| 675 then we will only defend ourselves. Why do they not go away to a more congenial clime and leave us to ourselves, if they do not love our ways and our religion. We do not ask them to tarry with us, for we are far better without them. It is true that our city is open for all who wish to come, but we wish to have the privilege of enjoying our religion and 'peculiarities' unmolested, for we molest no one. Yes, brethren, let us let them alone and patronize our friends or rather patronise [patronize] ourselves and save ourselves from the oppression and speculations of such men.
The Savior says: 'they that are not for us are against us.' So say I, and who cant [can't] see that all these merchants, lawyers and doctors are not for us. Their interests are not identified with ours, neither do they care for our welfare and prosperity. Then why should we patronise [patronize] them? why should we employ them? why should we support them? I say we are under no obligations to do it, neither does charity require it. Then we will let them alone, and not go near them, for I feel as though this people have suffered long enough from such sources, and I think they will be more wise henceforth,
I have digressed because I feel the force of the words, let them alone; however I will return to my reveries.
Now let me ask, who cant [can't] see that the mantle of the prophet, (using a figure) has fallen on President Young and the Twelve? Who cant [can't] see that the same spirit which inspired our beloved brother Joseph Smith, now inspires President Young? I am sure that instead of our being left without revelation, we have them more abundant, or else we understand the principles ourselves better. Whilst listening to the many remarks which were made during conference. I could not help but rejoice to see the intelligence and wisdom which flowed from our beloved president and his brethren of the Twelve; and I am satisfied that the saints who were present, all felt that God was with us, and that God is with the Twelve. But we need not wonder that the atmosphere feels more pure and more wholesome, for much of the unfruitful and corrupt matter is purged out, and consequently we may expect to be more healthy.
I admire the remarks made on the subject of our temporal policy, and especially that part relative to raising sheep. This would certainly be profitable and would afford labor for many and save much of our money at home.
The saints have many things before them to encourage and comfort them, but the best of all is, 'God is with us.' The Temple is rising even faster than could have been anticipated, and has a very imposing appearance. There are already ten of the capitals on the walls, and there will be more in a few days. These capitals are truly splended [splendid], and indicative of that genius and intelligence which cometh from above. The 'order' of the Temple is purely original, not being fashioned after any other order in existence; but I must confess it looks heavenly, with the moon at the foot, the sun at the head, and upon that will be the stars. I think this order is more properly entitled to the character of Celestial order than any other we have ever read of.
I have read the ideas of a certain gentleman in a down river paper, who visited Nauvoo a while ago. He says; 'the Temple has very much the appearance of being built in moon shine.' This I supposed he inferred because the base of the pilaster represents a half moon, but I think if he will 'call again' he will think that the light resembles that of the sun at noon day.
I will now close this sheet. I am well satisfied that we as a people have nothing to fear. We are in the hands of God and he will take care of us. We will thank him for past mercies, and trust him for the future, for he is our God and we are his people, and we will serve him.
As ever, yours in the bonds of truth. C.
Nauvoo, Oct. 13, 1843.
TO THE FRIENDS OF THE TEMPLE.
We wish to offer a word of information to those who donate money and property for the building of the temple of God in Nauvoo; inasmuch as a wrong impression has prevailed relative to the order of giving credit for subscriptions.
All tithings, consecrations, donations, and sacrifices presented for the building of the temple are recorded in a book kept for that purpose in the form of a history, wherein is recorded the names of the donors, the kind of property donated, and the price of the same, or if in money, the amount, all under the respective dates when the same is deposited in the hands of the Trustee in Trust. Except in cases where authorized agents have collected funds and given receipts to those who donated.-Wherever receipts are given for property, we do not enter it in the general record until those receipts are presented at the recorders office. Consequently we are under the necessity of making a separate list of all properties received where receipts have been given, and keeping
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