Lectured in Miami, then crossed the Missouri river to Dewitt, where I spoke several times. A society was subsequently formed there, but the war broke it up. Held meetings in all the towns on both sides of the river to St. Joseph. In Kansas City lectured five times. This is destined to be a large place. It occupies a central position, and right in the way of trade and travel. It is on the bank of the Missouri river, and the Pacific railroad passes through the town. Other roads are contemplated, some or all of which will doubtless be built. It is also in the midst of one of the finest agricultural regions of the world.
Lectured in Wyandotte, Kansas. This town joins Kansas City, and like two drops, they will become one—commercially, at least. Its site is magnificent, the ground gradually ascending from the river, and ere long it will be a rich and populous place. An Episcopal minister asked me various questions concerning the doctrine every where spoken against.
“Do your people think Jesus Christ was a human being?”
“We think he was. He certainly possessed a human constitution and organization; was subject to hunger and thirst; was weary and cold, and was liable to the pains and agonies ‘flesh is heir to.’ He grew from childhood to youth, and thence to manhood. Hence the New Testament says, ‘For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.’ Heb. iv. 15. ‘But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.’ Phil. ii. 7, 8. ‘And the word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.’ John i. 14. He was a man, and would have died ultimately had he lived in an age of justice and toleration.”
“What was the object of his death?”
“I will answer in the language of the Bible. ‘For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God.’ 1 Peter iii. 18. ‘For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.’ Heb. ii. 10. ‘For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son.’ Rom. v. 10. Jesus came, not to appease God’s wrath, or to quench the fire of hell.
“’Twas not to quench eternal fire,
That Jesus came and spilt his blood,
Not to appease his Father’s ire,
But to reconcile the world to God.’