| 604 "This afternoon, Erastus Holmes, of Newbury, Ohio, called on me to inquire about the establishment of the church, and to be instructed in doctrine more perfectly.
"I gave him a brief relation of my experience while in my juvenile years, say from six years old up to the time I received the first visitation of angels, which was when I was about fourteen years old; also the revelations that I received afterwards concerning the Book of Mormon, and a short account of the rise and progress of the church up to this date.
"He listened very attentively, and seemed highly gratified, and intends to unite with the church.
"On Sabbath morning, 15th, he went with me to meeting, which was held in the schoolhouse, as the chapel was not finished plastering.
"President Rigdon preached on the subject of men's being called to preach the gospel, their qualifications, etc. We had a fine discourse; it was very interesting indeed. Mr. Holmes was well satisfied, and returned and dined with me. Said Holmes has been a member of the Methodist Church, and was excommunicated for receiving the elders of the Latter Day Saints into his house.
"Monday, the 16th....
"In the course of the day Father Beeman, Elder Strong, and others, called to counsel with me. In the evening a council was called at my house to counsel with Alva Beeman on the subject of his moving to Missouri. I had previously told him that the Lord had said that he had better go to Missouri next spring; however, he wished a council called. The council met, and President David Whitmer arose and said the Spirit manifested to him that it was his duty to go, Others bore the same testimony.
"The same night I received the word of the Lord on Mr. Holmes' case. He had desired that I would inquire at the hand of the Lord whether it was his duty to be baptized here, or wait until he returned home. The word of the Lord came unto me, saying, that Mr. Holmes had better not be baptized here, and that he had better not return by water,
(page 604) |
