Latter Day Saints' Messenger and Advocate/Volume 2/Number 1/Letters and obituaries

Letter from Peter Dustin (Oct. 21, 1835)

Kirtland, Oct. 21, 1835.

I left this place the 11th of June, to fill a mission in the province of Upper Canada by way of Buffalo, from thence to Mount Pleasant, and from thence to Malahide, U. C. I have succeeded in establishing a church there, which is composed of 32 members. They are young and unacquainted with the devices of the adversary, whose aim and business is, if possible, to make them miserable. Brethren, pray for them, that they may continue and not be moved in the hour of temptation. It is evident that all must be tried and purified before they are fit for the Master's use.

There, as in all other places, when the people or the meek began to embrace the truth, the enemy raged and the meek rejoiced in the midst of all the slanderous reports. I stayed there about two months: one month baptizing and laboring publicly, and from house to house, and the remainder of the time I spent in teaching them the pure daily walk, with a strict compliance with the commandments, and the necessity of keeping them that they might be disciples of Jesus in very deed. I held up the truth, and defended its cause in all places and circumstances, according to the ability which my heavenly Father gave me.

Yours in the bonds of

the new covenant.

PETER DUSTIN.

To J. WHITMER, Esq.

Letter from L. T. Coons (Nov. 6, 1835)

Kirtland, Nov. 6, 1835.

I embrace this opportunity, of informing you of the success which I had in establishing a few branches in addition to this church.

I left Kirtland the 16th of July in company with elder T. Burdick. We journied together as far as Jamestown, N. Y. and proclaimed glad tidings of great joy to the inhabitants, whenever we could get a congregation convened. From this place I journied alone as far east as Smyrna, Chenango Co. N. Y. where I preached about three weeks; and baptized three, and left many more believing. From thence I pursued my journey to Amity, Alleghany Co. N. Y. Here I labored eleven days and baptized fifteen. They are firm believers in the new and everlasting covenant.—Brethren pray for them. They desire that the elders should call on them whenever it is convenient, and assist them in the way to perfection.

L. T. COONS.

To J. WHITMER, Esq.

Died

DIED—In Liberty, Clay Co. Mo. on the 6th ult. br. Garret H. Schenk, after a protracted and painful illness of fifteen months.

In Clay Co. Mo. on the 6th of September last, Mrs. MARY WEST, consort of Elder Nathan West, after an illness of about eight days, aged—. Sister West embraced the new and everlasting covenant in 1831, and has been a firm believer in the work of the Lord ever since; she died having obtained a bright hope of a glorious resurrection—her death was sweet unto her.

Letter from Noah Packard (Nov. 7, 1835)

Kirtland, Nov. 7, 1835.

I left Kirtland on the 27th of May last, and after a quick passage arrived at Buffalo. I travelled preaching occasionally by the way, visiting the church of Genesee. From thence to McDonough, Chenango county; this church has never been represented in conference. There have been about 30 baptized in this place. Some have moved away, and three or four have fallen off; and twelve or fourteen remain. They stand in need of having the word of life dispensed to them. From this place I proceeded to Davenport, Scoharrie co. where I labored some and baptized one. From thence to Dutches co. N. Y. And from thence to Hampshire co. Mss. I labored at Cummington and Plainfield about six weeks; also visited the church at Wendall, Franklin co. and found them strong in the faith.

Whilst addressing a public congregation at Plainfield, on the subject of the gospel, violent hands were laid upon me by wicked and ungodly men, and this for the truth's sake. I however succeeded in establishing the standard of the everlasting gospel, in that place I baptized three and left many inclined to receive the truth. I hereby inform the elders who are journeying in the east that they are invited to visit those places, if consistent with their time and circumstances. Yours &c.

NOAH PACKARD.

JOHN WHITMER Esq.