1843-08-14-Times and Seasons-Letter from Wesley Wandell

Times and Seasons, 15 August 1843, page 302

Letter from Wesley Wandell

DEAR BROTHER:--

It is one year and eight months since the sound of the fullness of the gospel was first heard in this place. Up to this time, a deep-rooted sectarian prejudice against us, remained upon the minds of the people; but through our faith and perseverance, and most of all, through the blessings of heavene, we were enabled to allay the prejudice against us, to a great extent, and to, as we fondly hope, indellibly impress upon the minds of the honest-hearted, the subline truths of the new covenant.

Elder E. W. Pell labored in company with me several days. Elder Quartus S. Sparks remained several weeks, and returned to Long Island. I continued my labors here during the fall months. I preached in Norwalk, New Canaan, Ridgefield, Danbury, and several other townships. On the 17th of the following December, I baptised one person; two days after this, I baptised two. During the following month, nine were baptised; and thus the work of the Lord increased, insomuch that in the following April, when we were organized into a branch, we numbered twenty-seven members.

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The whole number of members that have been baptised into this branch, is sixty-five--four have been added by letter, six are expelled, some have removed to Nauvoo, and some to other places. The brethren here are very anxious to emigrate to Illinois; so you may expect to see all of us in Zion this Fall, that can possibly get there. To give you an idea of the unity of our faith, and consequent enjoyment. I will just say, that there is not a member of this branch but what keeps the word of wisdom.

I am glad to find that the annual conference has sent several elders to Connecticut. The blue laws are no more in existence here; nevertheless, there are very many individuals who are blue enough, I can assure you. Hwoever, in my opinion, the honest people of this State are ripe for the gospel, although the gospel has been preached in this section of country for a year and a half; yet doors are opened on every side, and nearly all the people are calling for preaching. Although at the May Conference, held in New York city, four of our members were ordained to the office of elder, yet we cannot fill the openings that are made. May the lord raise up laborers and send them forth, that the wheat may be speedily gathered into the Lord's garner, even Zion, that the chaff may be burned up by the brightness of his coming.

WESLEY WANDELL.

I enclose you $2,00 for one copy of the Times and Seasons. Direct it to Benjamin Benedict, New Canaan, Fairfield county, Connecticut. I hope to be able to send you more subscribers soon. I will use my best exertions to increase your subscription list. Yours in the new covenant.