| 884 Thomas Richardson, besides many who were added in the older branches, through the instrumentality of the local elders and priests, who were generally very faithful.
December 8th, 1839, elders Hiram Clark, Alexander Wright, and Samuel Mulliner arrived in Preston from America; and on the 25th, brothers Wright and Mulliner started for Scotland, and soon commenced preaching and baptizing in Paisley and vicinity.
January 13th, 1840, elders Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, and Theodore Turley arrived in Preston, from America; and on the 18th, brothers Woodruff and Turley started for the Potteries in Staffordshire, passing through Manchester; and on the 22d, elder Taylor left for Liverpool.
April 6th 1840, just 10 years from the organization of the church, elders Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, Geo. A. Smith, and Reuben Hedlock, landed in Liverpool from New York; and on the 9th elder Kimball arrived in Preston, just two years from the day he left for America.
The arrival of the elders caused the Saints to rejoice exceedingly,-for it had been prophecied [prophesied] by many, (not of the church,) that they would never come, and that elders Kimball and Hyde would never return, but they are both now in England; elders O. Hyde and G. J. Adams having arrived in Liverpool on the 3d inst. from New York.
HEBER C. KIMBALL,
ORSON HYDE,
WILLARD RICHARDS.
Preston, March 24th 1841.
HISTORY OF JOSEPH SMITH.
Continued.
About the same time came an old gentleman to visit us, of whose name I wish to make honorable mention; Mr. Joseph Knight, Sen. of Colesville, Broom county, N. Y. who, having heard of the manner in which we were occupying our time, very kindly and considerately brought us a quantity of provisions, in order that we might not be interrupted in the work of translation, by the want of such necessaries of life; and I would just mention here (as in duty bound) that he several times brought us supplies (a distance of at least thirty miles) which enabled us to continue the work which otherwise we must have relinquished for a season.
Being very anxious to know his duty as to this work I enquired [inquired] of the Lord for him and obtained as follows:
Revelation given to Joseph Knight Sen. at Harmony Susquehannah co. Penn. May, 1829.
A great and marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men: behold I am God, and give heed to my word, which is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword, to the dividing asunder of both joints and marrow: therefore, give heed unto my word.
Behold the field is white already to harvest, therefore whoso desireth to reap, let him thrust in his sickle with his might, and reap while the day lasts, that he may treasure up for his soul everlasting salvation in the kingdom of God: yea, whosoever will thrust in his sickle and reap, the same is called of God: therefore if you will ask of me you shall receive; if you will knock it shall be opened unto you.
Now as you have asked, behold I say unto you, keep my commandments, and and seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion.
Behold I speak unto you, and also to all those who have desires to bring forth and establish this work, and no one can assist in this work, except he shall be humble and full of love, having faith, hope and charity, being temperate in all things, whatsoever shall be intrusted to his care.
Behold I am the light and the life of the world, that speaketh these words: therefore, give heed with your might, and then you are called. Amen.
Shortly after commencing to translate, I became acquainted with Mr. Peter Whitmer of Fayette, Seneca co. New York, and also with some of his family. In the beginning of the month of June, his son David Whitmer came to the place where we were residing, and brought with him a two horse waggon[ wagon], for the purpose of having us accompany him to his father's place and there remain until we should finish the work. He proposed that we should have our board free of charge, and the assistence [assistance] of one of his brothers to write for me, as also his own assistence [assistance] when convenient.
Having much need of such timely aid
(page 884) |
