Howells, Thomas 05 - Journal

continued

15^th. In company with William Jones we went to meeting. I was called to address the assembly upon the necessity of keeping the commandments of God. After the meeting in company with the aforesaid man we went to see Ruth Garret, and took tea with her. We also called at Sister Evans and administered the ordinance of laying on of hands for her health. After which, we went unto meeting and I was called upon to address it upon the atonement of Jesus Christ. There was a good many present not of our belief. I had the assistance of the spirit of God and spoke very fluently. I slept the night at the Conference House.

16^th After breakfast this morning I left Merthyr for Aberdare. I arrived there in due time and called at my brother Jenkins and took dinner with him and from thence unto my sister Margarets and took tea with her. In the evening I met with the saints in a prayer meeting. The spirit of the Lord was present with us and we had very good times. I took supper at my brothers. Also slept the night with him.

17^th. After breakfast this morning I started for Tylarmorgrig. On the way I called at John Owen, who was formerly in the church. I took dinner with him and continued on my way. Arrived at the aforesaid place at 4 p.m. and was hailed with great joy by my sister in law. I slept the night there.

18^th. All is right this morning. My brother is going to Aberhanthy to pay the rent. I remained at home all day. Slept the night in the same place.

19^th. All is well this morning. I left Tylarmorgrig. On the way I called at Thomas Rees Red Lion Penderyn, who gave me permission to preach in his house on the 29^th. I proceeded on my way and reached Gellifynnonau at 1 p.m. and was kindly received by my uncle and sister. I slept the night at their home.

20^th. Remained home all day, nothing of any moment transpired. Slept the night at the same place with my uncle.

21^st. After breakfast this morning I left for Merthyr. On the way I called at my Uncle Howells. Also called at John Owen, who is very sick in bed. There I was furiously attacked by a lady upon the principles of pologamy. I told her that she did not love her neighbour as her self or else she would be willing to devide in case of necessity. John Owen's wife said that she would try to persuade the deacon Pontbrenllwyd to announce my appointment to preach on the 29^th. I continued on my journey took train at Shrivarn and arrived at Merthyr in due time. Called at the conference house and went immediately to the bath house and took a bath and came home and went to bed.

22^nd. After breakfast I took the train for Aberdare. Arrived there in due time and called at my brother Jenkins and went with him to Penpound to hear Dr. T. Rice who said that the Lord did not want the body only the spirit and the mind. I took dinner at William A. Thomas after which in company with my sister in law we went down to Abraham. I was called to address the meeting. I did so in Welsh and took a tent. As the days of Noah so also shall the coming of the Son of Man be. After meeting I accompanied my sister in law unto tea and returned again for the evening meeting in which I was called to address in English upon the first principles of the Gospel. I slept the night with my Brother.

23^rd. All is right this morning. I took breakfast with my brother and dinner at Sister Jeffrey's and tea at my sister Margaret's. After which I met with the Saints in prayer meeting and was called upon to address the meeting upon the power and ability of God. After meeting Eliezer and myself took supper with Jeffrey's. I slept the night with my brother Jenkin.

24^th. After breakfast this morning E. Edwards came to see me unto my brother Jenkins House, and gave me half a sovereign. After which we both went away, he to Merthyr and myself unto Brother Evans, Mill Street Aberdare. I remained with him all day and partook of food. In the evening he accompanied me unto the meeting that had been organized for the benefit of young men to learn them the art of speaking. I gave them a few words of instruction. I had a good many shillings given me today by the brethern and sisters. Slept the night at my brother.

25^th. After breakfast this morning I took a walk as far as the mountain ash, and called at Rees Davies, there I partook of dinner and tea at Owen Davies. In the evening, I met with the saints and was called upon to address the meeting upon the necessity of more faith and told them, that the ancients did great things by faith in the name of the Lord. After the meeting in company with Weret we walked up unto Aberdare. I slept the night at my brother Jenkins.

26^th. After breakfast this morning I took the train for Glinneath. Arrived there in due time and called at my Uncle Morgan Maesgwin and his family. His wife's name is Ruth, she was very kind unto me. They have only one child, a boy by the name of Rees Rice. In the evening I went to see the stock with my Uncle. They have Stole fed but which they feed with turning and hay. I slept the night with my uncle.

27^th. After breakfast this morning in company with my uncle, we went to Mr. [?] who is married unto one of my Aunts. She was very glad to se me, and was well treated by her. She told me to call again. In the evening, I had some conversation with my uncle upon the principles of the Gospel. He said that he believed some of them but could not embrace the whole. I slept the night with the Uncle

28^th. After breakfast this morning I left my uncles for Tzlarmorgrig, I took the road on foot by the way of the pond. At this point, I commenced to ascend a steep hill which is flat on the top. The road from thence in not quite so steep. I continued on until I came in a parralel line with Tylarmorgrig and turned into the right and immediately came to the house and was made welcomed to a good dinner. I slept the night at the above named place.

29^th. All is well this morning. After breakfast I went for a walk. A little ways from the house I offered a payer unto the Lord for strength to stand in his name to preach into the people of Penderyn Parish. After dinner in company with my Brother Rees, we walked up unto Penderyn to fulfill my engagement, according to appointment the people came together and filled the room. And very near as many out as there was in. The meeting commenced at 1:30 p.m. I preached unto them showing the character of God of the scripture. The sacrifice and the plan of salvation instituted by Jesus Christ. I was listened to with great attention and the people seemed to be well pleased with what was said. I returned with my Brother unto Tzlarmorgrig and there slept the night.

30^th. I lef Tylarmorgrig for Merthyr this morning. On the way, I called at John Owen to know of his wife. Whether they announced my appointment to reach Penderyn on the 29^th or not. To my astonishment they did not. I continued on my way and reached Aberdare and called at my Sister Margaret. She gave me ninepence. Also called at Brother Jenkin. His wife gave me 5 shillings. Continued on my way. Reached Merthyr at 1:30 and called at the Conference House. E. Edwards was at home. In company with him, we went to see Sister Edwards at Clwydyfagwr. We stopped with her the remainder of the day and we were well entertained. We returned home into the conference house and I slept the night therein.

31^st. After breakfast this morning I took train for Treorky. Arrived there in due time and called at Timothy Wisley and walked from there to my brother in laws in Trehurbert and was welcomed there by my sister. And I slept the night in said place.

February 1^st. All is right this morning. In the evening I met with the saints at Trehurbert. Also there were present a good many outsiders. I was called upon to address the meeting I responded unto the call. I took a text but as the days of Noah were so shall also the coming of the son of man be. The Lord assisted me with his spirit. I slept the night at my brother in laws.

2^nd. This morning my sister was very much displeased with the conduct of a man that stopped at their house by the name of Phillip Rees, who said something disrespectful of me. After dinner in company with my sister we went to visit unto Canmsibran, a family that is well off in the things of this world. In the evening I met with the saints at Ty lacoch and had very good times. I addressed them in the English tounge upon the necessity of observing the law of purity and that the time was near at hand when the kingdom would be restored into Israel. After meeting I returned to Trehurbert and found to my astonishment that my bed fellow was gone who spoke so disrespectfully of me. The night previous. My sister was so indignant that she would not permit him to stop at their house while I was there. Consequently I slept by myself that night.

3^rd. I was praying this morning for the Lord to open my sister's heart to assist me on my way. Before I had left my room she came up and gave me one pound sterling. After breakfast in company with her we went as far as the Hendrawan, to see Rees Morgan a man that I was very intimate with 20 years ago. He was pleased to see us and we partook of his hospitality. After a long conversation with him we returned home. I slept the night in the same as I did last night.

4^th. My sister was sick this morning. I told her if she wants to embrace the Gospel and repent of her sins and be baptized for the remission of them that she would rid of her sickness. I remained today at home. I slept the night at my sisters house.

5^th. After breakfast this morning I left my sisters and took the train for Cardiff. I arrived there in due time and called at Henry Gardner. I took dinner with him after which, we went to the meeting house, I was called upon to address the meeting upon the necessity of food for the spirit as well as the body. And told them that the wrath of almighty was kindled against all nations. I also preached in the evening when there were present a goodly number of strangers. I took my text this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations and then the end shall come. After meeting was over the branch collected 10 shillings for to assist me in my hard field of labor. I slept the night at Basset's conference house.

6^th. I took breakfast at Bassets this morning after which, I took train at Cardiff for Bristol at 10 a.m. I arrived there in due time and called at 7 Tower Hill old market. In the evening I called Simon Irwin and took supper with him. I slept the night at 7 Tower Hill.

7^th. I am busy today making up the Monthly accounts. I remitted the book and immigration money unto Liverpool and slept the night at 7 Tower Hill.

8^th. I took breakfast this morning at Richard Rawles after which, I returned home and wrote 2 letters on for home to Salt Lake city and the other to President Mel Eldrege. Slept the night at 7 Tower Hill.

9^th I received a communication today from Liverpool requiring the statistics of this conference. I am not very well today. I went out for a walk as far as William Nibles and took supper with him. Also visited Simon Irwin. Slept the night at 7 Tower Hill.

10^th. All is well this morning. After dinner I visited a gentleman by the name of Hodges. I had a long conversation with his wife about the principles of the Gospel. AI took tea with her and in a little while afterwards the husband came in. After a long conversation with him he said that both him and his wife would soon be baptized. In the evening I visited Richard Rawles. Also Simon Irwin and they accompanied me unto 7 Tower Hill and signed the certificate of audit of public accounts for Bristol Conference to be sent to Liverpool. I slept the night at 7 Tower Hill, old market.

11^th. I took train this morning for Durston. Arrived there in due time and walked from thence unto Creech and called at Brother Foster who received me very kindly. I partook of food and went to bed.

12^th. All is well this morning. After breakfast in company with A. Foster as usual we went and invited the neighborhood to come to meeting to be held in the above named mans house in the evening at 6:30. The people came together. I addressed them upon the following text. Verily, verily I say unto you, he that entereth not by the door into the sheep fold, but claimeth up some other way the same is a theif and a robber. The people gave good attention to what was said. I slept the night at A. Fosters.

13^th. After breakfast this morning in company with A. Foster, we visited the Newton Saints. We partook of dinner at sister Haines such as it was. Some peoples hearts are very small. We also called at sister whiteheads and at brother Dez. They are rather cold and indifferent in this locality. We returned unto Creech. I slept the night at A. Foster.

14^th. In company with A. Foster we took a walk as far as Taunton to see some strangers that bother Foster thought we might do some good in lying before them the principles of the gospel. The first house that we came unto we pulled at the bell 2 or three times and made noise enough to wake the dead. If there was any such in the house. At last the lady of the house came to the door and told us that she was sorry that we had to wait so long. So we left her house and called at my brothers house and his wife came and opened the door she kept one hand on the door for fear we might make a dash unto the house. Thus we have been treated today. I slept the night at A. Fosters House.

15^th. This morning in company with A. Foster we went to see a family that is not in the church and took some stars unto them as soon as we went in the house the lady told us that she dreamt last night to see some one from Salt Lake City. They made us welcome in a good dinner and the wife gave me 6 pence half-penny. (It is a lovely day) We returned home unto Creech. I slept the night in said place.

16^th This morning I left Creech for Bristol, I took train at Durston at 8 a.m. Arrived in Bristol in due time, and came to the old home at 7 Tower Hill. In the evening I visited John Long and took tea with his wife. Also visited Richard Rawle and Simon Irwin and confered with them about changing the book agent of Bristol Branch. We agreed to meet the following night at my office in 7 Tower Hill. I slept the night in the last named place.

18^th. This morning I went to the railway station for the purpose of taking a train for Chipinham, but I was to late at noon I was successful. Arrived at Chappenham in due time and walked from thence into Chalent Hill, distance of 6 miles. I was welcomed by John Matt and his wife. I slept the night with them.

19^th. All is right this morning. The people is not well pleased with the irregular manner that they received their Stars, I have changed the agent. I hope they will be delivered more promptly in the future. In the evening the Saints in this part of the country came together and we held a meeting. I addressed them upon the necessity of living the religion of Jesus Christ. Also told them that the signs of the times, that the coming of the son of man's drawing near. I slept the night with John Matt.

20^th. This morning I left Chalent Hill for Chippenham and arrived there in due time called at Jesse Stary and partook of refreshments with him and proceeded on my way took train at Chippinham station and arrived in Bristol in due time and called the all stand 7 Tower Hill. I took supper at Simon Irwin's house, and slept at 7 Tower Hill.

21^st. All is well, busy this morning with the accounts, and making bills for to send to the Debtors of the MI Stars. I slept the night at 7 Tower Hill.

22^nd I took breakfast at Richard Rawle this morning, after which, I returned home and was busily engaged the remainder of the day making bill to send to the book agents of the conference. In the evening, I committed a few passages of scripture to memory and slept the night at 7 Tower Hill.

23^rd. I wrote a few letter to send unto Wales and other places. Nothing of any moment transpired today. I slept the night at 7 Tower Hill.

24^th. This morning the Stars came which gave us a little more light to assist us to live in this benighted land of Christendom for they know nothing of God nor his ways. In the evening I received a letter from John Jones, Salt Lake City. It seems that everything in the shape of human being is making their way towards that place. It is hue row for mining. I went to assist my new agent to send of the stars, whom is Simon Irwin, the president of Bristol Branch and also sent a reply to the Salt Lake letter. I slept the night at 7 Tower Hill.

25^th. I took train this morning at Bristol for Trowbridge arrived there in due time and continued on my way to Ashton, the distance between the two places is 4 miles, I reached the said place at 10 a.m. and called upon John Smith and took dinner with his wife and called at sister Bishop and partook of refreshments at her house after which I called upon Brother Berrets. Slept the night at Broth Daniels house.

26^th. I took breakfast this morning at Brother Daniels and dinner at sister Bishop after which, I met with the saints in Brother Barrets rooms there were a good many of the world present. I addressed the meeting and said as it was with the Priest of Baal. So it is with the Priest of Babilon they offered their prayers unto the unknown God. I also made a proposition that the God that would answer prayer by giving the Holy Ghost for him to be God, from this time forth and ever Amen. After meeting I met in Council with the Priesthood Steeple Ashton and Chiverel Branch and attended the last unto the former and ordained John Smith unto a Priest and his son unto a Deacon. After council the meeting reassembled I addressed the audience upon the first principles of the Gospel we had good time and the spirit of the Lord was with us. I slept the night at Brother Daniels house.

27^th. Last night I dreamed to see an apple tree and the top of it was in the shape of a bandin where a good many men and women were stoping. And I saw two Branches of said tree cut off and I thought that I was trying to heal the wounds thereof. After breakfast I went to visit a brother by the name of Maslin, who lives at Bower Hill near Melksham. I found him at home, and he was quite crippled with his back and I found by conversing with him that he had 2 sons whom were cut off from the Church and was litteral interpretation of the dream. The tree representing the family and the branches the 2 sons which I was trying to heal. In telling the father to try to persuade them to come unto meeting. I slept the night at John Daniels house.

28^th. After breakfast this morning I went to visit the saints in Steeple Ashton before my departure I first called upon Susan Berrett and while with her I assisted her to mind the bed that her father lied upon. He is a cripple and has no strength in his legs. We had to put him in another bed while his own was minded. I also visited sister Smith and sister Bishop. And slept the night at Brother Daniel's house.

March 1^st. After breakfast this morning I wrote a letter unto brother Daniels daughter who is keeping company with a young man out of the church. To try to persuade her to break off such company. After which I took departure for Chalford which place I am going to preach tonight. I arrived in said place and called at brother Mead's house and partook of food with his wife. In the evening according to previous appointment the people came together unto sister Elkings house at 6 p.m. the meeting was opened by prayer by Elder Mead. I addressed the audience and took a text but as the days of Noah were so also shall the coming on the son of man be. And showed them that the Lord had a place of refuge for his people in all ages, when the Gospel was upon the earth. While he was destroying the wicked from the face of the earth. I also testified that Joseph Smith was send of God and when I said so a man in the congregation said I will have no more of that I can't stand it and away he went out of the house. At the commencement of the meeting Sister Elkin was taken with a violent colic and she was taken to another room where she continued ill while the meeting was convened. It seems that the devil was determined to stop us from having a meeting, but however he did not gain his point. I slept the night a sister Elkins house.

2^nd. After breakfast this morning I took my departure from downhead distance frm Chalford 12 miles, and called at Richard Gibbs. After taking of some refreshments. I ascended a hill where there was a Tower named East Mendup, I ascended it and went up one flight of stairs after another, until I got to the top thereof and there I gazed upon the county round about the Tower but it was a hazzy day I could not see very far. I slept he night at Richard Gibbs house.

3^rd. I continued on my way for North Barrows, by the way of west Crenmore Evercreech and Castle Cary, I reached there in the evening and called at Hester Mills and there slept the night.

4^th. After breakfast this morning the men were all game to work. Hester Mills brought a bottle of oil for me to consecrate. After that she said in an adulterous laugh will you have an apple meaning for me to have connection with her, no thank you pretending not to understand her meaning. I went away a son as I could and continued on my journey and called at Holton where lives a sister by the name of Lydia Smart. I called at her house but she was not at home her next door neighbor came out of her house and I inquired of her if Lydia Smart lived in that house and she would not answer but muttered for a long time. At last she said that sister toms lived there at that I went off and came back again. And she told me that the person that lives in the house was gone away and would not be back until 5 o-clock that evening. I continued on my journey and arrived at Sherburn at 3 p.m. and called at Sister May Dyke who keeps a laundry in connection with 2 more sisters that are in the church. They treated me very kindly and I slept the night at their house.

5^th. After breakfast this morning in company with Edith Parson we went to visit a family by the name of Winters who lives in Stanrton Caundle, 7 miles from Shelborn, we arrived there at 11:30 a.m. The woman is very dirty and slovenly when we enter the house she commenced to wipe the table with her hand. She treated us very kindly in her way, her husband is a cripple. They gave us one pound sterling for the Star which they have been getting for nearly 2 years, but I did not get a penny of it. After a short stay we returned to Shorborn, and I slept the night at the same place as I did last night.

6^th. After breakfast this morning I took farewell of the sisters. I took train at Shorborn at 9 a.m. to Yesual and from there to Bristol by the way of Durston. I arrived in Bristol in due time, and called at 7 Tower Hill and immediately from thence I went to the bath house and took a bath. In the evening I visited Simon Irwin, and found out a fraud that was committed by Thomas H. Sibley upon Jane Wilcox in not sending the Journals unto her very near 2 years. The first love of journals that was sent her after Sibley was dropped from the agency of the ML Star. I sent Sister Wilcox a bill and to write me a letter stating how things were and she wrote immediately and said that she had not received any journals for over one year thus you see that Thomas H. Sibley had been selling her journal all this time. I slept the night at 7 Tower Hill.

7^th. Busy making up the monthly accounts in the evening I visited Richard Rawle and took supper at his house and slept the night at 7 Tower Hill.

8^th. After breakfast this morning I had an interview with Thomas H. Sibley I told him of the grevious sin that he was guilty of in not sending the journals into Sister Wilcox, he acknowledged the wrong that he had done and asked my forgivings and promised to do better in future. He also promised to pay for the journals. In the evening I visited William Nibles and took supper with him. I slept the night at 7 Tower Hill.

9^th. After Breakfast this morning I sent the monthly remittance to Liverpool. In the evening I visited John Nmor and took supper with him after which, I went to see Simon Irwin and assisted him to send the Stars to the different portions of the conferences. I slept the night at 7 Tower Hill.

10^th. Busy this day writing an appeal to the inhabitants of Bristol and the surrounding country, for aid to the poor of the Latter day Saints. To enable them to immigrate unto Utah Territory. In the evening I took a walk through town and bought a shirt front and a few other things. I slept the night at 7 Tower Hill.

11^th. This morning I received an acknowledgement for the remittance sent to Liverpool. I have been confined unto my studies today until 4 p.m. and then I went to see William Nibles and took supper with him. After which, we both took a walk through town and returned to 7 Tower Hill and there slept the night.

12^th. I took a walk this morning through town and took dinner at John Amor after which, I met with the Saints at 7 Tower Hill to worship the Lord. I addressed the meeting and told the saints the necessity of living and religion of Jesus Christ in order to have strength from the Lord to assist them to conquer the evil propentites of their natures. We held another meeting in the evening which I also addressed, and said that the priest of Babilon was something simmilar to the priest of Baal in the time of Eligah, that are worshipping the unknown God, and that the indignation of the Lord was upon all nations and strangers present who seemed to enjoy the meeting very well. After meeting I met in council with the priesthood of Bristol Branch. We had good times, the brethern were united in all things. We severed one memby the name of Smart from the Church. I slept the night at 7 Tower Hill.

13^th. I took breakfast with Richard Rawle this morning and from thence I went and had my likeness taken. After which I went to visit Mr. Hodges, I took a refreshment and spent a very agreeable afternoon with him. He is a believer and his wife if half and half a believer. I slept the night at 7 Tower Hill.

14^th. This morning I wrote a letter, Mary Daniels and also and took with his wife when I was coming away she put 6 pence in my hand. This evening brother Rawle came to visit me and we had quite a little chat. I slept the night at 7 Tower Hill.

15^th. I went and got my portrait from the picture galery. I found on close examination that he eyes was not printed well. Being that I am going away in the morning and have paid the artist I must have another setting. I slept the night at 7 Tower Hill.

16^{th. At} Bristol station I took train at 8:30 a.m. for Durston. I arrived there in due time and walked from there unto Creech and called at A. Foster's house. Partook of refreshments and wrote 2 letters, one for south Molton and the other for East Down. In the evening in company with A. Foster, we went and invited people of the neighborhood to come to meeting next Sunday. I slept the night at A. Foster's house.

17^th. After breakfast this morning in company with A. Foster we visited the north Petherton Saints which were as usual. Nothing to brag of. I slept the night at A. Foster's.

18^th. After breakfast this morning in company with A. Foster we visited Taunton and went through the market which is held in the center of town. We returned home unto Creech. In the evening we visited several families and invited them to come to meeting which is to be held in A. Foster's house tomorrow.

19^th. At 4 p.m. I met with a few of the Newton Saints in brother A. Foster's house and we partook of the symbols of the broken body of our lord Jesus Christ. And in the evening according to previous appointment we had a full house. I addressed the assembly upon the fullfillment of prophecies and the necessity of complying with the requirements of the Gospel. There was a good feeling in the meeting and the audience seemed to be well pleased with what was said. I slept the night at A. Foster's house.

20^th. In company with A. Foster, we took a walk a little ways unto the country and returned home for dinner and remained at home the remainder of the day studying the scripture of divine truth. I slept the night at A. Foster's.

21^st. In the evening in company with A. Foster, we visited an ancient dwelling situated upon the banks of the river Tone. In it there were many ancient mouldings on the ceiling and the walls therof. In the evening Mr. Howe paid us a visit, we conversed a little upon the signs of the times. I slept the night in the same place as I did last night.

22^nd. All is well this morning. I took my departure for South Moulton. I walked to Taunton and there took train for Tiverton and walked frm Tiverton unto South Moulton and called at William Chappel's house. I slept the night at a public house.

23^rd. After breakfast I continued on my way toward East Donen. After a wearried journey of 16 miles I arrived at East Down and called at John Moore, where I was welcomed by him to some bread butter and beer, which animated my whole frame. After resting a few moments I went unto brother Larwell's house which is a few steps further on and there I spent the remainder of the evening very aggreeable with a number of young ladies that happened to be there on a visit. I slept the night at brother Larwell's house.

24^th. I remained at home all day and committed a few passages of scripture to memory. In the evening I received a letter from home, announcing that my family were all well when it was written. I also received communications from residence of this country. I slept the night at brother Larwell's house.

25^th. I answered some of my correspondence and posted a letter. I found the Star in the post office I carried them home with me and they were a feast of fat things unto me in this benighted land of false religion. I slept the night at brother Larwell's house.

26^th. At 2 p.m. the saints met at brother Larwell's house and we partook of the sacrament. At 3 p.m. we had a preaching meeting and at 6 p.m. I addressed both meeting upon the first principles of the Gospel. I also warned them of the calamities that would soon befall this land, there was a good many present, the spirit of the Lord was with us and we rejoiced together. I slept the night at Brother Larwell's house.

27^th. At home all day, nothing of any moment transpired. I slept the night at the same place as I did last night.

28^th. After breakfast this morning I visited John Tucker and spent the day with him and his family. I talked to him very kindly concerning his situations and he partly acknowledged his wrong. I promised to call a council the next time I would come round this way. To sit upon his ease. I slept the night at brother Larwell's house.

29^th. After breakfast this morning I left for Tlfrecombe with the expectation of getting a steamer for Bristol, but to my astonishment one company had bought the others out and stopped the one that should go today from Ilfracombe.