| 423 Times and Seasons.
"Truth Will Prevail."
Vol. 2 No. 15] City of Nauvoo, Ill. June 1st, 1841 [Whole No. 27
Times and Seasons.
City of Nauvoo,
Tuesday, June 1st, 1841
Progress of the Church.
More than ten years have passed away since the rise of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and although it has had to meet with difficulties from almost every source, it still survives, and at this moment, probably, is possessed of more strength, and zeal than at any former period of its existence.
While tracing over the history of events which have transpired since its first commencement, and while calling to mind the scenes of affliction and persecution which the first propagators of our holy religion had to contend with; who, nobly and honorably, bore up under scenes of woe and distress which would have daunted persons less determined and resolute, we feel our bosoms animated with the same feelings, as those which have frequently agitated our frame, while reading the privations, sufferings, valor, and achievements of our forefathers, who stem'd the current of corruption and oppression, bore up under difficulties and dangers sufficient to appall the stoutest heart, and counted not their lives dear, so that they could be privileged to bequeath to their posterity the invaluable blessing of LIBERTY. The days of the revolution, were days that tried men's souls. The sycophant crouched to each party as it rose in power, and for the sake of gain, frequently betrayed his best friends. But there was a band, resolute, determined, and invincible; who scorned to crouch to power and popularity, a band in whose bosoms, under all circumstances, continued to burn the sacred flame of liberty. Many waters could not quench it, the winds of adversity could not extinguish it: it warmed them in the winter's blast, it cheered them in disappointment and in the gloomy prison, and survived them when their bodies fell in the battle field, covered with wounds and gore, to descend upon their posterity.
By their stedfastness [steadfastness], patience and indomnitable [indomitable] courage, they effected the object, they bound themselves by every sacred tie to accomplish. Victory perched on the warrior's shield and the glad notes of peace were heard through the land. The patriot found himself surrounded by friends, his name was emblazoned on his country's banners, and on the hearts of tens of thousands, who duly appreciate his toils, and who rejoiced in the liberty, for which he nerved his arm in the day of battle. The whole nation respected them and cheerfully awarded to them the honor & merit which were justly their due.
And shall not those, who were the first to make a stand against iniquity, corruption, and the false religions of the day; who have had to contend against a wicked and gainsaying people; and for their testimony, have had to wade through scenes too heart rending to mention, been tarred, feathered, whipt, [whipped] stoned, imprisoned, be likewise rewarded for their toil and labor of love? Yea, verily; for they have given evidence of a love of liberty as strong, a courage as great, a spirit as indomnitable [indomitable], as the fathers of the revolution. These are the Elishas, upon whom the flowing mantles of our Elijah's fell, who have honorably maintained their character in the sight of Heaven and earth; and although some have died in the conflict, and have entered into rest, yet their names will be had in remembrance from generation to generation and they will be rewarded by the Judge of all the earth, who will do right. Those who yet survive, have the assurance that their labors have not been in vain, they know that they have been crowned with success.
Ye noble hearted scions of honored sires, may Heaven's choicest blessing rest upon you, may your declining years, be years of peace, may your children and your children's children, enjoy all the blessing of that gospel which you struggled to establish and may you see them flourish like the trees of Lebanon-your sons grow op [up] as plants of renown, and your daughters
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