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Source: Church History Vol. 1 Chapter 21 Page: 567 (~1835)

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567 a preacher who had come out from Europe, with his lady, to examine this work, and, as he stated, was delegated by his church for this purpose. His interview was short, and he left with the understanding he would call again and renew his investigations. As he did not return according to agreement, and hearing he was at Fairport, the Council of the Presidency sent him the following letter:-

"'June 14.

"'To the Rev. Mr. Hewitt.

"'Sir:-In consequence of your not returning as we understood you at your introduction to us, it was resolved and approved in council, on the evening of the 14th instant, that the bearer, Oliver Cowdery, one of the Presiding Elders of our church, should proceed to Fairport, and ascertain if possible the cause of your delay; and this is done as one reason that we feel an anxious desire for the salvation of the souls of men, and to satisfy your inquiries concerning the religion we profess. If at Fairport it is the sincere desire of the council that Mr. Hewitt return, that we may satisfy him concerning our religion, and he satisfy us concerning his; for we feel as great a desire for the welfare of his people as he can for ours.

With respect, etc.,

"'W. W. Phelps, Clerk.'

"Elder Cowdery repaired immediately to Fairport, and on the day following reported to the council that Mr. Hewitt was not in the place; that he left their letter with Mrs. Hewitt, who informed him that her 'husband had frequently spoken of his wish to become further acquainted with the people whom he had come out from Europe to see.' But the next we heard of the Rev. John Hewitt was that he had opened a school in Painesville, Ohio. Mr. Hewitt was elder of the Irvingite Church, in Barnsley, England, and received a delegation from that church, as expressed in a letter from Mr. Shaw, of April 21, to visit the saints in America, and ascertain their faith and principles; and if Mr. Hewitt found them as they expected, the saints in America might expect help from them (the church in Barnsley), as they were rich in temporal things, and had received the gift of tongues in the church.

(page 567)

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