I came by steamboat to Wismar, in Germany, and from thence to London; passing through the states of Mecklinburgh-Schwerin, Hanover, Belgium, and part of Prussia, by railway, and crossed the channel from Ostend to Dover. On my way I called upon a pious German nobleman, on the Elbe, with whom I had corresponded, and to whom I had sent a "Voice of Warning." He welcomed me to his family; and said he had begun to translate the Voice of Warning into German. His interest or curiosity became sufficiently excited to induce him, in a few days, to follow me to London; but when he learned that we did not believe in standing still to be killed, only when we were compelled so to do, he turned back with many pious regrets, thinking it utterly impossible to reconcile "Mormonism" with his favourite doctrines of peace and non-resistance.
We had an interesting and profitable time in London. Elders Taylor, L. Snow, and F. D. Richards, were present, and the American elders generally. The great Crystal Palace and its collected products of a world's industry, was the great theme of London, not to say of Europe and America. Since the June conference in London I have attended conference in Manchester and Preston, and spent about ten days with elder Joseph W. Johnson, in the Preston and Clitheroe conferences, where he is doing a good work, reviving the dead in those old conferences. He wished me to remember him affectionately to you.
On the arrival of the "Fifth General Epistle," I forwarded it to Denmark, to be translated and published. I have the "Voice of Warning," and portions of the "Doctrine and Covenants" in process of translation. I expect to return in a few days, and I hope to be able before another spring to establish a monthly periodical, and publish some works also for circulation in the Swedish language. I should do violence to my feelings to close this epistle without expressing the gratitude of my heart for the deep interest of, and efficient aid afforded me by presidents O. Pratt, F. D. Richards, and others. Here I would say, a word about the labours of brother Richards, and the grace of God that abounds upon him since the departure of elder Pratt, but with you it can add nothing, his works will speak for themselves. He honors his station, and feels its responsibility. I love him, and so do all the Saints.
Please present my affectionate remembrances to my beloved family when opportunity affords, and accept assurances of the same for yourself and family. "When shall we all meet again?" Echo answers—"When."
May the choice blessings of Israel's God rest upon you and all his people; and may a liberal share of that Spirit that is upon you be my portion, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
I remain your fellow-labourer in the kingdom of God,
ERASTUS SNOW.
To B. Young, President of the Church of Jesus Christ, of Latter-day Saints, in all the world.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM ELDER FORSSGREN.
Copenhagen, July 1 st, 1851.