One beautiful Sabbath morning, in the Spring of 1835, I was one of a large audience who gathered in the chapel then known as the First Christian Church, under the pastoral care of Elder Isaac N. Walter. Presently a man dressed in white, bearing a modest, mild expression of countenance, arm in arm with the Pastor was seen to ascend the pulpit, and was introduced as Joseph Thomas, the White Pilgrim, who at once proceeded to address his numerous hearers. His preaching was in harmony with his general appearance: mild, persuasive, and evidently dictated by love for souls. I never saw a countenance more indicative of what I have ever regarded as the stamp of the spiritual than his. Of his talents as a preacher I can only speak in general terms. His oratory was of the winning and persuasive style, his knowledge of the Scriptures appeared to be remarkably good. An anecdote in point was related to me by Elder Walter. Theological controversy was at that period quite frequent. Elder Walters was several times, involved in it by ministers of other denominations assailing his position; although planting himself in the defensive, he showed no unwillingness to defend his cause. He appeared to be in his element. While engaged in debate. On one occasion, he was approached by a clergyman, who proposed to debate the question of the Trinity--three on [263] each side; naming himself and two others for the affirmative, leaving it to Elder Walter to name his associates. He promptly accepted the challenge, and remarked that Wm. Lane and Joseph Thomas were at hand, and would be his associates. When the Reverend gentleman heard who were to act with him, be at once reconsidered his proposition, and concluded that he would drop it, or reserve the subject for further consideration! It is needless to add that Elder Walter heard no further from his proposed antagonist. Eld. Thomas endeared himself to the people during his brief stay in our city. Wm. Hillyer, a portrait painter of much celebrity, painted his portrait, and sent it as a present to Mrs. Thomas; and on the occasion of the funeral address, by Eld. Walter, in the chapel (which was crowded,) this portrait was exhibited. Its faithfulness was generally remarked, and the audience testified their respect by a generous collection of $50 for the benefit of his family. A very correct lithograph was drawn from the portrait by Geo. W. Mathews, from which the likeness in this work was faithfully taken.

      The peculiarity of his white dress undoubtedly added much to the notoriety which everywhere greeted him; though, independent of that, his excellent evangelical gift rendered his services very acceptable. Once--and only once--I heard him allude to his dress. He said in substance that he chose it because it was typical of the robes of the saints in glory; that he had found very little inconvenience in its use, and appeared to be quite contented in his choice. [264]

[LTGL 263-264]