Communications

DEAR BROTHER:-I feel like breathing out a little of the feelings of my soul in relation to the happy session and termination of our October conference, which has equalled [equaled], if not surpassed, in point of harmony and good order, any conference I have ever witnessed.

It has been remarked by some that we would be broken up, scattered, thrown into confusion and disorder, in consequence of having lost our Prophet and Patriarch, Joseph and Hyrum Smith; but I think that those who were present at our late conference found that it was not so. When, I would ask, was there ever a greater unanimity of feeling, better order, a greater disposition among the saints to do the will of God than on this occasion? I say never! And then when we reflect that there were near one hundred ordained to the high priesthood, and over five hundred ordained into the quorums of the seventies, we might ask, when was there ever so glorious a prospect for the spread of truth and intelligence as at the present time? [I?] would again reply, never!! Although I am well aware that our strength does not altogether depend upon the multitude of men or means without authority, or with it, but in the power of omnipotence, yet who can help but believe that those eleven quorums of seventies which were organized during this conference will make a mighty stir in satan's kingdom and sectarian babylon, for their hearts seem to be united and full of those principles of salvation and virtue which flow from the proper source.

I was pleased to hear President Young and others of the Twelve, exhort the saints to patronize their friends and let the speculating merchants alone; for we have had experience enough to teach us that they only come here to pick up our money, and when they can't get money enough, to suck our blood. Where is the merchant, the lawyer or the doctor, who has used his means and his efforts to build up this people or this city. I say there has none come here yet, and why should we patronize them. Do they not almost invariably trample on our ordinances and try to corrupt our citizens by secretly and unlawfully introducing and vending whiskey and other intoxicating drinks, and by practising [practicing] in our midst those things which we despise and deprecate, such as adultery, whordoms, gambling, swearing and every other evil work? I say they do; and when our city officers take the necessary measures to put a stop to these things, they set up a most hedious [hideous] howling, and with all other characters of like cloth, cry oppression delusion, fanaticism, &c. &c., and are among the foremost to join with a mob to overthrow us; and I have long been convinced that we had no cause to thank them, that we were not mobbed long ago. I say too, let them alone. Do not go near them. Pay no regard to them only when they trample upon our rights, and

then we will only defend ourselves. Why do they not go away to a more congenial clime and leave us to ourselves, if they do not love our ways and our religion. We do not ask them to tarry with us, for we are far better without them. It is true that our city is open for all who wish to come, but we wish to have the privilege of enjoying our religion and 'peculiarities' unmolested, for we molest no one. Yes, brethren, let us let them alone and patronize our friends or rather patronise [patronize] ourselves and save ourselves from the oppression and speculations of such men.

The Savior says: 'they that are not for us are against us.' So say I, and who cant [can't] see that all these merchants, lawyers and doctors are not for us. Their interests are not identified with ours, neither do they care for our welfare and prosperity. Then why should we patronise [patronize] them? why should we employ them? why should we support them? I say we are under no obligations to do it, neither does charity require it. Then we will let them alone, and not go near them, for I feel as though this people have suffered long enough from such sources, and I think they will be more wise henceforth,

I have digressed because I feel the force of the words, let them alone; however I will return to my reveries.

Now let me ask, who cant [can't] see that the mantle of the prophet, (using a figure) has fallen on President Young and the Twelve? Who cant [can't] see that the same spirit which inspired our beloved brother Joseph Smith, now inspires President Young? I am sure that instead of our being left without revelation, we have them more abundant, or else we understand the principles ourselves better. Whilst listening to the many remarks which were made during conference. I could not help but rejoice to see the intelligence and wisdom which flowed from our beloved president and his brethren of the Twelve; and I am satisfied that the saints who were present, all felt that God was with us, and that God is with the Twelve. But we need not wonder that the atmosphere feels more pure and more wholesome, for much of the unfruitful and corrupt matter is purged out, and consequently we may expect to be more healthy.

I admire the remarks made on the subject of our temporal policy, and especially that part relative to raising sheep. This would certainly be profitable and would afford labor for many and save much of our money at home.

The saints have many things before them to encourage and comfort them, but the best of all is, 'God is with us.' The Temple is rising even faster than could have been anticipated, and has a very imposing appearance. There are already ten of the capitals on the walls, and there will be more in a few days. These capitals are truly splended [splendid], and indicative of that genius and intelligence which cometh from above. The 'order' of the Temple is purely original, not being fashioned after any other order in existence; but I must confess it looks heavenly, with the moon at the foot, the sun at the head, and upon that will be the stars. I think this order is more properly entitled to the character of Celestial order than any other we have ever read of.

I have read the ideas of a certain gentleman in a down river paper, who visited Nauvoo a while ago. He says; 'the Temple has very much the appearance of being built in moon shine.' This I supposed he inferred because the base of the pilaster represents a half moon, but I think if he will 'call again' he will think that the light resembles that of the sun at noon day.

I will now close this sheet. I am well satisfied that we as a people have nothing to fear. We are in the hands of God and he will take care of us. We will thank him for past mercies, and trust him for the future, for he is our God and we are his people, and we will serve him.

As ever, yours in the bonds of truth. C.

Nauvoo, Oct. 13, 1843.