| 308 at one time, and that the taking of the land by force is condemned; also that prudence and economy in all things is taught.
We here present to our readers the appeal of the saints to
reproaching this great republic, in which the most of us were born, and under whose auspices we all have protection.
We feel as though enough was said on this point, knowing that a word to the wise is sufficient, and that all our brethren are aware of the fact that all the tithes cannot be gathered into the storehouse of the Lord, that the windows of heaven may be opened and a blessing poured out that there is not room enough to contain it, if all the means of the saints are exhausted before they reach the place where they can have a privilege of so doing.
Do not conclude from these remarks brethren that we doubt in the least that the Lord will fail to provide for his saints in these last days, or that we would extend our hands to steady his ark; for this is not the case. We know that the saints have the unchangeable word of God that they shall be provided for; yet we know if any are imprudent, or lavish, or negligent, or indolent in taking that proper care and making that proper use of what the Lord has made them stewards over, which is their duty to, they are not counted wise; for a strict account of every one's stewardship is required, not only in time, but will be in eternity.
Neither do we apprehend that we shall be considered as putting out our hands to steady the ark of God by giving advice to our brethren upon important points relative to their coming to Zion, when the experience of almost two years' gathering has taught us to revere that sacred word from heaven, "Let not your flight be in haste, but let all things be prepared before you."
Then brethren we would advise that where there are many poor in a church, that the elders counsel together and make preparations to send a part at one time and a part at another. And let the poor rejoice in that they are exalted, but the rich in that they are made low, for there is no respect of persons in the sight of the Lord.
The disciples of Christ, blessed with immediate revelations from him, should be wise and not take the way of the world nor build air castles but consider that when they have been gathered to Zion, means will be needed to purchase their inheritances, and means will be needed to purchase food and raiment for at least one year; or, at any rate, food; and where disciples or churches are blessed with means to do as much as this, they would be better off in Zion than in the world, troubled as it is, and will shortly be, with plagues, famines, pestilences, and utter destructions upon the ungodly.
On the subject of false reports which are put in circulation by evil minded men, to ridicule the idea of the gathering of Israel in these last days, we would say to our brethren abroad, believe them not: The Evening and the Morning Star was established expressly to publish the truth and the word of the Lord, that the saints might not be deceived by such as make broad the borders of their garments and love the uppermost rooms at feasts, yea, by such as bind heavy burdens which are grievous to be borne, and lay them upon men's shoulders, but will not move them with their fingers. Yea, we give this caution that the disciples may not give heed to the gainsaying of those who seek the honor of this world and the glory of the same, rather than seek the honor of God and his glory; nor those who have turned away from the Church of Christ and denied the faith delivered to his saints in these last days.
(page 308) |
