From the Elders Abroad

Elder Henry Dean, writes from Lancaster county, Pa. under date of Sept. 30th 1839. After giving a suscinct [succinct] account of his travels and labours [labors] through different parts of Pennsylvania, he says: I am now in Lancaster county, near Strasbury, in company with brother Davis, we are raising a church in this place, and we expect it will be a middling large Branch: there are 3 baptized, and 5 or 6 more to be baptized to day, and a good number more in this place believing; and I can say, the work is gaining ground in these parts, though the labourers [laborers] are few. The work is prospering every where the elders have been. We desire an interest in your prayers, that we may pull down priest-craft in this place, and raise the standard of truth in its stead.

Brother A. Petty writes, from Dover, Stuart county, Tennessee, in which he informs us, that the work of the Lord is still rolling on in the south: "Some few are still coming into the church in this country, brother Brandon has lately baptized four, and he thinks there is a prospect of more."

Brother Nathaniel Holmes, writes from Georgetown Mass. dated October 11th 1839, by way of encouragement to the Saints, he says: we would say to the brethren in that place, we feel anxious for your prosperity, the few members of the little church remaining in Georgetown and vicinity, are firm in the doctrine of the gospel revealed in these last days, and I trust will out-ride the storm of persecution; from the signs in the heavens, and on the earth, we look for the fulfilling of the ancient prophets, apostles, and Jesus himself, on this generation.

Elder G. H. Brandon, writes from Benton county, Tennessee, under date of Sept. 3d 1839. He states that the work of God is going on in that place, the honest in heart are still embracing the truth in Benton county, he has baptized 5 and organized a branch of the church called the charity branch, consisting of 8 members: he also says; "The people seem to be much inquiring. I have more calls for preaching that I can fill; the enemy is raging on every hand, yet the work seems to be spreading very fast at present, insomuch [inasmuch] , that where I had calls last fall and winter, I now have so many that I cannot fill them all; where I had no bounds, they have become so large, that I am called as mush as 25 miles from home in different directions. We would take it as a great blessing if some of the Elders would visit us this fall."

Elder James Blakeslee writes from Waterville, Oneida co. N. Y. under date of July 22nd, in the following language.

Since last fall, through the goodness and mercies of our God, I have been enabled to organize two branches of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, consisting of about sixty members; one in Boonville, Oneida county, and the other in Williamstown, and Amboy, Oswego county N. Y., and I have baptized between twenty and thirty in this region, within about one month; there are many believeing [believing] in this north country, notwithstanding the troubles which have befallen the saints in the west, in their great persecution; yet the work of our God rolls forth in mighty power, being propelled by the power of Israel's God. The saints in this country are

growing stronger and stronger, of late, and are very anxious to remove and suffer with their brethren in Zion, and the probability is, (nothing in providence forbiding [forbidding]],) a large company will remove west next season. We were very happy to hear from our beloved brother Joseph Smith jr. and others, and that they were restored to the sweet society of their families, and brethren in Christ: they have had the prayers of the saints in their behalf, for their deliverance in this region, ever since we first heard of their being confined in prison; and we have great reason to praise the Lord, that he has thus far granted our petition in relieving our beloved brethren from the prison; and our sincere prayer to God, is, that he would set at liberty the rest of our beloved brethren, who are still in confinement, and we will ever pray and praise his holy name.

Elder B. Winchester writes from Philadelphia, Pa. under date of Oct. 21st. from which we learn that he has introduced the gospel into that city with good success; many are embracing the truth; he solicits help on the strongest terms; some faithful elder would be doing their Masters business, if they would call and lend him assistance.

Thus the work of God continues a steady and unimpeded course, and though its progress is slow, yet it will continue to roll forth, until the honest in heart are gathered out, and Israel "hunted from every mountain, and from every high hill, and out of the holes of the rocks;" and nothing can hinder it in its decreed course; although the threshing flail of Missouri, with the combined powers of hell, has pounced heavily upon the church of God, yet, (like striking the mustard stalk when ripe,) it has only served to scatter the seed, (the word) throughout, not only the small Garden of the United States, but across the mighty ocean, among foreign nations; and it will continue to spring up, and grow, and bear fruit, until the bursting heavens shall reveal the Son of God, and that to the final consumation [consummation] of all those "that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ," when the church of the Most High, who have been persecuted, smitten and afflicted for the testimony of Jesus Christ, yea, even those who love his appearing, unto them shall he appear the second time, without sin unto salvation, and that to the joy of their hearts.

Pleasant Garden, Putnam co. Indiana.

October, 18 1839

TO D. C. SMITH, E. ROBINSON:

Dear Brethren,

In great haste I improve this opportunity of addressing a few lines to you, to inform you where I am laboring, and the fruits that attend the same. I left Springfield on the third of September, for the East, more particular to visit my friends, and consequently took my wife along, we traveled about 80 miles from Springfield, and my horse was taken sick and I was obliged to stop; I went to preaching for one week, baptized five; I continued my journey on East, crossed the Wabash river at Terre-Haute, continued on twenty five miles and stoped [stopped] in Pleasant Garden, to take supper; the people found out that I was a Mormon, and they wanted me to stop and preach the same evening, which I did; but the people were not content and wanted I should preach the next evening, which I did; after I had preached the second time the people began to cry out that the Mormons were not driven from Missouri, for preaching such doctrine as that, but in order to prove their own statement false, on the third evening, after meeting they took my carriage and drawed it about one mile into the woods, broke it very badly; they also took off one of the wheels, and carried it off, and I have never heard from it since: however, I have got a new one made, and the people made a collection and paid for it, and of course while I was getting my waggon [wagon] repaired, I kept preaching to the people, which I did for seven nights in succession; then the people began to invite me into other places, I was invited to go to Green Castle and preach in the court house, which I have done five times, without being disturbed but once, and the man that disturbed me was fined five dollars. I have held 33 meetings here, and have calls, more than I can

possibly attend; prejudice is giving away on all sides, I have just began to baptize here, I have baptized five, among whom is Doctor Knights and Lady, an eminent physician, who has practiced in this country for 13 years. The prospect is that many of the first class of people in the county will be baptized, I have been in this church eight years, in which you know I have travelled [traveled] much, and I can say, that never has a greater field opened than I am in now, and I want help immediately; I want an elder of experience sent here as soon as you receive this, why I say an elder of experience, is because here is the seat of literature for this State, here are 80 collegians, and professors and priests without number. I have had 3 attacks from them, but have found that they could do nothing against the truth, but for it.

Yours in the bond of the everlasting covenant. ALMON BABBIT.

Wilmington, Del. Sept. 8th, 1839.

Elder D. C. SMITH:

Highly esteemed brother in Christ, and fellow laborer in the Kingdom of our God set up for the last time, and to all saints, GREETING:

Though mobs may rise and Satan may rage and stir up his emissaries against the work of God in the Last Days; yet they cannot overthrow it. As well might they try to stop the sun in its course through the heavens, or prevent its shining upon the earth beneath, as to try to stop the spread of truth. The honest in heart will hear and will understand, and obey.-And I am thoroughly convinced, there never has been a better time for the elders of the Church of Latter Day Saints, to preach the fullness of the gospel to the world than at the present time. After elder Sagers and myself had visited the saints in Virginia and Ohio, (and accomplished our business with as far as circumstances would permit,) E. D. Woolly, and Elisha H. Davis, started for the eastern countries, crossed the Alleghany mountains in the cold month of January, proclaiming the everlasting gospel whenever an opportunity was presented; visited the saints in Bedford co. and after a journey of four weeks, arrived in Chester co. Pa. Here we planted the standard of truth among Elder Woolly's friends and acquaintances; doors were open on the right and left, and in a very short time whole neighborhoods were in an uproar, on account of the strange doctrine as they called it, which had come to their ears. Mormonism, as it was termed, was the principle subject of discussion. The dust was brushed from many a bible which I presume had lain useless for years, and a general search of the scriptures was made, so that it was said, and I think in truth, the bible was read more by the people in a few weeks after we arrived in the place, than it had been before for many years. Indeed, a certain doctor acknowledged in public that he had read the bible more within 3 days than he had in 15 years before-Soon after arriving in the co. Elder Woolly and myself visited West Chester, the county seat, a town containing about 2,000 inhabitants, and held several meetings in the old fellows' hall. The Methodist became very much alarmed, supposing, no doubt, that their craft was in danger, (for the people were very attentive to hear,) and sent off immediately to the City of Philadelphia for a champion of theirs, by the name of Mattack, to come and put down the truth. But lo! when he came and got up to speak the people hissed at him . I tried to get him to appoint some time and we would meet and have a public discussion, but he refused, saying he must go to Philadelphia the next day. But instead of that, he went into the Methodist Chapel in the evening and read LeRoy Sundehladn's pamphlet. I attended, and when he was through I arose and read Parley P. Pratt's reply, but when I came to Methodism unveiled, the stationed preacher in the town arose and objected to my reading it, he however was overruled by the congregation, and I proceeded and read it off to the whole assembly, and sat down. Their champion Mr. Mattack made no reply; but the stationed preacher arose and said, (in a very sarcastic manner,) well if you wish to be Mormons, you may I have nothing to say, you are soon dismissed.

After this I understood, several of their members withdrew, or were turned out of their Church,. because they believed Mormonism.

We continued our preaching in different places through the county for several weeks when 4 came forward and obeyed the gospel; Elder Wooly then left us for his family in Ohio, Elder Sagers and myself shortly afterwards visited the City of Philadelphia, where we preached three times, and then visited the churches in N. Jersey, and N. Y. and after preaching a number of times in different places, returned; Elder Sagers then returned to his family in the West, and I resumed my labours [labors] in Chester county Pa. in company with Elder E. H. Davis. We have extended our labours [labors] to Lancaster county, and the northern part of the state of Delaware. The prospect is good in all these places; one has already obeyed the Gospel in Lancaster county, and many more are believing.

The church in Chester county, now number 30 members, and many more are believing, whom I trust will obey the gospel soon. The Lord has commenced a great and good work among this people, and I feel strong in the spirit, and am determined to thrust in my sickle, and reap, while the harvest lasts so that when we return, we may return laden with sheaves, pray for us dear brother, and may the Lord help us all, Amen.

Yours, in the bond, of the new and everlasting covenant. LORENZO BARNES

Monmouth Co. N. J. Sept. 10th 1839 D. C. Smith and E. Robinson. Dear Brethren,

This morning having a few moments, I lift my pen to communicate the particulars of the woods meeting, which I mentioned in my last. The meeting commenced according to appointment on the 28th; was opened by singing, prayer and preaching by Jonathan Dunham; the congregation was serious and attentive. Thursday morning the meeting was addressed by B. Oliver Granger. During intermission the members of the conference retired; (who remained organized as at the previous conference,) Brother Granger's mission was presented for consideration.

The congregation assembled in the afternoon, and was addressed by Br. Green. The same serious attention was manifested during the day. Friday it rained, Saturday the congregation increased and was addressed by Brother Lorenzo Barnes. The members of the conference again retired for deliberation. It was moved, seconded, and a unanimous vote that Br. Benjamin Winchester go and preach in Philadelphia; Samuel James preside over the Church in N. J. Lorenzo Barnes preside over the Church in Chester Co. Pa. and Elisha H. Davis assist him, & J. Huston preach in Bucks co. Pa. In the afternoon the meeting was addressed by Brs. Winchester and Davis. This day deep interest was manifested in the congregation, and two presented themselves for baptism. Sunday they were baptised [baptized]. A large congregation, of from two to three thousand assembled, and were addressed in the morning by Br. Green and Br. Granger. In the afternoon Br. Green gave a relation of the persecution, and sufferings of the Brethren in Missouri. After which, a collection of $30 was lifted for them.

Monday, the Elders gave their testimony concerning the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, and their experimental knowledge of the work of God in these days. Br. Granger occupied the fore part of the day, and gave a very interesting account of his life; of the administration of angels, who testified of the work of God in the world; a vision of the Book of Mormon, the means by which he was brought into the church, and then bore testimony to the restoration of the Priesthood, and exhorted the people to embrace the truth, that they might be saved in the kingdom of God.

The people listened with attention; the tears of many, and the deep anxiety manifested, bespoke the impressions making on many hearts. In the afternoon Br. Barnes, Br. Winchester, Br. Dunham and Br. Green, testified to the truth of the work, which they had received by seeing, hearing, and experimental knowledge; such as visions, prophecies, revelations, healing etc. The same state of feelings continued in the

congregation, while the spirit of God rested down upon some with mighty power, Truly it was a solemn and interesting time. Tuesday a large congregation assembled, Samuel James addressed them. In the afternoon he gave the testimony he had received of the truth of the work, exhorted the people, gave an invitation for baptism, assembled at the water and baptized eight; made several appointments, at some of which there are others to be baptized; these appointments have been fulfilled and six more were baptized; and last Sunday fourteen were confirmed, while solemnity, and seriousness pervaded the congregation. Thus truth prevails; the power of the spirit attends the preaching the word; conviction takes possession of the heart and leads its subjects to the door, and entering in, they are made to rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. May the Lord carry on his work until the nations have heard, the saints gathered home, the earth claensed [cleansed], and the kingdom established for ever. Brethren let us be up and doing, the time is short, and the kingdom is at hand. JOHN P. GREEN, PRES'T. SAMUEL JAMES, Clerk.

Commerce November, 1839

To the Saints scattered abroad, in the region westward from Kirtland Ohio.

Beloved Brethren, feeling that it is our duty, as the servants of God, to instruct the saints from time to time, in those things which to us appear to be wise and proper: therefore we freely give you, a few words of advice at this time.

We have heard it rumoured [rumored] abroad, that some at least, and probably many, are making their calculation to remove back to Kirtland next season.

Now brethren, this being the case, we advise you to abandon such an idea; yea we warn you, in the name of the Lord, not to remove back there, unless you are counseled so to do by the first Presidency, and the high council of Nauvoo. We do not wish by this to take your agency from you; but we feel to be plain, and pointed in our advice for we wish to do our duty, that your sins may not be found in our skirts. All persons are entitled to their agency for God has so ordained it.-He has constituted mankind moral agents, and given them power to chose good or evil; to seek after that which is good, by pursuing the pathway of holiness in this life, which brings peace of mind, and joy in the Holy Ghost here, and a fulness [fullness] of joy and happiness at his right hand hereafter; or to pursue an evil course, going on in sin and rebellion against God, thereby bringing condemnation to their souls in this world, and an eternal loss in the world to come. Since the God of heaven has left these things optional with every individual, we do not wish to deprive them of it. We only wish to act the part of a faithful watchman, agreeably to the word of the Lord to Ezekiel the prophet, Ezekiel 33 chap. 2 3 4 5 and verses, and leave it for others to do as seemeth them good.-Now for persons to do things, merely because they are advised to do them, and yet murmur all the time they are doing them, is of no use at all; they might as well not do them.

There are those who profess to be saints who are too apt to murmur, and find fault, when any advice is given, which comes in opposition to their feelings, even when they, themselves, ask for counsel; much more so when council is given unasked for, which does not agree with their notion of things; but brethren, we hope for better things from the most of you; we trust that you desire counsel, from time to time, and that you will cheerfully conform to it, whenever you r receive it from a proper source.

It is very probable, that it may be considered wisdom for some of us, and perhaps others, to move back to Kirtland, to attend to important business there: but notwithstanding that, after what we have written, should any be so unwise as to move back there, without being first counselled [counseled] so to do, their conduct will be highly disapprobated.

Done by order and vote of the first Presidency and high council for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, at Nauvoo Dec. 8th 1839. H. G. SHERWOOD, Clerk.

Proceedings of the general Conference, held at Commerce, Hancock County, Illinois, on Saturday the 5th day of October, 1839.

The meeting was opened by prayer, by President Joseph Smith Jr. after which he was appointed president and James Sloan, Clerk of the Conference, by the unanimous voice of the meeting.

The President then spoke at some length upon the situation of the Church, the difficulties they had had to contend with, and the manner in which they had been led to this place; and wished to know the views of the brethren whether they wished to appoint this a stake or not, stating that he believed it to be a good place and suited for the saints.

It was then unauimously [unanimously] agreed upon, that it should be appointed a stake and a place of fathering for the saints. The following officers were then appointed viz:

William Marks to be President.--Bishop Whitney, to be bishop of Middle Ward.--Bishop Knight to be bishop of Lower Ward.

George W. Harris, Thomas Grover, Samuel Bent, Newel Knight,

Henry G. Sherwood, Charles C. Rich, David Fulmer, David Dort,

Alpheus Cutler, Seymour Brunson, Wm. Huntington, Lewis D. Wilson,

to be high Council; who being respectfully called opon [upon], accepted af [of] their appointment.

It was then voted, that a branch of the Church be established on the other side of the river, in Iowa Territory; over which Elder John Smith was appointed President:

Alanson Ripley, Bishop, and

Asahel Smith, David Pettegrew, John M. Burke, Elijah Fordham,

A. Owen Smoot, Edward Fisher, Richard Howard, Elias Smith,

Willard Snow, John Patton, Erastus Snow, Stephen Chase,

Were elected high council.

Don C. Smith, was elected to be continued as President of the high Priesthood.

Orson Hyde to stand in his former office, and Willam Smith to be continued in his standing.

Letters were then read respecting the absence of Members, from ill health.

It was voted, that Harlow Redfield be suspended until he can have a trial, and in the meantime that he should not act as President of a branch, or preach.

Voted, that John Daley, James Daley and Milo Andrus retain their station in the church.

Voted that Ephraim Owens confession, for disobeying the word of wisdom be accepted.

Brothers,

Edward Johnston, William Allred, Benjamin Johnston, Wm. B. Simmons,

Samuel Musick, Wm. W. Edwards sr. John S. Fulmer, Wm. H. Edwards jr.

Jabez Lake, Hosea Stout, Benjamin Jones, Thomas Rich,

Henry OurBough, Allen J. Stout, Reddin Allred, Esiaias Edwards,

George W. Gee, John Adams, Jesse M'Intire, Daniel Miller,

James Brown, Simson I. Comfort, Henry Miller, Graham Coltrin,

Artemus Johnson, William Hyde, Joseph G. Hovey, Andrew Hendry,

Robert D. Foster, Redick N. Allred, Fields B. Jacamey, Eli Lee,

Zadock Bethers, Hiram W. Maxwell, and Thomas S. Edwards, were appointed Elders of the church, who all accepted of their appointment with the exception of Thomas S. Edwards.

John Gaylord, was admitted into the church upon his confession.

Abel Castro was confirmed by the laying on of hands.

The meeting then adjourned until Sunday Morning after which six were baptized by Joseph Smith Jr.

Sunday October the 6th.-----The Conference met pursuant to adjournment at 8 o'clock, A. M..

When,

Samuel Williams, Reuben Foot, Orlando D. Hovey, Junis Rappleyee,

Sheffield Daniels, Albert Miner, David B. Smith, Ebe'r Richardson,

Pleasant Ewell, William Helm,

Were appointed Elders of the church and were ordained under the hands of Reynolds Cahoon, Seymour Brunson, Samuel Bent and Alpheus Cutler.

After some remarks from the President

respecting observing order andecorum [indecorum] during conference, Elder Lyman Wight, spoke as to the dutiesod [of] Priests, Teachers, tc [etc.].

President J. Smith, Jr. then spoke as to appointing a Patriarch and other matters connected with the well being of the church. Having now got through the business matters, the President proceeded to give instructions to the Elders respecting preaching the gospel, and pressed upon them the necessity of getting the Spirit, so that they might preach with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven, to be careful in speaking on those subjects which are not clearly pointed out in the word of God, which lead to speculation and strife.

Those person who had been baptized were then confirmed, and several children received blessings by Elders Bent, Cutler and Brunson. Elder Lyman Wight then addressed the meeting, on the subject of raising funds by contribution, towards paying for the lands which had been contracted for, as a settlement for the church, after which contributions were received for that purpose.

Judge Higbee, was appointed to accompany Presidents J. Smith, Jr. and S. Rigdon, to the City of Washington.

The meeting then adjourned until Monday morning.

Monday morning October the 9th.

Conference met pursuant to adjournment.

The President spoke at some length to the Elders, and explained many passages of scripture.

Elder Lyman Wight spoke on the subject of the resurection [resurrection], and other important subjects. When he offered the following resolution, which passed unanimously:

Resolved, That a new edition of Hymn Books be printed immediately, and that the one published by D. W. Rogers, be utterly discarded by the church.

Elder Ezra Hayes was then put upon trial for teaching doctrine injurious to the church, and for falsehoods; which having been proved against him his license was withdrawn and he required to give satisfaction to those whom he had offended.

Charges having been prefered [preferred] against Brother Rogers, it was agreed that the case be handed over to the high council.

Asahel Perry made application to be received into fellowship, and was voted into his former standing.

After having referred the business not gone into, to the high council; the president then returned thanks to the conference for their good attention and liberality; and having blessed them in the name of the Lord, the conference was dismissed.

The next conference was appointed to be held on the 6th day of April next.

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A Conference was held at the house of Brother Benjamin Wilcox in McDonough county, Ill. on the 2nd day of June, 1839 for the purpose of organizing a church. Meeting was opened by Elder Coltrin, after which Elder D. C. Smith rose and after making known the object of the meeting nominated Elder Coltrin, President who was unanimously chosen, and John Vance, was appointed secretary. And after adjusting some small matters of difficulties, proceeded to appoint Arctes Geer, Priest , Henry Hoyt Teacher, and John Sagers, Deacon, when some three or four children were brought forward and blessed in the church, and after dismission one was baptized. This church consists of sixty nine members in good standing. Z. COLTRIN, Pres't. JOHN VANCE, Clerk.

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September 1st, 2839

Met in conferance [conference], at the house of Brother Isaac Chace, in Sparta, for the purpose of organizing a branch of the church of Christ of Latter Day Saints in that place. Elder H. Kellogg was called to the chair, and J. F. Olney chosen Clerk. When Elder Ezra Chace was appointed to preside over the same and Brother Isaac Chace was ordained to the office of Deacon; and 25 persons were enrolled as members.

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MARRIED-In this place, on the 24th of Sept. by Elder Don C. Smith. William D. Huntington, to Miss Caroline Clark.

Also, in this place, on the 7th of Oct. by Elder Don C. Smith, James Moses, to Miss Eliza Spencer, both of Rushville, Ill.

For the Times and Seasons.