James Lythgoe Missionary Journal / pp079-080

[79] have gone to Ashton, but being very hungry I called at Bro. Lee's, where I had tea. I was very ill tired on account of being without dinner, but could not be avoided. He is a blind. He and his wife is always very kind indeed to me. The child was not well. I administered to it according to request and retired to bed.

June 4, Wednesday, Oldham

Breakfast with Sis. Lee. Left for Oldham, a distance of 6 miles. Dinner with Sis. Ashworth at 3 p.m. Visited Bro. Cocker, got clean shirt, etc. I thought to try and settle the grievous disturbance which had so long existed in Gledhills' family so I made it my business to go up as far as Bro. James's. Bro. Dame, when he last visited this place, said he must go down to his Bro. Edward and settle the matter which had so long existed between them. I thought to have gone down with him, but he said he should never go down to his house but wanted to spy his opportunity and speak to Lee in a private manner (Edward's wife). He said he had nothing to do with him for this reason, because he was not [80] in the church and therefore would not go to his house. Edward had said if ever he saw him speak to his wife, would almost kill him. This kind of work has upset the branch for more than 2 years and it is high time that it be done away, the idea of 2 fleshly brothers being so much at variance with each other. I don't know what they mean. It is mean work I['m] sure and if both of them don't take very good care they will go to the devil together and both [have] been good elders in the church. I always visit them with the best of feelings, interested in both of their welfares, because I think if one of the two go to heaven they all ought to go together. If I must dictate any at all to them I would send them both on the top of the highest mountain in England and there pray until they loved each other. I think that would be the best plan for them to do.

Meeting at 7:30 p.m. A goodly [number] was present. I spoke about three quarters of an hour to them. I don't know that even I felt better in speaking to the Saints. In my remarks I desired them never to say anything behind the back that they could not face to say before anybody. My words went very well from me. The brethren bore testimony to what had been said. Closed, supper & lodgings with old father Cocker, who is between 80 & 90.