Eliza Roxcy Snow

“ At a meeting of the Bellevue branch, I made my maiden effort as a preacher of the Gospel. I stammeringly told the Saints that I had never received a testimony that would justify me in declaring to them a knowledge of the work of the latter days.
Elder McKean was unexpectedly called into New Jersey, and I was left alone. In December was joined by Elder David Evans, Jr., of Lehi, Utah, who became my missionary com- panion. Our labors were confined exclusively to the State of Pennsylvania, mostly in the counties of Luzerne, Tioga and Bradford, and our circuit extended over two hundred miles. ”

“ Morris was not prepared to start at once, so I resumed my labors on the railroad, but was not so wild and volatile as before.
In August, 1877, we bid a tearful adieu to kindred and friends at home, and once more went forth to declare the words of life everlasting unto the inhabitants of our own land.
Remained two weeks at Council Bluffs, Iowa, and vicinity, and baptized two. We next went to Ashland, thence to Platte Bottom, Nebraska, where we held protracted meetings, bap- tized six, organized a branch and blessed four children. ”

“ Nature never endowed me with a superabundance of religious sentiment or veneration; my region of spirituality is not high, but below the average. A phrenologist once said to me: "You are too level-headed to ever make a sanctimo- nious church member." ”

“ She said, "No, I mean that other man." He replied, "There was no other, darling, except Brother Peirce and myself; we were praying for baby." She shook her head, and, with perfect composure, said, "Oh, yes, there was; I saw him standing between you and Mr. Peirce, and he was qll dressed in white" This was repeated to the mother, who tried every means in her power to persuade the child that it was a mere delusion, but all to no purpose. ”

“ He enjoyed himself greatly in his labors, and returns in good health. He is thankful for the experience he has thus obtained in his youth, and he now knows for himself that there is power and efficacy in the Gospel."
Three days after reaching home, I was called upon a second mission, or more properly, a third; it came about in this way: At the regular April Conference, held at St. George, cousin B. Morris Young had been called on a mission to Great Britain. ”

“ Went to Philadelphia, where we remained a month doing much fireside preaching, but no chance for public demon- stration in the "city of brotherly love." However, we antici- pate a harvest from the seed thus humbly sown.
Early in January we took up our line of march for Luzerne county. Re-organized the Plains branch, thence to Bradford county, where we held circuit meetings regularly alternate nights. We had great joy in visiting the sick and comforting the afflicted; the Lord heard our prayers and healed many. ”

“ Being released, Elder Peirce proceeded toward home in September, 1876, and had arrived at Council Bluffs, when he received another appointment to labor in conjunction with Elder James A. Little, in Iowa, where he remained until he came home. In the last named field, the labors of Elders Little and Peirce resulted in twenty-seven persons being baptized, and they organized one branch. ”

“ We did so,
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dwelling upon repentance after death, the Savior's mission to the spirits in prison, and baptism for the dead, showing how broad and expansive is the Gospel of Christ when contrasted with the narrow and contracted theories of man-made religion. The house was full, and a spirit of sympathy pre- vailed. The daughter believed, was baptized, and is to-day in the faith.
Baptized four in the Susquehanna River at Wysauking. Went to Philadelphia, Morris expecting a release. ”

“ Baptizes and administers to sick. The power of God attends. Organizes branches. Heavenly messenger appears. Release. A second mission. On the frontier. Baptized a Sioux. From Deseret News. A third mission. With B. Morris Young. Meets with success. Opposition. Close of mission. Happy expression.
N the fifth day of October, 1875, at the Semi-annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints, I was called to perform a mission to the United States. ”

“ Failing to accomplish their purpose by fair means, they next resorted to foul. An appointment was out for October 17; upon going to the schoolhouse we found the following anonymous communication lying on the preacher's stand :
"Gentlemen: You are requested not to preach any more in this neighborhood; the people are opposed to it. By leav- ing immediately you will save trouble, as we may resort to means we do not wish to. We are strong and you are weak, so govern yourselves accordingly. ”