| 118 The work is onward here through the well dirrected [directed] labors of Br. Wood, for they who have submitted to the cross, and espoused the New and everlasting covenant here are the most intelligent part of community.
I rejoice to see how the work is rolling on, how the knowledge of the Lord is increasing, how the poor are begining [beginning] to rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.-Speed thy work O Lord, until all shall know thee and all nations shall worship the king the Lord of Hosts.
Your Brother In the Patience And kingdom of God. WILLIAM B. BOSLEY.
Union Jail, S. C. April 29, 1840
BRS. ROBINSON & SMITH:
I have twice written to you, and given you some account of my labors in this part of our Divine Master's vineyard; and the consequent persecution, brought upon me by the servants of the adversary of all truth. The hireling priests, and their deluded votaries, seeing that the kingdom of God was really established upon the earth, for the last time, according to the predictions of the ancient prophets; and that the fall of mystic Babylon was near at hand; and finding that their craft, by which they get all their wealth, their honor, and their popularity, was in imminent danger of failing, if the people should hear the gospel of the kingdom of God preached, and believe it. They have, therefore, used all their influence to prevent the spread of the truth. The first weapons, that were used against our great Master's cause here, were threatning [threatening] and slander; and when these failed of producing their desired effect, viz: (to drive the sentinels of King Messiah's army from their post, that they themselves might come, clad in the garments of a shepherd, and fleece the flock;) they proceeded to invent other schemes.-And having suborned false witnesses, from among individuals of the baser sort-who, by the way, professed a great deal of piety-they made a false accusation against me, and brought me before a magistrate; who, when I failed to give security, ordered me to be committed to prison; there to await the sitting of the circuit court, which will be in October next. The Sheriff, (Maj. Johnson,) treats me with all the lenity that the law will admit of; for he knows, and so do all the people, that for envy they have committed me. You may think that I have drawn rather a dark outline of the people of this country, but I assure you, that a strict regard for truth required it. Though I do not wish you to understand, that this is their general character; for the Carolinians, are not all religious persecutors. There are some honorable exceptions. There are some noble spirited, high minded, individuals here, who dispise [despise] the very idea of religious persecution. I have therefore, no expectation of being treated as we were in Missouri; but on the contrary, I do expect protection from the laws of the country. And I have reason to believe, that those who are charged with the administration of the law, will discountenance in the most decided manner, such malicious and detestable conduct; and that in the end, I shall have justice by the law of my country. But this, you know, will not prevent my laying in jail till Oct. unless I can get bail for my appearance at court: and there it rests. Calls for preaching are more numerous and extensive, than I could attend, if I was at liberty. So I hope some faithful servants of God will visit this state, soon. We have been looking for the 5th No. of the Times & Seasons for more than a week, and are anxiously waiting its arrival.
From the appearances in the heavens, and on the earth; from the wars, rumors of wars, and the perplexity of nations, we are compelled to believe that the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord, is near at hand; which faith, I hope will excite the Elders of Israel to emulation; and prevail upon those whom God has chosen to be his messengers to the nations of the earth, to go forth in the spirit and power of their God, and labor zealously, and with perseverance in the holy office, whereunto they are called; remembering that the servants of our God, have a great work to perform, and knowing that when it is finished, we shall rest with our Savior, in his peace kingdom.
I am respectfully yours, &c. L. M. DAVIS.
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