| 88 which will unite themselves with this branch, which raises its numbers to twenty one, eight of which were members before, thirteen were baptized by me: this branch will meet on every other Sunday at this village: this branch I have been pleased to name Union branch of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, as it will meet on one Sunday either at republican school-house, or Br. Jacque's, Brown county, and the other at Perry Pike county, at the house of sister Ferre's.
I can truly say the work of the Lord is onward in this section of the country.
We have had only two public attacks by Rev. heads, or would be divines but soon they took the hint and deserted.
The truth in power will cut its way,
The book of Mormon will surely sway,
Till people many yet shall see,
Zion glorious, happy, free.
Your brother in the patience of the gospel of the Son of God. JOSEPH WOOD.
Adams co. Ill. March 30th, 1840.
MESSRS. ROBINSON AND SMITH.
I take this opportunity to inform you of my success in the vineyard of the Lord, the winter past. I left my home last Nov. to preach the gospel in Tennessee, trusting alone in the Lord to sustain me, as I was alone, and never had attempted to preach before. I commenced preaching in DeKalb co. the people were very prejudiced in consequence of the falsehoods that had been written from Missouri, by our most zealous persecutors, but on hearing, expressed their surprise to hear me contend so strongly for the bible, and its requirements; and that we should be persecuted for preaching the very order of things which all Christendom was earnestly praying for.
On arriving at Overton co. I found Elder J. Moses, we preached together two weeks and baptized two. I then went to Jackson co. and preached almost constantly for six weeks, doors were open on the right hand and left. I have baptized ten in all and others are believing; Br. Moses joined me in Jackson co., we traveled and preached in many places, but could not supply all the calls, the prejudice of the people appeared to give way on hearing for themselves, our wants was supplied, we never lacked for a comfortable place to lodge, we obtained 21 subscribers for the Times and Seasons, and the call was Books! Books!! But the common weapon misrepresentation was used against us by individuals, we was invited to a public discussion of our principles, which we accepted, the debate lasted three days. Myself and Br. Moses on the affirmative, and Rev. S. Dewhitt and F. A. Stone, (campbelites) Negative, points at issue was.
1st That the Book of Mormon is a Sacred Record, and was translated by inspiration of God and came forth in fulfillment of Prophecy.
2nd, That Apostles and Prophets and Spiritual gifts, such as prophecyings [prophesies], healings, diversities of tongues and the interpretation of tongues; are necessary in the church of Christ according to his order, at the close of the debate we baptize one, there are others, we think, who will obey the first oportunity [opportunity]. I arrived at home on the 28 inst. found my family in good health, My prayer to God is that he will roll on his good begun work until error cannot be found, and truth pervade the whole earth, in hope of which I remain your friend and brother in the testimony of the new and everlasting covenant. GEORGE W. GEE.
March 20th, 1840 MESSRS. ROBINSON AND SMITH.
Gentlemen. In the midst of the serpentine windings of human life, and by a well directed turn of divine providence, I have been favored with the reception of the voice of warning and instruction to all people; also, the Times and Seasons; by the politeness both works with wonder and admiration; the voice of warning, I find contains the plain truth and much sound logic.
Now Gentlemen, I am no Mormon, nor have I ever heard a Mormon preacher, neither have I ever seen a regular Mormon member of society: but in perusing the Times and Seasons I was
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