| 392 like a snow ball, it becomes more ponderous as it rolls along, gathering together the pure in heart among all people, and forming a nucleus around which shall gather the great, the virtuous, the benevolent, the wise, and the patriotic of all nations. That 'knowledge is power,' is a truth acknowledged by all, and if there is any true and correct source of intelligence, it must be that which proceeds from the Almighty, Joseph by his wisdom became second to pharaoh in power, and in command in Egypt. Daniel through his wisdom was placed in great authority in the Babylonish kingdom, being made chief ruler and governor. When our Savior made his appearance in the world, it was said of him, 'whence hath this man this wisdom, seeing he has never learned?' he spake as never man spake,' and his 'fame went out to all the country round about.' The reason is obvious: those persons had all received intelligence from God, and being instructed by the great Eloheim [Elohim] were enabled to unfold principles of intelligence that far exceeded every thing that was merely human; the wisdom and intelligence of the generations in which they severally lived. Life and immortality, we are told was brought to light in the days of our Savior by the gospel, and the same gospel having been restored in these last days by the revelation of Jesus Christ, the opening of the heavens, the ministering of angels, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and the power of God, we may expect a pure stream of intelligence to flow unto us, which has its fountain in the bosom of the almighty, and which is calculated to satisfy the capacious desires of intelligent spirits, and expand the human heart wide as the universe. Already many great things have been unfolded unto us, which as far exceed the principles of sectarianism, as light does darkness. Their influence has been felt, both at home and abroad, and although handled in many instances by unlettered men: they have produced a mighty effect. The diamond has shown in all its resplendent beauty and thousands who know how to appreciate truth have been attracted by the precious gem.
Perhaps there never was a time since the principles of our holy religion were first revealed from the heavens, in these last days when they spread more rapidly than they do at the present time. Our elders are going forth 'bearing precious seed,' and the accounts which we are daily receiving from all parts of the union are of the most flattering kind. Intelligence is disseminating, truth is triumphing, churches are being built up, and superstition, ignorance and bigotry are loosing their fascinating charms, being eclipsed by the more lucid rays of eternal truth.
The work is still progressing in Canada, New Brunswick, England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and in the Isle of Man; and despite of the vast numbers that are constantly immigrating to this land, their numbers are continually on the increase. In Wales, native elders have been ordained, who are going forth and preaching in their own language, the great principles of eternal truth. We have elders preaching in New Holland, and in the East Indies, and elders during the past year have been sent to Islands in the South Sea. Elders Hyde and Adams, are also preparing to go on a mission to Russia in the spring.
Our affairs in Nauvoo are prosperous; vast numbers of brick houses have gone up the last summer and fall, and our city begins to present a very pleasing prospect. Great numbers of merchants have settled among us during the past year, and the amount of merchandise which has been imported, has placed goods within the reach of the citizens of Nauvoo, at as reasonable a rate as they can be purchased at any of our western cities.
Considering the many improvements that have been made, and the difficulties in many instances under which the committee has had to labor, the Temple has made great progress; and strenuous efforts are being made in quarrying, hauling, and hewing stone, to place it in a situation that the walls can go up and the building be enclosed by next fall.
There has not been much done at the Nauvoo House during the past season, further than preparing materials; most of the brick, however, and hewed stone are in readiness for that building; and the Temple and Nauvoo House committees, having purchased several splendid mills in the pineries, place them in a situation to furnish both of the above named buildings with abundance of excellent lumber, besides having a large amount to dispose of.
Great improvements have been made in our Municipal regulations lately; ordinances have been passed to protect our citizens against the encroachments and persecutions of Missouri, and a standing police of forty men have been appointed to see those laws enforced, to guard against the encroachments of blacklegs, horse thieves, kidnappers, and other scoundrels, who so much infest our river, and who in so many instances, (in consequence of the credulity of the people,) have been enabled to commit all kinds of depredations at the expense of the Mormons.
Vigorous efforts are being made to improve our wharves, and facilitate the landing of steamboats on our shores. A charter has also been granted by the City Council for the erection of
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