Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1897-11-06

SpHiN tWb nuIuTtu OF tine tOWnS best
people, we gladly assumed the attitude
of preachers and under the good inilu-
enee laid before them the principles of
faith
on the morrow n minister or minis
tiers TOOK up an earnest labor of love"
with the high sheriff The results were
manifest at night as we stepped for
ward to call our audience TO order. his
edict that We should no longer be
given the privilege that all the de-
nominations uf the city had enjoyed.
made II necessary for us to dismiss our
listeners.
From all quarters could be heard the
tones of dissatisfaction. and we had
kind Invitations 10 lodge at hotels and
private dwellings or Tahleuuah Thus
the Lord turned tn good the OWL our
enemies would do us.
The following day we secured the
use of the NJ. u. church. The room
wns well filled during our stay of siy
days In the city and the Lord
strengthened us In presenting the
Gospel of truth to the listeners. among
whom we found several diligent In
qnlrers, well known Judge among
others, and he. as he bid us
good bye, left in our hands money.
which was much needed. This as al
ways, was given In answer to earnes.
prayers.
Before our departure Elders VIM. A.
Turner and o. f. Hulet called I'm to see
us on their return from the north part
of the district where they. with the
help of the Lord, had done u good and
earnest work.
We We're then led by the Spirit of
the Lord to the city of Vinita, nifty
miles north. AS we Jouineyed we
called at the Spavinaw mills. that were
built in ls57-59 by company Of
Saints on their way to the valleys of
utah's mountains. Here we were
kindly received by many persons who
never before had seen a Mormon Ell
der, but had learned to- respect them
because of the good record indelihly
impressed upon the minds of those who
had been so fortunate to como in con-
tact with the influence OF the Saints
of the Most High.
We held one meeting with them,
then walked on the next morning. We
were invited to ride by one Mr.. West
an old resident OF the place who,
though young. well remembered the
so1ourn Of our people on the banks of
this beautiful stream.
why" said he, II never saw such
an Industrious and thrifty people.
There were carpenters, cabinet max
ers, blaclsmlths, splners, weavers, hat
makers and every other kind of maxi
ers--in fact everything they wore or
used was the product Of their own la
Dor. | remember that just before the
war that their president had vision.
He said that there was going to be war
and they must 20 at once to the val
leys of the mountains to escape. And
I'm blessed II they didn't pull stakes
and go to Utah. and that Just in time.
too"
Thus. we who know the good shep-
herds voice, see how He guards His
chosen ones.
Vinta, the largest of Cherokee
cities, was reached as night came on.
We We're met and accosted by former
member of the Reorganized church.
asking If we were not Utah Mormon
Elders" Yes" we replied. Then"
said he, won't you go home with me"
We did, and were most kindly treated,
and found his good family one among
many searChers OF truth.
Not being allowed to preach In their
churches, we commenced preaching on
the street to multitude OF attentive
listeners. For short time We did
without the comforts of the body, but
in due time the Spirit whispered
peace" to our happy souls. ana sent
men to provide for our wants. As our
last meetings drew to close we con-
templated leaving the city II none
were sent to provide for our wants.
While we stood alone in silent prayer
that the sign might thus be given, n
small boy stepped to my side ana said
"Mr., have you had supper" NO.
was the reply.
"Then please come and take sup
per with papa and mamma" We fol-
lowed him TO n hotel, had an excel
lent supper and were asked to stay
over night
We started to leave the place and
were directed TO the house of Mr.. Ed
monds, II member Of the Reorganlzed
church. At the door they met us with
open hearts and the day was spent in
earnest conversation. At night We
held meeting with them, few friends
being invited. The Spirit of the Lord
rested upon us and several received
living testimony of our divine calling
and message. The next day and night
we remained under the shades of the
roof owned by this good family and
that of n Mr.. Cowles, also member of
the same organization. The time was
spent in conversation and meeting
again.
The next morning Mr.. Cowles in
formed us that he and wife were ready
for baptism. This we were indeed
happy to perform. but found upon our
repairing to the waters not only these
but four others ready to receive the
holy ordinance at our hands. Among
these were the kind wife of Mr. Ed
monds and his son; also Mr. Cowles'
son and an earnest lady. Mrs Farr.
who had also received testimony
through the spirit. This was "A day of
rejoicing and of thanksgiving for the
light OF the Gospel. At the close Of
day these good Saints bid us god
speed and Brother Cowles took us fif-
teen miles on our way to his ranch.
Sister Cowles gave us money and they
all did what they could for our COM
fort, while with them,
We went To Chelsea and were kindly
received by Mr. NJ Il. Couch. who gave
us the use OF his hall to hold meetings
In. Here we taught the first principles
of the Gospel for one week, found
some believers and left others con-
verified and ready for baptism on our
return. Here Elders Alfred Dixon and
Alfred Hogensen were met in their
field of labor. and were found doing
much good missionary work and filled
with the spirit Of the Gospel tidinGs.
Elder Richardson became so lame he
could scarcely walk. We had twenty
miles to travel to the next town OF
Claremore. How II was TO be nude
we knew not. but prayed and trusted.
As we We're ready 70 leave a kind gem
tleman and lady with whom we stayed
over night placed In my hand Just
enough money TO pay our fare to
Claremore.
on reaching this city Judge Norwood
hired the opera house for US to preach
In. We held four meetings with little
interest manifested by the people.
We then journeyed south again TO
Sans Bols. where we had arranged To
hold conference. Here the face Of
every Elder was lighted with smiles
OF JOY at meeting Elder VIM. +. Jack,
and their fellow laborers
Brothers j. II. Bristow and ], u.