| 148 following appearance: Around the sun there was a circle of light, such as is frequently seen around the sun and moon. The diameter of this appeared to be about 45 degrees; outside of this there was another circle, or rather segment of a circle, for it was not complete, seeming like-wise to have the sun for its centre [center], and whose diameter was about twice that of the former.-This circle was far less distinct than the former; and only the upper portion, perhaps, half was visible. Extending around the whole horizon, and apparently equally distant from it in every part, was a third circle, cutting the former at right angles, and passing through the sun. At the points of intersection between this and the inner circle, surrounding the sun, were two colored images, very distinct, which might have been, and were, for an instant mistaken for the sun by persons who were in such a situation that they could not see the sun itself. In brilliant and white images-one each side of the two former, and apparently at equal distances from them, and also of course, from the sun. These two last images were each perhaps about 100 degrees from the sun. There was also a fourth segment of a circle, presenting the appearance and brilliant colors of the rainbow.-About one third of the circle could be seen. It was high above the horizon and seemed to have a point in or near the zenith as its centre; if completed, its diameter would have been perhaps 45 degrees. It was, of course, convex towards the sun and just touched the outer circle surrounding the sun. The colors of the rainbow were exceedingly distinct-the red being next the sun and the others in order.
At about quarter past two, the appearance was most brilliant, the four images and the four circles being then all visible. From this time it began to fade away, the circles and images disappearing one at a time, until about 3 P. M., when nothing unusal [unusual] could been seen.
Similar phenomena, though rare, have been witnessed in various places. One in particular, we find recorded, as having been seen in 1630, which corresponds in almost every particular with this.
CORRESPONDENCE.
To the EDITOR of the TIMES AND & SEASONS.
Alton, April 1, 1843.
DEAR BROTHER-
I take this opportunity to communicate a few items of important news to you and the church in general. Brother Lorenzo Snow arrived in St. Louis last Wednesday, from England, with about 250 emigrants for Nauvoo. They are now laying on a boat bound for Nauvoo as soon as the river opens. They sailed from England some time in January, and bring a copy of the Millenial [Millennial] Star, and some private letters, under date of January first. From these we learn the painful fact, that our dear brother and fellow labourer [laborer], Elder Lorenzo Barnes is gone to be with Christ. He lingered some weeks with a fever, and at length died in the triumphs of faith.
He died on the morning of the 20th December last, at Bradford; the first messenger of this last dispensation, who for Christ's sake and the gospel's, has laid down his life in a foreign land.
In this dispensation of providence an entire people are called to mourn. Brother Barnes was every where known, and universally beloved, as a meek, humble, and zealous minister of the gospel, who has laboured [labored] extensively for many years, with great success. Such was his wisdom and prudence, and such his modesty and kindness, that he won the friendship, not only of the saints, but of thousands of various sects, and of those who made no profession. In short his was the favoured [favored] portion, which falls to the lot of but few men, even among the great and good. He was loved and esteemed by many, and hated by few, in all the wide circle of his acquaintance. But, in the midst of a useful career on earth, he is suddenly, and to us unexpectedly, called away to a higher and more glorious field of action; with the spirits of the just, in the high council of the king of kings. His spirit now justly claims an honored seat; his voice is now heard in the deliberations of the high and mighty ones, who are the principal movers, in the great events of the dispensation of the fulness [fullness] of times. Whilst his body lies sleeping far away from his native shore, on a distant island of the sea.
No father, or mother, or kindred were near,
To receive his last blessing, or drop a kind tear.
With heart-broken anguish to weep o'er his tomb
Or adorn it with roses of richest perfume.
Yet he was lamented with many a tear,
By hearts full of sorrow, by souls as sincere;
Who in solemn procession repaired to the grave,
To mourn for the stranger no kindness could save
'Twas a tribute from souls he had won for his Lord.
Yea, brothers and sisters, made nigh by his word,
Whose love was as strong, and whose friendship as pure;
Whose grief was as heartfelt as heart can endure.
His name and memory will be dear to thousands, and will be handed down to all generations, as one who has devoted his time from early youth in the service of his God, and of his fellow creatures, and has laid down his life for Christ's sake and the gospel's, to find it again even life eternal.
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