| 117 own their Lord here. We expect to leave this place for Columbus day after to-morrow.
Our motto and prayer is this, Roll on thy kingdom thou king of saints, and preserve thy servants from pride and vanity, and from the snares of wicked men, and from the cunning craftiness of the devil. Pray for us, brethren, that we may have grace and power to stand, and not faint, or fall out by the way. Our health is getting good, prospects are fair, and by the grace of God we will slay Goliath, capture the enemies forces, and bring them into the camp of Israel.
So Farewell for the present, In the Bonds of the new cov't.
ORSON HYDE JOHN E. PAGE.
P. S. 29th April-Baptized the eight, making, in all, twenty three.
Philadelphia, Pa, May 5th, 1840
BRO'S SMITH & ROBINSON.
I am happy in stating to you, that the work of the Lord is prosperous and the kingdom of our God rolls on gloriously, in these earstern [eastern] lands.
A little more than one year ago when first I visited these parts, there was no more than 30 or 40 members of the church of Latter Day Saints within 60 miles of this place; but so mighty has truth flourished and the word of God prevailed,-that at present I suppose not less than 400 might be found within that distance, who have obeyed the everlasting gospel and are now rejoicing in the new and everlasting covenant; and believing that God assuredly has spoken from the heavens in the last days.
In Chester county where I have spent the greater part of my time the past year, the church I believe now numbers 80 members, and the work of the Lord in that region is in a very prosperous condition. Multitudes are believing the truth and doors are open for preaching on the right hand and on the left: and I must say with feelings of gratitude and respect to the brethren and friends in Chester county, that they have manifested a spirit of generosity, and liberality, worthy of imitation, in assisting the Twelve in their mission to Europe, and also in the late mission to Washington city. The last I heard from Davis and Dean; they had baptized 33 in Lancaster county.
The work of God is prospering exceedingly in this city, and also in Jersey 8 or 10 are baptized almost every week; peace reigns in our midst, although some of the priests rage without and the people imagine many vain things. The harvest truly is great and the laborers are few. There is a great call for faithful laborers in these eastern lands, yours in haste. LORENZO BARNES
Pike co. Ill. March 30th, 1840
BRO'S. SMITH & ROBINSON.
I have just returned home after an absence of some more than two months, during which time I have been proclaiming the gospel in the counties of Scott and Green. When I commenced laboring in these counties, I found the people in general, greatly prejudiced against the church of Jesus Christ, as established for the restoration of his people in these last days; indeed, it was hard to obtain open doors for preaching, in many places, the people having heard so many nefarious, and ridiculous reports from rumors many tongues, helped along, by those interrested [interested] the cause of spiritual error. But the Lord who always assists the faithful, at length gave me access to the ears and hearts of the people, and now doors are opened on every side, and the Macedonion [Macedonian] is heard, come over and help us; this is a good omen, and I trust that the Lord will carry on his work virtuously.
I baptized five in Scott county, and could I have remained longer, I am well convinced that many more would have come into the covenant of grace: however, it is my intention to return there again after conference; and continue the proclamation of the everlasting gospel.
It is true that the priests of this world exert every nerve to hinder the progress of the truth; but what is feeble man to oppose the great Jehovah? The pure, simple gospel will beat down the kingdoms of this world, establish peace and hapiness [happiness] which never shall be destroyed; for the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdoms of our Lord and his Christ.
(page 117) |
