1841 02 01 Times and Seasons Theological

Latest revision as of 14:44, 29 September 2008

From the Times and Seasons 1 February 1841, pg 311-314

[edit] Theological

Manchester, England, October 7th, 1840.

Elders Robinson & Smith:

Dear Brethren,

Initial portion of this letter has been omitted since it isn't relevant to New York City.

Having in some degree recovered my strength I took Steam boat at Hartford, and sailed to New York, where I was kindly received by the Saints in that city. I found Elders Muliner and Wright had been in the city quite a length of time waiting for some of the Twelve to accompany them to England, but as I was the only one of the quorum who had arrived in New York, and my health being very poor, I considered it wisdom to tarry until I either saw or heard from others of the quorum; I therefore spent several weeks in New York, and Sing Sing, laboring among the churches when I was able. Brother Hiram Clark was the next that arrived, and as it was now getting to be late in the fall, and hearing nothing from those that were on their way we concluded to said for Liverpool, and as we were about ready to set sail, Elder p. P. Pratt arrived in the city, and expected others of the Twelve in a few days, therefore I tarried for some others to come that we might hold a council befoe we left: but Elders Clark, Mullinner, and Wright sailed for England.

My health now began to improve more than any time since I had left home. I visited Long Island and spent a number of days preaching and was finally joined by Elder O. Pratt, who had just arrived in New York. We returned to the city and held a conference, and then Elder o. Pratt and myself accompanied Elder James to New Jersey. Br. Pratt preached several times and proceeded on to Philadelphia, and also into the field in which Elder Barnes was laboring. I continued laboring with Elder James for several days, the prospect was good, congregations large and attentive; Elder James was much blessed in his labors in that region. But while here from day to day, the Spirit of God was upon me like fire shut up in my bones, urging me forward to fill my mission to England, and tarry no longer by the way, and feeling determined to be obedient to the commandments of God; I left the Saints in New Jersey and returned to New york intending to take the first boat that sailed for England, and when I arrived in the city I found Elders Taylor and Turley had just reached the city; also, both were much improving in their health; the friends assisted us in preparing for our voyage, and after bidding the Saints farewell, Elders Taylor, Turley, and myself set sail on board of the packet ship Oxford, on the 20th day of December, and after a favorable passage of 22 days, we landed in Liverpool, on the 11th of January 1840.

Remaining portion of this letter omitted as not relevant to New York City.

W. WOODRUFF