RLDS Church History Search

Chapter Context

RLDS History Context Results


Source: Times and Seasons Vol. 6 Chapter 22 Page: 1112

Read Previous Page / Next Page
1112 to the commandment of the lord of the field, that the flocks might have a shelter from the approaching storm and heat. But there were some who did not send up their names to be recorded in the book. While I was passing through the wilderness, among the lions, I found a large flock of sheep very beautiful, with a faithful shepherd, and I asked him if he had sent up a list of the names of his sheep to be recorded in the great book, and he told me he had not, at which I wondered, but he said he would soon; so I went my way. The shepherd labored diligently to increase his flock, seek out all the sheep, and nourish the lambs, but he forgot to give them a name in the book of the tower, with all the sheep in the field; and I was much grieved and troubled in spirit for them, for they were so fair and beautiful I wished them to have a name and a place in the great tower, with all the sheep, that they might escape the storm.

When I had secured all the names that the shepherds sent, I returned to behold the great tower and goodly pasture and principal shepherds surrounded with thousands of other shepherds, and an almost innumerable number of sheep that the shepherds had gathered together: and I wondered with great admiration, for I beheld that the tower was finished, and the wall around the pasture, and the covering to shelter the sheep from the storm. While I was overwhelmed with joy at the magnificence of the sight, I cast my eyes upon a conspicuous part of the tower, and beheld written in large Hebrew Letters "Tower of Joseph, the Seer." At this moment I heard the lord of the field say to the leader of the twelve principal shepherds, go and bring the great book from the tower and read the names of my shepherds and sheep who have built this tower, and as he brought out the book, I saw on its back the following words, "Book of the Law of the Lord." As the leader of the twelve principal shepherds commenced to read the names, it seemed from the dead silence that prevailed among the myriads present as though all nature had ceased to breathe. A herald stood with a trumpet and proclaimed aloud each name as it was read from the book. Notwithstanding the great joy that rested upon many thousands of the shepherds and sheep that were present whose names were recorded in the book, I was grieved in spirit and wept much, for I had seen some fair and beautiful sheep among the great lion of the east whose names were not recorded in the book. Then I heard the voice of Lord of the field commanding the twelve principal shepherds, saying-call in all the shepherds and sheep whose names are written in the great book of the tower, and let all the great gates of the outer wall be shut, and let the shepherds gather all the sheep under the cover. The shepherds did as they were commanded, and when they were all gathered under the cover, there began to be a great heat from the sun for many days through all the wilderness and fields, save the green pasture which had a cover. And there was a great plague rested upon the sea, and all the fishes in the sea died, and all the rivers and streams of water through the field and wilderness dried up, and the herbs and grass were withered, and when none of the beasts of the forest or cattle could obtain water nor any green food, they became mad and began to devour each other, and there was a great destruction throughout the vast field and wilderness: the stronger devoured the weaker animals until they were all destroyed. The stronger then began to devour each other, until but few were left in all the forest. At the end of the heat there was a great storm of wind and rain, mingled with hail, even the weight of a talent, and it fell upon all the beasts of the forest who were not devoured by the first calamity, then they fled to the walls of the choice pasture for shelter, but they could not get in for the gates were shut. Their roaring without the walls in agony because of the falling of the hail made the sheep tremble within; nevertheless they were safe within the walls and under cover. In the midst of this calamity and judgment without, I was suffering in spirit within, fearing that some of the sheep whose names were not written in the great book of the tower were trampled down by the beasts of the forest or destroyed by the hail.

Whoever has the gift of interpreting dreams, and will give a true interpretation to the foregoing, will confer a favor on a shepherd of the East.

COME ON OH ISRAEL,

IT IS TIME TO GO!

Beloved Brethren-We are fully aware of the anxiety, that must necessarily rest on your minds at this time in relation to our success in making up a company to go by water. And we feel happy to say, that the faith and energy of the saints in this matter has surpassed our expectations. Our company now numbers over one hundred who have means sufficient to fit themselves out handsomely and comfortably for the voyage. We would say to all who have any quantity of provisions on hand, such as beef and pork to fetch it with them. They will also remember that they require no thick clothing on their arrival at the place of destination. Every thing that is useful here is useful there, with the exceptions of thick clothing, stoves, &c. We want the company on the reception of this, to commence sending in their moneys. Where there is a large amount

(page 1112)

Read Previous Page / Next Page