led at and asked for
lodging, and at each place we had been refused, simply because we
were Mormons.

About midnight my partner grew very sick of his contract to do
the begging and resolved to die before he would ask for aid from
such people again. I told him I would have both food and lodging
at the next place we stopped. He said it was useless to make the
attempt, and I confess that the numerous refusals we had met with
were calculated to dishearten many a person; but I had faith in
God. I had never yet gone to Him in a humble and penitent manner
without receiving strength to support me, nor had He ever sent me
empty-handed from Him. My trust was in God, and I advanced to the
next house, confident that I would not ask in vain.

As we approached the house we discovered that the negroes were
having a dance. I asked where their master was; they pointed out
the house to me. We walked to the house and up on the porch. The
door was standing open; a candle was burning, and near the fire a
woman was sitting holding a sick child on her lap. The man was
also sitting near the fire. Our footsteps attracted their
attention; our appearance was not inviting as we stood there wet,
muddy, and tired. I spoke in a loud voice, saying:

"Sir, I beseech you, in the name of Jesus Christ, to entertain us
as servants of the living God. We are ministers of the gospel, we
travel without purse or scrip; we preach without hire, and are
now without money; we are wet, weary, and hungry; we want
refreshment, rest, and shelter."

The man sprang to his feet, but did not say a word. His wife
said:

"Tell them to come in."

"We will do you no harm; we are friends, not enemies," I said.

We were invited in. Servants were called, a good fire was made
and a warm supper placed before us. After eating we were shown to
a good bed. We slept until near ten o'clock in the morning. When
we did awaken our clothes were clean and dry, and breakfast was
ready and waiting for us. In fact, we were as well treated as it
was possible to ask.

This family had lately come from the State of Virginia, intending
to try that climate for a year, and then, if they liked it,
purchase land and stay there permanently. After breakfast the
gentleman said:

"You had a severe time of it among the Christians yesterday and
last night. As you are ministers, sent out to convert sinners,
you cannot do better than to preach to these Christians, and seek
to convert them."

He