| 153 regardless of the smiles or frowns of their fellow mortals.
It was in the State of New-York, where the church was first organized, but on account of the persecutions to which they were continually subject; they moved into the State of Ohio, where they built a large and handsome place of worship; the patern [pattern] of which was given by revelation; but there they were not suffered to dwell in peace, but were harrassed [harassed] and persecuted, even by men who were once their dearest friends; but the most cruel persecution, and one which will be an everlasting stain on the American character, was in the State of Missouri, whre [where] cruelties of the most atrocious and wicked character were practiced, which would disgrace the annals of the most barbarous nations. Many noble hearted and virtuous men, whose characters were unimpeachable, and whose names will be handed down to future generations as such, fell victims to the foul spirit of religious persecution, which commenced by a few reckless characters in the shape of men, but which was consumated [consummated] by the executive and authorities of the State. Little did those unfeeling wretches feel, when butchering the innocent and unoffensive [inoffensive]; the broken hearted widow, and the piercing cries of the fatherless were alike unheeded by these monsters, who spared neither age nor sex, but "whose feet were fast to shed blood." The saints had to flee from a land of oppression, and were scattered far and wide on the extensive plains of Illinois. But have the enemies of the truth triumphed, as the religion of heaven extinct, No! thank God it lives, although many have sealed their testimony with their blood, and the saints have been scattered, yet like the persecutions practiced upon the children of Israel by the Egyptions [Egyptians], which was the forerunner of their memorable deliverance; so the persecutions in Missouri, is but the prelude to far more extensive usefulness of the saints, for since the saints have been scattered, the work has been every way preached, and an inquiry respecting the truth of these things is made in every quarter, and the cries of "come over and help us" is heard far and near; and never since the commencement of the church, have the Elders been so successful in proclaiming the gospel. Not only have the poor believed its precious truths and rejoiced in the same, but the rich, the noble, the honorable, men of all ranks and stations, are begining [beginning] to investigate those principles, the adherance [adherence] to which, have brought on the saints repeated persecutions and on some a MARTY'S [MARTYR'S] CROWN. Yes, our Senators and Representatives, our Governor's and our Judges "shut their mouths; "for that which had not been told them they see, and that which they had not heard, do they now consider."
Not only on this continent does the work spread and prevail, but distant nations have heard the tidings of salvation. Britania [Britannia] has spread out her arms and welcomed the elders of Israel, her dence [dense] population are crowding to hear the tidings as they roll, and thousands are coming forth in obedience to the gospel; nor will it stop here, but with a light more glorious than the king of day, shine forth in its strength, until it shall penetrate and diffuse its genial warmth and light over the moral world, and erradiate [irradiate] with its brightness, all who come to the light-yes, the elders of Israel, shall have faith, power and intelligence commensurate with their important mission, and shall lift up there voices in the various tongues of the earth-shall be wafted over every sea, enter every port, traverse every land, until every ear shall hear and every heart shall be penetrated,-until the purposes of our God shall be fulfilled, Zion established, satan bound, and an everlasting righteousness bro't. in, and when shall be heard from every creature under heaven, blessing and honor, and glory and power be unto him that setteth upon the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever."
In consideration of what has already been accomplished, and the promises of God in regard to the future, we are led emphatically to exclaim, "Surely there is no enchantment against Jacob, there is no divination against Israel, from this time it shall be said of Jacob and of Israel, what has God wrought."
Not only has the Almighty been kind by clothing his servants with power, and spreading the work throughout the land, but a location has been secured for the saints, on the banks of the
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