| 104 "Elder W. Richards, having reported his mission, requested the privilege of fulfilling a covenant which he made with President Kimball in January, which was that he should, agreeable to his desire, accompany the Twelve on their first foreign mission. President Hyrum Smith and Sidney Rigdon granted his petition, laid their hands upon his head, and set him apart for the English mission.
"Tuesday, 13th. My afflictions continued to increase and were very severe, insomuch I was unable to raise my head from my pillow when the brethren called to bid me farewell; and at nine o'clock a. m., Elders H. C. Kimball, O. Hyde, W. Richards, and Joseph Fielding, a priest, a native of Honedon, England, left Kirtland in company with President Brigham Young and several of the Kirtland brethren and sisters, who continued with them as far as Fairport, on Lake Erie, where the mission took a steamer for Buffalo, directing their course for New York City.
"Wednesday, 14th. I had continued to grow worse and worse until my sufferings were excruciating, and although in the midst of it all I felt to rejoice in the salvation of Israel's God, yet I found it expedient to call to my assistance those means which a kind Providence had provided for the restoration of the sick, in connection with the ordinances; and Dr. Levi Richards, at my request, administered to me herbs and mild food, and nursed me with all tenderness and attention; and my heavenly Father blessed his administrations to the ease and comforting of my system, for I began to amend in a short time, and in a few days I was able to resume my usual labors.
"This is one of the many instances that I have suddenly been brought from a state of health to the borders of the grave, and as suddenly restored, for which my heart swells with gratitude to my heavenly Father, and I feel renewedly to dedicate myself and all my powers to his service.
"While I was thus afflicted the enemy of all righteousness was suggesting, apostates reporting, and the doubtful believing that my afflictions were sent upon me because I was in transgression and had taught the church things contrary to godliness; but of this the Lord judge betwixt me and them,
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