| 521 the very foundation of our doctrine. I agreed to his proposition, on condition he would allow me the same privilege with regard to those which he advocated, and bind himself not to close the discussion until we had thoroughly weighed Mormonism, and Methodism, in the balance of truth, and abundantly tried the authenticity of both, by the word of God, which is the great test.
Accordingly on the following evening, we met in the Methodist chapel, for the discussion of the above subject; chose moderators and commenced. We continued the debate four evenings. At the close of the discussion on the last evening, the Rev. Mr. Hall, a methodist, insisted the discussion should be closed; but the majority of the audience together with myself, objected to it. My opponent, to satisfy the multitude for the time being; agreed to meet at a future evening and continue it. Accordingly, the appointment was mutually made, but to the surprise of the audience, he was among the missing: the reason however seemed to be obvious to all. This Reverend gentleman has been lecturing against the Mormons for several years past, boasting that he could meet one of the elders face to face, and prove the doctrine false. He has now had a trial, say the people, and ingloriously retired from the contest.
During the discussion, the audience paid good attention, and if I am to judge from the expressions of the people, and the spirit that is manifested, I can say that much good was done, and that the impression made is very favorable to the cause of truth.
On the evening that my opponent did not appear according to appointment; I addressed the meeting on the subject of the dispensation of the fulness [fullness] of times, that is adumbrated by the "eleventh hour," in our Savior's parable of the laborers and the vineyard.
I had calls for preaching more than I could fill, for I was then already behind my time.-I proceeded on my journey, preached five times in Ottowa, and Dayton, baptized one, and then proceeded to Chicago and its vicinity, where I preached about four weeks, to hundreds of attentive hearers. Priests and lawyers, to be sure, raged, and collected all the slanderous reports, newspaper stories, and works written against the church, and the leading men of the same, that they could get hold of, which they marshalled [marshaled] against me, but all to no purpose. The work of the Lord rolled on, and many were convinced of the truth of the gospel, which we preach. Notwithstanding all this opposition, I baptized and organized a branch (in the town of Newark, about forty-five miles this side of Chicago,) of thirty-five members. Indeed, the town was a changed place, and many more, I believe, will go and do likewise. I had many more calls for preaching in this section of country, but as I wanted to be here at conference, I was obliged to come away without filling them.
On my return, I stopped a short time in Ottowa, and organized a branch consisting of twelve members. During my absence, I preached from six to eight times in a week, and I can truly say that the prospect in the country where I have been, for the rolling forth of the kingdom of God, is good, and I pray God, that many more may embrace the truth.
With sentiments of high esteem
I subscribe myself your friend
and fellow laborer in the cause
of truth, Wm. O. CLARK.
To the Editor of the Times and Seasons.
Brother Taylor:-I have travelled [traveled] near six months since July last, most of which time I labored in Franklin, Williamson, and Johnson counties, in the south part of the state.-There had been but few discourses delivered by any of the elders in these counties; therefore prejudice was great, but after hearing for themselves; the honest in heart began to discover the many falsehoods that had overrun the country, and began to investigate the doctrine of Christ. The result was, many believed and I had more calls for preaching than I could attend to; and through the assistance of God I was enabled to baptize twenty-four; and left many more believing, which I hope will obey the gospel. There is a great door open for preaching, and my prayer to God is, for the rolling forth of the kingdom, until the kingdoms of this world becomes the kingdom of God.
Respectfully, your brother
in the everlasting covenant,
LEVI STEWART.
Nauvoo, Ill, April 13th, 1844.
To the Editor of the Times and Seasons.
Comstock, Kalamazoo.}
Mich., Feb. 17, 1844}
Sir:-I take this opportunity to inform you of the prosperity of the Redeemer's cause in this section of the country. Last winter, (December 19) I commenced preaching in this place; my congregations were large and attentive; I continued preaching and baptizing till March 6th, when I organized a branch of 25 members. On the 7th, I started for Nauvoo, at which place I arrived on the 14th of April. At the special conference, held in July, I was appointed
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