Editor's Remarks.--Lorenzo writes from Malta.--Naples.--Across
the Mediterranean.--Detention.--Disappointed.--Makes virtue of
necessity.--Samuel succeeds his brother.--Lorenzo explains cause of
detention.--Revised edition of the "Voice of Joseph."--Prospects in
Malta.--Michael and Lucifer represented.--In Gibraltar.--Good news from
India.--Extracts.--Elder Willis writes.--One hundred and eighty-nine
members.--Ordained two Elders.--More Baptisms.
There are tidal waves in the undulating stream of human events, which,
although they may not be obstacles to anticipated results, frequently
prove barriers to the fulfilment of human expectations. One of these
swept suddenly over my brother's pathway.
Having set his face in the direction and while vigorously urging his
steps toward the far east, suddenly his course was changed; and,
although his interest in the East was not diminished, duty pointed in
the opposite direction, and the vista to the far West, the home of the
Saints, the gathering place of Israel, opened brightly before him, and
he moved forward.
Malta, March 10TH, 1852.
_Dear Franklin_:
On mature consideration, while at Genoa, it seemed wisdom that Elder
Woodard should accompany me to Malta, for which place we took passage,
on the twentieth of February, on board the French steamer Telemaque.
The following day we arrived at Leghorn, and proceeding thence passed
the island of Elba, where Napoleon resided before his last return to
France.
On reaching Civitta Vecchia in the Papal States, in consequence of
a severe storm, we were detained twenty-four hours. Our next port
was Naples, one of the largest cities of Italy, and the seat of the
Neapolitan government, containing about three hundred and sixty
thousand inhabitants. Its celebrity may be judged from the old proverb,
"See Naples and die." Upon entering the bay, the ever smoking brow
of Mount Vesuvius is seen on the right like a demon watching for
the destined hour when again he can pour forth desolation upon the
surrounding country.
Leaving Naples on the morning of the twenty-fourth, we made our way,
amid roaring winds and dashing waves, towards Sicily; but the following
morning, as we approached the harbor of Messina, a beautiful calm had
succeeded--the air was that of genial Spring, and the gently sloping
hills around the city were mantled with richest verdure. Passing these
straits, we steered across the Mediterranean, and on the twenty-sixth
reached the island of Malta.
On arriving here, and calling on Mr. Holton, the agent for the Oriental
Steam Company, I found myself obliged to remain some weeks longer than
I had expected, in consequence of one of their steamers, on the Red
Sea, breaking down, three days out from Suez, and being compelled to
return all her passengers, who were remaining at port waiting the next
month's boat, which would be so much crowded, having to take in those
arriving from Southampton, that no more could be received under any
consideration whatever.
Though at present disappointed in being able to move forward, I feel
that much good will result from the manner in which the Lord may direct
the employment of the time now at my command, as I am surrounded by an
interesting people, and in a most important field of labor, where a
great work may be accomplished, extending to adjacent nations.
What will be precisely our mode of operation, as yet, we scarcely
have had time to determine, but shall endeavor to do as prudence and
wisdom may dictate, on becoming more acquainted with the characteristic
features of our position.
This is decidedly a Catholic country, to which belong all the peculiar
prejudices that anywhere appertain to that denomination, heightened by
the presence of the religious disunion which always shows Protestantism
to much disadvantage whenever and wherever it makes its appearance.
Malta and two adjacent islands rise up amid the blue waters of the
Mediterranean farther distant from the main land than any other upon
the bosom of this inland sea. The British forces took them from the
French in 1800, and great additions have since been made to their
fortifications. The population amounts to about one hundred and
twenty-four thousand, embracing English, French, Italians, Greeks,
Germans, Turks, Moors, Spaniards, etc. The lion and unicorn wave the
banner of freedom over this little realm of Catholicism, proposing
liberty of speech and of press, in consideration of which we are
seeking a place for public services, and making arrangements with a
respectable printing establishment for publishing such works as we
shall judge most suitable.
I have sent for Elder Obray to come immediately, and bring a good
supply of books and pamphlets. The organization of a branch of our
Church here would loosen the spiritual fetters of many nations, as
the Maltese, in their commercial relations, are spread along the
shores of Europe, Asia and Africa. Nearly all speak the Italian,
and at the same time, by the peculiarities of their native dialect,
they make themselves easily understood by those using the Arabic and
Syriac, which are exceedingly difficult for most other Europeans. Five
newspapers are published in Italian, two in English, and two others
both in English and Italian.
Malta furnishes many objects of interest to the antiquarian and the
lovers of the curious. Among the number may be noticed a small bay,
where St. Paul was shipwrecked when on his way to Rome, as related
in the Acts of the Apostles. There is also an extensive building,
formerly occupied by the Inquisition, and rings and hooks still remain
in the walls underground, where the unhappy victims were confined
who fell into the power of that fearful tribunal. In the Church of
the Inquisition is a magnificent picture, in which Martin Luther
is represented in hell, surrounded with flames, agonizing in fiery
torments. Whether the artist, when taking the picture, was on the spot,
we are not informed.
At one corner of a street, in stone figures, may be seen Lucifer,
writhing under a severe flagellation by Michael, who, with his feet
placed triumphantly upon the neck, seems highly pleased with the
effects going on through the powerful blows administered with his
Herculean club. Many other striking spectacles could be mentioned, but
doubtless they would partake more of the ludicrous than the instructive.
I am now awaiting intelligence from Switzerland, Bombay and Calcutta,
upon the receipt of which, if I find anything of particular interest or
importance, I will notice hereafter.
Yours affectionately,
Lorenzo Snow.
Samuel Richards succeeded his brother Franklin D. in the Presidency of
the British Isles, hence Brother Snow's next letter is addressed as
follows:
Malta, May 1, 1852.
_Dear Brother Samuel_:
Supposing that your brother Franklin has taken his farewell of
Albion's shores, and is now upon the briny deep, returning home to the
Saints, allow me to do myself the pleasure of addressing to you my
communication, and that through the _Star_ the Saints generally of the
British conferences may have some knowledge of our circumstances and
prospects.
My hindrances in London with the translation and publication of the
Book of Mormon, and several weeks of unavoidable detention in this
place, allowed me so little time to spend in India, and reach home
in time to meet the wishes of the First Presidency, as expressed in
their last epistle; in view also of the various duties and labors that
surrounding circumstances have unexpectedly pressed upon my attention,
I have judged it wisdom, for the present, to limit the sphere of my
ministerial labors, and employ the brief time at my disposal in that
way which, through the blessing of the Lord, I trust will tend to
the interests of my eastern mission, and much more to the advantage
of other fields of labor, and more to the advancement of the cause
generally among these nations. I am sorry to disappoint the brethren
in India, but trust I shall be able to visit them at some period not
long distant, when more time at my command will enable me to compensate
them for their disappointment and doubly benefit the interests of the
work in those lands. In view of carrying forward with efficiency those
missions that have come under my direction, and to open the road to the
introduction of the Gospel into these Catholic countries bordering upon
the Mediterranean, we are arranging all our publications, in respect
to kind, matter, quality and language. Our printer, who expresses much
interest in the prosperity of our cause, has just made arrangements to
order from England an apparatus for stereotyping, and we hope by this
means and other opportunities, ere long to supply economically from
this point, as a central book depot, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Bombay
and Calcutta.
We have published another edition of "The Voice of Joseph," which is
revised from the Italian, and commenced to send it abroad among the
people, hoping much good may result from its instrumentality. Also an
edition of the "Ancient Gospel Restored" (originally entitled "The Only
Way to be Saved"), in French, and another in Italian. This little work
is now published, and in a few days will be circulating here in four
different languages. The Elders in Bombay and Calcutta will be supplied
with publications from here, immediately upon learning their address;
also a little more acquaintance with the ins and outs between this and
Italy, and we can supply Elders Malan and the Saints in Piedmont, also
the Saints in Switzerland.
People are now constantly making calls to inquire concerning this
"strange religion." A few evenings since we had at one time, at our
private lodgings, gentlemen from eight different nations, having come
from various parts of the city to hold conversation concerning our
doctrines; among the number were those from Poland and Greece, who
are now reading our works with peculiar interest. Two intelligent and
enterprising young men, the first fruits of our ministry upon this
island, will ably assist in moving forward the cause in which we are
engaged; one of them we have ordained an Elder--he speaks several
languages fluently.
Since our arrival, the slanderous reports of the United States
"Judges," from Great Salt Lake City, through the medium of the French
and English newspapers, obtain lively circulation, losing nothing
by importation. Yet they serve us some good purpose by awakening
curiosity, and sending many visitors, whereby we have increased
opportunities of announcing our principles.
Elder Woodard, as soon as his services can be dispensed with here, will
return to the assistance of Elder Malan, in Italy, leaving the work
in this place in charge of Elder Obray. My European mission, on my
departure from these countries, will be under the superintendence of
Elders Stenhouse, Woodard and Obray; the Indian mission will be left
with Elders Findlay, Willis and Joseph Richards. These brethren will
keep up correspondence with the Presidency in Liverpool, from whom they
will receive, from time to time, that instruction and counsel as shall
tend to promote our Master's cause under their directions.
The English and Italian languages are much spoken in Gibraltar as
well as the Spanish, and we are anxious to see the work of the Lord
beginning to spread its truths, if possible, through the Spanish
dominions; and feel to do all in our power to effect so desirable an
object. We cannot help but believe that the Lord has some good people
in that place, that will hearken to His voice, and become instruments
in carrying the Gospel to their countrymen. In a few days I shall have
completed my arrangements here, and shall then take my departure for
that country, and spend what little time I can spare, with a view of
making an opening, as wisdom may direct.
If a wise, energetic, faithful and experienced Elder, being well
approved by yourself, who wishes to engage in that which will redound
to the honor and glory of God, and the salvation of souls, will come
to Gibraltar, he shall be supplied with appropriate publications from
here; and while there I will do for him what lies in my power, and
make such arrangements in laying a foundation for his advancement in
the work, as my time and opportunities shall permit. If another Elder
can be looked up for India, to aid Elder Findlay at Bombay, I believe
I will then have done with my requests upon England, at least till my
return from California.
It is not our expectation to convert all these Catholic nations, but we
can hardly expect any better or more favorable time to furnish them an
opportunity for life and salvation; and we feel that there are a few
among them who will appreciate the sacrifices we make in their behalf;
and, giving heed to the call, will come forth fulfilling the words of
the holy Prophets, that a remnant shall come to Zion, gathered "from
every nation, kindred, tongue and people."
We expect, also, on our part, in order to accomplish this work, much
patience, faith, diligence, perseverance and long-suffering will
necessarily be exercised. In the cities, both in America and in
England, in which thousands ultimately received the Gospel, in several
instances many months were spent in seemingly fruitless labors before
a proper attention to those principles was produced; so, in reference
to these Catholic countries, we may not only labor months, but perhaps
even years. But we feel assured that through faith, prayer, works and
the blessing of the Lord we shall ultimately overcome all difficulties,
and have the assurance that we have done our duty and cleared our
garments of the blood of all men.
Brother Woodard joins me in love to yourself and to all the Saints,
praying that you may be attended in all your exertions for the cause of
Zion, with the choicest blessings our Heavenly Father bestows upon the
faithful whose hearts and souls are devoted to His service.
Since I commenced writing I have received cheering intelligence from my
Indian missions, which no doubt has reached the columns of the _Star_.
Yours affectionately,
Lorenzo Snow.
President S. W. Richards.
In connection with the above letter, we copy the following from an
editorial in the _Millennial Star_, in relation to the East India
mission:
"By the politeness of Elder William Cook, of London, we are enabled to
lay before our readers the following interesting items concerning the
East India mission, being extracts from a letter from Elder William
Willis, who, our readers will recollect, is on a mission to Calcutta:
On Sunday, December 21, 1851, Elder Willis baptized nine natives, five
Christian and four Pagan. He was expecting to baptize four natives
and three Europeans on the 7th of January, 1852. Four stations were
open for preaching, and prospects were very encouraging for a good
work being done. Elder Willis was also engaged busily in translating
the "Ancient Gospel Restored," by Lorenzo Snow, into Bengalee and
Hindostanee. Thus are the glad tidings of salvation wending their way
into the dark regions of the earth. The energy of the Elders of Israel
is rapidly causing Zion's glorious standard to be lifted among the
nations, whilst the Holy Spirit of God inspires the scattered sons and
daughters of Israel to the hope set before them."
To follow up the progress of the East India mission, we copy from the
_Star_ an extract of a letter from Elder Willis to Brother Snow, dated:
2 1/2 Jaun Bazzar Street, Calcutta,
May 15th, 1852.
_Beloved President Snow_:
The Church in and within forty miles of Calcutta consists of one
hundred and eighty-nine members, one hundred and seventy of whom are
Ryots, or native husbandmen, who previously were nearly all professing
Christians, and whose secession has caused a great stir among the Padre
Sahib (missionaries). The children of the native brethren are more
numerous than themselves, and, as soon as we can visit them, there are
many more desirous of being baptized. But they are scattered over an
immense district of plowed fields, and very bad or no regular roads;
but you know what "Mormon" perseverance will accomplish. We look upon
these things as the droppings before the shower. There is a great
work preparing among the Europeans here--much of earnest and polite
inquiry--meetings are well attended, many coming in their carriages and
palkees, and at the end of the lectures the people are very unwilling
to leave the room until they have had the friendly shake of the hand,
and the long debate after the lecture is over, frequently prolonging it
till past ten at night, etc.
I have just heard from Brother Findlay, at Bombay, who has commenced
sowing the good seed. He has been attacked by a pious scribbler, and
has had the privilege of replying twice, in a masterly style, in the
Bombay papers; which replies have been also inserted in the Calcutta
and other papers. About seven or eight rabid articles, letters, etc.,
have been leveled at me and the truth, and they have inserted three of
my replies, which have caused many to inquire, and visit me, and read
the tracts I brought out.
The public library has been furnished with copies of all of our works,
through the recommendation of Major Marshall, who attended my lectures
and presented me his card. I have my eye on several new stations, when
my boys here have learned their drill. I am so circumstanced as to be
able to do something every day and night in rolling on the work of God.
If we had many more Elders they would all get "curry and rice," and
souls for their hire.
Your tract, "The Only Way to be Saved," has just been translated by
Brother Brigham Prankisto, one of my children in the faith, a Priest;
and I trust it will soon be printed in Bengalee and Hindostanee. He has
commenced translating "Child's Ladder," and "Remarkable Visions."
I have just concluded a course of twelve lectures, which have been well
and respectably attended. One night four missionaries were present;
two rose up in the meeting and violently opened their mouths, but as I
promised to hear them at the conclusion of the lecture, they waited,
and at the end of the lecture they questioned me and were silenced,
being self-condemned out of the Scriptures; for neither of them had
been baptized according to their requirements, and they sat down,
saying, "they did not come to argue," to the great astonishment and
amusement of the audience. The following day they were shown up in
the newspapers by an anti-"Mormon" writer, who expressed his surprise
at their demeaning themselves by "interfering with the delusions of
Mormonism."
We have been blest with the gift of healing in cases of croup, fever,
cholera, etc.; the last was that of a Hindoo groom, who was in a dying
state with Asiatic cholera. I anointed him with oil, and was assisted
in the laying on of hands by Brothers McLachlan and Boynton, when the
man soon recovered, although he was in great agony--turning up his
eyes, and was frightfully affected. To God the Eternal Father, Son, and
Holy Ghost, be all the glory.
The Saints here, with one heart, sustain the authorities of the Church,
Presidents Young, Kimball and Richards, the Twelve, the Seventies, the
High Council, and all the organizations of the Church in Deseret and
elsewhere, and pray that heaven's blessings may continue to be poured
out upon them.
I am preparing seeds for the Valley. The flowering shrubs here are very
numerous and beautiful. I trust to be favored with a ship-letter when
you reach the Valley, and to hear what the Presidency think about the
success of this mission. I have ordained two Elders, J. P. Meik and
McCune. I hope soon to have an _Oriental Star_, as literature here is
at a low ebb and high price. I have faith to ask if you will sanction.
June 1st. Last night I baptized two males and one female in a
household, and of the same family as a few days ago, and expect the
mother very shortly. She is the owner of several large houses in
Calcutta--is of a noble spirit, and fully believes the Gospel. We now
number one hundred and ninety-two. * * * The Saints unite with your
most affectionate brother and fellow servant in prayers and best wishes
for your health, happiness and success in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
William Willis.