MAKE A CANOE--VOYAGE DOWN THE ARKANSAS RIVER--SLEEP IN A DESERTED
TAVERN--ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY MILES THROUGH SWAMPS--FORTY MILES A
DAY IN MUD KNEE-DEEP--A SUDDEN LAMENESS--LEFT ALONE IN AN ALLIGATOR
SWAMP--HEALED IN ANSWER TO PRAYER--ARRIVAL IN MEMPHIS--AN ODD-LOOKING
PREACHER--COMPELLED TO PREACH--POWERFUL AID FROM THE SPIRIT--NOT WHAT
THE AUDIENCE EXPECTED.
We concluded to go down the Arkansas river and cross into Tennessee. We
could not get passage on the boat, because of the low water, so we went
on the bank of the river and cut down a sound cottonwood tree, three
feet through, and cut off a twelve-foot length from the butt end; and
in two days we dug out a canoe. We made a pair of oars and a rudder,
and on the 11th of March, 1835, we launched our canoe, and commenced
our voyage down the Arkansas river, without provisions.
The first day we sailed twenty-five miles, and stopped at night with a
poor family who lived on the bank of the river. These kind folks gave
us supper and breakfast, and, in the morning, gave us a johnny-cake and
piece of pork to take with us on our journey.
We traveled about fifty miles that day, and at night stopped at an old
tavern, in a village called Cadron, which was deserted because it was
believed to be haunted by evil spirits.
We made a fire in the tavern, roasted a piece of our pork, ate our
supper, said our prayers, went into a chamber, lay down on the bare
floor, and were soon asleep.
I dreamed I was at my father's house in a good feather bed, and I had
a good night's rest. When I awoke the bed vanished, and found myself
on the bare floor and well rested, not having been troubled with evil
spirits or anything else.
We thanked the Lord for His goodness to us, ate the remainder of our
provisions and continued our journey down the river to Little Rock, the
capital of Arkansas, which then consisted of only a few cabins.
After visiting the place, we crossed the river and tied up our canoe,
which had carried us safely one hundred and fifty miles.
We then took the old military road, leading from Little Rock to
Memphis, Tennessee. This road lay through swamps, and was covered with
mud and water most of the way, for one hundred and seventy miles. We
walked forty miles in a day through mud and water knee-deep.
On the 24th of March, after traveling some ten miles through mud, I was
taken lame with a sharp pain in my knee. I sat down on a log.
My companion, who was anxious to get to his home in Kirtland, left me
sitting in an alligator swamp. I did not see him again for two years. I
knelt down in the mud and prayed, and the Lord healed me, and I went on
my way rejoicing.
On the 27th of March, I arrived at Memphis, weary and hungry. I went to
the best tavern in the place, kept by Mr. Josiah Jackson. I told him I
was a stranger, and had no money. I asked him if he would keep me over
night.
He inquired of me what my business was.
I told him I was a preacher of the gospel.
He laughed, and said that I did not look much like a preacher.
I did not blame him, as all the preachers he had ever been acquainted
with rode on fine horses or in fine carriages, clothed in broadcloth,
and had large salaries, and would see this whole world sink to
perdition before they would wade through one hundred and seventy miles
of mud to save the people.
The landlord wanted a little fun, so he said he would keep me if I
would preach. He wanted to see if I could preach.
I must confess that by this time I became a little mischievous, and
pleaded with him not to set me preaching.
The more I plead to be excused, the more determined Mr. Jackson was
that I should preach. He took my valise, and the landlady got me a good
supper.
I sat down in a large hall to eat supper. Before I got through, the
room began to be filled with some of the rich and fashionable of
Memphis, dressed in their broadcloth and silk, while my appearance was
such as you can imagine, after traveling through the mud as I had been.
When I had finished eating, the table was carried out of the room over
the heads of the people. I was placed in the corner of the room, with a
stand having a Bible, hymn book and candle on it, hemmed in by a dozen
men, with the landlord in the center.
There were present some five hundred persons who had come together, not
to hear a gospel sermon, but to have some fun.
Now, boys, how would you like this position? On your first mission,
without a companion or friend, and to be called upon to preach to such
a congregation? With me it was one of the most pleasing hours of my
life, although I felt as though I should like company.
I read a hymn, and asked them to sing. Not a soul would sing a word.
I told them had not the gift of singing; but with the help of the Lord,
I would both pray and preach. I knelt down to pray, and the men around
me dropped on their knees. I prayed to the Lord to give me His Spirit
and to show me the hearts of the people. I promised the Lord in my
prayer I would deliver to that congregation whatever He would give to
me. I arose and spoke one hour and a half and it was one of the best
sermons of my life.
The lives of the congregation were opened to the vision of my mind, and
I told them of their wicked deeds and the reward they would obtain. The
men who surrounded me dropped their heads. Three minutes after I closed
I was the only person in the room.
Soon I was shown to a bed, in a room adjoining a large one in which
were assembled many of the men whom I had been preaching to. I could
hear their conversation.
One man said he would like to know how that "Mormon" boy knew of their
past lives.
In a little while they got to disputing about some doctrinal point. One
suggested calling me to decide the point. The landlord said, "no; we
have had enough for once."
In the morning, I had a good breakfast. The landlord said if I came
that way again to stop at his house, and stay as long as I might choose.