But Heber was not yet satisfied. The inward monitor which he knew never erred told him that his day's labor was not accomplished. Scarce knowing why, but surrendering himself to the dictates of the Spirit, he retraced his steps and wended his way alone back to Tabernacle Square, leaving Elders Woodruff and Smith at "Father Corner's," conversing on the things of the Kingdom.
The crowd had not yet dispersed from the Square, but stood in groups here and there, discussing eagerly the events of the day, and the strange things told them by the American preachers. As Heber approached he was immediately recognized—and, indeed, his was a presence, once seen, not easily to be forgotten—and the surprised and pleased multitude, thronging round him, besought him to speak to them again.
He willingly complied and addressed them long and earnestly. More powerful than ever was his testimony. He was alone, but the Spirit was with him, and with the Spirit Heber C. Kimball was a host. Breathlessly they listened, and at the close several men whom he had never seen until that afternoon, came forward and invited him home to their houses.
The ice was broken. His testimony had prevailed. The good seed sown by the wayside had taken root, as it were, in the very crevices of the stony pavements of the world's metropolis.
CHAPTER XLII.
FATHER CORNER BAPTIZED—THE APOSTLES VISIT THE REVEREND ROBERT AITKEN—HEBER ATTACKED WITH CHOLERA—THE WORK IN OTHER PARTS—SECOND CONFERENCE AT MANCHESTER—BRIGHAM ACCOMPANIES HEBER TO LONDON— CONVERSION OF THE REV. JAMES ALBION.
The first baptism in London took place on Monday the 31st of August, the day following the events related in the last chapter. It was "Father Corner" who offered himself as a convert to the Elders, and it was Heber C. Kimball who baptized him. The ceremony was performed at the Public Baths, after which the new member was confirmed under the hands of the three Apostles at his own house.
Thus was laid the foundation of the London Conference.
Leaving Elder Woodruff for several days, Heber and George A. went to Deptford, for the purpose of establishing a branch there. While they were gone, Brother Woodruff made the second convert—a woman. He also obtained from the directors of a Methodist chapel permission to preach in a school-house at Bowl Court, Shoreditch.
Sunday morning, September 6th, the Apostles filled the appointment made by Elder Woodruff, who preached first, followed by Elders Kimball and Smith. These were the first gospel sermons delivered by the Elders in a meeting house in London, though they had each addressed an audience briefly, at Temperance Hall, on the subject of temperance.