 attend her funeral. But, as the vessel I 
 was to go in was about to sail, I could not comply 
 with iheir request, but bid them farewell, and wert on 
 to Belfast. 'J he next day, I was taken quite unwell, 
 had a very sick day and continued unwell through the 
 night; I seemed to be threatened with a fever. 
 
 Wednesday morning, feeling a little better, I con- 
 cluded to go on board, and we made sail for Boston. 
 We were about a week on ihe voyage ; sometimes 
 beating against wind and tide, sometimes becalmed, 
 and sometimes in a storm, which was pretty severe. 
 When we came in sight of Boston, having been sick 
 all the way, I was not a little rejoiced to see the port. 
 O, thought I, how all the saints, who sail over the 
 boisterous sea of life, rejoice when the port of heaven 
 heaves in view' 
 
 When we shall land, on that bless'd shore, 
 We shall be safe for ever more. 
 
 Tuesday, August 11, I arrived at Boston, in much 
 better health, than I expected when I left Belfast. — 
 When I entered the town, my ears were again saluted 
 with the funeral knell. On enquiring, 1 found that 
 two men had lost their lives the night before, by at- 
 tempting to descend into a vault, after a lost watch — 
 That evening, I attended a meeting at brother Binny's; 
 and out of the great multitude, there were but about 
 a dozen persons, who attended the meeting. How- 
 ever, we enjoyed divine consolation, for we found Je- 
 sus in our midst. 
 
 Thursday evening, I preached again in the same 
 place.
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBF. 137 
 
 Friday and Saturday evenings, I met with the Meth- 
 odists. 
 
 Sabbath day, August \6., I attended three meetings 
 in Boston, and one in Charlestown; and ahhough it 
 was something of a trying time, yet I found the Lord 
 to be a very present help. 
 
 Tuesday evening I met with the brethren in Boston; 
 and on Wednesday evening, I attended a meeting ia 
 Charlestown. 
 
 Thursday, Aug. 20, was the national fast. This 
 was a solemn day to me. fn the forenoon, I attend- 
 ed meeting in Boston; and in the afternoon and eve- 
 ning, at Charlestown. As I was passing from Boston 
 to Charlestown, I met a body of troops, marching for 
 Albany, in order to go on to the line, to meet the 
 British forces on our western frontier. This bemg 
 unexpected by me', I was very much struck by the 
 spectacle. Having just left the house of pra)er, and 
 now repairing to another house for the same purpose; 
 and between the two houses, meeting this body of 
 troops, marching to the field of battle, equipped witls 
 the instruments of death and prepared for slaugh- 
 ter: I can truly say I felt my heart lifted up to God 
 in prayer, that if possible, he would hasten the time, 
 when swords should be beaten into ploughshares, and 
 spears into pruning hooks, and the nations learn war 
 no more. When I got to the house of worship, feel- 
 ing a solemn sense of what I had seen, the words of 
 Daniel the Prophet, occurred to my recollection, chap. 
 2 ver. 44: "and in the days of these kings shall the 
 God of heaven set up a Kingdom, which shall never 
 be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to oth- 
 er people, but it shall break in pieces and consume 
 all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever." I was 
 led to describe, 1. The King. 2. The subjects. — 
 3. The laws. 4. The regulations and manners. 5. 
 The soldiers. 6. Their bounty, wages, provisions, 
 dress, the weapons of their warfare, their music, their 
 12*
 
 138 LIFE OF John coLBT, 
 
 strong bold, the field of battle. A7. Their certainty of 
 victory, and final conquest over all their enemies. I 
 then drew the line of dillerence between this kingdom 
 and the kingdoms of this world. After meeting, I 
 was invited to take tea, with a brother who was by 
 trade a joiner, or cabinet maker. When we got to 
 the house, there was a iTian waiting to purchase a cof- 
 fin. The brother invited me to walk with him to iiis 
 shop, which I did. We ascended the second story, 
 where 1 beheld a number of new inventions and curi- 
 osities; and was somewhat amused with a swing cra- 
 dle, which was very conveniently contrived, and for 
 which he had a patent. After viewing these things, 
 we descended into the lower story. 1 looked around, 
 and at one view, beheld about an hundred coffins of 
 difterent dimensions, em[)ty, and waiting to enclose 
 the remains of mr fellow mortals, whenever voracious 
 death should lay his cold hands upon them. Remem- 
 bering the cradle above, and seeing the coffins below> 
 I cried out in the language of the poet, and said, 
 
 " The grave is near the cradle seen, 
 How swift the moments pass between ! 
 And whisper as they fly — 
 Unthinking man, remember this, 
 Though 'midst thy sublunary bliss, 
 Must groan, and gasp, and die." 
 
 My heart was deeply affected, while I saw the gay 
 and thoughtless youth, sporting through the streets, 
 as though a thought of death had never reached their 
 hearts. Little did they think, while passing by the 
 shop in their silks, ruffles, and other superfluous or- 
 naments, to their parties and ball-rooms, that their 
 coffins might already be prepared, and standing so 
 nigh them ; or how soon the tolling bell would call 
 their mates to attend their funerals. After taking tea, 
 I returned to Boston ; and to conclude the solemnity 
 of the day, attended the funeral of a young gentleman,
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBT. 139 
 
 a military officer, who had but a few days before, laid 
 out about four hundred dollars to equip himself for the 
 service. A great parade was now made. His friends, 
 all dressed in- deep mournir)g, were followed by a long 
 procession under arms, to the grave, preceded by the 
 jarring beat of a muffled drum. When they came to 
 the house appointed lor all the living, and had let down 
 the corpse they fired a few guns over the coffin, in- 
 terred him in the silent tomb, and the mourners went 
 about the streets. Here I saw the end of all earthly 
 honours. Oh! Let me have the honour that comes 
 from God only. 
 
 In the evening, I preached again at brother Binny's, 
 and the Lord was in our midst. I spent the rest of 
 the week in visiting and prayer meetings. 
 
 Sabbath day, August 29th, I preached at Charles- 
 town, in a great baptist meeting-house, and but a few 
 people in it. This was a trying day to my soul ; for 
 the people appeared to be perfectly shielded against 
 the gospel ; and I saw no prospect of any good being 
 done. However, I strove to cast my bread on the 
 waters, in hope that I might gather it again after many 
 days. I attended meetings in the evenings in }3oston, 
 and spent my lime in visiting and preaching in the 
 day time. Thus I spent that week. 
 
 Sabbath day, August 30th, I preached again in 
 Charlestown ; and at the close of the forenoon service, 
 I gave out word, that I should preach to the youth in 
 the afternoon. Upon hearing this, the young people 
 flocke 1 out to see what new thing was about to take 
 place in Charlestown. The spirit of the Lord God 
 was upon me; I felt his word shut up within me ; 
 and the cause of Christ never laid nearer to my heart 
 than it did that day. 1 he people paid very good 
 attention, and appeared to have some sense ol eternal 
 things. A general solemnity rested on the congrega- 
 tion, and I trust that day will not be soon forgotten. 
 
 Monday, Aug. 31st, and Tuesday, Sept. 1st, 1
 
 140 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 visited several families, and attended one meeting. — 
 Having spent about three weeks in these places, in 
 public preaching of God's word, and exhorting and 
 praying from lif)use to house ; having aliO written 
 about a dozen letters, and sent them to the different 
 parts where I had travelled ; 1 took my leave of Bos- 
 ton and Charlestown, and went on to Providence, 
 R. I. 
 
 Sept. 2d, at evening, I preached in that town and 
 had a good time. I found the reformation still going 
 on. 1 preached every day and evening through the 
 week ; and the work of the Lord still spread, and 
 revived among the old professors. 
 
 Sabbatli dny, Se|)t. Gth, I preached in Providence; 
 but nothing special took pJTice. 1 continued evening 
 meetings, till Wednesday. 
 
 Thiirsday, Sept lOtn, I went to Burrilville, which 
 is about eighteen miles from Providence. I preaclied 
 in the evening at Captain VVilliain Khode's. This was 
 the first time i had preached in that place. It was a 
 solemn meeting, and a number were convinced of 
 their need of a Saviour. The next morning, 1 visited 
 two or three families ; then returned to Providence, 
 and attended a meeting in the evening. 
 
 Sabbath, Sept. 13ih, 1 preached in the town-house; 
 and broke bread to a goodly number of brethren and 
 had a happpy time In the evening, I preached to a 
 crowded assembly in a private house ; 1 trust lo some 
 good effect. 
 
 Monday, Sept. I4th, I made a second visit to Bur- 
 rilville, and preached at 2 o'clock, P. M. at the meet- 
 ing-house. 1 directed my discourse to the youth ; 
 and the word took a solemn, and 1 trust a lasiing ef- 
 fect on their young and lender minds. I think the 
 truth exhibited that day, will never be forgotten by 
 the youtli in Burrilville. In this meeting, 1 thought 
 I saw a cloud like a man's hand, and heard a sound of 
 abundance of rain. While 1 was speaking, my mind
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 141 
 
 was particularly led to speak against the practice of 
 card playing. I was afterwards informed, that there 
 was one young man in the assembly, who had a pack 
 of cards in his pocket ; and concluding that the whole 
 discourse was levelled at him, and being convinced of 
 the iniquity of his conduct, made a solemn promise, 
 that he would burn them the first fire he came to. — 
 After meeting, he travelled about a mile, and called 
 at a house where one of his card playing companions 
 lived ; took them out of his pocket, and committed 
 them to the flames before his coinpanion's eyes. 
 
 In the evening, I preached at Mr Barnes,' to a very 
 crowded assembly, 1 spoke from Gen. xxiv. 49 : 
 " and now if you will deal kindly and truly with my 
 m aster, tell me ; and if not, tell me, that 1 may turn 
 to the right hand or to the left." I thought by the 
 attention and tears of the assembly, that a number an- 
 swered in the affirmative. Ilefl another appointment 
 to preach to them again the next Sabbath ; and on 
 Tuesday, returned again to Providence, and preached 
 there the same evening. Toward the close of the 
 exercise, a chimney caught fire near the centre of the 
 town, and near one of the banks, which much alarmed 
 the people. The cry of fire ^ and the ringing of the 
 bellsy soon reached the meeting ; all was instantly in 
 confusion, and the meeting broke up. The fire, how- 
 ever, was soon extinguished, and no damage done, 
 excepting what was done in the meeting, by breaking 
 of it up. I have no doubt, but the devil and his fol- 
 lowers, were very glad to have it leave off in this 
 way ; lor there was a number of mourning souls, that 
 I expect would have come forward in the meeting, 
 and owned their blessed Saviour, had it not been for 
 that confusion. And to be avenged of my adversary, 
 I retired to the house of one of the brethren, kneeled 
 down and prayed a long time ; while those present, 
 who believed, rejoiced ; and those who had not be- 
 lieved, trembled.
 
 X 
 
 143 LIFE OF JOHNCOLBT. 
 
 T spent the remaining part of the week, till Saturday, 
 preaching, visiting, &c. 
 
 Saturday, I went again to visit Burrilville, and on 
 the next day, being the 20ih of Sept., I |)reached in 
 the meeting-house, to a large and solemn assembly. 
 There was a profound silence, a general attention, 
 great solemnity, and many tears. In the evening, I 
 preached at Esq. Steer's, and found the Lord to be 
 a present help. A number entered into a solemn 
 covenant before the Lord, that, through the grace of 
 God, they would seek the salvation of their souls. 
 
 The day following, I preached in Gloucester ; like 
 wise in the evening, in the same township, at a village 
 called Chepachet, where I trust, we had a profitable 
 meeting. 
 
 Tuesday, I returned to Providence, where I preach 
 ed in the evening, and also the two following eve- 
 nings. I found that the work of the Lord was still 
 going on. 
 
 Friday, I took the stage, and went to Boston. 
 
 Sabbath, Sept. 27th, both in the day and evening, 
 I preached in town. I found it a dark timem Boston. 
 I found also several letters in the Post Office directed 
 to me, which, upon opening, proved to be from my 
 friends, containing good news, particularly from 
 Montville, M«., giving an account of the spread of the 
 reformation, which gave me a little comfort. 
 
 Tuesday evening, I took my leave of my brethren 
 in Boston. And on Wednesday, I took the stage 
 again, and returned to Providence ; I preached there 
 that evening, and the evening following. 
 
 Friday, October 2nd, I went to Gloucester, and 
 spent the evening in exhortation and prayer. 
 
 Saturday, I went to Burrilville, 
 
 Sabbaih, Oct. 4th, I repaired to a school-house, on 
 the west part of the town, where I had an appoint- 
 ment to preach that forenoon. But when 1 came to 
 the place, I found there was not a soul there to hear
 
 LIFE OP JOHN COLBY. 143 
 
 me, and the house all in a clutter ! I found a broom, 
 and swept the house ; and after waiting a while, 1 be- 
 gan my exercise, by singing and prayer. Before 1 
 had done praying, two men came in ; and a little be- 
 fore I had done speaking, two or three more came in. 
 Just as I was closing the meeting, a number more en- 
 tered. They made some excuse respecting the ap- 
 pointment, which they said did not get on. I told 
 them I had an appointment at Chepachet.in Glouces- 
 ter, and left them. When I came to the place ap- 
 pointed, I found a goodly number met, and we had a 
 solemn time. In the evening, we met at Capt. 
 Rhode's, in a spacious hall. This was a melting sea- 
 son. A large number were present, includnig a mul- 
 titude of youths, who had spent many hours in the 
 same hall, in dancing and other carnal merriment. I 
 felt remarkably happy, in showing to them the way of 
 salvation. I rejoiced that the Lord had counted me 
 worthy, by putting me into such a glorious ministry ; 
 and my joy was greatly increased alter meeting, when 
 I found many of those young people had a wounded 
 spirit. The arrows of the Almighty sunk deep into 
 their hearts. Their cry was, *' 1 have been a great 
 sinner, and am going to hell." I did not rejoice that 
 they had been sinners ; neither d!d I rejoice in their 
 horror and distress ; but I rejoiced that the Lord 
 had opened the eyes of their ^understanding, to see 
 their sins, to seek for a pardon, and flee from the 
 wrath to come- On the Monday following, I preach- 
 ed at a school house, in the easterly part of the town; 
 a goodly number attended, and it was a profitable 
 time. In the evening, I preached in the same neigh- 
 borhood, at a private house. The woman of the 
 house had been in a low state of health, for a year or 
 two past, and was supposed to be in a decline. I 
 felt an impression, that her sickness, was caused by 
 trouble of mind. I asked her if that was not the case. 
 She frankly owned it was ; but, said she, 1 never
 
 144 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 could get confidence to reveal it before. From this 
 time, she ceased to take temporal means, and applied 
 to the heavenly I'liysician, by solemn prayer, and she 
 is now pretty cotnlorlable, soul and b(jdy. All glory 
 to God ! 
 
 Tuesday, I preached at the meeting-house in Tjur- 
 rilville. k-'everal more were siruck under conviction. 
 After meeting, I returned to Chepachet ; and it ap- 
 peared that the Lord was in that place. A general 
 solemnity rested on the assembly, and 1 believe that 
 the good seed was sown, that evening, in some good 
 and Honest hearts ; the effects of which 1 trust will ap- 
 pear in another world. I spake from Isaiah xxxviii. 1 ; 
 *' Thus saiih tlie Lord, set thine house in order ; for 
 thou shalt die, and not live." I felt an impression 
 on my mind to preach a funeral sermon, and accor- 
 dingly I did. I urged the necessity o( a speedy [)rep- 
 aration for the solenm hour of death. I told them 
 that some one in that assembly, was rapidly approach- 
 ing to that period, and would never hear my voice 
 again. Governor Owen, an aged man, was then sit- 
 ting close by me. He was immediately after taken 
 sick, and died in a few days. It was remarkable, 
 that He, who knows all things, should put it into my 
 heart, to preach his funeral sermon in his own hear- 
 ing, and in the hearing of his hiends, wDile he was yet 
 alive. I attended his funeral, but had no opportunity 
 of preaching ; he being buried in the order of the peo- 
 ple called Quakers. 
 
 Wednesday evening, I preached in Burrilville, at 
 the house of a young married cou[)le, who had lately 
 passed the ccriniony. 'J hey had a nice house ; and 
 the young people of their vicinity were waiting for an 
 opportunity to recreate themselves in it, by dancing, 
 card playing, &c. practices prevalent in that region. — 
 They were much disappointed and astonished, when 
 they came to the meeting, to find the sprightly couple 
 in a flood of tears, weeping for their sins ; and some
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 145 
 
 of them went away deeply wounded themselves. 
 
 Thursday, T went to Providence, and attended an 
 evening meeting; in which a number fell and cried for 
 mercy. 
 
 Friday, I went to Scituate, which lies about ten or 
 twelve miles west of Providence, and attended an 
 evening meeting; but nothing special took place. 
 
 Saturday, 1 returned to liurrilviUe, and attended a 
 meetmg the same evening at Mr Barnes'; had a sol- 
 emn heavenly time. 
 
 Sabbath, Oct. 11th, I preached in the meeting- 
 house, to a large, attentive, and weeping assembly. — 
 In the evenin;^, I preached at Esq. Steer's. The 
 house was crowded with people, and the Lord was 
 in the midst- One young woman arose and spoke as 
 a witness for the.Lord, who never spoke publicly be- 
 fore. 
 
 Tuesday, Oct. 13th, I attended a conference at 
 Mr. Barnes'. It being the first meeting of that kind 
 which I had appointed in that place, I was under the 
 necessity of explaining the design of such meetings, 
 which was, that each Brother and Sister might enjoy 
 the privilege of freely relating their experience, and 
 the travel of their minds to each other. The breth- 
 ren and sisters then proceeded in a regular manner, 
 and related as they felt free; it proved to be p glorious 
 meeting. Two related their experience, and offered 
 themselves for baptism. Six or eight more came for- 
 ward for the first time, told their determination to seek 
 and serve the Lord. In the evening, 1 preached at 
 Mr King's. I drew the bow at a venture, at back- 
 sliders; and it so happened, that there was one of 
 that character in the meeting. It was a young man, 
 who had some time before made profession of religion 
 and had receded to his old course, and had even gone 
 into outbreaking sins. The arrow struck him in the 
 heart, and wounded him sore. A few days after, he 
 
 13
 
 146 Lire or jobn colbt. 
 
 publicly confessed his faults, came kneeling to Jesus, 
 and was healed of his backsliding. 
 
 The next day, as I was passing to the other part of 
 the town, I called at the house of a young married 
 couple. After conversing with them a few minutes, 
 I kneeled down and prayed; the man's wife and sis- 
 ter, both fell on their knees, and prayed for them- 
 •elves. This was the first time they had ever prayed 
 publicly, although closets and secret places had often 
 been witness to their tears. I went on to my appoint- 
 ment, which was at Andrew Ballard's. We had a 
 good time, and for my further encouragement, one of 
 his daughters was struck under conviction. 
 
 Thursday, Oct. ISih, I went into the east part of 
 the town, and preached in a large school-house,which 
 was filled with people. The next day I visited sev- 
 eral families; and my visits, through the grace of God, 
 proved very profitable. In the evening, 1 preached 
 at a school-house, near Capt. Rhodes'; and after 
 meeting, I visited the young married couple last men- 
 tioned, whom 1 had visited the Wednesday before. — 
 I found the young man, with his wife and sister, all 
 rery solemn, and in great distress for their souls. — 
 They all prayed that evening, but found no relief. — 
 The next morning, I prayed with them again, and they 
 all joined with me in prayer. The young sister ap- 
 peared to be very deeply and solemnly engaged; and 
 said, " O Lord, let me never rise from my knees, 
 till my soul is converted. If thou wilt convert my 
 soul and lorgive my sins, I will be faithful in thy cause; 
 yea, I should be willing to be a laughing stock to the 
 whole town, for thy name sake." Hearing these words 
 drop from her lips, and observing her fervour, I felt 
 confident that salvation would quickly come to the 
 house. She was a young woman of good abilities, 
 and belonged to a respectable family; was much set 
 by among her acquaintance and companions; yet she 
 was willing to forsake all for Christ. Her prayer was
 
 LirE OF JOHNCOLBT. 147 
 
 soon answered, and she began to praise the Lord, in 
 a remarkable manner, for the wonderful deiiverance 
 which she had found. This seemed greatly to aggra- 
 vate the distress of her weeping sister-in-law; who 
 immediately arose from her knees, walked the floor 
 a while, and as she passed the window, observed her 
 father aud mother, coming up to th« door. They 
 were both non-professors, which, if possible, seemed 
 to double her distress. Feeling herself in a poor sit- 
 uation to meet her parents, she immediately retired to 
 another apartment, where she continued to walk the 
 floor, till her sister went in, and kneeled down and 
 prayed for her. She also prayed for herself. They 
 continued in this exercise by themselves, about half 
 an hour. Her father left the house, and I, in the 
 mean time, continued in the room with her mother. 
 I told her mother I thought she had better go in and 
 see her daughter. She accordingly did; but as soon 
 at she entered the room, her daughter left praying for 
 herself, and began to pray for her mother, which cut 
 the old lady to the heart. She entreated her mother 
 to kneel down and pray for herself, and for her poor 
 daughter, who was then, (as she expressed herself,) 
 sinking to hell. I then went in, and prayed for her 
 again; and while 1 was praying her tears ceased, her 
 burden left her, and an heavenly scene opened to her 
 view. She arose and went into another room. She 
 said every thing appeared new, and that her soul was 
 perfectly happy.* In the afternoon, I preached at a 
 ichool-house in the north part of the town. A nuni- 
 ber were much alarmed, and distressed about their 
 situation ; especially ^ome of the relations and ac- 
 quaintances of the young women, who had been so 
 lately converted. In the evening, I preached at Ksq. 
 Steer's; and after preaching, those two young women 
 
 *Her husband was soon after conrerted, and they are now 
 bright and shining lights in the world.
 
 148 LIFE OF JOHN COLBT. 
 
 spake by way of exhortation, very much to the pur- 
 pose. Towards the close of the meeting, a number 
 of young women collected togeiiier, as 1 supposed, in 
 order to consult what to do; and in the midst of their 
 consultation, the young unmarried woman, who had 
 been converted that morning, walked along to the 
 midst of them, and fell upon her knees, and began to 
 pray for their conversion. Her prayers were so sen- 
 sible, and so solemn, that none could evade their pow- 
 er. A nimiber fell, and joined witii her in prayer; 
 while the rest stood trembling in tears. 
 
 Sabbath, Oct. 18th, I preaciied two sermons at the 
 meeting house in Burrilville. In the intermission, I 
 baptized two persons. This was a time of love in- 
 deed. In the evening, I preached at Capt lihodes': 
 two backsliders returned, and humbly confessed that 
 the xcay of transgressors is hard. This was also a good 
 time. 
 
 Monday and Tuesday, I spent in visiting. Tuesday 
 evening, I preached at Esq. Steer's. 
 
 Wednesday, I preached at the meeting-house in 
 Douglass. This was a time, which 1 think will never 
 be forgotten by some. In the evening [ attended a 
 meeting in the same place. A number were greatly 
 convicted, and some cried for mercy; I trust they 
 were heard. The next day, I preached again at the 
 meeting house in Burrilville. And in the evening, I 
 preached again in Capt. Rhodes' neighborhood. 
 
 Saturday and Sabbath day, I preached at Scituate 
 meeting-house; and in the evening of the same Sab- 
 bath. I preached in another part of the town, at one 
 Slack's. The house was filled with people, and many 
 stood without at the windows. Our meetings at Scit- 
 uate, were all solemn, and I trust very profitable. 
 
 Monday following, it rained remarkably, so that I 
 could not leave the place. But I was convinced, that 
 this also, was for the best; and one of the all things, 
 which worked together for good, to them that love
 
 LIFE or JOHN COLBT. Ii9 
 
 God. A number of people came io and stayed all 
 day, and some all night. We spent the time in prayer, 
 and religious conversation, and had a refreshing sea- 
 son. 
 
 Tuesday, I bid them farewell, and returned to Btif- 
 rilv'ille. 
 
 Wednesday,! attended t meeting at Henry Rhodes'. 
 This was indeed a prayer meeting: almost every per- 
 son, in the house> prayed vocally, a number of whom 
 I never heard pray before. 
 
 The next day, at evening I preached in another 
 neighborhood, in company with Elder Farnum, from 
 Providence, at a house where I had never preached be- 
 fore. One of the man's daughters was solemnly con- 
 victed. The next evening, I attended meeting at Esq. 
 Steer's. Elder Farnum preached, and we had a good 
 time. 
 
 The day following, I preached the funeral sermoa 
 of a woman, who had left a husband, and large family 
 of children to bemoan her loss, not one of whom pro- 
 fessed religion. This was truly a solemn time. 
 
 Leaving the funeral, I returned; and in the evening, 
 I preached again in the neighborhood of Capt. Rhodes. 
 I felt my soul more than usually drawn out to God, 
 for the spread of reformation. Towards the close of 
 the meeting, I kneeled down before the Lord, and be- 
 ing exceedingly spent, I prayed in the following man- 
 ner, and said, O Lord, I am here in a strange land, 
 far from all my relations and natural friends; my la- 
 bor since I came into this place, has exceeded my strength^ 
 and I am novo reduced to a very low state of health. — 
 / cannot continue but a little while, unless/ something 
 favourable should take place for the recovery of nuf 
 health. And now Lord, I come to thee and ask this 
 one favor^ this one petition at thy hand: that thou 
 wouldst convert a number of these young men, who may 
 serve as bearers, to carry my body to the grave, if I 
 should die in this country. The Lord heard, and iai- 
 13*
 
 160 LIFE OP John COLBY. 
 
 mediately answered the petition. Four young men, 
 namely, Duty Paine, Martin Salisbury, Christopher 
 Saunders, and Joshua Darhn, were immediately con- 
 verted to God; came forward, told their experience; 
 offered themselves for baptism; and in the presence 
 of hundreds, followed their Saviour into the watery 
 grave. This was a solemn day to the spectators, who 
 recollected my prayer. And indeed it was a solemn 
 day to me, when 1 saw them walking, two and two, 
 in form of bearers to the water. And I said, O may 
 my soul be ripening for glory as fast as my body ri- 
 pens for the grave. 
 
 Sabbath, Nov. 1st, I attended meeting in the meet- 
 ing house in Burrilville in company with Elder Far- 
 num. He preached to the purpose; after wiiich, I 
 delivered an exhortation, and felt more than usually 
 assisted by the Spirit and power of God. A young 
 man of takn'^ .. then arose and in an affecting manner, 
 declared w; r the J^ord had done for his soul, the 
 nisht before. Some others spake ot the goodness of 
 God; a number of others cried out for mercy, and 
 the pardon of their sins. In the evening, we assem- 
 bled at Henry Rhodes'; many attended, and it was a 
 solemn time. 
 
 Monday, we attended meeting in a school house; in 
 the east part of the town. Elder Farnum preached, 
 and we had a good season. By the request of the 
 people, we left an appointment, to be there on the 
 next Wednesday; and then returned again to the 
 neighborhood of Capt. Rhodes, where we staid that 
 night, at Mr Brown's. This we found to be a profita- 
 ble visit in the family. 
 
 The next day, I we: ^ to visit two familes, who 
 lived in one house. After being there about an 
 hour, I went into that part of the house where the 
 young people lived ; and as I was walking the floor I 
 began to sing an hymn. The poor old man, (perhaps 
 70 years of age) who was in the door yard, hooping
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 161 
 
 a cask, was so opposed to every thing of a religious 
 nature, that he was immediately so filled with enmity, 
 at the sound of singing, that he ran into his own part 
 ot the house ; and with a ghastly countenance, vio- 
 lently caught hold on his gun, as I was afterwards in- 
 formed by his daughter who saw him, ran out round 
 the house, where 1 was singing, and discharged the 
 piece. The explosion was loud ; but whether he 
 meant to kill me, or scare me, I could not tell : how- 
 ever I think it was the latter. But it so happened 
 that it did neither. 1 contiued singing till I had fin- 
 ished my hymn. I then prayed for the poor old 
 man, and the rest of the family, and assured them, 
 that 1 should visit them the oftener, on account of the 
 conduct of the old man. After making several other 
 visits, I attended a meeting in the evening, with elder 
 Farnum. Several were powerfully convicted in the 
 meeting, and we had a good season. 
 
 The day following, we attended our appointment 
 at the school house in the east part of the town ; in 
 which we found great satisfaction. Some fell before 
 the Lord, some cried for mercy, others What shall I 
 do to be saved ? In the evening, we returned to Au 
 gusty Steer's, where we had a previous appointment ; 
 a number of young converts, spake and prayed. — 
 Sister Steer told her experience for baptism. 
 
 Next day, Elder Farnum left me, and went back to 
 Providence. 
 
 Thursday, Nov. 5th, I went to visit a family, 
 where 1 found a young woman in great distress hr 
 her soul. She continued pleading with God for n r- 
 cy, through the whole afternoon : but, blessed be his 
 name it was light with her at even time : the Lord 
 appeared for her, and brought her out of darkness, 
 into his marvellous light. That afternoon, I was ta- 
 ken very unwell. The next day, I felt no better, 
 and was destitute of appetite. But as I had two 
 meetings appointed in Gloucester, in the afternoon
 
 152 LirE or JOHNCOLBT. 
 
 and evening, I was now in a strait between two ; 
 whether to sacrifice my health, or my word. I chose 
 the former and went on and preached in the aflernon, 
 and had a profitable time. From thence I went to 
 Chepachet, and preached in the evening ; and al- 
 though it was in much weakness and infirmity of body, 
 yet, 1 trust, it was for the good of souls. After meet- 
 ing was dismissed, the people all dispersed and left 
 me to shift for myself. I made out to get on my 
 horse, and rode to Burrilville. It was a very cold 
 damp night, which was no advantage to me, in my 
 low state of health. 
 
 The next day, being Saturday, I continued unwell, 
 and somewhat worse, having renewed my cold the 
 night before. This day I spent in retirement, and 
 employed myself in writing, though scarcely able to 
 sit up. However, I was interrupted. A young wo- 
 man entered the room with a pack of cards in her 
 hand, which drew my attention for a moment I ob- 
 served however, that she steered to the fire, and com- 
 mitted them to the flames. After witnessing their 
 consumption, she left the room. — It was a pleasing 
 sight to me, to see the blooming youth breaking off 
 their sins by righteousness, forsaking their vain de- 
 lights, and seeking after the one thing needful. And 
 I would recommend it to all, who are card holders, 
 to follow her example. Oh ! how much better it is, 
 to burn the cards, than to follow those delusive plays, 
 enchanting delights, and sinful companions, till they 
 lead them to hell, where the worm dieth not, and the 
 fire is not quenched. Oh! what stupendous folly 
 must that soul be guilty of, who chooses sin's short 
 and momentary pleasures, at the dear expense of suff- 
 ering the vengeance of eternal fire. 
 
 Saturday evening, we had a good season. Three 
 came forward, and told their experience, and desired 
 to go forward in baptism. 
 
 Sabbath, Nov. 8th, I was quite unwell, but went
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLET. 153 
 
 to Burrilville meeting-house ; I found a large number 
 of people collected. I went into the pulpit, though 
 scarcely able to stand. Brother Lee, of Vt. prayed. 
 After which I attempted to preach : and as 1 began 
 to speak, my strength was renewed, and 1 immediate- 
 ly felt strong, both in body and soul. My voice was 
 uncommonly strong, and I was enabled to lift it up 
 like a trumpet. I felt as though it was my last dis- 
 course, and doubtless it was, to many who heard me 
 that day. After the close of the exercise at the meet- 
 ing-house, we repaired to the water, and I baptised 
 four persons, in the presence of a very large and sol- 
 emn assembly. For about two or three hours after I 
 came out of the water. I felt as though my health was 
 perfectly restored. But when the heavenly flame in 
 my soul had a little abated, I felt my old infirmities 
 returning upon me again. Some concluded that I 
 should take cold, and be worse, by going into the 
 water. However, I believed their conclusion was 
 groundless, as I have been into the water, on the same 
 occasion, at a'l seasons of the year, and am positive 
 that I never took any cold in that way : but have ever 
 found his promise fulfilled to me, who says, " My 
 grace is sufficient for thee." 
 
 In the evening I attended a meeting ; but was so 
 unwell, that I was not able to say but a few words. — 
 Brother Lee preached the word to the people. 
 
 Monday, I continued unwell, and was very feverish, 
 and not able to sit up. In the evening, I was much 
 exercised with pain, and had a restless night. 
 
 Tuesday, I felt no better, but still remained very 
 feverish. 1 continued much so through the week, 
 and was attended with a violent cough, especially in 
 the night time. Finding my complaints increased, I 
 began to have some serious inquiries on my mmd, 
 whether the time of my departure was not at hand. — 
 I was now at a great distance from my earthly rela- 
 tives ; but found that I had a friend that sticketh closer
 
 154 LIFE or JOHN COLBT. 
 
 than a brother. The Lord granted me his presence, 
 and I felt a sweet composure of mind. But feeling 
 doubtful of my health, 1 gave orders to some peculiar 
 brethren, concerning my funeral, in case I should die; 
 chose the man to preach my funeral sermon, my bear- 
 ers, the place for my burial, &.c. In this state, 1 had 
 a realizing sense of the beauty and worth of religion ; 
 and had a pleasing and soul-ravishing view of the pas- 
 sage from the boisterous sea of life, through the cold 
 shades of death to the blissful mansions of heavenly 
 glory ; and felt not the least dismal fear of sinking ; 
 but was confident that the Lord would keep that 
 which [ had committed to him. Oh ! did the bold 
 infidel but view, and know the real happiness, which 
 is enjoyed in religion, he would never indulge the least 
 thought of living any longer in the service of his old 
 master ; but would forsake all for Christ. 
 
 Sabbath, November 15, I remained so unwell that 
 I was unable to attend meeting. Several young peo- 
 ple called to see me, and some of them were struck 
 under conviction the same day. 
 
 Monday and Tuesday, I began to revive, and my 
 pain and fever abated. Tuesday evening, the people 
 collected, and I had itrength given me to exhort a 
 little. At the close of the meeting, I found that I had 
 renewed my strength. I continued to recover my 
 health through the week, so that in the course of it, I 
 attended five meetiogs, and had comfortable seasons 
 in them all. 
 
 Sabbath, November, 22d, I attended meeting at 
 the meeting-house in Burrilville, in company with 
 Elder Farnum, and after praying, preaching, &c. we 
 set apart Richard Lee, to the work of the ministry. — 
 The ordination was attended to with great solemnity. 
 This Richard Lee, is a resident of the town of Spring- 
 field, Vt. ; is about middle aged ; has been preaching 
 some time ; and seen some fruits of his labors. O 
 may the Lord bless and increase the fruits abundantly.
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBT. 155 
 
 In the evening, we attended meeting at Eiq Steer's. 
 The house was crowded with people, and the power 
 of God was greatly manifested. A number who had 
 been previously opposing religion, were struck under 
 conviction, fell upon their knees in presence of the 
 congregation, and cried to the Lord for mercy. 
 
 Monday, Nov. 23d, I attended, the funeral of a 
 little girl in Douglas meeting-house. She was about 
 three years old, and was burnt to death accidentally, 
 in a little cabin near a coal kiln. The circumstances 
 were truly affecting, but too many to relate here. — 
 The funeral was attended with great solemnity, and I 
 humbly hope that it vtas sanctified to the good of the 
 parents and others. After meeting I went back to 
 Burrilville, and attended a meeting at Joseph Abby's, 
 who lives in the east part of the town. In this meet- 
 ing, several fell before the Lord, and cried to him to 
 forgive their sins, and have mercy on their souls. — 
 Next morning, we had an unusual solemn time in the 
 season of family prayer. Some of the neighbours 
 came in to join with us, and were constrained to bow 
 at the feet of the Saviour, and acknowledge that he 
 was Lord of all. 
 
 Tuesday evening, I attended meeting at Augusty 
 Steer's. One aged man, who had been a number of 
 days under powerful conviction, arose, and in a flood 
 of tears, and most affecting manner, confessed to his 
 neighbours, what a wicked life he had lived ; how 
 he had spent his days in drunkenness, card playing, 
 &c. ; and entreated all around him, to cease from 
 treading the paths of vice, and to embrace the reli- 
 gion of Jesus Christ. Several more followed his ex- 
 ample, and conviction seemed to increase on the 
 minds of many By this time, opposition seemed al- 
 most entirely suppressed, and the enemy had scarcely 
 a place left him to set his foot on. 
 
 Thursday, Nov. 26ih, was set apart by the Legis- 
 lature for Thanksgiving. I attended meeting in Lsq.
 
 156 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 Wood's hall. This privilege I considered as the an- 
 swer of many prayers, which I had put up to God, 
 since 1 had been in ihe place. P'or I had oiten pray- 
 ed, that God would move on the heart of the Esq. to 
 invite tne to preach at his house. The Sabbath day 
 night before, my prayer was answered. ]Ie arose ip 
 the meeting, recommended the work of the Lord, 
 ^vhicll was going on ; and wished his neighbors to 
 embrace relijiion. And ahiiough he conlessed he 
 had not got religion himself, yet he said he hoped he 
 should have it scon ; and then invited me to come 
 and preach in his house. 1 his was indeed a thanks- 
 giving day to many of the followers of Christ : and a 
 day, which, 1 believe, will never be forgotten. I 
 preached from Jonah, ii. 9 : " But I will sacrifice un- 
 to thee with the voice of thanksgiving ; I will pay 
 that, that I have vowed. Salvation is of the Lord." 
 J recited the conduct of Jonah, and compared it with 
 that of modern backsliders, who, like him, acknowl- 
 edged themselves to be Hebrews, (or christians,) 
 and profess to fear God ; but yet are going on in di- 
 rect opposition to all his laws ; and, as it were, open- 
 ing his wounds afresh, and putting him to an open 
 shame. 1 he bow was drawn at a venture, but God 
 directed the arrow : for the message was set home 
 with [)ower, to the heart of one poor old backslider, 
 who had professed religion in the days of his youth. — 
 After 1 had done preaclnng, he arose aud made a very 
 humble acknowledgement. jNIany others spake bold- 
 ly in testimony of the truth they had heard. I then 
 requested all who felt resolved to seek and serve the 
 Lord, to manifest it by rising up. Ihe whole assem- 
 bly, excejjting one or two, arose like a cloud: a sol- 
 emn awe seemed to rest on the assembly. I then 
 prayed; many fell on their knees with me, and so the 
 meeting concluded. I then mounted my horse, and 
 rode to the east part of the town, to attend an eve- 
 ning appointment, which I had previously made.
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 157 
 
 When I came to the place, I found a large and con- 
 venient house, well filled with people, the most of 
 whom were young. Here I had anoilier thanksgiving. 
 I was remarkably thankful, to see such a crowd of 
 young people collected to hear the word; especially 
 as I understood that great preparation had been made 
 by them lor what they termed a Thanksgiving Ball 
 within about a mile of the meeting; and who hid also 
 given out word, that they intended to see who would 
 draw the greatest par;y. Having h ard of thesf things, 
 and knowing how strong the current of wickedness 
 had formerly run through this town, (I mean with the 
 rude and baser sort of people;) my. heart felt uncom- 
 monly melted to see so many appear on the Lord's 
 side. I spake chiefly to the youth, who paid an un- 
 common attention to the word. IVIany mourned and 
 wept. Some cried for mercy; and others, expressed 
 their determination to leave the ball-rooms, and enter 
 into the service of the Lord. Through the course of 
 the meeting, 1 felt a remarkable spirit of prayer, for 
 those who had chosen the ball, in preference ro the 
 meeting of worship; vvho seemed determmed to stand 
 their ground, and, if possible, to maintain their war 
 with the Lamb. I prayed for them vocally, in the 
 presence of the assembly, that God would, in some 
 way, manifest his displeasure against such conduct; 
 that they might know that there is a God, vvho reigns 
 in the heavens, who will call them to an account for 
 their carnal mirth and wickedness. I was afterwards 
 informed that their ball fell through. The Lord troub- 
 led them as he did the Egyptian, Exod. xiv. 24, 25. 
 When they found that they were disappointed, many 
 of them feeling condemnation resting on their minds, 
 would have been glad to have come to the meeting, 
 had it not been so late, that they were ashamed to 
 come: so they broke up and went home. 
 
 I must her? remark, that the young man of the 
 house, (Mr Morrey,) who had been addicted to the 
 14
 
 158 LIFE OF John colbi. 
 
 same practices which had been so prevalent in this 
 town, hiul, previous to this meeting burnt his cards, 
 and inoiiuited fiimily worshij) in his house. 
 
 Friday and iSaturday, 1 had good seasons in visiting 
 several families, and att'^nding prayer meetings, &c. 
 In this time I had the privilege of hearing a number 
 praise God, \vhom I had never heard before. 
 
 Sabbath, Nov. 29ih, 1 preached in a school-house, 
 in the same neighborhood* It being a very stormy 
 day, but few attended. In the evening, I went into 
 another neighborhood, where I found a number of 
 brethren, and a number of niourning souls, collected 
 together. We wailed on the Lord, and renewed our 
 strength: blessed be his name. 
 
 Monday evening, Nov. 30th, 1 preached at Asa 
 Builingame's, in the north part of the town. The 
 house, which was very convenient to meet in, had for- 
 merly been used for the accommodation of dancing 
 school-, and as a rendezvous.* A very large number 
 of people collected, to see it converted into a meet- 
 ing house for worship, and hear the first sermon preach- 
 ed in it. ►Solemnity rested on the congregation, and 
 I trust the meeting was crowned with success. One 
 bright young man came forward, and spake, and prais- 
 ed the Lord for the first time. lie told his sinful com- 
 panions, that he was resolved to manilesl his laith by 
 his works, and that he was to turn his back upon them 
 all, take up his cross daily, and follow Christ, and 
 maintain practical religion. It was somethirjg late, 
 when the meeting was dismissed; which, when it was 
 done, the people were so engaged, that they were un- 
 willing to go away. A number tarried all night. I 
 conversed with them till one o'clock in the n)orning. 
 As I was about to retire, 1 kneeled down and prayed 
 for the family. Two young women, belonging to it, 
 
 *rrevious to its being owned by Mr Burlingame, vho is him- 
 self an exemplary man, and abhors such practices.
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBTT. 159 
 
 fell on their knees before the Lord, and begged for 
 mercy. One of them was at a thanksgiving ball be- 
 fore mentioned. She told what conviction and con- 
 demnation she felt; and continued pleading for pardon, 
 m a most humble and penitent manner, till about sev- 
 en o'clock the next morning. These, and several 
 others, being in distress through the night, I took no 
 rest: sleep departed from my eyes. 
 
 Tuesday evening, T attended meeting at Henry 
 Rhodes'. I had a cood season, and some came for- 
 ward for the first time. 
 
 Wednesday, I attended meeting in the east part of 
 the town: found the reformation still spreading, and 
 opposition falling. A number of young people, who 
 came to the meeting, were struck under conviction; 
 and two or three manifested that they had found peace 
 m their souls, very lately. 
 
 Thursday, Friday and Saturday, I spent my time in 
 praying, writing, visiting, &c. 
 
 Sabbath, Dec. 6th, I preached at the meeting house; 
 and in the evening, at Esq, Steer's. This was a glo- 
 rious time; and 1 had reasoit to believe, that the Lord 
 answered my prayer: for before the meeting closed, 
 five came forward, professed faith in Christ, and bold- 
 ly declared that they were resolved to serve the Lord. 
 
 Monday evening, I preached at Mi Salisbury's, and 
 both he and his wife, spake and prayed in the meet- 
 ing. He also told his neighbours, that he had trusted 
 in the doctrine of Universalism from his youth up, 
 till within two years: hut said he, the Lord then con- 
 vinced me, on a sick bed, that that doctrine would 
 not do; and notwithstanding I have been so anxious 
 for the things of time and sense, I now feel a greater 
 desire for experimental and practical religion, than ev- 
 er I did for the world. I have closed my doors against 
 balls, and sinful parlies; and have opened them for 
 meetings of leligious worship, &c. His wife said that 
 she went into the grove that day, and kneeled down,
 
 IGO LIFE OF JOHN COLBT. 
 
 With a (lelerniinatinn never to leave the throne of 
 grace, till she found peace to her troubled soul: and 
 ihat wliile she remained in this altitude, pleading with 
 God for deliverance, he )iad appeared foi l)er, and 
 freed her from the burden of sin and guilt, which she 
 had felt for several weeks. The next morning, a 
 young man, a son in 'aw to the man just mentioned, 
 was brought in a very clear and powerful manner: al- 
 so, one of his sons, and a journeyman, who was to 
 work at the house, were both struck under powerful 
 conviction, and were soon after brought out of dark- 
 ness into God's marvellous light. 
 
 Tuesday, I preached at Esq. Cook's, and in the 
 evening, at Augusta Steer's. At the evening mei^ing, 
 three persons related their experience; and desired to 
 be baptised. 
 
 Wednesday, Dec. 9th being my birth day, I ap- 
 pointed a meeting on that occasion, at Esq. Wood's 
 hall, at one o'clock P. M. At twelve o'clock, I went 
 lo the water, and baptised four persons, in the pres- 
 ence of a multitude of people. We then repaired to 
 the liall, which was crowded with an attentive assem- 
 bly. I spake from Psal. Ixvi. IG: " Come and hear, 
 all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath 
 done for my soul." I related my experience to the 
 people, and told them what the Lord had done forme. 
 [ felt the spirit of the Lord upon me: the people were 
 much affected at hearing my narrative; and there were 
 but a few dry eyes in the assembly. At the close of 
 the exercise, it was judged that there were about sixty 
 persons, who joined with me in prayer. We spent 
 the evening at Esq. Steer's, where a large number 
 collected, and spake with great freedom of the good- 
 ness of the Lord to liiern; a number for the first 
 time. 
 
 Eriday evening, I attended a meeting in the north- 
 easterly part of the town; I found a number earnestly 
 seeking after Christ, and a number of others, praising
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 161 
 
 the Lord for the deliverance he had wrought for their 
 souls. 
 
 Saturday evening, I attended a meeting at Captain 
 Henry Rhodes': this also was a good time. 
 
 Sabbath, Dec. 13th, we met again in Esq. Wood's 
 hall. After singing and prayer, 1 discovered that a 
 large number of the converts, were much impressed; 
 or, raiher filled with the iloly Ghost. I then men- 
 tioned that, '■^ ichere the Spirit of the Lord is there 
 is liberty ;^^ and that if any had a testimony for God, 
 they had as much right to deliver.it before sermon as 
 after. They then began to speak, and spoke one by 
 one, until about thirty had spoken. I then preached 
 a sermon; after which the meeting closed. This was 
 a scene of solemn joy. In the evening we assembled 
 again at Esq. Steer's; and were favoured, as usual, 
 with the presence of the Lord. 
 
 Monday and Monday evening, I made another vis- 
 it to the northeasterly part of the town. 
 
 Tuesday evening, I returned, and attended meeting 
 at Capt. Henry Rhodes', where a large number of the 
 brethren and sisters and mourning souls, were col- 
 lected. As I expected soon to leave the place, I sug- 
 gested to them, that 1 thought it would be proper,that 
 they should be embodied into a church, before I left 
 them. I found they were all united in this; and they 
 agreed to take the scriptures of truth, for their only 
 rule of faith and practice. I accordingly proceeded 
 and embodied them, and they subscribed to the fol- 
 lowing agreement, viz: — " We are agreed in repair- 
 ing to the scriptures of truth, as our only and all suf- 
 ficient rule of practice: believing, that there is no 
 man wise enough, to revise the laws of Christ, or to 
 alter them for the better. Neither do we consider 
 ourselves, or any other society, perfect, in a strict 
 sense, so but that we are liable to errors and imper- 
 fections; and of course, if any man or men, fix a book 
 of discipline to govern the church by, it must be an 
 14*
 
 162 tIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 imperfect one. The Lortl Jesus Christ has given us 
 a perfect law of liberty; and we are nut willing to ex- 
 change a perfect lavo^ for an imperfect one. We 
 therefore consider that the scriptures are suflicicnt for 
 the church to make their appeal to, on any and eveiy 
 occasion: for saiih Paul to Timothy, JIU scripture is 
 given by inspiration of God, and is profUahlefor doc- 
 trine^ for reproof Jor correction, for instrvction in 
 righteousness; that the man of God may he perject^ 
 thoroiighly furnished into all good works. H there- 
 fore, we are tlioronghly furnished, we need nothing 
 more, than to consider the scriptures of truth, as our 
 only and all sufllicieni rule of I'aith and practice; ho- 
 ping and praying, that we shall all be led by the same 
 spirit, by which they were written. Therefore, under 
 these considerations, we not only consider it our duty, 
 but esteem it our privilege, to be embodied, or united 
 together as a church; and having first given ourselves 
 to (iod, we now give ourselves to one another by the 
 will of God to watch over each other for good, and 
 build each other up, in the most holy faiih: to bear 
 one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. 
 And now, as brethren and sisters in Christ, as children 
 of one family, and heirs of the grace of God, we cov- 
 enant, unite, and agree, to stand by each other, and 
 do all we can to strengthen and encourage each other, 
 on our heavenly journey: and also to preserve an un- 
 ion and harmony in the church, by attending to the 
 worship of God, and all the ordinances of his house. 
 And may the Lord grant us grace and wisdom, that 
 we may shine as lights in the world; and this church 
 be as a city set on a hill that cannot be hid. There- 
 fore, as an evidence of our thus uniting, as above 
 mentioned, we give orders to the cleik, to enroll our 
 names together," &c. 
 
 Wednesday, I preached in the north part of the 
 
 ♦Extract from Church record.
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 163 
 
 town, from Songs v. 7 : " The watchmen that went 
 about the city found me," &c. I told the people that 
 I had come to hunt them up, and hoped that by the 
 grace of God, 1 should be enabled to find them all 
 before the close of the meeting. The people looked 
 at me as though they believed I had a search warrant 
 from above. The Lord directed my mind to every 
 condition, viz — of those in a lukewarm and backslid- 
 den state : — to those who were at variance with their 
 neighbours, and in their families ; — tothe caseoftiiose 
 who were hardened in sin, and blinded in iniquity ; 
 wasting their time in vice and folly, slighting the son 
 of God, and neglecting the great salvation. And at 
 last to the case of the little few, who were iravelling 
 through life's uneven way, to the celestial world above. 
 I felt remarkably assisted, and when I closed the 
 meeting, 1 started to go on to my evening appoint- 
 ment. W hen I came to the door, I found a man 
 standing on the door stone, who appeared to be in 
 great distress. I asked him the cause of his weeping; 
 he exclaimed, O sir, I am a great sinner, I have had 
 many calls, and have rejected them all. 1 promised 
 the Lord that if he would spare me till I was forty- 
 three, I would then seek and serve him. And, con- 
 tinued he, yesterday was my birth day. I was forty- 
 three years old ; and now I fear, if I do p.ot hearken 
 to this call, 1 shall never have another. I told him I 
 feared so loo, and exhorted him to look to the Lord 
 for mercy, and not to rest night nor day, till he had 
 found it. Thus I left him in a flood of tears, with a 
 number of others who were standing round, and went 
 on to my evening appointment, at which we had a 
 solemn time. 
 
 Thursday, 17th of Dec, I left Burrilville, and 
 went to Providence. 
 
 • Friday evening, as I was praying at a certain house; 
 a man opposed to religion came in (half drunk,) drag-
 
 164 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 ged his wife from her knees, and led her out of the 
 meeting ; and in a great rage drove her home. 
 
 Saturday, J dined at Doctor (lonoe's, a pastor of 
 the first Baptist Church in Providence, in company 
 with Elder Lewis and Elder ]?eriedi(,';t * The Doctor 
 and the other Elders, invited me to jireach with them. 
 Saturday evening, I spent in conference with a num- 
 ber of loving hreihren, which was an agreeable sea- 
 son, and tiine well spent. 
 
 Sabbath, Dec, 20th, in the forenoon, I preached 
 with Elder Lewis ; and in the afternoon with Doctor 
 Gonoe. I enjoyed good freedom all the day. The 
 same evening, 1 preached in what is called the upper 
 part of the town, to a very crowded assembly. In 
 this meeting, four young people fell on their knees, 
 cried for mercy, and desired me to pray for them, 
 which I was willing to do. 
 
 Monday evening, 1 preached in another part of the 
 town ; I trust it was a profitable meeting to many. 
 
 Wednesday, Dec. 23d, I left Providence, and 
 went to Scituate. In the evening, preached at a tav- 
 ern, owned by one Philips, to a very crowded assem- 
 bly. This man with his family, enjoyed the riches 
 and honours of this world. I was however informed, 
 that he had one daughter who was wiiling to forsake 
 all for Christ. This was matter of joy to me. 
 
 Thursday, I started early for Hartford, in Connect- 
 icut ; and went that day as far as Ashford. I tarried 
 that n"ght at Deac. Knowl ton's. I here heard of a re- 
 markable death. Adriih Sharp, a young woman 
 probably in the bloom of life, was sitting in her loom 
 weaving. A wasp or hornet stung her in the ancle, 
 at which she immediately cried out and said, I am 
 going ; and instantly her head fell in her sister's lap, 
 her sister thought she had fainted, and would soon 
 come to herself, as she had done before on such oc- 
 
 *Author of the iate history of the baptists.
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 165 
 
 casions. But, instead of this, she began to swell, 
 and immediately swelled all over ; her tongue swelled 
 out of her mouth ; and in fifteen minutes from the 
 time she was stung, she was a corpse ! — I received 
 this information from her sister, and recollected the 
 words of Watts : — 
 .„.../ " Dangers stand thick through all the ground, 
 
 /^^o push us to the tomb." 
 
 Friday, I went to Hartford, for the first time ; and 
 on Saturday, to West-Hartford, where I found a num- 
 ber of my old acquaintance, who were converted in 
 the reformation which took place in Vermont, two 
 years before. I found some of them well engaged, 
 and we enjtjyed much consolation together. 
 
 Sabbaih day, Dec. 27th, I returned to the city, — 
 In the day time; I preached at the Baptist meeting- 
 house, and in the evening at a private house. Ihe 
 word appeared to have some good effect. The next 
 morning, when I called for my horse, I found my 
 reckoning was enough to take all my money save six 
 cents ; which was but a small sum to bear one's ex- 
 penses rising of sixty miles, where the country is all 
 cut up with turnpikes and toil bridges. However, 
 the good people where [ stayed,* bid me God speed, 
 and mvited me to preach there again before 1 left 
 them. 1 do not know what these good people thought 
 I should live on through the journey, unless they 
 thought that the Lord would mainta in me by a mira- 
 cle. However, I sat out with my four pence half 
 penny, and thought I would put my trust in Him who 
 feeds the ravens, and get along as well as I could. — ■ 
 Findiiig that the toll of the large bridge which crosses 
 the Connecticut river, was pretty high, I concluded 
 to pass over the ferry ; and after waiting half an hour, 
 for the men to cut the boat out of the ice they sat me 
 over for three cents. I then had three whole cents 
 
 *They were professors of religion.
 
 166 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 left to bear my expenses on the turnpike, to Biirril- 
 ville, (il. I.) My money was soon expendecl ; and 
 when 1 came to the second gate, I had no money to 
 pay my toll, and 1 knew not what to do, being a 
 stranger, and the woman who came out to take the 
 toll, saying she must have the money. At last I ask- 
 ed her, if she would take my pocket handkerchief for 
 the toll, (which was but five cents,) and let me pas 
 on, as 1 was in great haste. After thinking some time, 
 she concluded she would ; but seemed to be afraid 
 hat I had given her too much, as the handkerchief 
 was new. I told her she was entirely welcome to it, 
 and went on studying how I should get through the 
 next. When I came in sight of the nexi g;ite, it gave 
 me some disagreeable feelings, considering iliat I had 
 no money to pay toll ; I viewed myself disqualified 
 to pass. The following thought then arose in my 
 mind ; If it makes me feel so disagreeable to attempt 
 to pass this gate without money, how will the poor 
 sinner feel, when he comes to the gate of heaven, 
 witl, out the King's coin, or without the necessary 
 qualification, the love of God in the soul ? When I 
 came to the gate, a young man came out to take toll. 
 I told him I had no money , and taking out my hymn 
 book asked him if he would take that for the toll. — 
 He said he would. I then gave it him, bid him good 
 by and went on. Before I came to another gate I 
 called at the house of a man who had sent several 
 errands by me to Hartford, for which he generously 
 gave me a dinner, horse-baiting and twenty-five cents 
 in money. I was now wholefooted ; I had got mon- 
 ey again to pay my toll. And I do not know but 
 what I felt as thankful for it as Paul did when he came 
 to Eppi forum. With this I went on to Pomfret, 
 where I had previously appointed a meeting. P>ut 
 when I came to the place, I found that the people 
 were not notified. I therefore spent the time in vis-
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 167 
 
 iting several families, where I enjoyed some refresh- 
 in? seasons. 
 
 The next day I went to Burrilville ; and, by taking 
 cross ways and shunning turnpikes, I made my money 
 last me through. I found the brethren and friends 
 collected for worship, at Mr Barns.' They were glad 
 to see me again, bnt not gladder than I was to see 
 them. I tiiought myself happy, that I could once 
 more join in worship, with my brethren in Burrilville, 
 where I could breathe in free air. This also was a 
 time of rejoicing to many souls. The next evening, 
 I attended meeting at a school-house in the north part 
 of the town, where I had the privilege of speaking to 
 a very crowded assembly. 
 
 The next day, which was Thursday, I spent in 
 reading, writing, visiting, &,c. 
 
 Friday, Jat^. 1st, 18 13, I spent in prayer and 
 thanksgiving to God. I visited several families, and 
 heard several young converts relate their experience. 
 This was a solemn day to my soul. I praised God, 
 for the innumerable favours and kindnesses shewn 
 me the year jiast, and prayed that 1 might have more 
 grace and wisdom, and serve him better for time to 
 come. The same evening, 1 attended meeting at 
 Augusty Steers.' 
 
 Saturday, I preached at Jeremiah IMorry's. Sev- 
 eral spake in the meeting for the first time. Some 
 spake of their joys but others of their distress, and 
 manifested their resolutions to seek and serve the 
 Lord. 
 
 Sabbath day, Jan. 3d, I preached at a school-house, 
 to an uncommonly crowded assembly. Many could 
 not get in, nor even get to the windows so as to hear; 
 and on that account went away. Many of the con- 
 verts spnko boldly of the goodness of (iod and most 
 emphatically warned their relatives and companions, 
 to flee from the wrath to come, and lay hold on eter- 
 nal life. The same evening, we met at Esq Steer's.
 
 108 LIFE OF JOHN COLBT. 
 
 The house was filled with people, and the Jicarts of the 
 sahits, with love to (lod and man. All around, seem- 
 ed lo unite in giving; i:lory to (jod and the Lamb. — 
 After I preached a shoit sermnn, thirty-three persons 
 spake in testimony ofCiod, before tiie meeting closed. 
 Monday evening, we met at Capt. Henry Uhodes'. 
 In this meeting, four young men told their experience, 
 to the great satisfaction of all the people, and desired 
 to be baptised. We accordingly met the next day, 
 at J)uty Salisbury's, for that purpose. At 1 2 o'clock, 
 we repaired to the water, and baptised ihem ; after 
 which, we returned to the house, and had a precious 
 season in worship. I spake from Acts. x. 34, 35, 
 with more than common freedom of mind. 
 
 The next day, 1 preached at Geoi'ge lirown's, and 
 thought I saw some signs of a reformation in that 
 neighbourhood. 
 
 The next day, which was Thursday, I preached 
 at Dexter Ricliardson's, in the edge of Uxbridge, 
 where the young people met for their thanksgiving 
 ball. I think it likely it was the first meeting of wor- 
 ships that was ever held at this house. The landlord 
 and his wife treated me kindly, and aj^peared very 
 solemn ; and I think it likely, that the meeting was 
 attended with some good. In the evening, I attended 
 a meeting at a school-house, in Burrilville. Before 
 I got to theh:)tise, i was ii.form.-d that a number of 
 the baser sort, had collected in order to mob me, or 
 drive me from he rif^ighbonrl o^A I however went 
 on ; and when I came to the place. I found a large 
 company collected. They informed me, that the 
 same old man, who fired the gun at the door, while I 
 was singing the hymn at his house, had been there 
 about the time the people began to collect, and lock- 
 ed the door, and forbade any one to enter the house. 
 He carried off the key, but some «)f the pioprietors 
 entered the window, opened the door and let in the 
 people ; and I found the house crowded, iiut there
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBIT. 1G9 
 
 seemed to be some confusion. I went in and began 
 exercise; the multitude seemed to be calmed. Those 
 who were opposers went off; and others heard with 
 candour. 1 felt a good degree of liberty and solem- 
 nity while speaking. I told them I had often been in 
 places where I had been highly threatened by the 
 wicked; but had reason to thank God, that as yet they 
 bad never had power to lay their hands on me; and 
 that I felt confident that God who sent me to preach 
 Christ's gospel, was a wall of fire round about me. — 
 After worship closed, the young converts and mourn- 
 ing sinners who had heard of the intended opposition, 
 gathered up round me like bees round a hive, and 
 seemed to be filled with gladness, to see that the dev- 
 il VTas disappointed, and his emissaries put to shame. 
 God have mercy on that neighborhood. 
 
 The day following I preached at Solomon Smith'-s* 
 in the souiheast part of the town; a number appeared 
 to be much impressed with a sense of their sins; and 
 I trust that there was some good seed sown at that 
 meeting. 
 
 Saturday, at 11 o'clock, I attended a meeting with 
 the Quakers, at their meeting house, (a couple of 
 travellihg friends, as they call them, from N. H. be- 
 ing present,) but they gave me no liberty nor time to 
 speak in their meeting. Notwithstanding this., one of 
 them came into a meeting where I preaclied, the sum- 
 mer beA)re, in the town of Pittsfield, N. H. and took 
 liberty to speak, and used and manifested a great deal 
 of fieedom; and I was heartily glad to see him. But 
 whether his memory now failed him, or his discipline 
 tied him, I cannot tell. 
 
 The same evening I attended a meeting at Father 
 Gleason's, an aged man; and he and Father Ballard 
 related their experience, to the satisfaction of the 
 church, and desired to be baptised the next day. — 
 
 *X real friend of mme. 
 
 13
 
 170 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 Accordingly, on the Sabbath, Jan. 10th, a large con- 
 CJuise of people collected at the water at 11 o'clock 
 A. M. and the two dear old fathers went forward in 
 baptism. We then repaired to Esq. Wood's hall, 
 where we had a crowded, attentive, solemn, weeping, 
 refreshing, heavenly meeting. In the evening, we 
 met at Steer's, and a number found great satisfaction 
 in their minds. 
 
 Tuesday evening, we met at brollier ^Salisbury's. — 
 A 'arge number attended and it was truly a gl(;rious 
 time. Two or three came out and spake for the first 
 lime. A number more were struck under powerful 
 conviction, who had before that time remained care- 
 less. Brother SaHsbury and his wife related their ex- 
 perience and desired to be baptised. They were re- 
 ceived. 
 
 Wednesday, I preached at the house of Daniel 
 Smith, Esq. This, I suppose, was the first meeting 
 that was ever holden at his house. The news spread 
 that I was going to preach there. The people, es- 
 pecially those of the first rank, flocked to see what 
 "was to be done at Esq. Smith's! I enjoyed good free- 
 dom in speaking, and believe the meeting was very 
 mofitable. In the evening I returned to Augusta 
 Steer's, where the brethren were collected for confer- 
 ence. We had a refreshing season in supplication 
 and prayer: Union, harmony, and happiness, seemed 
 to fill every soul. 
 
 Thursdiiy, I preached at the northeast part of the 
 town, and had a good lime. In the evening 1 attend- 
 ed meeting at Mr Thayer's, and the next day at Mr 
 Benson's, in Douglass. 
 
 Saturday evening, I attended a conference at broth- 
 er Gleason's- Two young men appeared to be under 
 deep conviction, and made mention of their determin- 
 ation to seek the Lord. 
 
 Sabbath day, Jan. 17th, I preached at a school 
 house. Eul on account of the lato snow storm, there
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBT. 171 
 
 was but a small assembly. The blessing of God, 
 however, attended our meeting, and several of the lit- 
 tle assembly appeared to be under divine impressions. 
 Capt. Rhodes was one of this number. He arose in 
 the meeting, and most solemnly declared, that he was 
 determined to forsake sin, and cleave to the Lord. — 
 He spoke much to the purpose, and to the astonish- 
 ment of many who heard him. 
 
 Tuesday, Jan. 19th, I preached at brother Salis- 
 bury's, and baptized him and his wife. This was a sol- 
 emn and joyful scene. There was a path shovelled 
 through the snow to the water, wide enough for the 
 people to walk two and two; and a hole cut through 
 the ice, for their burial with Christ in baptism. The 
 multitude followed the candidates in procession to and 
 from the water, singing the following words: 
 
 Am I soldier of the cross ? 
 
 There's glory, glory in my soul, 
 
 It came from heaven above; 
 
 Which makes me praise my Lord, so bold, 
 
 And his dear children love. 
 
 It was a melting season through the day; and in the 
 evening we had a refreshing season in prayer. The 
 next night I preached at Burlingame's; and spent al- 
 most the whole night in preachino;, praying, and in re- 
 ligious conversation with the family, several of whom 
 were already professors. About two o'clock, A. M. 
 the old gendeman came in, and said to me, " can you 
 pray for an old backslider?" I told him I could, and 
 kneeled down and began to pray. His children im- 
 mediately began to pray for their father. Two, how- 
 ever, who had not professed religion, (a daughter and 
 a daughter-in-law,) both cried lor mercy for them- 
 selves, till they obtained it, and then spent the rest of 
 the night in praising God, for what he had done for 
 their souls. 
 
 The next day, I went on to Mendon, Massachu-
 
 tl2 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 setts, to what tliey calleci the Great Kivcr, and preach- 
 ed to a very large and solemn assembly, in a scliocj]- 
 housc; and had reason to hope, from what I could 
 discover, that a number were struck under conviction. 
 In the evening of same day, I preached in the town 
 of Uxbridge, at Mr Cook's, where there was a large 
 assembly, mostly young people. But they acted as 
 if they were brought up in the woods, and never at- 
 tended meeting before. I had hard work to keep 
 them still in some of the rooms, till I had donespeak- 
 JBg; and as soon as I had dismissed the meeting, it 
 seemed more like a bedlam, than a house of worship. 
 1 am sorry to say, that a laige number of these young 
 people, were Quakers; having been strenuoui^ly taught, 
 as 1 fear, that there is no denomination so right as their 
 own: and consequently, they look down upon all oth- 
 ers; and thus took liberty in this meeting, to disturb 
 and oppose, and speak against the work, &.c. How- 
 ever, 1 do not mention this out ot any hardness to 
 them, or their denomination; but as a caution. For I 
 do not suppose, that the parents of any civil or relig- 
 ious denomination, would knowingly allow, or justify 
 their children, in disturbing others in their public wor- 
 ship. 
 
 The next day, I visited a number of families, in the 
 east part of Burrilville, and in the evening, preached 
 at Esq. Arnold's, in the north part of tlie town. Next 
 morning, I called at a house in the same neighborhood; 
 and found a man and his wife under conviction. Al- 
 ter conversing a while, I kneeled down and prayed; 
 and when I ended, they both prayed very fervently. 
 The woman appeared to find a good degree of peace. 
 Saturday night, I attended a conference at Augusta 
 Steer's, and heard the experience of three. Two of 
 liiem were received by the church; and on the next 
 day, which was the Habbaih, Jan. 24, they were bap- 
 tised. The meeting was bolden that day at Esquire
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 173 
 
 Wood's hall; and in the evening, at Captain William 
 Rhodes'. 
 
 Monday, I spent in writing, reading, visiting, &c. 
 
 Tuesday I went to Providence, and attended a meet- 
 ing in the evening; and on Wednesday, returned to 
 Burrilvilie. 
 
 Thursday I went to Uxbridge, and preached at Mr 
 Keiths, in the south east part of the town. Many of 
 the people looked at me very earnestly, and some of 
 them wept, while they heard of the sufferings of 
 Christ, and of the way of life and salvation. After 
 meeting, I returned to Burrilvilie; and in the evening, 
 attended meeting at Jeremiah Morry's. len persons 
 in the meeting told their experience, at the close of 
 which I kneeled down and prayed: and a number of 
 young people,, who had attended the afternoon meet- 
 ing, and had followed me from Uxbridge, also kneeled 
 down, and cried for mercy. 
 
 Friday and Saturday, I was quite unwell. I was 
 much exercised with pain. I was also much dejected 
 in mind; the cause of which I was not able to tell, 
 unless the reformation was about stopping. F-.aring 
 that was the case, I prayed and said, " O Led, lay 
 to thy helping hand, and cause the kingdom of dark- 
 ness to tremble, and the powers of hell to give way. 
 Ride forth with thy bow and thy crovvu; from con- 
 quering and to conquer, till Anti-christ's kingdom shall 
 be laid in utter ruin; the kingdom of Jesus Christ, be 
 established throughout all nations and denominations, 
 and stand forever and ever." 
 
 Sabbatli, Jan. 31st, I preached in a schoolhouse, 
 in what is called the city ; and found that my prayer 
 was in some measure answered. The relormaMon 
 had not stopped ; but there was great signs of its 
 spreading. We had a good season through the day, ' 
 and also in the evening, at Esq. Steer's. 
 
 Monday, Feb. 1st, 1 visited several families, and 
 found a number earnestly seeking the Lord. In the 
 15*
 
 174 LIFE OF John coLBi. 
 
 evening, I returned to Capt. Henry Rhodes', found a 
 number collected ; and among the rest, a numoer of 
 their relatives from Scitiiate ; who, when they heard 
 the caprain and his wife pray, two of them fell hefore 
 the Lord, and cried to him to have mercy on their 
 souls. 
 
 The next day, I preached in a schonlhouse in the 
 north part of Gloucester ; a goodly number attended, 
 and paid great attention to the word. After meeting 
 I returned to Ourrilvillc, and stayed that night at fath- 
 er Ballard's. Three young men, who had heard me 
 in the afternoon, at Gloucester, followed me over, and 
 appeared to be truly sensible of their lost condition. 
 After conversing with them awhile, 1 prayed with them, 
 and two of them prayed for themselves. The next 
 day, I visited several families^ and found one soul re- 
 joicing in the Lord, with whom I had no acquaintance 
 before. In the evening, I attended meeting at brother 
 Salisbury's. Two young men spake in the meeting, 
 for the first time ; and several others kneeled down 
 and prayed, who had never attempted such a thing 
 before. 
 
 Thursday, I visited every house on the road for 
 three miles ; and in the evening, attended a meeting 
 in the north part of the town, and had a good time. 
 
 Friday, I continued my visits, till I had gone thro' 
 the town, and had gotten into the state of Massachu- 
 setts. I called at a man's house, who had heard me 
 a few weeks before, and was struck under conviction. 
 He and his wife, and eldest daughter, all appeared to 
 be under concern for themselves. I talked with, and 
 prayed for them, and the man prayed for himself. He 
 was forty-four years old, and said he had never prayed 
 publicly before. His prayer took a solemn effect on 
 his family, and I hope it will be lasting. 
 
 Saturday I returned to Burrilville, visited several 
 families, in which I found much consolation. In the 
 evening, I attended a conference, and heard three
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 175 
 
 relate what the Lord ha.d done for their souls, to the 
 great satisfaction of all the brethren present- A num- 
 ber of others manifested a good resolution to seek the 
 Lord. Those brethren who had been before bap- 
 tized, were much engaged, spake of their joys, and 
 invited all to come to Christ. 
 
 The next morning, I went to Capt. Rhodes', where ., 
 I received three letters from my friends ; one of , 
 which gave information of the health of my mother. — 
 It was matter of joy to me; to hear that she was in a 
 better state of health than when I left home. 
 
 Feb. 7th, it being Sabbath, I repaired to the water, 
 where I found a large concourse of people assembled. 
 I descended into the water, and baptized three. This 
 was a solemn time. We then went to Esq. Woods', 
 in order to meet in his hall ; but the congregation was 
 so large, that 'they could not assemble in the hall, but 
 filled all the rooms, and stood belore the door, and in 
 the sleighs, shed, black-smith's shop, &,c. It was . 
 supposed there were about 600 people. I therefore " 
 shoved up a window, in the middle of the house, and 
 stood by that, and spake to the people, who heard me 
 with candour, and were much affected by the word. 
 After meeting, I went to the south-east part of Glou- 
 cester, and preached to about 200 people. This was 
 in a neighbourhood, where brother Bowls had been 
 preaching, a few weeks before ; and a number of 
 souls had been brought to the enjoyment of religion, 
 through his instrumentality. I found that there was a 
 great appearance of a glorious revival in tliat part of 
 the town. I stayed that night at Judge Steer's ; and 
 the next morning returned to Burrilville, where I 
 preached the funeral sermon of a woman, about ninety 
 three or four years old. Many people collected on 
 the occasion, and the scene was solemn. 
 
 Tuesday, Feb. 9ih, I went to Providence ; and 
 being previously sent for, I called to see a sick man, 
 on the road ; found him near the grave. He had
 
 176 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 also bpen near to despair ; but now seemed measura- 
 bly composed. In the evening,, I attended meeiing 
 in Providence, and had a comfortable time. 
 
 Wednesday morning, when I arose, I was much ex- 
 ercised with pain m my side, stomach and lungs, and 
 felt much distressed for several hours. But when I 
 recollected my appointment atGhiucester, I mustered 
 up what resolution I could and sat off. I arrived at 
 the place a few minutes past one o'clock in the after- 
 noon. I was so much exhausted, that I was scarcely 
 able to sit up. But seeing the multitude, I arose and 
 stood upon my feet; and as soon as I had opened 
 my mouth, I felt my strength measurably renewed. 
 The Spirit helped my infirmities, and I was enabled 
 to speak near an hour and an half. The people paid 
 good attention, and many of them sat in tears through 
 the meeting. Meeting being ended, I got into my 
 sleigh, and rode to Burrilville. The next day, the 
 church met for business ; and after much conversation 
 on various subjects, respecting the edifying of the 
 body of Christ, found an unanimous agreement among 
 the brethren, and love and harmony prevailing and 
 increasing ; and that the Loi J was daily adding to the 
 church. We then chose Andrew Ballard, and Duty 
 Salisbury, to the office of deacons ; and finding it to 
 be a very profitable time, we gave thanks to God, 
 prayed and parted. 
 
 Friday, Feb. 12, I still remained very unwell, and 
 scarcely able to sit up. But having a good many ap- 
 pointments, [ was obliged to keep going. I went that 
 day to the east part of the town, and attended a meet- 
 ini: at Jeremiah Aloory's, which I had previously ap- 
 pointed for fasting and prayer. A considerable num- 
 ber attended, and the people of God were solemnly 
 engaged ; sinners were awakened to see their lost 
 condition ; and much concern apj)eared on the minds 
 of a number. 
 
 Saturday, I was called to attend the funeral of an
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 177 
 
 aged woman, by the name of King ; I was not able to 
 speak much, but it was a very solemn time. The old 
 gentleman, her husband, experienced religion in the 
 days ol his youth ; but said he had lived in a back- 
 slidden state, /or^y years! but within a few days, the 
 Lord had revived his work, in his soul. 
 
 In the evening, we met at Augusty Steer's, for con- 
 ference ; and had a blessed meeting. A young mar- 
 ried couple; related their experience, to great satis- 
 faction. 
 
 Sabbath, Feb. 15,1 was no belter in health, but 
 rather grew worse. My head was much out of order, 
 and my lungs, as was supposed, much affected ; my 
 spirits much sunk ; and in short, my whole body 
 seemed to be a seat of disease. In this situation, I 
 said, O how 9aii I perform what lays before me to 
 day ? What arm can support me, but that of Jeho- 
 vah, and enable me to perform the duties of this day } 
 O Lord, support this feeble frame, strengthen me to 
 do thy will, and my duty, as a faithful servant of Jesus 
 Christ. I then repaired to the water, where a multi- 
 tude were collected ; and after baptising two, we 
 went to Esq. Wood's, and attended to worship. — 
 There were many present, and the countenances and 
 tears of sinners, bespoke the sorrows of their hearts, 
 and their desire for true religion. The Lord enabled 
 me to preach a sermon, and a number of weighty 
 exhortations were delivered by others. After which, 
 we attended to the ordinance of the Lord's Supper ; 
 in the partaking of which, the brethren appeared to 
 be much refreshed. In the evening, a number met at 
 Esq. Steer's ; but I was not able to sit up. I had a 
 very resilesss night, and the next day I grew worse, 
 and was obliged to keep my room, being much exer- 
 cised with pain. 
 
 Monday evening, I still felt my outward man de- 
 caying ; but, blessed be God, that through his abound- 
 ing grace, I felf the inward ma» renewed, and grow-
 
 178 LIFE OP JOHN COLBY. 
 
 ing stronger. I beheld, through the glass ot liailh, the 
 celestial city, and said, 
 
 By faith I see the land. 
 
 The port of endless bliss ; 
 
 My soul, thy sails expand, 
 
 And fly to Jesus' breast : 
 
 O I may I reach the heavenly shore. 
 
 Where winds and waves, distress no more. 
 
 Tuesday, Feb. 16th, I still remained unwell and 
 full of pain : but I had an appointment at Richard 
 Burlingliam's, in Gloucester, and a man had come to 
 carry me on. I thought I would lean on Him who 
 alone was strength, to support and enal)le me to fulfil 
 my appointment. When I arrived at the place, I 
 found many people gathered, and Br Bowls was 
 speaking to them. When he ended, I arose and 
 spake about one hour, with more than usual freedom, 
 and felt a good degree of bodily strength, till I had 
 done speaking. The Spirit still helped my iiifirmties, 
 in time of exercise ; but as soon as the exercise was 
 over, I was obliged to take my bed, Ihe next mor- 
 ning, after praying with the fan)ily, I left them in 
 tears, with a strong belief that the Lord would revive 
 his work in the place, and went to the northeast part 
 of Gloucester, where I attended a meeting at a school- 
 house, with Br. Bowls. 1 baptized two (a middle 
 aged man and his wife) and then returned to the 
 school-house : but was so unwell, that I was not able 
 to speak, only a few minutes. However, what little 
 was said, seemed to be blessed, and directed by the 
 Master of assemblies, to the hearts of sinners. As I 
 was about to leave the house, a number cried out for 
 mercy. One young man, who had been much oppo- 
 sed to religion, was struck with such a sense of his 
 state, that he cried mightily, and said he felt the pains 
 of hell, and its flames flashing over him ; and that in 
 a few moments, he expected to plunge into that dis-
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 179 
 
 mal giilpli, never to rise ap;ain. This alarmed his 
 sinful companions in every part of the house. Many 
 ol" them prayed and wept, and mourned, and went 
 away crying. Others stayed and mourned in the 
 house, till some time in the evening. I was so much 
 exhausted, I was obliged to retire. 
 
 Thursday, Feb. iStl), I attended meeting at father 
 Gleason's. Soon afier meeting began, Esq. Green, 
 from Gloucester, came to me, and requested me to go 
 to his neighbourhood, to preach a funeral sermon the 
 next day. I made some excuses on account of my 
 ill health ; but he sa'd the family depended on my 
 preaching a -sermon, and that lie had engaged to see 
 ine there. Finding him so urgent. 1 agreed to go. — 
 He then left me, and went his way. 
 
 Accordingly, Friday, Feb. 19ih, 1 went to attend 
 the funeral ; and when I came to the house of mour- 
 niug, I found a very large concourse of people, in and 
 about it. It is likely that curiosity led many to at- 
 tend, as the man who was to be buried, was what is 
 called a Freemason, and previous to his death, had 
 requested to be buried in the masonic form. This 
 put me upon some trial, as it was soniething new to 
 me ; lor I had never before attended a funeral con- 
 ducted in that order. The people assembled in the 
 first, second, and third stories. The corpse was in 
 the second, in tlie front of the ^house, near where I 
 stood I lifted up a window, ttat the peo|)le out of 
 doors might hear. Wlien I had named my text, I 
 proposed nine things, as topics of discussion, in refer- 
 ence, as I told them, to the nine steps in masonry. — 
 1 enjoyed good freedom in attending to those propo- 
 sitions, many in the assembly were solemnly afl'ected, 
 and shed many tears, wliile they heard the word. — 
 And notwithstanding I was in such a low state of 
 health, the Lord enabled me to speak over an hour. 
 When I had closed the sermon, I first addressed the 
 mourning widow, then the fatherless, weej)ing chil-
 
 180 LIFE OF JOHN COLBT. 
 
 dren ; then the other near kindred, each in their or- 
 der. And lastly, the Freemasons. I told them, as I 
 was noi a Mason myself, it could not be expected 
 that I was a suitable person in every respect, to ad- 
 dress them on the solemn occasion. Neveriheles, as 
 1 felt a message from the Lord, I should trust in him 
 to direct my mind ; believing that he would enable 
 me to jiive them their portion in due season. 1 then 
 spake to them, something in the following; manner : — 
 notwithstanding your high claim to a secret, which, 
 for ages, hss been kept, or withheld from the world ; 
 wliich you say, was first communicated by (lod him- 
 self, to Enoch, in a vision, in which hei)eheld a tri- 
 angular plate of gold, most brilliantly enlightened, 
 upon which were some characters, which he received 
 a strict injunction never to pronounce : and in com- 
 memoration of which wonderful vision, they say he 
 built a temple under ground, and dedicated it to the 
 Lord ; — that he also built in it nine arches,, one below 
 another ; and in the ninth, or lowermost arch, fixed a 
 triangular plate of gold, in imitation of that shown to 
 him in the vision, and upon wliich he engraved the 
 same inefilible characters, which God had shown him; 
 that lie did this, to preserve those sacred characters, 
 from the universal destruction then impendmg, the 
 flood ; and that the Lord, when he spake to Moses 
 on the mount gave him the true prouuncialio.n of his 
 sacred name, which he told him should be found, by 
 some of his descendants, engraven on a plate of gold, 
 alluding to ilie one that Enoch had connected in the 
 ninth arch of his temple : and that accordingly, when 
 Solomon, the wisest of Princes, built the temple in 
 Jerusalem, it so happened, that tl)e stoiie, which lay 
 over the mouth of the up|>ermost arch, was removed, 
 and that three of Solomon's grand master architects, 
 descended, and made a discovery of the plate of gold; 
 and immediately conveyed the sacred treasure to King 
 ♦Solomon and the King of Tyre, who was then with
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBr. 181 
 
 thoin they being llie only two on earth, who under- 
 siootl the sacred characters, and could pronounce the 
 SACRKD NAME : that thiis they coinniunicated those 
 sacied characters, of their knowledge ol" his name, 
 to each other, and that so it has been handed down 
 from generation to generation, to the piesent day ; 
 and that this is the secret, which you say, is preserved 
 in tlie he.irts of sincere Masons — O, my respected 
 friends ! if these things are so, and Masonry, in its 
 origin, was so sacred, and its professors the wisest 
 and best of men ; I would to God, that professors of 
 jyjasonry, in these modern days, were more engaged 
 to imiiaie the pious examples of their ancestors : 
 that like Enoch, you might '' walk with God "; and 
 like Moses "choose rather to suffer affliction with 
 his people, than to enjoy the pleasures oi sin for a 
 season ;" and like Solomon, choose that wisdom 
 which is h'om above ; which is first peaceable, then 
 pure, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy 
 and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypoc- 
 risy. May I not be permuted to ask you, v\hat ad- 
 vantage you expect to derive, from your superior 
 knowledge in these theoretical matters, in the solemn 
 hour of death, and at the great day of assize ? — Let 
 me remind you, that you will stand in lieed of some- 
 thing more substantial, permanent and lasting, Yea, 
 you will stand in need ol a more extensive knowledge 
 of eternal things, than that which you can gain of 
 creatures. Having this information, you might then 
 say, as Paul did on another occasion, (ihough not 
 exactly using his words) " the knowledge which I 
 have received, 1 received it n(.t of man ; neither was 
 1 tauglit it by man, but by the revelaiion of Jesus 
 Christ." U Kn it be remembered, that the sacred 
 volume informs us, that at his blessed na.me, every 
 knee shall bow, and every tongue confess, &.c. U 
 the excellency of the knowlelge of Cluist. liow liar 
 doih he excel Enoch., in glory — Moses, in meekness ; 
 16
 
 132 LirE or john colbit. 
 
 — and Solomon, in wisdom ? For in him, are hid all 
 the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. " J'or it 
 jkatli pleased the Father, that in him should all fulness 
 dwell." And he invites you lo learn of him, who is 
 meek and lowly in heart, and promises that you shall 
 ind rest to your souls. If you are ever so liappy as 
 to have a real view of Christ, you will not wonder 
 that the ancient spouse said, He is the chujtst among 
 ten thousand, and altogether lovely. Let me also re- 
 B)ind you of what he hath said by his servant John, 
 Rev. ii. 17 : To him that overcomelh, will I give to 
 tat oj the hidden manna^ and icill give him a white 
 tione, and in the stone a new name written, which no 
 9ian knoweth, .saving he that receivetn it. — Here is an 
 heavenly secret, which has been hid from the wise and 
 prudent, in all asies of the world, and revealed to the 
 babes of the kingdom of God ; and none know it, 
 saving them that receive it. For the world by its 
 wisdom, has never found out God. 
 
 Again, when I turn my eyes to the company of 
 saints 1 behold a blessed mark fixed on them, a signal 
 fcy which they may know each other. IJim that 
 overcometh, will I make a pillar i/i the temple of my 
 God, and he shall go no more out : and I wdl write 
 upon him the name of my God, and the name of the 
 city of my God, which is JV'cio Jerusalem, which com- 
 tth down out of heaven from my God : and I will 
 write upon him my new name.'''' Rev. iii \2. This 
 will be a sufficient mark, to distinguish this happy 
 company from all others. — As 1 was closing the 
 address, casting my eyes on the coffin, which sat be- 
 fore me on a table, and seeing an open bible, a square 
 and compasses, a sword and a hat, all lying on the lid 
 cf the coffin, 1 dropped my hand on the bible, and 
 said, "and finally, may you take the word of God, for 
 the fuan of your counsel, and [touching the square^^ 
 tquare your lives by the same : [touching the cowiyjosses] 
 — then you will be enabled rightly to divide your time :
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBr. 18S 
 
 [touching the sword] — and having the sword of the 
 Spirtls you will be enabled to cut your way ihrougk 
 the 0|iposilion of this vain world ; [touching [he hat] 
 — and filially arrive in glory, where you will wear a 
 crown, that will Car exceed all the crowns that earthly 
 ninoarchs wear. May it be your happy portion, lor 
 the Redeemer's sake. Amen." Thus the meeting 
 closed, and the corpse was borne by Masons, to the 
 grave. After they had let down the coffin, each on« 
 dropped his laur*il on the head of it, as they marched 
 in procession round the grave. Alter they had pro- 
 nounced their usual <*eremonies, the last act of b<;nev- 
 olence was bestowed upon the dead The dust vva« 
 thrown in upon the coffin ; while a weeping widow, 
 and a number of mourning children, stood around ita 
 tears, to see a once beloved companion, and indulgent 
 parent, committed to the dust. Thus the whole scene 
 closed. This is the house appointed for all the living. 
 Here ends all the greatness, giandeur, riches, honors 
 and pleasures., of the world. 
 
 Being over persuaded, by Esq. Green, who lived 
 in the same neighbourhood, I appointed to [)reach at 
 his house the next Thursday ; 1 then returned to Bur- 
 rilville, and put up with Deacon Salisbury. I felt 
 much fatigued and more than common distress oa 
 my stomach and lungs. And being advised by a 
 number of bretiiren, i applied to a Physician, wha 
 gave me an emetic, which reduced my strength almo^ 
 to nothing. I had a very restless night, and the next 
 day, was confined to the house. I got but little rest 
 throush the day and next evening. 
 
 Sabbath, Feb. 21, I felt an heavenly peace in my 
 soul, but found the disorder increasm* on my body. 
 Nevertheless, the breilyren were anxious to have me 
 attend the meeting, and I gave them leave to carry 
 me to it. They wrapped me up in two or thre« 
 coverlet.s, sat me in a sleigh, and carried me to Esq[. 
 Wood's. I had to take the bed as soon as I got
 
 184 LIFE OF JOHN COLEV. 
 
 there. But alter lying al)3iit an hour, T felt a little 
 revived, went into the linll, and prrached a short 
 sermon. A goodly ntinilier witnessed for the l>nrd, 
 and it was a good and solemn time After meeting, 
 I retired to Msq. Steer's, where the evening m«^eiing 
 was appointed, but wns iinal)!e to sit np. 1 t<d(l the 
 brethren, that they must either give me up, and let 
 me retire where I n)ight rest and recover my liealih a 
 little, or else they must soon bury me. 1 in^ converts 
 carried on tiie meeting without me, that evening, and 
 had a good season. 
 
 MondaN', I felt no better in health, yet enjoyed a 
 sweet-composure of mind. 
 
 Tiresday, Feb. 23d, I was still feeble in Ijody, but 
 siront!; in the Lord. And having a general con'crenoe 
 appointed that day, I piayed for strength (.f iiorly, 
 that [ migiU be enabled to attend it. Accordini;ly, 
 at 12 o'clock, we assembled and had much consola- 
 t'lon. Six converts told their experience, and desired 
 to be ba|)tised. After meeting, I went to * cacon 
 Salisbury's. In the evening, the brethren and fiicnds 
 collected at the same house, and spent about the 
 whole evening in vocal prayer. I counted twenty- 
 nine persons, who offered up prayers to God that 
 evening, in the course of the meeting. 
 
 Wednesday, Feb. 24th, I seemed scarcely abl** to 
 sit up. My lungs were so affected, and n)y stomach 
 so sore with coughing, that it even hurt me to diaw 
 my breath. I'ut, viewing the fields white, and ready 
 to harvest, and the Macedonian cries, in those regions, 
 so many, I concluded to go ps long as life remained. 
 I started in the forepart of the day, and went on to 
 Richard Burlingham's, in (iloucester, where 1 had a 
 meeting appointed at one o'clock, P. M. I spoke 
 some rising of an hoin*, and was then obliged to take 
 my bed. Mr Burlingham and his wife, and some of 
 his children, seemed to be very much concerned
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 185 
 
 about their souls : their principal and individual en- 
 quiry was, " f^Vliat shall I do to he saved.'''' 
 
 'Ihursday, Feb. 25th, 1 preaclied at Esquire 
 Green's. The house was nriuch crowded, and I was 
 under the necessity of speaking louder than usual, in 
 order that the people might hear iu the different apart- 
 ments. The Lord strenjitliened me far beyond my 
 expectations, and as a dying man, I spake to dying 
 creatures. Many of the dear youth wept and mourn- 
 ed, and I himibly trust, that day will not be soon for- 
 gotten. When 1 closed \\\e meeting, I feU as ihousili 
 1 had come about to the close of life. I re(ired to 
 my chamber, and lay down where I continued till the 
 next day. The people of the house were not pro- 
 fessors of religion ; yet they took great care oi me, 
 and nursed me with the utmost attention. 1 hope 
 God will reward them for their kindness. 
 
 Friday morning, Feb. 26, I felt thankful to see the 
 light of another day, and prayed to God, to strengthen 
 me to leave my bed. And by divine grace, dioui^h 
 under a press of infirmities, I attended to my appoint- 
 ment at one o'clock ; preached a short sermon, and 
 baptized two. After meeting, I returned to Burril- 
 viila. And on Saturday evening, attended a meeting 
 at Cnpt Henry Rhodes', wiiere several persons related 
 their experience, and desired baptism. 
 
 Sabbath Feb. 28th, I remained very weak and 
 unwell. But seeing the triultitude collecting to hear 
 the word, I repaired to the meeting house, wliich I 
 foimd much crowded with people, and prearhed my 
 farewell sermon, to a listening, weeping, and solemn 
 assembly. I do not know that ever I witnessed a 
 more solemn day. I felt a great part of the day, as 
 though my heart must break at the il)!tughts »)f being 
 parted from such a loving company of brethren At 
 the close of the solemnities, I baptized seven persons. 
 In the evening, we met at Dea. Salisbury's and had a 
 peaceful wailing before the Lord. At this meetnig, 
 IG*
 
 186 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 several who lind been formerly opposed to the refor- 
 malidu, inaiiirested their deienuinaiioii to seek and 
 serve the l.oid the residue of their (hiys. t^everal 
 others, who liad been conv(?rted, told their experience, 
 and desired to be baptized before my departure. 
 
 Monday March 1st, in the forenoon, 1 visited Judge 
 Smith, a man of talents and respectability, and much 
 esteemed as a citizen , but bad neglet^ted the onk 
 THING NEf'-DFUL, and uow fell the importance ol hav- 
 ini!; his peace made with (iod. The Judge then went 
 with me lo brother llhodes', where a meeting was 
 appointed for baptism. After several bad spoken, 
 we repaired to the water, and I baptized six. I was 
 strengtliened to perform the adiiiinistration, beyond 
 my own expectation, and even as I thcught, to a mir- 
 acle. However these measures oi strength were 
 given me only for present purposes, namely, to per- 
 form the special duties required of me, in the time of 
 weakness. At this season, I lecollected the follow- 
 ing words : — 
 
 He has engag'd by firm decree, 
 
 That as thy day, thy strength shall be.* 
 
 Capt. William end Capt. Henry Rhodes, were two 
 of the above number, who took u]) their cross and 
 followed Christ into the baptismal water that day. — 
 Their example struck many, and seemed to add much 
 to the solemnty of the scene. I had now baptized 
 forty-dco persons in the town of BurriKille, and there 
 were many others who had experienced religion in 
 the coiu'se of this short work; and the reformation 
 still spread. 
 
 Monday evening, a young man came after me to go 
 to (jloucester. I enquired the cause of his coming 
 for me. He answered and said, that a Mr Smith, 
 and his wife, had sent out into the neighborhood after 
 
 ♦AUudinsr to the obedient christian.
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 187 
 
 him to come into their house; and that when he came 
 in, h ' observed ihaf Mrs Smith lay on the bed in great 
 distress; and that Mr b-'mith, s;it by the bedside, weep- 
 ing; ihat the neigiibors were much alarmed, and ad- 
 vised Mr l^^miih to send for the doctor. But she re- 
 plied, " / am going to hell ! I am going to hell ! — 
 Send to Burritville., for Elder Colby to come and pray 
 for me!" 1 told the youn*; man that I should be clad 
 to grant her request; not that 1 expected to save her 
 from going to hell; but, pos>^ibly, 1 might be instru- 
 mental of showing her a road which leads from it. — 
 But as I was about leaving that regmn. and was unwell, 
 I did i,ot think it any way comportable with my duty, 
 to go. However, bi other Henry Rhodes went with 
 the young man, and was joyrujly received by ilie fam- 
 ily. I have understood since li.'at the woman expe- 
 rienced a pardon that evening. Ihis beirig the last 
 evening that I expected to tarry in the place, a num- 
 ber oi young people, (chiefly converts;) met at the 
 bouse where I stayed, 'i he evening was spent in 
 prayer; and after many of iliem had prayed for me I 
 attempted to pray vocally (or tnyself. A certain young 
 woman present, who had not experienced religion, 
 broke in ui)on me, and began to pray that GoiJ would 
 have mercy upon her soul; and 1 believe she obtained 
 a degree of peace, before she got off her knees. 
 
 Finding my health very much reduced, and feeling 
 unfit to preach, I concluded to leave Rhode Island for 
 a season, and retire to my father's in Vermont. 
 
 Tuesday morning, March 2d, I left EurrilviHe, and 
 went to I'rovidence. I attendad a meeting in the 
 evening, and spake a few minutes. I tarried in the 
 place till Friday morning when I took the stage, and 
 went to Boston, where 1 tarried till after the fcabbaih; 
 but did not attend meeting in that place. 
 
 Monday, March 8th, 1 took the stage and went to 
 Salem, and attended a meeting in the evening, where 
 Elder Rand then preached.
 
 188 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 Tuesday, TNIarrh 9ili, I left Salem, and went to 
 Portsnioiiili; I tarried there two days, and attended 
 several meetings; but said but little. 
 
 Friday, March 12ih, 1 left Portsmouth, and went 
 to Pitlsfield, at which place the spotted (ever was 
 then raging. Above an hundred of the inhabitants 
 had been sick, and many of them died of the disor- 
 der. J tarried in the town till the next Wednestiay, 
 attended one funeral, and several other nieeiings, and 
 had gf>od seasons. Sinners were much alarmed at 
 the judgments of Cod and some obtained niercy. 
 
 Wednesday, Marcii Hih, I left Pittsfield, and went 
 to M<'rH(hth: I tarried that night at Col. Sniiih's. I 
 had much consolation in this visit, for the C ol. and 
 Ills wife, are both humble followers of Clirist. 
 
 Tliursday, I went to Centre Harbor; and Friday, 
 to Sandwich, the place, as 1 have said before, of my 
 nativiiy. About the moment that I arrived at the 
 me(Miug-house village;, news came ihatayoung woman 
 was dyiuii of the s[)()tted lever, and I was lequested 
 to go in and see her. I ran in, and foimd she was 
 dying sure enough. Being requested by her mother, 
 1 prayed with her. She died in a few minutes. She 
 was taken sick on that meaning and died at the setting 
 of the sun, the same day. 
 
 Saturday, 1 attended the funeral of sister Marston, 
 in 'J'amu'orth: she was a pious woman, lived in the 
 truth, and died in the Lord. Elder Joseph Uuimby 
 preached her funeral sermon. At the close of the so- 
 lemnity, I sung the foUoming lines: — 
 
 How bless'd is our sister, bereft 
 Of all that could burden her miad; 
 
 How ensy ihc .soul that has left 
 Thi'j wearisome body behind, &:c. 
 
 Sabbath day, March 21st, I preached the funeral 
 sermon of the young woman above mentioned: it was 
 a solemn time, especially among her connexions. —
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBT. 189 
 
 After tneeling closed, I visited several families, where 
 the disorder was spreading. I then left Sandwich, 
 and went to Centre Haibor. 
 
 Monday, hearing that the spotted fever was pre- 
 vailnig in Bdiyrnead, and that some of my father's 
 family were sick, 1 immediately started for home. I 
 stayed that night at Haverhdl corner; and on Wed- 
 nesday, tlie 24th of March, I reached my father's 
 hoine: And to my unspeakable joy., found my friends 
 all alive, although some of them had been very sick. 
 Tiaie would I'ail me, to mention all the particulars of 
 the sickness and deaths, which happened in this place. 
 In the course of the sickness, there were about ten, 
 who died of the disorder in a short time: two of them 
 were mothers in Israel. One was a yountr man, who 
 had never professed religion, till about four days be- 
 fore his death., And then, notwithstanding the weak- 
 ness of his body, he devoted his whole time to con- 
 \'ersation with his neighbors, and warning them to flee 
 from the wrath to come. He talked most solemnly 
 and aft'.H'tingly lo one of his cousins, just before his 
 departure: his cousin having been a professor, and 
 having backslidden. To him, he said, "you once 
 professed religion and have been baptised, and I re- 
 member )ou warned me to flee from the wralh to 
 come; ;ind told me the necessity of being born again; 
 and what a g'orious thing it was to have religion. — 
 And now, glory to God, I have found rfligion, and 
 found it lo be far better than you described it. And 
 now, said he, will you turn again to the Lord, that 
 you may get and enjoy religion again, and meet me in 
 heaven?" Being answered in the affirmative, )ie turn* 
 ed his ey(;s towards the spectators, and called upon 
 them lo bear witness to what his cousin had said; for, 
 continued hj, he has once professed religion, and has 
 wickedly departed from the Lord, and I am afraid he 
 will not be true now. I want you to remind him of 
 his promise^ wh'in I am dead," &c. &.c. Such is the
 
 190 LIFE OF John coLBi. 
 
 narrative of this alarming sickness, which was very 
 distressing indeed. 
 
 Sabbath, March 28ih, I preached at Billy nnead, and 
 it wns a sr)lemn and glorious day. 
 
 Thursday, April Isl, 1 attended a funeral in Barton. 
 The deceased was a young married woman, oidy nine- 
 teen years of age; an ainiiibie person, the delight of 
 her husband, and an humble follower of Jesus. Her 
 death was much lamented by all her friends and ac- 
 quaintance, and the lamentations of her mourning hus- 
 band were indescribable. 
 
 Friday, April 2d, 1 returned and attended a funeral 
 in Biirk. An unusual gloom rested on my mind, after 
 the close of the solemn exercise, the cause of which 
 I was not able to understand. 
 
 Tuesday, April Cth, I was sent for to attend anoth- 
 er funeral in Burk; but was so unwell, that I did not 
 reach the place. '1 he day following I was sent for 
 again, to attend another funeral in the same town. — 
 My liealth being a little better, I went and attended it. 
 This funeral was also that of a blooming youth, and 
 sister to the young married woman mentioned above. 
 This was a very solemn day. My heart was much 
 affected, at seeing the young people, on every hand, 
 falling victims to voracious death. Saturday follow- 
 ing, 1 preached on Danville Green: and also on the 
 Sabbath; but nothitig special took place. 
 
 Monday, April 12th, I returned to Billyrnead, and 
 spent the rest of the week in visiting the sick, &c. 
 
 Sabbath, April 18ih, 1 preached at Billyrnead, and 
 we had a refreshing season. 1 spent the residite of 
 the week, in visiting from house to house. 
 
 Sabbath, April 25ih, I preached at Burk. In the 
 afternoon, [ directed my discourse to the surviving 
 frietrds of Ruth Graves, late of that town, deceased. 
 
 Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, I was at Billy- 
 mead. 
 
 Thursday, I returned to Burk. And,
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 191 
 
 Friday, April 30th, I attended meeting at Brother 
 Daniel Colby's. It was a good time amona: the chil- 
 dren of (lod: a time of refreshing from the presence 
 of the Lord. 
 
 Saturday, May 1st, I attended Church meeting in 
 Sutton* Two persons related their experience, and 
 desired to be baptised Accordingly, 
 
 Sabbaih day, May 2d, I preached in the same place, 
 and baptized them. The congregation was large and 
 attentive; and at the close of the meeting, Elder 
 Chapel, and myself, brake bread to the brethren. — 
 This was a glorious day. Sinners mourned and trem- 
 bled, saints rejoiced, and lukewarm professors began 
 to bestir themselves. 
 
 Monday, May 3d, in the afternoon, I attended a 
 meeting of worship, and had a refreshing season. — 
 Several youn^ people were convicted, and toiti us that 
 they were determined to seek and serve the Lord. 
 
 Tuesday, I preached at Whtelock, to a great as- 
 sembly. The people appeared to be much affected, 
 and there was a sound of abundance of rain: we ex- 
 perienced some heavenly drops in this meeting. The 
 shock appeared to be very general, and affected the 
 people of all classes. I think there were about forty 
 persons, who spake in the meeting; some of whom 
 exhorted; sotne prayed; and others came forward, 
 and desired to be prayed for. From thence I went to 
 Burk, and attended a prayer meetmg in tlie evening. 
 On the next day, I visited a number of my friends, 
 and endeavoured to set my business in order, to set 
 off for Rhode Island. In the evening, the brethren 
 and friends collected in, and filled the house; and we 
 spent the evenitig in singing, praying, exhorting, &c. 
 
 Thursday, May 6th, i had to fohsake all again. 
 I had to fuisake father, mother, brothers and sisters; 
 and in a certain sense, my own life also for the sake 
 
 ♦Here observe the name of Billymead is changed to Suttos.
 
 192 
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLDV. 
 
 of Christ and the gospel. I went that dsiy as far as 
 Haverhill, N. H. From thence I proceeded to I'orts- 
 moniii; Irom thence to HavHii)ill, Mass ; Ironi Ha- 
 veihill to l?oston; from Hoston lo 1 rovidence; and 
 from Providence to Burrilville. I attended several 
 meetings by the way, and had refreshing limes. 
 
 1 arrived at Burrilvdie, fc^aturday, May 15. And 
 on Sabbath, May 16lh, agreeable to previous appomt- 
 ment, I preached at the meeting house in that town. 
 I here met a larti;e conconrse of people collected from 
 various parts; a large number of whom, were filled 
 with the love of Christ. ( felt thankful to see my 
 loving brethren, and that God had so far restored my 
 health. 'I'he op[)Osers of religion had said, in the 
 time of reformation; that as soon as Colby was gone, 
 the converts would all be back into tiie world again. 
 ■ But here we proved their predictions to be lalse. For 
 vviien 1 returned, 1 found that not one of them had 
 gone back; but every one appeared to be striving for 
 conquest, and to be n)ore engaged than they were 
 when I left them. In the evening, I attended meeting 
 at Deacon Salisbury's, and we had a powerful time. 
 Several were struck under conviction. 
 
 Monday, I visited several families, and in the eve- 
 ning, preached a sermon. Afier which, a number 
 spake of the goodness of God, and one related her ex- 
 perience. 
 
 Tuesday, I returned to Burrilville, and made sever- 
 al visits on the way, in which 1 enjoyed sweet conso- 
 lation. The same evening, I tarried with Judge 
 Smith, who still remained under severe trial-:, and 
 considered himself ahmist given u|) to tne bidfeiings 
 of satan. But he |)rayed with his laniily. and he ap- 
 peared solemn, sincere, and affecting. llis wife and 
 son also prayed with him; and I found it to be a com- 
 fortable season to my soul. 
 
 Wednesday, I attended a conference, m whicii the 
 brethren and sistei's spoke with great freedom, and a
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLDY. 193 
 
 number told their experience, and desired to be bap- 
 tized. 
 
 Tliursdciy I went to Coventry, and attended a meet- 
 ing with Elder r'arnum. We had a good refreshing 
 time; many were affected under the word, and de- 
 sired to be prayed for. At the close, we repaired to 
 the water, and Elder Farnum paptized six, whom, 
 he said increased the number of baptized persons, to 
 some rising of an hundred and twenty, to whom he 
 had administered the ordinance, within about six 
 months. 
 
 The next day, I returned to Gloucester, and at- 
 tended a meeting in the evening; and on Saturday, re- 
 turned to Burrilville. 
 
 Salibath,May 23d, I preached in the meeting-house, 
 to the largest assembly I had ever seen together in that 
 country. In the intermission, we repaired to the wa- 
 ter, where I baptized .Judge Snn'th's son, and eight 
 others, chiefly youth, and some of the first characters 
 in the place, it was quite affecting, to see the Judge 
 lead his son to and from the water. After baptism, 
 we returned to the meeting-house, where I preached 
 another sermon., and many of the brethren spake bold- 
 ly as witnesses of the truth. The galleries were 
 crowded with young people, and they had many sol- 
 emn warnings that day, from their companions. In 
 the evening, we met at Esq. Steer's, where we had a 
 glorious time. 
 
 Monday, M;iy Ji4th, I preached the funeral sermon 
 of a little child, a little daughter of brother Smith 
 Britton The dispensation seemed very afflictive, it 
 being their only child; and was especially so, to the 
 tenrier mother, who had her affections probably too 
 much placed on the child. But the Lord giveih, and 
 the Lord takeih away; and it is for our happiness to 
 be resigned to his will. 
 
 Tuesday, May 25, I visited several families; and in 
 the evening, preached at Deacon Salisbury's. In this 
 17
 
 194 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 meeting, two middle aged men, heads of families, told 
 the pti)|)ie that they were determined to seek and 
 serve the Lord, which was a matter of great joy to 
 their children, who had rehgion hefore. 
 
 Wednesday, May 2Gih, 1 was called to Gloucester 
 to attend the funeral of a woman who died very sud- 
 denly, and left a number of little children, to the care 
 of an afflicted husband. This was truly a mournful 
 scene, and I think that day will never be forgotten by 
 some. In the evening, I preached in the east part of 
 Burrilville. 'Jhis was a refres)jing time to saints, and 
 a time of mourning for sinners. 
 
 'Ihtirsday, jSlay 27, I went again to Gloucester, to 
 attend a meeting; but the rain prevented the people 
 from attending. 
 
 Friday 1 went to Providence, preached in the eve- 
 ning, and had a solemn time. 
 
 ►Saturday, 1 preached at Smithfield Academy, which 
 appeared to have some good effect. In the evening, 
 I preached at Gloucester, and two persons ofiered 
 themselves for baptism. 
 
 jNext morning, being Sabbath, the people gathered 
 from every quarter, and 1 enjoyed great freedom in 
 preaching the word to them. Jn the intermission, I 
 baptized two persons; and in the afternoon, the as- 
 sembly being too large to convene in any house in the 
 neighborhood, 1 preached in a field under the shade 
 of the spreading branches of a tree: it was a glorious 
 day. I then relumed to Burrilville, and in the eve- 
 ning preached at i)ea. Salisbury's, and found that the 
 work of the Lord was gloriously spreading in that 
 neighborhood. 
 
 Monday, May 31st, I was somewhat unwell; yet in 
 the afternoon, I preached at Mr Aldrige's in tlie south 
 part of Louglass. By forgetting to lake my watch, I 
 was h:ilf an hour later than my appointn ent. From 
 this circumstance, 1 was led to consider tlx^ impor- 
 tance of every one's having a watch and watching. I
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBT. 195 
 
 therefore took it as the (oundation of my discourse, 
 *' IVIiat I say unto you, I say unto all, watch." I 
 told the people, that I awfully feared if they did not 
 icatcli, the day of salvaiion would pass away before 
 they were aware; and that they would miss of heaven, 
 if they should forg;et their watch. 1 enjoyed good 
 liberty in speaking., and God set home the word with 
 power, to the iiearts of the people. 
 
 Tuesday June 1st, I attended a meeting of confer- 
 ence, a^ Esq Steer's, where seven told tlieir experi- 
 ence, and were received by the Church, as candidates 
 for baptism. 
 
 Wednesday, I attended a meeting in Gloucester, 
 for the same purpose; and heard a number more re- 
 late their experience. 
 
 Thursday in the afternoon, I preached in Scituate, 
 to a great assembly; and at tlie close, baptized a wo- 
 man who was in a decline, and desired lo follow her 
 Lord and Master in the ordinance of baptism, before 
 she left the world. The administration was solemn 
 and truly affecting to every spectator. After meeting 
 I returned to Burrilville. And, on Friday June 4th, 
 at half psst 12, I went to the water and baptized ten. 
 A great company of people attended. This exercise 
 being ended, 1 went three miles, to attend the funeral 
 of a young man. 1 found the house of mourning 
 filled ami surrounded with people; and I had a solemn 
 time, while speakinnr on the mournful occasion. After 
 the close of this scene, 1 returned to the meeting- 
 house; and at 4 o'clock P. M. preached another ser- 
 mon. ^Vfter this, I broke bread to a large company 
 of happy converts, who, with holy solemnity, and ex- 
 tatic joy, surrounded their Father's table, to commem- 
 orate the death and sufferings of Christ. The most 
 beautiful order was observed, through all the duties of 
 the day; and I think there were but a very iew of the 
 vast multitude, that returned to their homes, careless 
 about their souls' salvation.
 
 196 LIFE OF John coLBi. 
 
 Saturday, June 5th, Pt 12 o'clock, I attended a 
 meeeting at Judge Smith's; and was nuicli disai)poiiit- 
 ed, at scLMPg so many people collected, at <o eaily an 
 hour; espec'ially in such a husy time. The house 
 was filled, and pretty much surrounded uiih people. 
 I preached a short sermon. After which, a number 
 related their experience, and desirpd to (oilow (-'hrist 
 in baptism. We then repaired to the water, walking 
 in procession, and singing as we walked, through a 
 beautiful field, near half a mile, when we came to the 
 delightful stream, which seemed, as if the Cod of na- 
 ture had prepared on purpose, for the athiiinistration 
 of the ordinance. The .fudge, not feeling his own 
 duty so clear as he wished, ;ook his dear wife by the 
 hand, and led her down the hank to me, and gave her 
 up, saying '■' the Lord go uith you.''' I then buried 
 her with l.'hrist in baptism; and when she arose out of 
 the water, she lilted up her eyes toward heaven, and 
 praised the Lord with all her heart, for what he had 
 done for her soul. Six others were ba[)tized at the 
 same time. The church of Christ in Burrilville, now 
 consisted of seventy-five baptized members, who ap- 
 peared to be perfectly united in love; and the pros- 
 pect of an increase was still glorious. 
 
 Sabbatli, June 6th, I gave the parting hand to my 
 dear breihien in that place, and went to Coventry, 
 where I had previously been sent for, to assist in an 
 ordination, it was judged that there were about 3000 
 persons present at this meeting. In the forenoon, the 
 people collected in and about the meeting house. — ■ 
 And in the afternoon, one meeting was hold- n in the 
 meeting house, and another in an orchard, about an 
 hundred rods distant. I preached in the meeting 
 house, and had good liberty; a number cried for mer- 
 cy. Elder Farnum then broke bread to a large num- 
 ber of brethren; after which, both congregations met 
 on the conmion, and the ordination was performed. 
 
 Monday, I went to Providence; and in the evcinng
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 197 
 
 took the mail stage and went on to Boston. Tuesday, 
 I went to Salem; and on Wednesday to Portsmouib, 
 On Thursday, I preached in Kiitery, which was the 
 first time that I had ever preached in that place. It 
 was a good meeting. A number of backsliders coti- 
 fessed their heart wanderings; sinners cried for mer- 
 cy, and the Lotd answered their prayer. 
 
 After meeting I crossed back to Portsmouth and at- 
 tended a meeting in the evening. 
 
 Friday, I left Portsmouth; and on Saturday, ar- 
 rived at New Durham, it being the time of our yearly 
 meeting in that town. The meeting continued three 
 days; many people attended, and I trust that good was 
 dene in the name of the holy child Jesus. 
 
 Tuesday, I travelled as far as Sandwich; and on 
 Wednesday; I preached at brother Ambrose' — tb« 
 next day; at Deacon Rice's. 
 
 Friday, I preached at Eaton, wiiere I was unex- 
 pectedly called to preach a funeral sermon of a wo- 
 man who dropped away very suddenly and left no ev- 
 idence for the consolation of her friends, it was an 
 affecting scene, to see a number of weeping children, 
 standing around the coffin, in a flood of tears, witli- 
 out one cheering evidence to comfort them, under 
 their almost insupportable loss ! Methought I antici- 
 pated their langujige. from their excessive mourning? 
 " that we could but have heard our dear mother pray 
 hut cnce, before she died, <^c. then we could have given 
 her up. But alas! she has lejt us no evidence that 
 she IS gone to rest. hoic can ice give her vp " 
 
 Saturday, I preached at Ossipee. A number de- 
 sired to be prayed for; and for about the space of an 
 hour, it was a weeping, praying time. The same af- 
 ternoon, I [)reachpd at Effingham; and on the day fol- 
 lowing, being the Sabbath, June 20th, I preached tf 
 Parsonsfield, north meeting house. 
 
 Monday, being a rainy day, 1 tarried and had a hap- 
 py mtervievv with Eider John Buzzel and his family- 
 17*
 
 198 LIFE OF JOHN COI.BV. 
 
 Tuesday, T sat off for Montville, and travelled that 
 day as far as New- Gloucester. The next day 1 trav- 
 elled to Augusta, situated on the Kennehec River. 
 
 'J liursday morning, I took a walk into the grave- 
 yard, to ste the graves of the (ainily ol Capt. .lames 
 Purrinoton, who were cruelly butchered by liimsellin 
 cool blood, under a mistaken frenzy or notion, that 
 every body would be saved, and the sooner they got 
 out ol this troublesome world, the better. 'J his horrid 
 crime was committed on the 8th of July, A. D 180G. 
 He killed his wife and seven children, and would liave 
 killed the eighth, and only one left, had he not fortu- 
 nately made his escape, after being struck at twice or 
 thrice, with an axe by his father. Here lay the re- 
 main'^ of the mangled mother, and her seven butcher- 
 ed children, in their silent graves ; all regardless of 
 the frequent visits and tears, of an only surviving son 
 and brother. There, in the highway, over against the 
 grave of the murdered family, was the grave of the 
 perpetrator. ISature itself recoiled at the s))ectacle ; 
 and my heart felt deeply wounded, while considering 
 the awful elTects of sin, and the sad consequences of 
 false aud fatal doctrines. I poured out my soul in 
 prayer to Cod, and entreated binti to have mercy on 
 all my dear fellow mortals, and deliver them Irom the 
 fatal and delusive doctrines, which lead to destruction: 
 and enable them to embrace the gospel of his dear 
 Son. 1 then left Augusta and went to Montville. 
 
 On Saturday, I attended the monthly conference, 
 and found love and harmony still prevailing among the 
 brethren in that place. 
 
 Sabbath, June 27th I preached in Montville. — 
 Sever.'l appeared very tender under the word, and one 
 woman found a pardon of her sins, a few days after. 
 In the course of the week I attended several meetings 
 in different parts of the town. 1 also attended one 
 meeting in Belfast; and baptized two men,* who ap- 
 
 *A Major aad a Captain.
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 199 
 
 peared to be men of property and respectability, and 
 bid fair to be very useful members in the Church of 
 Christ. 
 
 Sabbath day, July 4th, I preached again in Mont- 
 ville, to the largest assembly that ever I saw collected 
 in that country, on any occasion. At the close of 
 this happy and heavenly meeting, I broke bread to 
 upwards of an hundred brethren. 
 
 Monday, July 5ih, having previously appointed a 
 meeting in Sutton, V't. (between two and three hun- 
 dred miles from this place ;) on the 18ih of the same 
 month, I Ibund that 1 could tarry no longer. And 
 leaving Montville I pursued my journey as far as Mon- 
 mouih. 
 
 Tuesday, July 6th, T went as far as New-Glouces- 
 ter,, and preached there in the afternoon. 
 
 Wednesday, I travelled as far as Standish, and 
 attended a meeting in the afternoon and another in the 
 evening 
 
 Thursday, I went to Parsonsfield ; and on Friday, 
 to Sandwich, N. H. where I attended a very solemn 
 meeting the same afternoon. 
 
 On t-'aturdayi I preached at Moultonborous^h. 
 Sabbath day, in the forenoon, at Meredith, and 
 baptised sister Eoynton. Jn ihe afternoon, I preached 
 at tlie meeting-house in Centre-Harbor, 
 
 On Monday, I preached in Rumney. And the 
 Thursflay following, July 15th, I reached my 
 fatlier's house m Sutton, alias Billymead ; and my 
 heart filled with thankfulness to God, for his abound- 
 ing goodness in preserving my life, through so many 
 dangers, and returning me once more to my friends. 
 
 Sabbath, July l3th, I preached in Sutton, and the 
 good F.ord was in our midst. 
 
 Friday. July 23d, I preached at Slieffield ; and 
 after meeting I went to Wheelock. When I had got 
 within about a mile of the house where I expected to 
 put up, a messenger met me, intorming Mr Wakefield,
 
 200 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 (a ?:pntleman in company,) that his little daughter was 
 drowned. I immediately put my horse into a run, 
 and reached the place as soon as possible. W hen we 
 arrived, we found the child had been taken out of the 
 river and brought to the house. We then exerted 
 ourselves to the utmost, and made use of all the means 
 in our power to recover it. Init finding no signs of 
 life, I said to the parents, you must give her up : she 
 is gone : she has taken her flight from you, and can- 
 not return to you asain. Ihey d^^sired me to pray 
 for them, which I did ; and they both kneeled with 
 me 
 
 The next day, I attended the funeral of the child, 
 and preached to a large and solenm assembly. 
 
 Sabbath, July 25th, I prear hed at Wheelock meet- 
 ing-house, and as I was coming to the place, while 
 coDteinplaiing on the hist and general meeting : I had 
 a reiiiarkable discovery in my mind, of the power and 
 glory of God, and of his mercy and grace, extendmg 
 over Wheelock. Under these impressior.s, 1 hasted 
 to the house, and found it remarkably crowded uiih 
 people : and I do not know, that ever I felt the ciuise 
 of (-iod and precious souls, lay nearer to my heart, 
 than they did that day. I lell so affected, and my 
 soul so weighed down with a sense of the situation of 
 lost sinners, that I could scarcely utter myself. In 
 the intermission, Col. r'ifield invited me to his house 
 to take dinner. I went but could not eat. I thought 
 then,- as Abraham's servant said, ' I will not eat uiuil 
 I have told mine errand.' J therefore returned to the 
 meeiing-house, and delivered my message ; and have 
 reason to be'ieve, that God set the word home with 
 power, to the hearts of the people. At the close of 
 the meeting, being (ully persuaded that the discovery 
 1 had in the morring was true, and that the li.ippy 
 hour was approaching, when the lime of the singing 
 of birds would come, and the voice of the turtle be
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 201 
 
 heard in the land ; I left anoilier appointment, and 
 returned hume. 
 
 Sabbath, August 1st, I preached at Sutton ; and at 
 the close of the meeting, I baptized five young peo- 
 ple, who gave great cvi(hnice of their being truly con- 
 verted to God. I continued in the town through the 
 week, arid preached there the next Sabbath. Jn the 
 afternoon, having been [)revioi.isIy requested by a 
 widow whose husband died a lew days before in the 
 army, I preaclied a funeral sermon. The scene was 
 solemn, and the funeral being conducted in an order- 
 ly manner, I hoped that it might be attended with 
 some good effect, m the awakening of poor sinners. 
 
 Sabbath, August 15tb, I preached again in \V hee- 
 lock. The meeting-house was much crowded with 
 ])eople, 3 remarkable solemnity rested on the congre- 
 gation, and the signs of reformation were more visible 
 than when I was there before. At the close of the 
 meeting, desired all who felt a resolution to seek and 
 serve ttie Lord, and to encourage the reformation iu 
 others, to rise up, when almost the whole congrega- 
 tion arose. A number humbled themselves under 
 the mighty hand of God, and bowed before the Lord 
 in prayer. And I left the town, with a strong hope of 
 seeing in it a glorious spread of gospel grace among 
 the people. 
 
 Sabhaih, August 22, being sent for to attend a fu- 
 neral, I went to the hither part of Kurby, which is 
 about ten miles from Sutton. This was a very sol 
 en)n and striking scene. Two corpses were brought 
 into the meeting ; one, that of a man probably forty 
 years of age, taken suddenly away, and leaving a wife 
 and a number oi' children overwhelmed with grief and 
 afSiction. The other, a young woman, snatched away 
 in the bloom of life, and in the morning of her days ; 
 leaving her affectionate parents, brothers, s'sters and 
 friends, to mourn for her, and follow her to the silent 
 grave. And what seemed gready to a id to tho so-
 
 202 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 lemiiity of the scene, there was scarcely a house in 
 the [ilat-e, but wliat iiad some sick in it ; iiiid the 
 whole lown appeared to be in distress. There were 
 not well people enough to take care of the sick ; but 
 the peo|)le came out of oiher towns, to assist ilw^ii. — 
 And what made it most painful to me, was, that the 
 people thus sick and dying, were chiefly those who 
 had paid little or no attention to religion and the wor- 
 ship of God : and because the chief tendency of this 
 alarming and desolating complaint, was to benumb 
 and stupify the senses ol those persons attacked by it. 
 So that there was but little probability of their seeking 
 the Lord, or gelling religion on the sick bed, or dy- 
 ing pillow. 'J he funeral being ended, I hasted to 
 \\ heelock, and attended a meeting there in the after- 
 noon. Here I had a good time. 1 found the Spirit 
 of the l.ord was still moving on the hearts of the peo- 
 ple, and the prospect of a reformation was still in- 
 creasing. 
 
 Ihursday, August 26, I attended another funeral in 
 Kurby. 'I he deceased was a man, who had left a 
 wife and children, and parents, to mourn for him. 
 
 Saturday August 28th 1 attended a quarterly meet- 
 ing in Sutton, which continued two days. It was 
 judged that about one thou : and people attended, who 
 conducted through the whole, with great decency, and 
 good order At the close of the meeting, I baptized 
 two persons. I spent the most of the following week 
 in \\ heelock, where I attended one funeral, and sev- 
 eral other religious meetings. I also preached in 
 Wheelo( k, on the following Sabbath, (September 
 5th ;) brcike bread to the brethren, and at the close, 
 repaired to the water, and baptized six. Here I be- 
 gan to see my desires accomplished, and my prayers 
 answered. " Hope deferred, maketh tlie heart sick ; 
 but when the desire coineth, it is a tree of life." 1 
 found it so indeed, to iiiy soul in \\ heelock. 
 
 jNlonday, Sejitember 6th, I returned to my father's;
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 203 
 
 and on the Wednesday followinj;;, I atlended*a meet- 
 ing in Bnik, where I found a goodly number of breth- 
 ren, pursuing the heavenly journey, in Larmony and 
 love. 
 
 Thursday, September 9ih, being Fast day, 1 re- 
 turned to Sutton, and attended meeting there. After 
 meeting I went to Wheelock, in company with my 
 natural father. We attended a meeting in the eve- 
 ning ill that town ; and the next morning '.ve sat off 
 for Burlington, (90 miles distant :) and as we went 
 on, we stopped at Hardwick, and attended a meeting, 
 wliicli was the first 1 ever attended in the place ; and 
 can say, it was a pleasing and solemn interview. — 
 From thence we continued our journey, and went 
 about fifteen miles after meeting. The next day, we 
 proceeded down the River Demile, and reached Bur- 
 hngion about sunset. 
 
 tSabbath, Se[)t. 12th, early in the morning, we 
 made search for some acquaintance vvhic-h we had in 
 the army, whom we expected to have found in that 
 place. But it so happened, that the .most of them 
 were gone, with a part of the army that had crossed 
 the lake, a few days before. After getting liberty of 
 the commanding officers, we went on the grand parade, 
 where J got upon a little stand and began to sing ; at 
 the sound of which, the officers and soldiers flocked 
 out of their tents and gathered around me a« thick as 
 bees. After singing and prayer, they sat down upon 
 the grass 1 then read a passage of scripture,* and 
 preached a sermon. And I must acknowledge, that 
 I never saw a more attentive assembly together in all 
 my life. It seemed as if every one heard, as though 
 it had been expected it was the last time. Good 
 order was observed through the whole exercise ; and 
 when I addressed the young men, they appeared to 
 be much affected. Some even burst into a flood of 
 
 ♦Romans, xiii: 12.
 
 204 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 tears. •! iintlerslood afteruards, iliat this was tliefi,rst 
 sermon iliey had heard during the whole summer — 
 'Ilicre were a number present, who were professors 
 of reh<iion : one from Aew-ilampshire, whom 1 had 
 ba|)iized about two years before. iJe came to me, 
 gave n)e his hand and said, I have heard heavy tidings 
 to day. My eldest daughter is dead, and 1 sliall see 
 her no more till the last trumpet shall sound. 1 then 
 prayed, bid them farewell, and retired to tlie hospital; 
 and after obtaining leave of the physicians 1 visited 
 the sick, in tlie first and second stories. I then situa- 
 ted myself where the whole could hear; sung an hymn 
 and prayed. I then spake some time. Many of the 
 physicians; nurses, guards, &c. gathered round me in 
 the walk, and many more gathered below on the ground. 
 They all paid good attention, through the wliole of 
 the exercises. 
 
 Monday morning, September 13, we left Burling- 
 ton, and sat oft' for home; and on Tuesday night, we 
 arrived at W heelock, where 1 continued ihrough the 
 week; hut my father left me and went liome. I at- 
 tended several religious meetitigs, and saw the power 
 of God remarkably manifested among the people. — 
 The reformation began to spread marvellously among 
 the aged, middle-aged and youth; but mostly among 
 the two latter. About as last as the subjects of the 
 work believed in Christ, they offered themselves for 
 baptiHTi; and it might be said of the C hurch ol"( hrist 
 in VV heelock, as was said of the Church ancienily;— 
 " and ihe lord added to the Church daily, such as 
 should be saved." 
 
 About the 24'h of October, I preached in that 
 place to a very large assembly. A little before I clos- 
 ed, feeling an impression to it I said, 1 feel as though 
 there are some here, who say in their hearts, like the 
 devout Greeks spoken of in scripture, " sirs, we 
 W'ould see Jesus" — and who lorg to find peace to your 
 troubled minds, and have a part with the liaj)py con-
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. J205 
 
 verts. If, therefore, there are any in the assembly, 
 who are thus troubled, and would count it a privilege 
 to come forward and publicly manifest their desire to 
 seek and serve the Lord, I feel willing on my part, to 
 pray for you in particular, as well as for the congre- 
 gation in general. The mourners arose, in every part 
 of the house; and collected before and on each side 
 of the pulpit filling the aisles. I should judge that 
 about forty or fifty persons, when I prayed, fell upon 
 their knees with one accord, and joined in prayer. I 
 observed among the rest, a number of militia officers, 
 all belons/ing to the south company in Wheelock. — 
 These officers, soon after, at a training, invited a mem- 
 ber of the church to pray with them, at the beginning 
 and ending thereoi': were not ashamed, in their uni- 
 form, (surrounded by the great men of the world,) to 
 bow' themselves before the great God, and kneel be- 
 fore their maker in the time of prayer. 
 
 Oct. 30th and 31st, I attended a Quarterly Meet- 
 ing in Hard wick, with a number of preachers. We 
 found the professors of Christianity in that place, in a 
 low and scattered condition. After singing, praying, 
 exhortations, and hearing some good accounts from 
 other churches, I preached a sermon from Luke xiv. 
 23: t^ad the Lord said unto the servant^ go out into 
 the highways and hedges, and compel them to come tn, 
 that my house may be filled. There were about five 
 distmct denominations of professed christians present 
 to hear me ; and 1 did what little I could, to give 
 them their portions in due season, and left the event 
 with God. After describing those hedges, &c. I clos- 
 ed, by expressing my ardent desire, that the work of 
 God might be revived, in all the professors of religion; 
 and that they might all be united in love. When I 
 had done speaking, a number arose, one after anoth- 
 er: some spake of their joys; others confessed their 
 backslidings and heart wanderings. At last, a good 
 old Presbyterian minister arose; and after speaking 
 18
 
 20C LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 some time, he looked around .and said, " as for these 
 hedges^ the Lord bring them down; and the fire of 
 heaven burn them up!" and it seemed for a htlle 
 vvliile as if the good old man's prayer was answered; 
 a spirit of prayer, love and harmony, closed the meet- 
 ing for that day. 
 
 On the second day of the meeting, the power of 
 the Lord was remarkably manifested. Saints preach- 
 ed, exhorted, prayed, and sung praises to God. Sin- 
 ners trembled, fell on their knees, and cried to (jlod 
 for mercy, liacksliders confessed to God and man, 
 and ask^d forgiveness of their brethren, whom they 
 had wounded, &c. Next morning, after attending a 
 short meeting, I returned home. 1 heard from Uard- 
 wick, a few days after, and understood that a number 
 had experienced religion for the first time. 
 
 Sabbath, Nov. I4th, I preached in Wheelock, ta- 
 king my farewell of the people in that place for the 
 present. It was a day, I believe, that will long be re- 
 membered. At the close, we repaired to the water, 
 and 1 baptised six persons. 1 had baptised, then, in 
 all, upwards of 30 persons in the course of the late 
 work; many of whom were esteemed, as people of 
 the first character in the town, and deservedly so in a 
 temporal view. There was the most general atten- 
 tion, and thfc least visible opposition in that town, that 
 ever I saw in any other town or place that 1 have 
 seen. The people in general seemed to be deter- 
 mined to behave themselves as well as they could ; 
 and to show themselves friendly, to all the friends of 
 the FKiEND OF siNNEUs. Men in autlioiity in the 
 town, seemed to know their places, and were exam- 
 ples of morality and piety to the rest. Their hearts 
 seemed to be open for Christ, and their houses open 
 for his followers. O may the Lord reward them, and 
 their names be found written in the Lamb's book of 
 life, that I may meet them and enjoy their company 
 in the blessed mansion* of glory.
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 207 
 
 Monday, Nov. 15th, I returned to my father's. I 
 had now been in Vermont on this visit, about four 
 months; had baptized, in the whole, forty persons; 
 had jjreached about twelve funeral sermons, besides 
 all my other religious exercises. And notwithstand- 
 ing my poor state of health, I had done about six 
 weeks' work with ray hands, chiefly on the meeting 
 house, which almost completed it. 
 
 Tuesday, Nov. I6ih, I spent my time in making 
 ready for my intended journey, which I calculated to 
 commence the next morning. Late in the evening, a 
 man knocked at the door; and when he entered the 
 room to my great surprise, 1 found him to be a broth- 
 er from Bnrrilviile, the very place I was about to set 
 out for. The next morning, when I came to con- 
 verse wifh him, he informed me that he had come 
 with a carriage to carry me^to Rhode Island. I found 
 hard parting with my dear friends and especially with 
 my brother Jonathan's wife, who was in a very low 
 state of health, and expecting soon to change time 
 for eternity. But I gave them all up to the care of 
 my heavenly Shepherd; and on 
 
 Wednesday morning, Nov. 17th, I bid them fare- 
 well, and sat ofi'with brother Lee, for Rhode Island, 
 between two and three hundred miles distance. We 
 had some refreshing seasons on the way. And, on 
 
 Saturday evening, Nov. 27, we arrived at Burril- 
 ville. And although I had entertained fears, lest sa- 
 tan should have got some advantage of my brethren 
 in that place, I found myself most agreeably disap- 
 pointed. For when I came lo meet with them the 
 next day, I found them much more engaged in relig- 
 ion, than I expected to have found them It appear- 
 ed on the whole, that notwithstandmg the opposition 
 of the world, and the assiduous efforts of sectarians, 
 lo scatter the little flock, they were if possible, more 
 united and engaged, to travel the s^^l( denying and 
 cross-bearing way, than they were when I left them.
 
 208 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 In sliort, I found them under good discipline, pursu- 
 ing the heavenly journey, and marching lor the city of 
 the hving God. 
 
 1 continued preaching in different parts of the town 
 of Burriville, and in the adjacent towns, night isnd day, 
 till the tenth of.Ianiiary. (^n that day, I sat out on a 
 journey to visit the brethren in the state of New- 
 ilauipshire. 1 went l)y the way of Boston, Salem, 
 Newburyport, Portsmouth, &c. It being soon after 
 the great fire, in the last mentioned place, 1 saw the 
 melancholy spectacle of about fifteen acres of that 
 thickly settled town, all laid in ashes. And from all 
 that 1 could gather, this awful conflagration, which had 
 destroyed so much property, and left so many dis- 
 tressed families without a shelter, in ihat inclement 
 season, was all occasioned by some designing person 
 or persons, who fired the town for ?he sake of plun- 
 der ! "T he love of money is the root of all evil." 
 When I beheld the ruins, it brought to my mind that 
 day, when the heavens shall be rolled together like a 
 scroll, the elements melt with fervent heat, the earth 
 also, and the works that are thertin, be burnt up. — 
 Ah! thought 1, what then will those wretches do with 
 all their plunder .' When they shall see a God, in 
 grandeur, and a world on fire, where then will the 
 wretches hide ? Ali! without deep repentance, they 
 must then hear that doleful sentence, Depart ye cur- 
 sed into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and 
 his angels. 
 
 .Leaving Portsmouth, I went on to Pittsfield ; and 
 on the 19ih and 20th of January, I attended a quar- 
 terly meeting in that town. 
 
 January 22d and 23d, I attended another quarterly 
 meeting in Sandwich. After which 1 went on to Par- 
 sonsfield, and made a viiii to Elder John Buzzell. — 
 And after a solemn interview with him, 1 started again 
 for llhode Island. 1 went by the way of Meredith, 
 JM. II. I stopped in that town, and attended two or
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 209 
 
 three meetings, in company with Eider John Knowl- 
 ton, who had been preaching there; and a very glori- 
 ous work had taken place under his improvement. — 
 He told me that upwards of an hundred souls had 
 been hopefully converted within a few months, and 
 the work was still spreading. 
 
 Leaving Meredith, 1 went to Concord N.H.; from 
 thence to Worcester, Mass. — and from thence to 
 Burrilville, R. I. 
 
 iSabbath, January 30th, I preached in the meeting- 
 house; and by information, found that the work of re- 
 formation, was generally spreading through that region, 
 in almost all the towns, and poor mourning sinners 
 daily turning to the Lord. Meetings were requested 
 in every part of TJurrilville, as well as in many other 
 places. I continued travelling and preaching, and 
 baptizing in that region, through the months of Feb- 
 ruarv and March, and until the 11th of April. Du- 
 ring this visit I had the happiness of seeing a number 
 brought to praise the Lord, for pardoning mercy, and 
 of baptizing upwards of twenty persons. 1 was sev- 
 eral times called to the house of mourning, durmg my 
 short stay; for it was a sickly, dying time in R.hode 
 Island. I was called four days successively, to attend 
 funerals. My brother Jonathan Colby, made me a 
 visit in the time, whose coming to me, was like the 
 coming of Titus to Paul. He brought twelve letters, 
 which contained refreshmg accounts from my friends, 
 in distant parts. And what added to my joy, was, he 
 came to spend a few weeks with me, in the vineyard 
 of the Lord, and to nrcompany me home to Vermont. 
 
 Thursday, April 'dth, was the yearly fast. I preach- 
 ed in the meeting house in Burrilville, broke bread ta 
 the church, and baptised five persons. 1 made an np- 
 pointment to be at the same place the next Sabbath; 
 and it was expected that Judge Smith, and Judge Steer, 
 with some others, would be baptized on thnt day. 
 
 Friday, I went to preach in Scituate, and did not 
 18*
 
 210 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 return till Saturday evening. When 1 returned, I was 
 inlbnned that Judge i'miih was sick of a lever. 
 
 k-ahbaih, April lOtli, agreeable to appoiuinient, I 
 went to the meeting-house, and we had a very soltnin 
 and aii'ecting season, lor feeling s(mie weighty im- 
 pressions on my mind, tint the Judge would not re- 
 cover, 1 addressed his friends who were present, as 
 on a luneral occasion. AVe then repaired to (he wa- 
 ter. Ijut Judge Smith being sick, prevented his bap- 
 tism; and Judge Steer conclude d to postpone his bap- 
 tism, till after my return from A'ermont. 1 then bap- 
 tized two young people, and the exercises closed lor 
 that day. However. J would heie observe, that Judge 
 Smith had previously related his experience, and put 
 himself under the care of the church. 
 
 IVieeting being ended I bid my precious brethren 
 farewel' for a season; and repaired to Judge Smith's, 
 to take my farewell of him. 1 found him very sick ; 
 but, to the joy of my heart, very much conipftsed in 
 mind. After conversing with liim and his family, 1 
 bid him farewell, expecting to see him no more, till I 
 should meet him in that blissful world, where the in- 
 habitants shall not say they are sick, 
 
 Monday, April 11th, I sat out for Vermont, in com- 
 pany with my brother; and we arrived at my father's, 
 on the 26lh of the same month. We were joylully 
 received by our friends, who iiad been impatiently 
 looking for us upwards of two weeks; and had felt 
 much anxiety about us, fearing that we were sick. — 
 But the Lord had been merciful to us, and returned 
 us to our friends, laden with the experience of his 
 goodness. However, I found one of my natural sis- 
 ters very unwell, and supposed to be in a consump- 
 tion. <3n this account, we had a cup of mixture. 
 
 The Sabbaih following, I pre; ched in Sutton, and 
 found the brethren rather low in their minds. 'J he 
 next Sabbath, I preached in Wheelock, where we had 
 a good season. The brethren were well engaged,
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBT. 211 
 
 and several had experienced religion in the time of 
 my absence, and were waiting for an opportunity to be 
 baptized. 
 
 Sabbath, May loth, I preached again in Sutton, and 
 when I returned from meetmg, my father handed me 
 a letter, of which the following is an extract : — 
 
 " BurrihiUe, 2S of^pril, 1814. 
 
 "Beloved brother in chuist — I take this op- 
 portunity, agreeable to your request, to inform you of 
 the death of our friend aud brother. Judge Smith, who 
 departed this life on Friday morning, at half past 
 seven, on the 15lh instant. Elder Wescot, and 
 Elder Britt, were sent for and both attended. Elder 
 Eritt did not get there till the meeting was almost 
 ended, in consequence of his baj)tising some that day. 
 Elder Millard and Richard iMory, attended, &c. Bis 
 death is most severely felt, by his wife and eldest 
 son. But their sorrows were greatly alleviated, in 
 consequeuce of his leaving so bright an evidence, that 
 he died in the Lord. He was so composed in his 
 sickness, that he gave orders respecting his funeral 
 and private business He left the world, in the act of 
 solemn prayer for his family, and the prosperity of the 
 church. About ten minutes before he died, he ex- 
 pressed that the Sun of Righteousness had arisen in 
 his soul, as a light shining in a dark jdace. His fu- 
 neral was attended with great solemnity and respect. 
 Ihe friends and neighbours seemed desirous of show- 
 ing their respect to so worthy a man. 
 
 "Ab(ut fifty mourners, in solemn procession, 
 followed the corpse to the tomb ; and about one 
 hundred and fifty citizens, with the elders, followed 
 the procession to the grave where there was a prayer 
 by Elder Wescot. 'Ihey then returned to the house 
 in the same order. 
 
 *•* J must here mention tliat sister Smith, t!io day 
 previous to his death, experienced the power of God, 
 in a remarkable manner, to support her under the
 
 212 LIFE OF John COLBY. 
 
 great and solemn trial, she had to pass through. She 
 was attending upon her husband ; and the Spirit of 
 the l.ord operated upon her to that degree, that she 
 forgot her sorrows : and with trembhng limbs, but 
 with a strong voice, praised the Lord for his goodness 
 towards her. She expressed such an unusuiil decree 
 of happiness as struck all the beholders with aston- 
 ishment. We, as a body of brethren, feel to mourn 
 with you the loss of so great a pillar in the Church. — 
 But we resign him up into the hands of an all wise 
 Creator, believing that he is row enjoying the fruits 
 of his labours, with his dear Redeemer, \V' e all as a 
 church, stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ hath 
 made us free. HENRY RHODES. 
 
 " Elder John Colby." 
 
 Ey the time I had read this letter, my friends call- 
 ed me to supper ; but I could not eat. My mind was 
 filled with joy and mourning. Joy, to hear thai he 
 was so well composed in his last moments : — sorrow 
 and mourning, when I considered that 1 should see 
 him no more in time. I retired to my chamber to 
 compose my mind ; and after walking the floor a few 
 minutes, the case of the widow, and fatherless chil- 
 dren, rushed into my mind ; and I could no longer 
 refrain from tears. I then fell upon my knees, and 
 praved that God would support the mourning widow, 
 and have compassion on the fatherless children ; and 
 sanctify the dispensation to all the surviving friends ; 
 that every class might be prepared to follow him, by 
 imitating his virtues, and following his examples ; es- 
 pecially those of the la t year of his life He was 
 frequently found in secret prayer ; was constant to 
 his duty in his family ; and often exalting the name of 
 his Maker in public congregations. 
 
 Sabbath, Alay 22nd, 1 preached in Wheelock and 
 found the reformation still spreading. 
 
 -May 27ih, my sister Polly was brought home to my 
 father's, so sick that she was totally unable to help
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 213 
 
 herself. And my brother, who helped to bring her 
 in, was in one hour after, taken with a fever, and con- 
 fined to his bed. 
 
 May 28ih; they continued very sick, and growing 
 worse fast 
 
 Sabbath, May 29ih, we had but little hopes of ei- 
 ther. I conversed with them both, and found them 
 well composed in mind. When I entered the room 
 wliere my sister lay, she beckoned to me with her 
 hand, and I went to her. She then told me, with a 
 whispering voice, that she enjoyed divine consolation, 
 and heavenly peace in her mind. 1 asked her if she 
 thoijo;ht she should get well. She said it was a mat- 
 ter of doubt with her, whether she should or not. — 
 But, snid she, I fee! no anxiety about the matter ; I 
 have given it up to the Lord. Even when I hear any 
 of the family praying for my life, I hear it with reluc- 
 tance. When I look upon my weeping husband and 
 children, and afflicted parents, brothers and sisters, 
 they all seem near to me ; but at the same time, when 
 I turn my eyes away to my blessed Jesus, he looks 
 more glorious than they all. Then I feel to say, that 
 for me to depart and be with Christ, would be far 
 better. She wished me to preach her funeral ser 
 mon. — She also mentioned the hymns, she chose 
 should be sung ; and the passage of scripture, she 
 wished might be spoken from on the occasion. She 
 then toid me, if I wished to go to meeting, not to stay 
 on her account. About this lime, a young woman 
 entered the room, who had buried her mother better 
 than a year before. Ending her conversation with me, 
 she turned her wishful eyes upon the young woman, 
 and said, (looking up toward heaven) — " well sister 
 Polly, I am agoing to leave you : what word shall I 
 carry to your mother .'' Shall I tell her that you are 
 preparing to meet her in glory .'"' Her strength then 
 failed, she ceased to speak ; and she spake no more 
 to me, nor I to her, for three days. I then recollec-
 
 214 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 ting my appointment, resigned her up to the Lord, 
 and went on to meeting. About this time, two si<il- 
 ful Physicians came in; the neigiibors gathered round, 
 and it whs expected that she would not hve the day 
 out. About two o'clock, they supposed that she was 
 really dying But about the time I returned from 
 meetmg, she revived a little. And although she could 
 not utter a word, yet her countenance bespoke that 
 which was unspeakable by articulate sounds. J'^very 
 feature showed perfect composure and heavenly se- 
 renity of mind. 
 
 Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, rolled away 
 without any material alteration. 
 
 Thursday, it was supposed that my brother was a 
 little better ; but no alteration in her. I was then so 
 fatigued, that I was scarcely able to sit up. Towards 
 night, my attention was called again to my sister. I 
 found her in extreme distress. Her hands and feet 
 were numb, and all the extremities growing cold. — 
 We rubbed her with spirits, vinegar, &,c. for an hour 
 or two ; after which, she revived a little. 
 
 Friday and Saturday, I grew more unwell myself, 
 and was able to sit up but little. But my brother and 
 sister, were supposed to be gaining health slowly ; 
 and by the last of June, they were considerably com- 
 fortable. I remained myself, in a low state of health. 
 
 Tliursday June 23d, i had an appointment four or 
 five miles from home, to which I went, on the day 
 before to attend it. But on the day of the appoint- 
 ment, about 9 o'clock, A. M. I was suddenly seized 
 with ail the symptoms of the raging epidemic. Find- 
 ing myself unable to attend the meeting, 1 returned 
 home and took my bed. I was severely exercised 
 wit!" pain for fourteen days : my appetite for food, 
 and strength of body, seemed to be gone ; and I con- 
 cluded, from all my symptoms, I had nothing to look 
 for but an approaching consumption of the lungs, to 
 put a period to my mortal days, and finish my short
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBT. 215 
 
 race across this little world. But glory to God, I felt 
 a sweet calmness of iniiid, and thought I could give 
 up my account with joy, and not with grief. But as I 
 ever believed it right to live in the use of means, I 
 made use ol a few simple syrups, prepared by my 
 friends, which by the blessing of God, 1 believe were 
 means of restoring me to a measure of health again. — 
 I began to amend about the 8th of July. Ihe day 
 following, 1 received a number of refreshing letters 
 from my friends in Rhode-Island ; and I found the 
 words of the wise man true : " as cold water to a 
 thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country." — 
 Each letter seemed lo be like a healing cordial to me. 
 Even my body seemed to be strengthened, while I 
 read of the jirosperity of Zion, and of the flourishing 
 state of the cause of Christ, in Rhode-Island. Omay 
 the work spread through all the United States, as it 
 has through that State, within a short time, till they 
 are all united to seek and serve the Lord ; and the 
 same union spread through all the world, till all na- 
 tions shall call Jesus bless'd and crown him whom the 
 father hath crowned and set upon his holy hill of Zion; 
 and join with the ancient spouse, and say, He is alto- 
 gether lovely. This opinion is prevailing more or 
 less in all quarters of the world. The bible is gone, 
 and is still going, among all nations ; cutting its way, 
 like a two edged sword, and containing the news of 
 ])eace and pardon to the distressed isles. The pow- 
 erful arguments which are therein contained, with re- 
 gard to our Saviour's mission into the world, never 
 have nor never will, be confuted by wicked men nor 
 devils. For devils themselves were subject to him in 
 bodily presence ; and said to him; in the person of 
 the man |)os3essed, I know thee who thou art, the 
 holy one of God. Wicked men, in all generations, 
 have trembled before the Son of God, and have had 
 some realizing: sense of that solemn truth, That at 
 the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow, ^'C. And
 
 216 LIFE OF JOHN COLBy. 
 
 finally, some of the greatest heathen philosophers, 
 have written largely on the snhject of Christ's coming 
 into the world. 1 have been much pleased in read- 
 ing some of their accounts of tiiis extraordinary per- 
 son ; and to see what an exalted opinion they liad of 
 the man, 'called the king of the Jews, the son oj God., 
 Slc. For ahhougli iliey refused to worship him, yet 
 they were constrained to acknowledge, that ihe histo- 
 ry of ages, could not produce another such an extra- 
 ordinary man. Publius Letitulus, gave a minute de- 
 scription of his personal beauties, and of his extraor- 
 dinary demeanour, as well as of his miraculous deeds, 
 while he (Christ) was personally upon earth, preach- 
 ing and working miracles among the Jews. In a let- 
 ter to the senate of Rome, while the same Tublius 
 Lentulus was (iovernor of Judea, and Tiberius Cae- 
 sar was Emperor, he caused the same intelligence to 
 be published throughout all the provinces of the Ro- 
 man empire. Dr Wright, in his Life of Christ, 
 quotes the same, p. 266 ; which he says was trans- 
 lated from the original manuscript in the following 
 words : — 
 
 " 'Ihere appeared in these our days, a man ol great 
 virtue, named Jesus Christ, who is yet amongst us, 
 and of the Gentiles, is accepted as a Prophet of 
 truth ; but by his own disciples, called the son of 
 GOD. He raiseth the dead, and cureth all manner of 
 diseases. A man of stature somewhat tall, and come- 
 ly ; with a very reverend countenance ; such as the 
 beholder may both love and fear. His liair is of the 
 colour of a filbert full ripe, and j)lain almost down to 
 his ears ; but from his ears downward, somewhat 
 curled, more orient of colour, and waving about his 
 shoulders. In the midst of his head, goeth a seam or 
 partition of his hair, alter the manner of the Nazar- 
 ites. His forehead is very plain and smooth: his 
 face without spot or wrinkle, beautified with comely 
 red. His nose and mouth, so formed, as nothing can
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBIT. 217 
 
 be reprehended. Ilis beard somewhat thick, agreeing 
 it) col(Hir to the hair of his head, not of any great 
 length, but furked in the midst, and of an innocent 
 mature look. His eyes gray, clear, and quick. In 
 reproving, he is terrible ; and in admonishing, court- 
 eous and lair spoken, pleasant in si)eech, mixed with 
 gravity. It cannot be remembered that any luive seen 
 him l;iugh ; hut many have seen him weep. In pro- 
 portion of body, well sliaped and straight ; his hands 
 and arms, right delectable to behold. In speaking, 
 very temperate, modest and wise. A man lor singu- 
 lar uf^auty, surpassing the children o( men." 
 
 This biographical sketch, given of Jesus Ch.iist, by 
 the Governor of Judea, corresponds very well with 
 the description given of him, by the ancient inspired 
 writers., as recorded in Solomon's Songs, the books 
 of the Prophets, and the history siven of him by the 
 Evangelists, and his immediate followers. 
 
 His worth if all the nations knew, 
 
 Sure the whole world would love him too. 
 
 But to return to my narrative, I continued slowly 
 to rv^cover my health, till the latter part of Jul}' ; at 
 which time, through the superabounding "goodness of 
 God, I was enabled to preach a few times. I also 
 visited the churches in the adjacent towns, broke 
 bread to them, and baptized a number. 
 
 Aug. 3d, 1814, being convinced that 1 had finished 
 my labours in that region for that time, I gave iha 
 partiiii!; hand again to my |)arents, loving brethren and 
 dear Iriends in Vermont, and sat off for the District 
 oi Maine, in company with my cousin, B. C. Atvvood, 
 of T'orthnid. We passed through the notch of the 
 White hills ; and on the next Saturday night,. 6ih of 
 August, we arrived at Goiham, and were kindly re- 
 ceived and entertained by the brethren there. 
 
 Sabbath, Aug. 7ih, 1 went into Portland, and 
 preached in the afternoon. And although I was yet 
 19
 
 218 LIFE OF JOHN COLEY. 
 
 feeble in body, I was better in healili than I wiiswlirn 
 1 lelt borne. J contiiined in town ilirouiilj the week, 
 and preticbed there .ig.iin on the next &al)baih, I4lh 
 of August. Hnt finding my constiuition so slender, 
 my appetite so [)0or, and my sioinach and lungs so ex- 
 iremely weak, 1 thought ii might be dniy to retu'e 
 iron) preaching, a short time, and take a short voyage 
 at sea. And having also the advice oi" my friends, 
 who thouglit it iriight contribute nuicli to my healih, I 
 vent on board a small schooner, bound to the east- 
 ward ; and on August l6ih, being bivoureri with a 
 fair wind we set sail. I was very seasick all day. — 
 At evening:, we put in at Hath, (mouth of the Kenne- 
 bec,) where we tarried the next day and evening. I 
 attended one meeting in the place, in which I (ound a 
 good degree of satisfaction. 
 
 The next day, leaving L'ath we proceeded toPooth- 
 bay ; from thence to Mount Desert, and, so on to 
 ?kJachias and Liiile-river ; and (rem thence to Gran- 
 manan, where I pleached on fc'abbaih day, Aug. 28ih, 
 to an attentive concourse of people. Granmanan, is 
 an island belonging to the Br-ilisli, and lying on the 
 i'assamaquoddy L'ay. It contains about 60 or 70 
 families. They informed me that there had not been 
 a sermon preached on the island for three years. I 
 was also told, that ihey had not heard a prayer, some 
 of ihem, for five years. O m.ay the Lord of the har- 
 vest, send some faithful laborers to that island, to 
 preach Christ's gospel to its inhabitants, and to show 
 lo them the way of life and salvation ; for 1 think it 
 is one of the " isles that wait for liis law." 
 
 Aug. 31st, I left (iranmnnan, and we shaped our 
 course westward. I preached the first Fabbath in 
 September, at ]\Toosbe«ky Reach ; and on the 1 3th 
 of the same month, I arrived at Portland, having been 
 gone about four vvei k?. 1 felt my heart filled with 
 gratitude to God, ("or liis distitiguisled goodness to me, 
 in preserving my life, and safely returning me to my
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBV. 219 
 
 friends in tliat town. Our voyage was attended with 
 some clangers. On our passage out, we siruck a 
 Jedjie, wliere we lay eight or ten hours, until high 
 water floating us ag;iin. Ha<i there been a heavy sea, 
 we shouiii in all |)n)bability have been lost ; but he 
 who c;)rnniands the winds and the sea, suffered not 
 the [noud waves to ovei whelm us. It being also a 
 time of war, and many of the enemies' cruisers on tlie 
 eastern coast at the same lime, we considered our- 
 selves in danger every hour, of being captured, and 
 carried to Halifax or to England But he whogaili- 
 ers the lambs with his arm, and carries them in his 
 bosons, carried us safely as in time of peace. On my 
 passage homeward, I was in an open boat, at sea ; 
 audit being very squally, and blowing a heavy gale, 
 it was thought that our little boat could not live above 
 water. But it pleased him, who aj^peared to his dis- 
 tiessed disciples, when in similar circumstances, and 
 calmed the raging sea, to preserve and bring us safe to 
 land. It 28- better to trust in the Lord-, than lo put eon- 
 fidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord, than 
 to j)ut confidence in princes. 
 
 Finding my health somewhat improved by the lata 
 voyage, and feeling my strength renewed, both in bodv 
 and ujind ; after making a short visit at Portland, and 
 Gorham I sat off" for Rhode-Island, Saturday morning, 
 17th of S'ej)t. I arrived at Portsmouth, N. H. on Sab- 
 bath day morning, by ihe lime the bells rung for meel- 
 ing ; difitancje about 60 miles. I hasted to a meeiing- 
 liuuse, where I heard one sermon, and preached an- 
 other. I found the people greatly alarmed on ac- 
 count of an expected attack by a British fleet, which 
 at that time lay off the harbor. The militia were 
 coming in by regiments, from every quarter, and great 
 preparations were making to give the enemy a waria 
 reception, in case of an invasion. But my most 
 fervent desire was sent to the tlirone of grace, that 
 llie effusion of human blood might be prevented ; and
 
 220 LIFE or JOHNCOLBT. 
 
 ll)at fill contendinc nations, might strive only for the 
 things ihat make for peace. 
 
 Mc^nday, i^^ept. lOiii, 1 left Porf?nnoir.h, and wrnt 
 to kSalem ; on Tuesday, to l;ost(>n ; on Wednesdry 
 to Providence. On'lhursday, 1 arrived at Rurrilville: 
 and on Hatnrday, and ^'abl)alh following, 1 aiiended a 
 quarterly Meeting in that town, which I had |)revi()ns- 
 ]y appointed. At this meeting, I had the happiness 
 of seeing a few preachers from difl'erent states, and a 
 large nnmher of loving eng:iged brethren, and sisters, 
 from diflerent towns. It would be almost impossible, 
 to describe the joys I felt at meeting the happy con- 
 verts in Pvhode-lfeland, and to see them so generally 
 engaged in the cause of Christ. Our meeting was 
 truly refreshing, from beginning to end : the woik 
 began to revive afresli ; doors were opened for 
 preaching on every hand ; and he who opened the 
 doors, enabled Rie to preach day and night. Crowds 
 of people flocked to hear the word ; and the prospects 
 at every meeting, appeared very encouraging : sinners 
 mourning, and saints praying and rejoicing. The 
 work of the I^ord spread particularly in the towns of 
 Burrilville, (ilouce^ter and Smithfield. I attended 
 sometimes six, sometimes ten, and sometimes twelve 
 meetings, in a week ; and saw more or less of God's 
 goodness in every meeting. A goodly number fol- 
 lowed Christ in baptism. The work beean in Clou- 
 cester, early in the fall, and spread g'oriously till the 
 fore part of winter. 
 
 •Ian. 1st, 1815, was a remarkable pleasant day. I 
 enjoyed great con)posure of mind, joyfully hailed the 
 New Year and thanked God, that he had let me Mve 
 to see the beginning of it This was a first day in- 
 deed : for it was the first day of the week, first day of 
 the m(jnth, and first day of the year. We met that 
 day at lUirrilville meeting-house, where a large con- 
 gregation attended. I preached from Isaiah xi. 10.-; 
 .%Q.nd ia that day there shall he a root of Jesse, ichich
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 221 
 
 shall stand for an ensign of the people ; to it shall the 
 Gentiles seek : and his rest shall be glorious I think 
 I can say, without ihe last exaggeration that we wit- 
 nessed the fulfihnent of that gracious promise, througli 
 all the exercises of the day. And to close the heav- 
 enly scene, a very large, respectable, humble, happy 
 loving, united body of brethren and sisters, surroun- 
 ded their Father's table, and commemorated the suf- 
 ferings of him, who was dead and is alive, and lives 
 forevermore. This was a New-Year's day to many 
 souls, that never will be forgotten. 
 
 I continued preaching in that region, until the 10th 
 of January. On that day, I attended the funeral of 
 Deacon Ballard's wife, and preached a sermon to a 
 crovv-ded, weeping assembly of relatives and friends. 
 When the mournlul procession was formed, I left 
 them to follow her remains to the silent grave, and re- 
 paired tD my lodgings, to prepare for a journey to 
 New-Hampshire. 
 
 Jan. 11th, I sat off; and on Jan 14th, I arrived at 
 Weare, where, by a previous appointment, I met my 
 father and mother, and one of my brothers. This 
 being the place of my mother's nativity, and her pa- 
 rents being yet living, it added much to our happiness, 
 and made our n)eeting inexpressibly jf'yf'il- Howev- 
 er, the thoughts of soon parting again, mixed a few 
 tears with our joy. I tarried only two days in the 
 place, and preached two sermons : one at my grand- 
 father Atwood's, and the other at the house of Elder 
 H. D. Buzzell, a minister who resides in that town. 
 I then took my leave of my parents, grand-parents, 
 brother, uncles, aunts, cousins, and my dear brethren 
 in Christ, and sat my face towards llhode-lsland ; 
 and by the mercy of (lod, arrived at Burrilville, ou 
 the 19th of January. I continued preaching at my 
 usual places, in the before mentioned towns, and oc- 
 casionally in some other places, through the winter. 
 And the reformation continued to spread, especially 
 19*
 
 222 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 in Clouccster. Many were sincerely seeiking after 
 religioni and diligenily inquiring, wlial they shuuhl do 
 to be saved. 
 
 J'.'aily in the spring, tiie news of peace between the 
 United ^Jtatcs and Urcat Jh'itain, was jjrc-claimed in 
 America. And wiien the oflicial accounts of the 
 treaty reached Rhode-Island, the iegishitnre ol" that 
 State, proclaimed a day of thanksgiving, which was 
 holden on the IGth of Aiarch. Our nieel-ing on that 
 occasion was holdCn at Gloucester. About 120 i)reth- 
 ren accompanied me from Ikarilville to the meeting 
 where we had a glorious tlianksgiving. We Ibund 
 that the attention was great in (Jloucester ; the relc^r- 
 mation was spreading, opposition tailing , party spirit 
 dying ; and brotherly love, union, and harmony among 
 professors, prevailmg. At a conference meeting 
 holden in lliat town, about tvveiiiy peisons s|)ake of 
 the goodness of God to their souls ; the greater part 
 of them were persons who had experienced the for- 
 giveness of their sins, in the late relorn)ation. Doctor 
 Peckham, Major Burhngame, CaiU. Steer, and their 
 wives, were among the number; and many others, of 
 the first class in town, had either experienced leligion, 
 or were earnestly seeking alter it. In the monih of 
 April, and fore part of Aiay, a number were baptized 
 in Gloucesler and Sinithfield, and sonie in Jiurrilviile) 
 
 On the Sabbath, April 1 6th, 1 j)reached at Glou- 
 cester; and at the close of tiie meeting. 1 baptized 
 two; the one a man between 70 and 80 years of age; 
 the other about 18. In the one, 1 beheld an emblem 
 of a most beautil'ul morning, with a j)leasing prospect 
 of an afrreeable day. In the other, an emblem of a 
 serene atmosphere, with a settinnj sun with smiles, and 
 by his declining golden rays, leaving a dewy blessing 
 on all the leaves behind him, and promising a pleasant 
 night. Among all the things which 1 have seen under 
 the sun, there has nothing so ravished my hi^art, as to 
 see young converts, inquiring the way to Zion, with
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 223 
 
 tlseir faces thitherward ; and old hoary headed saints 
 ready to be (jflered, f)repared to meet their Cod, and 
 patiently waiting till their change conies. I also bap- 
 tized a woman 2S years of age, who had lost tlie 
 power of speaking, and had not spoken a word for 
 eight years. She told her experience by signs. The 
 brethren also who w'ere acquainted with her, told many 
 things which they knew relative to her conviction 
 and conversion. All present were satisfied that she 
 had exj)erienced a saving change. 
 
 Sabbath, April 30th, I preached at Gloucester; 
 and in the evening, heard that there was a letter in the 
 post office, directed to me, staled with a black seal. 
 1 concluded it contained heavy news, and immediately 
 lo'oked to God for grace to sup])Oit me, in whatev- 
 er trial I should have to endure. After I retired, I 
 felt convinced that the letier was fiom ^v'ermont, and 
 felt a reluctant anxiety to know its contents. 
 
 Monday morning, 1 arose early, and walked to, the 
 post office, as if travelling to the grave. As soon as 
 1 saw the direction on the letter, I knew it to be the 
 band wriiing of my brother Jonathan. I returned to 
 Esq Armstrong's, the place of my lodging, retired by 
 myself, and opened my letter. W hde unfolding it, I 
 felt as if turning up the lid of a coffin, and unfolding 
 the winding sheet, to view, for the last time, the pate 
 visage of a dear friend, on whom voracious death had 
 laid his cruel and relentless hands, levied his execu- 
 tion, and finislied his dread office! As soon as the 
 letter was unfolded, my eager eyes began to trace the 
 solemn lines. 
 
 Extract of I he Letier. 
 "Sutton, (Vt.) Ajiril 8, 1815. 
 
 " Once more, by the leave of divine jirovidi^ncc, I 
 am pern)il(ed to address m)' iiroiher John, whom I 
 love in the Lord, and vvhf)m 1 have so often congrat- 
 ulated with [)leasiire, by wriiing, when distance forbade 
 us the inestimable [)rivilege of (;onversing face to face.
 
 224 LIFE OF John coLBi. 
 
 But while I writo, it is with a irenihhng hand, and e- 
 niotion of heartfeU-sorrow, while 1 conteinplate the 
 subject on which I must address you. Once more 
 ihe pale horse, and his rider, death, have made rap 
 id profiress in Vermont. The pestilence that walkeih 
 in darkness, and makes waste at noon day, i)as been, 
 and is now solemnly witnessed in this norihern clime. 
 But shall I record the death of some of our near con- 
 nexions ? Surely, I must! Put on fortitude, my 
 brother, while you read my letter: — for with a degree 
 of reluctance, 1 must inform you, that the voice of 
 our amiable and beloved sister Polly Blake, is 
 heard no more in the land of the living — she is gone 
 
 the way of all the earth. But is it })ossible .'"' 
 
 Here 1 paused — for notwithstanding ail my fortitude, 
 and the cautionary mode of my brother's introduction, 
 I could not witlistand the stroke, nor refrain from 
 tears, when I found that my dear sister Polly had 
 closed her eyes in death, and that I should hear her 
 voice no more upon earth. O how unexpected was 
 the news! The last time I heard from her, she was 
 in good health. It was several minutes, before 1 could 
 compose my mind enough to finish reading the letter. 
 While 1 gave vent to natural fe-jlings and passions, a 
 multitude of dismal thoughts rushed into my mind, 
 such as the following: — liere I am in this distant 'and, 
 in this lonely room, with not a father, mother, nor sis- 
 ter, to weep with me; doomed to bear inone mom.'^nf, 
 what the wliole family bore through all the days of 
 her sickness, death, and burial. O could 1 have l)ut 
 been with her, in her last sickness; have heard her 
 dying words, and had them recorded as on the tal)le 
 of my heart! But, recovering myself, I refrained and 
 read on; and, after reading a particular account of the 
 distressing sickness of the family (which seems to be 
 too long to insert here,) I came to the following 
 words: " Sister Blake continued to grow worse eve- 
 ry day, until the fourth day of her sickness, at seven
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBT. 225 
 
 o'clock in the evening, which was the last day of March. 
 She expired, sensible oj her departure; and with chris- 
 tian fortitude, triumphed over death. Wliile she saw 
 the blood setthiie: under her finger nails, she said she 
 rejoiced at the tokens of deatii, tiiat she should soon 
 be at rest. And what is still more remarkable, she 
 gave particular directions, relative to her funeral, sev- 
 eral days before she was taken sick. Brother Blake 
 bore his trials with remarkable fortitude, considering 
 the deliility of his bodv.* He was ineasurably re- 
 covered from his sickness; also the little girls; but 
 little John remains quite low; and it is very doubtful 
 whether he will ever recover." &c. 
 
 The above paragraph in the letter, sweetened to 
 me the bitter cup of affliction, and measurably dried 
 up my tears. And notwitlistanding the deep morrn- 
 ing 1 felt for the company and usefulness of my dear 
 sister, and the sympathy I had with her husband and 
 cliildren, parents, and other relatives in Vermont, I 
 ieit to resign her up to the Lord; and said: — 
 
 How bless'd is our sister, bereft 
 Of all that could burden her mind; 
 
 How easy the soul that has left 
 This wearisome body behind. 
 A thought that she was freed from sin and sorrow, 
 that she now lives in glory, and shall forever dwell 
 wittj the Lord, afforded me unspeakable consolation. 
 My brother closed his letter, by giving me a particu- 
 lar account of the many that were sick, and of a num- 
 ber that had died with that raging disorder, the spot- 
 ted fever, at that season: by stating to me the assur- 
 ance of his own faith in the glorious Redeemer, and 
 recommending a state of resignation to the dispensa- 
 tions of providenite. Jl^d I time, I would give ray 
 readers the copies of some of the last letters that my 
 
 *Her husband; and three children, had been sick with the 
 .same disorder, during her illness.
 
 22(>- LIKK OF JOHN COI.DY. 
 
 sister wrolo. But it must siifTicf, to close lliis sub- 
 ject, just to uieulini), that the hist lellrr she ever wrote 
 to lue, she closoti with ilie (ollowinjj; words : " Ire- 
 main your s/.s/cr, Folly Blake, and sister in tkc 
 bonds of christian union.^^ And then added, 
 
 " Our distant bodies may remove, 
 But notliing shall divide our love." 
 
 The Lord j;iveth, and iht J.ord takelh away, and bless- 
 ed be the name of the Lord. 
 
 May 7th, being Sabbath, I preached at Smithfield, 
 where we had a very solemn meeiiiig; we closed the 
 solemnity, by administering and partaking of the Lord's 
 Sup|)ep. 
 
 Saturday and Sabbath day being the LSih and Llth 
 of May, I attended nieeiinsr at I5ni-rilvills ineetina:- 
 house. 'J'hree preaciiers Iroin the disirict of Maine, 
 attended with me. Two of ihcm, Elder (leorge Lamb, 
 and Croiiier Joseph White came with a view ol preach- 
 ing in that state through the summer. Our meeting 
 on the Sabbatii, was very much crowded, and very 
 solemn. At the close of this meeting, I baptized 
 Capt. Samuel Steer, of Gloucester, and t\vo others; 
 who. I hope, will liecome pillars in the tem|)le of (iod, 
 to go no more out. After this, 1 took my leave of 
 the brethren. And, on 
 
 Monday, May 15th, I sat off for Vermont. Rut 
 goin^; by the way of Providence Jjoston, ]^ortsmouili, 
 Portland, CJorham, Parsonfield. Sandwich, &c. it made 
 my journey somewhat circuitous; and 1 was nearly a 
 month in performing it Yet I did not consider my 
 time lost; for as- I went, I preached; and had the priv- 
 ilege of attendirig a yearly meeting in Sandwich, which 
 Was holden on the Second Saturday in June, and the 
 Sabbath and Monday following. 
 
 1 arrived at my lather's house, in Vermont, on the 
 I5(h of June, having been absent nearly 11 months. 
 I found my relations all in tolerable health, except my
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLEF. 227 
 
 brother Jesse, n youth who was taken sick of a fever, 
 early in the spring ; the disorder settled in one of his 
 knees^ and produced a distressing fever sore; so that 
 for several weeks before my arrival, his hie had been 
 despaired of. 
 
 The fiist Sabbath after my return to Vermont, I at- 
 tended meeting at Danville; the second, or last Sab- 
 bath in June, at Sutton. The first Sabbath in July, 
 at 9 o'clock in the niornmg, I preached at Wells-Jliv- 
 er: at 1 in the afternoon at JXewbury, (V't.) and at 5 
 P. M. at Havei'hill Corner, N. H. 1 enjoyed the di- 
 vine presence, through the day; and had a solemn 
 season in every meeting and hoped that my labours 
 might be productive of some good. I returned home 
 fatigued; and continued preaching In Sutton, and the 
 towns adjoining, as much, as m}' health would admit 
 of, till tile latter part of Jidy. At this lime, my sto- 
 mach had become so weak, my lungs so burdened, 
 and the cough upon me was s:> troublesome and dis- 
 tressing, that 1 was constrained to lake my bed. — 
 About the first of August, I began to spit blood, and 
 raised larger quantities than ever I had done before, 
 which I considered a bad omen. [ c^jntinued bleed- 
 ing fiom my lungs, for several days, till my strength 
 was nearly exhausted, and my physuMans and friendsj 
 considered me in the last stage of consumption. About 
 the same lime., the doctor, wlio lived in the house, 
 and had the care of my brother Jesse, was taken down 
 with the fever also. My two sisters, who lived at 
 home, were seized with the same coniplaint, and my 
 youngest brother uas taken down with the rheuma- 
 tisin. There were then six in the family who needed 
 watchers; and my mother at the same time, wrs 
 sciircely able to keep about. With regard to myself 
 it was thought by my physicians, that 1 should close 
 this mortal scene in a very lew days. In this situation 
 I was brought to close examination; and upon the tri- 
 al, felt great composure of mind. Here i was made
 
 228 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 to realize the apostle's words, " our light affliction, 
 which is but for a inonient, worketh for us a far more 
 exceeding and eternal vveiglu of glory; while we look 
 not at the things which are seen, but at the things 
 which are not seen." For 1 felt assurance, that if 
 this earthly house of my tabernacle were dissolved, I 
 had a building of God, an house not made wiih hands, 
 eternal in the heavens. However, it pleased (sod, af- 
 tf!r refining me awhile in the furnace of affliction, to 
 bring me tbrlh of it, and spare me a little longer — f. 
 hope, by his grace assisting me, fcjr further uselulness 
 in his blessed service. For m about two weeks, 1 so 
 far recovered my health, that I was able to do without 
 watciiers; and so were all the family, excepting my 
 brother Jesse. 
 
 The mount of danger is the place, 
 
 Where we receive surprising grace. 
 
 I continued to gain strength slowly, through the 
 month: towards the last of which. I was able to fit- 
 tend a fi-nv meetings; I also baptized 7 or 8 persons, 
 and had refreshing seasons with the brethren. I novf 
 began to look to the Lord for duly, and found my 
 mind drawn to ilhode-Islnnd. 1 began to muster up 
 resolution, prayed to God for strength, and prepared 
 for the journey. 
 
 Aug. 30th, sat off, leaving all my friends in Ver- 
 ,mont; and the hardest of all was, to leave my poor 
 brotlier .Jesse, still confined, and in great distress. — 
 But I left him with my blessed Master, who does all 
 tilings well; and who, if he please, is able to cure all 
 manner of sicknesses, and all manner ol diseases. 
 
 When I got to Portland, I found myself very much 
 fatigued and overcome with my journey; so that I be- 
 gan to have some fears that 1 should not be able to 
 finish it. As riding on horse-back, tended to weaken 
 my stomach, and increase my cough, I purchased me 
 a convenient chaise, and then went on much more
 
 LIFK OF JOHN COLBV. 229 
 
 comfortably than before. When I got to brother 
 Baker's, in Soineisworth, N. H. bv previous aj)|)oint- 
 nieiit, I met with EhJer John Buzz-^;!, who accompan- 
 ied aie to Rhode- inland. We arrived at Providence, 
 St;j)t 21 St; and o\i ilie morning of the 22d, brother 
 Buzzell, being a stranger in tlie phice, lonk great sat- 
 isfaction, in viewing the place where Roger Will- 
 iams and iiis associates, fled unto, when persecuted 
 and banished f(jr their religion. He viewed Provi- 
 dence in its prosperity, and admired its situation. — 
 We then left the town, and went on to Smiihficld. It 
 being rainy, we put up at brother Tucker's, and tar- 
 ried all night. 
 
 Sept. 23d, it continued stormy; and about 9 o'- 
 clock, A. M. the tempest began, which delu<£ed a con • 
 siderable part ol the town of Providence, destroyed 
 in it several hundred buildings, and an immense a- 
 mouutof propei'iy, and some lives it likewise spread 
 great destruction through all ih; couniry east and west; 
 and w^s a day that will long be reineniliered in that 
 part of the country. One ot Broth-'r Tucker's barns, 
 where my chaise was housed, blew down, and my 
 chaise was destroyed. The temj)est subsidi'd about 
 II o'clock, A. M. I borroweKl a saddk>, and we went 
 on to Burrilville, witnessing all the way, the dreadful 
 destruction of buildiiigs, fences, orchards, w'ood and 
 timber lots, trees of ornament, &o. When we ar- 
 rived at Burrilville, we met, in the afternoon, with El- 
 der iVloses Cheney, Elder Lamb, and brother Joseph 
 White, at Capt. lihf)des', where we were kindly re- 
 ceiveii and entertained. It was the first day of a 
 Qirirterly Meeting in that town, and we had a soleum 
 and rejoicing time VV^e fdt solemn, on viewing ihe 
 destruction made by the tempest ; and felt to rejoice, 
 that our lives, and the lives of so many others, were 
 preserved amidst the direful storm, 'i'he inliabiiants 
 were engaged in securing their crops from the catde; 
 and ws enjoyed the first day of our meeting by our- 
 
 20
 
 2,)0 LIFE OF JOHN COLDV. 
 
 selves. In the evening we went to the house of the 
 Jate.liKls;e Irrmiih, find visited his widow and liiiht-rless 
 children in their jiffliciion. We had a precious sea- 
 son in conversiitioii and prayer, 'i lie next morning, 
 S-abbatii day, ^^ept. 24ih, we repaired to the ineeiing- 
 liouse, where we met a very large concourse of peo- 
 ple, collected lo hear the wort! of the Lord. Ihoth- 
 er Ruzzell spake iVom Isaiah, xxxii. 3: Jlnd a man 
 shall be as an hidinu; place from the icind^ and a covert 
 f)om the tempest; as riven of water in a dry place ; 
 ns the shadotc of a great rock iu a weary land. Hr. 
 Cheney prcaclied in ilie ariernoon. And after he clos- 
 ed. Brother Buzzell delivered another shoit discourse. 
 All were very ii^structive and pov\erful discour-es. 
 
 Monday, early in the morning, by the desire of Er. 
 Buzzell. as many of t[)e church as could, collected at 
 the meeting-house. And after pi aver., and hearing a 
 goodly number of the brethren rehie the travel of 
 their miiid>, brother Huzzell ;md brother Cheney, gnve 
 Eiuch good advice to the brethren and sisters, with re- 
 spect to ciiurch government, church labors, &c. and 
 then took their leave. After taking refreshments at 
 Capt. lihodes', I accompanied brother Piizz'^Il to 
 Chepacliet, where he preached in a school house, 
 at 10 o'clcck A. M. a very solemn and convincing 
 discourse ; and in the evening, another at a school- 
 house, near ("ol. b-teer's, in (jtoncester. 
 
 Tu-asday, Sept. 26th, we all met at the Academy, 
 in Smilhfield; and brother Cheney preached a sermon 
 to a large number, who had collected there to hear 
 the word After Elder Cheney had done speaking. 
 Brother Buzzell delivered a short disc juise, took his 
 leave of the iireilner*, and went on to IVovidence, in 
 company with brv)ther Wliite. I tarried that evening 
 at fc'ntithfitld, arid attended another meeting at the 
 Academ) , with l)rother Cheney aufj Elder Lamb. 
 
 Next morning, f^'pptember 27th, I accompanied the 
 Irelhren to I'rovidence, where we witnessed the aw-
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBk'. 23l 
 
 ful devastation made by the late tempest in that towrt; 
 after vvh'ch, I parted with the brethren and they Went 
 on to their homes. 
 
 Sal)hath, Oclober 1st, 1 preached at Gloucester^ 
 and the Sabbath following, I preached at Burrilville, 
 broke bread, &c. I also preached on week days and 
 eveninijs, in Burrilville, Gloucester, and Siniihfield, 
 durinu; my short stay. I also baj)tized five on this 
 visit.* 
 
 h is now about three years, since the reformation 
 beir;nn in those towns, which has been ever since grad- 
 ually progressing, and is yet spreading, and the pros- 
 pect very glorious. I have never preached in any 
 
 NOTE BY THE EDITOR. 
 
 *Though weak in the flesh, this obedient and industrious disci- 
 ple, seems still strong in the Lord ; and to be owned and blessed, 
 in the vineyard of hiis Master, and in the jvhile fields of the gos- 
 pel harvest as a labourer worthy of his hire. Elder Colby seems 
 lo have dev^oted himself exclusively, and without reserve, to the 
 cause and interest of his divine Lord, who has declared that his 
 rerjyard is with him, to give lo every man according as his work 
 shall be: which is abundant encouragement to all such as serve 
 him in truth and sincerity. 
 
 Though the author uses great plainness of speech, and though 
 no enticing jvords of man's wisdon, are discoverable in his compo- 
 sition ; yetthe/acJ!5 he communicates, are not the less important 
 on that account, but rather corroborative of their intrinsic value 
 and utility in promoting the cause of truth ; especially to the 
 discriminating understanding of all such as are bleseed with th* 
 Tvisdom which comes from above. Such as are ignorant of the 
 righteousness of God and are going about to establish a right- 
 eousness of their own ; or such as pay a total disregard to the 
 light of truth within themselves, will doubtless be led to under- 
 value the writings of Colby and others of the same character, 
 and even to discredit the remarkable accounts of the convictioa 
 and conversion of sinners, therein contained. But the faithful 
 in Christ, are compassed about with a cloud ot witnesses, and 
 their writings and productions are amply attested ; in whose 
 lines, the eyf of the believer can trace the King in his beautij.and 
 behold the land that is very far off: he ex ited to diligence in du- 
 ty, read his own feelings and experience ; and have brought 
 fi-esh to his view, the difl'erence between what the ancient and 
 modern Pharisees have termed "cwr religion,'^ and the religion of 
 Jesds.
 
 232 LIFE OF -OHN COLDI. 
 
 Stale, whore there was a groiiter mtcntion, or lcs3 
 o|)[)i)siiion, ihan tliere is in ilie slate ol' ]; h( de-lslniul. 
 '1 hey have had a very bad lUinie hy some of ihe mis- 
 sionaries from AJctasadiusetts and Coniicrdciti^ wiio 
 have thought that when they got into ]- h< de-It-liind, 
 ihey had got among the headien; and have pieacli- 
 cd to them as such. The j)eo|)le of Iv. 1. con- 
 sider themselves a free born peo]tle ; born in a hind 
 of light and liberty, ;nd enjoying (qua! privileges Avith 
 othtr christians. It is true, that li'e liberal piinciples 
 of tlie people of Rhode-Island, do not allow men to 
 be compelled to pay taxes to a man, whom ihey do 
 not choose to hear. And some preachers, think all 
 men are either heathens or hereticks, wlo do not pay 
 a siipuhited minl^ter tax. Piut these heathen ne\cr 
 have, to my knowledge, either fined, whipped, im- 
 prisoned, banished, or put to deatii those whom they 
 considered hereticks. luit have not all these cruel- 
 ties been inflicted in some oihi-r states and countries.^ 
 Let Massachusetts answer. 1 et Rogf.r Williams 
 and his associates, with many more of the good old 
 Baptists and Uuakers, come forth from their graves, 
 show then- scars, and relate their sufferings; and would 
 not the people of Rhode Island weej), to hear what 
 their fore-fathers have irone through, to lay a' founda- 
 tion for the rehgious liberties they now enjoy?* 
 
 ♦Religious dissenters, in all ages and rounrries, or of whalever 
 name or denomination, have never failed, perhaps of having to 
 encounter ihe obloquies, and unjust aspersions, of those from 
 whom ihey honestly ditler in sentiment. "I'he persecutions in 
 these cases, have invariably been inflicted, if not by religiws 
 bigots, or people o( no religion at all — yet by such privileged or- 
 ders in society, as have had the civil aithority. or aim of Cae- 
 sar, to uphold and protect them, (r.nd from which alone. Ihey 
 derive all their consequence and irrportance.) instead of being 
 boill on the Rock, and commissioned from on high ; — while they 
 stigmatize with the epithets of heresy and delusion, the princi- 
 ples and practices of the meek followers of Ihe Lajib, the weap- 
 ons of whose warfare are not carnal, and who are comman;!ed, 
 li smitten on one cheek, to turn the other also. — Editor.
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBV. 233 
 
 The people of Rhode-Tsland appear to he ready 
 to distribute; willino; to cominuniciite to the nei-essi- 
 lies of those who labor in the word and doctrine a- 
 mong them; and appear to cio it with the utmost de- 
 hght. And it is my candid opinion, that there is not 
 a spot in the United Stales, containing the same num- 
 ber of acres, that can produce more leal christians, 
 than the state of Rhode-Island. It is a fact, that there 
 are certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, in this state, 
 who made disturbances in some meetings where I at- 
 tended, when I first came to the place. But when 
 they found tliat I had come in the name of the Lord, 
 and was not to be frightened by a little opposition, 
 they ceased. The people of the fiist classes in the 
 State, with a few exceptions, have received and treat- 
 ed fne with the greatest attention and respect; and 
 t hose who liave opposed have been those who could 
 do but little or no hurt, only what they do to them- 
 selves. 
 
 October llth, I left Providence; and on the 14th, 
 arrived at Portland, Me. I still found that my lungs 
 and stomach remained very weak; and after speaking, 
 I was generally much distressed. This often remind- 
 ed me of the charge given me by my physicians, 
 ^hen I left Vermont which was, not to preach until 1 
 had recovered my health But this charge 1 have not 
 been able to keep long at a time. 
 
 1 tarried in Portland over the Sabbath. 
 
 On Monday, 1 made some arrangements with the 
 Printer, about printing this book ; the work being 
 chiefly prepared in manuscript. 
 
 Tuesday, being convinced that it was my duty, and 
 would be for my health, I went on hoard the brig He- 
 ro, bound to Eastport, or Lubec, and arrived there, 
 October 23d. 1 visited Moose, Deer, and Granman- 
 an islands, in Passamaquody Bay, Province of New 
 Brunsw ick. I preadied one Sabbath on each Island 
 and gr at attention was given in every place, espec 
 »20
 
 234 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 ially at Eastport, where I hope 1 shall yet live to see 
 the glory ofCjcjd revealed, in the conversion of many 
 souls. Alihoiigh my visit was short, my aitnehment 
 to the peo|)le was gieal, and I formed an acquaintance 
 with many respectable people, that i never shall for- 
 get. O may the Lord rain down righteousness on the 
 inhabitants of that eastern country. 
 
 Mondiiy evening, November I3ih, I went on board 
 a packet bound to i'oriland; but the wind being ahead 
 we lay in the harbor thirry-six hours- 
 Tuesday evening, at 9 o'clock, a cenlleman from 
 Eastport, came on board with a passenger. After 
 being in the cabin a few minutes, he bid us good night, 
 wished U5 a safe passasie, &c. The captain went 
 with him on deck, who, when he returned, presented 
 me will) a half Eagle, which he said the gentleman 
 liad sent me as a present. This I wondered ai, as the 
 gentleman was an entire stranger to me. However, I 
 considered it as a tokeu of my heavenly leather's love 
 and care forme, under all circumstances: for 1 soon 
 found I needed it. I had to give six dollars for my 
 passage, although it was a short one. 
 
 Wednesday morning, November 15, we made sail; 
 and on Saturday following, I was landed at North- 
 Yarmouth instead of Portland, as was agreed. A 
 gentleman, however, from Falmouth came along; and 
 finding that [ had a desire to be m Portland on the 
 Sabbath, procured a horse and chaise, and carried me 
 to town. 1 arrived about 12 o'clock, preached in 
 the afternoon and evening: and was received as usual, 
 with great kindness by the Christian Brethren there. 
 I had been gone nearly five weeks, and found that the 
 voyage had greatly contributed to my health. I had 
 had lour turns of being seasick, which liad cleansed 
 my stomach, and left me with a good appetite. 
 
 Tuesday evening, Nov. 26ih, 1 preached at Gor- 
 ham ; found several young converts wl)o had lately 
 experienced religion ; anil, like all new-born souls,
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 235 
 
 spake much of the fullness and freeness of Christ, &c. 
 We l)ad a precious time. 
 
 'I he tiext morning, Nov. 22d, I sat ofF for Mont- 
 ville, Me. 1 arrived there on the next Saturday eve- 
 ning, and attended meeting at Ksq. Copp's ; where I 
 had the happiness of meeting Eider Lamh, and Elder 
 McFariin. 
 
 Sahhath, November 26th, T met with the elders, 
 brethren, and people, in |)nblic worship ; and I cannot 
 express the joy wliich 1 felt, at seeing my brethren in 
 that phice ; having been absent from them about two 
 and a h;df years. I preached from 2. Peter, i. 13, 14: 
 Yea, 7 think it meet as long as I am in this tabernacle, 
 to stir you up by putting you in remembrance ; know- 
 ing t"ar shortly I must put off this tabernacle, even as 
 our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me — I continued 
 preaching an<l visiting, through the week ; and then 
 preached with them again tiie next Sabbath, whicU 
 was the 3(1 of December. At the close of this meet- 
 ing, 1 administered and partook of the Eord's supper, 
 in the {)resence of a very crowded and solemn assem- 
 bly. 
 
 Leaving Montville, I went to Palermo, and preach- 
 ed in the evening. 
 
 Monday morning, at 10 o'clock, I preaclied at 
 Vassalboiough. 
 
 Tuesday evening, I preached at Pejepscut ; on 
 Wednesday night at Gray ; and on Thursday I went 
 to Portland. 
 
 Friday, December 8th, I was engaged in finishing 
 up my journal for the next day, it bemg the day of 
 the nionili on which I was born, and which completes 
 the first 2S years of mv life. I conchideii to extend 
 my first volume to that date, viz. December 9th, 
 1815 : — that my readers may see how good the Lord 
 hath been to me ; what wonderful deliverances he 
 hath wrought for me when in dangers : how he hath 
 provided for me in times of need : blessed my weak
 
 236 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 eflxjrts ; and given me to see of the trrtvail of Clirist's 
 righteous soul, in my journeys from place to phue. 
 
 And now my dear readers, you are hastening lo 
 the close of this volume. -^1 hope you l)ave read, with 
 the same attention and candour, with which I have 
 written it. If your rehgious sentiments do not exact- 
 ly correspond with mine ; yet if you profess to he 
 born of (jod, and a lollovver of Christ, let us sirive 
 to love one another for his sake, even as he hath 
 also loved us, and laid down his life ibr us. Love, 
 pure love worketh no ill to his neighbour. God grant 
 that professors of religion, may have a greater share 
 of that heaven born charity, that svjjcrtth long, and 
 without which, we are nothing. Jt has been my 
 study, my prayer for ten years, that I might not only 
 love and be united with all the dear cliildren of God ; 
 but that I might love, and pray for my enemies : such 
 as not only despitefully use and persecute me, but all 
 the children of the J.ord : such as are enemies to God 
 by wicked works, and have him not in a'l their thoughts. 
 This christian heavenly temper, 1 have, thanks be to 
 God, been the happy partaker of, in a good degree, 
 for years that are past ; and still feel an increasing 
 desire to serve my God, love his chddren, and live at 
 peace with all men, as much as in me lies> and speak 
 evil of none. 1 aui aware, however that those who 
 are led by a wicked, selfish, or party spirit, and have 
 done that which is wrong, and have been reminded of 
 it in this book, will say I talk hard &c But to such 
 I will answer and say, that if 1 wrote any thing on the 
 subject, I think I could not have written less, nor in a 
 more mild language than I have dope. Yea, whenev- 
 er I have mentioned the conduct of opposers, and the 
 harsh treatment 1 have met with iVorn the different 
 denominations, 1 have done it with the greatest reluc- 
 tance ; and in many instances 1 have been silent, and 
 not named the wrong : choosing rather to resign it to
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 237 
 
 llie judgment of the great day, where the righteous 
 Judge will uo justice to all. 
 
 i would luriher lemark, in order to put to silence 
 the gainsaying critick, who may compare the ac- 
 coiiiiis that 1 have given o\ revival? of rehi:ion, &c. in 
 different places w ith their present siluation. (whicl) is 
 perhaps vastly different Irom what it was when I 
 wrote ;) that we are to remember, that prosjjects and 
 things olien alter and assume very different appearan- 
 ces. For instance, we pass hy a very flourishing 
 field of corn, and we judge from the appearance, that 
 acc(;rding to the course of nature there will be a plen- 
 td'ul' harvest. Immediately after, a blast, or Irost, 
 sti ikes aiid kills It all. '1 his is sometimes the case, 
 when we see a great prospect of a general reforma- 
 tion. This may be illustrated by our Saviour's para- 
 ble ol the sower^ oi the tarcs^ of the kingdom of 
 heaven being likened to a nets cast into the sea, &c. 
 &c which represent the divine influence of the gos- 
 pel ol the grace ol God, (which is really the case) ag 
 embracing and extending to a// men ; and which, in 
 great reformations and revivals of religion, seem as it 
 were under the similitude of the net to make a gener- 
 al sweep of the whole ; but through the disobedience 
 of some, and the unprepared slate of others, not being 
 able to discern the signs of ike times — many, alas ! in 
 the time of temptation fall away, So that we are not 
 always able to see the end or lo know the full extent 
 or amount or final result of relormalions , hut he that 
 enduretli to the end, the same shall be saved, and none 
 else. Where 1 have spoken in positive terms, ol the 
 conversion or regeneration of any, I have reason to 
 hope and believe, that the work was genuine : — time 
 and eternity will decide. — I yet view an extensive 
 harvest bet'ore me, in which I must labor, and have 
 many long journeys and voyages in contemplation ; 
 one voyage in particular across the Atlantic. I can- 
 not doubt but the Lord called me, many years ago, to
 
 238 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 go arirl preach the gospel ; and he has not ns yet, that 
 I car) (lisfern. co'rjtnaiided nie to slop. If I am faith- 
 fnl to |)ieacfi his gospel, I trust he will, in liis own 
 time tiike me froni his vineyard here, to the kino^dom 
 of glory ; and as a reward for my labors, I Ii0|)e to 
 receMvi--, ui(h all his humble witnesses, at the apjiear- 
 log ol the chief iShe-pherd, a crown that ladelh not 
 away. I know and am persuaded of the Lord, that 
 the manner in which I am called to labor in the vine- 
 yard of Christ, is very crossing anil trying to nature ; 
 that is, lo travel though the world and preach. — 
 A^one know it but those who try it. Wliat has been 
 the most trying to me, of any tiling 1 have met with 
 of this nature is to think that tluise preacliers, who 
 can feel clear to stay af home, with their families, 
 friends and enjoyments, should rise up and oppose 
 those that God sends through the world. Let me 
 ask tile question — Who has the most scri[)ture .'' — 
 How does the commission run } And he said unto 
 them ^ go ye into all the icorld, and preach the gospel 
 to every creature, Mark, XVI 15. Go ye therefore, 
 and tench all nations, baptizing them in the name of 
 the Father, and oj the Son and of the Holy Ghost ; 
 teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have 
 Commanded you : and lo I am with you ahvay, even 
 unto the end of the world. Jlmen. Maihew XXVIII. 
 19, 20. 
 
 Again. Christ himself, icent vp and down-, doing 
 good — and said to his disciples, as ye go, preach ; — 
 saying, repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. 
 But say.- or.e, these travelling preachers do more hurt 
 than good : they divide our parishes ; they pull down 
 our churches, and that is why I opp{)se them. — An- 
 swer. If they are ^oof/ men \\\ey will not pull down 
 good people ; — and if they are bad men, they cannot 
 do it : for saith Christ, on this rock, (meaning him- 
 self,) vvdl I build my church, and the gates (d' hell 
 shall not prevail against it. Hence the church of
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBV. 239 
 
 Christ has a sure founclalion. But T will acknowledge 
 there is one Hivision, or separation, that I heHeve in ; 
 that is, a division betueon the precious and llie vile. 
 Come out Jrom among tlinn^ and be ye separaie, saiih 
 the word of God, and touch not the unclean thing, and 
 J will receive ynu^ and will he a father unto you^ and 
 ye shall be my sons and daughters, saitlx the Lord Jll- 
 mighty. — '1 hese thii gs being premised, it is admitted; 
 with gratitude to the (liver, that there are (hverse r>^| - 
 erati(5iis l)y the same Spirit ; and there are also a di- 
 versity ol gilts in the Church, and they are all useful ; 
 for God hath pi; ced the members in the body as it 
 hath pleased him. We may also charitably sujipose, 
 in some instances, that men of religion may, under 
 different degrees of experience, and other ciicimistar.- 
 ces, disagree in sentirnent with respect to doctrine, 
 names, the duty oC gospel ministers, &c. and yet all 
 act from honest motives and feelings, iiut there 
 should l)e no schism, no essential contiadictions among 
 the ministers and people of (lod : their testimony 
 shoul i be one — suijstaniiallv the same, though some 
 may l>e able to tell a great deal more than others, on 
 nccoiitit of their liiiiher attainments in virtue and 
 knowlerlge. Hear the apostle Paid, 2 Cor. i, IS, l9, 
 20 : " But as God, is tme, our word towards you was 
 not YEA and nay. For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, 
 uho WHS preached among you by 7is. even by me and 
 Sylvanus, a7id TimoilvuH, vais not yen and nay but 
 in him ivas yea. For all the promises of God in him 
 are yea, and in him Jlmen, unto the glory of God by 
 us.^' As Christ is therefore yea, and cannot contra- 
 dict himself; and as the apostles all told one story, 
 or bore one testiinoiiv in their preaching, and that was 
 yea ; so ought the ministers and people ol God at the 
 present day to b^ar one testimony and that testimony 
 be the ruth as it is m Jesus ; and not to preach 
 yea antl nay, and contradict, not only themselves and 
 one another, but the scripture^ also, which, it is to be
 
 240 LlFF, OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 learei!, is too tmicli the case ; aiiri ilms become stum- 
 bling blocks, especially to siicii as know uot the truih, 
 the very persons who most need iiisiruction ! who are 
 listening with anxious uncertainty to these clashing 
 doctrines of men, not knowiui; what course to steer ; 
 and are too often led to believe, according to the 
 preaching of some, if |)reaching it can be c;dled, that 
 tiiey are reprobated to damnation ; and there leave 
 oii seek ng Christ, and of striving to enter in at the 
 strait gnie, perlia[)s till the door is shut ! J low re- 
 sponsible ore the prt-ac hers of ihe gospel ! J low im- 
 portant their charge, and liovv necessary that they, yea 
 all of them, should be instructed in the school o( 
 Christ, and be really called and commissioned from 
 on high ; that they may not only love as brethren, 
 but all preach one doctrine, viz. that which Christ 
 taiigli!, and learnt hisa|)osiles to teach — which is yea 
 and amen . they all agreed in their testimony, and 
 their tesiiiuony was truk, for their agreement |)roved 
 it so ; and true is he that rev(;ale(i ii : for he said of 
 liimsrlf. ihai he came to bear witness to the truth ; 
 and tiiat he was the true light ; the true vine ; and he 
 that sent him is true. 
 
 Manv will say, as a man thinlcpth, so is he ; to 
 which we would reply — and if he lliinks wrong, he is 
 wrong, he acts wrong, and by being wrong Iwnself, 
 his words and actions (how pure soever may be his 
 motives and intentions) serve to lead others wrong. 
 But we would discriminate between errors of the 
 judgement i\n(\ oi \he will. We shall all be judged, 
 at the last day, according to the light, and abdity we 
 have had, and the use we have made of them : for 
 God will rejuire, of every one of us, his own, with 
 "usury : tlrU is, whatsoever he has committed lo us 
 respectively, ba it little or much, many or few talents, 
 he will certainly require the use or improvement of ; 
 — "•' occupy till /fo/ne," is the command. 
 
 Aiy dear brethren in the muiisiry, in parii;'ular,
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 241 
 
 while I am on tliis interesting theme, indulge me with 
 the favor of calling your attention once aiore, to the 
 vast iinj3(H'tance of preaching Christ's gospel in its pu- 
 rity h-ee from the commandments, traditions, and doc- 
 trines of men — that gospel which came, and still 
 comes, when unmixed with human notions and opin- 
 ions, not only in word, but in power, and in the Holy 
 Ghost, and much assurance. Many, who seem to 
 carry abuut them, a mixture of laic, gospel, and tra- 
 ditioiv: with great zeal and industry (though perhaps 
 honesty of heart, such as Saulhad, while in ignorance^ 
 and unbelief) palm it off on their hearers, for all 
 GOSPEL ; and practically say by their actions, as well 
 as words, to the real disciples of Christ and such as 
 own the C'lrlstian ^Yuine — •' Ye are his {that is, 
 ClirisCs) disciples ; but we are Moses'' disciples^ — 
 But to such I would say, borrowing the language from 
 my Master, that unless their rigliteousness shall exceed 
 the righteousness of the scribes and pharisees, they 
 shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven ; 
 their patching with the new cloth, their old garments, 
 only makes the lorent uorse. In order to be clothed 
 with the righteousness of Christ, it is needful that they 
 be unclothed of their legal rasrs, and divested of the 
 robes of their own invention, which" will not hide 
 their shame ; and the new wine of Christ's kingdom, 
 must Ue put into new bottles — the new hearts of his 
 believing children. 
 
 These reflections are not intended to implicate any 
 particular order of professed christians ; but may be 
 justly considered as applicable to all such, as arefound 
 wanting in the sound doctkinf of the New-Testa- 
 ment : while I bear on my mind, at the same time, 
 the striking declaration and denunciation of the apos- 
 tle i^aul, Gal. i. 8, 9 ; " Bat though toe," (the apos- 
 tles) " or an aagdfrom heaven, preach any other goS' 
 pel unto you, than that lohich we have preached unto 
 you., let him be accursed. *fls we said before, so say I 
 
 21
 
 242 LIFE OF John coLEi. 
 
 noic nfraiiif ij any man preach any other gospel unto 
 you than that ye have received^ lei him be accursed. — 
 
 For myself I lliink I can say, if 1 know my heart, 
 that my motive in preaching, is the glory of (jod. nnd 
 the good of souls. I have no party nor sect* to build 
 i)|), and none to pull down, any farther than to preach 
 Jesus Christ unto them ; and if by this mean, any 
 should be shaken from a false foundation, and led to 
 build on the true one, I shall certainly feel as 
 though, as a minister of Christ, my work has been 
 iilessecl ; feel the approbation of my Master ; and no 
 one will have cause to find fault with me on that ac- 
 count. At any rate, I ought to be found faithful in 
 the cause in which I am engaged ; and let all such as 
 belong to the kingdom of our Lord and »^aviour .lesus 
 Christ, strive for those things which make for peace, 
 and christian union, by letting go all their errors, and 
 embracing Christ's gospel in its purity, and Him^ 
 Vfith the whole heart. 
 
 For myself, I feel determined to preach the gospel 
 to every creature, as far as I am able ; for I jiave al- 
 ways felt and still feel determined to preach where - 
 ever I can find a congregation to hear the word — 
 amona: the Methodists, Baptists, Quakers, Presbyte- 
 rians, Church of England, Roman Catholics, &c. &c. 
 
 But says one, brother Colby, you are very liberal. 
 Surely I am ; 1 have a free gospel to preach to all 
 mankind : and in every nation he that feareth God 
 and worketh righteousness, is accepted of him. Is 
 this the ground that Christ laid out, and the apostles 
 built upon ; and have we not wandered from it and 
 taken u])on us names and burdens, that we should be 
 better otF without than with ? Soine tell us, however, 
 that the different names that the children of God are 
 
 *Except the sect mentioned, Acts XXIV, 5 ; and ActsXXVIIf. 
 22. viz. the followers of Jesus Christ, called Christians, first in 
 Aniioch— Acts XL 26
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBT. 243 
 
 known by, do no hurt. One brothar told me, not 
 long since, tliat they were necessary ; that without 
 them, we should not know each other apart. I told 
 him that was the difficulty ; we had known each other 
 apart too long ; and it was high time to know what 
 our dear Saviour said to his disciples. > 
 
 " One is your Master, even Christ ; and all ye are 
 brethren." But shall 1 show my Christian readers, 
 that these party names do hurt, and entreat them to 
 leave, them for the name of Christ ? Say for instance, 
 a stranger comes into our town to preach. The first 
 in;|uiry is, who is he ? what denomination does he be- 
 long to ? One answers, why, he is a Methodist, a 
 Freewill Baptist, &c. as the oase may be. Oh ! says 
 the standing order, 1 have a sufficient idea of the 
 methodists, freewill baptists, &c ; they hold to incon- 
 sistencies i that a man can save himself, &.c, I don't 
 wish to hear him. Question. Did you ever hear 
 him preach .'' Answer. No : but they say that the 
 denomination he belongs to, are a strange set of beings. 
 IS ow reader, see how much prejudice a party nama 
 carries with' it ; how it shuts the door : yea it bars 
 and prevents your hearing a man of God, a minister 
 of the everlasting gospel, who might be instrumental 
 of the conversion of your soul, would you go to hear 
 him. But let us look again. Another stranger ap- 
 pears in town. Inquiry is made what denomination 
 he belongs to. Why, he is a presbyterian. Ah ! 
 replies the freewill baptist and methodist : we have 
 a sufficient idea of that order ; they preach for money 
 anil divine for hire — we don't want to hear him. — 
 Question, did you ever hear the man preach .'' No ; 
 but I have always been taught that they preach by 
 their learning ; make a trade of preaching ; are al- 
 ways crying down all other denominations, <5'c. — 
 Now reader take another view of the monsters, pre- 
 judice, tradition, scperstition, and bigotry, which 
 generally go hand in hand. See how you are reject-
 
 i44 LIFE OF JOHN COLBV. 
 
 ing you know rot what, till yon hear : porhaps the 
 prcachiT objected to \vas a pious, godly man, and a 
 gospt 1 preacher. 
 
 Well, says one, these party names exist, and what 
 shall we do ? Answer. Cease contending about 
 ihem, and they will all die lor want of supjiort. — 
 Christ has laised u|) the Standard, and, let us all rally 
 round it, and we sluill be one. But if you do not see 
 will) me in these things, 1 am determined not to throw 
 you away, if you love Christ, nor contend with you. 
 But say you — you are so cljaritable for all denomina- 
 lions, 1 lear you are not established yourself. An- 
 swer. I <mi firmly established ; and have been Irom 
 the moment my soul was converted. I am deter- 
 mined to contend earnestly for the faith once deliver- 
 ed to the saints ; I will not give up truth for eiror ; 
 and whoever throws error into the king's highway, 
 where 1 am laboring, to stop poor travellers from get- 
 ting to heaven will put me to the trouble of throwing 
 it out, that the way may be clear and plain — 1 rc])'iat 
 it again, that 1 have a firm opinion of my own ies[)ec- 
 ting these things ; but my religion don't consist iti 
 opinions, principles and tenets ; and how narrow is 
 that religion, how scanty that charity, that extends 
 and does good only to '■'my order.'''' Tiie Lord says 
 by the mouth of the prop/iet ; comfort ye, comfort 
 ye Mv PEOPLE, saiih your God; not this, that, nor 
 the oiher denominaiicjn, to the exclusion of all others. 
 Eut these brief hints must suffice for the present, al- 
 though 1 confess my mind has been so exercised with 
 regard to these things, that 1 have thought I could 
 write a folio, if it, would do any good by uniting the 
 people of God. But before 1 close, 1 must express 
 n)y surprise and grief, in witnessing the declaration 
 .•ind progression ol the war in i\ew England ; declared 
 and earned on by the professed ministers of the gos- 
 pel, (/'ne important point of the dis[)ute ajipears to 
 be relating to the Trinity. It is a pity there should
 
 LIFE OF JOHN CGLBV. 245 
 
 be so much contention about that which is not in the 
 bible. What profit would it be for me to write vol- 
 umes, to prove that snow, ice and water are one r — 
 Or on the other hand, to prove that water existed 
 before ice : or that snow was of a more recent date ? 
 Or what advantage would the christian world derive 
 from my calling their attention by publishing pamph- 
 let after pamphlet, to prove that the Father, Son and 
 Holy Ghost are one ? Or that the Son is equal with 
 the Father, that he is very God, &c. ? — Christ said, 
 when on earth, 1 and my Father are one ; he that 
 hath seen the Son haih seen the Father also. I ia 
 him and he in me, &c. That all men should worship 
 the Son even as they worship the Father ; for he 
 thought it not robbery to be equal with God, &c. — 
 Or on the other baud, to prove that the Son is not 
 equal with the Father, and so give the dimensions of 
 Christ, as though we could bound, limit, fathom, or 
 comprehend the dear Redeemer ? We ought to 
 remember that we cannot comprehend ourselves^ 
 much less the exalted Son of God. O my brethren 
 in the ministry of every denorainat'on, let us all unite 
 to proclaim Christ to a dying world, as a glorious and 
 all sufficient saviour ; and when we have all cast in 
 our mite, and said all that we can of his beauty, glory, 
 wisdon); love, power, and willingness to save all that 
 come unto him ; the half, the hundredth, yea, the 
 thousandth part will not be to'd. Even so Amen. 
 
 And now I hasten to a close, by saying, that if it 
 please God to preserve my life and restore my health, 
 and prepare me for further usefulness in his blessed 
 service, I am still determined to spend and be spent 
 in it. For although i enlisted into it at an early-p^t-ri- 
 od of life, I do not regret it. And notwithstanding 
 the labors and travels 1 have endured, the dangers E 
 have passed through, the temptations I have had to 
 withstand, the opposition, aspersions, reproaches; and 
 persecution, I have borne ibr his name ; 1 am still 
 ^21
 
 346 LIFE OP JOHN COLBY. 
 
 more and more deliglited with the work ; and resolv- 
 ed, if possible, to double my diligence in it. And 
 would here recommend to all my dear readers, who 
 have been so happy as to experience a saving change, 
 not to look back ; but to forget the things that are 
 behind, and reach forth to those things that are before, 
 and press towards the mark, for the prize of the high 
 calling of (iod in Christ Jesns. And it any have 
 backslidden, I advise them to remember from whence 
 they are fallen, and repent, and do their first work. — 
 And if these accounts should happen to fall into the 
 hands of any of tliose who believe? not, and they, like 
 IVicodemus, should ask, How can these things be ? I 
 advise such to make an experiment. 1st. iJy search- 
 ing the scriptures daily. 2d. By reasoning with the 
 Spirit of (liQD. 3d. By confessing and forsaking their 
 sins. 4th. By submitting themselves to Cod, hum- 
 bling themselves in his sight, and earnestly imploring 
 his pardon, with a resolution never to leave the throne 
 of grace, till they are born again. If my life should 
 be prolonged, and (jod should be pleased to make use 
 of such a worm as I in his glorious work ; I shall pub- 
 lish a second volume, that those who are desiious, 
 may have the privilege of reading the wonderful 
 ■works of God, wrought by the feeblest means ; 
 through the instrumentality of one, who esteems and 
 considers himself less than the least of all saints, and a 
 servant to them all for Christ's sake. And he most 
 earnestly desires the fervent prayers ol all the faithful 
 ministers and humble followers of Jesus Christ. 
 
 JOHN COLBY.
 
 HYMN, 
 
 COMPOSED BY THE AUTHOR WHILE IN OHIO. 
 
 Oh! if poor sinners could but know 
 How much for them I undergo, 
 They would not treat me with contempt, 
 Nor curse me when I say repetit. 
 
 Give credit now to what I say, 
 And mind it till the judgment day; 
 Of God I'm sent, constrain'd to go, 
 To call upon both high and low. 
 
 And wo is me, if I refrain 
 
 From going forth in God's great name; 
 
 A dispensation I've received, 
 
 And my kind friends I now must leave. 
 
 My parent's house I bid adieu, 
 And on my journey now pursue. 
 To distant climes for to repair, 
 To call poor sinners far and near. 
 
 But O the trials of my heart. 
 To think I must with parents part ; 
 In tears I left them, fili'd with grief; 
 I could not give to them relief. 
 
 They brought me up Avith tender care, 
 And for my health no pains did spare ; 
 Expos'd themselves both night and day, 
 While fevers wore my flesh away. 
 
 My loving brethren think it strange. 
 That I should leave my nearest friends; 
 My sisters wonder where I am, 
 That I do not return again. 
 
 Ye list'ning nations pray give ear, 
 While I to you the truth declare ; 
 May wisdom now inspire my heart. 
 My joys and sorrows to impart. 
 
 Through winds and storms of rain and snow, 
 Both day and night I have to go. 
 To attend the appointments I've made, 
 Or find a place to lay my head.
 
 2IS HYMN. 
 
 Through sultry dimes aiul deserts wide, 
 I am directed by my guide; 
 No cooling streams to quench my thirst, 
 If I for want should turn to dust. 
 
 I draw no pension here below, 
 To pay my charges as I go ; 
 I go forth on my own expense, 
 And trust in God for my defence. 
 
 Oft times with hunger I grow faint ; 
 I travel on till almost spent; 
 I find no friend nor helper nigh. 
 But he who hears the ravens cry. 
 
 Through streams and rivers, deep and wide, 
 Both high and swift I have to ride;, 
 The rolling current beats with force. 
 And often drives me from my course. 
 
 The thunder roars when clouds arise, 
 Tempest and darkness veil the skies; 
 All nature trembles at the sound, 
 And wet and cold I'm often found. 
 
 But greater perils I repeat.; 
 'Tis when I with false brethren meet ; 
 Their clothing is much like, the saints, 
 But God abhors their false pretence. 
 
 I do not limit conflicts here, 
 I've foes within, I have to fear : 
 I'm often into bondage brought. 
 In ways that I but little thought. 
 
 But yet I hear a heavenly voice. 
 Saying arise, in me rejoice ; 
 Go to the world's remotest bound, 
 I'll be thy friend when foes surround. 
 
 And when my work is done below, 
 I trust to glory I shall go : 
 And take my lofty, disUiai flight. 
 To dwell with saints in glory bright; 
 Meet all the heavenly pilgrims there, 
 And in God's kingdom have a share. 
 
 END OF VOLUME I.
 
 THE 
 
 LIFE, EXPERIENCE, AND TRAVELS, 
 
 JOHN COLBY, 
 
 PREACHER OF THE GOSPEL, 
 
 WRITTEN BY HIMSELF 
 
 IN TWO VOLUMES. 
 
 VOL,. 11. 
 
 Come and hear, all ye that fear God — and I will declare what he hnth 
 done for iny soul — Psalms, Ixvj. 16. 
 
 We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen — John, iii.ll. 
 
 LOWELL, MASS. 
 
 PUBLISHED BY N. THUKSTON & A. WATSOH. 
 1838.
 
 LIFE &c. OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 VOL. II. 
 
 December 19th, 1815. The first volume of my 
 life ends. The second volume and first number begin 
 the 10th of the same month and year. I tarried in 
 Portland until the 15th, I then left Portland and went 
 to Kennebunk, and preached in the evening. 
 
 Saturday 16th, I went to Kittery. Sabbath day 
 17th, preached in Portsmouth, &c. 
 
 After staying a few days I went to Salisbury and 
 preached, and from thence proceeded on to llhode- 
 Island, at which place J arrived Saturday, 23d. 
 
 Sabbath day 24th, 1 preached at Burrilville meet- 
 ing-house; I found the church well engaged, (more 
 so, I think, than 1 ever knew them before,) and well 
 united, bless the Lord! The next Sabbath day, 31st, 
 I preached in Gloucester. 
 
 Mondav being new year's day, I preached at Eur 
 rilville meeting-house from tliese words, " This year 
 thou shalt die." 
 
 January 7th, 1816, Sabbath day, I preached at 
 Smithfield Academy, and baptised Esther Smith, a 
 worthy, pious sister; we had a glorious time. 
 
 Sabbath day, 14lh, 1 preached at Burrilville — we 
 closed the meeting witU attending to the conmiunion. 
 
 Sabbath day, 21st, I preached at Gloucester — iiad 
 a solemn meeting. 28ih, I preached at Smithfield 
 academy; baptised two young men. 
 
 February 4th, I preached at Burrilville; baptised 
 six; had a solemn meeting; took my leave of the 
 brethren for the present.
 
 4 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 In the evening I preached at Gloucester. Monday 
 T went (o l*rovidence, and preached in the evening. 
 
 Tuesdiiy, 6th, i went to Boston; tarried there thro' 
 the week, and preaclied there on sahbath day, llih. 
 I then shaped my course lor Portland, Me. I went 
 by the way of l*ort-niouih, and preached there twice. 
 I arrived in Portland on the evening of tiie IGtli, and 
 found a glorious relormation spreading throughout the 
 town, in almost every society. Many were already 
 praii-ing Ciod for his goodness to their souls; while 
 scores if not hundreds more were seeking the k^a- 
 riour'a love to know. 
 
 I tarried in that region seventeen days, preaching 
 in Portland at the |)lains, at Gorham, Shoutvvater, &c. 
 
 I had the privilege at Gorham of meeting Elder 
 ^Vhite, who had been preparing for a second tour to 
 Khode Island. 
 
 i gave liiin up my horse and carriage, and he went 
 on to preach with the brethren and people there du- 
 ring my absence. By this time I had fully detei min- 
 ed to make another excursion to the Province of New 
 Brunswick. For ever since I was there last fall, I 
 have fell almost a continual cry for the people. East- 
 port, Eastpori! has been continually sounding in my 
 ears. I\otwiihstandir)g my cough continues bad, my 
 health poor, my friends (many of them) against my 
 going, and a passage by water being often attended 
 with fatigue and danger at this season of the year; 
 yet I must forego all, commit myself to GOD, and 
 go in his name. I think 1 never felt my dependence 
 on the Lord more, nor a greater desire that he would 
 go with me, than I did at that time. I proceeded and 
 attended to my last duty before I embarked, which 
 was to write, and send letters to my relations and to 
 uiy friends in Vermont, New-Hampshire, District of 
 Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode-Island, &c. in which i 
 humbly begged an interest in the prayers of hundreds, 
 taut God would prosper my way.
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. O 
 
 I also mentioned the day thai I l)oped to arrive, 
 and preach at Easlport, which would be on sabbath 
 day, 1 0th of March. 
 
 March 5th, I'nesday morning, 1 went on board a 
 packet which was immediately ui.der way. We 
 quickly lost sight of Portland. 
 
 1 here found myself situated in the midst of about 
 three score and ten, of all classes, sexes and ages. I 
 and several others were sea sick. We had cold 
 stonily unconilortable weather ; and together with 
 this, a crowded cabin made my passage very fatiguing. 
 
 'I'he Lord however was very merciful, and that 
 n)ore than amends lor all. I was enabled to sing, 
 pray and talk some, while on board, which 1 hope was 
 not altogether in vain. 1 sometimes lieard the pas- 
 sengers sing out in the dead of night, (as i lay cough- 
 ing m my birth,) that man will die soon, 1 know : 
 yes, replies aiioiher, that's a church-yard cough. — 
 While hearing their opinions, I could lay witli com- 
 posure, and calmly reply to myself, that I expected 
 10 live to preach Christ to thousands yet, and perhaps 
 lo preach some of their funeral sermons. 
 
 iSiarch 10th, sabbaili day, accordmg to my fait!", and 
 desire, i ariived at Eastport about lO o'clock in the 
 morning. 
 
 How condescending and how kind has my redeem- 
 er been lo me ! 1 am now safely landed on the island 
 that i have longed once more lo visit, before I go the 
 way from whence no traveller returns. I immedi- 
 ately ajtplied lo Capt. John Feavy's where I was cor- 
 dially received by him and his family ; also i)y broth- 
 er (Jharles Peavy and family, who live in ihe same 
 house. Ca[)t. John took my trunk and other things, 
 and having leii me uito a very pleasant chamber, 
 richly lurnished with every thing to make me com- 
 Ibrtaule, said, you must make this your quarters while 
 you stay. 
 
 1 thanked him and praised God. I was afterwards 
 22 Vol. ii.
 
 6 LIFE OF John coLB\. 
 
 informed by brother Charles Peavy's wife tli.nt Capt. 
 Jolin ordered the room pre|)ared tlie day before, on 
 hearing that 1 had arrived at Wesl-quaddy. Ji being 
 now but a few minutes to meeting time, i endeavored 
 lo make ready, and after taking a htiie relresliment, 
 (at the ringing of the bell in the large school liouse,) 
 1 repaired thither for public worship. 1 found a 
 young preacher who dehvered a discourse in the lore- 
 noon. 1 was soon constrained to believe from his 
 notes and manner of i)reacl)ing, that he would not be 
 veiy likely to rouse the people to a sense of their 
 danger. He inibnned me it was a very d<irk time as 
 10 religion on the Island. He however prayed for a 
 j-evival, and that the I ord would send by the hand of 
 whom he vvould send liut it appeared aftt^rwards 
 Irom his opposition and hard speeches, tliat he was 
 not prepared to rejoice in the answer to his prayer. 
 
 Sabbath day, P. M.I was requested by the people 
 ;uid impressed by the good spirit to preach ana im- 
 mediately 1 conlerred not with flesh and blood. 1 
 spoke from Luke 13th chap. 6, 7, 8 and 9ih verses. 
 
 1 he congregation was large, and unusually solemn; 
 many wept, and some rejoiced. 
 
 In the evening 1 j)reached at the same place from 
 Matthew vi. 20. 'J he house was much more crow- 
 ded than it was in the day time. 1 was inlormed 
 many were obliged to go away who could not get in. 
 From every thing I could discover, I began to enter- 
 tain a secret hope, that I had not come in vain, nei- 
 ther in my own strength and thai the impressions 
 which I had felt al)out iiastport since I was liere last 
 tail, were not delusions of the enemy. I thought I 
 could clearly disc(wer a little cloud, about the size 
 of a man's hand, and hear the sound of a great rain. 
 
 O may my God make known his power on this Isl- 
 and ! where there are but a few of his real followers. 
 
 Tuesday evening, I preached at the same [)lace, 
 (from Genesis, chap. 24ih and vtrse 49ih,) throudi
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBV. 7 
 
 much infirmity of body, but with great satisfaction of 
 mind. The people crowded the house, and heard 
 uiili great solemnity and candor. 
 
 Thursday and Friday evenings, 1 preached upon 
 the Island to crowded and solemn congregations. 
 
 Sabbath day, 17th, I preached in the large school 
 house, i\\e usual place ijf public worship, where I 
 rikewise preached in the ev^ening. When I was here 
 last fall, I desired the young people to read attentive- 
 ly- lh(; Sih chapter of Proverbs, and promised them, if 
 1 ever returned, I would preach to them from a verse 
 in that chapter. I accordingly took the 17ih verse 
 for the subject of my discourse in the forenoon, and 
 addressed myself to the youth in particular. The au- 
 dience was large, and they paid the most profound 
 attention. I spoke in the first place of the love of 
 God to mankind in general ; secondly of his love to 
 them in particular, who love him, (for they are to hitn 
 as the apple of his eye ;) thirdly, of the encourage- 
 ment to the youth who seek the Lord early ; for it is 
 said; "They shall find me.'' 
 
 I thought from the attention, solemnity and tears, 
 many said, through his grace we will seek untd we 
 find. 
 
 Tuesday, P. M. we had a free and open confer- 
 ence, for nil to speak, pray and sing, who had a de- 
 sire. I was informed that this was the first meeting; of 
 the kind, that had been on the Island for many years. 
 
 The banisiieJ children of God and mourning sin- 
 ners rejoiced, not only to hear a free gospel preached, 
 but also to hear a free meeting appointed. 
 
 The professors of religion of different denomina- 
 tions, most of whom belonged to' no church in partic- 
 ular, gathered from every part of the Island. 
 
 The meeting commenced with singing, prayer and 
 praises to God, after which I read the 12(h and 13lh 
 chapters of first Coruiihians, and having made some 
 WiqI reuiarks, I gave liberty for oil to speak as. the
 
 8 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 Spirit slionld give utteiance. A ynnnjr mnn nrnseand 
 be[|;.in to tell \vh;it the l.ord had fione lor his so'.il ; ho 
 rehiled his experience, which wr.s very mteresiing;. — 
 'i he people then arose in quick succession .'ind spoke 
 their minds. All seemed lo he led to tell iht ir ex- 
 perience, and 1 think 1 never heard better exj)eriences 
 llian were related that afternoon. 
 
 After about 13 or 14 had spoken, the nii:ht over- 
 took ns. We appointed another conference in a 
 week from that time, and having pia)ed and parted 
 in love, many retnmed to their dwe'lings saying that 
 they had not enjoyed snch a meeting for monilis and 
 years. 
 
 Wednesday evening f preached at the usual place, 
 and a truly solemn meeting we had. 
 
 Friday evening we had a prayer meeting at Mr 
 Jeremiah Burgin's. 'J he house was crowded, it was 
 a weeping and solemn time, 
 
 kSjgns of a revival appeared more and more visible 
 at every meeting which I have aitended. b'atnrday 
 I attended another prayer meeting. About 9oftlie 
 clock while 1 was at prayer, two men came in ; when 
 prayer was ended, they told me, that they had come 
 at the request of Capt. Warren Hathaway, in a small 
 schooner, to carry me to Deer Island, where I was 
 to preach the succeedin^j day, [sabbath day, J I felt 
 very much fatigued, and my cough continued very 
 bad, but my word had gone on and my body n^.ust 
 follow. 
 
 I went on board, we made sail, was hailed by the 
 guard, obtained a pass, got under way, and arrived at 
 Capt. Ilathaway's between one and two of the clock 
 at night. 
 
 1'lie next morning I was joyfully received by the 
 Capt. his wife and family. 1 believe the son of 
 peace abides here. 1 formed an acquaintance with 
 this family when I was here last fail and preacluMi 
 three times in the neighborhood at the house apj)Oint-
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBl. » 
 
 ed. I saw the people collecting by land and water 
 frniTi all directions. We had three meetings in the 
 course of the day and evening. 
 
 The people were all attention and solemnly ; some 
 rejoiced and many mourned. A number came from 
 t^astport, and expected me to return with them, bul 
 by especial request, and from a sense of duty, I tarri- 
 ed Monday, and preached agani in the evening. 
 
 Tuesday morning, Capt. Hathaway and some of 
 I1I3 hired men accompanied me back to Eastport. 1 
 tliink [ may say of this man as the centurion said of 
 himself, Matthew viii. 5, G, 7, 8. 9 ; Luke vii. 2, 3, 
 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 : " I also am a man under authority, 
 having soldiers (or servants) under me and I say 10 
 this man go, and he goeth, and to another, come and 
 he cometli," &c. &c. 
 
 His vessels at sea and those which he had building 
 at home, employ a large number of hands. He has 
 an abundance of this world, but his main treasure 1 
 believe is laid up in heaven. I think him to be a 
 humble christian, and although he has never as yet 
 attached himself to any religious society, I neverthe- 
 less think the day is not far distant when he will, and 
 become a pillar in the church of God. 
 
 Tuesday, at 1 of the clock according to our ap- 
 pointment, we met at brother Charles Peavy's for 
 conference. Our meeting was more crowded and 
 heavenly, than the one which we had last week. — 
 Four and twenty spake for the LORD, and some sev- 
 eral titnes. I cannot express what 1 felt and saw 
 concerning all things around, in any better language, 
 than to say that it seemed as though the house was 
 filled with GOD. 
 
 His presence made the place awful and glorious. 
 
 Many rejoiced, numbers mourned and wept. Some 
 
 confessed tlieir errors, some endeavored to speak, 
 
 but were so affected they could not. Near the close 
 
 of the meeting Mr Jere Burgin, one of the first men 
 
 22* Vol. ii.
 
 10 LIFE OF JOHN COLBV, 
 
 of the Is'a: d in many respects, pcblicly desired pray- 
 ers. This gave greai soltiniiity and favour in llie 
 moment of prayer. Several blooming youih then 
 came to me, and in tears inlbrmed me of their mourn- 
 ing and depraved situation — the desire whicii they 
 had to obtain religion, and to have me remember 
 them at the throne of grace. Judire liurgin, a brother 
 to the one 1 have before mentioned, requested the 
 next conference to be held at his house ; it was ac- 
 cordingly ap[)ointed at the place requested. 
 
 Wednesday evening I preaciied at the usual place. 
 We had a crowded audiL-nce nnd a solemn senson. 
 
 O LORD ! cause thy work to spread with jiower. 
 
 Friday evening I attended a {)rayer meeting at 
 brother Todd's (a little out of town ) 
 
 There were the most people collected that I have 
 seen togei her since I have been on the Island; but 
 the formal improvements and o|)|)Osition from a cer- 
 tain preacher made it rather an uninteresting lime, and 
 caused maiiy to wish tliat he had staid away or been 
 silent. After meeting, (beTore the people were all 
 dispersed ) he made a desperate attack on me with 
 all the artillery he bad, well loaded up with principles, 
 tenets and doctrines of men. This was a general bat- 
 tle, and lasted tdl after midnight. He told me we 
 were as different as 'ight and daikness, and that he 
 detested the doctrine that I preached, viz. '' that 
 Jesus Christ by the grace of Cod tastpd death for all 
 men:" Hebrews, chap 2d and verse 9th. Also 
 'Mhat the spirit of God should reprove the world ;" 
 John chap 16th, verse 8ih. Likewise, " that the 
 gospel was to be preached to every creature ;" Mark 
 chap 16t!i, verse 15th. I told him that detestable as 
 such kind of doctrine was, the Lord had owned and 
 blessed it to the conversion of thousands. He then 
 told me that he thought of staying over the sabbath, 
 and wished to know if I was willing he should attend 
 meeting with me, and preach half of the day.
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 11 
 
 I told him that last sabbath I preached at Deer Isl- 
 and, and had made an appointment here the next ; 
 that there were vacant places all around, and that I 
 had no lirriC to lose or be idle. IVeveriheless if the 
 Lord should summon him, or any body to preach on 
 the sabbath, he nnght be assured that I should not 
 quarrel wiih '.hem about it ; but, said I, you can judge 
 sir, for yourself, whether it will be for the glory of 
 God, for you and me to labour together any longer, 
 when you say, we are as different as light and dark- 
 ness, and that you detest tlie doctrine that I preach, 
 &c. He said no n)ore about staying, but started the 
 next morning for home, having been here about ten 
 days. 
 
 iSabbath day, March SIst, I preached twice in the 
 large school house in the day time, and once in the 
 evenmg ; the house was remarkably crowded at every 
 meeting. .Some stood without and heard as long as 
 tiiey could endure the cold, and many came that were 
 wholly unable to get in or to hear, but went away. O 
 Lord ! bless their dear souls and prepare tl)eai to 
 dwell in that house not made with hands, eternal in 
 the heavens. 
 
 The attention and solemnity, as I have before ob- 
 served, were very great. After sermon in the even'ng, 
 a number si)oke, among whom was Capt. John Peavy, 
 a man of distinction, at whose house 1 reside. He 
 liad professed religion several years ago, and had a 
 beautiful and solemn gift in prayer and exhortation. — 
 At length he shrunk at the cross, laid down his testi- 
 mony, and died. Having an abundance of this world, 
 which loaded his mind with care, he has enjoyed but 
 little religion, (as he says himself.) 
 
 For some time ha has appeared very solemn, and 
 his mind has been much exercised lor several weeks. 
 When he arose and began to speak, he laid the axe at 
 the root of the tree, by confessing his disobedience 
 and backsliding. His coming forward was so unex-
 
 12 LIFE OF JOHN COLBV. 
 
 pected, and liis testimony so weighty, that it cut all 
 before it. It was observed by some, that it seemed 
 like a shock of electriciiy ; everything shook around 
 ihem. 
 
 Monday, April 1st. Very stormy, as it continued 
 to be Tuesday in tlie forenoon. 'J'he wet and muddy 
 travelling did not prevent the people from collecting at 
 Judgo Burgin's in the afternoon for weekly conference. 
 
 There was not only an increase of numbers, but 
 also of speakers. There were about eight and thirty 
 spoke; Judge Burgin among the number; he earnestly 
 entreated the people of God to pray for the conversion 
 of his soul, that he might know the enjoyment of re- 
 ligion, and spend the remnant of his days in the service 
 ot God. He furtlvermore encouraged all aroimd him 
 to seek diligently until they found hmi of whom Moses 
 in the law and the prophets did write. This had a 
 glorious and solemn effect. A number more came 
 forward desiring prayers. O liow unspeakably great 
 has been tlie goodness of the Lord to us this day ! [ 
 am sure it cannot be forgotten in time nor in eternity. 
 
 Wednesday evening, 1 preached at the usual place, 
 the house was thronged, the people very solemn, and 
 I had a good time in preaching the word. 
 
 Friday we had a prayer meeting. In the evening I 
 prearhed at Andrew Warrington's, about a mile up 
 the island. His house, though large was crouded; 
 people came from almost every part of the island ; a 
 large number walked up from the town. Eight spoke 
 after sermon; their testimonies were weighty; some 
 confessed their retnissness and carelessness ; some 
 were under deep conviction, and some happy in the 
 Lord. The young jieople were more affected, th;>n I 
 ever before saw them. 
 
 Sabbaih day, April 7th. Our meetings both in the 
 day and the evening were crowded and solemn. It 
 Vfi thought the assembly in the evening was greater
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 13 
 
 than ever met there before; a large number was with- 
 out; all was attention and mar.y were in tears. 
 
 A number of the British officers and soldiers at- 
 tended., who appeared very candid. 
 
 Monday I visited a number of famihes up the Isl- 
 and; had a good time; lound some happy, some un- 
 der conviction, some mourning for iheir sins, some on 
 beds of languishing; one man in particular who was 
 thought to be near his end. I had the mournful pleas- 
 ure of conversing with him. I found he had embrac- 
 ed religion many years ago, but had been living in a 
 backslidden state. Whtt'O I asked him his views with 
 respect to his recovering, he looked, unutterable 
 things, and said, " I want that life which never dies." 
 This 1 was glad to hear. 
 
 After singing, prayins: and conversing with him, I 
 recommended him and his lamily to God, and the 
 word of his grace. 
 
 Tuesday 9th was a rainy day, and we concluded 
 our weekly conference would be thin, but soon, in- 
 deed, were we disappointed. 
 
 We were immediately convinced, that no weather 
 would stop the people from collecting, for it was al- 
 lowed by ail that there had never been so many seen 
 to a conference before. How many spake I cannot 
 say, but this much I can say, it was a glorious day. 
 Many spoke that I never heard before. The meeting 
 on AV^ednesday evening was crowded and solemn, as 
 usual. 
 
 Thursday I attended meeting at a place called 
 Chocolate Cove, on Deer Island. 
 
 Friday, I2th, we returned to Moose Island. 
 
 We were overtaken by a severe snow storm. A 
 British sailor was drowned in a few minutes after I 
 landfui; four more made a narrow escape. 
 
 Sabnaih day, April 14ih. Preached on Moose Isle 
 at the usual place. The house was not only filled 
 with people, both day and evening, but many hearts
 
 14 ~ LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 were filled with sorrow and mourning, and many mure 
 vviili joy and peace. 
 
 'i'liasday we held onr conference at hrother Peavy's; 
 found tlie house unusu.'dly crowded. Many spoke for 
 the Lord that day, and we could say of a truth, it w<is 
 a day of good tidings. At our meeting on Wednes- 
 day evening I think there was good seed sown, which 
 I trust will spring up hereafter. It was remarkable 
 that there were four preachers present, and not a word 
 uttered by one of them. O (lod! convert preachers 
 unto the work, for Christ's sake. 
 
 Thursday 1 went to Penimqiion, and preached. — 
 In the evening 1 crossed over to Easibay, and j^reach- 
 ed at brother iMoses Lincoln's. The people flocked 
 from all directions, and frofu many miles distant to 
 these meetings. We had a very solemn, refreshing 
 and awakening time. 
 
 Friday I returned to Moose Island, and preached 
 at brother Johnson's in the evening. It was a very 
 solemn, weeping, and crowded house. Two or three 
 blooming youth under deep concern, arose and spoke 
 for the first time, confessing in tears their sins, and 
 desiring the people of Clod to pray for them. 
 
 Saturday I preached in the lower part of the town 
 9t Capt, Compton's. His sister tojd her experience 
 for baptjsni. 
 
 Sunday, 21st, preached on Moose Island at the 
 usual place, and as usual, we had firstly the presence 
 pnd spirit of the Lord; secondly, the prayerrs of the 
 saints; thirdly, a free gospel to preach; fourthly, a 
 crowded audience of attentive, solemn people, in and 
 about the house, to hear. There were not only peor 
 pie from every part of this Island, but also from Deep 
 Island, Campobello, Leebeck, Denninsville, Penam- 
 aquon, East-bay, and some other places. '' Unto 
 him shall the gathering of the people be." There is 
 evidently an increase of people, solemnity, and tears. 
 
 Gpd is carrying on a glorious wo'kj lor which I
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 15 
 
 praise his name. I preached in the afternoon on the 
 subject of election from the following p.issages of 
 scripture; liomans, Chap, viii verse 28, 29, 30, .'53; 
 Romans, Chap, ix, from liie 11th to the 24ih verse. 
 I told the people, they had often heard me proclaim 
 free salvation, and tell them that Jesus Christ by the 
 grace of God had tasted death for every man; He- 
 brews ii. 9; " For there is one God, and one medi- 
 ator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 
 who-gave himself a ransom for all to be testified in 
 due time." 1st Timothy ii. 5ih 6ih; " And he is a 
 piopitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but al- 
 so for llie sins of the whole world." 1st John, chap, 
 ii; verse 2d. 
 
 There had undoubtedly been an inquiry in the 
 minds of many, whether 1 believed in election or not. 
 I told them 1 did, and would proceed to explain the 
 verses I had read. The Lord said to the people of 
 Israel, you, and you only have I known of all the na- 
 tions of the earth. Paul says, " For whom he did 
 Ibreknovv, he also did predestinate." Tliis fore- 
 knowledge does not allude to any thing which trans- 
 jiired in the early ages of eternity, as some people tell 
 us; but it evidently refers to something, which took 
 })lace between creation, and the time the apostle wrote 
 lo the Church of God at Rome. 
 
 To tell us of what took place in the early ages of e- 
 ternity is inconsistent. Eaily ages imply a beginning; 
 and we may with tlje same propriety say towards the 
 latter end of eternity. To say that persons were e- 
 lected ill Christ from all eternity is no election at all ; 
 of course Bible election is destroyed. 
 
 For if persons were ever elected, there must have 
 been a time of tiie transaction. 
 
 Romans, chapter viii: verse 30. 'J'he words called 
 justified, glorified, are all in the i)iist tense; they relate 
 to something which was finished, and ended, when the 
 Apostle wrote, of course they have no allusions to na-
 
 16 LIFE OF JOHN COLBV. 
 
 tions or people since. If those passages prove any- 
 lliiiig lor those who believe in unc.oiiclitiorial eleciion 
 and reprobation, they prove too much; lor it is certain 
 (jrod foreknew every creature, that ever did or ever 
 will exist, and on that principle of reasoning all would 
 be glorified and universalisui be confirmed. Hut this 
 is not the case, lor those who die in their sins will 
 never eo where Clnist is gone. People make a 2;reat 
 mistake when they take those promises that apply to 
 certain characters, as ])rophets and apostles, and apply 
 them to all believers ; or those promises that apply to 
 believers, and apply them to the whole world 
 
 As to election, it doih not appear that ever good 
 men were termed Ciod's elect, till more than two 
 thousand years from creation ; and the first occasion 
 of this kind of language being used, was when God 
 separated or chose the nation of the Jews from the na- 
 tions of the, earth, then sunk in idolatry and wicked- 
 ness. And as the separating of the clinsiians from 
 the Je>vs, when Christ was here on earth, was a simi- 
 lar event, no wonder that similar words and pl)rases 
 should be used. An A[)ostle exhorts his brethren to 
 give all diligence to make their calling and election 
 sure ; had it been made sure in Christ from eternity, I 
 see no propriety in the exhortation. 1 cannot find by 
 searching the scriptures, that the words election, elect- 
 ed and elect, are used more than seven or eight and 
 twenty times ii^ the bible ; and they always refer to 
 all believers in general, and to the apostles, pr()[)hels, 
 Jews, patriarchs, angels, and Christ in particular. 
 
 These words never a[)ply to ungodly sinners, lor I 
 cannot believe that God's enemies are Christ's sheep. 
 l\o man is elected, nor ever will be, unless lie is born 
 again; for we are chosen through sanciificaiion of the 
 spirit and belief of the truth, says the apostle. 
 
 When we are brought to believe in the truth, it 
 makes us free, and we are sanctified by the spirit oi 
 God.
 
 LIFE OB" JOHN COLBY. 17 
 
 It does not follow, because the above classes are 
 called tbe elect, that any are reprobated, unless they 
 make themselves so. If we have but one president 
 or ki'i'j;, it is certain that all the people in the kingdom 
 cannot be elected to tliat office ; yet if his election is 
 such as it ought to be his election is for the general 
 good of the wtiole. This is the idea which I have of 
 election. How important to a lost world was the 
 election of Christ to be a mediator between God and 
 man ; who verily was fore-ordained, saith Peter, be 
 fore the foundation of the world, &c. 
 
 That IS the only place I can find the word founda- 
 tion mentioned in the bible, and there it applies to 
 Christ, who was chosen to be a prince and a saviour. 
 Thus [he unconverted world is benefited in a greater 
 or less degree by every class termed the elect. Ro- 
 (nans, 6ih, I llh, "For the children being not yet 
 born, neither having done any good or evil, &c. " It 
 was said unto her, the elder shall serve the younger;" 
 as it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have 1 
 hited. It has been preached from the pulj)it, and be- 
 lieved by the people, that God hated Esau, and loved 
 Jacob, before they were born; but this is not tlie case. 
 Reader, believe me, God is not partial to one being 
 more than another; read for yourself. Genesis, chap. 
 25th, verse 23d; " And the Lord said unto her two 
 natures, &c. — and the one people shall be stronger 
 than the other people — and the elder shall serve the 
 younger. 
 
 Tliis is the end of what -the Lord said to Rebecca; 
 Jacob's and Esaa's names are not mentioned. About 
 fourteen hundred years afterwards was written in Mal- 
 achi, cliap. 2, to verse 3; was not Esau Jacob's 
 brother ? saith the Lord, yet I loved Jacob and hated 
 Esau. 
 
 riiis is the text to which Paul refers, when he says, 
 as it is written, &c. 
 
 The reason of God's hating Esau may be seen by 
 23 Vol ii
 
 18 LIFE OF JOHN COI.BV. 
 
 reading the tentli verse of Obadiah, and t/ie 41st verse 
 of the 27tli cliapter of Genesis, l.ook and see! it 
 i> very evident that the Lord hates every nuirderer, 
 v.nd loves every christian; (or lie saith to Moses, J will 
 Ivjve mercy on \\h()ni 1 will have mercy. Quere, — 
 On whom will he have mercy .'' On every humble, 
 penitent soul. The scripture saith unto I'haraoh; — 
 " Even (or this same purpose have 1 raised thee up, 
 that I might show my power in thee." 
 
 <^uery. Who has not God raised up to show his 
 power ? It is certain every son and daughter of Ad- 
 am bespeak the power of (iod. Let it be known that 
 I'liaraoh had a space for repentance, as much as any 
 other person; but it appears lie had siimed it away, 
 and he could say, wl)o is the Lord that I should obey 
 Ijis voice to let Israel go .'* I know not tlie Lord, 
 neither will 1 let Israel go. Exodus, chapter 5th, 
 verse 2d. 
 
 He novv makes this proud and stubborn appearance; 
 and having been often reproved and hardened his 
 neck, he was suddenly destroyed, and that without 
 icfnedy. Verse L8th, "and whom he will he hard- 
 eneth;" that is, all such as will not have Christ to reign 
 over them. The same sun that melts down the hum- 
 ble penitent, sears and hardens the stubborn and im- 
 penitent. Verse 20th, " Shall the thing formed say 
 to him that formed it, why hast thou made me thus?" 
 viz. why hast thou made me capable of attaining eter- 
 nal life only through repentance and faith in our Lord 
 Jesus ? 
 
 Hath not the potter power over the clay of the same 
 liunp, to make one vessel to honor and another to dis- 
 honor .'' Every vessel is clean when it comes out of 
 tl)e potter's hand, but the vessels are converted to 
 different uses afterwards, and notwithstanding all 
 God's power, we have no account in the record of 
 truth, that he ever exercised his power in creating any 
 loi" damnation, for he is not willing that any should
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 19 
 
 perish, but that all should come to repentance. 21 
 Peter, iii. 9tli, 
 
 Respecting the vessels of wrath fitted to destruc- 
 tion, it is evident the Lord waits with much long sul- 
 fering to be gracious, till ungodly sinners treasure up 
 wrath unio the day of wratli, and fill up their cup ot 
 wickedness and become ripe for destruction. 
 
 Justice then cries cut them down, mercy no longer 
 interposes, and thus the wicked are driven away in 
 thetr wickedness. 
 
 The vessels of mercy are those which he had after 
 prepared unto glory, not from all eternity, but from 
 the time ihey were converted, and prepared by graco 
 to go into the spiritual house, and be changed froia 
 glory into glory as by the spirit of the Lord. 
 
 I have briefly and candidly offered what light f have 
 on the subject. Christian reader look at it with can- 
 dor. 
 
 Monday 22d; This was a solemn day. A man sia- 
 tioned in the British army, from Scotland, who had 
 heard me preach several times, came in to see and 
 converse with me about religion. I had a good time, 
 and could say with Peter, that God is no respecter of 
 persons. While we were in deep conversation, ti- 
 dings came tliat a British soldier, who had been con- 
 fined in the fort for the horrid crime of murdering a 
 young woman, and who was to have his trial in a few 
 days, had hung himself; although he had always de- 
 nied the fact, by this act he cried guilty with a loud 
 voice. 
 
 In the afternoon, I attended the funeral of Major 
 Dana. Friday he was seen walking in the streets; 
 Saturday evening he died; and now he is moving to 
 the silent grave, preceded by sixty of his brother 
 masons, and followed by his afflicted widow, father- 
 less children, and a long procession of acquaintance 
 and friends. The masonic ceremonies being ended 
 at the grave, the procession returned to hii stately e J-
 
 20 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 iflce, h1 ere liis widow deeply lamented his sudden 
 juid unopened de});irtuie, and ihiit s-lie luid no op- 
 pcituniiy of conversing wiih liim on matleis cl eter- 
 nal nionient. O ye livina:, set your house in order, 
 for you must die and not live. 
 
 I'uesdciy our conlerence was up the Island at broth- 
 er A\ alme's, whose house was well filled. We had 
 as usual a good and solemn meeting; likewise on Wed- 
 nesday evening at the large school house 
 
 I'hursday 1 went, to 1 eer Island, preached in the 
 eveninii; likewise on Friday. 
 
 fc-aturday, returned to Eastport and preached there 
 on the sabbath day, 28ih. \\ e now find that a large 
 house for public worship is very much nteded. 
 
 People came from all directions, and many of them 
 were obliged to remain out of door. After jireaching 
 a sermon, we repaired lo the water, and 1 baptised 
 three. 
 
 it was thought there never w'ere so many people to- 
 gether at Easiport before. At two of the clock in tlje 
 afternoon, 1 preached a second sermon, and at six, a 
 third ; solemnity, attention and mourning for sins were 
 visible through the day. 
 
 1 uesday, April .SOih. At one of the clock, we held 
 our weekly conference at the large school house, for 
 no private house, would convene the people. As a 
 few had been baptized, more expected to be soon, 
 many more under deep conviction, a number of pro- 
 fessors scattered over the Island, who belong to no 
 church in particular, w'e deemed it proper that a church 
 should be embodied, |)lanied, gathered or established, 
 in the apostolic order; lor unkss we are built upon 
 the foundation of the apostles and prophets, .lesus 
 Christ being the chief corner stone, our foundation 
 must fail. 
 
 I had previously embraced opportunities of con- 
 versing with a niiniber of pious, leading characters to 
 know what they intended to do, and inlormed them
 
 LIFE OF JOHN UOLBY. 21 
 
 that they would be under the necessity of choosing 
 one of tlie three lollovving things; 1st, either to join 
 with a smaH church, that then existed on the Island, 
 whose members were chiefly in a backslidden state, 
 too much engrossed with teniporal things, having a 
 form of godhness, but denying the power, as many of 
 them confessed afterwards. 
 
 Or, secondly, to remain as they were; or, thirdly^ 
 to come forward according to the New Testament, 
 and- unite as a church of God. 
 
 The first thing proposed, they said they could not 
 consent to, for their consciences would not allow them 
 to take such a solemn oath, in the presence of God, 
 angels and man, to that m which they did not believe. 
 They were certain that the church had many things 
 inserted in their creed, which were not in the bible. 
 
 As to the second proposition, they said they could 
 not be willing to remain, as they were scattered and 
 slain witnesses, when there were so many coming for- 
 ward who want a house and home; I mean a living 
 church to join. 
 
 And as to the third proposition, they were willing 
 to come forward. 
 
 There were twelve, eight brethren and four sisters, 
 who came forward in the public conference, and uni- 
 ted. I proceeded as a minister of Christ according; 
 to the New Testament, to consider them a church at 
 Eastport, and recommended the scriptures of truih to 
 them, as their only and all sufficient rule of faith and 
 practice. I have no doubt but there were many 
 more good christians present, who would have been 
 willing to come forward and joined, but J thought it 
 not prudent to give a general invitation then, lest some 
 should come forward that we could not fellowship. — 
 The church being furthermore but just embodied, with 
 many s[)ectators they would not be likely to act with 
 that freedom and deliberation, that they would at i- 
 nother time. We therefore appointed another meet- 
 23* Vol. ii
 
 22 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 ing on Saturday late in the afternoon, to liave those 
 who wished to join; those vv[io were seeking religion, 
 &c. to meet with us. A goodly number spoke in the 
 conference; we prayed and departed in love 
 
 Wednesday I attended the funeral of Mrs Cusliing. 
 Wednesday evening we had a very solemn meeting 
 at the Widow JXorrud's; several spoke, and some for 
 tiie first titne. 
 
 Friday evening we had a prayer meeting at brother 
 Tuckey's. 
 
 Saturday, a little before night, we met at brother 
 Feavy's according to appointment; five came forward 
 and joined the church, wliich increased tlie number to 
 seventeen. We appointed Capt. Peavy church clerk, 
 and brother Babcoek, deacon. 
 
 Sunday, May 5!h, we had a blessed, good, solemn 
 meeting; at the close of which, we repaired to the 
 water, and I iiad the happiness of baptizing two. It 
 becomes daily more and n^ore evident that conviction 
 -and attention increase throughout the place. 
 
 Our conference on Tuesday at brother Peavy's, I 
 think, if possible, was more heavenly than usual. A 
 large number spoke; five desired the privilege of join- 
 ing the church; these were received, which increased 
 the number to twenty. May the Lord add to the 
 church daily of such as shall be saved. 
 
 Wednesday, I attended the funeral of IMr Cushing; 
 lie died one week after his wife. They now lay side 
 by side in the cold grave; they lived a very careless 
 lii'e, and it is to be feared, died a miserable death. — 
 They left one babe behind. 
 
 Thursday May 9th. My labor being ended here 
 for the j)resent, 1 left Moose Island, and went to Lu- 
 bec to obtain a passage on to the west. 1 went on 
 board a schooner, Capt. White oi" Portsmouth, Mas- 
 ter, and sailed out a little before dark; stood out to 
 sea.
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 23 
 
 Patiirday night, we were visited with a very heavy 
 gale and storm ; made land. 
 
 Sabbath day morning, a little past 9, through the 
 fog — found it to be an island near Portsmouth — arri- 
 ved in Portsmouth, N. H. harbor at eleven. At 
 three in the afternoon found myself landed in Ports- 
 mouth, instead of Portland, as I calculated, when I 
 left Eastport. 
 
 B.^ing sick, the most of my way up, I was very 
 thankful once more to get upon the land ; for my 
 strength was nearly exhausted, and I felt quite fatigued , 
 I rein-ed to Proiher A. Dea;born's ; went to bed, 
 and took a sweat. The next day, I took the stage, 
 and went to Portland a distance of sixty miles. I at- 
 tended several meet.*-gs, and found that the glorious 
 reformation continued to spread in that town. 
 
 Saturday I took the stage, and returned to Ports- 
 mouth, N. H. I preached there Sabbath day and eve- 
 ning, solemnity and peace were realized. 
 
 Monday 20th, I took the stage and went to Boston. 
 Tuesday evening I attended a meeting there ; tarried 
 in town until Thursday morning, I then took the stage, 
 and went to Providence, li. I. 
 
 pTiday I went to Smithfield. 
 
 Saturday, May 24ih, I had now but nine miles to 
 travel to reach liurrlKiJle, at which place our quar- 
 terly meeting was to commence at ten of the clock, 
 tljat day. Un my arrival I found the brethren and 
 people collected ; the most of them had done look- 
 ing for me, knowing that but a few days before, I was 
 engaged in tlie reformation at Eastport, between three 
 and four hundred miles distant. Some of the pople 
 said a little before I arrived there, that one circum- 
 stance encouraged them to hope, I should yet come, 
 and that was, that I had never failed of coming when 
 I had an appointment there. 
 
 Our meeting, particularly on the Sabbath, was very
 
 24 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 solemn nnd crowded. I doubt not but good was done 
 in the name of Ctirist. 
 
 Two elders attended with me ; one of whom was 
 Elder ^V hite, who had been j)reaching among the 
 brethren and people in my absence. 
 
 I attended several meetings in the course of the 
 week, in Burrllviile and Gloucester ; all of whicli 
 were solemn and crowded, particularly one at Burril- 
 ville meeting house. 'J'he occasion of this meeting 
 was a funeral of one of deacon ^Salisbury's daughters, 
 a member of the church, who was suddenly snatched 
 awav; and on Wednesday the 29th of May, was fol- 
 lowed to the cold grave by a large concoiirse of peo- 
 ple, and a long procession of mourning relatives. 
 
 Sabbath day, June 2d, I preached in (jloucester at 
 ten in the forenoon, and baptized. 
 
 At three in the afternoon 1 })reached eight or nine 
 miles distant at the academy in Smitiifield, and at the 
 close of the meeting baptized three. By tiiis time 
 my little store ot strength was much exhausted. 
 
 Monday, I went to Providence, and in the evening 
 had an interview with the Governor of the State. 
 
 Havini; heard of my passage through Providence a 
 few days before on my way to the quarte.ily meeting 
 at Burrdville, he requested liie faniiiy by the name of 
 Dyer, on whom 1 generally called when in town to 
 give him information when I was again there. A 
 note was accordingly sent, and I found myself happi- 
 ly situated in religious conversation with the Gover- 
 nor. The evening, I believe, was very agreeably 
 spent by both of us, as well as by the family. I 
 found to my satisfaction that he knew experimental 
 religion. 
 
 lie informed me, that he felt happier when he could 
 get with a few of his brethren into a little prayer meet- 
 ing, than he d'd in all the sessions of State, he ever 
 enjoyed. Another mstance he related ; th?t at a cer- 
 tain lime, he retired to his bed under peculiar trials of
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 25 
 
 mind, and after falling into a sleep, he dreamed of 
 reading the following passages of Scripture; "For 
 we have not a high priest, that cannot he touched 
 with a feeling of our infirmities, for he hath heen temp- 
 ted in all points like unto us, yet without sin." 
 
 He then awoke, to sleep again, anil dreamed it over 
 a second and a third time ; he then began to weep 
 and sing the following words; 
 
 " Sweet is the work, my God, my King, 
 .To praise thy name, gives thanks and smg &c." 
 
 Kis wife then awaked him, and he found himself in a 
 flood of tears, but filled with joy. 
 
 I told him that when I was in Vermont last summer 
 a certain preacher mentioned in public, that the Gov- 
 ernor of Rhode Island was a believer in Christ, and 
 had followed him in the ordinance o( baptism. Some 
 who were enemies to Christ disputed it, and said he 
 was on'y sprinkled. The Governor replied as fol- 
 lows. "1 was in the first place sprinkled, and after- 
 wards I subjected myself to immersion." The eve- 
 ning being now spent he kneeled down, and made a 
 very humble, affecting and solenm prayer with us ail ; 
 he prayed very earnestly for me in particular, that my 
 heakh might be restored, and my strength equal to 
 my day ; after which we parted in j)eace. Having 
 now finished my visit (short as it has been) in Rhode 
 Island, for the present, 1 had it on my mind to return 
 to Vermont, to visit my relations and brethren there, 
 and endeavor to regain my health by getting some 
 help for my cough, which remained very stubborn, and 
 distressing. 
 
 Tuesday 4th, I took the stage and went to Boston ; 
 attended one or two meetings with but little satisfac- 
 tion. 
 
 Friday morning at four of the clock, I took the 
 stage, and went to Concord N. H. I found a number 
 of preacliers, brethren and acquaintance belonging to 
 the Senate and House of Representatives, the Legis-
 
 26 LIFE OF JOHN COLCV. 
 
 lature of the State being then in session. I have now 
 paid away near thirty dollars, for stage fare, since I 
 caine from Eastport. >Some nnay think me extrava- 
 gant, as there are cheaper ways of travelling in this 
 country ; hut i)ermit nie to state the circumstances. 
 When I left Portland, the first of March, to go to 
 Eastport by water. Elder White took my horse and 
 carriage, and went to Rhode Island to preach there in 
 my absence. When I returned [ was obliged to trav- 
 el in the stage, as before described. 
 
 Two days before I started on this journey from 
 Rhode Island to V^ermont, an unruly horse was put 
 into my chaise, and ran away with it ; the chaise was 
 immediately upset, while the horse affrighted, was 
 upon the run, and was not stopped, till he had gone 
 three miles ; at which time a little part of the harness 
 was the only thing attached to him. 
 
 Our calculations were then frustrated : Elder White 
 having no horse there, was going with me to the state 
 of New Hampshire, in order to attend a yearly meet- 
 ing ; and as it increased my cough and spitting of 
 blnoH tn riHp horipbnclf , I let him take my horse, and 
 I went in the stage. But to proceed with my narra- 
 tion. I left Concord, N. H. Saturday morning, and 
 went to Andover, N. H. where the yearly meeting 
 was held. It commenced on Saturday, June 8th, at 
 ten in the forenoon, and continued until Monday noon. 
 The collection of preachers, brethren and people was 
 large. Many solemn truths were delivered and felt. 
 Many of the hearts of the saints were comforted, 
 while the unconverted mourned. 
 
 Monday, P. M. I crossed over into Meredith, at 
 which place I found one of my sisters, who had mov- 
 ed from home since I left Vermont. I preached there 
 on Tuesday, A. M. we had a full and solemn meet- 
 ing. 
 
 Wednesday, 12th, having now about one hundred 
 miles to ride, 1 took courage, and shaped my course
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 27 
 
 for Vermont. I arrived at my father's on Saturday, 
 June 1 5th, much fatigued, with a poor, disordered 
 body, but I trust with a thankful heart. I lound my 
 relations all living ; but my two sisters, who formerly 
 had lived at home, and my brother David had moved 
 away since I left, which made it appear rather lone- 
 some ; as there were only four left. My father, moth- 
 er, who was out of health, my brother Jesse, who had 
 become an invalid by a fever sore, and Thomas, the 
 you-nsest of the fam.ily, being fourteen years of age. — 
 These are all who remain to occupy the house and 
 farm where once a large family resided. It was, how- 
 ever, but a few hours after my arrival, before the fam- 
 ily was larger than usual. 
 
 My relations and neighbors hastened to congratulate 
 my return ; we had an agreeable, precious interview, 
 and were not a little rejoiced at the privilege of meet- 
 ing once more on the shores of mortality. I now re- 
 flect W'ith gratitude and admiration, that I have been 
 raised up to labor in the vineyard of the Lord the last 
 year ; whereas, it was not expected by my friends and 
 physician when I was sick last July and August, that 
 1 should be well enough to preach agam, and much 
 less to travel ; but I find that in the Lord Jehovah is 
 everlasting strength. 
 
 I have been absent about nine months and a half, 
 have travelled at least three thousand miles, by land 
 and sea, chiefly bv the latter, and have had the happi- 
 ness of preaching Christ to thousands, and of seeing 
 his spiritual, heavenly kingdom advanced, wlii'e the 
 kingdom of darkness is every where falling. I have 
 enjoyed the presence of n)y blessed Lord, and felt a 
 heavenly peace in my own soul. 
 
 As to my bodily health and strength, it has been 
 poor and weak, i cannot say that I enjoyed one sin- 
 gle day of good health during my absence. I had 
 several attacks, in which I was threatened wiih a sud-
 
 28 LIFE OF John COLBY. 
 
 den removal from this vnle of tears, but having ob- 
 tained lielj) iVoni (jod, I remain till now. 
 
 I continued at my father s and in that region from 
 June 13d) to July 23(1. Two weeks of the time i 
 was scarcely able to sit up. My cough was very dis- 
 tressing, my appetite and strength chiefly gone. I 
 nevertheless attended meeting every sabbath day, 
 while at home, although some of the time 1 was too 
 unwell to preach. I made use of the iollowing medi- 
 cine for my cough ; balsam of honey, balsam loin, 
 tamarack balsam, J)oct. Moore's essence of lifp, with 
 two or tliree sorts of valuable syrups, made of roots 
 &c. About the 1 2th of July I began to discover my 
 health was growing better. i continued to gain 
 strength slowly till the 23d of July, and having preacli- 
 ed and communed with the church the day hut one 
 before, and taken my leave of them and the people, 
 it only remained for me to take leave of my father's 
 family ; which, when I was about to do, my lather 
 asked me if I was ready to start, [ answered him in 
 the affirmative ; he said, we must again pray together 
 before we part. I had till then sustained the thoughts 
 of being separated from my relations in Vermont, with 
 more than usual firmness, but scarce had he began to 
 pray, when 1 lound myself in tears, on ilea ring him 
 repeat these words ; '*■ O Lord look down from heav- 
 en upon us, and give us a parting blessing- I'or here is 
 our son and brother, who after a long absence from 
 us returned home, and having been with us a few days, 
 is again, weak and feeble in body, about to be separa- 
 ted from us." I thought i could trace his feelings 
 from his prayer, and was induced to believe that lie 
 had serious doubts whether we should ever agam meet 
 on earth. I indeed fe't an unusual degree of anxiety 
 about my father, as he had met with an accident that 
 morning ; he fell from the upper (ioor of his still 
 house, by which he was very much shocked. When 
 he and his son for whom he prayed, had both looked
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 29 
 
 to the Lord for a parting blessing, I went my way — 
 This was on Tuesday, July 23d, 1816. 1 had then 
 a journey of about five luindred miles before me. 
 
 i^astpori was the place to which I was bound. I 
 went by the way of Haverhill, N. H. from thence to 
 Sandwich, Portland. Me. Hallowell and Augusta on 
 the Kennebeck, then to Montville, and on to Belfast 
 and Buxtown. Leaving the Blue Hill on the right, I 
 shaped my course (or Sullivan, Stuben, Colombia, 
 Jonesboroui^h, Machias, Dennisville and Easlport, on 
 Moose Island. I preached several times on the way. 
 I arrived at the last mentioned place, August 10th, 
 and although I was mucli fatigued, yet I was enabled 
 to preach the next day, being f!?abbath day. 
 
 Very many attended to hear the word with great so- 
 lemnity. Three months have now elapsed since I left 
 here; the church which was gathered during my abode 
 here last spring, has stood very firm; there are now 
 more than thirty members belonging to it. They con- 
 tinued their regular meetings while 1 was absent; sev- 
 eral experienced religion, and many more were seek- 
 ing. The prospect before us, we could confidentially 
 hope was glorious. A number soon found it their du- 
 ty to follow the Saviour in the ordinance of baptism. 
 The reformation solem.";ly and gradually increased^ till 
 it became more conspicuous and convincing in the 
 eyes of all the people. 
 
 Tlie latter part of September, my mind was re- 
 freshed in hearing from my dear bretliren in the state 
 of ilhode Island, by a letter from Elder Josej)!! White, 
 who is now at that place. He states that it is a good 
 time among the brethren. That some have lately ex- 
 perienced religion; and that he has had the pleasure of 
 baptizing Judge Steer, who went v/ith great firmness 
 and composure. His wife and two daughters have 
 now the happiness, of being members of the same 
 church with him. 
 
 1 continued to preach at Eastport until November 
 24 Vol ii
 
 so LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 28tli. In the mean time I visited Dennisville, Pe- 
 nemaijuon, East-bay, Campobello, Deer-Island, &c. 
 At the latter place 1 called lo see a young sailor, who 
 was very low in consumption; lie could not utter a 
 word save in a whisper. 1 soon found, however, that 
 he felt much concerned about his future state. As it 
 distressed him very much to speak, it was deemed 
 most prudent to talk to him, without asking him many 
 questions. He told me that it would not hurt him to 
 hear me talk, sing, and pray, &c. but tiiat it would 
 give him great satisfaction. 
 
 I endeavored to point out in a clear light the only 
 remedy. J was not a little surprised and affected, 
 when J prayed to see him arise and kneel with me. — 
 A few days after, he was brought out of darkness into 
 (jod's marvellous light, of which happy change he 
 pave a bright evidence, and a general satisfaction to 
 the good people in the neighborhood. He then sent 
 for me to make him a second visit, but my health, and 
 multiplicity of calls and appointments forbade it. He 
 sent again and again lor me, not only to make him a 
 private visit, but to liave a meeting at his house, and 
 preach. 1 at length made an appointment. 
 
 When the day arrived, it was very stormy, windy 
 and cold; I however succeeded in reaching the har- 
 bor, by leaving the open boat in which I started, and 
 going on board a decked vessel. We had a good 
 meeting; the young man seemed perfectly resigned to 
 his lot, and only wished the privilege of going forward 
 in the ordinance of baptism. He told me that that 
 was the reason of his being so solicitous to have me 
 make him a second visit. I asked him if he thought 
 he should survive the completion of the ordinance; 
 he replied, that he had no doubt, but that he should 
 be enabled to pass through it; that it was the com- 
 mand of Christ, and he would support him. He 
 moreover said, that if 1 would visit him again on a 
 pleasant day, he would whisper out what he had ex-
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBT. 31 
 
 perienced to me, and 1 could rehearse it to the breth- 
 ren. I lold him to rest perfectly easy respecting that 
 ordmance, to put all his trtjst in the Lord Jesus, 
 and that if an opportunity did not present, he would 
 be as accepted in the world above without as with 
 baptism; for Christ's yoke was easy, and his burden 
 light; that is to say, he required not impossibilities of 
 his creatures. 
 
 The roughness of the sea prevented his being bap- 
 tized that day, and my ill health afterwards. 1 con- 
 templated leaving Eastport at or before the twentieth 
 of October, but the situation of things was such, as 
 seemed entirely to frustrate my designs, and forbid 
 my departure. 
 
 The reformation increased more powerfully, and 
 there were new instances of conviction, or of persons 
 desiring an interest in our prayers, almost every meet- 
 ing; the enquiry became more general among almost 
 every class from near 90 down to youth and children. 
 One old lady who had lived to a great age, seen a 
 number of reformations, in which her children and 
 grand children had been converted, who had contin- 
 ued impenitent through all, and still felt opposition to 
 the glorious work, was struck under conviction from 
 bearing a sea-captain talk whom she thought to be se- 
 riously iinpressed. She told me it came to her mind, 
 as sudden as thought, why should I commisserate the 
 condition of this man ? Have I not great reason to 
 deplore my own wretched and depraved situation. I 
 who am a hardened and impenitent sinner, four score 
 and seven years old, blind by nature, and more so as 
 to spiritual discernment .'' She was immediately struck 
 with great horror and filled with fearful apprehensions; 
 often saying, that she feared that she had sinned away 
 the day of grace. 
 
 Her situation soon excited tenderness and alarm, 
 not only in the family and neighborhood but in some 
 zneasure through the town; all who called to see her
 
 32 LIFE (»F JOHN COLBY. 
 
 confessed tliat it was the greal power of God. She 
 continued much in the same situation when I left, 
 vvliich was near five weeks afterwnids. About the 
 20lh of October 1 grew more unwell. 
 
 Frequent colds, excessive labors, evening and damp 
 airs had become too hard for me. 
 
 My cou^h grew very distressin;:, especially nights. 
 This soon destroyed my appetitei, and consumed my 
 strength, and ! became grhduidly very weak. Find- 
 ing tlie tide of life to ebb out apace, 1 endeavoured to 
 set things in order by the assistance of (lod as last as 
 possible. My true and faithful iViend and skilful f)hy- 
 sician J)r. Mowe, a member of the church, (being one 
 of the twelve that was first embodied) paid to me ev- 
 ery attention, to grant to me temporary aid, and keep 
 me along. Be not angry with me O reader! say not 
 that I was irrational, when I allege to you that all this 
 lime I ceased not from my labors. I preached con- 
 stantly twice on the sabbath, attended conference in 
 the evening, and occasional meetings through the week 
 and even officiated the two last Sabbaths before 1 lel't, 
 I preached, broke bread, and baptised. Being at 
 length convinced, that it was impossible for me to .re- 
 cover my health, and also continue my labors, and 
 remain in that climate, it became necessary for me to 
 make my arrangements and depart. Graiitutde for- 
 bids that 1 should neglect to mention the kindness of 
 rny dear brother and sister Peavy, at whose house I 
 made my home. I have thought that had it not l)een 
 for their exertions in particular and those of the breth- 
 ren in general to provide every thing comfortable for 
 nature, together with the blessing of God which 1 be- 
 lieve attended their means, that I nerer should have 
 left the Island. I must say, 1 was often a miracle and 
 wonder to myself when pi-eaching and baptizing, to 
 recollect how I passed my nights; which was not only 
 in a coughing, restless, but much of the time in a
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBF. 33 
 
 sensfcless sit'.mtion, (that is out of my head.) Some 
 of tlie neighbors desired the privilege of watching witli 
 me, but i asked them how it would apjiear for them 
 to watch with me on Saturday night, and for me to 
 preach and baptise them on the Sabbath. The church 
 of God at t'iastport, now consisted of forty-seven 
 members; and many more I believed would soon 
 cleave unto the same body. It was generally allow- 
 ed, that the piosp^ct was never more encouragmg in 
 that place of a great and glorious spread of the work 
 of God, unto whose great name be all the glory. 
 
 Thursday November 28!h. I waited in vain till af- 
 ternoon for the packet's boat, that was to come from 
 Lubeck, (three miles distance) after me. It being 
 judged the boat could not })ass on accouuL-of the wind, 
 1 went a short distance to the weekly conference, at 
 Capt. Shackford's, where the brethren and people 
 were assembled for worship, but very soon a messen 
 ger came after me. 1 bade all farewell, and hastened 
 to the boat; which was soon along side of the packet, 
 and the packet under way. The parent, who leaves 
 his chddren, or the minister, who leaves his brethren 
 in the time of reformation can only tell how I felt 
 when I looked upon Eastport the last time as I sailed 
 out of the harbor. Through storms and calms, we 
 made our way along the ragged seas. 1 went on shore 
 one evening m company with the Captain, most of the 
 crew and passengers, and preached on the island of 
 Montdesat. 
 
 December 2d. We wer« anchored safe in Port- 
 land haibor, the place of our destination. In the first 
 house I went a newspaper was put into my hand in 
 which I perceived the advertisement of a letter to me. 
 Four months having now elapsed since 1 had heard 
 from my relations in Vermont, I hoped it might be 
 from them. 1 soon found my expectations certified; 
 it was written by the hand of one of my JJrolhers; — 
 after giving me an account of the family, the conver- 
 24* Vol. ii
 
 S4 LIFE OF JOUM COLBY. 
 
 sion of ilie meniberc, and the prosperity of Zion in 
 general, lie says; "■ '1 here have hei n two rcruaikable 
 insiarces, one of hfe and ilie otlier of death in \V hee- 
 lock. s Col. Chase, a man of note, dreamed a dream, 
 vhich gave him much alarm, as he believed he had 
 but a lew days to live, lie was stiuck under power- 
 ful conviction, and could not rest day nor night, lie 
 said, he must sj)eedi!y 2,0 to hell, for his day uasover; 
 he coniinued in this situation until the day arrived, 
 that he had appointed to die. Me called in ii.iquiie 
 i^radley and settled iiis estate, sent to llardwich for 
 liis brother to come and see him die. 'i lie neigh- 
 bors came in. Towards night he took his bed in 
 great distress, and all tlie spectators supposed he was 
 about to die. liis limbs grew cold, his breath short, 
 and about sunset he appeared nearly lifeless; at leny^-th 
 he began to revive, he arose, leaped, and praised 
 God. lie went from house to house, preached on 
 bis way. This was the instance of life. The instance 
 ol deatli was solemn and alarming — a young doctor by 
 the name of James Ruse, who had lately settled in 
 Wheelock, commenced the business of his prolession. 
 Be was a bright, promisiuji young man, and much es- 
 teemed by the people in that place. 
 
 lie was one day riding on a load of hay, with a 
 pitchfork in his hand, and by some unseen casualty 
 ilie cart lipped up, so that he fell on the side oi)posiie 
 the teamster, 'ihe end of the fork handle struck the 
 ground with the tines upward. Une of the tines en- 
 tered his eye and came out about the top of his head. 
 He becctme immediately senseless and expired in about 
 thirty minutes. 
 
 His compiinion was immediately sent for — when 
 she came to view the distressing spectacle, she was 
 nearly overcome. For a long tmie she entreated him 
 most earnestly to speak but one word, but alas! she 
 could not obtain her request — his sun set in the moru- 
 iijg of his days.
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 35 
 
 O may the living lay it to heart and be also ready, 
 lours with mutual friendship. 
 
 JOx\ATHAi\ COLBY. 
 
 After resting two days in Portland, I took my de- 
 parture, in the Mail stage for Portsmouth N, H. De- 
 cember 5ih. I was cordially received by the breth- 
 ren there. They had written to me at Easlport, six 
 weeks prior to my arrival, to come without delay and 
 labor wiih them in the vineyard of the Lord. When 
 they found 1 had come, they flattered themselves I 
 should make a lengthy visit, i told them I would 
 consf^nt to stay over the sabbath, and then must speed 
 my flight to Rhode Island, and from thence to fcouth 
 Carolina and Ceorgia, for I was convinced that an 
 immediate tour to a warm climate would he of signal 
 service, and perhaps the only thing that would save 
 my life. They all noiwithstanding seemed to be op- 
 posed 10 my going ; their arguments were, that 1 was 
 already so low in health that I could not endure the 
 fatigue ol so lengthy a journey, and that the most eli- 
 gible meihod was for me to stay there, preach a little, 
 and they would doctor and administer to me until i 
 got belter, 'i he latter they did with great attention, 
 for which the Lord rewarded them ; but as to tlie for- 
 mer, I found a difiiculty attended, for when the breth- 
 ren saw a large meeting house crowded, and niuny 
 under distress of mind, their prayers would be. Lord ! 
 strengihen brother Colby to preach this once. '1 bus 
 they continued to pray as long as I staid. I contin- 
 ued there nineteen d lys, three of wliich were sabbath 
 days ; on which I preached forenoon, afternoon and 
 evening. Meetings were also held every night in the 
 week, the most of wliich I attended ; also some on 
 week days. 1 baptized four ; a number professed to 
 experience religion, and more or less desired prayer 
 in almost every meeting. It is thoujiht that a greater 
 prospect of a general reformation in Portsmouth was 
 never known ; time will declare the lesu't. After
 
 36 LIFE OF John COLBY. 
 
 preaching one sabbath chiy, I was so exhausted in the 
 evening and the succeeding day, &o weak, bick, and 
 distressed at my vitals, that it seemed as lliough I 
 couhJ not continue long in the body without reliel. — 
 My former resolutions I now determined to put in 
 practice, and on the 25 of December I took the stage 
 and went to Boston, Mass. 1 rested there one day, 
 and found myself loo feeble to sit up, much less to 
 keep about. 
 
 I'riday, I went on to Providence, R. I. ; tarried in 
 town over the sabbath, but did not attempt to preach. 
 
 Monday, J)eceniber 30th, I went to Burrilville, and 
 was much fatigued at my arrival. 
 
 January 1st, 1817. The trreat Creator has seen fit 
 in his infinite wisdom to prolong my life to the close 
 of another year, and to enter upon the borders ol a 
 new one. 'i'welve months ago to day, 1 well recol- 
 lect the solemn part I had to act. When 1 went Irom 
 Gloucester to Burrilvdie as with a death warrant, to 
 preach on New Year's day, these words : "This year 
 thou shall die." That Almighty being who is infinite 
 in knowledge, being determined to remove suddenly 
 by death a number of inhabitants, no doubt gave tne 
 this text tiiat I might (j^'ive thetn warning. tSoon the 
 dreadful summons came. 
 
 1 can now look back and reflect upon the different 
 events, that have occurred the last year ; but alas ! 
 how ignorant am I of the important scenes, that will 
 unfold ere twelve months more shall roll around. — 
 The bretliren and friends at Burrilville discovering my 
 low state of health, earnestly persuaded me to give up 
 my southern expedition, or at least to stay with them 
 and rest a few weeks. 1 consented to stay from De- 
 cember 30th to January k:5th, making it my home at 
 Smieon Smith's, deacon Salisbury's and Capt. ilhocies' 
 where every exertion was made to render me com- 
 fortable and restore my healih, but a)) was in vani ; it 
 was discovered, that 1 was no beiu.r, hut raiiier grew
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 37 
 
 worse. During my stay here, ] attended four meet- 
 ings only, and was not able to preach at either. In 
 the meantime I went to Providence to see Dr Gano, 
 Pastor of the first baptist church in that town ; know- 
 mg him to be a man of information and experience in 
 diseases of the human body, as well as mind, I thought 
 his advice might be of signal service. He asked me 
 if it was my practice to preach close and pointed doc- 
 trine to people. I answered him in the affirmative. — 
 He- then asked if I could receive the like from him. 
 I told him I could. 
 
 He accordingly pointed out my declining state of 
 health in a clear light. He told me that he thought 
 there was scarce a remote possibility of my living a 
 year longer, if [ continued in these frozen realms, 
 and I indeed from some remarks, that he doubted 
 whether I should survive the spring. He then added 
 that it was his decided opinion, that the only probable 
 remedy would be a speedy journey to the south : 
 should that with, the blessing of God fail to restore my 
 health, my work on earth was done. His close doc- 
 trine so well agreed with my own views and com- 
 plaint, his advice with my own particular impressions 
 for many months past, that it was no hard thing for me 
 to believe the former and consent to the latter. I ac- 
 cordingly took my leave of the good people at Burril- 
 ville and its vicinity and on Saturday the 25ih of Jan- 
 uary went to Providence to take my passage in a pack- 
 et to Charleston, South Carolina ; but as an apostle 
 once said, " bonds and afflictions abide me," 1 have 
 to say disappointments and crosses attend me, for on 
 my arrival in town 1 found the river was frozen up, 
 and of course the harbor completely blockaded. I 
 then concluded I would go on by land as far as New 
 Haven or New York, and take my passage from 
 thence, but to this my friends would not consent, be- 
 cause of the severity of the weather. J)r Gano was 
 also of opinion that I could not prosecute my journey
 
 38 LIFE OF JOHN COLBV. 
 
 by land with any degree of safety ; that I had better 
 wait a few days, and the river would probably be 
 open, and that 1 should be welcome to remain at his 
 liouse, as long as 1 pleased. For this kind reception 
 I (elt very thankfu', as it was my desire to be under 
 his care, as long as I remained in the place. 
 
 The cold weather continued to increase, until it was 
 thought to be several degrees colder than it had been 
 for many years before. I was thus detained in Prov- 
 idence, untd February, the space of five weeks. — 
 During my continuance here, I was unable to attend a 
 single meeting of public worship ; my nights were 
 long and restless — scarce an hour in twenty-four was 
 I clear from paiu; yet for the most part my mind was 
 composed ; — I say to God's eternal praise, my soul 
 was happy. As the spring was then commencing, 
 and warm weather rapidly approaching in South Car- 
 olina, I found it would not do to wait any longer. — 
 The river remained congealed, and would not proba- 
 bly break under several weeks. Being informed that 
 the steamboat ran constantly from New London to 
 New York, I concluded to travel to New London by 
 land, and then pursue my journey by water. I am 
 here happy to bear testimony of the agreeable manner, 
 in which I spent my time with my Iriend and brother, 
 Dr Gano, who was a friend indeed to me. I ever be- 
 lieved him to be a man of God, from my first acquain- 
 tance, and after living in his family five weeks, 1 was 
 still more convinced of his being a pious, humble, 
 faithful and able minister of Christ ; but as his, and 
 all other faithful mmister's praise is not of man, but of 
 God, I shall only add, that I expect to meet him with 
 the spotless multitude, that no man can number, 
 where he will be richly rewarded for all his labours of 
 love. 
 
 Saturday, March 1st, my good friend Daniel Tuck- 
 er came into town well prepared to convey me to 
 New-London (a distance of sixty miles) at which place
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 39 
 
 we arrived Sabbath day evening, and according to the 
 weekly advertisenoent in Providence papers the steam 
 boat was to leave New-London every Monday morn- 
 ing for New-York, but on making enquiry, if the steam 
 boat was in, I was informed the steam boat did not 
 run, and had not for many weeks, as the sound was 
 completely frozen over, so that no vessel could pass. 
 
 On making further enquiry, I found that being at 
 New-London would not remove the difficulty ; as that 
 place was completely blockaded w'uh ice, and a num- 
 ber of vessels that had attempted to enter the harbor, 
 were bound fast m the solid ice. I found I was again 
 stopped, and endeavoured to rest easy, believing, 
 that all things, iti the providence of God, should work 
 together for good. While I tarried in New-London, 
 I attended one meeting on Sunday March 9th, and 
 being strongly solicited, 1 attempted to preach in the 
 afternoon. The same minister, who invited me, had 
 said over and over again, that I should never again be 
 well enough to preach, and that he did not believe, I 
 should live over a month. I told him, it I could 
 know, that the Lord spoke by him, it would be a 
 pleasing thought, that I could leave this tenement of 
 clay, and in one month be in Heaven to sing with 
 Jlngels., and to behold my dear Saviour face to face. 
 
 But to proceed ; the weather being very pleasant 
 and warm, the embargo of ice was soon raised ; it 
 had, however, advanced so far in the year, that I had 
 nearly abandoned the idea of travelling any farther 
 south, but 1 finally concluded, that I should feel better 
 satisfied to go as far as New-York, and after seeing 
 what effect il had, I could better determine the course, 
 which was most eligible. 
 
 March 11th 1, sailed in a packet for New-York, 
 ar.d arrived there the 12;h. Whether 1 took a little 
 cold, whether it was the fatigues of the voyage or ef- 
 fects of the sea air, 1 was unable to determine, but I 
 found myself much worse, than T was before I left the
 
 40 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 
 
 packpt. The next day I was no better, and (hiring 
 my stay in the City, which was nine days my heahh 
 evidently dechned. 1 had also an ulcer sore, which 
 gathered and broke within, and proved very (iistress- 
 ing. 1 do not recollect that 1 ever suffered a more 
 severe fit of sickness for the same length of time ; I 
 beheve many who saw me thought, 1 should never 
 leave this citv, until I was borne out on the mournful 
 hearse, and lodged in the cold grave, and indeed it 
 pppeared to me, v^hen 1 looked behind me, around 
 me- to natural causes, and to earthly physicians, there 
 was notliing to be seen but death. Hut when 1 turn- 
 ed my eyes to the world of glory, there was nothing 
 to be seen but life, life, eternal LIFE ! before me, 
 nor had I the shadow of a doubt, but there was a 
 mansion, a crown, a robe, and a harp lor me. These 
 views could not fad to make me composed and hap- 
 py, but O ! had I been destitute of religion, then had 
 I been a miserable spectacle on earth of one dying far 
 distant from all relations, dying among strangers, dying 
 in my sins, dying to be banished from the iiresence of 
 God, dyin* to endure the anguish of a second death. 
 
 Sinner ! Shall I wave my subject to tell you, that a 
 dying hour will be a solemn battle, when you must 
 fi^ht with one, who is stronger than yourself? liow 
 will your sins sharpen the sting of death, and speed 
 the gloomy chariot till he overtakes his victim ; and 
 when your body is dead, your soul must repair to a 
 slighted, injured Judge to hear your dreadful doom ! 
 Live no longer without Christ, build on the sure 
 foundation and all is well. But I i)ass to mention an- 
 other circumstance, which added greatly to my corn- 
 fort, viz. that the LOUD was mindful of me in pre- 
 paring me a home. I was introduced to one of the 
 first families in A'ew-York City, the Hon. Judge B. 
 Tallmadge's, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, as 
 
 1 was informed. I was there received as a brother, 
 and nursed as a child. The Judge himself, a pious,
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBT, 41 
 
 and worthy christian was not at home ; being in a de- 
 cline lie had gone to Charleston, South Cinolina lo 
 spend the winter for his health May the Lord bless 
 him and his family, and reward tliem in the resurrec- 
 tion of the just, for their labours of love to me and 
 others. I was now satisfied, that it was not my duty 
 to proceed any further souih at present, and ol" course 
 determined, if the Lord would give me life and 
 strength, to shape my course for my Father's in Ver- 
 mont. Accordingly I went on board a packet the 
 21st of March and returned to New-London. I was 
 so fatigued, when I arrived there, 1 could scarcely 
 walk the cabin. After resting four or five days with 
 my good brother Sizer, I look the stage and went to 
 Coventry li. L 1 stopped there three days. One of 
 the bretiiren then went on with me to Daniel Tucker's 
 in Smithfield, and 1 thus arrived the last day of March 
 to one of my good old homes in Rhode Island; but 
 how was I surprised to learn, that my Father had been 
 on there after me in order to carry me home. The 
 reasons, which induced him to take this long journey 
 were these ; he knew from the letters, vv'hich 1 had 
 transmitted to him that I was reduced to a very low 
 state of health, and the last time I wrote to him, I in- 
 formed him of my intention to journey lo the south- 
 ward. The next day after he received the letter he 
 started to Rhode Island, determined to find me if pos- 
 sible, and persuade me to return home with him, but 
 if he could not do this, his plan was to go on to the 
 southward with me. Rut it so ha|)pened, 1 had been 
 absent just a week, when he arrived at Doctor Gano's 
 in Providence where he expected to find me ; he then 
 relinquished his pursuit and returned home. The 
 affectionate parent, who reads tliis may judge what 
 were the feelings, and the child who hears, how I was 
 impressed on my return, to tliink an aged parent had 
 taken so much pains to bring home Joseph's bones. — 
 While [ tarried at i)aniel Tucker's, the brethren and 
 25 Vol ii
 
 42 LIFE tr J»MN COLBY. 
 
 people of almost nil classes came in to see me, as they 
 supposed for the last time, and among the rest, my 
 good friend Dr Clano of Providence, who camy ten 
 miles to make me a visit. His conversation, prayers 
 snd visits were very refreshing to myself, the family, 
 and neighbors, who were collected together. 1 tarried 
 at I), flicker's in ^^mithfield and Father Rhodes' in 
 l^urrilville one fortnight. Jjeiiig then as well prepared 
 as I could be, having a good hor^e and chaise, and 
 ►Stephen Tucker, one of the young l)retl)ren to go 
 ^ith me, 1 made another move for home. I left IJur- 
 lilville, R. I. on the 15ih of April, and arrived at my 
 father's in ^^utton Vt. the 24th, 1 was strengthened to 
 »ndure the fatigues of the journey beyond my own and 
 (very other person's expectation, t^'urely the Lord 
 V as w'ith me, his hand sustained me, or it had been, as 
 many prophesied, that 1 should die on the way and 
 never reach home. I was now once more unexpec- 
 tedly and cordially received at the hospitable mansion 
 ol "my Father. My brother Jonathan and his wife had 
 moved home to live with, and take care of ray parents 
 tl;e remainder of their life. Every attention was now 
 paid t-o iheir son and brother which his reduced situa- 
 V:on demanded, but finding all their efforts bafflefl, 
 ihey began to persuade me to have recourse to medi- 
 cal aid. Aotwithstanding I had believed for consid- 
 erable time, that my disease would parry a'l'the efTorts 
 vi human skill, yet I indulged my friends and consen- 
 ted to their propositions. 'ihey soon, however 
 f(Mmd. that all was in vain ; my stubborn cough was 
 nc t to be checked by the virtues of medicine, nor was 
 my disordered lungs to be healed by the power of it. 
 Almost every person now despaired of my recovery — 
 my physicians considered me nearly gone with the 
 consiimption — they said, that they could do no more 
 ior me, for I was beyond the reach of medicme. — 
 'J'his 1 was glad to hear them acknowledge, for 1 had 
 been sensible of the fact for many months. I then
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBT. 43 
 
 •took tlie liberty to mention ray faith in the physician 
 of soul and body, saying in tlie hearing of many, the 
 great physician in the world of glory has povver to 
 heal me, and if he is sent for, I have no doubt but he 
 will come and do it ; for he never failed in a single 
 instance. The truth of this saying, the manner ol his 
 being sent for, the situation in which he found me, [ 
 shall hasten to relate. The first week in June, 1817, 
 it was evident I was failing faster than usual ; my 
 cough became extremely distressing, which, togethev 
 with the weakness and pressure upon ray lungs and un- 
 common sliortness of breath made it appear, and not 
 without reason, that I should breathe my last. My 
 sleepless nights, and restless days, singular distress in 
 my heart, with occasional pains in every part of the 
 system, cold sweats in the night, a raging iever with 
 alternate cold cliills, together with the swelling of my 
 feet and legs, threatened my speedy removal to the 
 world of spirits ; nor do I believe I could have con- 
 tinued in the body four weeks longer and perhaps not 
 one, had not the Lord appeared. The maimer of his 
 being sent for I will also mention. Sunday eveningj 
 June Sih, my father returned from AV^heelock, whery 
 he had been to attend a quarterly meeting, and after 
 relating what a wonderful season they had had, he 
 mentioned over the Elders who attended ; they were 
 men with vvJiom I was well acquainted, men who had 
 been made near to me. I passed the night in silent 
 meditation, thinking over the goodness of God to me, 
 &c. [ also reflected how I had tried means (which I 
 coniider is every one's duty) to regain my health, by 
 following the directions of one and another, but that I 
 had never followed the directions of the apostle 
 James, as mentioned in the 5th Chap. 14th and 15th 
 verses ; '• Is any among you sick, ^c." My mind 
 had been much exercised on this subject for some 
 time, and now [ resolved to put it in practice. 
 
 i\ext morning, Jun« 9ih, iny father came into my
 
 44 LIFE OF John coLKi. 
 
 room, and I fold him wl.at passed in my mind, and 
 wluil 1 was about to do. He seemed vei-y much re- 
 j.)ic(>d, and very strong in the faith that it was of the 
 i.ord. 1 asked liim who I should get to go and call 
 for the elders of the church, he replied that 1 • would 
 go himself, and while he was preparing, lite very four 
 elders I had selected came on purpose to prPiy for my 
 life, as they informed me. 'J his visit they agreed 
 upon the day before at the quarterly meeting. They 
 soon began to pray to the J.ord, and his ears 1 beheve 
 were open to their prayers. I felt the power and 
 spirit of the Lord Cod upon me, and before they had 
 done praying, every pain of body lelt me ; I felt per- 
 fectly hap[)y, ealm and free from pain as I ever did in 
 my life, 'i'lius I continued as long as the heavenly 
 shower lasted, which was severa hours. 
 
 I cannot say, as was said of one in scripture, " that 
 he was made whole from that hour," but I believe I 
 began to amend from that hour. It appeared to me, 
 that my disorder was routed, luy lungs in some meas- 
 ure relieved, that 1 breathed much easier, and that my 
 cough began to abate. In short, it appeared to me 
 like this, that it appeared in answer to the prayer of 
 faith to re[)rieve me from the grave, and that he would 
 again raise me up to preach the everlasting gospel. — 
 Eut as 1 had been a long time declining, I must rea- 
 sonably expect to be a long time recovering. Tow- 
 ards the latter part of June the Lord sent along a new 
 preacher by the name of Clarrissa Danforth, from 
 Wethersfield, state of Vermont. Her first meeting in 
 this county was at Danville, where she preached to 
 the admiration of a numerous auditory. After she 
 had |)reached there a few times, she came to Sutton, 
 and preached, and from thence proceeded to preach 
 in all the towns around. She held meetings in Whee- 
 Inck. Lyndon, i'urk, Kireby, W'alerford, St. .lohns- 
 bury, Barnet, Peacham, Sheffield, Newark, Concord, 
 Cabot, &c. 4'C. Ii is generally al'owed, that there
 
 LIFE OF JOHN COLBY. 45 
 
 never has been a preacher through these parts, that 
 called out such muhitiides, as went to hear lier. — 
 A'or was this the only good effect which was experi- 
 enced from her preaching, for there was a glorious re- 
 vival of the work of the Lord in almost every town 
 where she preached. The high sherifFof this county 
 was among the first of the converts. She appeared to 
 be a young woman of extraordinary talents, of a good 
 education, and parentage, and of much grace. She 
 wa^ four or five and twenty years of age. She in- 
 formed me that she was struck under conviction, by 
 hearing me speak six or seven years ago, as I passed 
 through the lower part of this state, on my way to the 
 Ohio. She was soon after converted, and had now 
 been preaching upwards of three years with great suc- 
 cess. 
 
 I now pass on to observe, that according to my 
 faith and m answer to the prayers of my brethren, oa 
 the 9ih of June, I soon found my health began to im- 
 prove, and by the last of July I was not only able to 
 attend public worship, but sometimes to speak a few 
 minutes to the people. In this I continued to ascend 
 the hill, through the month of August. On Sunday 
 the 24th, after public worship we repaired to the wa- 
 ter side, where prayer was wont to be made, and it 
 being the choice of the candidates that I should bap- 
 tize ihem, I conferred not with fiesh and blood, but 
 walked down into the water. Ihis was very unex- 
 pected to nearly all the brethren and people, for they 
 did not suppose I had strength sufficient, or that it 
 was [)Ossible for me to perform the ordinance. They 
 tiierefore paraded along close by the water ready to 
 leap in to my assistance ; but a stronger arm than that 
 of man supported me. I know not that I ever bapti- 
 zed with greater ease, or felt happier in administering; 
 the ordinance. 
 
 On the 30ih and Slst of August, I attended a quar- 
 terly meeting at Danville, a distance of sixt3en ot 
 25* Vol ii
 
 46 LIFE OF JOHN COLEV. 
 
 eighteen miles. After meeting 1 returned liome, less 
 fatigued than I expected, and coultl s:iy iVom niy heart 
 in the language ol that short and impressive psahn 
 (117) U praise the l.oid all ye nations ; praise him 
 all ye people. For his mercilul kindness is areat tow- 
 ards us, and the truih of the Lord eiidureth lorever. — 
 Praise ye the Lord. 
 
 i continued at my fathers in Sntlon until the lOih 
 of Septemberr 1 then left my, father's house, went 
 to St. Johnsbury and staid at my aunt lirockway's, 
 11th went to Aeubury and slid at Col. ►^iickney's. 
 12th went to Riiiuney ; 13ih to Moulionborough ; 
 14th to Sandwich ; loth to Parsonsvdle to J'^lder 
 Buzzel's ; l6ih to Elder Inillock's ; I7th to Gorhain; 
 18th to Portland : 20th to Scarborough ; 21st to 
 York ; 22nd to Portsmouth ; 2oih to Kingstown ; 
 5i6th to Haverh'U ; 27ih to Salem ; 28th to Charles- 
 ton ; 29ih to Attleborough 30lli to Providence, to 
 Doct, Gano's ; October 1st to Burrilviile ; 3d to 
 Srnithfield ; 4th to Coi^entry, to Elder Earnam's ; 5th 
 to jVor\vich ; Gih to Lime ; 7th to liillingsworth ; 
 8th to \ew-Haven ; 9th to Shaifield ; lUth to Stam- 
 ford^- lltL to East Chester; 12th to New-York; 
 13ih to Milion, New-Jersey; 14th to New-Bruns- 
 wick; 15th to Trenton ; IGth to Morrisvdle, Penn- 
 sylvania ; 17th to Philadelphia, where I continued 
 until the 27th. At 1 o'clock I left Philadelphia, 
 took the steam boat and proceeded down the iJela- 
 ware to Newcastle, a distance of 40 miles ; 25th left 
 Newcastle at four in the morning, and went in the 
 stage 16 miles to Erenchtown ; tlien took the steam- 
 boat and proceeded down the Elk river into Chesa- 
 ])eak bay, and from thence to iialtimore 70 miles ; 
 39th con inued in Baltimore; 30ih left Balimare in 
 the morning, took the steam-boat. Virginia, and arri- 
 ved at Norlolk in Virginia the next morning, 200 
 miles ; continued in Norfolk from the 31st ol Octo- 
 ber to the
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 The foregoing is the last of the journal written by 
 Elder John Colby. The first news that saluted the 
 ears of his friends, was in a Boston paper, as follows: 
 
 OBITUARY. 
 
 " Departed this life, yesterday morning, (Novem- 
 ber 2Stl),) at the residence of Mr Wm. Fauquier, in 
 this borou;i;h, after a painful and lingering sickness, 
 which he bore with christian fortitude and resignation, 
 the Rev. JOHN COLBY, a Baptist minister from the 
 state of Vermont. A few weeks since, Mr Colby 
 reached this place from the north, being on his way 
 to Charleston, S. C. where he hoped to recover the 
 heahh and strength which he had spent in the service 
 of his Lord and Master. But it was decreed otlier- 
 wise; his sufferings are at an end, for he has fallen a- 
 sleep in the arms of Jesus, and his immortal spirit has 
 winged its flight to that bright world of bliss, where 
 the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary pil- 
 grim is forever at rest. For the satisfaction of his rel- 
 atives and friends at a distance, and as an act of jus- 
 tice to the worthy family, in whose house Mr Colby 
 breathed his last, we deem it proper to state, that ha 
 received every respect and attention, which his offices 
 and his sufferings required." 
 
 J^urfolk, Va. paper.
 
 48 APPENDIX, 
 
 Soon afler llils, his father received ihe following 
 letter from the good man at whose house he deceased. 
 
 " JVb;/o//e, Va.Dec. 1, 1817. 
 Dear sir, 
 
 The ohject of this is to afibrd you intelligence 
 of the departure of the Rev. John Colby from this in- 
 to a better life. On the last of October, or the first 
 of November, he arrived in this place, journeyins: to 
 the south in ijuest of health. An immediate op|)ortu- 
 nity for his departure from this place did not ofi'iT. — 
 His heavenly Father sent the kind conductor, death, 
 hy whom he was led from this land of sorrow into a 
 land of delight, which is not infected with any noisome 
 pestilence, or ccntaniinated air; where lie will be af- 
 flicted no more, but spend an eternity in songs of 
 praise to that rich free grace, of whicii he was a par- 
 taker, which of course trained him to spend his life 
 in the service of his lieavenly master. You will find 
 here enclosed an obituary notice of his death. 
 
 He desired that his books and clothes should be 
 conveyed to Dr Gano's, Providence, Rhode-Island, 
 w'liich will be done by the first conveyance. Alter 
 defraying the expenses incurred, there is left in my 
 hands, fifiy-two dollars and lorty-niue cents, as per 
 statement below. He said something about tlie erec- 
 tion of a tomb-stone — should you direct this to be 
 done, it shall be promptly attended to, otherwise you 
 are at liberty to draw on me, or advise any other 
 manner in which the balance may be conveyed to you. 
 1 ours truly, 
 
 WM. M. FAUQUIER, 
 Deacon of the Bainibt Church in Norfolk. 
 Cash left by him in my hands, $103 49 
 
 Board, medicine attendance, 20 00 
 
 Funeral expenses, 31 GO 
 
 $52 49 
 
 f
 
 APPENDIX. 49 
 
 The text on the occasion was, " Be ye also ready, 
 for in such an hour, &c. the Son of man cometh." 
 
 The letter of Deacon Fauquier, is publishhd in or- 
 der to show to the world the good hand of God, in 
 delivering John Colby, his servant, into the care of a 
 godly man, although he had to lay his bones nine hun- 
 dred and fifty miles from his poor troubled parents; 
 who, nevertheless, with the greatest propriety, could 
 say with the apostle, " JS'ot to sorrow for the dtad as 
 those who have no hope. May God sanctify it to their 
 present and eternal good.'''' 
 
 The second letter that Deacon Fauquier sent to his 
 father, states that Elder Colby arrived at his house on 
 Friday, much fatigued; but on the next Sunday, there 
 being no minister, he went to meeting and delivered 
 two good discourses, and attended meeting two Sun- 
 days after* He then told the deacon, that he had 
 come a great vpay from home to die with him, and re- 
 quested that he might be interred in their burying- 
 yard. His request was granted, and his body rests 
 within the gloomy pales of the abodes of the dead. 
 
 According to his desire, his father sent and caused 
 a handsome, white marble tomb-stone to be erected, 
 and engraven with his age, death, &,c. which will 
 stand as a monument to show to the living the spot 
 where his remains were deposited, until from the sleep- 
 ing dust shall spring a body of its own seed, a spirit- 
 ual body, fashioned like unto the glorious body of 
 Christ, according to Paul, Philippians, iii, 21: " Who 
 shall change our vile body,^^ &c.
 
 •BIOGRAPHICAL REMARKS UPON THE CHAKACTER AND LABORS 
 OF ELDER JOHN COLBY. 
 
 " He being dead yet speaketh." — Heb. iii, 4. 
 
 Elder Colby left the habitation of his father, and 
 the company of his friends in Vermont, hke Phdip, to 
 go toward the south to preach Christ to the people, 
 and woo a bride for his master; indulging, at the same 
 time the fond hope of regaining his heahh, which for 
 several years had been impaired, and more especially 
 so for several mojiths, in this, however, he was disap- 
 pointed, having arrived at tlie house of Deacon Fau- 
 
 . quier, he became sensible that he should die wiih him. 
 Notwithstanding his outward man had long been de- 
 caying, yet he seemed to die suddenly. It is highly 
 satisfactory that he was enabled to preach several 
 times in the borough of Norfolk after his arrival, and 
 thus to finish in Virginia, as it were, before noon, those 
 gosp«l labors which he began in the morning ot life, 
 
 . in tlie state of Vermont. 
 
 It produces pleasure to the relations and brethren 
 of Elder Colby to contemplate, that, as it has pleased 
 God to call him home when in a distant land, nearly 
 a thousand miles from his friends in Vermont, he was 
 directed to the house of such a man as Dea. Fauquier 
 appears to have been; that he apparently had every 
 necessary help, and all due attention paid him, till he 
 drew his last breath; and that the mortal remains of 
 our departed brother were interred, in a decent and 
 christian like manner. Doubtless, our tears would 
 start afresh, could we have the privilege of beholding 
 the marble monument which stands at the head of his 
 grave, and there read the name of him whom we high- 
 ly esteemed for his work's sake. 
 
 From a child John Colby was pleasing and engaging 
 in his deportment. From the time that he experienc-
 
 APPENDIX. 51 
 
 ed religion, that which was solemn and striking attend- 
 ed all his transactions. Those blossoms which ren- 
 dered his summer delightful, and which ultimately pro- 
 duced such an abundant harvest^ budded early in his 
 spring He was converted, and by the grace of God 
 prepared for the ministry very young. He entered 
 with great boldness and confidence, the beautiful field 
 of the gospel when but a youth, and left father and 
 mother, brothers and sisters, houses and lands, for the 
 sa4<e of the gospel; and went forth in the name of the 
 Lord through various states, preaching as he went, 
 saying, the kingdom of heaven is at hand, repent ye, 
 therefore, and believe the gospel. -Being furnished 
 with the whole armour of God, and liaving weapons 
 not carnal but mighty, he was enabled to pull down 
 many of the strong holds of sin and Satan; and by 
 him the arrows were made sharp in the hearts of the 
 King's enemies, and himdreds fell under the word. 
 
 As a preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, El- 
 der Colby was hun)ble, engaged and persevering. He 
 was instant in season, and out of season. He fre- 
 quently rode many miles, and attended several meet- 
 ings tlie same day. In his preaching he was plain and 
 familiar. He communicated his views with ease to 
 himself, and satisfaction to his hearers. Although he 
 was not in the unpleasant habit of using great swelling 
 words, yet his language was generally correct, and 
 liis style usually bordering on the subhme. Like the 
 ancient holy men of God, he spake as he was moved 
 upon by the Holy Ghost. 
 
 He was admirably calculated to attract the attention 
 and command the esteem, of all classes of people.—^ 
 His gestures were becorning and graceful. His words 
 were solemn and weighty, well selected and arranged; 
 yea, they were like '^ apples of gold in pictures of 
 silver. 
 
 In his public communications he was not only en- 
 lightening but awakening, entering deeply into the spir-
 
 52 APPENDIX. 
 
 it of the subject, in which he was engaged. Hard in- 
 deed must have been the heart of that person who 
 could have beheld the almost worn out body, and 
 heard the solemn and pathetic addresses, of I'.lder 
 Colby, without melting into tenderness, and giving vent 
 to tears. 
 
 Had not this man of God been called into the work 
 of the ministery, he probably might have sojourned in 
 the circle of his acquaintance, prospered in the world, 
 and obtained the comforts of life, and theri^by have 
 escaped those severe conflicts and painful privations, 
 to which his calling subjected him. But it was not so 
 with him. He must leave all to follow Christ and be- 
 come a fisher of men. 
 
 This vessel was chosen to bear the Savoru's name 
 among the gentiles. Be must forsake that /aiAer who, 
 under Cod, gave him life, that mother who sustained 
 him, those brothers and sisters who were near and 
 dear unto him, and all his prospects of earthly gain., to 
 go forth weeping, bearing precious seed. 
 
 The efiect of his preaching was wonderful, and the 
 fruit of his labors abundant. He had the satisfaction 
 of seeing hundreds of his fellow men turn to God. — 
 He did not labor long in any place unless signs of re- 
 formation began to appear, but would leave that [)lace 
 and eo to another where the Macedonian cry was 
 heard. Hence he was in the work of God, and suc- 
 cess attended his labors through the whole course of 
 his ministry. 
 
 He travelled and preached in many places where a 
 free gospel had not previously byen preacliLd, raised 
 the standard of life, proclaimed liberty to captives, and 
 the opening of the prison to them liiat were bound. — 
 The Lord made liim instrumental in turning many 
 from darkness to liglit, and Irom tlie power of toatan 
 unto God. 
 
 In the short course of his pilgrimage he baptized
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 53 
 
 mRny hundreds.* He had the success, in many in- 
 stances, of turning a barren wilderness into a fruitful 
 field; and of planting, and setting in gospel order, sev- 
 eral churches., which, wliile he rests from his labors, 
 are increasing in numbers, and growing in grace. 
 
 Those who are unacquainted with the operation and 
 effect of the gospel, and do not know by happy ex- 
 perience that it is the power of God unto salvation to 
 every one that believeth, will probably discredit some 
 of the statements of Elder Colby, concerning conver- 
 sions and reformations, or at least may conclude that 
 the accounts are exaggerated; but his readers are as- 
 sured that it is not so. The writer of these remarks 
 was personally acquainted with Elder Colby; he has 
 also travelled into many of those places in which the 
 revivals of religion were, as spoken of by him. There 
 are also hundreds of others, now living in ttie states of 
 Vermont, New-FTampshire, Maine, llhode-lsland, 
 Ohio, and other places, who can testify that the ac- 
 counts which are written in his journal are true. 
 
 In the principles of religion he was firm. He was 
 not tossed with every., nor even with any wind of doc- 
 trine, contrary to the doctrine of Christ. He contin- 
 ued until death, with that peoplef with whom he was 
 first connected; to whotn his language was, during his 
 life, " entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from 
 following afier thee." 
 
 In consquence of the active labors, and indefatiga- 
 ble toils oi Elder Colby, he had many hardships to 
 suiTer, many trials to encounter, and many temptations 
 
 * By a manuscript found amons his papers since his decease, 
 U appears that from August 12, 1810, to Nuv. 28, 1816, he bap- 
 tized 610 persons. The names of these persons are in the pos- 
 session of the publishers, who at first entertained an idea of in- 
 serting them at the close of this volume — bat upon further 
 reflection it was thought to be inexpedient. 
 
 f The united churches of Christ, commonly called Free-WUl 
 Baptists. 
 
 26 Vol ii
 
 51 APPENDIX, 
 
 to endure. He left an earthly father's house \vl)cre 
 Uiere was bread enough and to spare, and went forth 
 
 i^poor, yet making many n'c/i, as having nothing, yet 
 possessing all things. He faced the |)iercing winds of 
 ihe north by night and by day ; and underwent perils 
 by sea and by land, which doubtless hastened liis 
 death ; but he lived long on ilie earth, for " that life 
 is long which answers life's great end." 
 
 ' Although he was accustomed to expose error, to 
 bring to light the hidden things of iniquity, and with 
 gentleness and meekness to reprove the friults of oth- 
 ers ; yet, he possessed an extensive degree of that 
 charity which is the bond of perfectness, which hop- 
 eth all things, which endureih all things, and worketh 
 no ill to its neighl)or. It always appeared to rejoice 
 hi? heart to see the likeness of Christ in any person. 
 And so sensible was he of his relation to the children 
 of God, that he was frequently heard to say, " 1 John 
 am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in 
 ihe kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ." 
 
 Jn the private circle Elder Colby was also a bright 
 and shining light. He was a preacher of righteousness 
 by \he fireside. In intervals of public worship, he 
 employed his time in praying, singing, and conversing 
 with the people about the things that belonged to their 
 peace. To bring the sinner to a consideration of his 
 w'f.ys, to comfort the mourner, to instruct the saint, 
 and to build him up in the most holy faith, was his 
 endeavor and delight. All his movements seemed to 
 declare that he sought a belter, that is, a heavenly 
 country, a city which hath foundations ; and that it 
 Wiis his principal aim to persuade others to enter into 
 that rest whic h remaineth to the people of God ; and 
 no doubt that thousands will have reason to rejoice in 
 eiernity that they ever saw and heard him. 
 
 The light which was in this excellent man was sel- 
 dom, if ever, eclipsed by indulging improper passions, 
 or tempers of mind, or any of those vices, which usu-
 
 APPENDIX. 55 
 
 ally attend them. He appeared to have the command 
 of liimseir, or rather grace reigned in his heart, where- 
 by he was enabled to bruig under his body, and keep 
 t in subjection. 
 
 Wnh respect to the person of this able minister of 
 the new testament, a few remarks will be made for 
 the satisfaction of those who never saw him. His 
 form was elegant, his features handsome, his size 
 rather moderate, his constitution naturally delicate, his 
 eyes pleasant yet piercing, his ears open and attentive, 
 and his tongue like the pen of a ready writer. His 
 dress was usually plain and decent, suited to his sta- 
 tion and condition in life, [n his manners he was 
 affable and genteel — in society he was pleasant and 
 agreeable. 
 
 His modes of travelling from place to place were 
 either on horseback, in a chaise, in a stage, or by wa- 
 ter, as his circumstances and health required. 
 
 These observations are offered as a tribute of re- 
 spect to Elder Colby, who has finished his course on 
 earth, fought the good fight of faith, and gone to re- 
 ceive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. In this 
 world he had tribulation, but it continued only a short 
 time. His trials are over, and his troubles have come 
 to an end. That glorious Redeemer, who called him 
 to preach his word, who held him in iiis right hand, 
 and was with him while here, has now received him 
 to himsplf, and has wiped away all tears from his eyes. 
 He now plucks ambrosial fruit from life's fair tree, 
 which is in the mid.-t of the paradise of God. He 
 dwells in that house not made with hands, eternal in 
 the heavens. 
 
 And now, O reader ! let the godly life and pious 
 examples of this faithful servant of Christ, stimulate 
 you, if you are a professor of religion, like him to 
 deny yourself, take the cross, and follow the Saviour; 
 leaving the enjoyments of earth, for the far superior
 
 66 APPENDIX. 
 
 joys wliich are found in living a holy life devoted to 
 the service of (iod. 
 
 But if you have never yet experienced a chanjre of 
 heart, fear to live any longer in sin, lest the day of 
 grace should be over, and the wages of sin which is 
 death, should suddenly come upon you. Turn to the 
 Lord now while it is an excepted time, that you may 
 enjoy the couilbrts of religion here, and be prepared 
 with John Colby and all the redeemed of the i.ord, 
 fur the kingdom of eternal glory. 
 
 The following letter to the publisher of the N^evv- 
 York edition, will doubtless be interesting to many, 
 as it contains some particulars relative to the last 
 hours of Elder Coley. 
 
 West-Bloomjidd, JS\ Y. December 4, 1826. 
 
 Dear Brother, 
 
 I am much pleased to learn, that you are en- 
 gaged in publishing a second edition of Llder John 
 Colby's Journal. The work I have been delighted 
 will), and think it a book wiiich cannot be too widely 
 circulated, or too generally read. W bile the journals 
 of many have been published, to little profit, it is a fact 
 that others have proved a rich legacy to community, 
 and a peculiar blessing to thousands. How many, 
 from readiufir the lives of Hoicard^ Brainerd and 
 Xavier, have seemed to catch the same spirit that ac- 
 tuated the men of whom they i^ead. Would to heav, 
 en, that thousands might catch the spirit of Colby, and 
 follow him as he tollowed Christ. Jsuch journals, al- 
 so, frequently find way to the retired cottage, where 
 they are read with profit and delight. I know one 
 man, who in early life professed religion but for sev- 
 eral years had lived in a backslidden state. While 
 in this condition, as he informed me, Elder Colby's 
 .Tournal providentially fell in his way ; he read it. and 
 it proved a means, under God, of reclaiming the wan- 
 derer and briosiing: him back to the fold ol Christ. —
 
 APPENDIX. 57 
 
 Tills, probably, is only one of many instances wliich 
 ini^ht be named, where souls have been benefitted hy 
 rea(hng this Journal. Elder Colby I never saw, but 
 in niaiiy phices where I have travelled, the h'nits of his 
 labors remain as more lasting monuments of his worth, 
 than euloiiiums can from a pen like mine. 
 
 While on a lour through the south part of Virginia, 
 in the winter of 1824, I spent several days in tl)8 vi- 
 cinity of iVorfolk. Having learned that Llder Col by- 
 died there, I concluded to visit the sacred spot where 
 his bones slumber. Elder O. E. Morrill, of Ca'o, 
 N. Y. being in company with me, we were conducted 
 by a friend to the residence of Deacon Fauquier, to 
 whom we were politely introduced. We found him, 
 to appearance, a genth^nan and a Christian, lie coii- 
 versi'd wiih us freely, relative to Elder Colhy's intro- 
 duction into Norfolk, together with his last sickness 
 and death Deacon F. happened to be a passenger 
 in the same vessel that Elder Colby came in to Nor- 
 folk. While together on board, they contracted a 
 pleasing acquaintance with each other, 'i he baptist 
 church to which Deacon F. belonged, being then des- 
 titute of a preacher, he mvited Elder Colby to spend 
 several d lys at his house, and in case his health would 
 permit, to preach to them the next Sabbath. 'I'he 
 invitation was accepted, and on the following Sabbath 
 he preached a very satisfactory sermon m the meeting 
 house alluded to. During the week follov\ing. his 
 health appeared fast to decline, he however requested 
 on the next Sabbath, to be conveyed to the meeting- 
 house, that he might preach once more. He was ac- 
 cordingly carried to ihe place, ascended the pulpit a- 
 lone, and spoke to the people about three quarters of 
 an hour. Deacon F. remarked, that while standing 
 in the |)ulpit, he looked more like a corpse than a 
 living person. Plis mind, however, was composed, 
 and his testimony solemn and weighty. At the close 
 of the exercises, he was led out of the pulpit. On 
 26* Vol ii
 
 58 APPENDIX. 
 
 going out of the meeting- house, he told Deacon F, he 
 thought he had pieacdied liis last sennon. I!e then 
 selected a spot of grouiul, vvliere he expressed his de- 
 sire he might ho buried. Jfe was then conveyed 
 back to Deacon F.'s liouse, which he never lelt, till 
 death ended his pains and aflliclions. A heavenly se- 
 renity and composure of mind, as our infoiniani lold 
 us, seemed to buoy up his s|iiriis in his last monuiiiSj 
 and even to create a smile on his pale countenance, 
 when sinkmg in the arms of death. The name of 
 Jeaus hung upon his lips while able to speak of his 
 goodness, an-l he ceased not to recommend him to 
 ail who came around his bed, till his voice became 
 uiuie in death. 
 
 After souie conversation with Deacon F. he accom- 
 panied us to the grave 'i he meeting house in w^i'eh 
 Elder ColL)y preached his last sermon, is a large, 
 plaui brick building, standing in a central i)art of 
 i^orlolk. It is surrounded by a small pleasant green, 
 separated on the east from a grave-yard by a stone 
 wall ; it is also walled in on two other sides, and en- 
 i-losed in front by a handsome paling. We entered 
 the enclosure by a small gate, and passing to the east 
 end of the meeting-house, a plain marble stone, sHiud- 
 ing by it>elf, pointed us to the grave of Colby. It is 
 with n the meeting-house enclosure, and near to the 
 wall which separates the green from the grave-yard 
 directly back of the pulpit, and about fifteen feet Irotn 
 the meeimg-house. When Flder Colby made known 
 his desire to be buried in that spot, Deacon F. told 
 him he kn.ew not that the jfround could be obtained, 
 as the society had objected to bur} nig in the meeting- 
 house green but, however, assured him that, should it 
 be needeil, he would use exertions to obtain ih.e 
 ground. Accordingly, after Elder Colby s death, 
 ihi()n;£,b the influence of Deacon F. the request was 
 complied will). Tliere is but one stone standing at
 
 APPENDIX. 59 
 
 v.. 
 
 his grave, and this simply contains his name, place of 
 his bulli, time of his death, and age. 
 
 We spent probably thirty minutes at this grave. I 
 walked round it several limes, viewed the mound that 
 covers his body, and read the inscription upon the 
 marble stone, over ar.d over again. Tiien leaning 
 over the gravestone, a train of reflections passed my 
 XTiind, accon)panied with an impression, never to be 
 erased hom my memory, I tliought of the person 
 whose remains were here entombed ; liis pious zeal, 
 his gospel labors, and toil, which had worn him out, 
 even in the morning of life, i reflected on the hun- 
 dreds, who would probably rejoice, in eternity, that 
 they had ever heard his voice and attended to his in- 
 structions. My mind ran l)ack to ttie solemn leave 
 he took of his parents, kiiidred and breiliien, in Aevv- 
 Engiand; starting for the south, with some hope of 
 regaining his health. I looked at the building in which 
 he preached for the last time, and fancied his thoughts, 
 his reflections, when laid upon the couch of death, a- 
 mong sirangers, far from his tender parents and rel- 
 atives, and even from his dear brethren, who would 
 have tliouglit it a privilege to have attended him in his 
 last moments. 1 viewed, as it were. Ijis lifeless re- 
 mains laid upon the sable hearse, slowly lollowed by 
 a company of generous strangers to this sacred spot, 
 where they will probably repose, in peace till the res- 
 urrection morn 
 
 i walked a (ew rods from the grave, turned and 
 gazed upon it again, and bade it a final farewell ! 
 
 I'ron; the best information I h-ive been able to ob- 
 tain, from many witnesses, 1 think, for tlie short period 
 of his labors, few men in our day have been .nore use- 
 ful in the gospel vineyard than Elder John Colby. — 
 God grant his mantle may fall on some other. 
 
 \\ all sentiments of esteem, I am votirs tnilv, 
 
 DAVID MILLARD. 
 
 To Elder David Marks, Jr.
 
 LINES SUaaESTED BV A RECOLLECTION OP 
 JOHN COLBY. 
 
 Colby, thy memory ih dear! thy l)eart, 
 Touched with a sense of things divine, apart 
 In sacred solitude, deli:,dils to dwell 
 Upon those virtues which adorn'd thee well. 
 The christian name was thine. Through God's free grace 
 Worthy wert thou ! This ev'ry eye could trace : 
 The moral sense in thee was strong — a son, 
 A brother, or a frit-nd, thy carriage won 
 Upon the soul. Respect was ihme — and none 
 Could say but Colby in the virtues shone. 
 
 A minister of God ; with holy zeal 
 And heavenly love all burning, thou didst feel 
 For dying inan. The groves were thy retreat ; 
 Where, often, like some Patriarch, thou didst meet 
 Thy heavenly Father; and, i)efore his throne 
 With rev'rence bow'd, convers'd with him alone. 
 Oh I there the hapless sinner was thy care; 
 His case. upon the wings of fervent prayer 
 Was sent above; nor sent in vain I The great, 
 The ever blessed, from his starry height. 
 Heard thy desire. Down, down, the Spirit came 
 His heart to touch, thy soul to light with flame I 
 Thy circuit was extensive. Like a Paul, 
 Oft didst thou journey dying souls to call 
 From wrath and ruin to the good old way. 
 Where the saints sing, and sinners learn to pray. 
 And who that witnessed thee upon the word 
 Of Hobj Writ, when speaking for thy Lord, 
 But saw the unction — felt the searching truth ? 
 Old age was captive, charm'd were giddy youth ! . 
 Many who heard thee, gave their hearts to God, 
 And in thy crown will shine a bright reward ! 
 
 But all must die, and thuu among the rest; 
 Yet angels hail thee happy with the blest 1 
 But where thy mantle? When Elijah's fell, 
 It was Elisha's! Him it suited well I 
 His ardent soul a richer glow possess'd 
 Of that which fir'd his sire's prophetic breast. 
 Oh I Thou, the sinner's friend I let thousands rise 
 With Colby's spirit, winning for the skies 
 Tne stubborn heart. Let thousands, thousands go 
 And preach, like him, through all the world below I
 
 CLOSING REMARKS, 
 
 PREPARED FOR THIS EDITION. 
 
 The writer of this brief notice of Elder Collty, never saw 
 that devoted servant of God. Bat as he has visited many 
 places where he labored, and conversed with many persons 
 wlio were intimately acquainted with hitn, he trusts that the 
 following account of his ministerial character is strictly 
 true. It may be proper to state that this article was nec- 
 essarily penned under circumstances that made it impossi- 
 ble for the writer to bestow upon it much attention ; hence 
 it is more defective than it otherwise would have been. 
 
 It may truly be said of the author of the preceding jour- 
 nal, that few men with the same means have been as useful 
 ns he was. Without the advantages of a collegiate educa- 
 tion and a regular course of study in theology, through his 
 faithful labors many were turned from darkness to light and 
 from the power of satan to serve the living God. 
 
 As many with far greater advantages have preached much 
 longer than he did without doing the same amount of good, 
 it is natural to enquire, by what means did he accomplish 
 so much in the short course of his ministry ? In answer to 
 this question it may be asserted, that whatever else con- 
 tributed to his great usefulness, his resemblance of Christ 
 was undoubtedly the efficient instrumental cause of his suc- 
 cess. Passing by his early piety and his obedience to his 
 parents as having no direct bearing on his usefulness as a 
 minister, but in both of which he much resembled his Sa- 
 viour, he imiled him in the following graces and virtues.
 
 C2 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 1. In his unliving diligence in doing good. Few minis- 
 ters since tlie days of tlie apostles, have more carefully fol- 
 lowed the iinitable example of Christ in this respect. In 
 the noble work of going "about doing good," he eaily sac- 
 rificed his valuable life. His journal contains abundant 
 evidence cf his devotion to the welfare of his fellow men ; 
 and, I regret to add, too much proof that he did not always 
 observe the rules of prudence in the preservation of his 
 health. 
 
 2. In lotvliness of mind. Although he was much esteem- 
 ed and had many friends among the respectable and weal- 
 thy, he minded not high things, but condescended to men 
 of low estate. As far as it was practicable he visited the 
 poor as well as the rich, and never seemed to fe"! himself 
 above any good man. Consequently he did not pay that 
 difference to "a gold ring,'' "goodly apparel," and sordid 
 wealth, that some ministers pay to these th n^s, to the .dis- 
 grace of their holy calling and to the reproach of religion. 
 
 3. In his inoffensive life. That those whose sins he re- 
 proved, sometimes complained of him, is evident; nor is 
 this strange. But it is obvious that few ministers ever gave 
 less occasion for offence. 
 
 4. //: self-denial. Notwithstanding he was much es- 
 teemed by his connections and friends, and also had the 
 means of living at ease, he gave up his prospects of riches, 
 honor, and pleasure, to wander a lonely stranger and en- 
 dure the privations incident to n toilsome itinerant life, to 
 preach tlie unsearchable riches of Christ. 
 
 5. In contentment tcith his condition. He freely forsook 
 the world with its allurements, and sulijected himself to the 
 condition of one who feels that he has no abiding place on 
 earth. But amidst all the fatigues and inconveniences of 
 euch a state, he seems to have been well satisfied with his 
 lot. 
 
 6. In being much engaged in the duty of prayer. If he 
 did not sometimes spend " all night in prayer to God," lie
 
 APPENDIX. 63 
 
 often " went into a solitary place and prayed," He gener- 
 ally spent some time in prqyerwith the families that he vis- 
 ited ; and ufcen before and after preaching', he went to the 
 grove or to some other retired place to pray, frequently con- 
 tinuing a long tiwie in tliis exercise. When riding in com- 
 pany, he would (Sometimes slack the pace of his horse, drop 
 the reins upon his neck, and mentally look up to God. If, 
 when conversing with the impenitent, he saw no indications 
 of repentance, he generally either prayed with them or re- 
 tired to pray for them ; and thus in many instances persons 
 were converted who seemed to have been almost beyond 
 the reach of the influence of religion. In praying for the 
 anxious, he seemed never to tire ; he sometimes continued 
 his supplications for them more than an hour, and many were 
 brought into the liberty of the gospel while he was praying 
 for them. 
 
 7. In praising God for his mercies. A good writer sayg, 
 " Our blessed Saviour was a great pattern of thankfulness," 
 and refers to Mat. xi. 25, and John xi. 40, as furnishing 
 proof of his statements. And that Colby imitated Christ in 
 the performance of his duty, must be manifest to those who 
 have read his journal. 
 
 8. In his holy conversation. He seldom if ever indulged 
 himself in "foolish talking." or "jesting;" consequently 
 his conversation was " good to the use of edifying," that it 
 might " minister grace unto the hearers.'' As he ardently 
 loved the Saviour, the souls of men, and the cause of relig- 
 ion, he delighted to converse on spiritual things. As it re- 
 gards conversation, he acted on the principle that a minister 
 should set an example for those around him, rather than fol- 
 low, as too many ministers and professori of religion do, the 
 examples of the world. His doctrine often dropped as the 
 rain, and his speech distilled as the dew, upon those ihat 
 heard him, and many were led to wonder at the gracious 
 words that proceeded out of his mouth. To use the language 
 of one who knew him well, his object both in preaching and 
 in personal conversation, was solely to kill sin. Hence it
 
 G4 APPENDIX, 
 
 is not strange that his conversation was often a means of 
 awakening souls, and of comforting the people of liod, 
 
 9. In holiness of heart arid life. He was always sensi- 
 ble that holiness becomes the house of God forever, and 
 that ministers especially, should be holy in heart and life. — 
 He delighted in holy persons, holy conversation, and holy 
 things; and it appears his motto was Holiness to the fiOrd. 
 
 As he imitated Christ in the graces and virtues already 
 mentioned, ami also in others that might be noticed, it is 
 not surprising that his labors were so abundantly blessed. — 
 Let ministers and christians who wish to be useful in the 
 world, follow John Colby as he followed Christ, and the 
 Lord will ffive them the desire of their heart.
 
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