609 time his subject being 'The Scriptures; do they contain the word of God?' Bro. Jason treated the subject in an excellent manner, and much satisfaction was given to the congregation. In the evening, 'ye editor' [Joseph Smith] held forth upon the subject, 'Jesus of Nazareth-the Son of God.'
"On the fifteenth the fifth and sixth lectures of the course were delivered; the first in the morning, subject, 'Repentance and confession,' by Elder Forscutt; the second by 'ye editor,' subject, 'Water baptism; is it of divine appointment?' It is to be hoped that these lectures may do much good. If similar courses could be held occasionally in different places, a more thorough knowledge of the work might be obtained by the hearers."-The Saints' Herald, vol. 18, p. 85.
Elder W. W. Blair wrote, February 21, from Austin, Nevada, which point he had reached on his way to California. He reported the branch in Austin in a "cold and partially disorganized state;" but thirty-six miles from there he found zealous, spiritual saints, in the persons of S. F. Walker and wife. On the 27th, he reported from Carson City, Nevada, where he proposed to remain for a month. He had stopped at Lovelocks, on his way from Austin, and baptized Paul Temblay, a Catholic, and William Silverwood, a Brighamite elder. At Carson City, among others he met Thomas Harris, a member of the church, and formerly president of Swansea conference, Wales, who was then a member of the Nevada legislature.
On March 8, 1871, Elder Josiah Butterfield died at Watsonville, California. He was in an early day one of the Seven Presidents of Seventy, 2 and at the time of his death was president of Watsonville branch. Of him Elder George Adams wrote a very complimentary tribute, which was published in the Herald, April 1, 1871. 3
2 See Doctrine and Covenants 107:44.
3 I send you for publication the mournful intelligence of the death of Josiah Butterfield, the beloved president of the Watsonville branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He filled his office with ability (for his years) up to his departure, I may say. He died as
(page 609) |