| 716 parable was given while the church was in Jackson county, Missouri, long before the "Twelve" were chosen; and the Bible and Book of Mormon allow the house of Israel to be the vineyard of the Lord of Hosts, and the olive trees, the twelve tribes, which were scattered, and the Gentiles, the wild olive, were grafted in, and the temple at Jerusalem, not the tower, was thrown down. Such spiritualizing as Sidney stick's
"Would light up a smile in the aspect of wo!" That a fool is a fool though he thinks he is wise.
Comparitively [comparatively] judging, the whole letter is about as near to truth, light, and salvation as the toot of a rams-horn is to the tone of an organ.
One thing more, and I have done, that ne plus ultra of book making memory, Benjamin Winchester, is about to publish according to Sidney's paper, "a work in which he will cancel the claims of Elder Rigdon at length."-Now this is the unkindest cut of all. To "cancel" is to draw black lines across; or to obliterate: so, as a matter of convenienee [convenience], this religious, literary dandy, will expunge Sidney's claims and his own, as they both have been cut off from the church for unchristianlike conduct. Where little is, little is expected.
Before I conclude let me drop one word relative to trying the spirits. It is tolerably well known that God reveals his ordinances in a place appointed. He has said he will do it in the temple as soon as that is completed. The way the work now goes on it will soon be ready for washing, anointing, and the endowment; but while we are waiting, and frequently are annoyed with such animals as "Sidney's stick," it may be well to reflect on the following pattern to try spirits: it is on the 294 page of said Doctrine and Covenants:
"And again, I will give unto you a pattern in all things, that ye may not be deceived, for satan is abroad in the land, and he goeth forth deceiving the nations: wherefore he that prayeth whose spirit is contrite, the same is accepted of me, if he obey mine ordinances: he that speaketh, whose spirit is contrite, whose language is meek, and edifieth, the same is of God, if he obey mine ordinances. And again, he that trembleth under my power, shall be made strong, and shall bring forth fruits of praise, and wisdom, according to the revelations, and truths which I have given you.
And again, he that is overcome and bringeth not forth fruits, even according to this pattern, is not of me: wherefore by this pattern ye shall know the spirits in all cases, under the whole heavens."
TO OBEY MINE ORDINANCES! Ah! that is the touch stone! If a man does not tithe himself on the temple and for other purposes, his religion is a mere echo; and his professions will leave him with the rich man in hell. Read and practice the 430th page of said Doctrine and Covenants.
In conclusion let me solemnly say, and I thought so when I saw the smoky houses of Pittsburg [Pittsburgh], as I passed through on my way down the river, Sidney and his "clique" (for so I call it) are perfectly at home, and will be as long as they can kick up fuss enough to attract the Gentiles and apostates;-for misery loves company: and let me tell you when the sow that was washed hath returned to her wallowing in the mire; and the dog to his own vomit again; and such events show that judgment has begun at the house of God; and where shall the sinner and ungodly appear? Oh, let me say to the brethren, and sisters, as you have followed the glorious revelations of your late martyred prophet for good, continue and finish that splendid monument of his sublimity, the temple, where you can receive an endowment in season to triumph over the machinations of apostates, and the wiles of satan!
AN OLD MAN OF ISRAEL.
To the Editor.-SIR: Permit a stranger to say a word or two in favor of your pleasant city, I learn from your people much that never gets abroad. First, instead of broils and contention, jarrings and strife, as some, who have gone out from among you, are trying to make the world believe, you are all peace, almost a Millennium; in fact I never saw so great a union.
Second. Instead of Gen. Smith's widow, (Emma,) being cut off from the church, she is in as good standing as she ever was, and manifests to strangers, the same noble disposition.
Thirdly. The church seems more united since the death of Gen. Smith, than when I was here last year. Your "union" is almost a miracle; and there seems to be a spirit thrilling through the bosoms of all Nauvoo-let false tongues say what they may, we will carry out Joseph Smith's measures, in union, now and forever. "If you do, God is with you."
Yours respectfully,
PHILADELPHIA.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER DATED
Kalamazoo, Sept. 29, 1844
MUCH ESTEEMED BROTHER:-We had learned before receiving your letter, that our highly esteemed and much beloved Prophet and Patriarch
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