| 309 Governor Dunklin, in which is incorporated the resolutions passed by the citizens of Jackson County; also the reply of Governor Dunklin. Each of these documents speaks for itself, hence a lengthy comment would be superfluous:-
"To His Excellency, Daniel Dunklin, Governor of the State of Missouri.
"We, the undersigned, citizens of the republic of the
Brethren, the Lord has begun to gather his children, even Israel, that they may prepare to enter into and enjoy his rest when he comes in his glory, and he will do it. No matter what our ideas and notions may be upon the subject; no matter what foolish report the wicked may circulate to gratify an evil disposition, the Lord will continue to gather the righteous, and destroy the wicked, till the sound goes forth, "It is finished."
It ought to be known abroad that much improvement is needed in the cattle, sheep, and hogs, in this part of the country. For the sake of comfort and convenience, as cows here are worth from ten to fifteen dollars, our brethren would do well, and we would advise them, to purchase before they arrive in this region.
In fact, if they journey according to the commandments of the Lord pitching their tents by the way, like Israel in days of old, it would be no more than right to drive cows enough to supply every family, or company, with milk on the way.
They would then have them when they arrived here, and if they selected of the best breeds, they would lay a foundation for improvement, a thing of which all our brethren who are acquainted with raising stock will at once see the propriety.
The sheep of this State are large, but as their wool is coarse, the breed would soon be improved if our brethren would drive with them some Merinos or Saxony. As soon as wool and flax are had among the brethren, sufficient for the purpose, they will manufacture cloth for their own use in the church.
The swine in this country are not good, being the old-fashioned shack breed, and much inferior to the large white grass breed of the Eastern States. If any could introduce this breed into the church in Zion, what little pork might be wanted in the winter would be much better, and easier raised.
It is a matter of some surprise to us that our brethren should come up to the land of Zion, as many do, without bringing garden seeds, and even seeds of all kinds. The Jaredites and Nephites took with them of all kinds; and the Jaredites all kinds of animals. And although the Lord has said that it was his business to provide for his saints, yet he has not said that he would do it unless they kept his commandments.
And notwithstanding the fullness of the earth is for the saints, they can never expect it unless they use the means put into their hands to obtain the same in the manner provided by our Lord. When you flee to Zion we enjoin the word, Prepare all things that you may be ready to labor for a living, for the Lord has promised to take the curse off the land of Zion in his own due time, and the willing and the obedient will eat the good of the same; not the idle, for they are to be had in remembrance before the Lord.
One very important requisition for the saints that come up to the land
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