5. Went over to our house and found our goods; Brother Fox had brought them from Seward. Found everything all right. Read in the Testament. Finished it today. Had finished and re-commenced it last Thanksgiving Day. Oh, that I had more time, and would better improve in the future what I have, to read the precious Bible!
10. Started to York Center. Rained. Turned in to Bro. Samuel Marble's. No one at home. Soon he came. Left us in search of his wife. Did not find her till between three and four. We spent the time pleasantly in his old dugout. Instead of being lonesome it was pleasant to be found alone—even in an old wet dugout and on a dreary day. It appeared like a small taste of the bliss that a home of our own would yield us. The greatest difficulty was something to eat. Plums were plentiful, else we could find nothing. When they returned they felt very bad that they happened to be away from home. They spared no pains to make us welcome and comfortable. Supper was served, after which the rain and darkening shades of night prevented our return.
12. Sabbath. Started early for Polk County. Received some letters, one from Father and Mother Keller. All are well but seem to have no sympathy for us here on the frontier, not even a disposition to do justice by us. Lord, forgive them. We will suffer all things for thy sake. O God, my heart is bruised and crushed! We seem to meet with no sympathy from friends or brethren. Many have grown cold. Brothers H—— and O—— would not go to meeting. Went on to the Bense Schoolhouse. Preaching time, but no one there. Two neighbors came, no member of the Church of God. O Lord, the waves are rolling over me! All things against us. Some are offended because we will not recognize the devil's secret gods with which they have been polluted. Others are backslidden. Lord, the troubles of my heart are enlarged! It is more than I can bear. I can not restrain my grief for the desolation of Zion. The people are now gathering, but my tears prevent the reading of a hymn. Companion and a few brothers and sisters shed their tears with me.
14. Wrote for Advocate.
15. Sister Berry, Sarah, and I went to Lincoln Creek. Got tub of plums.
18. Tried to get lumber on time, but could not. Felt very much cast down. No money yet from the Board. Friends in the East have no sympathy for us. Brethren here have no means. Winter is coming on soon and no home for my dear Sarah and me! With a heavy heart we started out to Bro. J. H. Anderson's. Heard he was not at home. Went on to Brother Green's. As soon as he found I could not build they kindly invited us to move into their north room, which is a pleasant room with bed-room above and cellar privileges. Thanks be unto God! Behind a frowning providence, he hides a smiling face.
19. Sabbath. Eve, preached at the Osborne Schoolhouse, up Lincoln Creek, a new point. Stayed at Mr. O——'s, who is a Campbellite. Had some talk, but a few Scriptures silenced his doctrine.
20. Gathered some grapes for Sarah. Came home to Brother Green's.
21. Sarah and I went to Polk County.
22. Spent in our house preparing to take things back to Brother Green's, Seward County. Sarah and I slept in our house all night.