| 407 Times and Seasons
"Truth Will Prevail."
Vol. 2 No. 14.] City of Nauvoo, Ill. May 15,1841 [Whole No. 26.
Times and Seasons.
City of Nauvoo,
Saturday, May 15, 1841
The Jews.
Among the various nations which have flourished on the stage of life, there is none whose history is more interesting, or which ought to occupy the saints more, than that of the house of Israel. Descended from an ancient and honorable stock, and chosen by divine command, to be a peculiar people, distinct and separate from all others on the face of the earth, that they might keep the statutes and judgments of the Most High, and be a light and an example to all surrounding nations.
Whether we trace their history while surrounded with the blessing and privileges enjoyed in the land of Canaan, or while in captivity, and under circumstances of humiliation and wretchedness, there is something peculiar-something striking in their character and procedure, both individually and nationally.
To follow them through the various scenes in which they have been called to act a conspicuous part, different feelings occupy the mind, which linger in sorrow, when we consider, that for near two thousand years, their houses have been left desolate, their harps have been unstrung, the voice of joy and gladness have not been heard; their enemies in possession of their lands and holy places, which, above all others, were the most dear to them; 'their holy and beautiful house, where their fathers worshipped, destroyed, and all their pleasant places laid waste,' while they, scattered and pealed, have had to wander, like fugitives through the world, and have become a hiss and a by word among all people. But there is no necessity for the mind to settle down in gloomy melancholy at their present state, but to look forward, and through the glass of scripture, contemplate a scene of glory and excellency, far surpassing their former exaltation, and beyond the glory and honor of any other nation under heaven.
To the saints of the last days, especially, who through obedience to the gospel, claim a relationship with their father Abraham, the events, which have transpired from the time they became a people to the present, must be doubly interesting.
There are many things recorded in the scriptures, respecting them prior to the destruction of their beloved city, which shed considerable light on their history and future prospects, and, which shew [show] forth the power and majesty of Jehovah, and also, his loving kindness and tender mercies. Their sojourn in Egypt, their exit there from, their wanderings in the wilderness, their settlement in Canaan, their captivity, &c., all afford materials to the contemplative mind, and present before it, all that is great and grovelling [groveling] in man, and all that is glorious, compassionate and just in our Heavenly Father.
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