_Resolved_, That the thanks of this society be presented to the ladies of Lofton’s prairie and vicinity, for their generosity and benevolent feelings in constituting Rev. John Clark a life member of this society. By order of the President. MOSES O. BLEDSOE, Secretary. [56] The author tried the practice of bathing the feet in cold water in the morning, while traveling on these frontiers, and found it invariably injurious to _him_. The application of cold water to the feet and body of more than one-fourth is positively injurious. To others it is highly beneficial. This depends on the _temperament_. Mr. Clark had a sanguine-nervous temperament, and received benefit. The writer has a bilious-nervous temperament, and the circulation sluggish. To such, the experience and observation of fifty years have taught that the cold bath is injurious, while the hot bath is exhilarating. Careful observation and experience are the only safe guides. It is sheer quackery to prescribe the same treatment to all persons. [57] This was Enoch Long, Esq., now of Galena, Ill. [58] This was the seminary at Rock Spring, which proved the embryo of Shurtleff College. [59] This is the usage amongst Baptists. No ecclesiastical authority is required to constitute a church. Any number of the disciples of Christ, when baptized on a profession of faith, can unite in church fellowship. Ministers and other brethren, on invitation, meet with them, and give them public recognition as being in union. [60] Rev. Elijah Dodson. [61] Job xxi: 15. [62] COPY.--Coldwater, Mo., Sept. 20th, 1832. DEAR FATHER IN THE GOSPEL: I have come this way on my tour to the Missouri Association, with the hope of seeing you, and having one more interview on the shore of time. I imagine you have gotten to the banks of Jordan, and are waiting for the boat to carry you safely across. I have some special business with you, on behalf of your friends, which I meant to have done by word of mouth, but now must do it with the pen. During your long pilgrimage, you have been _trying to do good_, and no doubt wish to keep _trying_ the inch of time you may remain with us. Some of your Christian friends are anxious you should do some _good on earth_, after you have joined the ranks above. Your friends think a memoir of your life, including your conversion, experience, travels, and labors would be interesting and useful to the living; and they are not willing to part with you without having the materials left. Your labors in this country are intimately connected with the religious history of the country, and to have an accurate account of the one, we must have a sketch of the other. We wish you to commence writing, the mere facts and dates, without regard to style, soon, and continue as your strength permits. Yours with due respect, [63] Mr. William Patterson. Transcriber’s Notes