Labors in the Vineyard: Twelfth Book of the Faith-Promoting Series. Designed for the Instruction and Encouragement of Young Latter-Day Saints

In Short

This collection presents true, firsthand narratives of nineteenth-century Latter-day Saint missionaries. The writers recount their travels to England, Switzerland, and the American frontier, describing encounters with illness, mobs, and local authorities who viewed their message with profound suspicion. Beyond their historical interest, these stories served as didactic tools intended to steel the resolve of young readers, teaching them that steadfast devotion to conviction is the only path through life’s inevitable "deep and troubled waters." The book remains a poignant record of early proselytizing experiences and the uncompromising religious culture of its time.

The Story

The narrative arc follows the lives of various Elders from their initial departure to their later years. The journey begins with the physical rigors of the mission field: long walks, exposure to the elements, and the constant struggle to find food and lodging while relying solely on the charity of strangers. These missionaries often describe themselves as ill-equipped, traveling with little money and sometimes wearing tattered clothing that invites ridicule or suspicion.

As they arrive in their assigned lands—whether in the industrial towns of England or the cities of Switzerland—they face a common pattern of escalating tension. At first, they are often treated with indifference or skepticism. As their influence grows and they begin to preach, this indifference hardens into organized hostility. They frequently find themselves barred from preaching halls, shouted down by local ministers, and harassed by mobs. In Switzerland, one missionary recounts the chilling experience of being arrested by local police, held in a dungeon, and interrogated by officials concerned about his activities and the nature of his faith.

The stories do not shy away from internal struggles. One missionary confesses to a period of intense "blues," where he nearly abandoned his mission to return to his property and friends in America, only to be redirected by an unexpected encounter. Another recounts the constant, draining necessity of learning foreign languages and navigating complex legal requirements, such as passports and residency permits, which local authorities used as weapons to curb their influence.

The turning points in these stories are marked by what the authors perceive as miraculous interventions. They describe moments of sudden, overwhelming clarity in their speaking, the feeling of being "clothed upon" with the Holy Spirit during debates, and the inexplicable appearance of strangers who provide food, money, or shelter exactly when they are most needed. These events serve as the climax of their individual chapters, validating their sacrifices in their own eyes and confirming their commitment to their calling.

The conclusion of these lives is as stark as the beginning. The accounts move from the vitality of youth to the reflection of age. The missionaries return home to Utah, where they settle into the mundane realities of pioneer life: building sawmills, farming, and managing their families through disease and persecution. The narratives often end with a quiet, final assessment of their life’s work, suggesting that their earthly tribulations were necessary prerequisites for the spiritual rewards they anticipate in eternity. They express no regret for their past hardships, viewing their scars and struggles as the inevitable price of their dedication.

How It Unfolds

The departure The missionaries set out from Utah with little more than a sense of duty, often facing difficult weather and the threat of disease like cholera during their transit. They leave behind the relative safety of their homes to enter environments where they are entirely unknown and often unwelcomed.

Entering the field Upon arriving in Europe, the Elders are assigned to districts where they must immediately navigate foreign customs and language barriers. They attempt to establish a presence by seeking halls to preach in, only to be met by skeptical congregations and entrenched local clergy.

The crucible of opposition The story shifts to the conflict between the missionaries and the public, characterized by heckling, legal harassment, and mob violence. They are frequently challenged to defend their doctrine and face direct threats to their safety, forcing them to rely on personal resolve and what they interpret as divine guidance.

The turning point Through moments of intense oratorical success or life-saving encounters with mysterious benefactors, the Elders overcome their lowest points. These events serve to solidify their authority and silence their critics, allowing them to organize groups of converts and establish a foothold in the region.

Resolution and reflection The narrative concludes with the missionaries returning to the American West, where they grapple with the trials of building new settlements. Looking back from their later years, they frame their past suffering as a noble training ground that successfully refined their character and confirmed their faith.

The People

• The Narrators (the Elders): These men serve as the central figures, portraying themselves as humble servants who lack traditional authority or wealth. They are defined by their resilience; they want to fulfill their mission despite overwhelming social, legal, and physical obstacles. They end their stories as older, settled men, looking back on their youthful zeal with a sense of quiet satisfaction.
• The Opponents: These figures—ranging from mocking crowds and skeptical ministers to suspicious police officers—represent the world outside the missionaries' faith. They stand in the way by using their social status, legal power, and local influence to isolate the Elders. They are consistently portrayed as instruments of "the destroyer," yet they are sometimes softened or silenced by the missionaries’ persistence.
• The Benefactors: These individuals, often strangers, appear at critical junctures to provide the missionaries with resources when they are at their lowest. Whether offering a "green room" in a four-story house or simple hospitality, they act as the catalysts that keep the missionaries moving forward when survival seems impossible.

In Its Own Voice

"I had nearly concluded that there could not be either sense or inspiration in the authorities of the Church sending me to England on a mission, and that when I got to New York City I would go over to my native town where I had some property and quietly settle among my old friends and relatives."

A missionary describes a moment of profound doubt while traveling to his field of labor.

"I think every one, now living, who was present at that meeting, if asked the question, would say I was literally clothed upon with the Holy Ghost."

An Elder recalls a moment of powerful, unplanned preaching that silenced his critics.

"I do not believe that any man will ever be trusted to walk in the footsteps of his Elder Brother, Jesus, as a Savior of a world, or ever be seated with honor on the right hand of His Father, until he has learned to wade through deep and troubled waters, up stream and against the current without earthly props or stays."

A reflection on the necessity of suffering for spiritual growth.

What It's Really About

The central theme is the cultivation of faith through the intentional deprivation of comfort. The book argues that one’s spiritual identity is not formed in ease, but in the "deep and troubled waters" of adversity. It asks: Can a person function without "earthly props or stays"? By documenting the missionaries' lack of food, money, and social support, the text posits that the withdrawal of human assistance is the very mechanism by which divine assistance is rendered visible. It is a study in the psychological and spiritual necessity of sacrifice, framing institutional and personal struggles as essential steps toward becoming "noble men and women" capable of enduring the demands of their faith.

Why Read It Today

Readers interested in the history of religious movements or the personal narratives of nineteenth-century pioneers will find this book a revealing primary source. It provides an unvarnished look at the mental and physical reality of early missionary life, capturing the specific anxieties, language, and worldview of the era. The tone is earnest and unsentimental, focusing on the gritty details of travel—from the quality of a meal to the friction of a passport interrogation.

However, modern readers should be prepared for the distinct challenges presented by the text. The writing reflects the specific cultural and religious attitudes of the 1880s, which can feel jarring or exclusionary to a contemporary audience. Furthermore, the episodic structure, moving quickly between disparate missionary accounts, lacks the narrative momentum of a modern memoir. Some descriptions of the missionaries' confrontations with local customs or hostile "sectarian" ministers are presented with a binary certainty that can feel confrontational.

Despite these hurdles, the book offers a powerful, if singular, perspective on the power of conviction. Those who appreciate accounts of human endurance will be struck by the missionaries' unwavering belief that they were part of a larger, providential design. It is a contemplative read, best suited for someone willing to engage with the intense, sometimes alien, internal logic of these early traveling preachers.