CHAPTER VI.
Wants to go on Mission.—Elder Butterfield wishes to accompany him.—They
go.—Arrive in Far West on the second day.—Father Smith blesses
Lorenzo.—Blindness of Thomas B. Marsh.—Leave Far West.—Meet a
camp of Brethren at the Missouri River.—Construct a craft.—Started in
snow storm down the river.—Perilous times.—Narrow escapes.—A
savage band.—Make their escape.—Find camping place in peace.—Leave
the boat and travel on foot.—Get lodging at the house of a
Mobocrat.—Mobocratic narrative.—A Campbellite Preacher's Politeness.—Courtesy
of a Methodist Preacher.—A crowded house.—A Donation
just in time.—Saved from a Mob by his pocket Bible.—Other
Mobocrats foiled.
THE journal speaks: About the first of October of this year (1838), the spirit of my missionary calling pressed so heavily upon my mind, that I longed to engage in its labors. Elder Abel Butterfield, who had accompanied me on a mission in Ohio, proposed to be my traveling companion at this time, and although not having yet fully recovered from the effects of my summer sickness, and had not strength sufficient to endure much fatigue, I felt that I must go. My father and others thought it not prudent, but my trust was in God, and I felt an assurance that He would give me strength and restore me to soundness of health sooner if I went forth depending on Him, than' if I remained at home. Accordingly, with the necessary books and a few underclothes packed in my valise, I bid adieu to father, mother, brothers and sisters, and, with Brother Butterfield, started forth to proclaim the word of the Lord to those who had ears to hear. At first I could only walk a short distance before I was compelled to sit down and rest, but my ability to walk gradually increased until I was perfectly restored.
The second day after we started, we arrived in Far West,
