| 79 laboring the principle part of the past season, I can fill but a small part of the calls I have for preaching. 53 in that Co. have already embraced the fullness of the gospel, and are organised [organized] into a branch. On Saturday last (Jan. 25) a conference of elders was held in the Brandywine branch; pres't. Joseph Smith Jr. being present, was called to preside, and James Rodeback appointed clerk. Two elders and two priests were ordained; great harmony prevailed in the meeting, and much important instructiou [instruction] was given to the elders and members present by pres't. Smith among them, I trust has tended much to strengthen, and confirm them in the faith of the everlasting gospel. Multitudes are believing the proclamation which the Lord has sent us to declare in different parts of the land: mountains of prejudice have been broken down, and many noble hearted men and women in that Co. manifest a zeal for the cause of truth worthy the highest admiration. The march of truth is onward, and proud sectarianism is fast falling into ruins.
Elder Elisha M. Davis and Henry Dean are preaching in Lancaster Co. near Straughsburgh, they have baptized 18, and I understand there is a great enquiry [inquiry] after truth in that Co. Elder B. Winchester has baptized 65 in this city, and a great number more appear to be convinced of the truth of these things, the spirit of enquiry [inquiry] is general. I am now on a visit to the city, to assist elder Winchester a short time, when I expect to return to Chester Co. Yours in the bonds of the new covenant.
LORENZO BARNES.
Messrs. Editors:
Please insert the following, in your fifth Periodical.
TO THE ELDERS ABROAD.
Having a desire for the welfare of all Brethren, and more especially for those who are conducting the everlasting gospel to the nations of the earth, stimulates me at all times to importune at the feet of our heavenly father, for he [the] Holy Spirit to perpetually remain with you, and be your guide both by sea and by land, and not depart from you at any time while declaring repentence [repentance]unto the inhabitants of this generation, I am aware that in consequence of the magnitude of your calling that you have left houses, lands, wives and chrildren [children] for the sake of the everlasting gospel which has been committed to you by the revelations of our God. And I am aware also that nothing of an earthly nature can hinder you from performing that duty which you owe to the inhabitants of the nations of the earth; for my mind can already discover your footsteps making their way to the Islands of the sea, thence bending your course south to the shores of Asia, and Africa, where the inhabitants are strangers to civilization, then my mind can discover the spirit of the God of Daniel attending you, ready to deliver you from bondage or any kind of harm. My mind can also trace your footsteps into the solitary groves to importune at the feet of your heavenly father in behalf of your families, I can then discover your minds satisfied by reflecting that God is the same as yesterday so to-day and forever, that Elijah was fed by the ravens and that your families are of the household of faith as well as him and will feed and clothe them, and if they ask for bread he will not give them a stone, and if they ask for a fish he will not give them a scorpion.
Wherefore let not your hearts be troubled but as with horns of unicorns push the people together, say to the north give up and to the south keep not back; that the sound of the everlasting gospel may penetrate the ears of all living that your garments may be clear from the blood of this generation, and that you may return home to your families and sit down in the Kingdom which our God has estabished [established] by his own right hand in these last days. A. RIPLY.
Payson, Ill. Feb. 4th, 1840
MESSRS. ROBINSON & SMITH.
Believing that all information respecting the spread of the gospel will be acceptable to you I therefore improve a few moments to inform you that the work of God is gaining ground in these parts. There has been a considerable
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