Upper Canada

We have been favoured [favored] with the perusal of a letter from Elder John Morrison, who had sounded the alarm in the neighborhood of Kingston in company with Elder Bates; they had baptized about 20 and more were believing.

The ministers of different denominations, had endeavored to put down the gospel, and Bro. Bates had been challenged to discuss the subject of religion with several of them, and they not being able to answer his arguments, the congregation got into an uproar, the same as the Ephesians did when the Apostle Paul preached unto them 'Jesus and the resurrection."

He says, "You that left this place have reason to rejoice, for I can tell you that it is ripening as fast as it can for the judgments of God. The fear and love of God does not reign in priest or people. Were it not for the laws guaranteeing the liberty of conscience they would soon establish an inquisition. Many cattle are starving in consequence of the long cold winter, the wheat crops were nothing last summer. I understand some are discontented and wish themselves back; if this be so, I pray the God of Heaven to open their eyes, that they may behold and appreciate the goodness of God towards them. They ought to be thankful for having the privilege of going, and ought not to repine against God. I would put them in mind of the days of Moses, and the sufferings of the Children of Israel forty years while travelling [traveling] in the wilderness. Tell them to rejoice, that they are where they are, even if they have not half sufficient clothing and only one meal a day. All the brethren here are willing to go to-morrow if they could get their places sold, at any rate. I would not stay here another summer if I was obliged to beg my way, and go on my hand and knees."