BROTHER BADGER:--I never have seen your face, but your name has long stood high and valuable in my estimation, both as Editor of the Palladium and a minister of that gospel which makes free from sin and from the bondage of a proud and tyrannical clergy. More recently you have gained a place in my heart, and Christian affection which I cannot easily describe.

      Since my husband has taken his long tour to your country, New York, and left me here to take care of the "stuff," for some time I felt [107] easy for his sake, fearing that while among strangers and in all extremely cold climate, he might not meet a kind reception among his strange brethren, and be neglected and left to suffer in a strange land. But by your unexpected and truly gratifying letter to me; by the notice taken of him in the Palladium, and by his own letters, I am truly happy to learn that he is universally and kindly received, and that his labors are blest among you.

      When I joined with him in matrimony I agreed never to stand in his way in preaching the gospel, and I have reason to be thankful that God has to this day enabled me with all cheerfulness not only to submit, but to aid him by my prayers, industry, and economy to continue and extend his itinerant labors over the world. He has suffered much for Jesus' sake, for the salvation of perishing sinners he has sacrificed the world. My soul has always went [sic] with him in his arduous and distant travels, has panted high for the prosperity of the cause, has participated in his griefs and trials. Anxieties and solicitude have often spread a gloom oxer [sic] many solitary and lonesome nights. But the success with which God has often attended his labors, has so often been to me like a morning without a cloud, and as the [108] brilliant sunshine to in soul. I have gladly suffered with him for the sake of Jesus, and I strongly hope I shall be a sharer of his reward in heaven.

      My condition in life confines me at home, but even here Jesus is precious; my soul is often happy and elevated with the news of the Palladium, to hear that my Saviour has an humble, free people in the cold and distant state of New York, and that many precious souls are still embracing the gospel there.

      Our church is not very large, about forty-five in number, not very popular and wealthy, but I trust they are humble, pious, faithful, relying on God. We have had many happy little meetings, and some refreshing seasons, and a few added to the Lord among us since the absence of Elder Thomas.

      I wish you and all the dear brethren in New York, who have administered comfort to my husband, to receive the grateful acknowledgments and warmest thanks from her who intends by the grace of God to meet you in heaven. Let all the sisters who have preaching husbands, whose hearts burn with the holy fire of the ancient evangelist, give them up to God, and be willing to partake of their sufferings that they may share [109] their reward. I remain the Pilgrim's wife, and your sister in the Lord.

Christian Palladium, Vol. 3, No. 24.      

Union Vale, Dutchess co., N. Y. March 1, 1835.      

      DEAR BROTHER:--According to your request, having a moment's leisure, I will narrate to you a few particulars of my journey that have occurred since my last.

      At Fonda's Bush, I was joined by my good old brother in Christ, Elder J. Andrews, whom I had seen on Stone's River, Tenn., twenty-five years ago. Our meeting was comforting and encouraging to me, as it renewed and associated many youthful and happy scenes and feelings long gone by, never to be seen and felt in reality again. In the evening I preached to a crowded audience, composed mostly, I suppose, of rigid sectarians, and non-professors. I gave some of their systems a push as I passed along, which, without a prop, will give them a shake.

      Next day I passed on to Craneberry Creek, and preached in Elder Andrews' congregation to a full house. Here my soul felt sweet liberty in proclaiming the good tidings to sinners, and the [110] word seemed to enter the hearts of many. The Lord was with us. From this place I went on to Broadalbin, and preached in a neat and convenient meeting house, belonging to the Christian church, on Thursday evening. In the same place, on Saturday twice, and on Sunday, to very large and solemn congregations. During these meetings the brethren seemed much comforted and strengthened, and many weeping eyes appeared in the solemn crowd. I hope great good will result from this meeting, as we had evidence that the Lord was with us.

      From this place I resumed my travel, and on Sunday evening, I met a numerous assembly in Galway. Here great solemnity rested on many countenances, and brethren seemed confirmed in the truth of the gospel. This was a time and place of notice and lasting remembrance with me.

      This was a plain, decent, humble, and old fashioned meeting house, and the first house of worship ever erected by the people called Christians in the State of New York, about twenty years since! And here I saw some of the old veterans who first enlisted in the good cause of christian liberty in this State, whose hearts were yet warmly engaged in the spirit of that blessed gospel which made them free. Here I was met [111] by Elders King, Rider, and Mosher, and yourself, and felt myself highly favored and strengthened to be reinforced by such a phalanx of soldiers, panoplied and so well qualified to fight in the ranks of christian freedom.

      From this place, accompanied by Elder Rider, I went to Milton, and at night preached to a few people. The first small congregation I have met in the State. But here we proved that the Lord is not confined to time, nor place, nor numbers, for he bestowed a blessing on the souls of several of his children, who met with us here. On the next morning, I made a visit to that memorable, worthy and almost worn out laborer in the vineyard of the Lord, Elder L. Hathaway, who lives in this vicinity. He is one of the old stock of preachers, brought into the Christian cause, some twenty years ago, when the object of such men were not then to stiff, and starch, and brush up in Babylonish habiliments, and vapor in the world's fashion, but the object was to reform the corruptions of christianity in the simplicity and plainness of the spirit of the gospel. The solemnity of his countenance, the plainness of his hair, the simplicity of his dress, and the aweing [sic] dignity of his mien, strongly reminded me of the days of my youth, when our first Christian preachers in the [112] South forsook Babylon, and all the gaudy trimmings of the world to follow Jesus. Then they were plain, serious, pious, holy, zealous, regardless of popularity, and of the world's admiration, and were astonishingly successful in winning souls to Christ. Long live those first, worthy, weather-beaten herald's of the cross! Our visit was truly pleasant and soul refreshing, and an acquaintance which cannot be erased from my memory.

      Here I was joined by Elder J. King, who was to accompany me to my appointments one week. At night, I met a large assembly in Ballston. Here is a neat and spacious Christian meeting house. Our meeting at this place was serious and interesting and here I saw the good, venerable old sister Miller, who opened her door for the first Christian preacher in the State.

      From this place we rode thirty miles, crossed the Mohawk river on the ice, came into the mountains where the snow was very deep and the wind excessively cold. At night I preached to a very large assembly, in a plain and handsome Christian meeting house in Berne. The people were attentive and serious, and I think many good impressions were felt, but here for the first time in all my journey, by the many fatigues I have borne, and the chilling winds of the day, I [113] failed in strength, and could not finish my discourse. Here I became acquainted with Elder Taylor, whose talents are promising, and whose soul seems to be on fire in the good cause.

      From this place, I went on and the next evening I preached at Westerlo, in a plain and spacious Christian meeting house, to a crowded audience. There the Lord was good; I felt strong and happy, and the word went with power to the hearts of many. I tarried the night with Elder Teats, whose kindness refreshed and strengthened me.

      From this place we went to New Baltimore, and put up with brother Miller. At night brother preached, I was unable to attend. Thence we went to Freehold, where a large audience was waiting for me, in a neat and elegant Christian meeting house. Here I preached with uncommon freedom, and the Lord's spirit came down upon us like rain upon the mown grass. This was a time of from the presence of the Lord. Here I became acquainted with Elder Spoor, a gentleman, a Christian and all endeared friend to me. On next day, Sunday, I preached at the same place, to a crowded audience. The good Lord again poured out his Spirit, to the great joy of many of his children, and to the [114] tendering of the hearts of some of the ungodly. After sermon, brother Spore conveyed me to New Baltimore, where in the Christian meeting house, at night, I preached to a large and attentive congregation. This was a solemn and interesting season.

      In all these regions the Christian cause is respectable, and far ahead of the orthodoxies that surrounded it. Next morning I parted from my dear brother Spore, hoping to meet where the weary rest; and went on my journey, crossed the great river Hudson, on the ice, in company with brothers King and Taylor. On the bank of this river I parted from brother King, who had been a kind and agreeable companion and pilot to me one week. At night, I preached to a large audience in the Christian meeting house, in Clermont. The people were serious, and we had a good time. I tarried the night with Elder Winans. The next day I went on, and preached to an attentive audience in Rock City. Next day in our meeting house in Milan, to a large assembly, where, while I was treating on the nonsensical speculations of the Trinity, two or three bigots fled, and left me conquerer [sic] in the field. Here I met with Elder J. Marsh, whom I had seen seven years ago in Ohio. With him I spent an [115] agreeable night. Next day, I proceeded to Stanfordville, and in a spacious and neat Christian meeting house, preached to a large and solemn audience. At night and on the next day, I preached at the same place. These were softening and refreshing seasons. I put up with brother Sherrill, who with his family treated me kindly, and with whose company I was highly pleased. Thence I came and preached at brother Fowler's to a full audience. This worthy old man and family were kind to me. Thence in our meeting house in this place, this day, (Sunday,) to a large assembly. The people here appeared more careless than common, yet I think the Lord was with us, and the brethren were comforted. The people all have, since my last to you, been kind to me, and in some instances, liberal and bountiful, for which I feel grateful, and hope the Lord will reward them.

      In my next, when in New York city, I think I shall give yon some general observations. I am yours in Christ.

JOSEPH THOMAS, (Pilgrim.)      

[From the Christian Palladium, Vol. 3, No. 22. [116]      

      We have enjoyed the unspeakable pleasurse [sic] of spending a week in the company of this distinguished and devoted servant of the most high God. He has a strong constitution and is capable of enduring more fatigue, and preaching more sermons than common men. His mind is also strong, clear and energetic, and his manners purely southern and agreeable. In all the congregations he has visited in this State, he has been received with that friendship and kindness which has ever characterized the churches in this State.

      He designs to be at Freehold, Green co., next Sabbath, and will pass on through Dutchess, Putnam, and Westchester counties to New York city. After visiting the New Jersey Conference, we hope he will conclude to extend his mission to all the Conferences in New England. We are confident his visit would be a blessing, and we think he is desirous to accomplish it, if the churches feel disposed to sustain him in his arduous labors. Let all the congregations who may be favored with his visits, show how much they love the truth he brings. [117]

      We are authorized to give appointments for him as follows: With Elder Hathaway's congregation in Milton, this evening (the 16th). At the Christian chapel in Ballston, 17th evening. At the Christian chapel in Berne, 18th. With Elder Teats, 19th. With Elder Spore, 20th, 21st, and 22d. With Elder Winans, 23d. With Elder Marsh, at Milan, 24th and 25th. At Sanfordville, 26th and 27th. At Israel Fowlers's 28th. With Elder Roberts, at Clove, March 1st. The second Sabbath in March, he will be in New York with Elder Walter.

[Christian Palladium, Vol. 3, No. 20.      

      Several times with unspeakable pleasure, within six months past we have placed the above name at the Head of articles in the Christian Palladium; but now the task is painful. While we commence this article, sensations of the most impressive and afflicting kind, press upon our thoughts. A few weeks ago this strong, healthy man, in the prime of life; this bold, invincible servant of God--this profound logician and orator, was by our side; our warm friend and able counsellor. A short time ago, thousands of [118] smiling Christians were crowding the chapels in different parts of the country, to hang upon his melting strains. But alas! his work is done! his earthly course is finished! He will never more weep over perishing sinners, or warn them to flee the wrath to come--he will never again stand by the side of the poor mourner, to pour the balm of consolation into the afflicted bosom, nor hold out the hand of friendship to cheer and encourage the humble disciples whose faces are Zionward. No, that voice which imparted such animation and joy, is silent; that hand which was given in token of Christian fellowship is now Cold in death.

      Elder Thomas was about forty-four years of age, near six feet high, light complexion, straight, athletic, strong, proportioned, and was the picture of health. Twenty-eight years of hard labors and had debilitated him; he was, active, brilliant and cheerful. His name was dear throughout the great valley of the Mississippi, and all the churches in the Southern States. We believe he was a native of North Carolina. His journey East, the past winter, has rendered [119] him dear to all the churches, and has been it blessing, and has brought him, as we believe, to the zenith of his popularity, and he was ready to depart, and be with Christ.

      It is truly singular that four distinguished men, all in the prime of life, who have journeyed from the west to the east, (as far as this State,) within three years past, are now all gone down to the grave. Yes, Kinkade, Miles, Lawrence, and Thomas--faithful servants of the church--bold messengers of Jesus, have left the walls of Zion. Mysterious are the ways of Providence, but we submit; all is right; "the Judge of all the earth will do right."

      It is supposed, Elder Thomas took the Small Pox in New York, though not exposed to it, to our knowledge, only by walking the streets. He expired on the 9th of April, 1835, at the residence of Elder J. S. Thompson, Johnsonsburg, New Jersey. We doubt not that every possible attention was rendered him in his last afflictions, by Elder Thompson and his friends. His sufferings were great, but he was patient and resigned, and often named his kind and bereaved family with that tenderness peculiar to his affectionate manners and fine sensibility.

      On this melancholy occasion, after describing [120] his sickness, Elder J. S. Thompson writes to us as follows:--

      "Every possible comfort was administered to him, but the skill of physicians and the aid of friends was baffled. We entertained strong hopes of his recovery until one or two of the last days of his life. His earthly sufferings were closed on Thursday, the ninth of this month, between seven and eight o'clock, A. M. His mortal remains were that evening committed to the dust in the burying ground in this place by a few friends. Elder Currier and myself we e [sic] present. The next Sabbath Elder Currier preached a funeral sermon from Mat. xxvi, 44. 'Therefore be ye also ready for such an hour as ye think not, the Son of man cometh.' My acquaintance with my deceased brother was short, but I believe he was a worthy and good man. O, how my heart felt for him when he said to me, 'Now this is the Small Pox, (he being unwilling to believe it until he was broke [sic] out with it) I fear I shall never see my family again.' But that God, in whom he trusted, was his consolation and hope, and I sincerely believe he has gone from his labors to a heavenly reward.

      "Judge ye my feelings that my strange brother was at my humble dwelling not more than fifteen days from his first welcome, hoping for life and to return to his family, must fall by the hand of death, and by strangers be conveyed to the dust, but I have an approving conscience that my duty to him as a stranger has been discharged. Since [121] his death, I have written to his bereaved widow and children, now fatherless. May the God of the universe verify his promise to be the 'widow's God," and may his fatherless children trust in him forevermore."

      The exit of Elder Thomas is a public loss, which will be extensively felt. It is particularly so to us; he was our personal friend--he was a decided friend to the Christian Palladium and General Measures; he was calculating to exert all his influence in the West, for a general union of exertion between the East, and West. His labors, no doubt, would have accomplished much, and we expect he would have been appointed to fill the office of one of our Executive Committee, as soon as there had been a vacancy. But we are disappointed, and a prominent friend of general measures has fallen, and is cut off in the midst of his days and usefulness. Again, he was pledged to us, and we were every day expecting a communication from him on the subject of our early history in the South. We know of no man now living, so capable of the task. We cannot but indulge the hope that something among his papers, will be found prepared for our use on this subject. We request Elders Thompson and Walter, and Col. Sager to look to this, if it is proper for them to examine his papers. Our [122] history we fear in the South, will forever be imperfect, unless his pen has been employed on the subject. Elder Thomas wrote a history of his life some years since. He also published quite a volume of poems of his own composition. His likeness was accurately taken in New York, in his white dress. It will probably be engraved for binding with this volume.

      We would offer his afflicted family our kindest sympathies in their deep affliction and bereavement. May that religion the husband and father has so long and successfully taught, and which gave him joy and comfort in his last moments, be their hope and never failing portion. We feel thankful that his lot in his sickness was cast among kind friends. We well know the kindness and constitutional benevolence of Elder Thompson; the suffering stranger could not have fallen into kinder hands.

      While our aged ministers are dropping off, was it not for the vast number of young men who are coming forward, a heavy gloom would gather and over-shadow our prospects. But the Great Eternal God presides; his cause is our cause, and his mighty truth will live and exert a happy influence, and make men free, when all the faithful watchmen who now boldly stand forth in [123] defence of the gospel, shall slumber with brother Thomas in the sweet repose of death.

      We have just received the following tribute to the memory of Elder Thomas, from a worthy correspondent, which we admit with pleasure, and also request Elder Millard not to forget this case when his mind is in the right state:

[LTGL 107-124]