| 1044 When the saints get this message, I shall probably be on my way to the West. Should they wish to forward me letters or assistance, they can direct the same to Nauvoo. I hereby tender my thanks to the saints for such assistance as they have rendered me. I have received in the neighborhood of twenty dollars in fulfilment [fulfillment] of my dream. Those who have responded to the same, have the warmest gratitude of my heart. I have just returned from a tour of about eight hundred miles, all at my own expense. And I assure you dear brethren, that it is a difficult matter for the servants of God to spend all their time in the ministry unless the saints uphold their hands. I should have probably have visited more branches of the church in the East, if I had been in the possession of sufficient funds to have paid my travelling [traveling] expenses. I have no fault to find.-The saints n the East have done well in the main; for they have responded to the call of our brethren in the West, in relation to tithing, tabernacle &c.; and they shall in no wise lose their reward. We love the saints, both in the East and in the West, and it grieves our hearts, that circumstances should force any of you to tarry in the States after next spring. If it were in our power, our hearts would leap for joy at the prospect of taking you all with us: and thus would the fulness [fullness] of the gospel be fully brought from among the Gentiles.
Brethren and Sisters, remember the Book of Mormon, the Book of Covenants, and the instructions, teachings, and counsels, which the faithful servants have given you from time to time. Be strictly virtuous, pure, upright, and honest in all things; and comply faithfully with the instructions upon these points, as pointed out in my message. You can now see the consequences attending those who have violated those virtuous principles. They have apostatized, and become the bitterest enemies of the servants of God: thus fulfilling the words of Jesus-"He that looketh on a woman to lust after her, or if any one commit adultery in their hearts, they shall not have the spirit, but shall deny the faith." (Book of Covenants, Pg. 204 5th paragraph, stereotyped edition.)
It is a fearful thing to violate the commandments of God, and depart from the strict laws which he has given concerning these matters. There is a right way, and there are many wrong ways; and blessed is that person who findeth the right way, and walketh therein even unto the end, for they shall be crowned with great glory, and of the increase of their kingdom, there shall be no end. Such shall be honored among the sons and daughters of God, while the corrupt, the whoremongers, and the vile seducer, shall be abased where there is wailing, and wretchedness indescribable.
Who then, for a moment's gratification, will sacrifice an eternal kingdom, where pure virtue, and love, and affection, shall beam forth like the rays of the morning from every joyful countenance?
O Virtue! How amiable thou art! Strength and beauty, and excellency, and dignity, and honor, and immortality, are thine offspring!-Gentle peace, pure affectien [affection], unbounded love, and omnipotent power, shall reign triumphantly in thy habitations forevermore.
And now I must say to the saints in the Eastern countries farewell. Farewell till we meet on distant lands. May our kind Father hasten that time. Yea, O Lord God, remember these my brethren and sisters, and save them. Behold O Lord, thy have received thy servants, and the message thou gavest them to declare. They have fed us and clothed us; they have given their tithes for the building of thy Temple, and now, O Father, reject not their offerings, neither cast away thy people who are called by thy name. Forgive their sins, and pity them even as a Father pitieth his own children. Behold O Lord, the desire of this thy people to go forth from among the Gentiles, who have sorely persecuted them all the day long. But thy people are poor. Wilt thou not help them? Wilt thou not deliver them out of the hands of all their enemies who hate them? And when thou shalt visit this nation in sore judgment, according to that which thou hast spoken, destroy not thy people who are poor, with the wicked; but hide them with thine own hand and shield them from judgment.
Hear the prayer of thy servant kind Father, in behalf of his brethren, over whom he has presided, and whom, he is now about to leave. For I ask thee for all these things, in the name of thy Son. Amen.
And again, with my heart full of blessings, I say FAREWELL.
ORSON PRATT
City of New York, Nov. 8, 1845.
WHAT IS TRUTH?
When Jesus had told Pilate what he came into this world for, and that he should bear witness of the truth, Pilate asked, what is truth? but Jesus answered not a word; neither have we, as to the threats and lies published in the pamphlet alluded to below, knowing that all things shall work for good to those that serve the Lord in righteousness, and endure all things patiently for the glory that shall come after much tribulation.
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