| 727 event, he tenderly wrote: "I recognize the hand of a kind Providence in my meeting with, and finally being united in marriage with her, as I am conscious that our marriage was one of the brightest, and most important periods of my life." In the spring of 1850 he began farming, on what had been his father's farm, near where Amboy is now located.
In 1851, Mr. Blair first became interested in religion, having previously been skeptical on the subject. This interest was awakened by the preaching of ministers connected with the Latter Day Saints, among whom were John Landers, Edwin Cadwell, J. W. Briggs, Ira J. Patten, Aaron Hook, William Smith, and Joseph Wood. After thorough investigation, he became convinced that the mission of Jesus Christ was divine, and recognized the truth of the latter-day message. He was therefore baptized by Elder William Smith, brother of the martyred Prophet, on October 8, 1851. Of the happy change experienced in his conversion, be wrote: "The change from the darkness and deadness of infidelity, to the joyful light and the thrilling hope of life-eternal life -in Christ. was delightful and glorious beyond my power to fully tell. I felt as my faith in Christ increased, that a change was being wrought in all my nature; my mind, my feelings, my affections, my desires, yea my entire being-soul, body, and spirit seemed changed, and was enjoying this happy and wonderful transition."
He continued in association with William Smith and his colleagues until the summer of 1852, when, as he states it, he "learned that some of the leading elders were walking in unrighteousness." He and Edwin Cadwell then publicly withdrew from this connection. He then investigated "Baneemyism;" but of this he states: "In time became fully satisfied that it was not the work of God."
In a state of doubt and uncertainty he continued until the autumn of 1855, when he became acquainted with Elder John E. Page, formerly one of the Twelve Apostles, and after investigation and comparison of views he united in a temporary organization with Elders Page, John Landers, William Marks, John Gaylord, Russell Huntley, and others. He continued in association with these parties until November
(page 727) |
