Communications

Nauvoo, July, 1841.

Bro's Smith & Thompson:-

In order that I may act in concert with my brethren in the ministry, and being often times stimulated to duty and greater exertion in the cause of righteousness by reading the communications of the traveling elders, I have thought that it might be interesting to some, to hear of the prosperity of Zion in the region of country where I have traveled for a few months past.

I left this place on the 22nd of Dec. last, for the express purpose of proclaiming the gospel of salvation as is revealed in these days for the benefit of both the living and the dead, that God's justice might be exhibited, and all flesh see the salvation of the Lord, and rejoice in experiencing all its blessings. About the 16th of January, I got in company with Elder J. E. Page in the village of Hagerstown, Preble county, Ohio: from thence we visited many of the towns and villages of Ohio and Indiana, warning them of the things that are coming on the earth according to ancient and modern prophecies, which must come to pass. Among the number I would name Dayton, Springfield, York, Milton, Lewisburg, Richmond, Washington, Centreville, Hagerstown, Williamsburg, and seemingly to considerable benefit, for prejudice gave way on every side, and hundreds acknowledged Mormonism to be the only truth if the bible was true; so, that those who formerly were enemies, because of reports, are now friends and advocates, because as they do truly say, "Mormonism is a smash all." There are many warm hearted friends in Dayton, especially among the sceptical [skeptical] part of community, among the many I would mention Dr. Knizely, Mr. Richard Green and others who shewed [showed] their independence, in distribution and selling Book of Mormon, in defiance of all the religious opposition of bigots who every where show their deformed head. Springfield also, contains some distinguished characters who nobly stood forth of community, backed by the Rev. D. Crawl would have put an external application of tar and feathers upon my skin in order to reform my mind from the delusion, that I have been endeavoring to propagate,

"How strange a thought, that stripes would change the mind,

Correct the judgment and reform mankind."

But in the midst of the rage of fanatics, a few avowed their faith in the gospel, and have been brought into the kingdom, by baptism for the remission of their sias [sins]. From the latter place I went to Richmond Indiana, where Elder Page had labored for a few weeks alone, and baptized two, I baptized three while in company with him, and after his departure I baptized and organized with the assistance of Elder

Tate, a branch of 20 members, three miles south of Richmond, who are strong in the faith of the gospel; they were formerly Campbellites or Reformers but by the preaching of the fullness of the gospel, they became convinced that Alexander Campbell's reformation was only in part, and never could effect the gathering of Israel, nor bring in the millennium glory as declared by the prophets, so they boldly, in the face of both their former teacher and the world, espoused the cause of truth while their deluded teachers still continue to cry false prophet, delusion, delusion; but all their endeavors to stop the progress of truth has as yet turned to its advantage. Many more are convinced of the truth, and the call from the different neighborhoods and villages are sufficient to keep 3 or 4 elders in constant labor; and undoubtedly scores might be brought into the kingdom, as their are a number of respectable gentlemen and ladies who are standing upon the very verge of the kingdom, looking at the works of God and see a beauty in it, but worldly honor and their good name, have as yet hindered; yet there are others who are standing in the hopes of some elder to return from this place to baptize them.-Elders traveling east would do well to call upon them and encourage and strengthen them.

"The priests do rage and the people imagine vain things," but God's work is onward, so let it be. Amen.

Yours in the bonds of the Gospel.

John Cairns.