| 496 However we hope, there are some honorable exceptions; gentlemen who feel disposed to do us justice and hear both sides of the question. There are some, we hope, who before they would gratify their readers at the expense of truth and virtue, and all the finer feelings of the human heart, and fan the flame of persecution, would choose to be silent and wait until the excitement be over, and then make up their minds on the issue.
To all such magnamimous [magnanimous] individuals we would say, come and pay us a visit; and if our friend of the N. Y. Herald is not dead to sensibility and honor, let him come too, and we will give them correct information on the subject.
On approaching this place in sailing up the mighty Mississippi, and while ascending the lower rapids on the east bank of the river appears the City of Nauvoo, and at the very first sight, they will be ready to exclaim what a beautiful place for a city. On a nearer approach, they will be constrained to say surely nature has been propitious, what a contrast does this situation present with the dull and monotonous scenes which characterize the great water courses in the west.
On a nearer approach, they would behold scores of houses, like gems decking the beautiful site which, from the gradual rise of the river for nearly a mile back, presents a very beautiful and imposing appearance. Let them then land on our shore, and although we have not yet any splendid Hotels erected, yet we have some houses of entertainment where refreshment and attention can be obtained at reasonable charges. Having rested themselves from the fatigue of the voyage, we would invite them to walk into the city and as they pass along, and consider that within the short space of two years, in the midst of poverty and sickness, have all the improvements been made, they will at once be satisfied that the Mormons are an industrious people. We would then take them to the Nauvoo House where they will find a number of men employed in laying the foundation of that building, which, when finished, will compare with any hotel in the Union.-Having satisfied themselves with the prospect which the site commands of the beautiful Mississippi, we would then conduct them to the Temple block and as they pass along they will observe the preparations that are every way being made for the erection of buildings. The man who two years ago, had to content himself with a log cabin, is now preparing to erect a beautiful frame house, or, the more substantial and durable one of brick or stone,
On visiting the Temple block, their astonishment will increase; there they will see the foundation of a building laid, which is expected to astonish the world, and show how much can be done by a concentration of action.-It could hardly be possible to conceive of a more lovely situation, and commanding prospect. It will be seen for several miles up and down the beautiful windings of the Mississippi-by a large section of Iowa, and by the surrounding country in Illinois. Having spent some time in admiring the beautiful view which is afforded from this point, we would invite them to visit the length and breadth of the city and suburbs. On the beautiful prairie which lies contiguous to the city, where but a few years ago the red man roamed, beautiful farms are opening, and houses in progress of erection-and the cheerful voice of the husbandman while engaged in his laborious but healthy employ-the lowing of herds and the bleating of sheep, give animation to the scene, and give evidence of enterprize [enterprise] and industry.
If they will wait over Sunday, they will then see the saints congregating together from a circuit of six or seven miles, some on horse-back-in wagons and in carriages-There they will see native born Americans from every state of the Union, the enterprsing [enterprising] Englishman, the hardy Scotchman, the warm hearted son of Erin, the Pennsylvania Dutchman, the honest Canadian, all joining in harmonious praises to Heaven's holy King-all inspired with the same hopes of immortality, having one faith, one hope, and one baptism.
Yes, gentlemen, if you want to find the abodes of content and true pleasure, come to Nauvoo. If you want to learn our character, and proceedings, mingle in our midst, associate with us, and examine for yourselves, and you will find in our young and rising city many hearts that beat high with sensibility-many generous and noble souls-men susceptible of kindness, and who delight to reciprocate feeling of friendship and esteem.
If you want to retire from the noise of the Bacchanalian's song, the midnight broils, and the scenes of drunkeness [drunkenness] which disgrace so many of our cities and villages, come to Nauvoo-No such proceedings are allowed-no such monster as the drunkard walks our streets.
If you want to see the native charms which shine forth in the softer sex, unadorned by the flimsy decorations of pride, and the unnatural airs of your eastern belles, come to Nauvoo.
In short, Nauvoo is all that is included in the signification of the word-beautiful place-
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