A Letter Written on Jan 17, 1838

[Some paragraph breaks added for ease of reading]

Granby Jan. 17 1838

Brother Stone

My calculations have been to visit you. But as I have concluded not to at present I send you a letter instead. Though I must be brief yet I must tell you a little about affairs at col. Our petition for A.S. [antislavery] society was handed in with fear and anxiety about the result. But lo! to our surprise it was granted in toto with the declaration that they had passed a vote, permitting the freedom of discussion on that subject before the Prof. of Rhetoric and writing and speaking on the subject for college exercises at our option. The result is a society to our liking and on Tuesday eve. before close of the term we met and adopted a series of staunch resolutions to be published with an account of the society, in The Liberator and Emancipator. Some of the faculty I think we have good reason to believe are abolitionists. Brother Stone "Thank God and take courage." Also I attended the meeting of the county of A.S. society at Northampton last week two days; and such a feast kings and princes do not enjoy. Masers. Scott. & Stanton were the principal speakers. Such a speaker as Mr. Stanton, (Mr. Scott. is excellent) both in powers of elocution and logical reasoning, we find but few equals. No vituperation; no affirmation without proof. I should like to give particulars but the few minutes I am seizing to write will not allow.

Nor is this all the good I have to tell. Our term closed without special interest on the Great Subject, except Beers was called upon by Jesus Christ to forsake the works of Satan, and before the term closed he hoped faintly hoped that he had found the rock. In Amherst village there is unusual aff[airs] now. I learn there have been four or five come out within a week. At South Hadley Canal the Lord is to work with power. All old and young are coming onto the Lord's side. Tis the Lord's doings and tis marvellous [sic] in our eyes. Mr. Tuck's school, in South Hadley, where Bartlett has now commenced, has undergone a revolution, such a time I think you never knew in a school[.[ There are about 20 scholars of his hoping in Christ; trust they have been taken from the horrible pit &c. and had their feet planted upon a rock[.] Such a time. The work went apparently by his instrumentality, for until about a dozen were hoping there was no special interest among adults. But now the work is spreading through the Parish: Today is one of Humiliation fasting and prayer among them. The Lord's arm is not shortened.

And what do you think we are doing in Granby? I came into town last Friday night and suggested their having a meeting Saturday night which they did. You know they are just the or almost the same as destitute of a minister (in West G.) and favorable indications appeared. We also had one Sunday night more favorable still and last evening the Lord was present in very deed. And I find the people are beginning to rub their eyes. And they are unwilling that I should leave them, and my duty seems to be to stay. I know not as I can do and [sic] good but tis enough that I may "see the salvation of God." I feel to rejoice with trembling at what my eyes behold. Tis the Lord's doings and to his name be glory. Brother Stone pray for me and pray for your people. The Lord is doing wonders let the earth rejoice, gail not to write me soon. Tis a self denial not to visit you but I cannot leave this place. Mr. Ash is here. We shall go down to the canal today and [...] tomorrow. God bless you. Forgive mistakes for the man who carries this to the P. office is about starting -

Adieu J. S. Kidder

Mr. Ash sends respects

[John Sumner Kidder was in the class of 1839 at Amherst College.]