| 981 me a great deal, and had I known that it was going to give me so much uneasiness I never should have consented for you to leave Nauvoo, but I fondly hope you are in Nauvoo, and boarding with Brother Schwartze. If I knew that was the case, I should rest quite contented. I suppose, dear, you still think your lot is a hard one at the best, and so it is, taking an abstract view of it, that is, unconnected with the reward of your privations. But we must learn to look ahead and live in anticipation, or as the phrenologists say, we must cultivate the bump of hope, and get a large share of that, and then we shall be able to comfort ourselves now, with the anticipations of the future.-For my own part, the thoughts of our meeting again, and having the privilege of communing together, is truly a great pleasure, and keeps my spirits up under all circumstances. Only think for one moment-my heart leaps for joy while I write it-when we shall meet together. Then we can sit down and talk over all our trials and difficulties, and look back with pleasure upon the past, knowing we have done our duty and stand approved in the sight of Heaven.
When I do return, if the Lord will, I intend securing what you have ever desired,-a comfortable dwelling; and if the Lord should see fit to call me to go forth again to preach the gospel, I intend to see it well stocked with provisions for your use while I am gone, except I should have to come on such another mission as this. If I should have to come on such a mission again, I tell you what, I think you would have to come with me; for I don't think I should be willing to be separated from you so long again. However, I guess I will get home again before I talk of going away.
Dear, I must begin to draw my letter to a close, as my space is getting small, and you will please excuse all blunders, as I have written in a hurry. I am just on the point of going to pay Bro. Pratt a visit on the island of Tooboui, and I anticipate a pleasant time.-He has built up quite a branch of the church there. We have altogether, according to the last accounts received from the brethren, baptized forty-three or forty-five.-About one third are English and Americans, and the rest are natives. Rather slow work, but the Lord's will be done; and if we do the best we can, of course it is all that is required of us, whether much or little is done.
I ofttimes, dear, imagine myself returning home, and just landing up by the old stone house, or just entering the threshold of the door, and of clasping my own dear wife to my bosom, and greeting all of my dear friends.-Methinks I can now see you all gathering around me, and with eager visage, making a thousand enquiries [inquiries], while I shall be so over joyed that I shall not be able to give an answer to any of them, but making equally as many of you. O, that will be joyful,-joyful, joyful, joyful, and the bare anticipation of it, repays us for all we have to endure in consequence of our separation.
I suppose you would like to know how I get along as regards my temporal affairs. To that I would say, I lack for nothing that I stand in need of. The Lord has been true to his promise-I have ever found those who were ready to administer to my wants, and I have never been destitute of money since I left America, which is more than I could say while I was travelling [traveling] there. I have lived with Bro. Lincoln ever since I have been here. Both he and Sister Lincoln treat me as one of their own family. They want me to stay with them as long as I am here. So you see the Lord has provided abundantly for me.
Now, I suppose you would like to know when I intend to start for home. Well, I'll tell you. I have engaged my passage already. Ah! that makes your eyes shine. But stop: I did not tell you when the vessel was going to sail. It is a whale ship, and she has gone out to fill up, and will return here in ten months, and if the Lord will I shall go home in her. At any rate I have engaged to. I must now close. Please excuse all mistakes. I am, as ever, your affectionate husband,
BENJ. F. GROUARD.
From the Millennial Star.
A SHORT TOUR THROUGH THE CLITHEROE CONFERENCE.
On the 4th of May I met with the Saints in Blackburn by request, on the occasion of the opening a new room for worship. I addressed them in the morning and evening, and Elder Speakman in the afternoon. The room was filled, and we had an interesting time with the Saints. I found a flourishing branch of the church here; it being also the first time I had ever been privileged with meeting the Saints in the Clitheroe Conference.
On the 5th, in company with Elder Speakman, I visited the ruins of Whalley Abbey, situated in a most beautiful locality of hills, and woods, and streams. It had originally been very extensive, but ruins alone existed, with the exception of a small portion of building which is occupied by a few families. It appears to have been founded in the year 1000.
On the 6th we were favored with a most interesting visit to Stoneyhurst, a Catholic college,
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