| 754 that ye shall receive him into the order. What I say unto one I say unto all.
And again, I say unto you, my servant Shederlaomach, you shall be a lively member in this order; and inasmuch as you are faithful in keeping all former commandments, you shall be blessed forever : Amen.
With respect to Brother Gilbert's letter of the 10th of December, I would say to him; firstly, we believe he wrote it in all sincerity of his heart: and we were pleased in the style, and composition; but, upon mature reflection; and enquiry [inquiry] at the hand of the Lord, we find some things that are unreconcilable, especially to some: I mean with respect to hints given that are not clearly explained. As every letter that comes from Zion, must go the rounds of the brethren for inspection, it is necessary that there should be no disguise in them but that every subject written from brethren should be plain to the understanding of all, that no jealousy may be raised and when we rebuke, do it in all meekness. The letter written the 24th of February was not written in that contrition of heart which it should have been, for it appears to have been written in too much of a spirit of justification; but the letter to Brother Whitney of the 20th of March, was written to our entire satisfaction.
Now I would say to Brother Gilbert, that I do not write this by way of chastisement, but to shew [show] him the absolute necessity of having all his communications written plain, and understandingly. We are well aware of the great care upon his mind, in consequence of much business; but he must put his trust in God, and he may rest assured that he has our prayers day and night, that he may have strength to overcome every difficulty. We have learned of the Lord that it is his duty to assist all the poor brethren that are pure in heart, and that he has done wrong in withholding credit from them, as they must have assistance; and the Lord established him in Zion for that express purpose.
It is not the will of the Lord to print any of the New Translation in the Star; but when it is published, it will all go to the world together; in a volume by itself; and the New Testament and the Book of Mormon will be printed together.
With respect to Brother Oliver's private letter to me on the subject of giving deeds, and receiving contributions from brethren, &c., I have nothing further to say on the subject, but to make yourselves acquainted with the commandments of the Lord, and the laws of the State, and govern yourselves accordingly. Brother Elliot was here yesterday and shewed [showed] me a letter from Brother Phelps, and we were well pleased with the spirit in which it was written. The probability is that he will not go to Zion at present, as he has bought in Chagrin.
We rejoice to hear that the Seminary lands are reduced in price, and are coming into market: and be assured that we shall use our influence to send brethren to Zion who are able to help you in the purchase of lands &c., &c.
We have just received a letter from Brother Sidney, he has built up a church of eight members, in Medina county, Ohio, and prospects of more. With respect to the deaths in Zion, we feel to mourn with those that mourn, but remember that the God of all the earth will do right. And now, my beloved brethren, I commend you to God and his grace, praying him to keep and preserve you blameless, to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: Amen.
JOSEPH SMITH, Jun.
P. S. Say to Brother Corrill that his confession gave me great satisfaction, and all things are now settled on my part. J. S.
In the month of April, the first regular mob rushed together, in Independence, (Zion) to consult upon a plan, for the removal, or immediate destruction, of the church in Jackson County The number of the mob, was about three hundred. A few of the first elders, met in secret, and prayed to Him who said to the wind "Be still,' to frustrate them in their wicked design. They, therefore, after spending the day in a fruitless endeavor, to unite upon a general scheme for "moving the Mormons out of their diggings." (as they asserted,) and becoming a little the worse for liquor broke up in a regular Missouri "row," showing a determined resolution that every man would "carry his own head."
April 30th a conference of high priests assembled at the school room, in Kirtland, and appointed Brother Albert Brown, a committee to circulate a subscription, to procure money to pay for the use of the house where meetings had been held, the past season; and John P Green was instructed to go and take charge of the branch of the church in Parkman, carrying with him an epistle to the brethren; and as soon as convenient remove his family to that place. It was also decided that Sister Vienna Jaquies should not proceed immediately on her journey to Zion, but wait until William Hobart was ready, and go in company with him.
On the 4th of May, 1833, a conference of high priests assembled in Kirtland, to take into consideration the necessity of building a school house, for the accommodation of the elders, who should come together to receive instruction
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