Latter Day Saints' Messenger and Advocate/Volume 1/Number 11/Letters from the elders abroad

KIRTLAND, OHIO, AUGUST, 1835.

From the letters of the Elders abroad we make the following extracts:—

Elder C. Rich writes from Tazwell co. Ill. "I have just returned from the north part of this state, where I have been laboring in company with Elder M. Phelps for a few weeks past. We were opposed by the missionaries: but succeeded in establishing a church in Cook co. comprising nine members. I have baptized one since my arrival at home; and there are more enquiring, and are friendly to the cause of truth."

Elders L. Rich and R. Orton, write from Cambria, N. Y. July 22. "It is about five weeks since we left Kirtland, O. and have baptized ten, since we have come to this place. We expect to baptize a number next Lord's day, who have manifested their determinations in public: Thus grows and spreads the mighty work of God. We feel as men but in the strength of the Lord, we are resolved to blow the gospel trumpet. "Elder L. Rich has returned to this place and says he and R. Orton have baptized nine since they last wrote."

Elder J. Blakesley writes from Woodville, N. Y. That four have been baptized in that place since the 15th of June. The elders of that place have held a conference: and have selected and appointed wise men to purchase lands for their inheritances according to a revelation given Kirtland, Ohio, December 1834.

Elder A. Babbit writes from Aurora, Erie co. N. Y. July 22. "I have been preaching in this place and in Niagara, and last Sabbath at Rushford, and baptized five in all.

Elder E. H. Groves writes from Carmi, Ill. July 4. "I left the church in Chariton co. Ill. in company with Elder I. Higbee, on the 30th of April, and arrived at McLeansburgh on the 4th of May. We have been preaching in this region of country and the Lord has blessed our labors: We have baptized 45 in the counties of Hamilton and White: all were strong in the faith."

Elder G. M. Hinkle writes from Green co. Ia. July 20. "I would inform you that I have travelled and preached some time in the vicinity of Sullivan and Green counties, and have baptized seven."

Elders C. W. Patten and G. P. Dykes, write from Edwards co. Ill. Aug. 3d. "Saying that they have baptized 45 in that co.

Elder S. Wixom writes from Lewiston, Ill. Aug. 4. He says, "that he has been laboring in that place and vicinity about three weeks, and has baptized one many are convinced of the truth, and are enquiring after the old paths; some are hindered by those who have authority over them. Brethren, pray that the Lord may loose the shackles of priestcraft and let the cavtives [captives] go free: that he that will may come and partake of the waters of life freely."

Elder J. P. Green writes from Huntington, Con. Aug. 12. He has travelled and preached and baptized 10, since May last.

The twelve write from Bradford, Mass. Aug. 7. "Our conference in St. Johnsbury, Vt. was attended by a goodly number of brethren and sisters from different parts. The limits of this conference extends throughout the State, and the number belonging to it, as nearly as we could ascertain, was one hundred and fifty members, in good standing and fellowship.

"On Saturday our meeting was attended by a respectable number of people. After a sermon was delivered by Elder O. Hyde and exhortation by Elder Lyman Johnson, six came forward to obey the everlasting gospel. Sunday, we had, as was judged, from one thousand to fifteen hundred people, to hear the word preached by Elders McLellin and P. P. Pratt: after which two came forward for baptism, which was administered by Elder L. Johnson. A great and effectual door is open for proclaiming the gospel in the East. Where intelligence dwells, there truth is received, but where ignorance reigns, truth is an unwelcome guest.

"Elder G. Bishop has been tried before us, and was acquitted; the charge on which he was suspended, not being sustained. But there were some things in his teaching conduct, &c. for which the council chastised him, and he instead of confessing his faults, arose and justified himself. We saw that he was likely to cleave to the same things still; therefore, we took his license.

O. Hyde, Clk."

Br. A. C. Graves writes from Liberty, Mo. July 29. "and says, the church is reviving, 22 have been baptized mostly children.

"Elder William Legg died on the 24th inst., strong in the faith of the Latter Day Saints." We understand that Elder Legg was about 30 years of age; was born in England, and had, in his earlier days, followed a sea fareing [faring] life. He was a man of piety and virtue, ever ready to reach out the hand of charity to the needy and distressed, showing the reality of his profession by his faith: by his decease the church has been deprived of a most examplary [exemplary] elder, and society a worthy citizen he has left a young widow to lament his departure. We hope, that like the mantle of Elijah upon Elisha, his gifts and qualifications may fall upon others.

Elder W. Parish writes: Kirtland, Aug. 13, 1835. "Dear Brother in Christ:—I am happy to inform you, that through the blessing of God, I have returned from my mission in the South, in company with Seth Utley, a visiting brother from the church in West Tenn. and in the enjoyment of common health. The Lord in his goodness has smiled upon us and crowned our labors beyond our anticipation.—On the 23d of July last, after delivering a lecture on the subject of the gospel, to a large and respectable congregation, assembled on the banks of the Tennessee River, I opened the door for baptism and received one member: I then took the parting hand with my brethren and sisters, (who were overwhelmed in tears,) commending them to God in the name of Jesus Christ.—The church in that vicinity consists of 86 members, organized into six branches which I left under the superintendence of Elder W. Woodruff. Brother D. W. Patten and myself, I believe, were the first that opened the gospel kingdom in the western district of Tennessee, in the month of October last; the adversary and his votaries were immediately disturbed; the heathen raged, and the people imagined many vain things; but the honest in heart have, and will believe, and obey; and mighty truth will triumph, and roll on until Christ's kingdom becomes universal. I expect when God calls upon the South to give up, that many will come with songs of everlasting joy to rejoice with me, and all the saints in the kingdom of our heavenly Father. Even so let it be. Amen."