| 814 need of your counsel. Our love to all. We request an interest in the prayers of the church.
NOAH ROGERS,
BENJ. F. GROUARD.
P. S. Br. Pratt, also, writes that many of the natives, on that island, are now already to be baptised [baptized], and all he is waiting for is to acquaint them more fully with their duty after being so.
LETTER FROM ELD. WM. SMITH.
The N. Y. Prophet of January 25, contains cheering news from Elder Wm. Smith. In the midst of trials, tribulations and accusations from false brethren, he triumphs; and really, when we learned that his "wife was better," we rejoiced,-for it seemed good before the Lord.
We give the letter entire, that the saints generally may sympathize with Elder Smith in all his afflictions, and pray for him, and rejoice, as the Lord, in his infinite mercy, blesses him and his family.
He writes to the Prophet:-
Dear Brother-
__I improve this opportunity to let you know that through the mercy of God I am still alive and in the land of the living.-My wife also, I rejoice to say, is better than usual, and I am in hopes will be able to journey west in the spring.
Since the arrival of Elders P. P. Pratt and Benson, the burden of church affairs will not rest so much on my shoulders, and in the reception of these brethren from the west, I am much rejoiced in having more help, for truly we might say the harvest is great, and the laborers are few. I shall continue to labor in conjunction with Elder Pratt, in the eastern churches until spring. It is well known however, by the saints that I contemplate leaving for the west soon, and I feel highly pleased to leave the presidency of the eastern churches in such competent hands, and I hope the saints will do all in their power to sustain them; with the quorum of the Twelve as the presidency over the whole church.
I would say that I have read Elder Pratt's circular to the churches, and do most cordially approve of its sentiments. Since the death of the prophet and patriarch, the church has had to undergo almost an entire revolution of things and those away from Nauvoo have had to guess their way, or get along the best they could, and if errors have been committed, they have been of the head, and not of the heart. But as yet we have committed none as we know of, and we pray God to guide us by that Spirit that leads into all truth, and if there should be any discontented spirits, the brethren will attribute them to the right source.
Rigdonism has been through this country, but it is now dead-forsooth, it never lived. It has perished in its birth, and died without usage, and those who have been led by its influence, are now without a name or church. God pity them; they know no better.
The church of Christ is well united, glory to God, and bids fair to prosper with good management. God help us now, and the gospel ship will ride safely through the storm. The winds and waves have now subsided, and she anchors in the haven of rest. Be faithful, brethren, and you will reap your reward.
I will not say more at this time; you know my feelings; it is that Zion may prosper and be built up, and the cause of truth spread throughout the whole world, and the pure in heart be blessed; and God have mercy on my enemies, and those who persecute and despitefully use us. God loves the honest in heart, and those who will stand to their posts and prove true unto death, but the traitor and hypocrite God will judge. Integrity is half the battle; let the saints put their trust in God, and put away sin, evil speaking, and every evil work, and be true to their friends and trust, and the battle is won, the victory ours. Which may God grant for his Son's sake.
My respects to all my friends; I have not forgotten them. Amen.
WILLIAM SMITH.
EARTHQUAKE AT ST. THOMAS.-The Captain of the brig Orleans, which arrived here from St. Thomas on Sunday, reports, that a slight shock of an earthquake was felt at that place on the 2d instant, about 11 o'clock, A. M., which lasted a very short time,-no damage done.-Picayune.
ANOTHER EARTHQUAKE.-Captain Baker, of the Industry, reports an earthquake at 2 o'clock, of January 7 at Pointe a Petre . The brig had a deck load of horses, which were thrown down by the shock. No damage done on shore.
MISSION IN THE PACIFIC.
The letter from Tahita in this paper, is full of interest; it shows that faith, diligence, and perseverance, when sanctioned by Jehovah, can overcome all difficulties;-for there is nothing impossible with God.
The mountains must be thrown down; the valleys exalted; the oceans rolled back to their own place; the islands moved out of their places, and so all Israel shall be saved.
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