| 865 the prophets this winter, and the upper story for the printing press.
Oliver started for New York the first instant, for the printing establishment, with eight hundred dollars. There will be as many hands employed upon the house as can work, and every exertion made to get the printing into operation, and publish the Star, commencing from the last number printed; and to be conducted by Oliver, (until an opportunity offers to transfer it again to Zion, to be conducted by W. W. Phelps & Co., as usual,) and under the firm of F. G. Williams & Co., entitled the Latter day Saint's Messenger and Advocate. The probability is, that the Star will be forwarded to subscribers by the first of December. Oliver has written to you for the names and residence of the subscribers for the Star, and if you have not sent them, we wish you to send them immediately, that there may be no delay in the papers going to subscribers as soon as they can be printed.
Bishop Whitney, also, started for New York at the same time, to replenish his store in Kirtland, with money enough to pay all the debts of both establishments, and expects to bring a larger supply of goods than at any former time. Thus you see the goodness and mercy of God in providing for his saints. Not one week before Bishop Whitney started, the way seemed hedged up and ten or twelve hundred dollars was the most that he had, and knew not where to obtain the amount he wanted; but by a remarkable interposition of Divine Providence, he was furnished with all he wanted, for which, let us all raise our hearts in gratitude to God and praise his holy name, that he is a present help in every time of need.
We have seen a letter written to Sister Whitney, in Nelson, that has a great deal to say about the gift of tongues, and the interpretation which was given by way of prophecy, namely: "that Zion would be delivered by judgments," and that certain ones named, would go to such and such places among the Lamanites, and "great things would be done by them"; and also, that two Lamanites were at a meeting, and the following prophecy was delivered to them, "that they were our friends, and that the Lord had sent them there, and the time would soon come when they should embrace the gospel," and also, "that if we will not fight for ourselves, the Indians will fight for us."-Though all this may be true, yet, it is not needful that it should be spoken, for it is of no service to the saints, and has a tendency to stir up the people to anger.
No prophecy spoken in tongues should be made public, for this reason: many who pretend to have the gift of interpretation are liable to be mistaken, and do not give the true interpretation of what is spoken; therefore, great care should be had, as respects this thing; but, if any speak in tongues, a word of exhortation, or doctrine, or the principles of the gospel, &c., let it be interpreted for the edification of the church.
When you receive this letter I wish you to write immediately, and direct your letters to David Elliott, Chagrin, Cuyahoga county, Ohio, and put this mark X on the back of it, if you do not wish it broken open, and he will forward it to us; and you will please to name in your letter, where and to whom we shall direct, and thus we may evade interception, &c.
Yours in the bonds of love,
F. G. WILLIAMS.
At this time the evil and designing circulated a report that Zion was to be extended as far east as Ohio, which in some degree tended to distract the minds of the saints, and produced a momentary indecision about removing thither, according to the commandments; but the report was soon corrected, and the brethren continued to remove to Zion and Kirtland.
On the 11th, we left Westfield, and continuing our journey staid [stayed] the night with a man named Nash, an infidel, with whom we reasoned, but to no good; and on the 12th, arrived at Father Nickerson's, when I received the following
Revelation, given October, 1833.
Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you my friends, Sidney and Joseph, your families are well: they are in mine hands, and I will do with them as seemeth me good; for in me there is all power; therefore, follow me, and listen to the council which I shall give unto you: Behold, and lo, I have much people in this place, in the regions round about, and an effectual door shall be opened in the regions round about in this eastern land: therefore, I the Lord have suffered you to come unto this place; for thus it was expedient in me for the salvation of souls; therefore, verily I say unto you, lift up your voices unto this people; speak the thoughts that I shall put into your hearts, and ye shall not be confounded before men; for it shall be given you in the very hour, yea, in the very moment, what you shall say.
But a commandment I give unto you, that ye shall declare whatsoever things ye declare in my name, in solemnity of heart, in the spirit of meekness, in all things. And I give unto you this promise, that inasmuch as ye do this, the Holy Ghost shall be shed forth in bearing record unto all things whatsoever ye shall say.
And it is expedient in me that you, my servant
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