Latter Day Saints' Messenger and Advocate/Volume 1/Number 7/A summary

Kirtland, Ohio, April, 1835.

A SUMMARY.

Our brethren residing in Providence R. I. besides business of a temporal nature, request some of the elders to call on them if passing. Brother M. Willber writes as follows:

"April 5th, I baptized 2 persons, and there are more who expect to go forward soon: things appear more encouraging than heretofore—will you invite some of the first elders this way, to see us this season? as we understand they are coming to the east. Direct them, to 'Providence R. I. No. 286 North Maine St.' We will try to have a place for them, where they may instruct the people, if possible—we want to be instructed more perfectly in the things of God."

On the perusal of this letter, the mind recurs back to the history of the individual who founded the Rhode Island colony—Mr. Roger Williams.—Much has been said of his character, talents and personal worth; but on reviewing a short extract of his memoirs, by Professor Knowls, we were delighted to find two remarkable items, said to be connected with his religious belief: One was, "that the true church and ministry, had been lost in the Romish apostasy, and could be again restored, only by a special Apostle raised up for that purpose." To escape the force of this though, the Rev.—Professor says that, "the laws of interpretation were at that day, but imperfectly known." What a pity that Mr. Williams, who is represented as being a man of deep piety, and understanding the original languages, in which the scriptures were written, could not have been favored with some modern Professor to teach him the "laws of interpretation!"

The other item was, after learning the Indian tongue, and laboring faithfully to teach them christianity, that the time for the conversion of Pagans was "postponed until another apostle should be sent with a special commission, and that with the restoration of the ministry, the gift of tongues would be bestowed for the purpose."

We only add, that our sincere prayer is, that many may be found in that place, entertaining the same belief, and looking forward for the same work of God; for most assuredly these views were correct, and according to divine teaching; and as the elders of this church are called upon from every part of the country, we leave that matter for the Lord to direct by his Holy Spirit.

Elder W. Parish writes from Paris Ten. March 19th, to elder D. Patten of this place, and among other good things says, since his last he has baptized 9 more, making a church, now, of 40 members, if we rightly remember. Thus the good cause is still progressing, and the word of truth gaining influence. It has opposers though, as is to be expected, but among a people so highly blessed with light, when the truth is laid before them, it is easily to conclude which course they will choose. The common complaint is heard—a want of more preachers to fill calls.

Elder Nathaniel Milliken writes from Saco, Maine, March 25, and says that the church in that place numbers 57, though they greatly desire a faithful elder to administer to them the word of life—Four have lately been excommunicated—one an official member (Samuel Lowell) who refused to give his license to the church. It is a matter of regret, that individuals, after stepping aside from the right way, are unwilling to give satisfactory evidence that they have repented, when a frank and humble confession is an evidence of reformation, and restores them to the fellowship of those who strive for salvation.