| 614 ever, even for ever and ever." "And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him." The words of John the Revelator, which we have before quoted, comes again to the mind with force: "These (ten kingdoms) shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings, and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful."-Rev. xvii. 14. This places the destruction of these kingdoms, and the prevalence of the kingdom of God in the future as yet; and puts the matter beyond successful contradiction, that the rolling forth of the stone was not fulfilled in the progression of either the Catholics, or Protestants: for as we have before said, these kingdoms of Europe are more or less upheld by the various ecclesiastical powers. But according to the above quotation these kingdoms are to make war with the Lamb; and if we reason from analogy we must conclude that these various ecclesiastical powers will also make war with him. For indeed, how can such kingdoms make war without the churches of the same being more or less engaged in the contest?
Thus we discover that the final overthrow of these empires will not take place till they make war with the Lamb.-Daniel also places their destruction, to but a short time previous to the millennium, or to the time when the Ancient of days shall sit. (See Dan. vii. 9-11) Then the great image will be beat fine like the chaff of the summer threshing floor, and the kingdom of heaven come, and the will of God be done on earth as it is done in heaven,-and peace flow like a river to all the people of God.
Now when we put what Daniel has said about the kingdom of God, in conjunction with what the prophets have said about the ensign of the Lord for the gathering of Israel, and then add what John has said about the angel flying in the midst of heaven having the everlasting gospel to preach to all nations, &c., they give a clear and conclusive idea of the great work of God-the commencement of his kingdom, its prosperity, its universal prevalence, and the destruction of the kingdoms of this world. Then will be fulfilled another saying of John: "And the seventh angel sounded: and there were great voices in heaven, saying, the kingdoms of the world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ: and he shall reign for ever and ever."-Rev. xi. 15.
Cross Keys, S. C. Oct. 24, 1841.
To Pres. B. Young, and the Elders composing the travelling [traveling] High Council of the Church of Latter Day Saints:-
Dear Brethren: I have received the No. of the Times and Seasons, which contains your "Epistle to the Saints scattered abroad," directing the laborers in the vineyard to communicate with you etc., with which I cheerfully comply. My principal place of residence, is now in the vicinity of Cross Keys, Union, S. Carolina, and I expect to remain here till spring, and then travel to different parts of the State, delivering to the people the message of salvation as I go. My temporal wants are supplied with the fruits of my own labor, which requires a considerable share of my time. Saturdays, Sundays, and occasionally whole weeks, I devote to the work of the ministry. The fruits of my ministerial labors are not numerous; but I trust that they are worthy, and that their names are written in the Lamb's book of life. I have baptized three persons lately, which make ten, in all, that I have baptized in this State; and they are all that I know of in the State. I expect however, to baptize more next Sunday: there are numbers here who profess to believe the gospel as it has been revealed to the saints; but for various reasons do not obey it. I have passed through some pretty severe trials since I have been in the South, and have seen some dark and gloomy times; but the God whom the saints serve, has delivered me out of them all, and placed my feet upon firm ground. Our prospects are better here than they have ever been before.
I shall repair to Nauvoo as soon as my circumstances will admit of it, and till then I am your brother as heretofore. L. M. DAVIS.
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