Latter Day Saints' Messenger and Advocate/Volume 2/Number 10/From the elders abroad

FROM THE ELDERS ABROAD.

Elder G. M. Hinkle writes us under date of June 10 from Columbus, Indiana; stating that he set out from Kirtland about the first of April, in company with Elder Groves; that they traveled together as far as Richland county in this State, where he was taken unwell, and Elder Groves here left him and went on. Previously to their separating they had baptized ten. Elder Hinckle, however, soon so far recovered that he was able to preach, and at the date of his letter to us, he had baptized twelve more.

We hear nothing from Elder Groves himself since he separated from brother Hinckle, but we know br. Groves' zeal for the cause of truth, and trust ere long we shall learn directly from his own pen, and hear that the pleasure of the Lord has been in his hand.

Since the date of the above, Elder Hinkle writes us again, under date of July 2d, informing us of his success in the ministry, that he had baptized forty four in that place, and that it appeared to him as if the work was but just begun. He also adds, that there is the greatest call for preaching in that place, that he ever witnessed. The elder expresses his anxiety to go on to the far west as he designed when he left here; but from the pressing calls he has, to preach, and the blessing which has thus far attended his ministry, it appears he is yet induced to stay.

In addition to what we have related, he gives us a short sketch of some controversies he has had with some of the Rev. gentlemen in that section of country who had thought proper to oppose him. We infer from the elder's communication to us, that it was neither difficult nor unpleasant to him to sustain his positions; although a controversy was rather urged upon him than coveted by him. Such we hope were the facts. We sincerely hope our elders will not go round the country, challenging others to debate the subject of religion with them. If they are attacked, as they invariably will be, we commend them for defending themselves with the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God. Provided always, that their opponents are men of respectable standing in society, and not otherwise. We consider that a victory over a man of no character is not only a loss of time, but a loss of reputation to the victor.

Elder Seymour Brunson has been on a mission toward the south part of this State and since his return, he has favored us with an extract from his journal, from which we give a synopsis. The Elder traveled about two hundred and fifty miles, going from and returning to this place and the first account that he gives us of his baptizing any is about thirteen miles from Zanesville where he preached some, baptized three and organized a little branch of a church consisting of thirteen members: from thence he traveled into Lick Township where he baptized two, visited the church in Bloomfield, baptized one, and then visited the church in Lawrence, where he preached several times and baptized twelve. Here he set their church in order by ordaining the necessary officers, and then left them. The Elder also called on another little branch of a church in the town of Windsor where he baptized one, making nineteen in all while he was absent. In short the Elder gives us to understand that there is yet a great field for labor in that region. That the brethren in some places very much regretted his leaving them, so soon, but a combination of causes not in his power to control made it necessary that he should do so. May the Lord dispose other faithful laborers to visit that part of his moral vineyard.

We have also recently received another communication from Elder Parley P. Pratt, informing us of the steady march of truth and the powerful effects of the principles of our holy religion on the hearts of the people in the city of Toronto, U. C. and in the region around it where he labors. Our readers will recollect a detailed account of our brother's labors in that section, in our May number of this paper. We now say, from his communication bearing the Toronto post mark of the 25th ult. that he labors almost constantly, or to use his own expression, "I preach by night and by day," and yet he could not answer but a small share of the calls for preaching. He further states that the saints are rejoicing and increasing in number almost daily. Will some four or six of the first or second seventy go over and assist our brother in dispensing the words of life and salvation, and gathering souls into the kingdom of our God? A rich harvest of souls await the faithful laborer, and the consciousness of doing the will of our heavenly Father, cheers and gladens his heart: although tyrants may frown or bigots howl, his purpose is fixed, his course is onward, and his reward is trial, privation, suffering and opposition from this crooked and perverse generation, but joy, peace and ineffiable glory shall be his unfading, enduring inheritance beyond this chequered scene of time.

Elders A. J. Squiers and Z. Coltrin have recently came in from the field of their labors in the state of New York, and say that they together with Elder Wm. Bosley, have baptized 14; and that there were more calls for preaching than they could supply. Our readers will notice a postscript to the proceedings of a conference held by them and others which we have published in this month's paper. They will there discover the opinion these men have of the progress of truth and correct principles in that region.

Elder Jonathan Dunham, writes us from Hamilton, Madison county, N. Y. under date of May 9th: stating, that notwithstanding the great and powerful opposition to the truth, through the goodness and mercy of God, he had succeeded in raising up a small branch of a church of Latter Day Saints in that place, consisting of 18 members. The Elder adds, that there are many more believing, and urges the necessity of the Elders who travel eastward calling upon those brethren and strengthening them.

Elder E. Robinson has just returned from a mission to the South, having been absent from this place but five weeks. He states to us verbally that he has traveled about three hundred miles, held twenty meetings, and baptized four during his absence. It may not be improper, here to remark, that our brother brought us the names of nine new subscribers for our paper.—May others who are interested in the march of truth and correct principles go and do likewise. Many have already done so, to them and to all who take an interest in the cause of truth and the dissemination of light & knowledge, we tender our heartfelt gratitude.

Elder Lyman E. Johnson writes us from Saco, Me. under date of June 26th stating that he left Kirtland on the 6th of April, in company with Elder Milton Homles and J. Herrit, traveled East as far as Whitestown Oneida county, N. York, where he preached twice, then he went to Boston Mass. where he pr[e]ached twice and baptized one, From thence he went to Saco, Me. where he preached three times and baptized one. He has since been to St. John's the capital of New Brunswick, and has traveled and preached in various directions, and to crowded assemblies. The Elder gives us to understand that he has met with little opposition, except from those whose craft was in danger; but that God had in every instance thus far given him wisdom that his adversaries had not been able to gainsay nor resist. He farther adds, although this mission has not been as successful as some others in bringing souls into the kingdom, yet through the assistance of God he had been instrumental in establishing a small branch of a church of eighteen members in the town of Sackville Westmoreland county. The elder traveled and preached in various directions in that province, he then left for Me. where he was at the date of his letter to us, May the Lord bless and prosper our brother, till in his own due time he shall return, to the bosom of his family and friends in this place.

Elder A. Babbit states to us verbally, that he has been on a Mission into Canada New York, and Pennsylvania, in company with Elder Benjamin Brown; that they held seventy one meetings, baptized about thirty, and had calls for preaching more than they could supply. The Elder is about to set out again, may the Lord crown his labors with abundant success.