For the Times and Seasons

Mr. Editor:-Sir: Having been absent from our beloved city some four months on a mission to proclaim the pure principles of the everlasting gospel; and as some incidents occurred in the course of my travels, which may not be uninteresting to the readers of your very valuable paper, I am induced to forward you this letter, which you can dispose of as you think proper.

After I closed my ministerial labors in Iowa Territory, which were crowned with success it was thought best that I should visit the upper counties in this state. Accordingly, on the 5th of December last, I left here for the above place. On my way I preached at Macedonia, Burnadotte, and Washington. At the latter place, after I had closed my second discourse on the first principles of the gospel, I received a challenge from the Rev. Mr. Phelps, to discuss the subject of the divine authenticity of the Book of Mormon, and our principles in general. He said that he intended to investigate

the very foundation of our doctrine. I agreed to his proposition, on condition he would allow me the same privilege with regard to those which he advocated, and bind himself not to close the discussion until we had thoroughly weighed Mormonism, and Methodism, in the balance of truth, and abundantly tried the authenticity of both, by the word of God, which is the great test.

Accordingly on the following evening, we met in the Methodist chapel, for the discussion of the above subject; chose moderators and commenced. We continued the debate four evenings. At the close of the discussion on the last evening, the Rev. Mr. Hall, a methodist, insisted the discussion should be closed; but the majority of the audience together with myself, objected to it. My opponent, to satisfy the multitude for the time being; agreed to meet at a future evening and continue it. Accordingly, the appointment was mutually made, but to the surprise of the audience, he was among the missing: the reason however seemed to be obvious to all. This Reverend gentleman has been lecturing against the Mormons for several years past, boasting that he could meet one of the elders face to face, and prove the doctrine false. He has now had a trial, say the people, and ingloriously retired from the contest.

During the discussion, the audience paid good attention, and if I am to judge from the expressions of the people, and the spirit that is manifested, I can say that much good was done, and that the impression made is very favorable to the cause of truth.

On the evening that my opponent did not appear according to appointment; I addressed the meeting on the subject of the dispensation of the fulness [fullness] of times, that is adumbrated by the "eleventh hour," in our Savior's parable of the laborers and the vineyard.

I had calls for preaching more than I could fill, for I was then already behind my time.-I proceeded on my journey, preached five times in Ottowa, and Dayton, baptized one, and then proceeded to Chicago and its vicinity, where I preached about four weeks, to hundreds of attentive hearers. Priests and lawyers, to be sure, raged, and collected all the slanderous reports, newspaper stories, and works written against the church, and the leading men of the same, that they could get hold of, which they marshalled [marshaled] against me, but all to no purpose. The work of the Lord rolled on, and many were convinced of the truth of the gospel, which we preach. Notwithstanding all this opposition, I baptized and organized a branch (in the town of Newark, about forty-five miles this side of Chicago,) of thirty-five members. Indeed, the town was a changed place, and many more, I believe, will go and do likewise. I had many more calls for preaching in this section of country, but as I wanted to be here at conference, I was obliged to come away without filling them.

On my return, I stopped a short time in Ottowa, and organized a branch consisting of twelve members. During my absence, I preached from six to eight times in a week, and I can truly say that the prospect in the country where I have been, for the rolling forth of the kingdom of God, is good, and I pray God, that many more may embrace the truth.

With sentiments of high esteem

I subscribe myself your friend

and fellow laborer in the cause

of truth, Wm. O. CLARK.