| 909 "(Books), (which are mentioned as very well known as early as Job 19: 23 Num. 21: 14. Exod. 17: 14,) were written most anciently of skins, on linen, on cotton cloth, and the reed papyrus; and subsequently on parchment. The leaves were written over in small columns, called delautote, (Heb.) Jer. 36: 23. If the book were large, it was of course formed of a number of skins, of a number of pieces of linen and cotton cloth, or of papyrus, or parchment, connected together. The leaves were rarely written over on both sides, Ezek. 2: 9. Zech. 5: 1. Whether the lines were written as in the Sigean inscription, and in the Etruscan inscriptions, might yet be determined, if the stones mentioned Josh. 8: 32. could be found.
Books being written upon very flexible materials, were rolled round a stick; and if they were very long, round two, from the two extremities. The reader unrolled the book to the place which he wanted, and rolled it up again when he had read it, Luke 4: 17-20; whence the name megeelau (Heb.) a volume, or thing rolled up, Ps. 49: 7. Is. 34: 4. Ezek. 2: 9. 2 K. 19: 14. Ezra 6: 2. The leaves thus rolled round the stick, which has been mentioned, and bound with a string, could be easily sealed, Is. 29: 11. Dan. 12: 4. Rev. 5: 1. 6: 7. Those books, which were inscribed on tablets of wood, lead, brass, or ivory, were connected together by rings at the back, through which a rod was passed to carry them by.
Inasmuch as the public mind has been unjustly abused through the fallacy of Dr. Bennett's letters, we make an extract on the subject of marriage, showing the rule of the church on this important matter. The extract is from the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, and is the only rule allowed by the church.
"All legal contracts of marriage made before a person is baptized into this church, should be held sacred and fulfilled. Inasmuch as this church of Christ has been reproached with the crime of fornication, and polygamy: we declare that we believe, that one man should have one wife; and one woman, but one husband, except in case of death, when either is at liberty to marry again. It is not right to persuade a woman to be baptized contrary to the will of her husband neither is it lawful to influence her to leave her husband."
TO THE CHURCHES ABROAD AND NEAR BY.
As many false reports are circulated to delay the building of the Temple of God at Nauvoo, we take this public method of stating that the saints are constantly engaged in rearing this great house for their salvation, by tithing and donations--according to the commandments; and in order that the work may progress more speedily; we call upon the churches abroad and near by, to bring or send us their tithes or donations, that we may be enabled to go on prosperously and finish it in an acceptable time to the Lord. The work hands upon this house need provisions and clothes, and the brethren, these plentiful times, have these things and others means, and can, if they will, help us. Brethren remember the commands of the Lord and help fulfil [fulfill] them.
ALPHEUS CUTLER,
REYNOLDS CAHOON,
ELIAS HIGBEE,
(Building Committee).
Nauvoo, Aug. 25, 1842.
NOTICE.
From the circumstance growing out of the pretended exposures of John C. Bennett, a rumor has gone abroad that the Nauvoo House has ceased to progress. This is therefore designed to inform the brethren of the churches throughout the United States and elsewhere, that the work is still progressing as in times past. It is true we have little or no means to carry on the work, nor have we at any time had a sufficiency of means to go on with that rapidity we would wish. But if no preventing providence we will progress with the work until its final completion, and hereby call upon the brethren to take stock in the house if they have not, that the hands of the laborers may be strengthened thereby.
GEORGE MILLER, P. N. H. A.
The Hebrew priest, when they appeared before the Lord, performed the service with naked feet a symbol of veneration. See Exodus 3: 5.--Josh. 5: 15. Now a days the world's priests wear boots or shoes well blacked as an act of decorum and not see God.
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