| 179 the worship of our God; where the ordinances can be attended to agreably [agreeably] to his divine will, in this region of country; to accomplish which, considerable exertion must be made, means will be required; and as the work must be hastened in righteousness, it behooves the Saints, to weigh the importance of these things, in their minds, in all their bearings, and then take such steps as are necessary to carry them into operation; and arm themselves with courage, resolve to do all they can, and feel themselves as much interested, as though the whole labor depended on themselves alone; by so doing they will emulate the glorious deeds of the Fathers, and secure the blessing of heaven upon themselves and their posteriy [posterity] to the latest generation.
To those who feel thus interested, and can assist in this great work, we say let them come to this place, by so doing they will not only assist in the rolling of the kingdom, but be in a situation where they can have the advantages of instruction from the presidency and other authorities of the church, and rise higher and higher in the scale of intelgence [intelligence], until they "can comprehend with all Saints the length and breadth and debth [depth], and height, and know the love of God which passeth knowledge."
Connected with the building up of the kingdom, is the printing and circulation of the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, Hymn book and the new translation of Scriptures, It is unnecessary to say any thing respecting these works; those who have read them, and who have drank of the stream of knowledge, which they convey, know how to appreciate them, and although fools may have them in derision, yet they are calculated to make men wise unto salvation, and sweep away the cobwebs of superstition of ages, throw a light on the proceedings of Jehovah which have already been accomplished and mark out the future in all its dreadful and glorious realities; those who have tasted the benefit derived from a study of those works, will undoubtedly vie with each other in their zeal for sending them abroad throughout the world, that every son of Adam may enjoy the same privileges and rejoice in the same truths.
Here then, beloved brethren is a work to engage in worthy of arch-angels; a work which will cast into the shade the things which have heretofore been accomplished; a work which kings and prophets and righteous men, in former ages have sought, expected, and earnestly desired to see, but died withoat [without] the sight: and well, will it be for those who shall aid in carrying into effect the mighty operations of Jehovah.
By order of the first Presidency, R. B. THOMPSON, Scribe. Nauvoo, Sept, 1840.
Waterville, N. Y. July 29th, 1840.
DEAR BRETHREN, E. ROBINSON & D. C. SMITH:
Having a few leisure moments to spend in writing, I sit down at this time to address a few lines to you, to inform you where I am at present, and what I am doing; through the goodness of our kind heavenly Father, I am yet alive and have the privilege of informing you that the work of the Lord in this part of his vineyard, is still progressing, though opposed by the wicked of all classes, (in this region,) from the bloated faced drunkard of the Bar Room, even to the long faced priests of different sects, whose crafts are in dangered [endangered] by the principles of the Renewed Covenant, as taught by the Elders of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints: and notwithstanding all the opposition, the kingdom of God in its native purity is rolling forth in mighty power; in this north country, and gathering in its progress, the honest in heart from all classes and sects of religious institutions, as well as scores from among the non professing portion of community. since I last wrote to you, July last 1839. I addressed a letter to the presidents of the seventies dated Feb 22d 1840, in which I gave a history of the work of the Lord in this region, and also wished them to write to me, but as I have received no answer from the aboved [above] named letter, I have no, evidence to believe they ever received it, and shall give a general history in this; since last July, the 22nd; I have added to the different branches of the church in this region, about fifty members, and the young Elders about as many more, by baptism, I have attended two
(page 179) |
