To the Saints of the Most High: Dear brethren in the Lord—

At a council of the pastors of our church, held March 28, 1835, upon the propriety of the Rev. John Hewitt visiting you, it was resolved and approved, that as he had an anxious desire to go to to see the things that are spoken of in one of your papers, brought here by a merchant from , he should have, as he desired, the sanction of the council, and if it pleased the Lord, his approval.

The Lord hath seen our joy and gladness to hear that He was raising up a people for himself in that part of the New World, as well as here—O may our faith increase that he may have evangelists, apostles and prophets filled with the power of the Spirit, and performing his will in destroying the works of darkness.

The Rev. Mr. Hewitt was professor of mathematics in Rother’m Independent Seminary, and four years pastor of Barnesly Independent church. He commenced preaching the doctrines we taught about two years since, and was excommunicated—many of his flock followed him, so that eventually he was installed in the same church, and the Lord’s work prospered. As he is a living epistle you will have, if all be well, a full explanation. Many will follow should he approve of the country, &c. who will help the cause, because the Lord hath favored them with this world’s goods.

We had an utterance during our meeting, which caused us to sing for joy. The Lord was pleased with our Brother’s holy determination to see you, and we understand that persecution had been great among you, or would be; but we were commanded not to fear, for he would be with us— Praise the Lord.

The time is at hand when distance shall be no barrier between us, but when, on the wings of love, Jehovah’s messages shall be communicated by his saints. The Lord bless our brother and may he prove a blessing to you. Be not afraid of our enemies, they shall, unless they repent, be cast down by the Lord of hosts. The workers of iniquity have been used by the Prince of darkness to play the counterfeit, but discernment has been given to us that they were immediately put to shame by being detected, so that the flock never suffered as yet by them.

Grace, mercy and peace be unto you from God our Father and from the Spirit, Jesus Christ our Lord,— Amen.

I am,

Dear Sirs,

Your brother in the gospel.

Barnesly, April 21st, 1835. [p. 316]