Communications

Quincy, Ill. April 28 th. 1840.

BRO'S, SMITH & ROBINSON. I left Commerce on the 15th Inst. on my journey to the holy land in Asia. I stopped in Lima and preached there on the 16th to an attentive congregation. While speaking, Bro. Page rode up in a carraige, [carriage] in and spoke to the people at the close of my discourse. On Friday, the 17th Inst. Bro. Miles brought us to this place; and on Saturday evening, we commenced preaching, and then gave out appointments for preaching on Sunday, Sunday night and every night during the week with the exception of one. Last Sunday we closed our public labors in this place after administering the sacrament to the brethren and sisters.

There have been 15 persons added to the church by baptism during our meeting; and I think there are eight more that will be baptized to-morrow, Bro. Page has gone into the country to preach and baptize some to day. The Lord is truly with us, and enables us to speak with a power that finds way to the hearts of the people. The priests begin to be a little uneasy, because their members will believe the truth, and go down into Jordon: [Jordan] no, Mississippi. The people have treated us kindly, and have been very attentive to hear the word. The seed sown has taken deep root. Many will slip up to Commerce to be baptized who will be the fruits of our labor here. Most to much of a cross to come forward and

own their Lord here. We expect to leave this place for Columbus day after to-morrow.

Our motto and prayer is this, Roll on thy kingdom thou king of saints, and preserve thy servants from pride and vanity, and from the snares of wicked men, and from the cunning craftiness of the devil. Pray for us, brethren, that we may have grace and power to stand, and not faint, or fall out by the way. Our health is getting good, prospects are fair, and by the grace of God we will slay Goliath, capture the enemies forces, and bring them into the camp of Israel.

So Farewell for the present, In the Bonds of the new cov't.

ORSON HYDE JOHN E. PAGE.

P. S. 29th April- Baptized the eight, making, in all, twenty three.

Philadelphia, Pa, May 5 th, 1840

BRO'S SMITH & ROBINSON.

I am happy in stating to you, that the work of the Lord is prosperous and the kingdom of our God rolls on gloriously, in these earstern [eastern] lands.

A little more than one year ago when first I visited these parts, there was no more than 30 or 40 members of the church of Latter Day Saints within 60 miles of this place; but so mighty has truth flourished and the word of God prevailed,-that at present I suppose not less than 400 might be found within that distance, who have obeyed the everlasting gospel and are now rejoicing in the new and everlasting covenant; and believing that God assuredly has spoken from the heavens in the last days.

In Chester county where I have spent the greater part of my time the past year, the church I believe now numbers 80 members, and the work of the Lord in that region is in a very prosperous condition. Multitudes are believing the truth and doors are open for preaching on the right hand and on the left: and I must say with feelings of gratitude and respect to the brethren and friends in Chester county, that they have manifested a spirit of generosity, and liberality, worthy of imitation, in assisting the Twelve in their mission to Europe, and also in the late mission to Washington city. The last I heard from Davis and Dean; they had baptized 33 in Lancaster county.

The work of God is prospering exceedingly in this city, and also in Jersey 8 or 10 are baptized almost every week; peace reigns in our midst, although some of the priests rage without and the people imagine many vain things. The harvest truly is great and the laborers are few. There is a great call for faithful laborers in these eastern lands, yours in haste. LORENZO BARNES

Pike co. Ill. March 30 th, 1840

BRO'S. SMITH & ROBINSON.

I have just returned home after an absence of some more than two months, during which time I have been proclaiming the gospel in the counties of Scott and Green. When I commenced laboring in these counties, I found the people in general, greatly prejudiced against the church of Jesus Christ, as established for the restoration of his people in these last days; indeed, it was hard to obtain open doors for preaching, in many places, the people having heard so many nefarious, and ridiculous reports from rumors many tongues, helped along, by those interrested [interested] the cause of spiritual error. But the Lord who always assists the faithful, at length gave me access to the ears and hearts of the people, and now doors are opened on every side, and the Macedonion [Macedonian] is heard, come over and help us; this is a good omen, and I trust that the Lord will carry on his work virtuously.

I baptized five in Scott county, and could I have remained longer, I am well convinced that many more would have come into the covenant of grace: however, it is my intention to return there again after conference; and continue the proclamation of the everlasting gospel.

It is true that the priests of this world exert every nerve to hinder the progress of the truth; but what is feeble man to oppose the great Jehovah? The pure, simple gospel will beat down the kingdoms of this world, establish peace and hapiness [happiness] which never shall be destroyed; for the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdoms of our Lord and his Christ.

The work is onward here through the well dirrected [directed] labors of Br. Wood, for they who have submitted to the cross, and espoused the New and everlasting covenant here are the most intelligent part of community.

I rejoice to see how the work is rolling on, how the knowledge of the Lord is increasing, how the poor are begining [beginning] to rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.-Speed thy work O Lord, until all shall know thee and all nations shall worship the king the Lord of Hosts.

Your Brother In the Patience And kingdom of God. WILLIAM B. BOSLEY.

Union Jail, S. C. April 29, 1840

BRS. ROBINSON & SMITH:

I have twice written to you, and given you some account of my labors in this part of our Divine Master's vineyard; and the consequent persecution, brought upon me by the servants of the adversary of all truth. The hireling priests, and their deluded votaries, seeing that the kingdom of God was really established upon the earth, for the last time, according to the predictions of the ancient prophets; and that the fall of mystic Babylon was near at hand; and finding that their craft, by which they get all their wealth, their honor, and their popularity, was in imminent danger of failing, if the people should hear the gospel of the kingdom of God preached, and believe it. They have, therefore, used all their influence to prevent the spread of the truth. The first weapons, that were used against our great Master's cause here, were threatning [threatening] and slander; and when these failed of producing their desired effect, viz: (to drive the sentinels of King Messiah's army from their post, that they themselves might come, clad in the garments of a shepherd, and fleece the flock;) they proceeded to invent other schemes.-And having suborned false witnesses, from among individuals of the baser sort-who, by the way, professed a great deal of piety-they made a false accusation against me, and brought me before a magistrate; who, when I failed to give security, ordered me to be committed to prison; there to await the sitting of the circuit court, which will be in October next. The Sheriff, (Maj. Johnson,) treats me with all the lenity that the law will admit of; for he knows, and so do all the people, that for envy they have committed me. You may think that I have drawn rather a dark outline of the people of this country, but I assure you, that a strict regard for truth required it. Though I do not wish you to understand, that this is their general character; for the Carolinians, are not all religious persecutors. There are some honorable exceptions. There are some noble spirited, high minded, individuals here, who dispise [despise] the very idea of religious persecution. I have therefore, no expectation of being treated as we were in Missouri; but on the contrary, I do expect protection from the laws of the country. And I have reason to believe, that those who are charged with the administration of the law, will discountenance in the most decided manner, such malicious and detestable conduct; and that in the end, I shall have justice by the law of my country. But this, you know, will not prevent my laying in jail till Oct. unless I can get bail for my appearance at court: and there it rests. Calls for preaching are more numerous and extensive, than I could attend, if I was at liberty. So I hope some faithful servants of God will visit this state, soon. We have been looking for the 5th No. of the Times & Seasons for more than a week, and are anxiously waiting its arrival.

From the appearances in the heavens, and on the earth; from the wars, rumors of wars, and the perplexity of nations, we are compelled to believe that the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord, is near at hand; which faith, I hope will excite the Elders of Israel to emulation; and prevail upon those whom God has chosen to be his messengers to the nations of the earth, to go forth in the spirit and power of their God, and labor zealously, and with perseverance in the holy office, whereunto they are called; remembering that the servants of our God, have a great work to perform, and knowing that when it is finished, we shall rest with our Savior, in his peace kingdom.

I am respectfully yours, &c. L. M. DAVIS.

It seems from elder Lysander M. Davis' communication, that an unhallowed, religious persecution has been got up against him; in consequence of which, he is to lay in jail until October next, to await his trial, being in a land of strangers and not being able to give bail. We do not doubt his report concerning the matter: from a long and intimate acquaintance with elder Davis, we believe him to be a young man of unexceptionable character, and do not doubt that his probity has been assailed by evil designing men.-ED.