| 624 upon the rock; the floods cannot, no, they shall not. overthrow me. You know the doctrine I teach is true, and you know that God has blessed me. I brought salvation to my father's house, as an instrument in the hand of God, when they were in a miserable situation. You know that it is my duty to admonish you, when you do wrong. This liberty I shall always take, and you shall have the same privilege. I take the liberty to admonish you, because of my birthright; and I grant you the privilege, because it is my duty to be humble, and receive rebuke and instruction from a brother, or a friend.
"'As it regards what course you shall pursue hereafter, I do not pretend to say; I leave you in the hands of God and his church. Make your own decision; I will do you good, although you mar me, or slay me. By so doing my garments shall be clear of your sins. And if at any time you should consider me to be an impostor, for heaven's sake leave me in the hands of God and not think to take vengeance on me yourself. Tyranny, usurpation, and to take men's rights, ever has [been] and ever shall be banished from my heart. David sought not to kill Saul, although he was guilty of crimes that never entered my heart.
"'And now may God have mercy upon my father's house; may God take away enmity from between me and thee; and may all blessings be restored, and the past be forgotten forever. May humble repentance bring us both to thee, O God, and to thy power and protection, and a crown, to enjoy the society of Father, Mother, Alvin, Hyrum, Sophronia, Samuel, Catharine, Carlos, Lucy, the saints, and all the sanctified in peace, forever, is the prayer of your brother.
"'Joseph Smith, Jr.
"'To William Smith.'
"Saturday morning, 19. At home. Sent the above letter to Brother William Smith. I have had many solemn feelings this day concerning my brother William, and have prayed in my heart fervently that the Lord will not cast him off, but that he may return to the God of Jacob and magnify his apostleship and calling. May this be his happy lot, for the Lord of glory's sake. Amen.
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