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Source: Church History Vol. 1 Chapter 9 Page: 197 (~1831-1832)

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197 While the elders were departing for the West, according to the commandment, Joseph received a letter from Oliver Cowdery, of which he writes as follows:-

"The elders now began to go to the western country, two and two, according to the previous word of the Lord. From P. P. Pratt, who had returned from the expedition of last fall, during the spring we had verbal information; and from letters from the still remaining elders we had written intelligence; and as this was the most important subject which then engrossed the attention of the saints, I will here insert the copy of a letter received about this time, from that section, dated

"'KAW TOWNSHIP, Missouri, May 7, 1831.

"'Our Dearly Beloved Brethren:-I have nothing particular to write as concerning the Lamanites, and because of a short journey which I have just returned from, in consequence of which I have not written to you since the sixteenth of last month. I and brother Ziba went into the county east, which is Lafayette, and is about forty miles; and in the name of Jesus we called on the people to repent; many of whom are, I believe, earnestly searching for truth, and if sincerely, I pray they may find that precious treasure. . . . The letter we received from you informed us that the opposition was great against you. Now our beloved brethren, we verily believe that we also can rejoice that we are counted worthy to suffer shame for His name; for almost the whole country, which consists of Universalists, Atheists,

brethren desire to escape their enemies let them repent of all their sins, and become truly humble before me and contrite; and as the covenant which they made unto me, has been broken, even so it has become void and of none effect; and woe to him by whom this offense cometh, for it had been better for him that he had been drowned in the depth of the sea; but blessed are they who have kept the covenant, and observed the commandment, for they shall obtain mercy.

2. Wherefore, go to now and flee the land, lest your enemies come upon you; and take your journey, and appoint whom you will to be your leader, and to pay moneys for you. And thus you shall take your journey into the regions westward, unto the land of Missouri, unto the borders of the Lamanites. And after you have done journeying, behold, I say unto you, Seek ye a living like unto men, until I prepare a place for you.

3 And again, be patient in tribulation until I come and, behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with me, and they who have sought me early shall find rest to their souls. Even so. Amen.

(page 197)

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