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j)©iymm:L 
 
 
 OF 
 
 '1 
 
 l : -i 
 
 HEBEC, C. KIMBALL 
 
 AN ELDER OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER 
 
 DAY SAINTS. 
 
 GIVING AN ACCOUNT OF HIS MISSION TO GREAT 
 BRITAIN, AND THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE 
 WORK OF THE LORD IN THAT LAND. 
 
 ALSO 
 
 THE SUCCESS WHICH HAS ATTENDED THE 
 LABORS OF THE ELDERS TO THE 
 PRESENT TIME. 
 
 BY R. B. THOMPSON. 
 
 "5V* wotW i *** preset Ibe gospel to avery creature; Is* fbatbtf ■«*«& acd is tept**] »LrtI Wc 
 
 ftteo: etc. Mark 16c 15 ItL 
 
 
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PREFACE. 
 
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 It is well known to the church of Jesus Christ of Lat- 
 ter Day Saints, as well as to the community in general; 
 that the labors of the Elders have not been confined to 
 this continent, but that the sound of the gospel of Jesus 
 fhrist has been heard upon the Islands of the sea; and 
 that in Great Britain, numbers have heard, and rejoiced 
 in the same. Some communications have been publish- 
 ed by the Elders who have visited that land, which were 
 read with deep interest by the Saints, who were informed 
 in the last number of the “Elders’ Journal,'’ published in 
 Far West, Mo., that a pamphlet was intended to be pub- 
 lished, giving a detail of all the principal transactions of 
 the Elders, while in that land; which publication was 
 ardently desired by the church, and more particularly by 
 those who had formerly dwelt, and whose friends yet 
 resided there. But on account of the unparalleled per- 
 secution which has taken place, and the scattered con- 
 dition of the saints, the publication of the same has been 
 delayed. Although the saints have endured a great 
 llight cl affliction, and have suffered agreat many things, 
 yet their desire fur the prosperity of the cause of truth 
 ’nd righteousness is not at all abated; and their anxiety 
 to hear ol the labors of the servants of the Lord in a 
 
 distant nation is probably as great as ever. 
 
 A beliei that a perusal of the Journal of Elder llcbcr 
 F. Kimball would be a source of comfort to the saints, 
 and a cause ol rejoicing to those who have had to drink 
 die cup ot sorrow and affliction, and likewise he a source 
 <d information and instruction to the saints generally, 
 has induced me to publish the same to the world. The 
 generality of the saints arc acquainted with Elder Kim- 
 ball, w hose labor of love, and humility, is know n by all 
 who have had the pleasure of his acquaintance; while 
 
IV 
 
 his uniform conduct and humility, since he lias been a 
 member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day 
 Saints, and while engaged in different offices, and in cir- 
 cumstances the most trying and painful, render it super- 
 fluous for me to attempt to pass any eulogium on his 
 character, and speak louder than volumes in his praise. 
 My acquaintance with him commenced in the spring of 
 A. I). 1037; while on a visit from Canada to Kirtland. 
 Feeling a deep interest in the mission which was about 
 to be taken to my native country, I cultivated an ac- 
 quaintance with all those who were going there: and it 
 was no small gratification to me when I learned that 
 brother Kimball was to have tlie superintendance of that 
 mission. A scene which I witnessed while in Kirtland 
 1 cannot refrain from relating. 
 
 o 
 
 While on a visit to Kirtland to see those brethren, 
 who had been the instruments in the hands of God in 
 bringing forth the work of the Lord and establishing his 
 kingdom in these last days; I felt very much delighted 
 :md instructed by their conversation, and in hearing from 
 their own lips, an account of the great things which they 
 had seen and heard. The temple of the Lord likewise 
 attracted my observation; it being too glorious a struc- 
 ture to escape notice. My feelings at that time were ol 
 no ordinary kind, while I contemplated the commence- 
 ment of the work, and the opening glories which had 
 already appeared; which were to he followed by events 
 t lie most stupendeous and glorious that had taken place, 
 since the creation. The idea of conversing with a man 
 who had the ministering of angels, and the revelations of 
 heaven, and with those his companions, who with him 
 had borne up under afllictions and persecutions of the 
 most aggravated nature, men who had not counted their 
 lives dear for the testimony of Jesus, and for the w ord 
 of God — of contemplating a house, built by the servants 
 of God, while under circumstances the most unfavorable 
 and unpropitious, according to the pattern they had re- 
 
V 
 
 eeived by revelation — To sec the assembly of the saints 
 on the Sabbath, while worshiping the God of Heaven. — 
 To hear their voices in praise and thanksgiving— The 
 order of the house while thus engaged; all conspired to 
 raise my mind, and cause gratitude and praise to my 
 Heavenly Father, while feelings of joy and rapture thrill- 
 ed through my bosom. Surely my heart rejoiced in 
 God, and I praised his holy name, for remembering his 
 covenant, visiting his people and restoring the gospel in 
 all its purity. 
 
 . I there cultivated an acquaintance with many of the 
 saints, which I hope will he lasting; whose labors in the 
 cause of truth had been incessant, and whose sullerings 
 for Christ's sake had been great. The day set for the dc. 
 parturc of the Elders to England being come, as I was 
 passing by the house of Brother Kimball, I slept in, wish, 
 ing to ascertain when he would be ready to start, as J 
 expected to accompany them two or three Hundred miles; 
 intending to spend my labors in Canada that season. 1 
 unconsciously entered the house, the door being partly 
 open. When I entered, I felt struck with the sight which 
 presented itself to my view, 1 would have retired, think- 
 ing that 1 was intruding, hut 1 felt rivetted to the spot. — 
 The father who was appointed to superintend the mission 
 to England, had been pouring out his soul to that 
 
 “Ged who rules on high, 
 
 Who all the earth surveys; 
 
 That rides upon the stormy skies, 
 
 A nd calm's the roavinjr sens,’ 1 
 that he would grant him a prosperous voyage across the 
 mighty ocean, and make him useful wherever his lot 
 should he cast, and that He who “enroth for sparfows” 
 and “lbedclh the young ravens when thov cry,” would 
 supply the wants of ins companion and little ones in his 
 absence, lie then like the patriarchs, and by virtue of 
 tnat office, laid Ids hands upon them, indivi Frail v, leavin': 
 
a father’s blessing upon, and commending them to the 
 care and protection of God, while he should be engaged in 
 preaching the gospel in distant lands. While thus enga- 
 ged, his voice was almost lost in the sobs of those around, 
 who tried in vain to suppress them. The idea of losing a 
 protector and a father was indeed painful. He proceed- 
 ed, but his heart was too much alfected to do so regularly; 
 his emotions were great, yea, unutterable; and he was 
 obliged to stop at intervals, while the big tears started 
 down his cheeks — an index to the feelings which reign- 
 ed in his bosom. I was not stoic enough to refrain, but in 
 spite of myself I wept, and mingled my tears with theirs; 
 at the same time, I felt thankful, that 1 had the privilege of 
 contemplating such a scene. Nothing, thought I, could 
 induce that man to tear himself from so affectionate a 
 group, from his partner and children who are so dear to 
 him — nothing hut a sense of duty and love to God, and 
 attachment to his cause. I prayed that the Lord would 
 bless the labours of bis servant, give him a prosperous 
 voyage, make him a blessing in my native land, by 
 bringing many into the Kingdom of Christ — that lie 
 would be merciful to his family: and when it was wis- 
 dom in God that lie should return, that he might be 
 brought home in safety, and rejoice with his beloved 
 family in recounting the mercies of the Lord. 
 
 This the Lord has done in a remarkable manner, and 
 but few, if any, have been as successful as Brother Kim- 
 ball. Vet we do not find him boasting in his own 
 strength; No, he knows that it is the Lord’s doings, 
 and that he was only an instrument in his hands. Not- 
 withstanding the great success which has attended the 
 labors of this servants of the Lord, the same humility 
 characterises him, for which he has been so frequently 
 admired. 
 
 The Elders of Israel would do well to copy the ex- 
 ample, and 1 hope they will be able to receive some ii> 
 truetions from a perusal pf this work, particularly those, 
 
who may visit Great Britain, which may be of some val- 
 ue to them. One great cause of his usefulness was, that 
 he attended closely to the commandments of heaven, and 
 preached the Gospel in its simplicity, and plainness; 
 without intermcdling with many abstruse and dark 
 passages, which are only a source of speculation, and 
 tend to strife rather than salvation. 
 
 it undoubtedly would be pleasing to the Elders who 
 return from distant lands, to visit their families and 
 friends, to enjoy the blessings of peace; but this has 
 been denied our Brother, for, after a hard and laborious 
 mission, and after enduring great fatigue in travelling, 
 and his body broken down by sickness; lie in common 
 with the saints, had to be driven from his home, and be sub- 
 ject to all the hardships and trials consequent on a re- 
 moval in the depth of w inter from the State of Missou- 
 ri. Yet none of these things have moved him, for no 
 sooner was his family in a place of safety and amongst 
 the saints, than he prepared for another mission, and 
 with the rest of the Twelve, takes his journey to the 
 scene of his former labors. 
 
 The success which has attended the ministry of the 
 Elders in England and Scotland, is certainly encouragc- 
 ing, and hardly has its parallel in the history of the 
 church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. 
 
 Although it has been principally received by the poor, 
 who have flocked to hear the tidings of salvation, like 
 doves to the windows; yet there are some men of wealth 
 and influence, who have embraced the gospel with all 
 their hearts, and w ho rejoice in its precious truths. 
 
 The information received from the Twelve, and other 
 Elders who are yet in that land, is of the most cheering 
 character. A circumstantial, account of which, will be 
 found at the end of the journal. 
 
 From what has been already accomplished, the saints 
 can look forward with assurance, that the purposes of 
 
VIII 
 
 the Almighty will be accomplished, and that the streams 
 of knowledge shall flow throughout the world, at which 
 every honest heart shall drink and satiate themselves, 
 until the knowledge of the Lord shall cover the earth, 
 as the waters cover the face of the deep. 
 
 “When nt first the work began, 
 
 Small and feeble was its day: 
 
 Now the word doth sweetly run, 
 
 Now it wins its widening way: 
 
 More and more it spreads and grows 
 Ever mighty to prevail, 
 
 Sin’s strong holds it now o’erthrows, 
 
 Shakes the trembling gates of hell.” 
 
 ItOBEUT D. THOMPSON. 
 
The labors of the Elders of the Church of Latter Day 
 Saints having been confined to the United States of 
 America, with the exception of the Province of Upper 
 Canada, where a great many persons embraced the gos- 
 pel of .lesus Christ, and rejoiced in the blessings thereof; 
 the majority of whom were originally from Great Brit- 
 ain, soon after which, they began to manifest a desire 
 that their relatives and friends who were still residing 
 there, might be privilcdgcd with hearing the glad tidings 
 of Salvation, and be made partakers of those gifts and 
 blessings which are promised in obedience thereto For 
 the attainment of which object, their prayers were con- 
 tinually ascending to the Lord ofSabaoth, that he would 
 prepare the way, and hasten the time, 
 
 44 When — the servants of the Lord 
 Soon should take their stand, 
 
 And spread the glorious light of truth, 
 
 Throughout their native land.” 
 
 Notwithstanding this desire, the way was not open 
 for the Elders until the spring of 1837, when the 
 word of the Lord to the Elders of Israel was; that 
 they might go forth to the distant nations of the earth, 
 that the Kingdom might roll forth, so that every heart 
 might be penetrated. 
 
 Prior to this, my labors had been confined to my own 
 land in which, I had travelled about, six thousand miles, 
 preaching the gospel to the best of my ability; and 
 had the pleasure of baptizing several of my countrymen 
 for the remission of sins, and introducing them into the 
 kingdom which the Lord has set up in these last days. 
 
 I had frequently felt a desire to visit the shores of Eu- 
 rope, and believed that the time was fast hastened when 
 I should take leave of my own country and lift up my 
 voice to other nations, and warn them of the things 
 which were coming on the earth, and make known to 
 them the great things which the Lord had brought to pass; 
 Yet, it never occured to my mind, that I should be one 
 of the first, commissioned to preach the everlasting gos- 
 
10 
 
 pel on the shores of Europe, and 1 can assure my friends, 
 1 was taken by surprise, when I was informed by Broth- 
 er llyrum Smith, one of the Presidency of the church, 
 that 1 had been designated by the spirit, and at a con- 
 ference of the authorities of the church, which had been 
 held, was appointed to take the charge of a mission to 
 the kingdom of Great Britain. The idea of being ap- 
 pointed to sucli an important office and mission, was al- 
 most more than i could bear up under; 1 felt my weak- 
 ness and unworthiness, and was nearly ready to sink 
 under the task which devolved upon me, and 1 could not 
 help exclaiming: O Lord 1 am a man of “stammering 
 tongue” and altogether unfit for such a work. IIow 
 can I go to preach in that land, which is so famed 
 throughout Christendom, for light, knowledge, and piety, 
 and the nursery of religion; and to a people, whose in- 
 telligence is proverbial. Again, the idea of leaving my 
 family for so long a time, which a misson to that country 
 must necessarily require — of being separated from my 
 friends whom 1 loved, and with whom I had enjoyed 
 many blessings, and happy seasons — of leaving my na- 
 tive land to sojourn among strangers in a strange land, 
 was almost overwhelming. 
 
 However, all these considerations did not deter me 
 from the path of duty; neither did I confer with flesh 
 and blood; but the moment I understood the will of my 
 heavenly Father; I felt a determination to go at all 
 hazards, believing that he would support me by his Al- 
 mighty power; and endow me with every qualification 
 I needed. And although my family w r ere dear to me, 
 and I should have to leave them almost destitute; yet i 
 felt that the cause of truth, the gospel of Christ out- 
 weighed every other consideration; and I felt willing to 
 leave them; believing that their wants would be provid- 
 ed for, by that God, who “taketh care of sparrow s” and 
 who “feedeth the young ravens when they cry.” I w as 
 then set apart along w ith Elder Hyde who w as likewise 
 appointed to that mission, by the laying on of the hands 
 of the Presidency; who likewise agreed, that Elders 
 Goodson, Russel, Richards, Fielding and Snider should 
 accompany us. 
 
 After spending a few days in arranging my affairs, 
 nnd settling my business; on the thirteenth day of June, 
 A. I). 1037, 1 bade adieu to my family and friends; and 
 
11 
 
 the town of Kirtland where the House of the JLorI 
 stands, in which I had received my anointing, and 
 had seen such glorious displays of the power and 
 glory of God; and in company with Elder Hyde and 
 the other brethren, arrived at Fairport on Lake Eric 
 that afternoon, a distance of 12 miles; and about an 
 hour after our arrival, took passage in a Steam Boat for 
 Buffalo, New York* We were accompanied by brother 
 1L B. Thompson and wife who w ere on their way to 
 Canada, from Kirtland, where he intended to labor in 
 the ministry m that Province* After a pleasant voyage 
 we reached Buffalo the next day; at which place we 
 expected to have got some funds which w ere promised 
 us, to assist us on our journey; but were unfortunately 
 disappointed* At that time we had but very little 
 means, but still w r e determined to prosecute our journey, 
 believing that the Lord would open out our way. We 
 accordingly continued our journey, and took our pas- 
 sage in a line boat on the Erie Canal to Utica, a dis- 
 tance of 250 miles. From thence to Albany, on the 
 Rail Road. From which place I went with Brother 
 Richards into the country about 30 miles, w here we were 
 successful in obtaining some means to enable us to pros- 
 ecute our journey. We then returned and took passage, 
 in a Steam Boat for New York, at which place we ar- 
 rived on the 22 day of June. 
 
 On our arrival we met with Brother Goodson and 
 Snider, according to appointment (they having been 
 round by the way of Canada) all in good health. 
 
 When we arrived at New York, we found a vessel 
 ready to sail, but not having sufficient means we were 
 obliged to w ait until such times as we could obtain funds 
 to pay our passage and buy vituals for the voyage. Wc 
 rented a small room, in a Store house, hoping that some 
 way would be provided for us, to go forw ard and fulfil 
 the mission w hereunto w T e w r ere sent. We spent con- 
 siderable time while we were there, in prayer to our 
 heavenly Father, for his guidance and protection — that 
 he would make our way plain before us — bless us w ith 
 a prosperous voyage across the billow’s cf the mighty 
 ocean, make us a blessing to each other and to the Cap- 
 tain and crcw T , with whom we should sail. During our 
 stay in that city, we were subject to many, inconven- 
 iences, had to lay upon the floor, and had to buy and 
 
12 
 
 cook our own victuals; yet none of these things moved 
 us neither did we feel discouraged, believing that the 
 Lord would open our way, and guide us to our destina- 
 tion. We conversed with many persons on the subject 
 of the gospel, and distributed a large number of “Pro- 
 phetic Warning's” amongst all classes of the community; 
 not lbrgcting the ministers of religion who abound in 
 that city. We sent a copy to every one whose name 
 we could ascertain, through the medium of the Post 
 office. 
 
 After remaining a few days, we were presented with 
 sixty dollars to assist us; Brother Elijah Fordham like- 
 wise, made us a present of ten dollars and concluded on 
 accompanying us on our mission, but upon more mature 
 consideration, we thouht it was best tor him to stop in 
 that place, believing that the Lord had a people in that 
 city, and that a church would be built up; which, has since 
 been done by the instrumentality of Elders Parley P. 
 and Orson Pratt. Having obtained as much money as 
 would pay our passages across the Atlantic, we laid in a 
 stock of provisions, and on the first day of July went on 
 board the ship Garrick, bound for Liverpool, and weighed 
 anchor about ten o'clock A. M., and about four o'clock 
 P. M. of the same day, lost sight of my native land, I 
 had feelings which I cannot describe, when, I could no 
 longer behold its shores, and when I bade adieu to the 
 land of my birth, which was fast receding; I felt to ex- 
 claim: 
 
 “Yes my native land I love thee: 
 
 All thy scenes I love them well: 
 
 Friends, connexions, happy country, 
 
 Can 1 bid you all farewell? 
 
 Can I leave you 
 Far in distant lands to dwell?” 
 
 However, when I reflected on the causes, which had 
 induced me to leave it for a while, and the work which 
 devolved upon me I could likewise say, 
 
 , “I go but not to plough the main, 
 
 To ease a restless mind.” 
 
 No I hope I was actuated by a different motive than 
 either to please myself, or to gain the riches and ap- 
 plause of the world; it was higher considerations than 
 these that induced me to leave my home, it was, because 
 a dispensation of the gospel had been committed to me. 
 
and 1 felt an ardent desire that my fellow creatures in 
 other lands as well as those of the land of niv birth, 
 might hear the sound of the everlasting gospel; obey its 
 requisitions; rejoice in the fulness, and blessings thereof; 
 and escape the judgements which were threatened upon 
 the ungodly. Our passage was very agreeable, and (be 
 winds for the most part very favorable. On the banks 
 of Newfoundland wc saw several large lish nearly a® 
 long as our vessel, called by some, whales; and by oth- 
 ers tinners, also many didcrent species of lish. We 
 were kindly treated while on board, both by the officer?! 
 and crew; and their conduct was indeed praise worthyj 
 had wc been their own relatives, they could not hav^ 
 behaved more kind, or have treated us better. Thu?* 
 the Lord answered our prayers in this respect, for which 
 1 desire to praise his holy name. 
 
 The Lord also gave ns favor in the eydf of the passen- 
 gers, who treated us with the greatest respect. During 
 our voyage, a child belonging to one of the passengers 
 was very sick, and was given up for death by the Doctor 
 who attended it; consequently its parents had given up 
 all hopes of its recovery, and expected to have to commit 
 their little one to the ocean. Feeling a great auxiety for 
 the child, 1 went to its parents and reasoned with, and 
 laid before them the principle of faith; told them that 
 the Lord was able to restore their child, notwithstanding 
 there was no earthly prospect of its recovery; to which 
 they listened with great interest. Having an oppor- 
 tunity shortly after, secretly to lay hands upon the child, 
 3 did so, and in jhe name of Jesus Christ, rebuked the 
 disease which preyed upon its system; the spirit of the 
 Lord attended the administration, and from that time the 
 child began to recover, and two or three days after it 
 was running about perfectly well. Its parents had to 
 acknowledge that it was healed by the power of the Al- 
 mighty. 
 
 Our health while on the water was good, with the ex- 
 ception of Brothers Fielding and Richards, who were 
 sick a day or two. The last Sunday wc were on the wa- 
 ter, I went to the Captain and asked the privilege for one 
 of us to preach on board, lie very obligingly agreed, and 
 appointed the time when it would be most suitable for 
 hiinsclfand the crew to attend, which was at one o’clock 
 
 2 
 
14 
 
 P. M. We then appointed Brother Ilyde to speak, and 
 then went and notiiicd the crew and passengers of tho 
 circumstance. At the time appointed there was a con- 
 gregation of from two to three hundred persons assem- 
 bled on deck, who listened with great attention, and deep 
 interest to the discourse, which was delivered with great 
 power; 1 think I never heard Brother Hyde speak with 
 such power and eloquence as at that time; he spoke on 
 the subject of the resurrection. The time being limited 
 on account of the duties of the ships company, his subject 
 was necessarily condensed. The congregation was com- 
 posed of persons from dilferent nations, and of dillbrent 
 faiths, English, Irish, Scotch, Germans, French, occ. &c., 
 both Jews and Christians. A great feeling was produced 
 upon the minds of the assembly, who had never heard tho 
 subject treated in like manner before: and from the con- 
 versation we afterwards had with several of them, be- 
 lieve that good was done, and many from that time began 
 to search the scriptures for themselves, “which arc ablo 
 to make men wise unto salvation.?’ 
 
 On the 1 6th, the Captain sent a man up to the mast head 
 to look for land, and he had not been up long before ho 
 exclaimed land, which was the Irish shore, which 
 caused joy and gratitude to arise in my bosom to my 
 heavenly Father for the favorable passage we had had so 
 far, and the prospect of soon reaching our destination. — 
 We then sailed up the Irish channel; having Ireland on 
 our left, and Wales on our right; the scenery was very 
 beautiful and imposing. 
 
 Three days after first seeing land, being the 18th of 
 July, we arrived in Liverpool, which is one of the lar- 
 gest ports in Great Britain; being just eighteen days and 
 two hours from our departure from New York. Tho 
 packet ship South America which left New York tho 
 same time we did, came in a few lengths behind. Tho 
 sight was very grand to see these two vessels enter 
 port, with every inch of canvass spread. When wo 
 first got sight of Liverpool, I went to the side of the ves- 
 sel and poured out my soul in praise and thanksgiving 
 to God tor the prosperous voyage, and for all the mor- 
 cies which ho had vouchsafed to me, and while thus em 
 gaged, and while contemplating the scenery which then 
 
 ( presented itself, and the circumstances which had 
 wrought me thus far; the sphit of the Lord rested upon 
 
15 
 
 me in a powerful manner; mv soul was filled with love 
 and gratitude, and was humbled within me, while I cov- 
 enanted to dedicate myself to God, and to love and 
 serve him with all my heart. 
 
 Immediately after we anchored, a email boat camo 
 alongside, and several of the passengers with Brothers 
 Hyde, Richards, Goodson and myself got in and wen f on 
 shore, when wc were within six or seven feet from the 
 pier, i leaped on shore, and for the first time in rnv life 
 stood on British ground, among strangers, whose man- 
 ners and customs were different from my own. My 
 feelings at that time, were peculiar, particularly, when 
 I realized the object, importance, and extent of my mis- 
 sion, and the work to which I had been appointed, and 
 in which 1 was shortly to be engaged. 
 
 The idea of standing forth and proclaiming the Gospel 
 in a land so much extolled for religion, and which was 
 constantly sending forth her ministers to almost every 
 nation under heaven; amongst a people who of course 
 did not expect to be taught, but to teach others the 
 principles of the gospel; and at the same time feeling 
 my own weakness and unfitness for such an undertak- 
 ing, I wasMcd to cry mightily to the Lord for wisdom 
 and for that comfort and support which I so much 
 needed. At the same time I thought, that if I could 
 have been relieved from the responsibility which rest- 
 ed upon me, by fighting Goliatii on as unequal terms a* 
 David did, I should have felt myself happy. 
 
 However I endeavored to put my trust in God, believ- 
 ing that he would assist me in publishing the truth, give 
 me utterance, and that he would be a present help in the 
 time of need. Having no means, poor and penny less wo 
 wandered in the streets of that great city, where wealth 
 and luxury, penury and want abound. 1 there met the 
 rich attired in the most costly dresses, and the next mo- 
 ment was saluted with the cries of the poor without cov- 
 ering .sufficient to serene them from the weather; such 
 a distinction I never saw before. Wc then looked 
 out for a place to lodge in, and found a room, belonging 
 to a widow which wc engaged for si few days. The 
 time we were in Liverpool was spent in council, and in 
 calling on the Lord for direction, so that wc might be 
 led to places where we should he most useful in proclaiming 
 the gospel, and in establishing, and spreading his king-* 
 
1C 
 
 4i>m; while thus engaged, the spirit of the Lord, the 
 mighty power of God was with us, and we felt greatly 
 strengthened, and a determination to go forward, como 
 life or death, honor or reproach, was manifest hy us all. 
 -Our trust was in God, who, we believed could make us 
 as useful in bringing down the kingdom of satan, as ho 
 did the rams hoi ns, in bringing down the walls of Jer- 
 ico; and in gathering out a number of precious souls, 
 who were buried amidst the rubbish of tradition, and 
 who had none to show them the way of truth. 
 
 Feeling led by the spirit of tbe Lord to go to Preston 
 a large manufacturing town in Lancashire; we started 
 for tliat place, three days after our arrival in Liverpool.. 
 Wc went by coach and arrived on Saturday after noon 
 about four o’clock. Alter unloading our trunks, Broth- 
 er Goodson w ent in search of a place of lodging, and 
 Brother Fielding went to seek a brother of bis w ho \va* 
 a minister residing in the place. 
 
 It being the day on which their representatives wero 
 ohosen; the streets presented a very busy scene indeed. 
 1 never witnessed any thing like it in my life. Music 
 playing, flags flying, thousands of men, women and 
 children parading the streets, decked in ribbons, charac- 
 teristic of the politics of the various candidates. Any 
 one accustomed to the peacable and quiet manner in 
 which the elections in America are conducted; can 
 scarcely have any idea of an election as caiied on in 
 England. 
 
 6n one of t.he dags, which was just unrolled beforo 
 us tbe moment t.he coach reached its destination, was 
 the following motto. “TRUTH WILL PREVAIL,’' 
 which was painted in hCW gilt letters: it being so very 
 seasonable, and the sentin/nit being so appropriate to 
 us, in our siiuaton, that we > crc involuntarily led to 
 exclaim. Amen. So let it ho. 
 
 Brother Good: on having found :! room where wo 
 r oould be accommodated, which belonged ?° a widow wo- 
 ’man, situated in Wiltbrd street, wc moved v^ur baggage 
 there. Shortly after, Brother Fielding returned having 
 found his brother, who requested to have an jntef view 
 with some of us that evening. Accordingly Elders 
 Hyde, Goodson and myself went, and were kindly re- 
 ceived by him, and Mr. Watson his brother-in-law, 
 who was present at the time, We gavo them a short 
 
17 
 
 Account of the object of our mission, and the great work 
 which the Lord had commenced, and conversed on those 
 subjects until a Into hour. The next morning we were 
 presented witli half a crown which Mr. Fielding's sister 
 had sent us. 
 
 It being Sunday, we went to hear Mr. Fielding 
 preach, alter he had got through his discourse, and with- 
 out being requested by us, he gave out an appointment 
 for some one of us to preach in the afternoon. It being 
 noised abroad that sonic Elders from America were in 
 town, and were going to preach in the afternoon; a 
 large concourse of people assembled to hear us. It fill- 
 ing to my lot to speak, S called their attention to the 
 first principles of the gospel, and told them something of 
 the nature of the work which the Lord had commenced 
 on the earth; after which Brother Hyde bore testimony 
 to the same, which I believe was received by many, 
 with whom 1 afterwards conversed. Another appoint- 
 ment was given out for us in the evening, at which time 
 Brother Goodson preached, and Brother Fielding bore 
 testimony. An appointment was then made for us on 
 Wednesday evening at the same place, at which time 
 Elder llyde preached. A number now being convinc- 
 ed of the truth, believed the testimony, and began to 
 praise Cod and rejoice exceedingly, that the Lord had 
 again vidied Lis people, and sent his servants to lay be- 
 fore them the doctrine of the gospel, “and the truth as it 
 is in Jesus.” 
 
 The Bov. Mr. Fielding, who had kindly invited us to 
 preach in his chapel, knowing, that quite a number of 
 his members believed our testimony, and that some were 
 Wishful to be baptized; shut his doors against us and 
 would sullor us to preach no more in his chapel, and for 
 an excuse, said that we had preached the doctrine of 
 baptism for the remission of sins, contrary to our arrange- 
 ment with him. 
 
 I need scarcely assure my friends, that nothing was 
 mW to him, from which any inference could ho drawn, 
 that we should surpress the doctrine of baptism. NuJ 
 we deemed it to important a doctrine, to lay aside for 
 any privilege wo could receive from mortals. Mr. 
 Fielding understood our doctrines, even before wo came 
 there, having received several communications from Ilu 
 
 0 $ 
 
18 
 
 lkothcr Joseph, who wrote to him from Canada, in 
 which letters, were clearly laid down, the doctrines of 
 the Church of Latter Day Saints; we likewise had con- 
 versed with him on the subject at our former interview. 
 However, he having been traditioned to believe in in- 
 fant baptism; and having preached, and practised the 
 same a number of years, he saw the situation he would 
 be placed in, if he obeyed the gospel, and that notwith- 
 standing his talents, and standing in society; he would 
 have to come into the sheep fold, by the door; and after 
 ail his preaching to others, have to be baptized himself 
 for the remission of sins, by those who were ordained 
 to that power. 
 
 These considerations undoubtedly had their weight up- 
 on his mind, and caused him to act as he did; and not- 
 withstanding his former kindness he soon became one of 
 our most violent opposers. An observation which es- 
 caped his lips shortly after this circumstance 1 shall hero 
 mention. Speaking one day respecting the three first 
 sermons which wore preached in that place; he said that 
 -Kimball bored the holes, Goodson drove the nails, and 
 Hyde clinched them.” However his congregation did 
 not follow his example, they having for some time been 
 praying for our coming, and having been assured hv Mr. 
 Fielding that he could not place more confidence in an 
 angel, than he did in the statements of his brother res- 
 pecting this people; consequently they were in a great 
 measure prepared lor the reception of the gospel; proba- 
 bly as much so, as Cornelius was anliently. Having 
 now no public place to preach in, we began to preach in 
 private houses, which were opened in every direction, 
 while numbers believed the gospel; and after we had 
 been in that place eight days, we began to baptize in 
 the name of the Lord Jesus for the remission of sins. — 
 One Rev. Gentleman came and forbid us baptizing any 
 of bis members; but we told him that all who were of 
 age, and requested baptism, we should undoubtedly ad- 
 minister that ordinance to them. One Saturday even- 
 ing l was appointed by the brethren to baptize a number 
 the next morning in the river Kibble, which rims through 
 that place. Hy this time the adversary of souls began 
 f j rage, and he felt a determination to destroy us before 
 we had fully established the kingdom in that land, and 
 the .next morning I w itnessed such a scene of satanio 
 
19 
 
 power and influence as 1 shall never forget^ While memo* 
 r y lasts. 
 
 About day break, Brother Russel (who was appoint- 
 ed to preach in the Market place that day.) who slept 
 in the second story of the house in which we were en- 
 tertained; came up to the room where Eider Hyde and 
 myself were sleeping; and called upon us to rise and 
 pray for him, for lie was so util ic ted with evil spirits 
 that he could not live long unless he should obtain re- 
 lief. We immediately arose, and laid hands upon him, 
 and prayed that the Lord would have mercy on his ser- 
 vant and rebuke the devil, while thus engaged I was 
 rtruck with great force by some invisible power and fell 
 senseless on the floor, as if 1 bad been shot; and the 
 first thing that I recollected was, that l was supported by 
 Brothers Hyde and Russel, who were beseeching a 
 throne of grace on my behalf. They then laid me on 
 the bed, but my agony was so great that I could not en- 
 dure, anti 1 was obliged to get out, and fell on my knees 
 and began to pray, i then sat on the bed and could dis- 
 tinctly see the evil spirits who foamed and gnashed their 
 teeth upon us. We gazed upon them about an hour and a 
 half, and 1 shall never forgot the horror and malignity 
 depicted on the countenances of these foul spirits, and 
 any attempt to paint the scene which then presented it- 
 self; or portray the malice and enmity depicted in their 
 countenance* would he vain. 1 perspired exceedingly, 
 and my clothes were as wet as if I had been taken out 
 of the river. Although 1 felt exquisite pain, and was 
 iii the greatest distress for some time, and cannot evert 
 now look hack on the scene without, feelings of horror; 
 yet, by it 3 learned the power of the adversary, his enmi- 
 ty against the servants of God, and got sonic understand- 
 ing of the invisible world. However the Lord delivered 
 us from the wrath of our spiritual enemies and blessed U3 
 exceedingly that day, and 3 had the pleasure (notwith- 
 standing my weakness of body, from the slin k I h id ex- 
 perienced, spiritual) of baptizing nine individuals and 
 hailing them brethren in the kingdom of Cod. 
 
 A circumstance took place, while at the water side, 
 which I cannot refrain from mentioning, which 'Will show 
 ihe eagerness and anxiety of r ^me in that kand to obey 
 the gospel. Two of the candidates w'no were changing 
 thmr clothes and preparing for baptism, at the distance 
 
20 
 
 of several rods from the place where I was standing in 
 the water; being so anxious to obey the gospel, that they 
 ran with all their might to the water, each wishing to be 
 baptized first. The younger being quicker of foot 
 Ilian the elder, out ran him, and came first into the 
 water; which circumstance reminded me of Peter 
 r.nd another disciple, who went to sec the sepulchre 
 where the Savior was laid ; their anxiety being so great 
 to find out whether lie wa.s yet there or not; that they 
 had a race for it. The circumstance of baptizing being 
 pome, what novel, a large concourse of people assembled 
 on the banks ol the river, to witness the ceremony. 
 
 In the afternoon, Elder Russel preached in the Mar- 
 ket place, .standing 0:1 the (Jbieisk, to a very large con- 
 gregation; numbers oi whom were pricked to the heart. 
 1 hus the work of the Lord, commenced in that land, 
 notwithstanding the rage of the adversary, and his at- 
 tempt to destroy us; a work which shall roll forth, not 
 only in that land, but upon all the face of the earth, even 
 4i in lands and isles unknown.” 
 
 The next morning we held a council; at which Elders 
 Goodson and Richards were appointed to go to the citv' 
 of l)ed ford; there being a good prospect, from the infor- 
 mation received, ol a church being built up in that city. 
 Ehlors Russel and Snider were appointed to go to Alston 
 in Cumberland, near the borders of Scotland, and Elders 
 Hyde, l'iclding, and myself were to remain in Preston, 
 and the regions round about. The next day, the breth- 
 ren took their departure for the different fields of labor 
 assigned them. 
 
 1 bothers Hyde, Fielding, and myself, continued lifting 
 up our voices in private houses, at the corners of the 
 streets, in the Market place, and whereever the Lord 
 opened a door. The following Sabbath, Elder Hyde 
 preached in the Market place to a numerous assemblage 
 both rich and poor, who flocked from all parts to hear 
 “what these babblers had to say” hearing that we were 
 “sellers Ibrih ol strange doctrines.” After Brother 
 .Hyde had got through, I gave an exhortation, and when 
 I had concluded, a minister stept forward to oppose us 
 on the doctrines we advanced, but more particularly on 
 the doctrine* of baptism; lie being a great stickler for in- 
 fant baptism. Tim people thinking lie intended to of- 
 fend us, would not fey him proceed, but seemed deter- 
 
mined to put him down, and undoubtedly would have 
 done so, had not Brother Ilyde interposed and begged 
 permission for the gentleman to speak, and told the con* 
 gregation, that he was prepared to meet any arguments 
 he might advance; this appeased the people who listened 
 to the remarks of the Rev. Gentleman: after which 
 Brother Hyde spoke in answer to the objections which 
 had been o He red, to the satisfaction of nearly all pres- 
 ent, and the minister felt somewhat ashamed! One in- 
 dividual came up to him and asked him what he now 
 thought of his “Baby Baptism 1 ’; while another came took 
 him by the hand, and led him out of the throng. Indeed 
 all those who rose up to oppose the doctrincs°we taught* 
 were confounded, and could not with any success what- 
 ever, combat the truths we preached. 
 
 Having had considerable success the short time we had 
 labored in that place, and having baptized a number that 
 week, we requested them to meet at the house of Sister 
 Dawson for confirmation, that evening, (the second 
 Sabbath.) The church having come together, we ful- 
 ly explained to them the nature of that ordinance, and 
 then laid our hands upon them, tor the gift of the Holy 
 Ghost; and confirmed between forty and fifty, as mem- 
 bers of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints* 
 While attending to this ordinance the spirit of the Lord 
 rested down upon us in a powerful manner; which caus- 
 ed us to rejoice excedingly; thus the work of the Lord 
 spread and prevailed. 
 
 About this time, a young lady, the daughter of a minis- 
 ter of the Presbyterian order, who resided about fifteen 
 miles from Preston; being on a visit to that place hap- 
 pened to be at the house of a family with whom I was ac- 
 quainted; calling in to sec them, at the time she was 
 there, I was introduced to her, and we immediately en- 
 tered into conversation on the subject of the gospel. I 
 found her a very intelligent person, and she seemed verv 
 desirous to hear the things I had to teach, and understand 
 the doctrines of the gospel. 1 informed her of an ap- 
 pointment I had made to preach that evening, and invited 
 her to attend; she did so, and likewise the^ evening fol- 
 lowing; and after attending these two services sheNvas 
 fully convinced of the truth, and the next morning sent 
 for me desiring to be baptized, which request I cheer- 
 fully complied with, and confirmed her at the water side. 
 
22 
 
 °T!ic following day, she started for home, requesting ino 
 to pray lor her; and gave us some encouragement to ex- 
 pect, that her father would open his chapel for me to 
 preach in. 1 then hastened to my brethren, told them 
 of the circumstance, and the result of my visit with the 
 young lady, and then called upon them to unite in pray- 
 er, that the Lord would soften the heart of her father, 
 that he might ho induced to open his chapel for us to 
 preach in, and that our way might be opened in that 
 place. 
 
 The next week I received a letter from her, and cno 
 from her father; in which he informed me, that I wai 
 expected to be at his place the following Saturday, as ho 
 had given out an appointment for me to preach in hi i 
 chapel the next Sunday. The following is a copy of tho 
 letter: 
 
 “Sir : — You arc expected to be here next Saturday. 
 You arc given out to preach in the forenoon, afternoon, 
 and evening. Although wc be strangers to one another, 
 yet, 1 hope wc arc not strangers to our blessed Redeem- 
 er, else 1 would not have given out for you to preach, 
 our chapel is hut little and the congregation but few — 
 yet if one soul be converted, it is of more value than tho 
 whole world. 
 
 I remain in haste, 
 
 JOHN RICHARDS.” 
 
 Agreeably to the kind invitation,! made preparation to 
 visit that place, and took coach on Saturday afternoon 
 at Preston, and arrived at his house, a little before dark. 
 On entering he arose and said, 4i I understand you are tho 
 minister lately from America,” I told him I was. lie 
 then bade me welcome to his house, and seemed to re- 
 joice at my arrival. After receiving a comfortable re- 
 freshment at his hospitable board, we commenced a con- 
 versation, which lasted till a late hour; which appear- 
 ed satisfactory to the whole family. The next, morning 
 I accompanied the Rev. Gentleman to his chapel, and at 
 the hour appointed, commenced to preach to an over- 
 flowing congregation, on the principles of salvation. 1 
 likewise preached in the afternoon and evening; and 
 they seemed to manifest great interest in tho things which 
 1 laid before them. Nearly the whole congregation were 
 melted down into tears. After I had concluded the ser- 
 vices of the day, Mr. Richards gave out another appoint.- 
 
23 
 
 rnont forme to preach on Monday evening, which I at- 
 tended to. I likewise, by request of the congregation, 
 pleached on \\ ednesday evening. A number now bo- 
 rn™ to believe the doctrines I advanced, and on Thurs- 
 day, six individuals, all members of Mr. Richards' church 
 mine forward lor baptism. Mr. Richards now seeing 
 
 lac ciiect which my preaching produced, and fearing lest 
 
 C* I > ^1. 1 I 1 / I I / . / < /x . . 1 I 1 - _ 1 l I • B • • . 
 
 ue should lose all his members, and likewise his salary, 
 winch was allowed him lor preaching, told me, that ho 
 must close the doors of his chapel against me;- but at tho 
 came time, his behavior was kind, and to his praise be it 
 rpoken, treated me with the greatest hospitality. 
 
 I then began to preach in private houses, which wero 
 opened in that neighborhood, and I ceased not to declaro 
 to all who came to hear, noth by night and by day, tho 
 lerious tidings of salvation; and that Cod had again re- 
 • iored the ordinances as at the first, and counsellors as at 
 me beginning. 
 
 Notwithstanding Mr. Richards closed the door of his 
 meeting house against me, yet he frequently came to 
 ucar me prekeh. 
 
 f | lis daughter felt very sorrowful on account of her 
 i liner, not allowing me to preach any more in his placo 
 1 worship, and wept much; but I told her not to fear, 
 i ;rl believed that God ^ would soften his heart and cause 
 u.m to open his chapel for me to preach in again. 
 
 During this lime I was principally entertained at his 
 Louse. The next Sunday 1 went along with him to his 
 meeting, feeling a desire to hear him preach. After ho 
 !.:td finished his discourse, I wassurpised to hear him givo 
 ‘•ut another appointment forme to preach in his chapel. 
 
 I accordingly preached in the afternoon and in the even- 
 ing, and the word seemed to be with power, and the cf- 
 loct was great upon the people; and the next day I bap- 
 imcd two more, both members of Mr. Richards’ church. 
 Although Mr. Richards had preached in that place up- 
 » ards ol thirty years, and his members, as well as tho 
 inhabitants of the place, and vicinity, were very much 
 dtached to him; vet when the fulness of the gospel was 
 pieached, although in much weakness, the people, not- 
 withstanding their attachment and regard for their venor- 
 :. j) lc pastor, being convinced of their duly, came forward 
 md followed the footsteps of tlic Savior, by being buried 
 ■a the likeness of his death. 
 
 
o 
 
 24 
 
 After laboring for some time in this neighborhood, 1 
 was warned by the spirit to return to Preston, and thero 
 found that I was anxiously expected by the brethren, 
 who had received a letter from Brother Richards, and 
 one from Brother Russel, which gave an account of their 
 
 { >roceedings since they left Preston. Brother Goodson 
 lad likewise returned from Bedfordshire, where he and 
 Brother Richards had labored, who gave us a relation of 
 their mission and success. He informed us that a minis- 
 ter of the name of Matthews brother-in-law to Elder 
 Joseph Fielding, received them very kindly and invited 
 them to preach in his church, which invitation was kind- 
 ly accepted, and in which they preached several times, 
 end a number, amongst whom was Mr. Mathews and 
 his lady, believed their testimony, and the things which 
 they proclaimed. Mr. Matiiews, had likewise borno 
 testimony to his congregation, of the truth of these things, 
 end that they were the same principles as taught bv 
 the apostles in ancient days; and bcscechcd his church 
 to receive the same. Several of his members went for- 
 ward and obeyed the gospel; and the time was appoint- 
 ed when he was to be baptized. However in the inter- 
 val, something had caused him to stumble, and darkness 
 had prevailed his mind, insomuch so that at the time spe- 
 cified lie did not make his appearance, but went to a 
 Baptist minister residing in that place, whom he prevail- 
 ed upon to baptize him; and then from that time he be- 
 gan to preach baptism for the remission of sins; and no 
 longer walked w ith the Saints. However great part of 
 his members left him and obeyed the truth, and in a let- 
 ter which he w rote to his brother-in-law, the Rev. Jarnei 
 Fielding, stated that “his best member had left him.” 
 
 It would probably be well to say a few words res- 
 pecting Mr. Mathews and Mr. Fielding, and their 
 congregations, also their situation prior to the time the 
 gospel saluted their ears. Mr. Mathews who is a gen- 
 tleman of considerable learning and talents; had been a 
 minister in the established church of England; but see- 
 ing a great many things in that church, contrary to truth 
 and righteousness, and moreover believing that an over- 
 turn was at hand, and that the church was destitute of 
 the gifts of the spirit, and w r as not expecting the Savior 
 to come to reign upon the earth; as had been spoken by 
 the prophets; he felt led to withdraw from that body, 
 
25 
 
 
 and consequently gave up his prospccts'in that establish- 
 ment; and began to preach the things which he verily 
 believed; and was instrumental in raising up quite a 
 church in that place. 
 
 Mr. J. Fielding had been a minister in the methodist 
 church, but for some of the above causes, had withdrawn 
 from that society, and had collected a considerable church 
 in Preston. Those gentlemen, with their congregations, 
 were 1 believe diligently contending for that faith, which 
 was once delivered to the Saints, at the time we arrived, 
 but afterwards rejected the truth. Yet, notwithstanding 
 they did not obey the gospel, the greater portion of their 
 members received our testimony, obeyed the' ordinances 
 we taught, and are now rejoicing in the blessings of the 
 new and everlasting covenant. About this time, Broth- 
 er Snider returned from the north, where he had been 
 laboring in company with Brother Russei. lie stated 
 that they had met with considerable opposition while 
 preaching the gospel, but that some had obeyed the 
 truth and that others were investigating. After spend- 
 ing a few days with us, he and Brother Goodson took 
 their leave of us, and started for Liverpool about the 
 first of October on their way to America having business 
 of importanre which called them home. 
 
 Although we were deprived of the labors of these 
 brethren, yet the w r ork of the Lord continued to roll 
 forth with great power, the news of our arrival in 
 that city, spread both far and w ide, and calls from all 
 quarters, to go and preach, were constantly sounding in 
 our ears; and we laboured both night and day, 
 might satisfy the people; who manifested such { \ 
 
 for the truth, as I never saw before. We had to^ 
 small houses, to very crowded congregations, or. .r 
 large assemblies in the open air; consequently, our'^g's 
 were very sore and our bodies considerably wore down 
 with fatigue. Soon after this, we obtained a large and 
 commodious place to preach in, called “The Cock Pit;’" 
 which had formerly been used by the people, to witness 
 those birds fight, and kill one another, and where hun- 
 dreds of spectators had shouted in honor of the barbar- 
 ous sport, which was once the pride of Britains; but 
 which, I am happy to say, is now almost entirely aban- 
 doned. And now, instead of the huzzas of the wicked 
 
 3 
 
find profane, is heard the gospel of Christ and the voice 
 of praise and thanksgiving* It had likewise been used 
 lor a Temperance iiall. 
 
 We had to pay seven shillings sterling per week for 
 the uve of it. and two shillings' per week iov the lighting, 
 it being beautifully lit up with gas. it is situated in the 
 centre of the town, and about twenty rods from the u old 
 church,” probably the oldest in Lancashire, this church 
 has twelve bells which are roung at every service; the 
 noise of which was, so great that we were unable to 
 proceed in our services until they had done ringing 
 them. 
 
 Our meeting was once disturbed by some ministers be- 
 longing to the Methodist church; however we got our 
 place licensed, and two gentlemen, who were consta- 
 bles, proffered their services to keep the peace and pro- 
 tect us from any further disturbances, which they contin- 
 ued to do, as long as wc stayed in that land. The effect 
 ol the gospel of Jesus Christ, now began to be apparent, 
 not only' in the hearts of believers but likewise in the 
 conduct of lii* -sc who rejected it, and many began to 
 threaten us with persecution, for preaching without hav- 
 ing a licence from the authority of the nation. This 
 idea of obtaining a licence from the secular authority 
 was somewhat novel to us. but after consulting our 
 friends amongst whom was Mr. Richards’ son, (the min- 
 ister of whom 1 have made mention) an attorney, prac- 
 tising in that neighborhood, we found that it was accord- 
 ing to the constitution of that realm. Rrother Hyde 
 an d' r * v *self then made application to the quarter sessions 
 fa *v~es and by the assistance of Mr. Richards, 
 o jftlvcm. We offered to remunerate Mr. Rich- 
 ah Allis' trouble, but he refused to take any thing 
 fronMHs, saving that we were perfectly welcome for any 
 services he had rendered us. 
 
 Having now obeyed the requisitions of the law, we 
 fait ourselves tolerably safe, knowing that our enemies 
 now could not lawfully make us afraid or harm us. 
 
 Although we had many persecutors, who would have 
 rejoiced at our destruction and who felt a determination 
 to overthrow the work of the Lord, yet there were ma- 
 ny who were very friendly, who would have stood by 
 us under all circumstances, and would not have been 
 afraid to hazard their lives in our behalf. 
 
After \vc had labored for some time in Preston, find 
 having baptized u number into the kingdom of God; 
 Dr other Hyde and myself went about ten miles into the 
 country to preach, agreeably to an invitation we had re- 
 ceived. Vv e preached twice to very numerous congre- 
 gations, who paid great attention to our word, and who 
 marvelled at the tilings we proclaimed. After which wo 
 returned to Preston. Soon alter I paid a visit to the 
 church at Walker Fold, that being the name of the place, 
 where the Uev. Mr. Richards resided. I found the 
 church prospering, and after laboring a lew days, several 
 m arc were added to their number. From that place 1 
 went to Uashc Lees, where 1 preached and bastized two 
 persons. From thence, I continued my journey to Rib- 
 nhesier situated on the llivcr Riuble, where- 1 preached 
 lo a very large congregation; and then returned to 
 Preston. 
 
 ^ llhviu^ had some very pressing calls, to go to soma 
 villages south oi Preston, I accordingly started to visit 
 those places, in company with Brother F. Moon, who 
 had been baptized a short time previous. On arriving at 
 we gave out an appointment to preach, 
 ami at the time appointed, the people Hocked in crowds 
 to hear me; amongst the number, were five preachers, 
 who listened with great interest to mv discourse, and 
 who with the greatest part of the congregation, believe;! 
 the doctrines I advanced. 
 
 The next day I went to a village called Askin, and 
 preached in the evening; and the following day went to 
 Eggleston, where I had the priviledge of ju-caching i n a 
 Methodist chapel. The three last times I preached! ban- 
 ti'.ed ten individuals, of whom, were two preachers, be- 
 longing to the Association Methodists 
 
 After spending several days in that neighborhood I 
 returned to Preston, where the church had now become 
 numerous, and with the asistaace of Elders Hyde and 
 *■ ieldsng, proceeded to organize them. Wo divided the. 
 church into several branches, and appointed proper offi- 
 cers to preside over them. Thursday evening was ap- 
 pointed for prayer meetings to be held in diifereni 
 parts, and Sundays for the whole church to assemble in* 
 the Cock Pit, where the sacrament, was administered, 
 and such instructions given, ns were thought necessa- 
 ry, for their spiritual prosperity and advantage. 
 
20 
 
 W(iile attending to this, the greatest harmony and love 
 prevailed; and if ever any persons received the kingdom 
 of heaven like little children it was those brethren. 
 
 After having attended to this duty, I again went into 
 the country, where I spent the principle part of my time; 
 occasionally visiting Preston. 
 
 During my labors, I was greatly assisted by the spirit 
 of the Lord, and my soul was comforted exceedingly. — 
 Churches were raised up in different directions: and ma- 
 ny, who had previously “sat in darkness, upon them the . 
 true light shined,” and before its benign and enlightening 
 rays, the mists of darkness, the clouds of error and su- 
 perstition fled; while “those who murmured learned doc- 
 trine and those who erred inspirit came to understanding.” 
 
 I W'as instrumental, in building up churches in the fo’* 
 lowing places, viz: Eccleston, Wrightington, Askin, Ex- 
 ton, Daubers Lane, Chorly, Whittle and Laland Moss, 
 after laboring about four weeks; and baptized upw ards 
 of one hundred persons; which caused me to rejoice ex- 
 ceedingly in the God and rock of my salvation, 
 that I had not to labor in vain, or spend my strength 
 for nought: Moreloving and affectionate saints I never 
 aavv before, and they were patterns of humility. 
 
 All the above mentioned village, are within a very short 
 distance of each other, and convenient to Preston. 
 
 After my return from those places, I took a tour, to 
 the North East of Preston in company with Elder Field- 
 ing, where we labored together a short time with consid- 
 erable succoss, and raised up churches in Ribchester, 
 Thomly, Soney Gate Lane, and at Clitheroe a very 
 large market town containing several thousand inhabi- 
 tants. At the latter place I baptized a Preacher and six 
 members of the Methodist church immediately after I 
 had preached the first time. We likewise baptized sev- 
 eral in the town of Waddington and Downham. 
 
 The day after we preached in Downham, we received a 
 very pressing invitation to preach in Chatburn, hut hav- 
 ing given out an appointment to preach in Clitheroe 
 that evening, I informed them, that I would not he able 
 to comply with their request; this did not satisfy them, 
 hut they continued to solicit me with the greatest impor- 
 tunity, until I was obliged to consent to go with them, 
 after requesting Elder Fielding to attend to the other 
 appointment* 
 
29 
 
 On my arrival at the village, I was cordially received 
 by the inhabitants, who turned out in. large numbers to 
 hear me preach. I commenced my address to them in 
 my usual manner, and the spirit of the Lord seemed to 
 carry the word to the hearts of the congregation, 
 who listened with great attention, and received the in- 
 grafted word, which was able to make them wise unto 
 salvation. 
 
 I icing satisfied in my mind, from the witness of the 
 spirit, that numbers were believing, 1 gave an opportu- 
 nity to those who wished to obey the gospel, after doing 
 so, and immediately repaired to the water, although it 
 was late in the evening; and before 1 had done I baptiz- 
 ed twenty-five for the remission of their sins, and was 
 engaged in tiiis pleasing duty, until one o’clock, the next 
 morning. 
 
 After being absent from Preston about seven days, in 
 which time, we had added eighty-three souls to the church, 
 we returned, praising God for all his mercies, and for 
 visiting our labors with such abundant success. 
 t; \o harvest joy can equal theirs 
 Wh o see the fruit of all their cares.” 
 
 It being near Christmas, we agreed to hold a gen- 
 eral Conference in Preston on Christmas day, there be- 
 ing business of importance to the churches to be attend- 
 ed to; and likewise several to be ordained to the minis- 
 
 try. 
 
 On Christinas day, the Saints assembled in the Cock 
 Pit, and we then opened the Conference, which was the 
 first that was held by the church of Christ in that coun- 
 try. There were about three hundred Saints present 
 <>n the occasion, all of whom with the exception of three 
 had been baptized within a very short time. Elcleis 
 Hyde, Fielding ami mvsclf were present. The brethren 
 were instructed on the principles of the gospel, and their 
 several duties enjoined upon them, as Saints of the Most 
 High, which' were, calculated to strengthen and bind 
 them together in the cords of love. We then proceeded 
 lo ordain several of the brethren to the lesser priesthood, 
 to take charge of the different branches where they re- 
 sided, confirmed fourteen who had previously been bap- 
 tized, and blessed about one hundred children. 
 
 At tiiis Conference, the word of wisdom was first 
 
 3 * 
 
30 
 
 ' publicly taught, in that country; having heretofore taught 
 it more by example than precept; and from my own ob- 
 servation afterwards, I am happy to state, that it was al- l 
 most universally attended to by the brethren. 
 
 The spirit of the Lord was with us during our inter- 
 view; and truly the hearts of the Elders were rejoiced 
 beyond measure, when we contemplated the glorious 
 work which had begun; and had to exclaim, “It is the 
 Lords’ doings, and it is marvelous in our eyes; and 
 blessed be the name of the Lord.” I felt greatly hum- 
 bled before the Lord, who had crowned our labors with 
 such signal success, and had prospered us far beyond 
 my most sanguine expectations. 
 
 Immediately after this Conference, Elder Ilyde and 
 myself went to a village called Longton, situate near the 
 sea shore, where we raised the standard of truth, and 
 jMiblished to the listening crowds, the glad tidings of sal- 
 vation. After delivering two discourses, several came 
 10 us and requested baptism. It being very cold weather, 
 insomuch so that the streams were all frozen up, we had 
 to repair to the sea shore to administer that ordinance, 
 and immersed fifteen in the waters of the ocean. 
 
 it would probably be too tedious, to enumerate all the 
 particulars which occurred, during the time we sojourned 
 in that country; I shall therefore pass over many events 
 which, though pleasing to us at that time, which showed 
 1 iie kind dealings of our Heavenly Father; but which 
 would not be sufficiently interesting to others. I shall 
 therefore content myself by giving an outline of the 
 principal circumstances attending our mission, which I 
 have no doubt will be pleasing to the brethren, and to all 
 who love the prosperity of Zion. 
 
 From this time, until about five weeks previous to our 
 departure from that land, we were continually engaged 
 in the work of ♦he ministry, proclaiming the everlasting 
 gospel, in all the region round about, and baptizing all 
 such as believed the gospel and repented of their sins. — 
 And truly, “the Lord of Hosts was with us, the God of 
 Jacob was our refuge.” The Holy Ghost the Comforter 
 was given to us and abode upon us in a remarkable man- 
 ner, w hile numbers thronged to hear our addresses, and 
 “numbers were added to the church daily, such as should 
 he saved.” Wo would baptize as many as fifty in Pres- 
 ton in a week, exclusive of those in the country. One 
 
31 
 
 short mission which Brother Hyde and I took into the 
 country; after preacing five discoufcarfP'on the principles 
 of our holy religion, we had the pleasure of immersing 
 one hundred and thirty in the waters of baptism. 
 
 Thus mightily ran the word of God and prospered; to 
 the joy and comfort of his servants, and to the salvation 
 of precious and immortal souls; while the world was 
 struck with amazement and surprise at the things which 
 thev saw and heard. During this state of things, our cne- 
 mies were not idle,, but heaped abuse upon us with an 
 unsparing hand, and issued torrents of lies after us, which, 
 however, I am thankful to say, did not sweep us away* 
 Among those most active in publishing falsehoods against 
 us and the truth, were many of the reverend clergy, who 
 were afraid to meet us face to face in honorable debate, 
 although particularly requested so to do, but sought eve- 
 ry opportunity to destroy our characters, and propogatc 
 their lies concerning us, thus giving testimony that “they 
 loved darkness rather than light.” Although wc fre- 
 quently called upon the ministers of the different denom- 
 inations, who we knew had taken a stand against us, to 
 come forward and investigate the subject of our religion 
 before the world, in an honorable manner, and bring 
 forth their strong reasons to disapprove the things we 
 taught, and convince the people bv sound argument and 
 the word of God, if they could; that we did not preach 
 the gospel of Christ, hut this they altogether declined. — 
 This course we felt moved upon by the Spirit to adopt# 
 But they kept at a respectful distance and only came out 
 when we were absent, with misrepresentations and abuse. 
 It is true we suffered some, from the statements which 
 they thought proper to make, when we could get no op- 
 portunity to contradict them; but generally, their re- 
 ports were of such a character as carried along w ith them 
 their own refutation. 
 
 The time when we expected to return to our native 
 land, having now nearly arrived; it w r as thought neces- 
 sary, to spend the short time we had to remain in that 
 country, in visiting and organizing the Churches; plac- 
 ing such officers over them, and giving such instructions 
 as would be beneficial to them during our absence. Ac- 
 cordingly, Brothers Hyde, Fielding and myself, entered 
 upon this duty, and we visited a Church nearly every 
 day, and imparted such instructions as the Spirit direct- 
 
30 
 
 ed. We first visited the Churches south of Preston, and 
 after spending some lime in tiuit direction we journeyed 
 to the north, accompanied by Brother Richards wi:o had 
 just returned from the city of Bedford; his health being 
 but poor he was not aide to preach. While we were 
 attending to our duties in that section, we received a 
 very pressing invitation from a Baptist church, through 
 the medium of their deacon to pay them a vi?it, staling, 
 .that the society were exceedingly anxious to hear from 
 our own lips, the wonderful things we had proclaimed in 
 the regions round about. We endeavored to excuse 
 ourselves from going as our engagements already were 
 such, that it would require the short time we had to stay 
 to attend to them. But they seemed determined to take 
 no denial, and plead with us with such earnestness, that 
 we could not resist their intreaties and finally consented i 
 to go and preach once. Having arrived at the place, 
 we found a large congregation already assembled in the 
 Baptist chapel, anxiously waiting our arrival. The min- 
 ister gave out the Ilymns for us, and Elder Hyde spoke 
 on t lie subject of the resurrection with great cifect; alter 
 which the minister gave out another Hymn which was 
 sung bv the assembly, and then he requested me to ad- 
 dress them. 1 arose and -spoke briefly on the iirst prin- 
 ciples of the gospel. During the services the congrega- 
 tion was overjoyed, the tears ran down their cheeks, 
 and the minister could not refrain from frequently chip- 
 ping 1 . is hands together while in the meeting for joy. 
 After the service was over he took us to his house, 
 where we were very kindly entertained. After partak- 
 ing of his hospitality he with *:ouio more friends, accom- 
 panied us to our lod'/mgs, where we remained in conver- 
 sation until a very late hour. The next morning while 
 we were preparing to depart we were waited upon by 
 several of the citizens, who requested us to preach again 
 that day, stating, that great interest was felt by the in- 
 habitants, many of whom were in tears, fearing they 
 should hear us no more; and that a number of influential 
 men, had suspended operation in their factories, to allow 
 th< ir workmen the privilege of hearing us preach; but we 
 were obliged to deny them, as it was necessary to attend 
 to the appointments we had previously made. We could 
 scarcely tear ourselves away from them and when we 
 (I d so, they wept like little children, such a desire to hear 
 
33 
 
 the gospel, I never saw equalled before. The Saints 
 will be able to gather some idea from this circumstance, 
 of the great and extensive calls for the Elders of Israel 
 in that land, where there are so many thousands, thirst- 
 ing for the streams of knowledge, and the privileges and 
 blessings of the gospel. 
 
 After commending them to the grace and mercy of 
 God, we went to Downham, where wc preached in tho 
 afternoon, after which forty came forward and were lni|>- 
 ti/cd. In the evening we called the churches of Chat- 
 hum and Downham together; and after confirming forty 
 five who had previously been baptized, wc appointed 
 priests, teachers and deacons to preside over them. There 
 being something interesting, in the establishing of the gos- 
 pel in these t A O last mentioned villages, I will therefore re- 
 late the circumstances of my visit to those places, ami 
 the prospect we had of success, prior to our proclaiming 
 the truth to them. 
 
 Having been preaching in the neighborhood of these 
 villages, I felt it my duty to pay them a visit and tell 
 them my mission. Having mentioned my desires to sev- 
 eral of the brethren, they endeavored to dissuade me 
 from going, informing me that there could he no pros- 
 pect of success whatever as several ministers of different 
 denominations had endeavored to raise churches in these 
 places and hod frequently preached to them hut to no 
 ctfect, for they had resisted all the efforts and withstood 
 the attempts of all sects and parties for thirty years, who 
 seeing all their attempts futile, had given them up to tho 
 hardness of their hearts, I was also informed they wore 
 very wicked places and the inhabitants were hardened 
 against the gospel. However this did not discourage 
 me in the least, believing that the gospel of Jesus Christ 
 could reach the heart, when the gospels of men were 
 found abortive, I consequently told those who tried to 
 dissuade me from going, that these were the places I 
 wanted to go to, and that it was mv busincs, “to call not 
 the righteous, hut sinners to repentance.” Accordingly 
 1 went in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and I soon 
 procured a large barn to preach in, which was crowded 
 to excess. Having taken my stand in the middle of the 
 congregation so that all might he able to hear, I com- 
 menced my discourse, spoke with great simplicity on the 
 subject of the gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus 
 
S4 
 
 Christ, the conditions of pardon for a fallen world, and 
 the privileges and blessings of all those who embraced 
 the truth; i likewise said a little on the subject of the 
 resurrection. My remarks were accompanied by the 
 spirit of the Lord and were received with joy, and those 
 people who were represented as being so hard and obdu- 
 rate, were melted down into tenderness and love, an d 
 such a feeling was produced as I never saw before, and 
 the idled seemed to be general. 
 
 1 then told them, that being a servant of the Lord Jesus 
 Christ,. I stood ready at all times to administer the ordi- 
 nances of the gospel. Alter 1 had concluded, i felt some 
 one pulling at my coat. I turned round and asked the 
 person what it was they desired, the answer was i; please 
 sir, will you baptize -me,” “and nicy’ ••and me,” exclaim- 
 ed more than a dozen voices. We accordingly went 
 down into the water, and before 1 left, 1 baptized twenty 
 live for the remission of sins — and was engaged in this 
 delightful duty until four o’clock the next morning. — 
 Another evening the congregation was so numerous that 
 
 1 had to preach in the open air, and took my stand on a 
 stone wall, and afterwards baptized a number. These 
 towns seemed tube affected from one end to the other, 
 parents called their children together, spoke to them of 
 the subjects which I had preached, and warned them 
 against swearing and all oilier evil practices and instruct- 
 ed them in their duty, &c. Such a scene I pre- 
 sume was never witnessed in this place before — the 
 hearts of the people appeared to be broken and the next 
 morning they were all in tears thinking they should see 
 my face no more. When J left them my feelings were 
 such as I cannot describe, as I walked down the street 
 follow ed by numbers, the doors were crowded by the in- 
 mates of th-a houses to bid us a last farewell, who conk- 
 on! v give vent to their grief in sobs and broken accents. 
 While enntemnlnting this scene we were induced to take 
 
 oifourhats, for we felt as if the place was holy ground — 
 the Spirit of the -Lord rested down upon us, and 1 was 
 constrained to bless that whole region of country, we 
 w ere followed by a great number, a considerable distance 
 from the villages who could hardly seperate themselves 
 from us. Aiy heart was like unto theirs, and 1 thought 
 m v head was a fountain of tears, for 1 wept for several 
 miles after 1 bid them adieu. From thence we returned 
 
35 
 
 to Preston and alter a short stay, visited Pen wort; '.am and 
 Lnngton and organized the churches in these places 
 which consist of about fifty members each. On the first 
 «>i April we returned to Preston and agreed to hold a 
 genera! Conference of the church of Jesus Christ of [.al- 
 ter Day Saints in that country on the eighth inst. : it be- 
 ing the day previous to our departure* The interval 
 was spent in preaching, baptising* confirming, and set- 
 ting in order the churches, and it being known that we 
 had but a short time to remain in that country; great 
 numbers flocked to hear 11 s preach, and numbers were 
 baptized: some days we went from house t<> house con- 
 versing with the people on the tilings of the kingdom 
 and would sometimes by such a course be instrumental 
 in convincing many of the truth; and I have known as 
 many as twenty persons baptized in one day* w ho have 
 been Iconvinced on such occasions: they were like Lydia 
 of old “who gladly received the .word*.” 1 have had to 
 go into the water to administer the ordinance of baptism 
 six or seven times in a day, and frequently after hav- 
 ing come out of the water and changed my clothes, I 
 have had to return back again before I reached my home; 
 this too when, the weather was extremely .cold, the ice 
 being from twelve to fourteen inches thick, which con- 
 bnuedso about twelve weeks, during which- time I think 
 there were but ten days, in which we were not in the 
 water; “the harvest was indeed plenteous hut the labor- 
 ers were few.” This was. very, extraordinary weather 
 im* that country; as I was informed that some winters 
 •hey had scarcely any frost or snow, am! the oldest inhab- 
 .t nits told me, that they never experienced such a winter 
 nelorc. In consequence of the inelemenev of the weatli- 
 '•p, several manufacturing establishments were shut up, 
 and several thousand workmen as well as women and 
 hildren were thrown out of employment, whose suffer- 
 ings during that time were severe, and 1 was credibly in- 
 formed. and verily believe, that numbers perished from 
 starvation. Such sufferings 1 never witnessed in my 
 hf*c before and the scenes which I daily beheld while in 
 'hat country was ready to chill the blood in my veins: 
 ’he streets were crowded with men, women and chil- 
 dren, who solicited alms from the passengers as thev 
 walked along. IS umbers of those poor wretches were 
 
36 
 
 without shoes or stockings and scarcely any covering to 
 6creen them from the inclemency of the w eather. 
 
 Oh! when will distress and poverty and pain cease, 
 and peace and plenty abound? When the Lord Jesus 
 6hall descend in the clouds of heaven — when the rod of 
 the oppressor shall be broken. Hasten the time;G Lord, 
 was frequently the language of my heart, when 1 contem- 
 
 1 )lated the scenes of wretchedness and w oe, which 1 dai- 
 y w itnessed and my prayer to my heavenly Father w as, 
 that if 1 had to w itness a succession of such scenes of 
 wretchedness and w oe, that he would harden my heart, 
 for those things w ere too much for me to bear, neither 
 could 1 endure them: This is no exaggerated account, 
 1 have used no coloring here, but they are facts which 
 will meet the Elders of Israel when they shall go forth 
 into that land, and then I can assure them they will not 
 be surprised at my feelings. 
 
 But to return. During this time not only w ere great 
 numbers initiated into the kingdom of heaven, but those 
 who were sick w ere healed, and those who w ere diseas- 
 ed flocked to us daily, and truly their faith was great, 
 such as I hardly ever w itnessed before, consequently ma- 
 ny w ere healed of their infirmities and sicknesses. We 
 were continually employed and hardly gave “sleep to 
 our eyes or slumber to our eyelids,” and some nights we 
 w'ould hardly close them. The task w r as almost more 
 than we could endure, but realizing the circumstances of 
 this people, their love of the truth, their humility and 
 unfeigned charity, caused us to use all diligence and make 
 good use of every moment of time, for truly our bow els 
 yearned over them. Notwithstanding our unwearied 
 and unceasing labors, w r c could not fill the calls w e had 
 from day to day, for the work kept spreading, the pros- 
 pect of usefulness grew brighter and brighter, and the 
 field opened larger and larger, w hile the cries from the 
 North, from the South, from the East and from the West 
 of come over and help us, were more and more frequently 
 sounding in our ears. 
 
 The reader will not, I think accuse me of egotism, 
 when I say that we were diligent, fori do not remember 
 during the last six months I spent in that country, of re- 
 tiring to my bed earlier than twelve o’clock 1\ M. which 
 was also the case w ith Brothers Hyde and Fielding. — 
 Brother Hyde w as laid up with sickness about six w eeks 
 
37 
 
 on account of his excessive labors, from which however 
 lie was happily restored. 
 
 On the eighth day of Apiil A. D. 1033, it being Sun- 
 day, and the time appointed for a general Conference of 
 ihc Saints in that kingdom, and the day previous to our 
 departure from them; they began to assemble at an 
 early hour in the morning, and by nine o’clock there 
 were from six to seven hundred of the Saints assem- 
 bled from various parts of the country. 
 
 The meeting was opened by singing and prayer. — 
 While 1 contemplated the congregation then assembled, 
 which had been brought into the kingdom, through our 
 instrumentality in such a short time, I was truly grate- 
 ful to mv heavenly Father, and my soul did magnify his 
 holy name, while my aspirations ascended to heaven, 
 that all those who had embraced the gospel, might, thrdUgh 
 endurance of faith unto the cr:l, share in the glories of 
 the eternal world, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac and 
 Jacob in the kingdom of our Father. 
 
 To one whp has been the humble instrument in th© 
 hands of God of bringing souls into the kingdom, and who 
 has instructed them in the tilings of God, and has rejoic- 
 ed in seeing their minds expand, and their ready recep- 
 tion of the truth of heaven, and whose souls arc humble 
 and filled with gratitude to God, for sending them his 
 servants to lead them into the wavs of truth; there is a 
 tic of no ordinary kind, binds that individual to such a 
 people, and it requires considerable effort of mind to 
 tear himself away from such an affectionate and loving 
 society. 
 
 After the meeting was opened, we proceeded to giv© 
 instructions to the official members, reminding them of 
 their several duties, and callings, and the responsibilities 
 which rested upon them, pressed upon them the necessi- 
 ty of being humble and faithful in the discharge of their 
 duties, so that by patience, by meekness, and by love un- 
 feigned, they might commend themselves to God and to 
 the church of Jesus Christ; over whom the Holy Ghost 
 had made them overseers. 
 
 Believing it necessary for the good of the kingdom, %o 
 have some one to preside over the whole church, vre 
 nominated Brother Joseph Fielding to be appointed to 
 that office, and Brothers Levi Richards and Wm. Clayton 
 
 4 
 
30 
 
 to be his counselors; the nomination met with the appro- 
 bation of the whole assembly, who agreed to hearken to 
 their instructions anil uphold them in their ofiiccs; thcs 
 brethren were then, w ith eight Elders, several Priests, 
 Teachers and Deacons, set apart and ordained to 'the 
 several cilices to which they were called. One of the 
 brethren who was ordained, was going to Manchester, 
 one of the largest manufacturing towns in England, anil 
 another to the city of London, and who undoubted- 
 ly would carry the glad tidings of salvation to those phi- 
 
 ces. 
 
 We then laid hands upon forty individuals who had 
 previously been baptized, for the gift of the Iloly Olios*; 
 after which about one hundred children were presented 
 to us to receive a blessing, and the same day w e bap- 
 tized. tw enty individuals lor the remission of sins, and 
 then proceeded to administer the sacrament to this nu- 
 merous assembly; we then gave some general instruc- 
 tions to the w hole church, respecting their duty to God 
 and to one another, which w ere listened to with great 
 attention, and were treasured up in the hearts of 'most 
 who were present. At o o’clock P. M. we brought 
 the Conicrcncc to a close, it having continued without 
 intermission from nine o’clock A. M. We then appoin- 
 ted seven* o’clock the same evening, to deliver cur fare- 
 well addresses. At the time appointed we repaired to 
 the meeting, which was crowded to excess. Brother 
 Ilydc and myseli then spoke to them respecting our la- 
 bors in that land, the success of our ministry, and the 
 kindness \vc had experienced at their hands, told them 
 that w e hoped before long to see them again, after we 
 had visited the church and our families in America: but 
 when w e spoke of our departure their hearts were bro- 
 ken within them, they gave vent to their feelings and 
 wept like children, and broke out in cries like t lie follow- 
 ing: 44 IIow t can we part with our beloved brethren” 4i we 
 may never see them again.” 4 *0 why can you leave us” 
 fcc. I could not refrain, my feelings only found vent in 
 a flood of tears. 
 
 Some persons may bo disposed to accuse me of weak- 
 ness on this occasion, but if any should do so, 1 would 
 say that I do not envy any man’s feelings, who could 
 witness such a scene, with all its associations, and the 
 finer feelings of his heart strings lmt to be touched oil 
 
39 
 
 an occasion; indeed it would have been almost an 
 impossibility lor us to have left this dear and affectionate 
 people, had wo not. had the most implicit confidence in 
 the brethren who were appointed to preside over them 
 in our absence; but knowing their faith and virtuous 
 conversation, and that they had the confidence of the 
 church, we felt confident that the affairs of the church 
 would he conducted in ri ghtousness; consequently we 
 left them under different feelings than we otherwise 
 could, had they laid no shepherd. 
 
 Immediately after dismissing we mot the official mem- 
 bers at a private house, the number of whom were eighty, 
 and instructed them further in their duty and broke up 
 at one o’clock the next morning. This was certainly 
 nne of the most interesting conferences I ever attended, 
 the services were calculated to convince the honest and 
 to give joy to Saints, and will long be remembered by 
 all those who attended, and I have no doubt was the 
 means of great and lasting good. At this conference 
 we were favoured with the company of Elders Isaac 
 Russel and Willard Richards. The latter had returned 
 from the county of Bedford, where he had been pro- 
 claiming the gospel; in consequence of sickness his la- 
 bors had not ocen so extensive as they otherwise would 
 have been, and were confined a short distance from 
 the city of Bedford where lie raised up two small bran- 
 ches, which lie set in order and ordained one Elder and 
 ether officers. lie labored under considcrblc difficulty 
 in consequence of the conduct of Elder Goodson who 
 accompanied him on that mission, who taught many 
 things which were not in wisdom, which proved a har- 
 rier to the spread of the truth in that region; Elder 
 Russel had returned from a mission to the iVorth. hav- 
 ing been laboring in the county of Cumberland near 
 the borders of Scotland, where numbers of his friends 
 resided. While lie was there he met with considerable 
 opposition even from those of his own family, as well as 
 the ministers of the diflerent denominations who sought 
 every opportunity to block up his way and to destroy 
 his influence. 
 
 However, notwithstanding the great opposition, ho 
 was instrumental of bringing upwards of sixty souls into 
 the kingdom of God, and left them rejoicing in the truth, 
 and strong in the faith of the gospel. Tims the great 
 
40 
 
 work which is to go through the length and breadth -of 
 that land, which will cause the hearts of thousands to 
 rejoice, and the poor and meek to increase their joy 
 in the Lord — w hich .“hall lead the honest hearted to the 
 fountain of truth — w hich shall prepare a holy company 
 from that nation to meet the Lord Jesus when he shall 
 dcsend in in the mansions of glory, and from the regions 
 which are not km wn — which shall cause thousands to 
 rail against the doctrines of Christ and his servants, and. 
 persecute the honest in heart; which shall prepare the 
 ungodly for the day .of vcngcnce of our Cod, and shall 
 bind them together in tins cords ol darkness; was coni' 
 mcnecd in three places, via: Preston, Bedford anil Als- 
 ton, which forcibly reminds me of the parable of the leav- 
 en, which the woman cast into three measures of meal. 
 
 During our stay in Preston, wc made our home at tho 
 house of Sister Daw son in Pole street, we purchased our 
 provisions which she cooked for us, which is quite cus- 
 tomary in that country. For our room, lodging and 
 cooking and a good coal fire, we each paid the sum of 
 two shillings sterling per week, which is but little more 
 than half the usual charge, Sister Dawson was very 
 kind unto us, indeed the hearts of all the Saints were 
 open to liberality, and according to their circumstances 
 they contributed liberally of their substance, and many 
 blessings of a temporal nature, we received from them, 
 for w hich I pray that my heavenly Father may reward 
 them an hundred fold in this w orld, and in the w orld to 
 come with life everlasting. 
 
 During the time wc labored in England wc made no 
 public contributions, except for the poor. When wo 
 were about taking our departure, the church know ing 
 we had no means to carry us to our native land, with 
 a liberality characteristic of them, contributed to our 
 necessities, and provided us with means to take us as far 
 as Kirtland, Ohio. The next day, being the ninth of 
 April, we engaged our passage to Liverpool in a coach, 
 which was to start at twelve o’clock the same day. — 
 At the time appointed wc w ere at the place of starting, 
 and were soon surrounded with the hrethen, who felt 
 determined to see us depart, many of w 'hose countenan- 
 ces clearly showed their sorrow’ at our departure; how- 
 ever we had to hid them farewell, and w ore soon out of 
 sight; there eyes followed us as long as they could see us. 
 
41 
 
 Notwithstanding the variegated scenery of the conn* 
 try, which in England is very beautiful, my mind re- 
 verted back to the time when 1 first arrived in that 
 country; and the peculiar feelings of mind when 1 travel- 
 ed from Liverpor 1 to Preston some months before. Then 
 1 was a stranger in a stangc land, and bad nothing to re- 
 ly upon but the kindness and mercy of that (led who 
 had sent me there. While 1 mused on these things my 
 soul was humbled within me, and I had to exclaim, 
 Lsurelv this is the Lord’s doings and marvelous in my 
 eyes,*’ for then 1 had hundreds of brethren, to whom I 
 was united in bonds the most endearing and sacred, and 
 who loved me as their own souls, and whose prayers 
 would be continually offered up for my welfare and pros- 
 perity. After a ride of about four hours, v> r e arrived at 
 Liverpool, and ascertaining the ship in which we intend- 
 ed to sail, would not leave that port as early ns was ex- 
 pected, in consequence of a great storm which had taken 
 place, in which several vessels had been wrecked and a 
 number of lives lost. We took lodirings a few davs un- 
 til the vessel should depart. 
 
 While in Liverpool, we were waited upon bv Elders 
 Fielding and Richards, who, feeling desirous to obtain 
 all the information they could procure respecting the gov- 
 ernment ot the church, thought that it would be a favor- 
 able time to do so, as our opportunities of instruction 
 had been but limited while in Preston, and it being almost 
 impnsiblc to have much private intercourse, their being 
 so many who wished to converse with us on the subject, 
 of the gospel &c. lbitin this thing they were disap- 
 pointed, for as soon as it was known in Preston and re- 
 gions round about, that our departure was delayed, then 
 ■numbers of the brethren, came from thence, to visit m 
 in Liverpool before we left, their shores. 
 
 On the 20 Jh we went on board the slop Garrick (be- 
 ing the same slop in which we went) bound for \ev, 
 ^ ork. and the same day trot under way. .Soon after we 
 left Liverpool a great storm came on, with a head wind, 
 and continued without cessation tor several davs, which 
 did considerable damage jo ih^ vessel; the bowsprit was 
 broken twice by the force ol the wind with only the 
 gib sail set. the boom likewise came down with great 
 force near the place where the Captain was standby. 
 
 4 * 
 
42 
 
 but he fortunately escaped without injury; several oth- 
 er parts of the rising were much torn and injured. Dur- 
 ing the time tnc storm lasted, Brothers llyde and Russel 
 were very sick. After this we had more favorable 
 weather. When we had been on the water two weeks, 
 1 asked permission of the Captain for one of us to preach, 
 which request was cheerfully complied with, and the 
 second Cabin was prepared for the occasion. Brother 
 Russel preached, alter which Brother llyde made somo 
 observations; the discourses were listened too with great 
 attention, and the congregation appeared very much sat- 
 isfied. The Lord gave us favor in the eyes of the Cap- 
 tain, and the passengers, who treated us with respect 
 and kindness. Those who were in the same Cabin with 
 ourselves, and with whom we had more frequent oppor- 
 tunity of conversing, treated us like brothers, and took 
 pleasure in administering to our wants, and told us it 
 they had any thing we needed it was at our service. 
 1 hardly ever remembered traveling with more agreeable 
 or kind hearted people, and I pray that the Lord may 
 bless them abundantly and reward them an hundred 
 fold for all the kindness shown to his servants. 
 
 Nothing very paticular occur. ed during the remainder 
 of the passage; the weather for the most part was fa- 
 vorable. On the 12th day of -May we came in sight of 
 New York, and in the evening we secured a landing, after 
 a passage of twenty two undone half days. The ship 
 New England, which left Liverpool on the same day we 
 did, came in about one hour afterwards. 
 
 The sight of my native land filled my soul with glad- 
 ness. \Ye then went into the city with several of the 
 passengers, who purchased some refreshments, and after 
 we returned bade us partake with them, and we all re- 
 joiced together; \vc then bowed down before the Lord 
 and offered up the gratitude of our hearts for all his mer- 
 cies, in prospering us in our mission and blinking us 
 safely across the mighty deep, to behold once more, tho 
 land of our nativity, and the prospect of soon embracing 
 our families and friends. 
 
 The next morning we went in search, of Brother Ford- 
 ham, whom we fromul after some trouble, he was rejoic- 
 ed to see us and immediately took us to the house of 
 Brother Macc, where we were glad to see our beloved 
 Brother Orson Pratt who was then laboring in that city, 
 
43 
 
 and who, with Elder Farley P. Pratt his brother, had 
 been instrumental in bringing many into the kingdom in 
 that city, which intelligence gave us great joy, for w hen 
 we left New York for England, there was only one be- 
 longing to the church in that city. 
 
 It being Sunday, we accompancd Brother Pratts to tho 
 house where the Saints were accustomed to assemble 
 for worship. On entering the house we found about 
 eighty persons assembled, all whom had recently joined 
 the church. After singing and prayer, I was requested 
 to give an acount of our mission to England. 1 accord- 
 ingly arose and told them the things which had happened 
 to us since our departure, and the great and glorious work 
 which our heavenly Father had commenced on the is- 
 lands of the sea, and the great desire of the English to 
 hear the tilings w hich the Lord had brought to pass on 
 this continent, and their ready reception of the truth of 
 the gospel. The information gave great joy to the Saints, 
 and they united with us in praising the name of tho 
 Lord for his wonderful w orks to the children of men. 
 In tho evening Elder Russel and Hyde preached, and a 
 great effect was produced, and some came forward and 
 offered themselves as candidates for baptism. The short 
 time we were in New York was spent very agreeably 
 w ith the Saints, w ho are indeed a kind and affectionate 
 people. Tiie next day w e hade adieu to the brethren 
 and commenced our journey to Finland by Steam Boat 
 and Rail Road, and arrived there on the 22nd day of 
 May, A. J). 1830, having been absent eleven months 
 find nine days. 
 
 1 found my family in good health, and as comfortably 
 situated as 1 could expect; and our joy w r as mutual. — - 
 'i'he Saints in Kiri land likewise received us with joy 
 and welcomed us home. 
 
 But my journey was not yet ended; for soon after my 
 arrival in Kirtland, i had to make preparation to move to 
 the State of Missouri, w here the greater part of the 
 church had already removed. One great cause of their 
 removal to the west, was the persecutions to which they 
 were subject in Kirtland. The brethren who yet 
 resided there, although very kind and affectionate, 
 were weak in the faith, in consequence of trials and 
 temptations. This caused us to grieve exceedingly, and 
 
44 
 
 we resolved to cheer them up as much as we possibly 
 could. 
 
 Being solicited to preach in the house of the Lord, we 
 did so, and after preaching a few times, and recounting 
 our travels, and the great success which had attended our 
 labors, and also the marvelous work which the Lord had 
 commenced, and was still carrying on in the old country; 
 they began to take courage, their confidence increased, 
 and their faith was strengthened, and they again realized 
 the blessings of Jehovah. 
 
 As soon as our circumstances would permit we com- 
 menced our jourhey to the State of Missouri, by water, 
 a distance of nearly eighteen hundred miles, and after en- 
 during considerable fatigue, arrived in safety at Far 
 Weston the 25th of July: and had the pleasure of be- 
 holding the faces of numbers of our friends and brethren, 
 in the kingdom and patience of Jesus; some of whom 
 were so glad to see us, that the tears started in their 
 eyes when we took them by the hand. 
 
 There is indeed something peculiarly pleasing to the 
 Saint, who after a long separation, beholds the friends to 
 whom he is united in bonds the most sacred, and with 
 whom he has probably traveled to preach the gospel, 
 and with them passed through many scenes of sorrow 
 and aflliction. At that time every pleasing association 
 is revived, and memory fondly clings to those scenes, the 
 contemplation of which affords pleasure; while every 
 thing of an opposite nature is forgotten and buried in 
 oblivion. 
 
 During cur journey from Kirtland to Missouri, the 
 weather was remarkably warm, in consequence of which 
 I suffered very much, and my body was broken down 
 by sickness, and I continued very feeble for a considera- 
 ble length of time. 
 
 The first Sunday after my arrival at Far West I was 
 called upon to preach to the Saints, which I endeavored 
 to do, although 1 was scarcely able to stand. 1 related 
 many things respecting my mission and travels, which 
 were gladly received by the brethren, whose hearts 
 •were cheered by the recital, while many of the Elders 
 were stirred up to diligence, and expressed a great desire 
 to accompany us, when we should return to England. 
 
 Soon after my arrival, 1 had a lot given me by Bishop 
 Partridge, and also, suliicient timber to build me a house. 
 
45 
 
 While it was creating, I lived in a place 1 built for my 
 cow, about eleven feet square, and in which I could hard- 
 ly stand upright. The brethren were remarkably kind, 
 and contributed to my necessities. One of them, viz: . 
 Charles Hubbard made me a present of forty acres ot 
 land, another gave me a cow, &c. 
 
 When I had nearly finished iny house, and after much 
 labor, 1 was obliged to abandon it to the mob, who at that 
 lime commenced persecuting the Saints, driving off their 
 cattle, and destroying their property. 
 
 It will not be expected that 1 should recapitulate tho 
 circumstances which then transpired, which were of an 
 extraordinary character, as numbers have written on tho 
 subject: sullice it to say, that the Saints suffered priva- 
 tions, hunger, abuse, cold, famine, and many of them 
 death. Yes, the blood of the Saints has stained the soil 
 of Missouri, for which the King of Kings and Lord of 
 Hosts will recompence upon her, the punishment of her 
 crimes. 
 
 From about the 6th of August, until the 1st of Novem- 
 ber, t was a continual scene of agitation, and alarm, 
 both by night and by day. The enemies of righteous- 
 ness were determined to overthrow the Saints, and re- 
 gardless of all laws, (which was trampled upon with im- 
 punity,) they made every preparation, and used every 
 means in their power to accomplish their unhallowed 
 designs. 
 
 The Saints, tenacious of their liberties, and sacred 
 rights, resisted these unlawful designs, and with courage 
 worthy of them, they guarded their families and their 
 homes, from the aggressions of the mob, but not without 
 the loss of several lives, among w hom was my much es- 
 teemed and much lamented friend, Elder David W. Pat- 
 ten who fell a sacrifice to the fell spirit of persecution, 
 and a martyr to the cause of truth. The circumstance* 
 of his death I will briefly relate. 
 
 It being ascertained that a mob had collected on Crook- 
 ed river in the county of Caldwell, a company of sixty or 
 reventy persons immediately volunteered from Far West 
 to watch their movements and repel their attacks, and 
 chose Elder Patten for their commander, they commenc- 
 ed their march about midnight, and came up to the mob 
 very early next morning, and as soon as the brethren ap- 
 proached near to them, they were fired upon, when 
 
46 
 
 Capt. Patten received a shot, which proved fatal, the 
 mol) after firing, ran away. Several others of the breth- 
 ren were wounded at the same time, some of whom af- 
 terwards died. 
 
 Immediately on receiving the intelligence that Brother 
 Patten was wounded, 1 hastened to see him. When I 
 arrived he appeared to be in great pain, but still was glad 
 to see me. lie was conveyed about four miles, to the 
 house of Brother Winchester, during his removal his suf- 
 ferings were so cxcru dating, that he frequently desired 
 us to lay him down that he might die. But being desir- 
 ous to get him out of the reach of the mob, and among 
 friends, we prevailed upon him to let us convey him 
 there. 
 
 lie lived about an hour after bis arrival, and was per- 
 fectly sensible and collected until he breathed his last. — 
 Although he luid medical assistance, yet bis wound was 
 such, 'that there was no hope entertained of his recovery; 
 this he was perfectly aware of. In this situation, while 
 the shades of time were lowering, and eternity with all 
 ils realities were opening to his view, lie bore a strong 
 testimony to the truth of the work of the Lord, and the 
 religion he had espoused. 
 
 The principles of the gospel which were so precious to 
 him before, were honorably maintained in natures’ final 
 hour, and afforded him that support and consolation at 
 the time of his departure, which deprived death of its 
 sting and its horror. Speaking of those who had fallen 
 from their steadfastness, he exclaimed, “O that they 
 were in my situation; for I feel “I have kept the faith, I 
 have finished my course, henceforth there is laid up for 
 rne a crown which the Lord, the righteous Judge shall 
 give to mo,” & c. 
 
 Speaking to liis beloved partner, who was present and 
 who attended him in his dying moments, he said, ‘•what- 
 ever you do el.e, (), do not deny the faith!” He all ihc 
 white expressed a great desire to depart. I spoke to him 
 and said, “Brother David, when you get home 1 want you 
 to remember me.” He immediately exclaimed “I will.” 
 At '.his time his sight was gone. We felt so very much at- 
 tached to our beloved Brother, that we beseeched the 
 Lord to spare his life and endeavored to exercise faith 
 in the Lord for his recovery. Of this he was perfectly 
 aware, and expressed a desire, that we should let him 
 
go, as liis “desire was to be with Christ which was far 
 potter. ’ A lew minutes before he .lied lie prayed as 
 follows: 'lather lash thee, in the name of Jrrns Christ, 
 that thou u outdst release my spirit and receive it. vviothu- 
 fe,/.- and then said to those who surrounded his dying 
 JC( J? ' i>i'ci!.rni, you hare held me by your faith, but. dative 
 me. up and let tne fro I beseech you. We then committed 
 him to Cod, and he soon breathed his last, and slept in 
 Jesus without a groan. 
 
 This w as the end of one who was an honor to the 
 church and a blessing to the Saints: and whose faith and 
 virtues and diligence in the cause of truth w ill be loim 
 remembered by all who had the pleasure of his acquaint 
 lance, and Ins memory will be had in remembrance by 
 the church ol Christ from generation to generation. 
 
 It was indeed a painful circumstance to be deprived 
 o the labors of tins worthy servant of Christ, and casta 
 gloom upon the Saints: yet the glorious and scaling tes- 
 timony which he bore of bis acceptance with hcaveif, and 
 the truth o the gospel, was a matter of joy and satisfac- 
 tion not only to Jus immediate friends, hut to the Saints 
 at large. 
 
 I remained in the State of Missouri until the 2Glh of 
 April, A. 1). 1839, it being the time appointed by reve- 
 lation for the twelve to lake their leave of the buiidin- 
 spot ol the house of the Lord, and take their journey 
 across the ocean, and notwithstanding the threats of our 
 enemies that this prophesy should fail, we assembled on 
 the public square at Far West; assisted Elder Alpheus 
 Cutler to relay the foundation stones, sung a hymn and 
 united in prayer to God, that he would give us a prosper- 
 ous mission. 1 1 
 
 lnj S [ !l - m M ,SSOHr, \ 1 frequently went to see 
 me brethren who were confined in prison, for the testi- 
 
 ai ! ( 1 r V thc " ord of (; ° d - Many times 
 •mu I had traveled forty or fifty miles to see them, f 
 
 I wC whh } ,C , 1>r 'V ,eg0 • hy thc , i ;lilor ™d lhc guards, 
 inih™ tI,C , brct! i rcu 111 ncai Jy ail their movements 
 J * lh0 "? s ‘’ and can bear testimony to their faith and vir- 
 
 ; UwT kn ° U ‘ t .\ Cy wcrc 1 c, ? tircl y innocent of the crimes 
 h™ i ? ga,,,s , t lI,em and that their persecutions were 
 rough t upon thorn on account of their attachment to 
 lie gospel, and to the Saints of the Lord. Although 
 uey were m thc hands of their enemies who threatened 
 
43 
 
 to kill them, yet I always had the testimony that they 
 would be delivered, and come forth victorious, and stand 
 oil the earth as the servants of the Lord, when Israel 
 should be gathered, and when the earth should reel to 
 and fro like a drunken man, and until they had performed 
 the great work which the God of Heaven had assigned 
 them. 
 
 After the 2Gth of April A. D. 1339, I took leave of 
 of Far West, and in company with my brethren traveled 
 to Illinois, where my family had removed some time pre- 
 vious, and I had the unspeakable pleasure of seeing my 
 beloved lricnds, the first Presidency and others w ho had 
 been delivered out of the hands of their enemies and had 
 arrived safely in Illinois. 
 
 Soon after a general Conference of the church wa9 
 held near Quincy, at which the Saints from all the re- 
 
 { 'ions round about assembled. It w r as a time which w ill 
 ong be remembered by the Saints, it being the first Con- 
 ference held after their expulsion. 
 
 Having now given a brief account of my Journal, I 
 will advert to some things which transpired while I w’as 
 in England, w hich may be considered of but little impor- 
 tance by the world, yet will no doubt be appreciated by 
 the Saints, who can not only mark the providence of 
 God, as displayed in nations and kingdoms; but can ob- 
 serve its workings in private life, and in affairs of but 
 apparent small moment. 
 
 Soon after our arrival in England, great many of tho 
 Aicenites embraced the gospel, which caused considera- 
 ble feeling and opposition in the ministers belonging 
 to that sect. 
 
 Having lost quite a number and seeing that many moro 
 were on the eve of being baptized, one of the ministers 
 came to Preston and gave out that he was goiug to put 
 down “Mormonism,” expose the doctrines and over- 
 throw the Book of Mormon. He made a very long ora- 
 tion on the subject, and was very vehement in his man- 
 ner, and pounded the Book of Mormon, which he held 
 in him hands, on the pulpit a great many times. Ho 
 then exhorted the people to pray, that the Lord w'oulJ 
 drive us from their coasts; and if the Lord would not 
 hear them in that petition, that he would smite the lea- 
 ders. 
 
 The next Sunday Elder Ilyde and myself being iu 
 
49 
 
 Preston, we went to our meeting and read the 1 3th chap* 
 ter of Corinthians* We strongly urged upon the Saints 
 the grace of charity, which is so highly spoken of in that 
 chapter, and took the liberty to make some remarks on 
 the proceedings of Mr* Aiken, the gentleman who had 
 abused us and the Book of Mormon so very much a few 
 days before: in return for his railing, we exhorted our 
 people to pray that the Lord would soften his heart and 
 open his eyes, that he might see it was “hard to kick 
 against the pricks.” The discourse had a very good ef- 
 fect, and that week we had the pleasure of baptizing 
 about fifty into the kingdom of Jesus Christ, a large 
 number of which were members of Air. Aikens’ church. 
 Thus the Lord blessed i.s exceedingly, notwithstanding 
 the railing and abuse of the priests, and all things worked 
 together for our good and the advancement, of the cause 
 of truth. 
 
 I cannot refrain from relating a circumstance which 
 took place, while Brother Fielding and myself were pas- 
 sing through the village of Chatburn; having been ob- 
 served drawing nigh to the town, the news ran from 
 house to house, and immediately on our arrival, the noise 
 of their looms was hushed, the people flocked to the 
 doors to welcome us, and sec us pass. The youth of 
 the place ran to meet us, and took hold of our mantles 
 and then of each others hands, several having hold of 
 hands went before us singing the songs of Zion, while 
 their parents razed upon the scene with delight, and 
 poured out their blessings upon our heads, and praised 
 the God of heaven, for sending us to unfold the princi- 
 ples of truth, the plan of salvation to them. Such a scene, 
 and such gratitude, I never witnessed before, surely, my 
 heart exclaimed, “Out of the mouths of babes and suck- 
 lings, thou hast perfected praise.” What could have 
 been more pleasing and delightful, than such a manifes- 
 tation of gratitude to Almighty God; from those whose 
 hearts were deemed too hard to be penetrated by the gos- 
 pel, and who had been considered the most wicked and 
 hardened people in that region of country ! 
 
 In comparison to the joy I then experienced, the gran- 
 deur, pomp and glory of the kingdoms of this world 
 shrunk into insignificance and appeared as dross, and all 
 the honor ot man, aside from the gospel, to be vain* — 
 
 b 
 
50 
 
 The prayer of my heart at that time was: 0 Lord, do 
 thou bless this people, save them from sin, and prepare 
 them for thy celestial kingdom, and that thy servant may 
 meet them around thy throne. And grant O Lord that 
 1 may continue to preach the gospel of Christ, which 
 <hall cause the hearts of the poor to rejoice, and the 
 meek to increase their joy in tiie Lord — Which shall 
 comfort the hearts of the widows, and cheer the soul of 
 the orphan; and that I may be the instrument in thy 
 hands, O Lord, of bringing them to Zion, that they may 
 behold thy glory, and be prepared to meet the tSavbr 
 when he shall descend in the clouds of heaven. 
 
 Having an appointment to preach in the village of 
 Wrightington; while on the way 1 slopped at the house 
 of Brother Amos Fielding; when I arrived he informed 
 me that a certain family of the name of Moon, had sent a 
 request by him, for me to visit them, that they might 
 have the privilege of conversing with me on the subject 
 of the gospel. Accordingly, Brother Fielding and J paid 
 them a visit that evening. We were very kindly receiv- 
 ed by the family, and had considerable conversation on 
 the object of my mission to that country, and the great 
 work of the last days; they listened with attention to 
 my statements, but at the same they appeared to ho 
 predjudiced against them, rather than otherwise. We 
 remained in conversation until a late hour, and then re- 
 turned. On our way home, Brother Fielding observed, 
 that he thought our visit had been in vain, as the family 
 seemed to have considerable predjtidice. I answered, 
 and said, Brother Fielding, be not faithless, but believ- 
 ing, we shall yet see great effects from this visit, for I 
 know there are some of the family that have received the 
 testimony and will shortly manifest the same. At this 
 remark he appeared surprised. 
 
 The next morning I continued my journey to Wright- 
 ington, and after spending two or three days in that vicin- 
 ity, preaching the gospel, 1 returned by the w ay of Broth- 
 er Fielding’s with whom I again tarried for the night. 
 
 The next morning I commenced my journey; intend- 
 ing to go direct to Preston; but when 1 got opposite the 
 road leading to Mr. Moons, I was forcibly pressed upon 
 by the spirit of the Lord, to call and see them again. — 
 The impression being so strong, I could not resist, 1 there- 
 
tore directed my steps to tho house, not knowing whnt it 
 meant. 
 
 On my arrival at the house, I knocked at the door, 
 and Mrs. Moon from within exclaimed, PComc in! com® 
 in! you are welcome here! J and the lasses, (meaning her 
 daughters) have just been calling on the Lord, and pray- 
 ing that he would send you this way.” She then inform- 
 ed me ot her state of mind since I was there before, and 
 said, she at first rejected my testimony, and endeavored 
 to think lightly on the things 1 had advanced, but on try- 
 ing to pray, she said “that the heavens seemed to he like 
 brass over her head, and it was like iron under her feet,” 
 she did not know what was the matter, “certainly the 
 man has not bewitched me,” and upon inquiry she “found 
 it was the same with the lasses.” They then began to 
 reflect on the things 1 had told them, and thinking it pos- 
 sible that 1 had told them the truth, they resolved to lay 
 the ease before the Lord, and beseech him to give them a 
 testimony concerning the things I had testified of. She 
 then observed, that as soon as they did so, light broke in 
 upon their minds, they were convinced that 1 was a mes- 
 senger of salvation, and that it was the work of tho 
 Lord, and they had resolved to obey the gospel, which 
 they did, and that evening I baptized father and mother 
 and four of their daughters. Shortly after I visited them 
 again and baptized the remainder of the family, consist- 
 ing of thirteen souls, the voungest of whom was above 
 twenty years of age. They received the gospel as little 
 children, and rejoiced exceedingly in its blessings. The 
 sons were very good musicians, and the daughters ex- 
 cellent singers, and when they united their instrument* 
 and their voices in the songs of Zion, the cllect was truly 
 transporting. 
 
 Heforc 1 left England, there were about thirty of that 
 family and connexions, baptized, six of whom were or- 
 dained to he fellow laborers with us in the vineyard, and 
 3 left them rejoicing in the truths they had embraced. 
 
 Soon after my arrival in England, having been invited 
 to preach about fifteen miles from Preston by a minister, 
 of whom mention has been made in the former part of 
 this Journal; while there, I dreamed one night that an 
 elderly gentleman came tol me, and rented me a lot o l 
 ground which I was anxious to cultivate. 
 
 I immediately went to work to break it up, and obserr- 
 
52 
 
 «ng some young timber on the lot, I cut it down; there 
 was also s.n old building at one comer of the lot which 
 appeared ready to tall. J took a lever and endeavored to 
 {dace it in a proper position, but all my attempts were 
 tutile, and it became worse. 1 then resolved to pull it 
 down. 1 did so, and with the new timber built a good 
 house on a good foundation. While thus engaged the 
 gentleman of whom 1 had rented the place, came to 
 me, and found great fault with me for destroying his 
 young timber, &c. 
 
 This dream was fulfilled at that place, in the following 
 manner. After Mr. Richards had let me preach in his 
 chapel, I baptized all his young members, among whom 
 was his daughter, and most of the members of his church, 
 lie then rcllected upon himself for letting me have the 
 privilege of his chapel, and told me that 1 had ruined his 
 church, and had taken away all his young members. 
 
 1 could not but feel for the old gentleman, but 1 had a 
 duty to perform, which outweighed every other consid- 
 eration, and J was assured, that if 1 sought to please man 
 l should not be the servant of Christ. 
 
 One night, while at the village of llibchester, I dreamed 
 that I, in company with another person, were walking 
 out, and we saw a very extensive licld of wheat, more so 
 than the eye could reach, such a sight I never witness- 
 ed. The wheat appeared to bo perfectly ripe and ready 
 for harvest, i was very much rejoiced at the glorious 
 sight, which presented itself; but judge of my surprise, 
 for when on taking some of the cars and rubbing them 
 in my hands, 1 found nothing but smut, not any sound 
 grain could I find. I marvelled exceedingly, and felt 
 very sorrowful; and exclaimed what will the people do 
 for grain, here is a great appearance of plenty, but there 
 is no sound wheat. 
 
 While contemplating the subject, I looked in another 
 direction, and saw a small field in the form of the letter 
 L, which had the appearance of something growing in 
 it. I immediately directed my steps to it, and found that 
 it had been sown with w heat, some of which had got up 
 about six inches high, other parts of the field not quite 
 so high, and some had only just sprouted; this gave me 
 tome encouragement to expect, that at the harvest; there 
 would be some good grain. While thus engaged, a large 
 hull looking very fierce and angry, leaped over the fence, 
 
53 
 
 ran through the field, and stamped down a large quat>* 
 tity of that which was just sprouted, and after doing 
 considerable injury he leaped over the fence and ran 
 away. 
 
 1 felt very much grieved, that so much wheat should 
 be destroyed, when there was such a prospect of scar- 
 city; When I awoke next morning, the interpretation 
 was given me. The large field with the great appear- 
 ance of grain, so beautiful to look upon, represented the 
 nation in which I then resided; which had a very pleasing 
 appearance and a great show of religion, and who made 
 great pretensions* to piety and godliness, but who denied 
 the power thereof; destitute of the principles of truth, 
 and consequently of the gifts of the spirit. 
 
 The small field I saw clearly represented, the region 
 of country where 1 w as laboring, and where the word of 
 truth had taken loot, and was growing in the hearts of 
 those who had the gospel, some places having grown a 
 little more than others. The village I was in, was that 
 part of the field where the hull did so much injury, lor 
 during my short visit there, most of the inhabitants 
 were believing out as soon as 1 departed, a clergyman 
 belonging to the church of England, came out and vio- 
 lently attacked the truth, and made a considerable noise, 
 crying, false prophet! delusion! and after trampling on 
 truth, and doing all the mischief he could, before I return- 
 ed, lie took shelter in his pulpit. However he did not 
 destroy all the seed, for after my return l was instrumen- 
 tal in building up a church in that place. 
 
 The following verses composed on Elder Kimball's mi* 
 sion have been handed fo me, for publication in this 
 journal , and it is with pleasure I give them an in- 
 sert ion. 
 
 Go thou favored child of heaven, 
 
 Chosen by divine command: 
 
 Go and publish free salvation 
 To a dark benighted land. 
 
 Go to island, sea and mountain. 
 
 To fulfill thy great command; 
 
 Gather out t ho sons of Jacob, 
 
 To possess the promis'd land. 
 
54 
 
 When thy thousands, all arc gather’d; 
 
 And then* prayers for the ascend; 
 
 Then the Lord will crown with blessing 
 All the labors of thy hand. 
 
 Then the song of joy and gladness, 
 
 Will from every land resound; 
 
 Then the heathen long in darkness, 
 
 By their Savior will bo crown’d. 
 
 A. IV * * * 
 
 Quincy, July 17, 1039. 
 
 Prepare thy servant for the work, 
 
 Which thou hast called him too; 
 
 That he may go and preach thy word, 
 
 To Gentile and to Jew. 
 
 When he shall tread on Eastern lands* 
 Where sin and darkness reign; 
 
 Where monarchs do usurp the power, 
 
 And prisoners groan in chains. 
 
 May he he blessed with many souls, 
 
 To cheer his lonely hours; 
 
 To comfort and console his heart, 
 
 W hen troubles press him sore. 
 
 When many clays and months arc past* 
 
 And all his labors o’er, 
 
 May he return, with joy and peace, 
 
 Unto his native shore. 
 
 E. &> 
 
 Quincy, July 2 1st, 1C39. 
 
 
 
 Go thou iavored one of heaven, 
 
 Ear lrom scenes endured by friends; 
 Shpuhlst thy path be strew’d with trials, 
 Know then our prayer for thee ascends. 
 
 Shouldst thy path be crowned with blessing, 
 Sure for thee our hearts will swell ; 
 Grateful, that the Lord is with thee 
 Knowing Hie doth all things well.’* 
 
Shouldst thou find ;i plcntious harvest. 
 Turning many to the Lord, 
 
 Sure, ihy heart will tl.cn be gladened, 
 Conscious of a sure reward. 
 
 May thy days be crowned with blessings. 
 Till thy steps again retrace 
 Scenes, where friends have often hail'd thee, 
 Welcomed smiling on thy face. 
 
 hen thy brethren crow'd around thee, 
 
 And new friends thy steps attend, 
 
 May thy thoughts roll hack on Zion; 
 
 And thy prayers for us ascend. 
 
 When thy work on earth is finished, 
 
 And thy sorrows all are o'er, 
 
 May st thou with the hosts of heaven; 
 
 Sing Cods praise for evermore. 
 
 ^ . LAURA PITKIN. 
 
 Quincy, 1039. 
 
 When the Llders of Israel loll their brethren in Low- 
 land, the downfall of the work was expected and nrdent- 
 \ desned by the enemies of truth, but in this thing they 
 were doomed to disappointment, for under the superin- 
 tendence of Llders Fielding, Richards, and Clayton, and 
 by the blessings of the Almighty, the cause continued to 
 move forward at a steady pace, and fresh inroads were 
 made S>\ these servants of Cod in the different village# 
 round about, and by their diligence and faith fulness* 5 in 
 their office, the order ol the kingdom was maintained, 
 and the commandments of heaved were strictly attended 
 to, the Lord owned their labors, and a great work was 
 commenced in Manchester which has kept increasing 
 since that time. ° 
 
 After frequently expecting assistance from America, 
 and anxiously looking forward to the time when Elder 
 Kimball and others should visit them they had the pleas- 
 ure of welcoming Elders Taylor. Woodruff and Turlev, 
 and shortly after, Elders Kimball, Parley P. and Orson 
 1 ratt, 13. Icouncjs, G. A. .Smith, and others, who soon 
 commenced to labor in the field, w hich appeared ripe and 
 ready for the harvest. 
 
No sooner did these servants of the Lord begin to un* 
 fold the principles of salvation, than great success at- 
 tended their preachings, and numbers Hocked to th^ 
 standard of the gospel, and rejoiced exceedingly in be- 
 ing privileged to hear and see those things which proph- 
 ets and righteous men in ancient days so earnestly desir- 
 ed, but died without the sight. 
 
 Soon after their arrival, a Conference of the church 
 was held in Preston, when 1071 members were repre- 
 sented, and considerable business, relative to the welfare 
 of the church, was attended to. 
 
 The Elders then separated and took their departure for 
 the di He rent places to which they felt directed by tho 
 spirit. Elders Woodruff and G. A. Smith took their 
 journey into Staffordshire, and in the Potteries, where 
 the work had already commenced, continued to labor 
 with unceasing diligence. 
 
 Sometime after they had boon there, Elder Woodruff 
 went to the county of Hereford, where he commenced 
 proclaiming the gospel with unpnrralleled success: num- 
 bers (locked to be baptized, and in that region of country 
 under the instrumentality of Elders Woodruff, Young 
 and Richards, more than live hundred persons were bap- 
 tized, among the number were several preachers of dif- 
 ferent denominations, who, cheerfully and readily em- 
 braced the gospel as soon as it was presented to them. 
 In a letter which Elder Woodruff wrote to President Jo- 
 seph Smith, he says, 
 
 “On the first of March, I left the churches in the Staf- 
 fordshire Potteries in the care of Elder Turley, and trav- 
 eled about eighty miles to the south part of England, 
 where they had not heard the sound of the gospel. I 
 called upon a wealthy farmer and delivered to him my 
 testimony: he and all bis house received it. 1 preached 
 there for the first time on the fifth of April, and on the 
 fcixth, I again preached, and baptized six, four of whom 
 were preachers. I thou continued to baptize daily, and 
 a speedy and rapid work broke out on every hand. 1 
 preached one month and five days, and baptized more 
 than forty preachers of the different orders, and one hun- 
 dred and sixty members, and established more than forty 
 places of preaching.” 
 
 Speaking of the desire of the people to be baptized, he 
 writes, “Uo fore we left Proems’ 11 ill,* wc only had to let 
 
57 
 
 the people know, that we would spend a day at the pool 
 of water, where we attended to the baptisms, and we 
 would have business enough. After i had got ready to 
 leave them, I had to go into the pool several times, and 
 had to come away leaving others to be baptized.” A 
 number of churches were organized, by Elders Young, 
 Woodrulf and Richards in that region of country, and 
 several Conferences were held, at which great love and 
 harmony prevailed. 
 
 While the work was progressing with such rapidity in 
 that region, the other Elders were busily engaged in sow- 
 ing the seed which will eventually yield an abundant 
 harvest. Elder Taylor had taken a stand in Liverpool* 
 and continued to unlold the principles of salvation to all 
 who would hearken. Much opposition and prejudice 
 was manifest by the dillercnt religious societies, but lie 
 persevered in his work, and was instrumental in raising 
 up a church in that place, which probably by this time 
 amounts to more than one hundred members. 
 
 Elder Orson PratPs labors, have been spent in Scot- 
 land, and in the city of Edinburgh, he has faithfully pro- 
 claimed the everlasting gospel, to the amazed inhabi- 
 tants. It was some considerable time before he was 
 able to overcome the prejudices of the Scotch, who are 
 particularly attached to their creed and mode of wor- 
 ship, yet, by perseverance and diligence, he has been in- 
 strumental in laying the foundation of a great work in 
 that city, and the prejudices of many have been over- 
 come, and they have become obedient to the faith. — 
 Large and nourishing societies arc likewise found in 
 Glasgow and Paisley, which have been raised up under 
 the instrumentality of Elders Muliincr, Wright, and llacf- 
 lock. 
 
 In the towns of Manchester, Bolton, Preston, Maccles- 
 field, Stockport, Birmingham and their vicinities the 
 work continues to roll forth with great power, and large 
 churches have sprung up all around, by the instrumen- 
 tality of Elders Pratt, Kimball, Young, &c. 
 
 On the 6th of July, a Conference was held in Man- 
 chester, which was numerously attended; considerable 
 business relative to the affairs of the church was tran- 
 sacted, and 2513 members were represented, besides a 
 number of Elders, priests, teachers, &c. 
 
 Immediately after this Conference, the Elders repaired 
 
58 
 
 again to their scenes of labor; great grace rested upon 
 them, and their hearts were made glad, because the prom- 
 ises of Jehovah were fulfilled — his spirit rested upon 
 them, and they saw their labors were not in vain, but 
 that they were crowned with abundant success 
 
 Soon after this, Elders Kimball, Woodrull and G. A, 
 Smith, feeling it impressed on their minds to visit the 
 metropolis of the Jiriiish Empire, they accordingly went, 
 and began to sound the alarm in that great city, one of 
 the largest cities in the world, and have hail some suc- 
 cess, although they met with some opposition and dilli- 
 cnlty at first, in obtaining a place to preach in; but these 
 obstacles being once overcome, there is no doubt but a 
 great and effectual door will be open in that place. 
 
 Nor have the labors of the servants of Clod been con- 
 fined to England and Scotland but some of the Elders 
 have visited Ireland, and in that land which has so long 
 been shrouded in Popish ignorance and superstition, haa 
 the truth been proclaimed and the message obeyed. 
 
 In the Isle of Man, belonging to Great Kritain, a 
 ■pleasing work lias commenced, and the Manx people 
 with a liberality characteristic of them arc investigating 
 those principles, the adhcrance to which bring blessings 
 from Jehovah, but which bring ridicule and reproach 
 from the world. Elder Taylor has been instrumental in 
 opening an effectual door in that country. At first ho 
 was opposed by several ministers, but their efforts were 
 futile, and they made themselves a laughing stock to the 
 community for displaying their ignorance. 
 
 From the latest accounts that have been received, a 
 glorious harvest may be expected from Scotland, the 
 work is gradually progressing, and superstition is giving 
 way, and large societies have been raised up in the prin- 
 ciple towns and cities. And while the north is giving 
 up, the south is not keeping back, the Elders have not 
 only made considerable progress in Yorkshire, Lanca- 
 shire, Staffordshire. Cheshire, Worcestershire, GIoccs- 
 tershire and 1 Icrelbrdshire, Imt they have likewise vis- 
 ited the city of Loudon, the great depot of wealth, and 
 atllucnce, and the largest city in the world, and to the 
 inhabitants thereof, are they lifting up the warning voice, 
 find proclaiming the advent of the Son of Clod. Nor has 
 their message been confined to England, Scotland and 
 Ireland, but Elders liqve been ordained, and have gone* 
 
50 
 
 to south Australia, and to the] East Indies, where they 
 intend to sound the alarm, and call upon the wandering 
 inhabitants to repent. 
 
 Soon it is expected, and probably by this time, Ger- 
 many has heard the sound of the everlasting gospel, 
 it it progresses with the same facility which it has done, 
 we may soon expect to hear of the success of the work 
 in the different nations of Europe, and cm that conti- 
 nent so densely populated, we may expect thousands 
 and tens of thousands to obey its precepts. 
 
 Nor will it stop there for “this gospel of the kingdom 
 must be preached to all nations for a witness, and^then 
 will the end come;” consequently, the wandering sons of 
 Ishmacl on the sandy deserts of Araba, the degraded 
 Hottentot, the jealous Chinee, and shivering Laplander, 
 as well as the Polished European, must hear the testimo- 
 ny “and consider those things which had not been told 
 them," and prepare for that glorious event which the 
 prophets have declared must come to pass. 
 
 »Such a view ol the work of the last days, could hard- 
 ly be realized by those who were the first to receive 
 d;c gospel^ while those who opposed it, prophesied its 
 downfall long ago; but in spite of persecutions, impris- 
 onments, and all the combined force it has bad to con- 
 tend against, it has kept on its course, and like the no- 
 ble vessel, that has been tossed to and fro on the tem- 
 pestuous ocean, and escaped the storm unhurt, cuts 
 through the swelling sourge, rides in magesty on the 
 bosom of the mighty deep, and steers a steady course 
 to its destined port. 
 
 T rom accounts which have recently been received, 
 'here was, at the last Conference held in Manchester, 
 "626 Saints and 303 official members. At the July Con- 
 ference there was 2513 Saints and 25G official members 
 represented, making an increase since the July Confer- 
 ence, ot 1113 Saints, and 127 official members. 
 
 thus “the little one has become a thousand, and the 
 small, one a strong nation;’’ and the word of the Lord 
 by his servant has been fulfilled, and will continue to 
 be, “until the kingdoms of this world become the king- 
 dom of our God and his Christ.” Hasten the time “Thou 
 King of Saints.” Amen. 
 
60 
 
 The following hymn, tompdsed by Elder lVm. Clayton, teas j 
 Saints % on board the vackct ship North America, while on t 
 to America, from old England. 
 
 1 With darkness long we’vo been o’crwhclm’d, 
 Upon proud Brilains land; 
 
 But now the Lord has call’d us forth 
 By his Almighty hand. 
 
 Chorus. Across the sea. we cheerfully go, 
 
 Our kindred Saints to see. 
 
 Blow gentle gale, fill every sail; 
 
 And waft us over the eea. 
 
 2 God sent his servants from afar. 
 
 This joyful news to tell; 
 
 That we might nil be saved from sin, 
 
 And in his presence dwell. 
 
 Across the sea, &c. 
 
 3 They told us that the Lord designed, 
 l*oor Zion to restore; 
 
 And gather nil her sons from far, 
 
 That she might weep no more. 
 
 Acro33 the sea, &c. 
 
 4 Boon ns tho message wc obeyed. 
 
 And realized its power; 
 
 To cross the mighty Hood wc then 
 Were longing every hour. 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 7 
 
 8 
 
 In peace forever more. 
 
 And now across the sea wc go. 
 Our kindred Saints to see; 
 
 Blow gentle gale, till every sail. 
 And wuft us over the sea. 
 
 Across the eea, &c. 
 
 At length the time began to dawn, 
 
 That wo must hast away; 
 
 And gather up for Zion too, 
 
 To wait the perfect day. 
 
 Across the sea, &c. 
 
 Bectaiians breathed out their scorn, 
 
 And said wc soon should rue; 
 
 But trusting to the word of God, 
 
 Wo bade them all adieu. 
 
 Across the sea, &c. 
 
 Wc gave our friends the parting hand, 
 And relatives most dear; 
 
 They poured their blessing on our heads. 
 And drop’d the parting tear. 
 
 Acioss the sea, &c. 
 
 But soon wc hope to meet again 
 With those we’ve loved before. 
 
 And dwell with them on Zions land 
 
 ig by ths 
 ir voyage 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
V-OT