| 590 it reveals a plan of life in a future state of existence, worthy conceptions of a God; it elevates our ideas of Jehovah and of his creation; it it plainly shows the whole duty of the Saint-the plan of salvation; the straight and narrow path-and, in short, it is a perfect system of Theology, as far before the clanging, jarring systems of modern divinity, as the Gospel of Jesus Christ was before the systems of the Pharisees and Sadducees, or as the plan of salvation devised by Jehovah before the worlds began is before any of the systems of Sectarianism.
The political views of the Prophet are as far in advance of the age, as his religious principles; liberal, enlightened, and comprehensive; they are totally unique. The friend of equal rights and liberty; he advocates the emancipation of the slaves, and the opening of the prison doors. Independent in his actions; he cares for neither wealth nor fame; but is the friend of the poor. Uncorrupted by the spoils of office; he is opposed to the political aristocrats of Washington lining their pockets with the hard earnings of the poor democracy. His liberality and benevolence extends from pole to pole, hear his views 'come Texas, come Mexico, come Canada and come all the world-let us be brethren; let us be one great family; and let there be universal peace.' What can be more liberal, more benevolent or more in accordance with the spirit of our free institutions. Opposed to the low systems of political chicanery practiced by the corrupt office-seekers of the age; he advocates the principles of unadulterated freedom. The friend of all mankind; he studies the convenience of the people more than the comfort of the cabinet. Uncompromisingly the friend of truth, and freedom: he would carry out the spirit of our constitution, without respect to party or fear of consequences.
He stands alone; modern degeneracy has not reached him. Stern and unyielding in his integrity: the features of his character bear the stamp of Roman patriotism. No narrow system of vicious politics, no political demagoguery, no contest for the spoils of office, have sunk him to the vulgar level of the great; but unfathomable, great, and benevolent, his object is the freedom of the world, his ambition to win the love of all mankind. The sight of his mind is almost infinite; his schemes are to affect not the United States and the present age only, but the world and posterity. And judging the future by the past, the means by which these objects will be accomplished, though seemingly small and insignificant,-will be always seasonable, always adequate, the suggestions of an understanding animated by love, and illuminated by inspiration.
Comprehensive in his views, unflinching in his patriotism, uncontaminated by his intercourse with the world, unsnllied [unsullied] in his character, unbending in his morality, iudependent [independent] in his actions, high literary attainments, of great political capabilities, a Gentleman and a Scholar, what more can we ask in a chief magistrate. A character so exalted, so various, so grand astonishes this coorupt [corrupt] age, and the political demagogues and office-seekers, struggling for 'the loaves and fishes' tremble in every limb, and quiver, through fear, in every muscle, at the name of the far-famed General Joseph Smith. I cannot better express my opinion of him than in the language of Robertson, in his character of the celebrated Sir William Pitt "upon the whole there is something in this man, that would create, subvert and reform: an understanding, a spirit, and an eloquence, to summon mankind to society, and break the bonds of slavery asunder-something to rule the wilderness of free minds: something that could establish or overwhelm empires, and strike a blow in the world that should resound through the universe."
May the great Jehovah inspire his heart with wisdom and understanding sufficient to lead his people, in the paths of truth and righteousness, and bring about the reformation of manklnd [mankind]. May he be endowed with power to establish universal peace, prepare the way for the coming of the messiah, and usher in the glorious millenium [millennium], and that he may have the Divine sanction in all his proceedings and be blessed in all his undertakings, is the sincere desire of
Yours Respectfully,
HOSPES.
Portage, Allegany [Allegheny] co. N. Y. May 1st, 1844.
Dear Brother Taylor:
I now take my pen in hand to inform you of my success for some time past. I left Nauvoo the last of September, and have been since that time striving with the assistance of the grace allotted to me to spread the cause of truih [truth]. I reached the state of New York about the middle of October. I began laboring in the counties of Allegany [Allegheny] and Steuben; soon after I commenced preaching, effectual doors were opened and many expressed a willingness to hear the truth; I have striven successfully against the opposition, and God has been pleased to bless my labors. I have baptized 46 and have witnessed the baptism and confirmation of 15 or 20 more. I have traveled alone the most of the time since I started on this mission,
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