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Source: Church History Vol. 3 Chapter 5 Page: 122 (~1844-1845)

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122 CHAPTER 5.

1845.

THE year 1845 opened upon busy scenes in Nauvoo. The building of the city continued, and active work was being prosecuted on the temple.

But how changed the scene in one year! The two trusted and tried leaders whom latter-day Israel had loved to honor, were cold in death, while a once united people were scattered like sheep without a shepherd. In Nauvoo a new regime had obtained; new leaders were at the helm, who were constantly assuring the people that they were determined to carry out the measures of Joseph; and yet they were slowly but certainly changing the policy and organization of the church.

On January 21,1845, the legislature of Illinois repealed the charter of Nauvoo. Though Nauvoo was at the time one of the most flourishing cities of the State, with prospects of becoming a great commercial center, its doom was sealed from this hour; and though strenuous efforts were made to further its prosperity, it soon began to decline, and to-day it is an obscure village; yet many fond memories cling around that yet, to many, hallowed place.

Whether the legislature was governed by religious prejudice, or whether the citizens of Nauvoo had so far abused their privileges as to warrant the repeal, is a speculative question not proper to discuss here.

In repealing the Nauvoo charter as a whole, they disregarded the advice of Governor Ford. The closing paragraph

(page 122)

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