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Letter from Wilford Woodruff to editors of the Times & Seasons reporting his work performed in the British Isles and subsequently reprinted in Times and Seasons, Vol.1, p.122
Ledbury, Herefordshire, England,
April 29th, 1840.
Eld‘s. E. Robinson & D. C. Smith:
Brethren, as elder Young is writing, I am privileged with a space for a few lines; knowing that our friends are desirous to hear of the work of the Lord in this land, I make the following remarks concerning the mercy of God and my labors, since I last wrote you, (I wrote you a lengthy letter, dated Feb. 27th, in which I gave you an account off my travels, voyage, and labors; from the time I left Montrose, unto the date of my letter, which I trust you may have obtained,) I continued laboring in Staffordshire, until the first or March, when I felt it to be the will of the Lord that I should go more to the south part of England. I left the care of the Stafford church, in the hands of Elder Turley, and traveled 80 miles south in the region where the word had not been preached. I commenced preaching near Ledbury, Herefordshire: this is in about 40 miles of Bristol, 40 of Birmingham, 14 of the city of Worcester, 120 of London. As soon as I began to teach, many received my testimony. I there preached one month and five days, and baptized the superintendant of the church of the United Brethren, a branch of the Methodist church, and with him forty five preachers, mostly of the same order; and about 114 members making 160 in all. This put into my hands or under my care more than forty established places of preaching, licensed according to law, including one or two chapels: this opened a large field for the spread of the work in this country; among the number baptized are some of most all churches and classes, as well as preaches: there is one constable, and one clerk of the church of England, with numbers of their members. But in the midst of my labors, I received a letter stating that the Twelve had just arrived and wished me to come to Preston and meet with them in conference; consequently I travelled 160 miles to Preston, and was once more permitted to strike hands with my brethren from America, and set in conference, with them, the minutes of which you have laying before you. After conference I returned to Herefordshire in company with elder Young; we have again commenced our labors here, and there will be many baptized in this region; I have now more that 200 on my list, and scores are now waiting for an opportunity to receive the ordinance of baptism: and the work is progressing in all parts of this country, where it is faithfully proclaimed. I understand that Elders Wright and Mulliner, are opening some permanent doors in Scotland; and we have many calls through many parts of this country, even more than we are able to fill. I desire the prayers of the Saints, that I may have wisdom and grace according to my day, and do the work of God in meekness and humility.
WILFORD WOODRUFF.
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