| 181 cry: surely if ever it could be realized that the harvest is great, and the laborers few, it is at the present time: if some of the Elders could come into this region they could find plenty of ground to work upon; while writing this I received a visit from Elder Blakesley, and he states that the work of the Lord is rolling forth in the region where he is laboring; in Oneida and Madison counties. He has baptized in a short time some 20 or 30 and a number more expect to come forward soon. Thus the little stone is rolling forth and smites the image on the its feet which will soon become like the chaff of summer threshing floor, and the stone become a great mountain and fill the whole earth.
Yours &c. TRUMAN GILLETT, Jr.
We have several other communications laying before us, from the elders of Israel, which we should feel glad in publishing entire, but owing to the press of matter, we shall have to content ourselves with giving but short extracts.
Elder Rufus Beach writes from Livonia, Wayne Co. Mich. under date of Sept. 3, 1840.
"The cause of truth is slowly, but steadily progressing in this section of country, prejudice is giving way to the force of truth, and some are obeying the gospel: last Sabbath two were baptised [baptized] by elder A. Blanchard, one of which has been a professor for many years.
A wide field for the spread of the gospel is opened in this country, but the laborers are few, but three only preaches the gospel of the kingdom in all this section of the country. One year ago last spring the Lord opened the eyes of my understanding to know he had commenced pruning his vineyard for the last time, and I do know he has called laborers by revelation into the work, and I know the work will be propelled forward by the power of God, until the kingdoms of this world, shall become the kingdoms of our God and his Christ. Yours, &c. RUFUS BEACH.
Elder Daniel Tyler, from Scott co. Ill., says, that he has lately baptized six, and has had a debate with a Cambellite [Campbellite] preacher, which has had the effect of breaking down much predjudice [prejudice] and that many are believing the precious truths of the kingdom.
Elder A. O. Smoot writes from Whitleysville Jackson Co Tenn.
You will believe me, when I say is is with no ordinary feeling of gratitude to the great Shepherd of Israel, that I now assume my seat, and employ my pen to let you know sometthing [something] of my labors in this part of our divine masters vineyard. I am happy to say, that the cause of truth is progressing here, while error, bigotry, priestcraft and superstition, is falling before its mighty influence; and many made to rejoice that the light of heaven has once more shone upon the sons of Adam.
In company with Elder Pitkins, and priest Webster, I arrived here the 12th of June, and commenced laboring in this, and the adjoining counties, Smith and Overton. I found almost every species of religion prevailing here, (that of Jesus Christ excepted) which was as strange as it was to the Jews in the apostolical dispensation.
The greater part of my labors in this country, has been confined to some small branches of the church in this and Overton co's. raised up by elder J. Moses and others. These chuches [churches] I proposed visiting when I left home by request of brother Moses, in order to organize, and set them in order: as they were left in an unorganized state: This I have been able to do in part, by the assistance of elder Pitkins.
When we arrived here the saints in this country numbered 51 members; and since we arrived we have baptized 14 more, making in all 65. There are some 4 or 5 more who are candidates for the waters of baptism, which will be attended to when convenient.-Thus, the kingdom of our God rolls forth with mighty power. I am, as ever, yours, &c.
A. O SMOOT.
Elder Elisha H. Groves writes as follows:
I left home May 12th, in company with brother Isaac Cleveland, traveled
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