| 514 "Bro. Banta is doing well, and is well liked by the saints where they get acquainted with him. I baptized four at Washington Corners last week, and there are twenty or thirty more in that vicinity that are 'almost persuaded.' Some of them men of large means and kind hearts; so I learn. Bro. Dungan's health is failing; he is an old man and full of years, and may be called home at any time. I have called on the California and Nevada saints for means to be forwarded to the Bishop to aid the work; some are preparing to respond. I suppose I shall be in San Francisco in a few weeks."-The Saints' Herald, vol. 14, pp. 189, 190.
December 5, 1868, Elder Blair wrote from San Francisco in his usual cheerful mood:-
"We are still adding to the members of the church. I recently baptized two at Mission San Jose, and four others were baptized there since then. I also baptized five at Santa Cruz, and three at Watsonville, of late. We have promise of some money for the Bishop, soon. I hope the amount will not be less than $1,500 or $2,000; gold. I hear that the branches are generally doing well, increasing in numbers, faith, and good works.
"We are thinning down the number of elders (traveling), and are determined that none but capable, honest, faithful men, shall go forth to preach. A lack of care in this respect has wrought much evil here, as I learn by traveling through among the saints. 'Be ye clean that bear the vessel of the Lord,' we are determined shall be carried out by the ministry. We now have some noble men in the ministry. Bro. Glaud Rodger is a most excellent brother, and is now on his mission. Bro. George Adams is doing well, as is also Bros. Banta and Clapp, who are now at Yuba City and Marysville. We have many noble souls on this coast, and I trust many more will soon unite with us. I am determined to get the church here under more strict discipline than it has had; I find that our efforts in that direction work admirably, thus far, and we have unshaken faith for the future."-The Saints' Herald, vol. 15, pp. 54, 55.
(page 514) |
