| 104 prisoners of Jesus Christ for the gospel's sake, and for the hope of glory which is in us. Amen
JOSEPH SMITH JR.,
HYRUM SMITH,
LYMAN WIGHT,
CALEB BALDWIN,
ALEXANDER. McRAE.
Philadelphia, Feb. 10th, 1840.
Dear Brother in the Lord;
It is with pleasure that I take my pen in hand to write a few lines to you, to let you know of the prosperity of our Redeemer's kingdom in this City, And if you think proper, it is at your disposal, for an insertion in the Times and Seasons, for the satisfaction of your readers.
I left Quincy, I11. on the 24 of June, 1839, with a view of resuming my labors in the State of N. J. where I had labored the summer, and winter before; I came by the way of steamboats and railroads' and landed ot [at] the place of destination, in 16 days from the time I left: where I labored, preaching in the towns, and neighborhoods, where I had before preached, till the first of Sept. It was, then thought best by the conference that I should come to this city and proclaim the fulness [fullness] of the everlasting gospel to the inhabitants of the same. I immediately repared [repaired] to this place, in order to prosecute my mission. As soon as I had arrived here, I commenced enquiring [inquiring] for a house to preach in, but met with poor success the first two or three days, Indeed, I was ridiculed on almost every occasion when I enquired [inquired] for a house. (All of this in consequence of prejudice, and false reports.) But my determination was still the same; and that was to proclaim the truth, to the inhabitants of this city. At length I obtained one of the commissioner's Hall's and published an appointment, in one of the news papers; and a crouded [crowded] congregation attended the meeting, and I addressed the meeting, with the subject of the first principles of the gospel. I then made other appointments in the same place, and preached some 10, or 12 times; and held one debate with one Dr. Bird, of this city. (a Presbyterian preacher,) which was the means of doing much good.-By this time there was quite excitement, and the former prejudices of the people seemed to be in part removed. I then thought it best to hire a house by the year to preach in that I might have it under my own control. I did so: and have held 5, or 6 meetings, in it a week, ever since. So like Paul, at Rome, I preach in my own hired house.
The first of Oct. some come forward, and was baptized; I have continued baptizing all that desired to be, ever since: some weeks as many as thirteen of a week. Thus the kingdom of God has rolled forth in this city; and I have baptized, in all 65 deciples [disciples]; and some 8, or 10 more have made application for baptism. We had a conference here the first of Jan. 1840,
J. Smith, Jr. S. Rigdon, Orson, P. P. Pratt, and many other elders, were present. The minutes of the above, I will send to you as soon as convenient. J. Smith, jr. bore testimony to the coming forth of the book of mormon which was the means of doing much good. * * The Lord has prospered me, and made me to see the fruits of my labors. And I feel myself authorized to say that the work of the Lord is gaining ground, in this city: and I trust that it will still roll on.
Yours respectfully.
BENJAMIN WINCHESTER.
From the Natchez Free Trader-May 8th
DREADFUL VISITATION OF PROVIDENCE.
About 1 o'clock on Thursday, the 7th inst., the attention of the citizens of Natchez was attracted by on [an] unusual and continuous roaring, of thunder to the southward, at which point hang masses of black clouds, some of them stationary, and others whirling, along with under currents, but all driving a little east of north. As there was evidently much lightning the continual roar of growling thunder, although noticed and spoken of by many, created no particular alarm.
The dinner bells in the large hotels had rung, a little before two o'clock, and most of our citizens were sitting at their tables when, suddenly, the atmosphere was darkened, so as to require the lighting of candles; and in a few moments afterwards, the rain was precipitated in tremendous
(page 104) |
