A Short Tour Through the Clitheroe Conference

On the 4th of May I met with the Saints in Blackburn by request, on the occasion of the opening a new room for worship. I addressed them in the morning and evening, and Elder Speakman in the afternoon. The room was filled, and we had an interesting time with the Saints. I found a flourishing branch of the church here; it being also the first time I had ever been privileged with meeting the Saints in the Clitheroe Conference.

On the 5th, in company with Elder Speakman, I visited the ruins of Whalley Abbey, situated in a most beautiful locality of hills, and woods, and streams. It had originally been very extensive, but ruins alone existed, with the exception of a small portion of building which is occupied by a few families. It appears to have been founded in the year 1000.

On the 6th we were favored with a most interesting visit to Stoneyhurst, a Catholic college,

and as I was informed, the most extensive establishment in England. One large room was splendidly decorated with paintings of great value, by the great masters. The museum did not contain a large collection either of the natural or animal kingdom, yet a number of specimens were rich and costly, especially some small sculptures in marble, of the Savior, valued at a very high price.

We visited the various apartments of this extensive library, which we found enriched with the most valuable works, many of great antiquity, especially a copy of St. Paul's Epistles, upon parchment, which was said to have been in the hands of the society more than a thousand years; beside it lay Queen Mary's prayer book, and sundry antique articles.

The lodgings, studies, and chapel for the boys, appeared convenient and comfortable; they have several hundreds passing through a course of education.

The principal chapel connected with the college is fitted up in a most costly manner; the organ, altar piece, crosses, candlesticks, &c., were rich indeed, while one window contained a representation of the thirteen apostles (including St. Paul,) in stained glass as large as life got up at a great expense. They have also a beautiful garden connected with the establishment, the separate compartments of which are divided by yew-tree fences, about twelve feet high, four feet thick, and from forty to two hundred feet long, as the case required; I suppose not equalled [equaled] in extent in England.

After leaving the college we travelled [traveled] to Waddington, a village a short distance from Clitheroe, over the Ribble on the Yorkshire side, where we partook of the hospitality of friend Cottom. While here we visited the alms-house built and dedicated by Sir Robert Parker, A. D. 1700, for the poor widows of the parish.

On the 7th we walked to Clitheroe and Chatburn, and visited the Saints in those places.-I was much pleased with the meek and quiet spirit manifested amongst them. I walked through the village of Chatburn, of which Elder Kimball speaks in his journal, as walking through it with his head uncovered and blessing the place, while the children had hold of his garments as he passed along. I felt the spirit of God rest upon me while passing through the street where such scenes of interest had transpired with Elder Kimball and other servants of God.

During our travels on the 8th, we had the pleasure of witnessing Father Richard Smithies display his skill in beguiling some fine trout from the river Ribble with the artificial fly.-It was the first time I had ever seen this mode of fishing, and it appeared decidedly the most skilful [skillful] in the whole routine of fishing. Father Smithies is seventy years of age, in good health, and as a fisherman is not supposed to be surpassed in the country. On our return to Clitheroe we visited the old castle or tower in that place, which appears to have been a very strong hold in its day.

On Sunday the 11th, I attended the quarterly conference at Clitheroe. Elder Speakman was called to preside. The fore part of the day was taken up with a representation of the branches; some alterations in the conference, and in the ordination of one elder, two priests, three teachers, and three deacons. A short time was also occupied in giving instructions.

In the afternoon we administered the sacrament, after which the Saints were called upon to occupy the time in bearing testimony to the work of God. The brethren and sisters followed each other in their testimony one by one, until a considerable number bad spoken, and truly the spirit and power of God rested upon the assembly until they were melted into tears; many wept while bearing their testimony; it was indeed, an interesting time to us all.

The elder said that when Brother Kimbal left him, he told him to take good care of his lambs; he said he had endeavored to do so, and indeed they had been as lambs, and as children obedient and willing to hearken to counsel.

While sitting in the midst of those loving Saints, I was overwhelmed with the spirit and power of God, and the simplicity, love, and union of the Saints who were assembled, I had not power of utterance to express the feelings of my heart, but found myself in tears of joy and gladness. I addressed the Saints in the evening, and had a full house, and at the dismissal of the meeting, when I was called to take my leave of them, the hearty shake of the hand, and the flowing tears spoke louder the sentiments of the heart than the words which accompanied them of 'Good bye,' and 'God bless you!'. My prayer to God is, that he will bless that people and all faithful Saints, and give them a standing with the sons and daughters of Zion.

I left Clitheroe on the 12th and arrived at Preston in the evening, and had the privilege of addressing a large, assembly of Saints and friends from the 102d Psalm and 16th verse.-I was followed by Elder Milton Holmes. We both felt the spirit of the subject, and had a good meeting. Elder Hardy, the presiding elder of the conference, was present. Preston was the first place to receive the work in this

country, and it has produced much good fruit, and the Saints there still have the spirit of the work. W. WOODRUFF.

TIMES AND SEASONS

CITY OF NAUVOO

AUG. 1, 1845

Roof of the Temple. The first roof of the Temple, has been made of white pine shingles and plank. The second, (for a building which will cost about two millions, is worthy) most probably, will be constructed of zinc, lead, copper, or porcelain. An experiment of sheet lead, covering a portion of the shingles, has already been made.