Since then the Elders have passed through so many similar experiences, that they have ceased to be a novelty. That there should be such a powerful antagonism of spirits manifesting themselves in muscle, in a Christian church, indicated a new era in religious influences.
CHAPTER IV.
CONVERTED—START FOR MISSOURI—CALLED TO PREACH "MORMONISM" WITHOUT BEING BAPTIZED—JOIN THE CHURCH—VOYAGE TO PITTSBURG—PREACH THE GOSPEL AND ESTABLISH A BRANCH—EXPERIENCE AS A TRUNKMAKER—MISSION TO NEW YORK—SPEAK IN TONGUES EFFECTS OF PREACHING COUNTERACTED BY LIES—SECOND VOYAGE DOWN THE OHIO—PROVIDENTIAL DELAY.
In the spring of 1831 there was a two-days meeting of the Saints, about six miles from where I lived, in the State of Pennsylvania. I attended it, and became fully convinced of the divine origin of the latter-day work.
In the summer of 1831, I settled up my business and started for the latter-day Zion, in the State of Missouri. On my way out of the State of New York, I visited Elder J. P. Green, in the town of Avon.
As I arrived there on Saturday, he said, "Brother Lorenzo, I am very glad you have come. I have an appointment to preach at 10 o'clock, eight miles from here, but I am very unwell and not able to fill it. I want you to do it for me."
I rather ridiculed the idea, saying, "You want me to preach as a Mormon Elder, when I have not even joined the Church?"
He still desired me to go, and said, "it will be all right."
E. M. Green, the son of J. P. Green, accompanied me, with a revelation on the organization of the Church, which his father directed him to read to the congregation.
Arriving at the place appointed, I found the house full, and a Baptist preacher in the stand. I introduced myself to the minister; he invited the congregation to sing, and I prayed, and E. M. Green read the revelation. I arose and commenced to speak. The good Spirit was with me, and I had much freedom. I talked about one hour and a quarter. At the close I gave any one the privilege of speaking who wished to. The Baptist minister arose and bore his testimony, that what they had heard was true Bible doctrine, and could not be questioned.