Onward.--No bounds to Brother Snow's mission.--He looks towards India
and shapes his plans.--Writes to F. D. Richards.--Expresses his
views.--Brother Woodard writes from Italy.--Brother Stenhouse from
Switzerland.--Lorenzo visits Wales.--Untimely plaudit.--A Bedlamite
night encounter.--Ultimate fate of the hotel and its Landlord.
On and still onward! Although Brother Snow felt that thus far, through
the blessings of God and the assistance of the Saints in Europe, he
had succeeded in his efforts beyond his most sanguine anticipations,
he knew there was more to do. He realized that the brotherhood of
human origin circumscribes all the nations of the earth; that the
glad tidings of salvation must be proclaimed to all people; that
to his present mission the Priesthood of God had set no bound, and
where should he stop? Not on the continent of Europe. He fixes his
far-reaching gaze on the idolatrous nations of the east, and with no
common daring contemplates establishing a mission in India.
Prompt to the idea, his plan is soon shaped to introduce the
unadulterated doctrines of Jesus Christ on the Asiatic continent. But
this cannot be accomplished without means, and from whence the means?
His confidence in the overruling hand of God, and in the liberality
and zeal of the Saints, was more to him than a bank investment, and,
with no disposition to confer with impediments, he moved forward. The
following letter, which I transcribe from the _Star_ of August 1, more
fully explains the object he had in view:
_President F. D. Richards_:
I take the present opportunity to communicate through the _Star_ a
few items of information to the Saints generally in reference to the
progress of the Italian and Swiss missions, and other matters connected
with the growing interests of Messiah's Kingdom.
Elder Stenhouse, with his wife and little daughter, will leave
here this week, to resume his labors in Switzerland. I have nearly
completed the translation of "Divine Authority," and given Elder
Stenhouse instructions to publish it immediately, together with the
second edition of the "Voice of Joseph." We hope, ere long, to be able
to issue a periodical from Geneva, adapted to our readers both in
Switzerland and Italy.
The mission in Italy still moves forward under the cautious, prudent,
faithful and persevering labors and management of Elder Woodard. The
two publications which I issued in Turin are now circulated quite
extensively in the north of Italy. Elder Toronto has returned from
Sicily, and is now laboring very successfully with Elder Woodard.
Several intelligent and influential Italians have lately been ordained
to the Priesthood, and are now engaged in propagating the principles of
life and salvation.
I am getting forward very well with the translation of the Book of
Mormon. I shall commence with the printing shortly, and will soon be
able to present it to the people of Italy in their own language.
Lately my mind has been much impressed with the idea of introducing the
Gospel to India. I have counseled with my brethren of the Twelve on the
subject, and we all feel alike the importance of such a step, and the
ultimate benefits to the Kingdom of God. Upon the Twelve devolves the
responsibility of introducing the Gospel to the nations. As the time
approaches when we anticipate the privilege of returning to the body of
the Church, I feel reluctant indeed to suffer any favorable opportunity
to pass for opening the door of the Gospel in India. Although the
duties for Italy and Switzerland, and long absence from my family,
press with weight upon me, I am nevertheless ready in the name of the
Lord to take upon me this work also.
I contemplate sending immediately around by sea to Calcutta one or
two good and faithful Elders, and follow on myself as soon as I shall
have completed the translation and publication of the Book of Mormon.
I intend passing through by way of Switzerland and Italy, visiting
the Saints in those countries, and promoting the interests of those
missions in every way in my power.
Circumstances seem to be working favorably. A short time since I
met with a brother who had resided seven years in India, and is
conversant with the native language, and will immediately enter upon
the translation of some of my works, which I intend getting published
there, together with the "Voice of Joseph," in English, soon after my
arrival.
Brethren who have plenty of means, and wish to employ them for the
glory of God in the salvation of souls, I trust will not be backward in
liberality; that while I willingly and freely sacrifice the pleasures
and endearments of home and friends, they may be equally ready and
willing to devote their means, and thus fulfil the Scriptures in making
to themselves friends with the "mammon of unrighteousness."
If any of the Saints have friends in that country, to whom the brethren
may be introduced, let them send unsealed letters of recommendation,
properly addressed, enclosed in an envelope addressed to me, at 35
Jewin Street, London.
Yours affectionately,
Lorenzo Snow.
In order to keep the connection of the progress of the work in Italy
and Switzerland, I extract from a letter published in the _Star_ from
Elder Woodard, dated Italy, August 1, 1851, and copy one from Elder
Stenhouse:
_Dear Brother Snow_:
A tract of forty-six pages has been issued against us in Switzerland,
and a plentiful supply has arrived here. It contains the "Spaulding
story" and nothing else except the common cant of sectarianism and some
quotations from "The Voice of Joseph" and "The Only Way to be Saved,"
for which I am very thankful. I am happy to say that we now muster
thirty-one members. I feel courage in the thought that you have taken
the Presidency of the Indian Empire, and that if there be royal blood
within my veins it will roll with renewed vigor through every fibre of
my frame, that with stimulated energies I may carry out your counsel;
and if I know what honor, and friendship, and gratitude require at my
hands, you shall be in Italy at the same time you are in India, or
elsewhere. I confess that when I found you had laid upon me the solemn
charge to gather Israel from among these nations, I felt the weight
of the office, and at the same time new courage and new patience. My
eyes are not closed to the difficulties of the situation, but I know
where my strength lies. I feel as if I must fast and pray for every
one of these kingdoms separately; and I see that I must pass through
many strange scenes, but by the help of the Lord I hope to overcome.
I strive to acquire a knowledge of languages and customs, laws and
regulations. If it were possible, I would wish to disburthen your mind
of all future anxieties concerning this mission.
I know by my own experience, something of what you must have felt
since the moment you were named for the President of such a stupendous
undertaking. What thoughts have oft crowded your mind from morning
to midnight! What weariness by land and sea! And now a still loftier
enterprise engages your attention, or at least, one which gives a wider
sphere of action. But what can I say that will leave your mind at rest
concerning Italy?
Perhaps, now you are absent, it would ill become me to boast of my
goodness, still I hope I advance a little. If ever a firm resolve has
taken possession of my soul, it is now engraven there, and registered
in heaven, that by the grace of God, I am determined to tread all
things beneath my feet that would militate against the accomplishment
of the glorious work in which I am engaged. Yes, I would like to
conquer, but not for myself alone. I would render unto you that which
is due from myself, and make thousands more to feel that which they owe.
* * * * * *
Elder Toronto joins with me in love to you and all the Saints.
Yours affectionately,
Jabez Woodard.
CHEZ MONS. DUPRAZ, A LA SERVETTE, 429 GENEVE,
August 26, 1851.
_Dear President Snow_:
Knowing your continued anxiety and interest over these nations, I take
a few minutes before retiring to rest, to say how we have been and how
we are.
Since I wrote you, I paid a visit to Signor Reta, the translator--he
was happy to see me--inquired after your health, and sent his
compliments. I expect a visit from him in a day or two. I hope to make
a more intimate acquaintance with him. I have had a violent cold, which
confined me to bed two days. After being restored, Sister Stenhouse was
taken badly, much the same as myself, but much worse. We are now, thank
the Lord, better. In the midst of all, we have done our best.
Elder Roulet brought an intelligent man to see us, who was connected
with the Church where the lecture was delivered against us. We had
several interesting conversations with him; at length, on Friday night
last, I baptized him. Yesterday we held our Sunday meeting, at which
he was confirmed. We prayed, read, talked and felt well. To-night he
brought his daughter to have some conversation. She has gone home to
reflect.
To-day I have received a very interesting letter from the brother
I baptized at Lausanne. He says his wife wants to be baptized, and
several others feel interested in history of the Church, by reading our
publications. I feel as if the Lord had commenced to work among the
people. I get on with the language pretty well. I hope when you pass
through, we will be thrilled with your own voice in this language.
Accept our united love.
As ever yours, very affectionately,
T. B. H. Stenhouse.
Now to Lorenzo's journal: In the autumn of 1851, I visited some
of the Welsh conferences, having received a very kind invitation
from Elder William Phillips, who then presided over that section.
The visit afforded me inexpressible satisfaction--the Saints in
their national characteristic, warmhearted friendship, kindness and
hospitality, extended to me the warmest welcome; and also gave proof
of the sincerity of their feelings of liberality by prompt, gratuitous
assistance towards the interests of the great missionary work under my
supervision.
During my stay in Wales, I attended a number of very interesting
meetings. On the evening of the fourth of November, I addressed a very
large assembly, convened in a hall in Tredegar, in Monmouthshire. In
the course of the meeting, Elder J. S. Davies arose, unanticipated by
me, and read a poem composed by him, in which he alluded to my visit
in Wales as an Apostle, as a very remarkable and wonderful event. I
gave him full credit for his good motive and generous feelings, but
at the same time felt not a little annoyed that he should have chosen
such an unseasonable occasion--in the presence of a large congregation,
nine-tenths of which were Gentiles, to read an article of that
character.
At the close of the meeting, President Phillips and myself were
conducted to a hotel, where, after supper, we were shown to lodgings
in an upper room. As we passed into the bedchamber, while closing the
door, I noticed that, owing to some defect in the lock, it could not
be fastened. We soon retired to rest, then about 11 o'clock; thinking
ourselves safe from harm, we slept soundly, until probably about 2
o'clock a.m., I was suddenly awakened by a savage looking fellow
standing close to my bedside, ordering me and my companion to leave
our bed forthwith or suffer the consequences; at the same time using
the most blasphemous language, and uttering the most hideous oaths
imaginable, while fiendishly striking his huge fists in close proximity
to my face. Two of his comrades, stout, fierce looking fellows, were
standing by, evidently prepared for an encounter. Brother Phillips
was soundly sleeping, and it was with some difficulty that I awakened
him sufficiently to comprehend our situation. Of course, we could do
but little towards defending ourselves against a trio of ruffians,
desperately bent on mischief; and as we afterwards learned, had been
hired to mob us, and that the landlord was secretly conniving with the
actors in the hellish raid.
In the contest, the light which one of them held, was by some means,
suddenly extinguished, which caused an alarm, resulting in their
retreat forthwith from the room; upon which I suggested to Elder
Phillips that we immediately do our best to secure ourselves by
barricading the door, for I felt assured the insurgents would make
another attack. We placed a chair at the door, with the top directly
under the knob of the door lock, and there I assumed the responsibility
of holding it, while Brother Phillips performed the duty of pressing
his large and stately person against the door.
No sooner had these protective arrangements been completed, than the
mobocrats, with considerable reinforcements, came rushing forward to
renew the attack. They persistently endeavored to force the door open,
but failing, they placed themselves against it, Sampson like, but,
owing to the position of things inside, without avail; then, with a
volley of oaths, they commenced pounding and kicking the door, and
continued until the noise and uproar was so great that the landlord did
not dare any longer to ignore the situation, and coming to our relief,
he quelled the disturbance by requesting the ruffians to retire.
Some years after the date of this occurrence, I was informed that the
hotel in which the foregoing disgraceful scenes were enacted was being
used as a common stable for the accommodation of horses; and that the
landlord had been signally reduced to beggary, and was a vagabond upon
the earth.