| 61 The preaching of the Gospel here, produces the same effects, that the preaching of the same doctrine has in all places, and in all ages of the world, viz: all manner of abuse from hypocrites and vagabonds. Nevertheless, a tribute of thanksgiving and gratitude, is due to the author of all good, for in all my travels, during the last six months, through as many as eight different States, extending from the Mississippi to the Atlantic; he has not at any time left me at night without a place to lay my head; nor without a sufficient of food, to supply the demands of nature. I send you the names of five subscribers for the Times and Seasons, if the money will not answer your purpose send it back, and we will pay silver as soon as it can be sent. If any of our books can be obtained at Commerce, please notice it in you paper. Yours in the Gospel bonds
LYSANDER M. DAVIS
The following is a short extract from a letter written by Elder Orson Pratt, to his wife in this place, under date of January 6th, 1840.
I am well and hearty, after mailing the last letter to you in Pa. I went to Philadelphia, on Saturday the 21st of December, there I found President J. Smith jr., he had just arrived from Washington city, where he had been about 3 weeks-4 or 5 days after, Judge Higbee, with Porter Rockwell, came to Philadelphia; they are well. I wrote to P. P. Pratt to come and see Pres't Smith; he did so, and probably will go to Washington with him in a few days. I staid with brother Smith, in Philadelphia, about 8 days; we then took the rail road, and went some 35 or 40 miles, to a large branch of the church in Monmouth co. N. J. which numbers 90 members: there I left him on new year's day, and came to N. Y. where I am at present. Elder Winchester had when I left Philadelphia, baptized 45 in that city, and several more had given in their names for baptism, and scores believing. I preached in Chester co. Pa. about two weeks, and I think I may safely say there are hundreds believing. The work is prospering throughout all this region. Elders Taylor, Woodruff, and Turley sailed for Liverpool, Dec. 18th, while I was in Pa. none of the rest of the Twelve have yet arrived. I hear that brothers Young and Kimball are near Rochester in this state. I am all ready to start for England, and am only waiting for company. If some of the rest do not arrive soon, I think I shall start alone. There is a great call for books of Mormon. P. P. Pratt has another book printed, larger than the Voice of Warning, entitled the Millenium [Millennium], and other poems, and a piece on the eternal duration of matter.
We learn virbally [verbally] from Elder John E. Page, that within a few weeks past, he has baptized nine in the lower part of this county, about 8 miles south west from Carthage, and twenty from this place. Among those who embraced the gospel in that place is Mr. Sidney Knowlton and family, who have for several years been zealous members of the Campbellite society, and are personally acquainted with the leaders of that sect, consequently have become perfectly acquainted with all the principles of that doctrine; they are of the opinion that if Messrs. Campbell, Scott and others, had been attentive hearers to the lectures which had been delivered in their place, they would have become Mormons also. Br. Knowlton is one of the first citizens of Hancock co. and ranks with the first class of scientific Farmers. Elder Page, by the voice of that Branch of the church, ordained John J. DeGraw, to the office of an Elder.
From a letter written Nov. 7th, 1839, by Br's Daniel, and Norman B. Shearer, we learn that they have been busily engaged for the cause of the Redeemer; since they left this place, Sept. 14th, they had held twenty eight meetings, and baptized three, one of the number was formerly a Methodist preacher; some faithful elder is requested to call and instruct them more perfectly. They live three miles South of Pekin, Tazwell co. Ill.
Elder Jacob K. Chapman, writes from Harrison, Henry co. Indiana, under date of Jan. 9th 1810. He informs
(page 61) |
