April 1852 Epistle
Deseret News. "Seventh General Epistle." May 1, 1852: pg. 50.
SEVENTH GENERAL EPISTLE
Of the Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints from Great Salt Lake Valley, to the saints scattered throughout the Earth, GREETING:
Beloved Brethren:--
Since the date of our last Epistle, of Sept. 22d, many things have transpired to cheer our hearts, and encourage the labors of the faithful; and we improve the present moment in presenting our annual salutations to you that you may be conversant with the welfare of Zion, and rejoice in all her rejoicings.
The past winter has been one of unusual mildness in these valleys, insomuch that our flocks and herds, so far as they have been free to range, have fed sumptuously, needing no hay; much wheat has been sown, and at an earlier date than is common in this country; and many buildings have been erected, or finished, since the usual time of closing fall business.
The first "Bent" of our New Tabernacle was raised on the 21st of Nov., and the whole shingled and enclosed January 16th, 126 feet in length, and 64 in breadth, with 3 foot walls, the whole in one entire arch sprung from the base. The pulpit is situated near the centre of the west wall, to be entered by an anti court or vestry; the slips are ascending on three sides from the pulpit, so that the prospect for all is equal; and about 2,200 can be pleasantly accommodated; the whole completed and dedicated on the 6th inst., it being the opening of the General Conference; and never were the saints of latter days so conveniently and numerously assembled on any previous occasion.
A considerable portion of the earth has been excavated, ready for the reception of the wall around the Temple Block, and many stone are on the ground.—The brethren, generally, have been prompt in paying in one tenth of their property, according to their vote of last Sept. Conference; and never before has the Lord's Store House been so well supplied with wheat, meat, butter, eggs, vegetables and other useful articles, and his pasture with cattle, as at the present time.
There has been very little cash in circulation among us, the past year, it having been previously vended in foreign goods, which was necessary for our comfort; but of late, the want of cash to purchase importations, has induced the people to enter into domestic manufactures as fast as possible. A small woolen factory in this valley, commenced last year, is expected to go into operation about midsummer; and another in Utah valley will be ready for this year's wool. Many hand wheels and looms have been in operation, in families, and several thousand yards of cloth have been manufactured, beside carpets, mits, stockings, &c.
Beside the Deseret Pottery in this city, another is open at Provo, in Utah Co., and another is expected to commence this summer at Fillmore in Millard Co. A machine for manufacturing combs is nearly ready for operation. There is a nail factory in operation in Iron County, another in San Pete, and another building in this city. Building has been materially hindered for want of nails, hitherto, which, we trust will soon be prevented by the use of domestic machinery. Most of the principal settlements are comfortably supplied with flouring mills, and where there is a deficiency mills are building. The number of saw mills is increasing. The country is supplied with wooden bowls from a factory at Provo.
Tanneries have been commenced at most of the principal settlements; and at some, two or three; and after another season for peeling bark, the prospect will be good for a supply of domestic leather.
The iron ore, at Coal Creek, in Iron County, has been tested, and proved to be of an excellent quality, though but little has been done for want of coal, an abundance of which is on the mountain near by, but inaccessible to teams, until a road can be made, for which there have been some public appropriations.
The Deseret News, which was suspended for lack of paper, commenced its 2d Vol., Nov. 15, on an enlarged sheet, and has exerted a salutary influence on the subject of domestic manufactures; and there is a general exertion among the people to produce the various articles needed for their consumption; and chairs, tables, stands, pails, tubs, barrels, knives, and many other useful articles, are becoming more common in our markets.
The Territorial Legislature assembled in this city on the 22d of Sept., and after a short session, having located the seat of government at Fillmore City, in Millard County, and appointing commissioners to select the site for the capitol, &c., adjourned to the first Monday in January, when they re-assembled, and after enacting many general laws for the benefit of the Territory, (which are now in press) and memorializing Congress for appropriations for the construction of a National Road, Railway and Telegraph, from Missouri River to the western coast, a road to run from north to south through the Territory, for a hospital and penitentiary, for establishing a mail route from hence to San Diego, a weekly mail to the States, a distributing post office, and other great public improvements, adjourned on the 14th of Feb.
President Orson Hyde left this city for Kanesville, on the 23d Sept., Ezra T. Benson followed the next day for the same place, accompanied by Elder J. M. Grant, for Washington, and Samuel W. Richards and others, mentioned in our last, for England, Germany, &c.
Sept. 25th, 1500 lbs of sugar beet seed was received from Elder Taylor, in France; and we learn that the machinery for sugar and woolen factories before referred to, are at Kanesville, and will be here this season.
Elder Orson Pratt arrived on the 4th of Oct. from England, bringing with him an excellent telescope, microscope, globes, chemical tests, and mineralogical specimens. All of which are most valuable acquisitions in promoting scientific research. The books of the Utah Library have been unpacked, and found in good order, great variety, and a choice selection.—The September Conference, which was adjourned to the sixth of October, was held, and closed on that day.
The Commissioners appointed by the Legislature to locate the capitol at Fillmore, left this city Oct. 21, accompanied by Brothers Young, Kimball, and others, who visited Fillmore, Manti, Nephi, Provo, and other places, and returned Nov. 7. The Legislature accepted the report of the commissioners, confirmed the location of the site for the public buildings at Fillmore, 38 deg. 58m. 40s. N. L.; 4789 feet altitude; and men are engaged for their erection. The Legislature will continue to meet at this city, till the new capitol is prepared for their reception, having purchased the Council House for that purpose.
The last company of the emigrating saints arrived Oct. 24th. The mountains and table lands were covered with snow, for the first time last fall, Nov. 10, followed the next day by the severest gale of wind ever known in our valley, where but little snow has fallen during the winter, and that remained but a short time. Schools have been common in the various wards and districts, and well attended. The Parent school has been continued under the tuition of Chancellor Spencer and others. Professor Pratt has given a course of lectures on astronomy, and every exertion possible has been made for the promotion of the arts and sciences.
But one mail has been received from Oregon since last fall, and that on the 10th inst. The November mail from Sacramento was cut off and lost and the carriers doubtless killed by the Indians of Mary's River, though the body of Mr. Woodward has been found, 30 miles beyond Bear River. No mail had been received from the States since the one which left Independence on the 1st of December, until the 3d inst.; consequently we have been poorly advised of the state of foreign missions. From last accounts we may reasonably suppose that Elders John Taylor and F. D. Richards are on their way home; Elder Erastus Snow in Denmark, and Elder Lorenzo Snow is at Calcutta, (where missions have been established the past year) expecting to return by the Pacific. The work was prospering in France, England, Switzerland, Denmark, Germany, and all places around, so far as the gospel had been preached; and in many places great opposition has been manifest, which proves that Satan is not bound; and the Book of Mormon had been translated in Welsh, French, Danish, and probably before this, into German, Swiss and Italian; and is acquiring a general circulation.
The only intelligence from the West, of late, was by the Sacramento mail of February, containing but little information of any kind; yet we were pleased to learn that Elder P. P. Pratt arrived at Valpetaiso Chili in Nov., accompanied by Elder Rufus Allen, that he had commenced forming acquaintance, and was preparing to proclaim the gospel. It was reported that Elders Hawkins, Cannon, and Farrar had baptized upwards of 400 at the Sandwich Islands previous to the 20th of November. Elder Woodbury was at the Islands at that time, and several elders had called there on their way to the Society Isles. We have not heard from Elder Addison Pratt since Sept. 13.—Elders A. Lyman and C. C. Rich were on the western coast, having established a settlement at San Bernadito [Bernardino], Los Angeles county, California; but we have few particulars concerning them or their settlement, their principal letters having miscarried, or, not arrived. Elders John Murdoch and Charles W. Wandell are supposed to be at Sidney, New South Wales.
The New Year, the first of January, 1852, was ushered in as a day of humiliation, praise and thanksgiving, by proclamation of Gov. Young; and thus far the year has never been equaled by the saints, in their willingness to pay their tithing, and to do as they are counseled; and joy of heart, through a greater flow of the good Spirit unto them, has been made manifest, in a manner not to be mistaken, that when the children of the kingdom do their duty, God is ready to fulfil his promises unto them, and pour them out blessings till there is no room to receive.
Notwithstanding the spacious tabernacle we occupied at Conference, many hundreds waiting without could gain no admission; and all felt the necessity of a larger building; yet all was peace, union, love: and the Holy Ghost appeared to have the presidency in every heart. Brigham Young was sustained, by the unanimous vote of the Conference, as the President, Prophet, Seer and Revelator of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, in all the earth; and Heber C. Kimball and Willard Richards as his counselors; and the authorities of the church generally, as hitherto organized, were sustained in like manner.
Conference continued until Sunday, 11th inst., and much of the time was spent in teaching, and revealing things new and old, and the hearts of the saints were filled with joy, praise and thanksgiving. The Report of the Financial affairs of the Church, by the Trustee in Trust, showed that, from the commencement of tithing in the valley, on the 6th of Nov. 1848, to March 27, 1852, there had been received at the office, on tithing mostly in property, valued at $244,747.03
Received in loans, and from other sources, $145,513.78
Total, $399,260.81
Expended, during the same time, on Council House; Store House; stores rented; old bowery; blacksmith, carpenter's and paint shops; church barn; tabernacle; bath-house; trench round Temple Lot; rail-road; farms; city lots; paper factory; pottery; water ditches; the poor; houses for elders on missions; superintendents; clerks; public labor; grain; hay; provisions; assisting emigrant; cattle lost by Indians and wolves; stationery, &c. &c. &c. $353,763.69
$36,495.12
Now on hand in grain; vegetables; merchandise; cut stones; lumber; shingles; printing press; obligation; horses; mines; and stock of various kinds, $74,512.50
From which take $36,495.12
Leaves a credit of $38,017.38
Profits to the church, in the management of the funds.
It appeared also, that the Trustee in Trust was responsible for some cash liabilities, for glass, nails, clothing, and various articles of merchandise, which were necessary to rear the public buildings, and sustain the public bands, which cost cash; that little had been received in cash, and though there was abundance of property on hand to pay all the debts, leaving a handsome surplus, yet that property could not be immediately converted into cash; and as the merchants were wishing stock to drive to California, it was proposed that those having to the tithing office, to help liquidate the cash debts of the Trustee.
The proposition met with a warm response from the conference, and many cattle have already been received; and if others do as some have done, which we doubt not, old debts will be cancelled, and a handsome sum will remain in the hands of the Trustee, to prosecute the public works this season; it is contemplated that we shall be ready to commence the Temple next spring; and that fonts and other preparations will be made ready the present season on the Temple Block; but cash will be wanted from all who have, to purchase such articles as demand cash, and such as cannot be produced in the valley. We hear a good account from the saints in England, and trust they will continue in good works, and others follow their example.
The subject of the saints walking over the prairies with hand carts and wheelbarrows, was presented to the conference, when 93 brethren volunteered to go with teams and provisions to meet them, and assist them on their journey, as a free donation to the kingdom of God.
It was voted that Thomas Margells and Alfred Smith take a mission to Italy; William Fotheringham to Calcutta; John C. Armstrong, Edward Bunter, David B. Dille, Samuel Glasgow, T. B. Broderick, John Dalling, John Barker, and George Fenn, on foreign missions. (probably to or through England.)
Edward Hunter was ordained Presiding Bishop of the whole church, who proposed Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball as his counselors, with the entire approbation of Conference.
Seth Taft, David Pettegrew, Abraham Hoagland, David Fullmer, and Daniel Spencer, were unanimously chosen assistant Presiding Bishops. A few were disfellowshipped, and 67 ordained to the priesthood. The last day of the Conference, Sunday p. m. was devoted to administering the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, and social observations by the assembly; after which, a contribution was called for the purpose of procuring the furniture for the communion service in the Tabernacle, when $149 was presented in silver coin, beside several pounds of watch cases, spoons, rings, and other silver ornaments. Conference adjourned to the 6th of Oct. next. Also a special conference was appointed for the last Saturday in August for the purpose of transacting business relative to the appointment of elders on foreign missions.
And now, brethren, having given you a brief history of the situation of the church in the valley, which is altogether more prosperous than we could hitherto communicate, we have a word of counsel, which we hope you will give heed to, that you may become partakers of the rich blessings of Ephraim with us and first, as far as possible, live in peace with all men, even as our last conference agreed to cease all contentions and lawsuits one with another and if possible with all men; when you are sick, call for the elders, who will pray for you, anointing with oil and the laying on of hands; and nurse each other with herbs and mild food; and if you do these things, in faith, and quit taking poisons and poisonous medicines, which God never ordained for the use of men, you shall be blessed.
Sustain the government of the nation wherever you are, and speak well of it, for this is right, and the government has a right to expect it of you, so long as that government sustains you in your civil and religious liberty; in those rights which inherently belong to every person born on the earth; and if you are persecuted in your native land, and denied the privilege of worshiping the true God in spirit and in truth, flee to the land of Zion, to America, to the United States where constitutional rights and freedom are not surpassed by any nation; where God saw fit in these last days, to renew the dispensation of salvation by revelation from the heavens, and where all by the constitution and laws of the land, when executed in righteousness, are protected in all the civil and religious freedom that man is capable of enjoying on earth; and our national institutions will never fail, unless it be through the wickedness of the people, and the designs of evil men in brief authority; for those rights were ordained of God on this land for the establishment of the principles of truth on the earth; and our national organization originated in the heavens.
Let all the elders of Israel sound the trumpet of salvation with a loud voice knowing that the time is short, in which a great work is to be done; and fear not what men can do, who can only kill the body; but fear God, who will destroy the souls of the fearful and the apostate in hell.
If the saints have more gold and silver than they need, to bring all the poor, bring it along with you; but help one another; do as you would be done unto, and not leave the poor to perish at home or by the way. Those in the western islands, New Holland, the East Indies, and the warm climates, generally, will do well to come to San Diego, in California, and receive the instructions of the Apostles or Presidency at San Bernardino; while those of England, and Northern Europe, will do well to take a more northern route by New Orleans, Kanesville, and the South Pass; and when you come, bring models of the most approved machinery for manufacturing all useful articles ever wanted by man and choice seeds of all kinds. The world is full of labor saving machinery; and models thereof, with such articles needed in the manufactory of the machinery, as cannot be obtained here, will be worth more to the saints, than their weight in gold or silver.
Finally, brethren, fear God; work righteousness; and come home speedily. Prepare, against another season, to come by tens of thousands; and think not that your way is going to be opened to come in chariots, feasting on the fat of all lands. We have been willing to live on bread and water, and many times, very little bread, too, for years, that we might search out and plant the saints in a goodly land. This we have accomplished, though the blessing of our Heavenly Father; and we now invite you to a feast of fat things, to a land that will supply all your wants, with reasonable labor; therefore, let all who can procure a bit of bread, and one garment on their back, be assured there is water plenty and pure by the way, and doubt no longer, but come next year to the place of gathering, even in flocks, as doves fly to their windows before a storm.
When a people, or individuals, hear the gospel, obey its first principles, are baptized for the remission of their sins, and receive the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands, it is time for them to gather, without delay, to Zion; unless their presidency shall call on them to tarry and preach the gospel to those who have not heard it; and generally, the longer they wait, the more difficult it will be for them to come home; for he who has an opportunity to gather, and does not improve it, will be afflicted by the devil.
When Jesus was on the earth, he said to his people. "How oft would I have gathered you, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wing, but ye would not; therefore, behold your house is left unto you desolate." And if the saints of this dispensation do not listen to the call of the good Shepherd, and gather according to the holy commandment, the time is not far distant, when the representatives of the Savior now on earth may have occasion to say, as he said, "your house is left unto you desolate;" for plagues, famine, pestilence, and death are beginning to circumscribe the earth; and where will safety be, but in Zion; the land of God's appointing; the home of the saints; a land choice in products and government above all other lands; therefore, we say unto you, Arise and come forth, and tarry not, for the great day of the Lord is at hand, and who shall abide his coming.
O Lord, God of Abraham, our Father, pour out thy Spirit upon thy people, throughout the earth; even that Spirit which thou dost bestow upon thy servants, that all thy children may be obedient in all things, and speedily become one with us in the vallies of the mountains of Ephraim; that thy will may be done on earth as in the heavens; which we ask in the name of Jesus Christ; amen.
BRIGHAM YOUNG,
HEBER C. KIMBALL,
WILLARD RICHARDS.
Great Salt Lake City, April 18, 1852.
SEVENTH GENERAL EPISTLE
Of the Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints from Great Salt Lake Valley, to the saints scattered throughout the Earth, GREETING:
Beloved Brethren:--
Since the date of our last Epistle, of Sept. 22d, many things have transpired to cheer our hearts, and encourage the labors of the faithful; and we improve the present moment in presenting our annual salutations to you that you may be conversant with the welfare of Zion, and rejoice in all her rejoicings.
The past winter has been one of unusual mildness in these valleys, insomuch that our flocks and herds, so far as they have been free to range, have fed sumptuously, needing no hay; much wheat has been sown, and at an earlier date than is common in this country; and many buildings have been erected, or finished, since the usual time of closing fall business.
The first "Bent" of our New Tabernacle was raised on the 21st of Nov., and the whole shingled and enclosed January 16th, 126 feet in length, and 64 in breadth, with 3 foot walls, the whole in one entire arch sprung from the base. The pulpit is situated near the centre of the west wall, to be entered by an anti court or vestry; the slips are ascending on three sides from the pulpit, so that the prospect for all is equal; and about 2,200 can be pleasantly accommodated; the whole completed and dedicated on the 6th inst., it being the opening of the General Conference; and never were the saints of latter days so conveniently and numerously assembled on any previous occasion.
A considerable portion of the earth has been excavated, ready for the reception of the wall around the Temple Block, and many stone are on the ground.—The brethren, generally, have been prompt in paying in one tenth of their property, according to their vote of last Sept. Conference; and never before has the Lord's Store House been so well supplied with wheat, meat, butter, eggs, vegetables and other useful articles, and his pasture with cattle, as at the present time.
There has been very little cash in circulation among us, the past year, it having been previously vended in foreign goods, which was necessary for our comfort; but of late, the want of cash to purchase importations, has induced the people to enter into domestic manufactures as fast as possible. A small woolen factory in this valley, commenced last year, is expected to go into operation about midsummer; and another in Utah valley will be ready for this year's wool. Many hand wheels and looms have been in operation, in families, and several thousand yards of cloth have been manufactured, beside carpets, mits, stockings, &c.
Beside the Deseret Pottery in this city, another is open at Provo, in Utah Co., and another is expected to commence this summer at Fillmore in Millard Co. A machine for manufacturing combs is nearly ready for operation. There is a nail factory in operation in Iron County, another in San Pete, and another building in this city. Building has been materially hindered for want of nails, hitherto, which, we trust will soon be prevented by the use of domestic machinery. Most of the principal settlements are comfortably supplied with flouring mills, and where there is a deficiency mills are building. The number of saw mills is increasing. The country is supplied with wooden bowls from a factory at Provo.
Tanneries have been commenced at most of the principal settlements; and at some, two or three; and after another season for peeling bark, the prospect will be good for a supply of domestic leather.
The iron ore, at Coal Creek, in Iron County, has been tested, and proved to be of an excellent quality, though but little has been done for want of coal, an abundance of which is on the mountain near by, but inaccessible to teams, until a road can be made, for which there have been some public appropriations.
The Deseret News, which was suspended for lack of paper, commenced its 2d Vol., Nov. 15, on an enlarged sheet, and has exerted a salutary influence on the subject of domestic manufactures; and there is a general exertion among the people to produce the various articles needed for their consumption; and chairs, tables, stands, pails, tubs, barrels, knives, and many other useful articles, are becoming more common in our markets.
The Territorial Legislature assembled in this city on the 22d of Sept., and after a short session, having located the seat of government at Fillmore City, in Millard County, and appointing commissioners to select the site for the capitol, &c., adjourned to the first Monday in January, when they re-assembled, and after enacting many general laws for the benefit of the Territory, (which are now in press) and memorializing Congress for appropriations for the construction of a National Road, Railway and Telegraph, from Missouri River to the western coast, a road to run from north to south through the Territory, for a hospital and penitentiary, for establishing a mail route from hence to San Diego, a weekly mail to the States, a distributing post office, and other great public improvements, adjourned on the 14th of Feb.
President Orson Hyde left this city for Kanesville, on the 23d Sept., Ezra T. Benson followed the next day for the same place, accompanied by Elder J. M. Grant, for Washington, and Samuel W. Richards and others, mentioned in our last, for England, Germany, &c.
Sept. 25th, 1500 lbs of sugar beet seed was received from Elder Taylor, in France; and we learn that the machinery for sugar and woolen factories before referred to, are at Kanesville, and will be here this season.
Elder Orson Pratt arrived on the 4th of Oct. from England, bringing with him an excellent telescope, microscope, globes, chemical tests, and mineralogical specimens. All of which are most valuable acquisitions in promoting scientific research. The books of the Utah Library have been unpacked, and found in good order, great variety, and a choice selection.—The September Conference, which was adjourned to the sixth of October, was held, and closed on that day.
The Commissioners appointed by the Legislature to locate the capitol at Fillmore, left this city Oct. 21, accompanied by Brothers Young, Kimball, and others, who visited Fillmore, Manti, Nephi, Provo, and other places, and returned Nov. 7. The Legislature accepted the report of the commissioners, confirmed the location of the site for the public buildings at Fillmore, 38 deg. 58m. 40s. N. L.; 4789 feet altitude; and men are engaged for their erection. The Legislature will continue to meet at this city, till the new capitol is prepared for their reception, having purchased the Council House for that purpose.
The last company of the emigrating saints arrived Oct. 24th. The mountains and table lands were covered with snow, for the first time last fall, Nov. 10, followed the next day by the severest gale of wind ever known in our valley, where but little snow has fallen during the winter, and that remained but a short time. Schools have been common in the various wards and districts, and well attended. The Parent school has been continued under the tuition of Chancellor Spencer and others. Professor Pratt has given a course of lectures on astronomy, and every exertion possible has been made for the promotion of the arts and sciences.
But one mail has been received from Oregon since last fall, and that on the 10th inst. The November mail from Sacramento was cut off and lost and the carriers doubtless killed by the Indians of Mary's River, though the body of Mr. Woodward has been found, 30 miles beyond Bear River. No mail had been received from the States since the one which left Independence on the 1st of December, until the 3d inst.; consequently we have been poorly advised of the state of foreign missions. From last accounts we may reasonably suppose that Elders John Taylor and F. D. Richards are on their way home; Elder Erastus Snow in Denmark, and Elder Lorenzo Snow is at Calcutta, (where missions have been established the past year) expecting to return by the Pacific. The work was prospering in France, England, Switzerland, Denmark, Germany, and all places around, so far as the gospel had been preached; and in many places great opposition has been manifest, which proves that Satan is not bound; and the Book of Mormon had been translated in Welsh, French, Danish, and probably before this, into German, Swiss and Italian; and is acquiring a general circulation.
The only intelligence from the West, of late, was by the Sacramento mail of February, containing but little information of any kind; yet we were pleased to learn that Elder P. P. Pratt arrived at Valpetaiso Chili in Nov., accompanied by Elder Rufus Allen, that he had commenced forming acquaintance, and was preparing to proclaim the gospel. It was reported that Elders Hawkins, Cannon, and Farrar had baptized upwards of 400 at the Sandwich Islands previous to the 20th of November. Elder Woodbury was at the Islands at that time, and several elders had called there on their way to the Society Isles. We have not heard from Elder Addison Pratt since Sept. 13.—Elders A. Lyman and C. C. Rich were on the western coast, having established a settlement at San Bernadito [Bernardino], Los Angeles county, California; but we have few particulars concerning them or their settlement, their principal letters having miscarried, or, not arrived. Elders John Murdoch and Charles W. Wandell are supposed to be at Sidney, New South Wales.
The New Year, the first of January, 1852, was ushered in as a day of humiliation, praise and thanksgiving, by proclamation of Gov. Young; and thus far the year has never been equaled by the saints, in their willingness to pay their tithing, and to do as they are counseled; and joy of heart, through a greater flow of the good Spirit unto them, has been made manifest, in a manner not to be mistaken, that when the children of the kingdom do their duty, God is ready to fulfil his promises unto them, and pour them out blessings till there is no room to receive.
Notwithstanding the spacious tabernacle we occupied at Conference, many hundreds waiting without could gain no admission; and all felt the necessity of a larger building; yet all was peace, union, love: and the Holy Ghost appeared to have the presidency in every heart. Brigham Young was sustained, by the unanimous vote of the Conference, as the President, Prophet, Seer and Revelator of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, in all the earth; and Heber C. Kimball and Willard Richards as his counselors; and the authorities of the church generally, as hitherto organized, were sustained in like manner.
Conference continued until Sunday, 11th inst., and much of the time was spent in teaching, and revealing things new and old, and the hearts of the saints were filled with joy, praise and thanksgiving. The Report of the Financial affairs of the Church, by the Trustee in Trust, showed that, from the commencement of tithing in the valley, on the 6th of Nov. 1848, to March 27, 1852, there had been received at the office, on tithing mostly in property, valued at $244,747.03
Received in loans, and from other sources, $145,513.78
Total, $399,260.81
Expended, during the same time, on Council House; Store House; stores rented; old bowery; blacksmith, carpenter's and paint shops; church barn; tabernacle; bath-house; trench round Temple Lot; rail-road; farms; city lots; paper factory; pottery; water ditches; the poor; houses for elders on missions; superintendents; clerks; public labor; grain; hay; provisions; assisting emigrant; cattle lost by Indians and wolves; stationery, &c. &c. &c. $353,763.69
$36,495.12
Now on hand in grain; vegetables; merchandise; cut stones; lumber; shingles; printing press; obligation; horses; mines; and stock of various kinds, $74,512.50
From which take $36,495.12
Leaves a credit of $38,017.38
Profits to the church, in the management of the funds.
It appeared also, that the Trustee in Trust was responsible for some cash liabilities, for glass, nails, clothing, and various articles of merchandise, which were necessary to rear the public buildings, and sustain the public bands, which cost cash; that little had been received in cash, and though there was abundance of property on hand to pay all the debts, leaving a handsome surplus, yet that property could not be immediately converted into cash; and as the merchants were wishing stock to drive to California, it was proposed that those having to the tithing office, to help liquidate the cash debts of the Trustee.
The proposition met with a warm response from the conference, and many cattle have already been received; and if others do as some have done, which we doubt not, old debts will be cancelled, and a handsome sum will remain in the hands of the Trustee, to prosecute the public works this season; it is contemplated that we shall be ready to commence the Temple next spring; and that fonts and other preparations will be made ready the present season on the Temple Block; but cash will be wanted from all who have, to purchase such articles as demand cash, and such as cannot be produced in the valley. We hear a good account from the saints in England, and trust they will continue in good works, and others follow their example.
The subject of the saints walking over the prairies with hand carts and wheelbarrows, was presented to the conference, when 93 brethren volunteered to go with teams and provisions to meet them, and assist them on their journey, as a free donation to the kingdom of God.
It was voted that Thomas Margells and Alfred Smith take a mission to Italy; William Fotheringham to Calcutta; John C. Armstrong, Edward Bunter, David B. Dille, Samuel Glasgow, T. B. Broderick, John Dalling, John Barker, and George Fenn, on foreign missions. (probably to or through England.)
Edward Hunter was ordained Presiding Bishop of the whole church, who proposed Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball as his counselors, with the entire approbation of Conference.
Seth Taft, David Pettegrew, Abraham Hoagland, David Fullmer, and Daniel Spencer, were unanimously chosen assistant Presiding Bishops. A few were disfellowshipped, and 67 ordained to the priesthood. The last day of the Conference, Sunday p. m. was devoted to administering the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, and social observations by the assembly; after which, a contribution was called for the purpose of procuring the furniture for the communion service in the Tabernacle, when $149 was presented in silver coin, beside several pounds of watch cases, spoons, rings, and other silver ornaments. Conference adjourned to the 6th of Oct. next. Also a special conference was appointed for the last Saturday in August for the purpose of transacting business relative to the appointment of elders on foreign missions.
And now, brethren, having given you a brief history of the situation of the church in the valley, which is altogether more prosperous than we could hitherto communicate, we have a word of counsel, which we hope you will give heed to, that you may become partakers of the rich blessings of Ephraim with us and first, as far as possible, live in peace with all men, even as our last conference agreed to cease all contentions and lawsuits one with another and if possible with all men; when you are sick, call for the elders, who will pray for you, anointing with oil and the laying on of hands; and nurse each other with herbs and mild food; and if you do these things, in faith, and quit taking poisons and poisonous medicines, which God never ordained for the use of men, you shall be blessed.
Sustain the government of the nation wherever you are, and speak well of it, for this is right, and the government has a right to expect it of you, so long as that government sustains you in your civil and religious liberty; in those rights which inherently belong to every person born on the earth; and if you are persecuted in your native land, and denied the privilege of worshiping the true God in spirit and in truth, flee to the land of Zion, to America, to the United States where constitutional rights and freedom are not surpassed by any nation; where God saw fit in these last days, to renew the dispensation of salvation by revelation from the heavens, and where all by the constitution and laws of the land, when executed in righteousness, are protected in all the civil and religious freedom that man is capable of enjoying on earth; and our national institutions will never fail, unless it be through the wickedness of the people, and the designs of evil men in brief authority; for those rights were ordained of God on this land for the establishment of the principles of truth on the earth; and our national organization originated in the heavens.
Let all the elders of Israel sound the trumpet of salvation with a loud voice knowing that the time is short, in which a great work is to be done; and fear not what men can do, who can only kill the body; but fear God, who will destroy the souls of the fearful and the apostate in hell.
If the saints have more gold and silver than they need, to bring all the poor, bring it along with you; but help one another; do as you would be done unto, and not leave the poor to perish at home or by the way. Those in the western islands, New Holland, the East Indies, and the warm climates, generally, will do well to come to San Diego, in California, and receive the instructions of the Apostles or Presidency at San Bernardino; while those of England, and Northern Europe, will do well to take a more northern route by New Orleans, Kanesville, and the South Pass; and when you come, bring models of the most approved machinery for manufacturing all useful articles ever wanted by man and choice seeds of all kinds. The world is full of labor saving machinery; and models thereof, with such articles needed in the manufactory of the machinery, as cannot be obtained here, will be worth more to the saints, than their weight in gold or silver.
Finally, brethren, fear God; work righteousness; and come home speedily. Prepare, against another season, to come by tens of thousands; and think not that your way is going to be opened to come in chariots, feasting on the fat of all lands. We have been willing to live on bread and water, and many times, very little bread, too, for years, that we might search out and plant the saints in a goodly land. This we have accomplished, though the blessing of our Heavenly Father; and we now invite you to a feast of fat things, to a land that will supply all your wants, with reasonable labor; therefore, let all who can procure a bit of bread, and one garment on their back, be assured there is water plenty and pure by the way, and doubt no longer, but come next year to the place of gathering, even in flocks, as doves fly to their windows before a storm.
When a people, or individuals, hear the gospel, obey its first principles, are baptized for the remission of their sins, and receive the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands, it is time for them to gather, without delay, to Zion; unless their presidency shall call on them to tarry and preach the gospel to those who have not heard it; and generally, the longer they wait, the more difficult it will be for them to come home; for he who has an opportunity to gather, and does not improve it, will be afflicted by the devil.
When Jesus was on the earth, he said to his people. "How oft would I have gathered you, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wing, but ye would not; therefore, behold your house is left unto you desolate." And if the saints of this dispensation do not listen to the call of the good Shepherd, and gather according to the holy commandment, the time is not far distant, when the representatives of the Savior now on earth may have occasion to say, as he said, "your house is left unto you desolate;" for plagues, famine, pestilence, and death are beginning to circumscribe the earth; and where will safety be, but in Zion; the land of God's appointing; the home of the saints; a land choice in products and government above all other lands; therefore, we say unto you, Arise and come forth, and tarry not, for the great day of the Lord is at hand, and who shall abide his coming.
O Lord, God of Abraham, our Father, pour out thy Spirit upon thy people, throughout the earth; even that Spirit which thou dost bestow upon thy servants, that all thy children may be obedient in all things, and speedily become one with us in the vallies of the mountains of Ephraim; that thy will may be done on earth as in the heavens; which we ask in the name of Jesus Christ; amen.
BRIGHAM YOUNG,
HEBER C. KIMBALL,
WILLARD RICHARDS.
Great Salt Lake City, April 18, 1852.