| 28 After this I understood, several of their members withdrew, or were turned out of their Church,. because they believed Mormonism.
We continued our preaching in different places through the county for several weeks when 4 came forward and obeyed the gospel; Elder Wooly then left us for his family in Ohio, Elder Sagers and myself shortly afterwards visited the City of Philadelphia, where we preached three times, and then visited the churches in N. Jersey, and N. Y. and after preaching a number of times in different places, returned; Elder Sagers then returned to his family in the West, and I resumed my labours [labors] in Chester county Pa. in company with Elder E. H. Davis. We have extended our labours [labors] to Lancaster county, and the northern part of the state of Delaware. The prospect is good in all these places; one has already obeyed the Gospel in Lancaster county, and many more are believing.
The church in Chester county, now number 30 members, and many more are believing, whom I trust will obey the gospel soon. The Lord has commenced a great and good work among this people, and I feel strong in the spirit, and am determined to thrust in my sickle, and reap, while the harvest lasts so that when we return, we may return laden with sheaves, pray for us dear brother, and may the Lord help us all, Amen.
Yours, in the bond, of the new and everlasting covenant. LORENZO BARNES
Monmouth Co. N. J. Sept. 10th 1839 D. C. Smith and E. Robinson. Dear Brethren,
This morning having a few moments, I lift my pen to communicate the particulars of the woods meeting, which I mentioned in my last. The meeting commenced according to appointment on the 28th; was opened by singing, prayer and preaching by Jonathan Dunham; the congregation was serious and attentive. Thursday morning the meeting was addressed by B. Oliver Granger. During intermission the members of the conference retired; (who remained organized as at the previous conference,) Brother Granger's mission was presented for consideration.
The congregation assembled in the afternoon, and was addressed by Br. Green. The same serious attention was manifested during the day. Friday it rained, Saturday the congregation increased and was addressed by Brother Lorenzo Barnes. The members of the conference again retired for deliberation. It was moved, seconded, and a unanimous vote that Br. Benjamin Winchester go and preach in Philadelphia; Samuel James preside over the Church in N. J. Lorenzo Barnes preside over the Church in Chester Co. Pa. and Elisha H. Davis assist him, & J. Huston preach in Bucks co. Pa. In the afternoon the meeting was addressed by Brs. Winchester and Davis. This day deep interest was manifested in the congregation, and two presented themselves for baptism. Sunday they were baptised [baptized]. A large congregation, of from two to three thousand assembled, and were addressed in the morning by Br. Green and Br. Granger. In the afternoon Br. Green gave a relation of the persecution, and sufferings of the Brethren in Missouri. After which, a collection of $30 was lifted for them.
Monday, the Elders gave their testimony concerning the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, and their experimental knowledge of the work of God in these days. Br. Granger occupied the fore part of the day, and gave a very interesting account of his life; of the administration of angels, who testified of the work of God in the world; a vision of the Book of Mormon, the means by which he was brought into the church, and then bore testimony to the restoration of the Priesthood, and exhorted the people to embrace the truth, that they might be saved in the kingdom of God.
The people listened with attention; the tears of many, and the deep anxiety manifested, bespoke the impressions making on many hearts. In the afternoon Br. Barnes, Br. Winchester, Br. Dunham and Br. Green, testified to the truth of the work, which they had received by seeing, hearing, and experimental knowledge; such as visions, prophecies, revelations, healing etc. The same state of feelings continued in the
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