| 926 The later Quebec papers contain the following:-
One assertion we may safely make, that the amount of property lost is not so far magnified, and the sacrifice of human life is underrated.-The total loss has been computed with the utmost nicety possible, and found to be between one million and one million and a half of pounds! or, in dollars, $4,000,000 to $6,000,000! The loss of life cannot be estimated.
We hear of many private interments of the remains found by supposed relatives, and it is asserted that about forty victims of the conflagration have so far been inhumed, and that many, very many, will never be discovered.-This statement we fully credit, from our own observations, as the first sufferers fled towards town, and, from the irregular and distant outbreaks of the fire from its origin, they could not have retraced their way, and must have perished encompassed by the flames which, from moment to moment, narrowed the limits of apparent safety around them.
Had such fires occurred in cold weather, common sense would lead us to suppose that they originated by over heat, carelessness or some other ordinary circumstance, but in almost every case, while the start is accidental, the wind, in its fury, has acted as if there was a purpose, that fanned the flame. These circumstances, connected with the sacred words of Jesus and the prophets, compel some to read, witness, or fear what is transpiring, not only in this nation, but among the nations. How forcibly are the words of Joseph Smith, in his "Views of the powers and policy of government," brought to mind upon witnessing the scenes around us!-He said, "No man can doubt for a moment, but the glory of American liberty is on the wane; and that calamity and confusion will sooner or later destroy the peace of the people."
Ah! here it is!-the prophet told it;-and though men had power to take the life of the man, they have not the power to stay the fulfilment [fulfillment] of his words. They cannot stop the calamity and confusion that must sooner or later destroy the peace of the people!" God, who never errs, pours out his wrath, and who shall be able to abide his indignation?
There is but one way to escape the wrath of God, and that is by repentance. If the people of these United States, who have suffered the innocent blood of the prophets to be shed in their midst with impunity, will arise and put on sackcloth like the inhabitants of Nineveh, and do works meet for repentance, peradventure, the "red hot wrath" with which (Joseph said) God would purify this nation, may be turned away. We have given the hint, and our garments are clean from the blood of all men.
If the Saints will be justified in the presence of God, and pass unscorched through the fire of the last days, they must sanctify themselves by the revelations of God, and bide their time. The axe is laid at the root of the trees and every tree that bringeth forth not good fruit, will be hewn down and cast into the fire. The world, in former days, was purified by water; in the last days it will be purified by fire, for even the elements shall melt with fervent heat.
Be ye ready.
THE CAPSTONE OF THE TEMPLE.
After a little more than four years of hard labor, in truly troublesome times, and not, too, without the loss of the best blood in the church, on the morning of the 24th ult. at a little past 6, a goodly number of Saints had the honor, and glory to witness the Capstone of the Temple laid in its place. The morning was cool, clear, and beautiful; the Saints felt glorious, the band upon the top of the walls, played charmingly, and when the stone was placed, there was a united Hosanna to God and the Lamb, amen and amen shouted three time, which not only gave joy on earth, but filled the heavens with gladness!
The "Twelve," and other authorities of the church, were present to witness and conduct this interesting scene. Like the event when God finished his work and rested, (so said President Young,) as it was the seventh day of the week, the Saints might do the same.
A new hymn was sung, and as the prophets have written for our instruction, so the "head stone" was brought forward with shouting-grace, grace unto it;-and may the God of Israel, with his Almighty power, grant that the Saints may have peace to obtain their endowment therein. Amen.
PERSECUTION AND GREATNESS.
One of our English writers on the Bible, thus spake of the old prophets:
"With respect to the Hebrew prophets, whose inspired writings still continue to instruct mankind, it may, says Mr. Gray, be affirmed, that in the long and illustrious succession from Moses to Malachi, not one appears, who was not entitled to considerable reverence by the display of great and extraordinary virtues.-Employed in the exalted office of teaching and reforming mankind, they appear to have been animated with a becoming and correspondent zeal. The most intemperate princes were sometimes compelled unwillingly to hear and to obey their directions, though often so incensed
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