(Published by request.)

PHILADELPHIA, APRIL 5TH, 1843.

Elder Whipple:

Dear Brother,-Time, as it rolls along, developing in its progress the true characters of men and things, occasionally brings to our remembrance our friends, our brethren and our promises. Actuated by these feelings of un-alloy and pleasure, I sit down this afternoon to while away an hour or two, to write to you, in order that I may tell you a few things past, present, and to come.

I would then inform you first, that I am not at present in good health, having a most violent cold, and indeed I have not been well this winter past, and I have been home but a very little all winter, for the Lord has mightily inspired me with zeal to proclaim the gospel, and the last three months, the work of God has shone more brilliant, glorious and sublime, than it ever did before; so much so, that I would not cease to declare the whole counsel of God, so far as I knew it-and I have baptised [baptized], since the beginning of the new year, upwards of sixty in the following places: First I baptised [baptized] 19 at the Navy Yard; then I went up to Northumberland county with brother Clements; here we baptised [baptized] about 20. After I returned I was warned by the spirit to go up to Mount Holly, Burlington county, New Jersey, and I was obedient to the call. There I have labored for these 8 or 10 weeks, although when I went I knew not a single individual; yet I rented a large church for $2,50 a night, which was crowded to excess every evening. Here I lifted up my voice with the sound of rejoicing, being greatly blessed with the spirit of my master. I was permitted to preach with great liberty. I soon branched out to other villages in the vicinity, and have baptised [baptized] there 25, and if we are to judge by appearances, there will be hundreds brought into the kingdom the coming season in that vicinity. On next Sunday I expect 10 or 12 to be baptised [baptized]-thus you see that God has been with me, and I have not been idle.

And now what shall I say concerning my going to Nauvoo this spring; for you doubtless are aware that I fully intended to go up, but to leave my field of labor at the present time, under such favorable auspices, would, to my mind, not be wisdom. I therefore, after mature reflection, have concluded not to go this spring; and I would here take the occasion to return my grateful acknowledgments to my brethren of their kind regard to me, in wishing me to move out this spring.

And now, dear brother, be assured that my best wishes will ever attend you; and though lands and seas may separate us, yet I shall never forget you. Yours is a name I shall ever remember, even while time and eternity shall last. Remember me to all the saints, and especially to your beloved family, and receive for yourself the affectionate regard of your brother in the covenants of our Lord Jesus Christ.

J. H. NEWTON.