A Voice from the Temple

We would say to all those who wish to bring tithes for the building of the temple in the city of Nauvoo, that we have deemed it wisdom to remove our office, for the better accommodation of business, and of all who visit us on business, to the new and commodious brick store of Elder P. P. Pratt, situated one block north from the west end of the temple; at which place we will attend every day in the week, (Sundays excepted) from morning till evening, to receive donations for the temple and also attend to all other matters of business pertaining to the trustees. We publish this notice that the brethren may not need to enquire [inquire] where they shall deposit their donations. We have only one place of deposit in the city of Nauvoo and that is the above mentioned brick store.

We would also once more offer a word of caution to all the saints for their benefit, inasmuch as there are those who are going round amongst the branches of the church to collect funds for the temple without authority, and who are all the while practicing impositions upon the brethren. They generally use the property for their own individual benefit, and make no returns of it to us, and consequently when the donors come to see the records their names are not there. Many have felt to censure us on this account, but censure in such a case is unjust, for we have published notices repeatedly, warning the saints not to credit any man's testimony as to his being an agent unless he can shew [show] written authority from us or the quorum of the Twelve, and all those who intrust their means in the hands of unauthorized agents, do it at their own risk, and not ours. The presiding elders in the branches have a right to call for, and to see the authority of any and every man professing to be an agent for the church, and if he is an honest servant and a man of authority he will always be ready to produce his testimonials to proper authority, bnt [but] if he is an impostor he will either make excuses, or he will probably scorn at the idea of your questioning a man of God as to his authority. In some instances men have considered themselves insulted when asked by the presiding elders for their authority, but this is only an evidence either of their own wickedness, or that they come on an errand on which they were never legally sent. Beware of wolves in sheep's clothing!

We are more particular on this subject because there have been instances not a few, wherein men who are not Latter-day Saints, but on the contrary our most bitter enemies, have gone round gulling the churches and professing to be Mormons and agents to collect funds for the building of the "temple and Nauvoo house," &c.; and they have taken advantage of the liberality of the brethren by all kinds of fine speeches and persuasive inducements to get away their money, until they

have accomplished their objects, and then they become "missing." It is not our wish to see the brethren cheated so barefacedly after all the persecutions we have suffered, and we once more repeat the caution, be wise and careful.

There are instances where the saints rarely see an authorized agent, in consequence of the distance from Nauvoo, or, in consequence of their residing some distance from a regularly organized branch. In such cases, when they want to send up their donations, let them do it by some man with whom they are well acquainted, and who they are well satisfied will do right, and carry their donations safe to its destination. And it would be well in all cases, where the brethren abroad send donations by authorized agents, to send a letter by mail (post paid,) to the trustees in trust, informing them of the facts, and by whom their donations were sent, &c., and a good man will not blame you for being thus careful, for the same law that guards your rights will guard his rights, and the rights of every man.

It is our intention for the future to publish the names of our agents in the "Nauvoo Neighbor" and "Times and Seasons," which we consider to be safer and better than written authority, inasmuch as the latter can be "forged," but the former can not, and the agents can carry a copy of the paper, having their authority with them wherever they go.

There is also another subject which we would touch upon in this notice. There have been instances wherein men have gone amongst the branches of the church, collecting money and agreeing to pay the same amount in labor on the Temple, which they represent will answer as good a purpose as the money. We have to say on this subject that all such transactions are regarded as fraud, and is only a more crafty way of cheating the brethren. It would be folly for us to tell a man that ten days labor on the Temple would answer the law of tithing as well as ten dollars in money, when he was possessed of one hundred dollars in money. We know better, and every faithful brother and sister in the church will know better when they understand the principles of salvation as well as old Abraham Isaac and Jacob did. For Jacob said of all thou givest me, one tenth I will give unto thee, and whoever will read the history of the ancients with care will find that the law was, that they must pay one tenth of all in its kind, whether cattle, horses, sheep, or the fruits of the field. Tis true there were laws of redemption, whereby a man might redeem "ought of his tithing" but it was so strict, that it is far easier to pay the tithing in kind rather than redeem it.

Jesus said, all who do the works of Abraham are the children of Abraham, and he (Abraham) paid tithes of all. The Savior also said to the Pharisees, "ye pay tithes of mint and annis and Cummin, but neglect the weightier matters of the law, judgement [judgment], mercy and faith These ought ye to have done, and not have left the others undone.

We make reference to these subjects that the brethren may take the hint, and think for themselves for just so sure as there are laws established from before the foundation of the world for the government of the Church of Christ just so sure will we fail of obtaining a fulness [fullness] of salvation if we do not abide by those laws. No man can obtain a celestial glory if he will not abide a celestial law, and the law of tithing is a celestial law, and always was in force where the Melchizedek Priesthood was inherited.

Why did the Savior say 'how hardly shall they that have riches enter the kingdom of heaven?' Just converse with a rich man upon the subject of tithing, and you will soon see a reason why the rich can hardly enter the kingdom of heaven. When you converse with a man who has got ten thousand dollars in money in his hands, and tell him that his tithing will be one thousand dollars in money you generally will see the force of the words of Jesus. That man would consider himself almost ruined if he should donate his one thousand dollars, whereas a man who has only ten dollars in money in the world, will come forward with cheerfulness and donate his tenth with joy. Remember the widow with her two mites.

No man or woman who really desires to see a fulness [fullness] of salvation will wish to be kept ignorant of those principles, and laws and ordinances on which his salvation depends, and consequently we are free to give a hint on the subject of tithing, not because we take it upon us to instruct the people, but because we realize in some measure the importance of it ourselves to set the saints to 'thinking for themselves' on the subject.

When the saints ask for instructions, the Twelve are the proper authorities to refer to, and they will deal it out as fast as the saints are willing to obey.

We are happy to have to say that the temple has progressed more rapidly than our most sanguine expectations could have imagined. All the capitols are on the walls, except one, which if the weather permit, will be up in a few days. The weather has been remarkably favorable and

continues so to the present. The feelings of the saints are good and their hearts are cheered while they look upon the house of God and reflect on the prospects of its speedy completion. Their toils and poverty and persecutions are all swallowed up in the cheering prospects of their reward, only a little ways ahead. Peace smiles upon our beleved [beloved] city. And the great God looks down upon this people with sympathy and compassion from day to day, dispensing his heavenly blessings upon all the families of his saints according to his infinite wisdom and their willingness to receive them. The hearts of the saints are united firmer than ever, notwithstanding the vigorous efforts made by satan and dissenters to sow amongst us discord, strife, and confusion, and every evil work, scattering not excepted. Many houses are in progress of erection, which on account of the lateness of the season will have to stand unfinished until next spring. Every effort is being made to establish and put in operation various branches of manufacture for the employment of the saints, and the prospects are good, but not unattended with difficulty, toil and anxiety. But diligence, economy, and steady perseverance in a good cause, never fails to bring its reward, and very often the sweetest roses are surrounded by the sharpest thorns, and the greatest treasures deposited in places the most difficult of access, where we have to dig, and dig long and deep in order to obtain them.

We might prolong these remarks, but perhaps we have said enough for once. We will leave the subject, praying the blessings of our Heavenly Father to rest upon all good men, and especially upon the Saints that they may have peace and joy in the Holy Ghost, and attain to that knowledge which will obtain for them an inheritance in the eternal kingdom of our God.

We have the honor to be

Your most obedient servants,

and brethren in the faith of Christ,

N. K. WHITNEY,

GEORGE MILLER,

Trustees in Trust.

by WM. CLAYTON, Recorder.

Nauvoo, Dec. 2, 1844.

MR. EDITOR; DEAR SIR:-Having pretty much recovered my health again, I feel it a privilege to give you a short history of my mission to Tennessee. I started about the 20th of May last in company with some three or four of the Twelve, and several other brethren, on board the steamer Osprey.

We were treated with the utmost respect and friendship, by Captain Anderson and crew.-At St. Louis the Twelve organized quite a large branch of the church.

The next day about noon, we set off on the Louis Philippe. Several of us were from want of means, compelled to take deck passage, and as a matter of course we expected the same privilege that we enjoyed on other boats; but we had not been but a few hours under way, when the Clerk came out with all the importance of a southern negro-driver, ordered us all off the boiler deck, and commanded us to remain below. I am determined not to patronise [patronize] them again. Next morning about 7 o'clock we arrived at Paducah. Kentucky, where three of us, Elders Joseph Mount, Samuel Heath, and myself, went ashore with the blessing of the brethren, and proceeded on our way to Dresden, Tennessee.

We had not gone far, until I found it very difficult for me to get along, in consequence of an injury I had received in my right thigh when a boy, by a fall from a horse, and a crush of my foot on the same side, as I was moving to this place, in 1842. I was compelled to stop before night, but on the third day we reached Dresden.

The particulars of that conference you have before learned. Some of us continued at Br. Camp's about ten days, and while we were there, some of the most respectable citizens (desirous to imitate the ancient Bereans) requested that Br. William L. Cutler should preach to them. He consented, and when the congregation came together, quite unexpectedly to me, some of my former acquaintances were among the number, and they requested to hear me also, as they never before had that privilege.

I felt wholly unprepared to address them; however I was always pleased to have an opportunity to bear testimony to the truth. Our president, Elder A. O. Smoot, opened the meeting with singing and prayer, after which Br. Cutler addressed the congregation upon the all important subject of the Christian religion. The discourse was quite interesting, embracing various subjects, so that at the conclusion, I could scarcely see where I might crowd in any thing that would benefit, or interest that people. However, relying upon the promises of God, I arose, and like the Archer, let off at a venture, and immediately caught the animating spirit, that characterized the foregoing discourse.

I commenced with 2d Samuel 18th chapter, showing that men were often permitted to run and bear tidings, when in reality they were not chosen; nor can they ever publish the truth when they undertake it. On account of their wonderful aspiring principle and disposition, add [and?] continual importunity, they are permitted

to go. They are often called good men, as in the present case, but like Ahimaaz, they have heard a great tumult, but, "knew not anything about the matter." "Some cry one thing, and some another" although, they are all under the influence of the same spirit, and acknowledge each is "orthodox," only disagreeing in little "nonessentials" yet they always find one essential to arouse the minds, and excite the fears of the people, by false representations; and finally some old mother has died wonderfully happy, shouting Hallelujah! Glory!! and very soon some body else begins to feel the benign influence of the noisy spirit, they are straightway called into the crazy-pen, where astonishing feats are performed, and amidst the most abominable confusion and obscenity, many get religion, and are now completely qualified to receive an inheritance in the -- Kingdom, away beyond the bounds of time and space; where they shall ever dwell in the presence, and enjoy eternally the smiles of a God who sits on the "tip top of a topless throne," a being "without body or parts, or passions." Very different from the God, who hid Moses in the cleft of the rock with his hand, or Jesus either, for the Angels said "This same Jesus shall return in like manner," &c. When Peter had preached to the people on the day of Pentecost, until they were "pricked in their hearts," they knew that God worked by means, and there was something for them to do, and when the inquiry was made, Peter was able to give the necessary instruction, without hesitation, and without his "opinion." He had been instructed himself by the God of Heaven. He had not any desire to make an image in the form of a calf, and call it an anxious seat, a mourning bench, nor had he been to college, and learned to make spiritualising [spiritualizing] machines, and convert the truth of God into a lie. A poor illiterate fisherman had no more sense than to speak what the Lord put into his mouth. "Repent and be baptized" &c. This was the order of God. The promise was to them, and their children, and as many as the Lord our God shall call. If the same order is not yet to be observed, it follows most certainly, that God has ceased to call men. Paul taught the same doctrine, and practised [practiced] the same ordinances as Peter did, and called it the gospel of Jesus Christ: "The power of God unto salvation, to every one that believed." (See Rom. 6th chapter, Heb. 6th chapter, and Acts 19th chapter.) He also pronounced a curse on any one, even an angle from heaven, who should preach any other gospel. (Eph. 1st chapter.) There was "one Lord, one faith, and one baptism." Consequently the apostles and elders all taught the same thing: being organized, set in order, and being authorised [authorized] to administer to the Saints. (James 5th chapter.)

This is the law and testimony exhibited clearly, and "If they abide not therein, it is because there is no light in them." The Jews continued in all things written in the law of Moses, because it was the commandment of God; nor do they believe the Messiah has yet come. Often the inquiry is made by the present generation, can so many people be wrong? So many good preachers, and so happy at camp meetings. I ask could all the Antedeluvians [Antediluvians], only Noah and his posterity, be wrong? Could all the inhabitants of that great city, Sodom, be wrong, only Lot and his two daughters? Could all Israel, and the world be wrong, only a few despised Nazarines, in the days of Jesus Christ's probation? Yes, it was so. Those who alone claimed to be the people of God, who actually held the oracles of God in their own hands, desired a murderer in his stead. The Rabbis influenced the people, just as they do now, and said "Let his blood be upon us, and our children!" Mark the calamities that fell on that people, and then only see with what unconcern the professing world cry out against the prophet and Saints of God: like those who slew Stephen, they gnash their teeth with rage! Take care! Remember those who spake against Moses.

(1st Kings 22d chapter.) A lying spirit was permitted to go from the presence of God, to seduce four hundred of Ahab's prophets, that Ahab might go out and fall in battle. While one prophet determined to speak only what the Lord put in his mouth, he declared the evil that would befall Ahab, for which he was severely afflicted.

The religion of this generation is just like that of Ahab: (2d Kings 17th chapter,) their priesthood being originated with the Old Lady. (Rev. 17th chapter.) "By their works you shall know them." Wonderful attainments, gay attire, sumptuous fare, golden cups, and praise of men! The greatest characteristic of piety-"Shed the blood of Saints and Prophets." Recollect David slew Uriah, although he did not wield the weapon of death with his own hand. The cruel principles practised [practiced] by Apostate Rome, drove the church of Jesus Christ into the wilderness. Job said, "In the wilderness there is no way." An evidence of that fact is exhibited in the history of the wanderings of the children of Israel, on their journey from Egypt, to the land of Canaan. Instead of passing over in three days, they were forty years journeying, during which time they

did not offer burnt offerings and sacrifice, as they had done before, and did do afterwards. Even Moses, who spake with Jehovah face to face, was not permitted to enter into the promised land-an account of a small circumstance, such as collegians would call a "nonessential."

Thus it is evident that those men who construe the word of the Lord into "nonessentials," deprive themselves of an inheritance in the kingdom of God. While those who dare administer the ordinances appointed by Heaven's King, without authority from him will doubtless share the fate of Saul. (1st Samuel 13th chapter.)

We are informed by the renowned historian, Whelpley, as also in the Revolutions of Europe, that the church of Jesus Christ was overrun, and driven into the wilderness, A. D. 570, and John the Revelator informs us it must remain there 1260 years, which makes exactly the time, the year 1830, that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was organized, with the gifts and blessings.

This is a fact beyond contradiction. "In the mouth of two or three witnesses, every word shall be established." Now truly the prophet's declaration is verified in this fact, that she has come out "As fair as the sun, as clear as the moon, and terrible as an army with banners!" For, at this wonderful crisis, "Surely the Lord God will do nothing but he revealeth his secret to his servants the prophets." (Amos 3-7.) Truly the Lord has chosen a servant, and revealed his secret to the prophet, but as it was in days of yore, so it is now. "All seems an idle tale." As with the old prophets, John the Baptist, Jesus of Nazareth, and his Apostles, so it is now. The children of Israel had blessings annexed to acts of obedience, while at the same time, penalties were affixed to transgression. In the law given by Moses, it was death for any person to despise (violate) it.

Now if the violation of that law was death, which law was only a type or shadow, how can we escape, who trample on the commandment of Jesus, sealed with his own blood? Jesus gave a pattern, by which his people must be made perfect. It is actually necessary to have a pattern in all things; but of what value is a pattern, unless it is observed? Moses was instructed to make the Ark of the Covenant, just like the pattern showed him in the Mount.-However, since there are "Lords many, and Gods many," and men have made so many laws for Heaven's King, and revealed so many acts of Jesus and the Apostles, that the chain is broken, and all has become useless.

Yet amidst all this confusion, even as at the "Tower of Babel," we have shown you that in fulfilment [fulfillment] of Peter's prophecy on the day of Pentecost, that the Lord would pour out of his spirit in the last days, not only on his servants and handmaidens, but also upon all flesh.-Paul said there was one flesh of beast, one of fowls, and one of fish; consequently, the spirit of God will be poured out on all flesh. Then will enmity cease. The cow and the bear will lie down together, the leopard and kid, &c. Peace and harmony will prevail, and the little children shall lead them. Glorions [Glorious] event!

In the prophecy of Daniel, (8th chap. 14th verse,) we are informed that in answer to Daniel's supplications and inquiries, an angel informed him, that 2300 days or years (Ezek. 6th chap. 5th and 6th verses,) from that time the Sanctuary of the Lord should be cleansed.-Still in the course of Daniel's inquiry, (9th chap. 24th verse.) it is made known to him that 70 weeks were determined upon his people &c., at the end of which time the most holy was to be anointed. A day for a year, according to prophetic count, will make (7 times 70 is) 490 years until Christ the Lord should be anointed; which was done according to Luke, when Jesus was 30 years of age. Then from the Christian era 1840 for instance, we will subtract the 30 years and we will have 1810 left. To this sum we will add the 490 years, which will make precisely 2300, making 1840 the year that this same church, that was organized in 1830, should receive her chartered privileges, ordain her own laws, and be free! (See Book of Covenants, Second Edition, page 400.)

This is a fact too clear to need comment.-Here is evidence conclusive, which no man on earth can get round, and still admit for a moment that the Bible, the good old family Bible is true. "The words that I speak (says Jesus) shall judge you at the last day." "There is no other name given under heaven whereby men must be saved." Therefore "God will judge the world in righteousness, by that man Christ Jesus, whom he hath appointed heir of all things," and e'er long all the honest in heart, to earth's remotest bounds, will acknowledge that the dominion of the son of God is an everlasting dominion, and his government the same over all people: while in the dispensation of the fulness [fullness] of times, God is gathering all things into one, both in heaven and in earth. If we will arrive at perfection, we must follow him who was rich, and for our sakes became poor, that we might become rich. When we become willing to be made perfect through suffering, then shall we be comforted; then will his spirit bear witness with our spirit; and we shall know of a truth, that Joseph Smith

is that personage, through whom the God of heaven has revealed his will to man in this last dispensation.

"There is no man who has power over the spirit, to retain the spirit," therefore in the sequel, I gave them an Indian anecdote.

June 9th, 10th, and 11th, we held a conference in Dyer county. Among others I preached on Sunday to a large attentive congregation. There were mob spirits present, but the Lord gave me perfect liberty, and I thereby obtained complete audience, for near two hours: As servants of God and brethren together, we truly rejoiced, and each could with one of old exclaim, "I know that my Redeemer lives."-We bore testimony to the truth with great assurance, while Satan's host trembled. I selected the 23d chapter of Luke as a foundation for some remarks. We had hitherto been prevented from circulating General Smith's views. A lawyer by the name of Fitzgerald, in Paris, Tenn., declared that if we did circulate them, that we would thereby violate a statue of the State, and he would volunteer his services to prosecute us. We did not believe by circulating the views, that we would in that act violate any law whatever, but we knew that it would be so construed, and as our instructions from the Prophet, and other authorities of the church had ever been, never to violate the laws of any land where we were, but to be subject to them in all cases; (also Book of Covenants page 196.) We therefore desisted; thus sacrificing our liberty as American citizens: But to my great satisfaction the opportunity now offered, for me to lay before the people, the real character and principles of Joseph Smith the Prophet. This I most cordially embraced, while indeed I considered it the greatest honor that could have been conferred upon me, to speak in justice and truth, arraying myself against King Diabolus, to defend the slandered character of the most honorable, the greatest man on earth. Him whom the Lord delights to honor! At the same moment realizing the blessing I had received from his mouth a few hours before I left home. I bore my testimony to facts that I knew; then noticed the situation with the apparent humility of our Pilgrim fathers in 1620, when they framed the first American constitution, they who had fled from religious intolerance, choosing to dwell among the rude untutored savages, rather than enjoy all the prisons and bloodshed of old Mother Rome in Europe. Having arrived at Plymouth weighed down under oppression, they assembled in a body politic, where 41 of them entered into a compact for humanity's sake. But alas! in 1635, puffed up with bigotry, and led by superstition, they soon clothed the infant Protestant colony in blood: and all done by Orthodox Christians, too. Having laid before them in a plain and simple manner, showing the effect of violating a sacred compact.

I then called their attention to the murders and robberies committed on our people, in this once happy land, merely on account of the religion. I warned them against tolerating such cruel deeds; and laid in short, General Smith's claims before them. The Lord blessed us abundantly at this meeting. We baptized six, and ordained one elder. From this conference I came home on business, but have learned, that several have since been added to the same branch by baptism.

Yours,

A. YOUNG.

November, 1844.