To the Ladies and Gentlemen of St. Louis

RESPECTED FRIENDS:-

Your attention is herewith invited to the building of the TEMPLE OF GOD, in the city of Nauvoo, Illinois. That noble edifice is now in a forward state of erection, and its walls, thus far, have been reared in 'troublesome times,' and ere the altar was completed, the life-blood of victims, the first-born of our race, was shed by the priests of Baal, who thought to do God a service.

Hitherto have we had to labor upon the building with one hand, and wield the sword with the other, to parry the thrusts of mobocrats, and keep marauders at bay. Our wealth was not great in the beginning, and we have had a defensive war to maintain ever since the foundation stone was laid. It is true that our first elders are fallen in the contest, and while their blood cries from the floor of Carthage jail into the ears of the Lord of Sabbaoth, and throws the crimson blush of guilt upon the plighted faith of the State, to perpetuate the memory of the disgraceful and murderous deed, we wish the top-stone of our Temple to be brought for h to celebrate the worship of Almighty God, and to perpetuate the memory of those noble martyrs, who voluntarily laid down their lives for their brethren.

Though these obstacle have been thrown in our way, our purpose is not changed, neither is our zeal abated. But after having fallen among thieves-been beaten and bruised-neglected by the Levite, and spurned at by the priest, we would ask if there are not good Samaritans in St. Louis that will pour in a little of the mammon of unrighteousness to aid us in completing our house of worship?

Should any be inclined to put forth a helping hand, the bearer of this, Mr.--who is duly authorized, will take your name, and the amount you donate for the above purpose, in his memorandum, which will be transcribed upon a large book designed to be kept in the archives of the Temple, and to be accessible to all, that when curiosity or other cause may lead any one to examine that has donated, he will find his name there recorded, together with the sum that he has given.

Done in conformity with the wishes of the Temple Committee in the city of Nauvoo.

JAMES RILEY.

Presiding Elder of the Latter-Day Saints in St. Louis.