6. Sabbath. At 4 P. M. I preached my first sermon in Nebraska, in the Anderson Schoolhouse. Text, Isa. 62:6.
Here we have to pass over a period of eight months. It is unfortunate that we do not have all of the books, forming a continuous diary account. His notes written during his first winter on the Western plain would have been interesting. As it is, we have to pass over the fall and winter of 1873 and begin again in March, 1874.[3] By this time it seems that he had taken up a claim at Wayland, Polk County. The Advocate he refers to was the church paper, published at Harrisburg, of which he was a correspondent. This chapter includes a temporary absence from the State, occasioned by his marriage and visit in Ohio, after which he returns with his help-meet to his Western field. His reference to Sarah, his bride-to-be, are, of course, full of tenderness. We shall give but brevities from the diary, omitting many of the details of sermons and texts, number converted, etc. The meetings first mentioned were held near Seward.
Mar. 14, 1874. This is a rainy day, the first of any account since the 22nd of November. Wrote two articles for the Advocate and some letters.
15. Sabbath. Preached at eleven on the second advent of Christ, two hours. Eve. Brother Robotham preached. 'Twas dry and dead enough to take all the life out of a meeting. I tried to exhort the people. Jesse Horton found peace to his soul. Thank God for the salvation of the old gray-headed sinner. Sister Anderson left her husband who sat by her side, and came to the altar in much earnest, seeking the Lord. This is a noble example. God bless the woman. I think her husband will follow.
16. The air was damp today. Read Nelson on Infidelity. Prayed and meditated. Eve, had some headache, but thank God it did not grow worse and prevent my preaching, as it sometimes does. The night was dark and damp. The congregation was much smaller than usual. Had good liberty. A number of young people were present, about all of whom were serious.
17. Had prayer-meeting at schoolhouse. Came home and wrote a letter to my darling Sarah, then went to Seward. Received a letter from Brother Shuler, treasurer, with post-office order for fifty dollars.
19. Day meeting at half past ten. P. M., mounted a horse and rode in company with Brother Figard to Mr. Pense's, two miles. Talked to them on the important subject of their souls' salvation. Returned with some headache. Was disappointed in not having some one else there to preach, as Brother Combs, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, had promised to be there for the last two nights. Thank God, my headache abated and I spake with liberty on the text, "My Spirit shall not always strive with man."
21. Started for Fillmore County. Stopped a few minutes at a store at Nickleville. Heard some poor sinners swearing horrible oaths. Oh, how my heart was pained to hear them thus insult the Author and Giver of all their blessings! Came to Brother Witter's. Found all well and faithful to their Savior. They were much joyed at my coming. The church has grown in grace and influence.
22. Sabbath. Beautiful morn. Met at 10:30 A. M., heard a number of the brethren and sisters speak. Went to Indian Creek, where I had the pleasure of immersing the following [names nine persons]. It was a glorious time. All were happy. We felt that we were near heaven. At 3 P. M. started over to Brother Moffit's. Passed a pond of some ten acres on which were all of a thousand brants, a species of wild goose; they are white, except a black streak across their wings. Reached destination. Here are good prospects for gathering a church.