Elder's Journal/1/1 - Revision history

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			had been accomplisded [accomplished], this purpose, I agree with you, was the perfection of the church; those gifts which I also agree were only in part, were to be done away when that which was perfect was come. You remarked you were too inteligent [intelligent] to believe the church was now perfect, but it had been and would be again, but did not inform us when. If the church has ever approximated nearer perfection than it was in the days of the apostles, or if its members have ever been more perfect than Paul was, when he wrote his first letter to the Corrinthians [Corinthians], I have that fact yet to learn. But, let us hear Paul about this matter.
			The common version reads thus: — And he gave some apostles and some prophets and some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. Eph. 4; 11, 12, 13, If then, those gifts were for the perfecting of the saints and to remain until the saints become perfect, they were also to remain until there was no more need of the work of the ministry, or of edifying the body of Christ, till the whole church come in the unity of the faith (which appears had not taken place at that time) and of the knowledge of the son of God (not the faith only) unto a perfect man, (not a child) unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. I ask has the church ever come to the fulness of Christ? or can it in this world? It is certain anything can only be full and if they could obtain that fulness in this world why did the ancients seek a better country? why had Paul rather depart and be with Christ, or why do we anticipate any greater enjoyment? Paul speaks more fully upon that subject of spiritual gifts, in the twelvth [twelfth] chapter of his first letter to the Corinthians, although there is but one spirit, it imports different gifts for the edification of the church, for to one is given the word of knowledge by the spirit, instantaneously & miraculously, yet his knowledge is not perfect, or rather he has not a knowledge of every thing, consequently, his knowledge is only in part, to another is given by the same spirit the gift of prophecy, that he may practice things yet in futurity; but this like the knowledge of the other, is only in part, and is to be done away when that which is perfect is come. The analogy drawn by Paul, in this chapter, between the natural body and the church or body of christ, is perfect and very forcible. Those different gifts answer to the dissimilar members of the natural body, and as the body would be defective without all these members, so the church or body of christ would be deficient, without all those gifts.
			If the whole church were apostles. without prophets, teachers, workers of miracles, or gifts of healing, it would be like the body of a man which was all a hand, without a foot, an eye, or an ear, incapable of walking, seeing, or hearing: and the church without any of those gifts, would be like the body without any of the senses. Those gifts, were also the means of preserving union and concord in the church, that there should be "no schisms in the body" but the members have the same care one for another. This order of the church was established by divine authority; for Paul says, God placed these gifts in the church, there to remain until the church becomes perfect, when there wll [will] be no more need of them.
			But you say the church has been perfect. That is quite questionable as that which was to be, subsequent to the perfection of the church, has never yet become visible. At that time, nothing but charity was to remain, that is, the love of God, and will continue in the bosoms of the saints in eternity. That knowledge which was in part, was then to be supplanted by a knowledge of all things, it was to disappear, being overcome, of that, which was greater, as the light of the moon, vanishes before the sun shining in all his brilliancy.
			Now "says Paul, "I know in part, but then shall I know as also I am known." Now we see through a glass darkly, (by faith) but then (we shall see God) face to face. Then our faith will be swallowed up in sight, and we shall see him as he is.
			But you say the church has been perfect and it will be again. How did it become so? it must be by means of spiritual gifts, for that was the purpose for which they were given.

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			my letter to you, as the subject of religion is one infinitely more important than any other, of which we can speak, & one in which all are, or ought to be concerned, so it demands our most serious consideration, and as there is a diversity of opinions upon this subject I am solicitous to examine the evidence for the faith of others being always ready myself to give a reason of the hope that is within me. Although I am under the necessity from the venoration [veneration] I have tor the ancient gospel & apostolic order of the church of dissenting from you upon some cardinal points, briefly noticed by you in the discourse referred to, yet it is with the best of feelings I take my pen to notice them, you quoted mark 16; 17, "these signs shall follow them that believe" * * expressed your surprise that any man would maintain that these should follow the believer, he at the same time professing to believe & acknowledging the signs do not follow him. Perhaps, I too might censure such a man for his inconsistency, if I had not met with so many who profess to believe the gospel, but when required to acknowledge its precepts, would rather deny its validity. But what were they required to believe, or what did those believe who the signs did follow: They credited and acknowledged there, the testimony of the apostles concerning the death, burial & resurrection of Jesus of Nazereth [Nazareth], they also believed, if they repented and were baptised for the remission of sins they •would receive the gift of the holy Spirit.
			The Jews at Jerusalem on the day of pentecost, evidently understood what they were to receive, as there was but one holy Spirit, they had nothing else to expect but the same which was shed forth upon the apostles and which they saw and heard. The Samaritans received the same Acts 8: 17, as did also the twelve disciples at Ephesus, Acts 19; 6, through laying on of Pauls hands. The same fell upon the house of Cornelius even as upon the apostles at the first, (day of pentecost) and it produces the same affects [effects]. This was that Spirit which God said by the mouth of the prophet Joel, he would pour out upon all flesh in the last days. It was the same by which, the prophet Agabus predicted the death which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar, and testified to Paul that the Jews would bind him at Jerusalem.
			It was the same also in which Philip was caught away from the Eunuch to Azotas, and it was the same into which the whole primitive church was baptised and no other Spirit of God or holy Spirit is known in the new testament. Can we then regard him a believer in the ancient gospel who does not believe as the ancients did, and are not those who believe they must receive the holy Spirit before they are worthy of baptism, and those who believe it subsequent to it, but something different from that which the first christians received equally unbelievers, with those who do not believe the holy Spirit is for any, in our day? But if it can be proven that the promise of the holy Spirit is no part of the gospel, then I must admit there may be believers in it in the nineteenth century, who do not believe as the first disciples did. In the days of the apostles baptism was for remission of sins, the laying on of hands was for the gift of the holy Spirit, and the elcharist [Eucharist] was to show forth the Lords death till he come. If baptism is now for remission why not the laying on of hands for the gift of the Spirit but if we can obtain the Spirit without the laying on hands, why not obtain remission without baptism? Paul in enumerating the principles of the doctrine of Christ in the sixth of Heb. places amongst them the imposition of hands. Faith, repentance, baptism for the remission of sins, and the laying on of hands for the gift of the holy Spirit, with signs following those who believe, was then the gospel which the apostles preached, of which Paul said, if we or an angel from heaven preach any other, let him be accursed. But you said there had been no miracles since the days of the apostles, I think this sentence must inadvertantly [inadvertently] escaped from your lips, as it can be shown from good authority that miracles did not cease in the first century and even Mr. A. Campbell although diametrically opposed to the continuance of miracles, admits they did not wholy [wholly] disappear with the apostles. You very briefly noticed the subject of spiritual gifts, as they appeared in the first christian church.
			Those gifts you said, had now disappeared for the reason that the purpose or end for which they were given

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			the truth of prophecy and its fulfillment; Being acquainted with the things of the East, he informs me that there are people in the confines of Russia who are called Gog and Magog to this day, and that the chief prince of Mesheck and Tubal* (Tobolsk) is no less, than the Emperor of Russia; In short his coming and his manner of preaching is but another evidence that the preparotory [preparatory] work has commenced upon all the face of the earth for the gathering of his people. The following is one of his visions which he has suffered to be published in the papers in this city, which is truly a striking picture of the state of things as they will by and by exist in Jerusalem. He says being greatly cast down in my mind concerning the Jews, I was all at once carryed [carried] away in the Spirit and set down in the midst of Jerusalem (which is to be rebuilt) & I saw Jesus and Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, & others walking the streets in their glorified bodies, and as they passed by the daughters of Jerusalem devoutly looked out of the window as Jesus approached and exclaimed, the Tabernacle of God is now with men. Some of the saints were looking about and said who are these ships coming from a distance as doves to their windows and others answered these are ships of England, and the vision closed. Besides our labours in this city I have been to Providence and Boston, and from thence to Holliston, Mass. where I gave a course of lectures in the Town house, the building was decently full at first, but the congregation continued to increase insomuch that some put ladders to the windows and listened from without by climing [climbing] to the second story. I baptised two persons in Holliston, and I think many more will come forward soon, indeed the work must be firmly rooted in the minds of many in that place, judging from the attention of the people who listened with intense interest through a regular course of Instruction. Besides other labors, I have in two months past written 210 pages, which with the assistance of Eld. Elijah Fordham who has been laboring faithfully with me, is now issuing from the press and the first will be bound and ready for sale tomorrow or next day, three Thousand copies are printed, it is entitled A VOICE OF WARNING and INSTRUCTION See Ezekiel 26 chap. to all people containing a declaration of the faith and doctrine of the church of Latter day Saints commonly called Mormons. It contains in short the principles which we wish to teach the world as to prophecy and doctrine, opening the prophecies in a clear, conclusive, and intelligent manner, and so simple that all may understand. It contains eight chapters exclusive of preface, and appendix. The first is on prophecy already fulfilled, the second on prophecy yet future, the third is on the kingdom of God. the fourth on the book of Mormon, and origin of the Indians, the fifth, a proclamation, the sixth on restoration of all things, the seventh on the dealings of God with all nations in regard to revelation, the eighth is entitled a contrast between the doctrine of Christ and the false doctrines of the nineteenth century.— But I will Immediately forward you a copy from which you will feel at liberty to extract such portions as you see fit, for your valuable paper.
			P. P. PRATT.
			D. C. Smith.
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			Orange, Oct. 2, 1837.
			Br. Smith,
			The following correspondence between myself and Wm. Haydon, the champion of the Campbellites in this quarter, passed last fall and finally resulted in a two day oral debate. I forward you the letters, and if you think they will be of any benefit to your readers, they are at your disposal. At the end of the letters I subjoin a recapitalation [recapitulation] of the debate in a very concise manner, as a synopsis of the whole would be quite to lengthy for publication in your paper.
			STEPHEN BURNET.
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			Orange, O. Nov. 10, 1837.
			Elder Hayden
			Dear sir, a few Sabbaths since I was long and attentively listening to you upon the subject of miracles as recorded in the Holy scriptures, one to me of deep interest.
			With the most part I was well pleased, but there were some ideas advanced which you scarcely attempted to prove. No opportunity was given & fearing I might trespas [trespass] upon the prerogatives of others by requesting the privilege, I forbore making any remarks at that time.
			This will be a sufficient apology for

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			saint earnestly desires the gathering of the elect; to be completed; that the scene of wretchedness may cese [cease] in the world, and the remainder of man may have rest.
			For, however flourishing we may figure to ourselves is the condition of this or any other country, the representation is always partial, it is never universal. For amid the glory of our greatest prosperity, there are thousands, yea tens of thousands, of our race suffering grief and woe, that would melt the stoutest heart, if it would but stop to reflect.
			There are many scenes which exhibit themselves in traveling through the western settlements, which are painful to behold; multitudes of little children clothed in rags, deprived of all the advantages of good society, with a bare subsistence, and that of the coursest [coarsest] kind, their fathers are in many instances indolent, and do not make the provision necessary for their wants, and at the time when they ought to be receiving their education, they are deprived of all advantages, and grow up under circumstances calculated to deprive them of many privileges, and the enjoyments of society in its more refined state.
			I am convinced of the great advantages there are in settling any new country, to do it by colonizing. It enables the settlers, to obtain the comforts of life sooner, to establish schools, erect machinery; and colonies uniting in good faith, could soon have as many advantages as the elder settlements; while those who attempt to settle remote regions by individuals; according to the usual plan, is attended with the sacrifice of almost every comfort of life, and during the life time of the first settlers, if not longer: you shall hear from me again.
			yours as ever.
			SIDNEY RIGDON.

			New York, Oct. 3, 1837.
			Dear Brother, I take this opportuty [opportunity] to write, that your readers may know how the kingdom of God is rolling forth in these parts. Since my arrival in this city August 5th I have preached in three of their chapels, on board three of their vessels, in several of their private houses, and once in the ship yard, to a crouded [crowded] and respectable andiance [audience] who listened with profound attention, while we baptized four persons in east river, towards the upper end of the city. It has been with much exertion that the truth has taken root in this city, but at length, the Spirit of the Lord is beginning to manifest itself in mighty power and showing that he is able to do his own work. On last Sunday eve while preaching at the house of a good old Cornelious who had not yet obeyed the gospel, but was seeking and believing, while I yet spake he was carried away in a vision and saw the two sticks, representing the two books and the light and glory of God shining around them: to this he arose and testified in the power of the Spirit and immediately spake in tongues & interpreted the same, speaking of the two records and of the remnant of Joseph and how they would soon come to the knowlege [knowledge] of the truth and nearly all present believed and glorified God, and several are intending to obey the ordinance. The gift of healing is also beginning to be enjoyed here in some degree, and we are now preaching daily. On last eve we had two of the Campbellite preachers to hear us; they expressed much satisfaction and a desire to hear more there is a society of them in this city. Mr. Joseph Wolsf, a Jew, who has journeyed through all parts of the old world, from Palistine [Palestine] to Irgin, for many years In search of the ten tribes, has at length come to America to learn the origin of the Indians. He came to this city about the time I did and commenced lecturing to immense crouds [crowds] of people; you may see his lectures in the public prints, and they are precisely what we believe and teach, as for as prophecy & its fulfillment is concerned, that is as far as he goes: I have had two interviews with him and have told him concerning the finding the record and the rise of the church keeping nothing back. He seemed excedingly [exceedingly] interested, not only in the record but in the prophecies of the old testament concerning Joseph and Ephraim, which I opened to him, I finally made him a present of the book of Mormon which he promised to read attentively, and he also took the Name and residence of brother Smith, and probably will call on him in Kirtland soon, and if he does I hope he will preach a few discourses in the house of the Lord, for be assured, he will greatly confirm

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			Love to all enquiring friends; write when you receive this, and let this sheet be an example for you, this to my dearest friend.
			HEBER KIMBALL,
			VILATE Kimball.

			Tere Haute, la. Oct. 13th, 1837.
			Brother Don C. Smith,
			Dear Sir:
			Having arrived here last evening in a heavy shower of rain, and calculating to pursue our journey on the morrow, I thought I would occupy part of the day, in writing a few lines to you for the Journal.
			This place is about five hundred miles from Kirtland, and about half way from Kirtland to the city of Far West; which makes the distance from Kirtland to the Far West, one thousand miles.
			Part of the way the roads were excedingly [exceedingly] good, and part of the way, were as bad as they could well be.—The immence [immense] travel on the national road is incredible, and this composed of all classes, and discriptions [descriptions] of character. Here indeed you may see the rich and the poor, the noble and ignoble, all traveling together along the same way; just like they have to the grave, the common lot of all.
			I observed as I passed through Ohio, that there was quite a diversity of both soil and timber, some parts of Ohio through which we passed, I think is not surpassed in any part of the country, for fertility of soil, beauty of attraction, and splendor of improvements. I have not, as yet, to this point seen anything to equal it.
			Through Indiana, there is a much greater uniformity of soil, timber, and surface, than in Ohio, I mean in the parts through which we passed. From the time we crossed the state line, until say within 12 or 15 miles from this place, there is a uniformity in soil, timber, and surface, that amounts to a dull monotony in the eye of the observer. The timber is principly [principally] beech and maple. The surface is very flat; and the soil not above second quality, if it would be considered of that qality [quality].
			Indiana as far as I have traveled through it, until I came within a few miles of this place, does not justify the general report which has been given of it; at least, I confess, that I was disappointed, not finding the country as good as I expected from report.
			There are a multitude of villages springing up on the national road, of which Richmond, Indianapolis, and Tere Haute are principle, of these three, I should consider Richmond quite in advance of the others. Indianapolis, the seat of government, is a village of considerable size; but the buildings are generally small, many of them from one, to one story and a half high, and very few excel two storys high.—The greater part of the houses are wood.—The town is built on the east side of White river; the situation is plesant [pleasant], and would admit of a city of the largest size.
			This vilage [village] (Terehaute) is situated on the east side of the wabash, which is a beautiful river, and flows majestically along the west side of the vilage [village]. The steamboats ascend the river to this point. The village is situated on a wide spreading prairv [prairie] of exceedingly rich soil, and the surface is level, and presents a sublime prospect, to the eye of the traveler as he comes from the east. From where the national road enters the prariy [prairie]; it is about three miles to the river, where the village stands.
			The prices of land on the national road is astonishing; take it at any point you will, and you will find, the wild land, from twenty to thirty dollars per acre; while the improved land, is from fifty to a hundred, according to the situation and improvements.
			No thinking mind can travel through the country, and observe the ways of man and things, without deep reflection. In passing along you will see wealth, beauty, and elegance [elegance], flowing in all richness, and the next minute, you will see poverty, want, and wretchedness, praying like a vulture upon the happiness of their subjects. The wretchedness and sufferings which abound in many habitations, makes the heart sicken, and throws a gloominess over the spirit of the philanthrophist [philanthropist].
			A person who is acquainted with the purposes and work of God in the last days, by traveling only increases his desire, that the great work of God may be speadily [speedily] accomplished; for the amelioration of the world depends intirely [entirely] on the accomplishment of the purposes of God. For this cause, the inteligent [intelligent]

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			and I have since learned, that she was a person of great influence in the place where she lives, which is called Walkerford, about fifteen miles from Preston. I saw her into the coach, and she desired that I would pray for her, and her father, that his heart might be softened, that he might not find fault with her. I bade her farewell, went home at my lodging and found Br. Hyde, and Fielding, and told them what I had done; and that I wanted to call on the Lord, and ask him to soften her fathers heart, that he might open his chapel for me to preach &c. Then we bowed before the Lord, and we were agreed in asking for these things, the next week, I received a letter from her father, requesting me to come to his house on Saturday as he had given out for me to preach three times on the next Sabbath, I accordingly went, he received me very kindly; I preached in his chapel seven times, stayed there nine or ten days; and preached thirteen times, and the Lord was with me, and I baptized eight; and almost every one that came to hear, believed. The Rev. Mr. R. has preached here 33 years, he is a Presbyterian. It caused me to marvel to see how the Lord is able to turn the hearts of the people: Mr. R. did not receive my testimony, but the Lord softened his heart, that he might gather out his saints. I never was treated better any where than by them, while I was there, the Lord warned me in a vision to go back to Preston for I was wanted there, the Lord is with me, and warns me of almost every thing before hand. Walkerford is but two miles from the Catholic college the most of the people here are Catholics. they have threatened my life, but this does not scare me, for the Lord is with me, and you know that perfect love casts out all fear, I feel firm in the Lord, I never enjoyed myself better than I do now, and it is so with brother Hyde and all the brethren. * * * *
			Brothers, Goodson and Richards, went to Bedford, and Mr. Matthews received their testimony and exhorted his people to do the same, and set a time to go forward and be baptized; and when the time come [came], he was missing and did not come. He had turned against the work; and been baptized by some of their Ministers; and is now preaching repentance and baptism for the remission of sins; and calling on his members to be baptized. He has written a letter to the Rev. Mr. ---- at Preston, and says that the best of his people have left him. The last we heard from the brethren there, they had baptized twelve.
			Br. Russel and Snider that went North, we have not had the particulars from. We have preached in the streets the most of the time, until our lungs are injured much, we have large congregations to hear, and the houses are very small in this place.
			We have had the Cock-pit to preach in, two Sundays once a day, and next Sunday we have the privilege of preaching in it twice: it will hold six or seven hundred people.
			Sept. 6, I am now going down to Walkerford to visit that little branch.—There is a great and affectual door opened there, I had many calls in different places, and so it is here in Preston, more than we can attend to; and they are calling for us in the country: Br. Hyde and myself went out ten miles last week, and preached twice we had as many as could hear us.—They had a shock of an earthquake here a few years ago, but they say it was nothing compared to this, the people find much fault, and threaten us much, because we get their best members; we tell them all we want is the wheat.
			I cannot tell you much on one sheet of paper, but I shall write again in about three weeks from the date of this, you must forgive me my dear Vilate, that I have been so negligent about writing to you, but I will not do so again. I felt much gratified with the news you wrote in your kind letter; I had many sorrowful hours thinking of the things in Kirtland: it has been my prayer ever since I left, that a reconciliation should take place. I feel contented about you I know the Lord will take care of you, and preserve you till I come home; and feed you, and clothe you, and the children. And he will take care of me; give me your prayers, and you shall have mine: be faithful my dear companion, our labours will soon be over, when we shall meet to part no more forever. I am glad you have sister Fielding with you, I hope she will stay with you till I come home. Tell William and Hellen and Heber to be good children, and pray for me, my

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			our hands on Elder Kimball, and rebuked the evil spirits, in the name of Jesus Christ; and immediately he recovered his strength in part, so as to get up; the sweat began to roll from him most powerfully, and he was almost as wet as if he had been taken out of the water, we could very sensibly hear the evil spirits rage and foam out their shame. Br. Kimball was quite weak for a day or two after: it seems that the devils are determined to destroy us, and prevent the truth from being declared in England. The devil was mad because I was a going to baptize, and he wanted to destroy me, that I should not do those things the Lord sent me to do. We had a great struggle to deliver ourselves from his hands; when they left Br. Russel they pitched upon me, and when they left me they fell upon Br. Hyde; for we could hear them gnash their teeth upon us.—Eight days after we got here, we held a counsel: Br. Goodson and Br. Richards, went to Bedford: elders Russel and Snider, went North, about one hundred miles: elder Hyde, and priest Fielding stayed at Preston, it is a large place; there is betwixt fifty and sixty thousand inhabitants; and the most poor people that I ever saw. There are 55 now baptized, and it is as much as they can do to live, there is not more than one or two that could lodge us over night if they should try; and in fact there are some that have not a bed to sleep on themselves; and this is the situation of most of the people in this place, and it is so in the country; we cannot travel the streets without meeting beggars half naked, this gives me feelings that I do not like.
			We have to live quite short, but the brethren are very kind to us, they are willing to divide with us the last they have, they are quite ignorant, many of them cannot read a word and it needs great care to teach them the gospel so that they can understand; the people here are bound down under priestcraft in a manner I never saw before: they have to pay tithes to the priests of every tenth they raise; so that they cannot lay up one cent; they are in the same situation the children of Israel were in Egypt: they have their taskmasters over them to bind them down; it will be as great a miracle to deliver this people, as it was the children of Israel. There are a great many believing in Preston; we are baptising almost every day. The Rev. Mr. ____ is like to lose all his members, and the priests are mad, but the} are afraid of us, and durst not come near us.
			You stated in your letter that some of the twelve were coming to England next spring, and you say they are calculating to bring their wifes with them; this I have no objections to, but if they come they had better bring money to support themselves; I think they had better take up with Br. Joseph's advice, and leave their wifes at home, for if they bring them here, they will repent the day they do it, I do not wish to bring my wife to this place to suffer, if they could see the misery that I do they would not think of such a thing, the Savior says, "he that is not willing to leave father and mother, and wife and children, brothers and sisters, houses and lands for my sake and the gospel, are not worthy of me.” We have had our own hired house, since we have been here, and bought our own provisions; we do not eat but one meal at home, for the brethren invite us to eat dinner and supper with them.
			You stated that our brethren thought of appointing a conference in England next spring, but we know not what will happen before that time; we know not how long we shall be here; if we come home next summer, we shall come before they can get here. The Lord says "take no thought for the morrow" and this is the way I feel at present, I commit myself into his hands, that, I may always be ready to go at his command; 1 desire to be content with whatever situation I am placed in.
			The 2nd week after I came here, a minister's daughter came in where I was, and I commenced preaching to her the words of life, she seemed to listen with great attention to me; I told her I was going to preach in the evening, she said she would come and hear me, she did so, and the next night she came again, and the next morning she sent for me to come and baptize her; accordingly I went and baptized her; this was on friday morning, and on Saturday she started for home: she wanted me to come to her father’s house, for she thought her father would open his chapel for me to preach in; I told her if there was a door open, I would come. She appeared very intelligent,

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	Our readers will notice that the following from elder Kimball, was intended for a private letter to his wife, consequently it was not expected by him to be placed before the public; but as Elder Kimball is like ourselves, a man that delights in plainess [plainness], and is not skilled in the art of daubing with untempered morter [mortar]; we have taken the liberty to give it publicity almost entire,		Our readers will notice that the following from elder Kimball, was intended for a private letter to his wife, consequently it was not expected by him to be placed before the public; but as Elder Kimball is like ourselves, a man that delights in plainess [plainness], and is not skilled in the art of daubing with untempered morter [mortar]; we have taken the liberty to give it publicity almost entire,
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			that the saints may have the long desired information, that the standard of truth is hoisted on the Eastern continent, and hundreds are already enlisting under the blood stained banner of Immanuel, even him who once trod in the same path that our beloved brethren who are laboring in England are now pursuing, i.e. "and the poor have the gospel preached to them."—Mat. 11:5. We feel thankful in very deed that God is no respecter of persons.— Ed.
			Preston, Lancashire, Eng. Sept. 2 1837
			My dear Companion,
			I take this opportunity to write a few lines to you, to let you know I am in the land of the living, I am a pilgrim on the earth, and a stranger in a strange land far from my home, and among those that seek my life because I preach the truth and those things that will save their lives in the day of tribulation. On the 18 of July we landed in Liverpool in the forenoon. I had peculiar feelings when we landed, the Spirit of God burned in my breast; and at the same time I felt to covenant before God, to live a new life, and to pray that the Lord would help me to do the same. We remained there three days, resting our bodies: on Saturday the 22 we took coach for Preston, the distance 31 miles, we arrived there at four in the afternoon.

			After we had unloaded our things, Br. Fielding had gone to see his brother, and Br. Goodson had gone to get lodgings; all at once I looked up, there was a large Flag before me, with large gilded letters written thereon, “TRUTH WILL PREVAIL" we said Amen, so let it be Lord; the same evening, one of the clergy desired an interview with us. Elders Hyde and Goodson, and myself went to see him, conversed with him and one Mr. Watson until about ten in the evening, when we retired to our Lodging, the next morning we agreed to go and hear him preach, we did so; after he got through, he gave out an appointment for one of us at three in the afternoon. It fell to my lot to preach first; I apake upon the first principles of the gospel, and what the Lord was doing in these last days, it caused the people to stare at me; after I got through, Br. Hyde bore testimony and many received our testimony, for they date their conviction back to that time. The Rev. Mr. ---- gave out another appointment, at half past seven, Br. Goodson preached, and Br. Fielding bore testimony after him, and it came with power, he then gave another appointment for Wednesday evening, Br. Hyde preached, and there seemed to be many that rejoiced, that the Lord had sent his servants to preach to them. The Rev. Mr. ---- closed his doors against us, and found fault with us because we held forth the order of baptism, said we agreed we would not hold forth these things, this was not so. for we did not ask him for his house, but we prayed that the Lord would open his heart to let us preach in it and so he did, and we gave God the glory. After this there were private doors opened for us to preach; we had two or three meetings every night, and many began to bear testimony of the truth of the things which we declared, and desired to be baptized. Eight days after we arrived at Preston, nine presented themselves for baptism, and I was appointed to baptise, on sunday morning, and Br. Russel was appointed to preach in the market place at half past two in the afternoon; this, was concluded upon on Saturday evening, and we retired to bed as usual.—A singular circumstance occurred before morning, which I will quote from Br. Hydes journal, as he wrote it down, he commences as follows, "Elder Russel was much troubled with evil spirits and came into the room where Eider Kimball and myself were sleeping, and desired us to lay our hands on him, and rebuke the evil spirit: I arose upon the bed, and Br. Kimball got upon the floor and I sat upon the bed; we laid our hands on him, and brother Kimball rebuked and prayed for him but just before he had finished his prayer, his voice faltered, and his mouth was shut, and he began to tremble and real [reel] to and fro, and fell on the floor like a dead man, and uttered a deep groan, I immediately seized him by the shoulder, and lifted him up, being; satisfied that the devils were exceding angry because we attempted to cast them out of Br. Russel, and they made a powerful attempt upon Elder Kimball as if to dispatch him at once, they struck him senseless and he fell to the floor; Br. Russel and myself then laid

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 Our readers will notice that the following from elder Kimball, was intended for a private letter to his wife, consequently it was not expected by him to be placed before the public; but as Elder Kimball is like ourselves, a man that delights in plainess [plainness], and is not skilled in the art of daubing with untempered morter [mortar]; we have taken the liberty to give it publicity almost entire,
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