Deseret News. "Eighth General Epistle." October 16, 1852: 98.
EIGHTH 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:--
Every returning season presents new scenes and subject for our contemplation; and mercies and blessings, renewed and multiplied, to call forth songs of praise, and gratitude, and thanksgiving to our Heavenly Father, who is causing the light of the gospel of his dear Son to shine father and farther, and with greater effulgence from day to day, until even now, the four quarters of the earth, and the islands of the sea are beginning to bask in the sunshine of eternal truth; and the cheering sound of salvation is beginning to be heard by a multitude of the nations; and Israel is coming home in crowds, like doves to their windows.
Since our last Epistle of April 18th, the God of Abraham has blessed his saints in the valley; the heavens have been propitious in their season, and the earth has produced abundantly; and although we had ice three fourths of an inch thick on the 22d, and the ground was covered with snow on the 23d, and it snowed and hailed through the 24th of April, and the earth was white with snow on the 2d of May; and there were several slight hail storms, and one severe one on the 13th of July, and many severe winds during the season; yet, showers of rain, accompanied by thunder and lightning, have been multiplied beyond any previous season, which have saved much labor at irrigation; the days and nights have been warm, and vegetation was unusually rapid, and grain and vegetables have been produced in abundance; and peaches and grapes of a most excellent quality, have arrived to perfection.
July 27, the thermometer ranged at 127°; on the 28th and 29th, 114°, in the sun; and in our coolest room, at 94°: and yet the refreshing breezes from the mountains, and Great Salt Lake, enabled the husbandman to continue his labors; and the meteoric appearances in the heavens, have added a beauty and sublimity to life in the mountains. The first snow, this fall, fell on the highest mountain, (where old snow has lain all summer) on the 15th Sept.; and the first frost, to injure vines in the city, was on the 26th Sept.
From the 22d of April to the 21st of May, we spent our time, accompanied by several engineers and near fifty of the brethren, in visiting all the settlements south of this Territory, and many places which had not before been visited; instructing, comforting, and blessing the saints, selecting new locations, forming acquaintance with, and striving to promote peace among the different bands of Indians; and, by the blessing of heaven, accomplished all we could reasonably anticipate; and have since visited Provo and other branches of the church.
There have been less disturbance, and outbreaks among the Indians than during previous seasons; some are beginning to know the value of bread, and are willing to labor a part of their time, and learn how to work to raise corn for themselves; and we recommend to all the settlements to cultivate this spirit, and learn the Indians to raise grain, and live by their labor; rather than steal, starve, or live by begging, as the game is scarce on their hunting grounds.
The chiefs and braves of the Utes, and Shoshone or Snake Indians, which tribes have long been at variance, met in this city, Sept. 4th, and formed a treaty of peace, perpetual peace, "good peace," as they say, in presence of the Governor and Indian agent; and the present appearance is, an indication of peace among the Indians generally in this region.
Considerable advances have been made in tanning leather, machinery for making nails, iron factory, potteries, and other articles of domestic products; though help has been so scarce, this season, that it was necessary to devote a great share of it to the raising of grain, to meet the demand of the great emigration through to California, and the immigration of about 10,000 saints, which have arrived; or, the last are expected in this week, and most of them are scattering through the Territory, strengthening the weaker settlements, and forming new ones, and opening farms to raise all the grain they can, for an increase of the emigrating saints another season.
The wool produced in the valley has been manufactured into useful domestic articles, mostly by family industry; as well as every other article of produce, which could be manufactured, without much machinery; though factories and mills and labor-saving machinery of all kinds, have received all the attention we could possibly grant, and all of which will receive a new impetus, after securing this harvest.
A specimen of pig iron, from the furnace in Iron county, was presented at the October Conference; as good as could be expected for the first; and from this time the founders will be relieved from turning to sustain themselves; and have other assistance which they need to prosecute their business; and soon, we expect a good supply of iron ware, or home manufacture. Pieces of coal have been found in several creeks, and kanyons; and we anticipate pits will soon be found for general use. An extensive and valuable bed of sulfur has recently been discovered, and stone and marble of excellent quality; and all attention to surveys, and discoveries, of those things which may be most useful, is given so far as time and numbers will permit.
The saints in the valley, are feeling well, doing well, rejoicing in God, diligent in business, prospering abundantly in every lawful undertaking; and growing more faithful in keeping the commandments of God, paying their tithing, and building up the kingdom every year. The stone wall around the Temple Block, was commenced Aug. 3d; and, if the fall and winter shall prove as favorable as the last, will probably be completed before spring, ready for the brick or adobies which are to surmount it. Cash is scarce, though more plenty than it was, and will continue to improve, as domestic manufactures improve. We dig for gold or silver, but depend on our friends to dig and bring to us, while we are digging after richer treasures.
The State House, at Fillmore city is progressing and the county of Millard is fast being settled.—The tide of emigration is southward, and Fillmore city bids fair, soon, to be the centre of business.—Territorial affairs are all quiet here; and, for ought we know, at the seat of the general government. The laws of the last legislature are published, though there seems to be but little use for them, for the people generally are disposed to do right, and there are few or no suits before the district or magistrate counts; and even the great emigration through to California, behaved far more respectably, and troubled our courts much less, than during the previous seasons. From the best dates we now have, it is estimated there are now over 30,000 inhabitants in the Territory.
Elders Ezra T. Benson and Jedediah M. Grant returned Aug 11th, from their mission to Pattowatomie, which they left almost entirely vacated by the saints, who are now in the valley; many of whom began to prepare to come over the plains, with hand carts and wheel-barrows, but when the Lord saw they were determined to come home, at all hazard. He opened their way to have the wagons and teams, even to the last family that wanted to come; and so will it continue to be with the saints, who are determined to come home to Zion, according to counsel.
The saints were late in their emigration, this year, and for the last two or three weeks, have offered from occasional snow storms in the mountains, which retarded their progress, and helped to make them short of provisions; but some 200 or more teams and wagons went from the valley to their assistance, taking to the various camps some 40 or 50,000 pounds of flour, and large supplies of vegetables, which enabled them to come in, in safety.
Elders John Taylor, Erastus Snow, and Franklin D. Richards arrived also Aug. 11, on return from their missions to Europe; Elder Taylor having brought apparatus for an extensive sugar factory, which he is locating at Provo, Utah county: and Elder Richards brought two large globes, 3 feet each, to present to the University of Deseret.
The Book of Mormon is now in print in the English, Welsh, French, German, Danish, and Italian languages; and preparations are making to translate and publish it in Chinese, Burmese, Spanish, and other languages.
A special conference of the elders was held at the Tabernacle, on the 28th and 29th of August, which was fully attended, and a most animating spirit prevailed, when many elders were selected and set apart for their various missions as follows:
Europe--England--Daniel Spencer, Charles A. Harper, Isaac Allred, John Van Cott, Mullen Atwood, Chancey G. Webb, Charles Smith, Sylvester H. Earl, David Grant, Thos. W. Trent, Benj. Brown, James T. Park, Perregrine Sessions, Osman M. Duel, John A. Hunt, James Puce, Wm. Burgess Jr., Levi Nickerson, Wm. Glover, Edward Martin, Levi E. Riter, John S. Fullmer, Richard Cook, John Oakley, Wm. Clayton, Wm. Pitt, John C. Hall, Wm. Woodward, James G. Willie, Daniel D. McArthur, Moses Thurston, John Perry, Wm. Empy, Spicer Crandell, John Mayer, Elias Gardner, Noah T. Gayman.
Ireland—Daniel Toner, John McDonald.
Wales--Dan Jones, Daniel Daniels, Thos. Jeremy.
France—Andrew L. Lumoreaux.
Germany—Geo. Mayer, Geo. C. Riser, Jacob F. Secrist, Wm. Taylor.
Berlin—Orson Spencer, Jacob Houtz, Moses Clough.
Norway—Eric G. M. Hogan, Canute Peterson.
Denmark—George Percy.
Gibraltar—Edward Sorenson, Nathan T. Porter.
Asia—Hindoostan.—Nathaniel V. Jones, Amos M. Musser, William Fotheringham, Samuel A. Woolley, William F. Carter, Richard Ballantyne, Truman Leonard, Robert Owen, Robert Skelton.
Siam—Chancey W. Wes, Serne Hotchkiss.
China—Hosea Stout, James Lewis, Chapman Duncan.
Africa--Cape of Good Hope--Jesse Haven, Leonard I. Smith, William Walker.
Nova Scotia and British Provinces in America—John Robinson, Benj. T. Mitchell, A. D. L. Buckland, Joseph Millot.
West Indies—Jesse Turpin, Alfred B. Lambson, Darwin Richardson, Aaron Furr.
British Guiana--James Brown, Elijah Thomins.
Texas--Preston Thomas, Williams Camp, Washington Jolly.
New Orleans--John Brown.
St. Louis--Horace S. Eldredge.
Iowa—Daniel Miller.
Washington City—Orson Pratt.
Australia—Augustus Farnham, Josiah W. Fleming, John Hyde, Paul Smith, Barr Frost, James Graham, Wm. Hyde, John S. Eldredge, Absalom P. Dowdle.
Sandwich Isles—Wm. McBride, Ephraim Green, Edgerton Snyder, James Lawson, Thomas Kairnes, Nathan Tanner, Reddick N. Allred, Reddin A. Allred, Benj. F. Johnson.
About 74 of those elders whose missions were to the Eastern Continent, and some of the British Provinces, left about the 15th of September, journeying by way of the South Pass, and Missouri River; accompanied by Elder Orson Pratt, of the Quorum of the Twelve, who was appointed at the same Conference, on a mission to Washington City; and to preside over the Saints in the United States, and the British Provinces in North America. President Orson Hyde arrived, with his family, from Pottawatamie, Sept. 21st. Elder Parley P. Pratt is within the Territory, on his way from Chili, South America, and is expected soon. Elders Amasa Lyman and Charles C. Rich, are at San Bernardino, expecting to leave on the 1st of November, and be at this pace the 1st of December. Elder Lorenzo Snow arrived a few days since, from Malta. Elders Wilford Woodruff and George A. Smith are in the Valley, where all the Twelve Apostles are expected to spend the winter, except Orson Pratt.
August 3d., Bishop Abraham O. Smoot arrived with 31 wagons, and about 250 Saints, the first company who have emigrated from England, by means of the "Perpetual Emigrating Fund;" and their arrival was hailed with the greatest demonstrations of joy by the Saints in the Valley, and met with a hearty response by the Camp. The funds of the Emigrating Company are safe, in stock, wagons, &c.; but the scarcity of cash will prevent the Company from extending that assistance abroad, the coming Spring, which we could wish, but let no one relax their exertions for the interest of the Company, and greater will be the help when it does come.
Six of the elders who were appointed on missions to Europe, at the April Conference, started on the 4th of May, viz: John C. Armstrong, T. Margetts, J. Dalling, George Fenu, T. B. Broderkick, and John Barker; and two more who had leave to tarry till Fall, accompanied the late mission.
Those elders who were appointed on foreign missions at the August Conference, and did not go East are expected to start on the Southern route to California, on Monday next, Oct. 18th, and sail from San Francisco.
The October Conference commenced on Wednesday the 6th inst., and closed on the Sunday following. During the whole time the Tabernacle was filled to overflowing, and the time was mostly devoted to preaching, teaching, exhortations, fasting, praying, praise, and thanksgiving, and the Sacrament; and a portion of the time, additional preaching was had out of doors, for the benefit of the multitude who could find no room in the house.
Elders Elam Luddington and Levi Savage, Jr. were appointed on missions to Siam, in place of Serne Hotchkiss, and Harlow Redfield, who tarry at home: The First Presidency, the Twelve Apostles, and the officers of the several Quorums, were sustained in their several callings, according to previous organization, by the unanimous vote of the Conference, which voted also to commence the Temple next Spring.
The news is cheering from all the various missions on the earth; multitudes are believing and being baptized for the remission of their sins; while the wicked are opposing; and, in places, persecuting the Saints, destroying their property, driving them from their homes, and reporting all manner of falsehoods concerning them. Let the wicked contend with the wicked, and while they are contending, let the Elders preach the Gospel, to those who will believe, that the work be not hindered; and where the Saints cannot live in peace, and worship God according to the dictates of their own consciences being enlightened by the spirit of truth, and the Revelations of Jesus Christ, they may receive it as a sign that it is time for them to arise and flee to Zion, to come home, to come to a land amid the everlasting hills, which is coveted by none, except the Saints; and by them, that they may dwell in peace, and enjoy the religion of heaven, and the good of their labors.
The invitation is to all, of every nation, kindred and tongue, who will believe, repent, be baptized, and receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost, by the laying on of hands, come home; come to the land of Joseph, to the Valleys of Ephraim. Journeying as you shall be instructed by the Presidency of the Church in the Nation where you are. Those who are accustomed to a warm climate, and have the opportunity, may journey to California, and take counsel of the Presidency at San Bernardino; and such will find themselves near home, if they land at San Diego. Those who are accustomed to a colder climate, may journey by way of New Orleans, where they will find Elder John Brown, whom we have sent to counsel the Saints on their arrival; also Elder Horace S. Eldredge, at St. Louis; and Elder Henry Miller, at Pottawatamie.
Come up to the building of the House of the Lord, Oh ye saints, from the four corners of the earth; for as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, so would the Lord Jesus gather you, in these last days; and now is the time for you to come, while the nations of the earth are at peace, and plenty covers the land. You know not how soon your way may be hedged by the sword; or stayed by the hand of famine; for the Savior said, while here on earth, that there should be wars and famine, even bloodshed and consumption upon the face of the whole earth; but the nations will not believe it until it comes upon them.
Listen to the voice of your teachers; listen to the counsel of the elders of Israel whom we send unto you; for, inasmuch as this is verily the work of God, in which we are engaged, you will find their words a light unto your feet; a lamp to your path, and the Holy Spirit will dwell with those who live by their precepts; and we …st we shall not have to say to you, as did an ancient apostle to the saints, "Ye have many masters, but few fathers." O ye elders of Israel, be ye fathers to the household of faith. Ye shepherds of Israel, feed the flock of God; and seek His pleasure and not your own, in all things; and teach the saints to be subject to the powers that be, wherever they are.
Let the rich saints gather up the poor, and help them home; and let the poor give their obligations to repay the same, as soon as their arrival at home, and they have means; and let them help themselves, to the utmost of their ability, and not be dependent on the rich. If all the saints, in any kingdom, or branch of the church, were as anxious for themselves as Jesus is for them; and they were all united in faith and means as the heart of one man, they would find means enough to help them all to Zion, without delay; while those who can come, and wait for better times, more means, and easier carriages to ride in, will wait in vain; and if they obtain the object of their search, they will do it through sorrow, and much tribulation.
We want paints, oil, glass, parry, nails, house trimmings, seeds for hedges and all choice fruits, vegetables and flowers; cotton and wool machinery; and all kinds of labor saving machinery. There are three more carding machines wanted in the Valley next season. Sheep and young stock will find a good market, to any amount. Fifty tons of cotton yarn are wanted at the present moment, for family use. Who will bring these things? All the Saints.
Bring all your spare silver and gold, precious stones, and curiosities, and antiquities, and every thing that will tend to build, beautify, and adorn the Temple of the Most High; and with meek and humble hearts, and prayer, and praise, and fasting, and thanksgiving, come up to the help of the Lord against the mighty, and you shall receive your reward, in ordinances, in blessings, in salvation; and we pray our Heavenly Father that he will inspire your hearts to works of righteousness, and guide you by his spirit continually, and enable you to abide his law, until you are made perfect, and prepared for the marriage Supper of the Lamb, in the name of Jesus: Amen.
BRIGHAM YOUNG,
HEBER C. KIMBALL,
WILLARD RICHARDS.
Great Salt Lake City, Oct. 13, 1852.
EIGHTH 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:--
Every returning season presents new scenes and subject for our contemplation; and mercies and blessings, renewed and multiplied, to call forth songs of praise, and gratitude, and thanksgiving to our Heavenly Father, who is causing the light of the gospel of his dear Son to shine father and farther, and with greater effulgence from day to day, until even now, the four quarters of the earth, and the islands of the sea are beginning to bask in the sunshine of eternal truth; and the cheering sound of salvation is beginning to be heard by a multitude of the nations; and Israel is coming home in crowds, like doves to their windows.
Since our last Epistle of April 18th, the God of Abraham has blessed his saints in the valley; the heavens have been propitious in their season, and the earth has produced abundantly; and although we had ice three fourths of an inch thick on the 22d, and the ground was covered with snow on the 23d, and it snowed and hailed through the 24th of April, and the earth was white with snow on the 2d of May; and there were several slight hail storms, and one severe one on the 13th of July, and many severe winds during the season; yet, showers of rain, accompanied by thunder and lightning, have been multiplied beyond any previous season, which have saved much labor at irrigation; the days and nights have been warm, and vegetation was unusually rapid, and grain and vegetables have been produced in abundance; and peaches and grapes of a most excellent quality, have arrived to perfection.
July 27, the thermometer ranged at 127°; on the 28th and 29th, 114°, in the sun; and in our coolest room, at 94°: and yet the refreshing breezes from the mountains, and Great Salt Lake, enabled the husbandman to continue his labors; and the meteoric appearances in the heavens, have added a beauty and sublimity to life in the mountains. The first snow, this fall, fell on the highest mountain, (where old snow has lain all summer) on the 15th Sept.; and the first frost, to injure vines in the city, was on the 26th Sept.
From the 22d of April to the 21st of May, we spent our time, accompanied by several engineers and near fifty of the brethren, in visiting all the settlements south of this Territory, and many places which had not before been visited; instructing, comforting, and blessing the saints, selecting new locations, forming acquaintance with, and striving to promote peace among the different bands of Indians; and, by the blessing of heaven, accomplished all we could reasonably anticipate; and have since visited Provo and other branches of the church.
There have been less disturbance, and outbreaks among the Indians than during previous seasons; some are beginning to know the value of bread, and are willing to labor a part of their time, and learn how to work to raise corn for themselves; and we recommend to all the settlements to cultivate this spirit, and learn the Indians to raise grain, and live by their labor; rather than steal, starve, or live by begging, as the game is scarce on their hunting grounds.
The chiefs and braves of the Utes, and Shoshone or Snake Indians, which tribes have long been at variance, met in this city, Sept. 4th, and formed a treaty of peace, perpetual peace, "good peace," as they say, in presence of the Governor and Indian agent; and the present appearance is, an indication of peace among the Indians generally in this region.
Considerable advances have been made in tanning leather, machinery for making nails, iron factory, potteries, and other articles of domestic products; though help has been so scarce, this season, that it was necessary to devote a great share of it to the raising of grain, to meet the demand of the great emigration through to California, and the immigration of about 10,000 saints, which have arrived; or, the last are expected in this week, and most of them are scattering through the Territory, strengthening the weaker settlements, and forming new ones, and opening farms to raise all the grain they can, for an increase of the emigrating saints another season.
The wool produced in the valley has been manufactured into useful domestic articles, mostly by family industry; as well as every other article of produce, which could be manufactured, without much machinery; though factories and mills and labor-saving machinery of all kinds, have received all the attention we could possibly grant, and all of which will receive a new impetus, after securing this harvest.
A specimen of pig iron, from the furnace in Iron county, was presented at the October Conference; as good as could be expected for the first; and from this time the founders will be relieved from turning to sustain themselves; and have other assistance which they need to prosecute their business; and soon, we expect a good supply of iron ware, or home manufacture. Pieces of coal have been found in several creeks, and kanyons; and we anticipate pits will soon be found for general use. An extensive and valuable bed of sulfur has recently been discovered, and stone and marble of excellent quality; and all attention to surveys, and discoveries, of those things which may be most useful, is given so far as time and numbers will permit.
The saints in the valley, are feeling well, doing well, rejoicing in God, diligent in business, prospering abundantly in every lawful undertaking; and growing more faithful in keeping the commandments of God, paying their tithing, and building up the kingdom every year. The stone wall around the Temple Block, was commenced Aug. 3d; and, if the fall and winter shall prove as favorable as the last, will probably be completed before spring, ready for the brick or adobies which are to surmount it. Cash is scarce, though more plenty than it was, and will continue to improve, as domestic manufactures improve. We dig for gold or silver, but depend on our friends to dig and bring to us, while we are digging after richer treasures.
The State House, at Fillmore city is progressing and the county of Millard is fast being settled.—The tide of emigration is southward, and Fillmore city bids fair, soon, to be the centre of business.—Territorial affairs are all quiet here; and, for ought we know, at the seat of the general government. The laws of the last legislature are published, though there seems to be but little use for them, for the people generally are disposed to do right, and there are few or no suits before the district or magistrate counts; and even the great emigration through to California, behaved far more respectably, and troubled our courts much less, than during the previous seasons. From the best dates we now have, it is estimated there are now over 30,000 inhabitants in the Territory.
Elders Ezra T. Benson and Jedediah M. Grant returned Aug 11th, from their mission to Pattowatomie, which they left almost entirely vacated by the saints, who are now in the valley; many of whom began to prepare to come over the plains, with hand carts and wheel-barrows, but when the Lord saw they were determined to come home, at all hazard. He opened their way to have the wagons and teams, even to the last family that wanted to come; and so will it continue to be with the saints, who are determined to come home to Zion, according to counsel.
The saints were late in their emigration, this year, and for the last two or three weeks, have offered from occasional snow storms in the mountains, which retarded their progress, and helped to make them short of provisions; but some 200 or more teams and wagons went from the valley to their assistance, taking to the various camps some 40 or 50,000 pounds of flour, and large supplies of vegetables, which enabled them to come in, in safety.
Elders John Taylor, Erastus Snow, and Franklin D. Richards arrived also Aug. 11, on return from their missions to Europe; Elder Taylor having brought apparatus for an extensive sugar factory, which he is locating at Provo, Utah county: and Elder Richards brought two large globes, 3 feet each, to present to the University of Deseret.
The Book of Mormon is now in print in the English, Welsh, French, German, Danish, and Italian languages; and preparations are making to translate and publish it in Chinese, Burmese, Spanish, and other languages.
A special conference of the elders was held at the Tabernacle, on the 28th and 29th of August, which was fully attended, and a most animating spirit prevailed, when many elders were selected and set apart for their various missions as follows:
Europe--England--Daniel Spencer, Charles A. Harper, Isaac Allred, John Van Cott, Mullen Atwood, Chancey G. Webb, Charles Smith, Sylvester H. Earl, David Grant, Thos. W. Trent, Benj. Brown, James T. Park, Perregrine Sessions, Osman M. Duel, John A. Hunt, James Puce, Wm. Burgess Jr., Levi Nickerson, Wm. Glover, Edward Martin, Levi E. Riter, John S. Fullmer, Richard Cook, John Oakley, Wm. Clayton, Wm. Pitt, John C. Hall, Wm. Woodward, James G. Willie, Daniel D. McArthur, Moses Thurston, John Perry, Wm. Empy, Spicer Crandell, John Mayer, Elias Gardner, Noah T. Gayman.
Ireland—Daniel Toner, John McDonald.
Wales--Dan Jones, Daniel Daniels, Thos. Jeremy.
France—Andrew L. Lumoreaux.
Germany—Geo. Mayer, Geo. C. Riser, Jacob F. Secrist, Wm. Taylor.
Berlin—Orson Spencer, Jacob Houtz, Moses Clough.
Norway—Eric G. M. Hogan, Canute Peterson.
Denmark—George Percy.
Gibraltar—Edward Sorenson, Nathan T. Porter.
Asia—Hindoostan.—Nathaniel V. Jones, Amos M. Musser, William Fotheringham, Samuel A. Woolley, William F. Carter, Richard Ballantyne, Truman Leonard, Robert Owen, Robert Skelton.
Siam—Chancey W. Wes, Serne Hotchkiss.
China—Hosea Stout, James Lewis, Chapman Duncan.
Africa--Cape of Good Hope--Jesse Haven, Leonard I. Smith, William Walker.
Nova Scotia and British Provinces in America—John Robinson, Benj. T. Mitchell, A. D. L. Buckland, Joseph Millot.
West Indies—Jesse Turpin, Alfred B. Lambson, Darwin Richardson, Aaron Furr.
British Guiana--James Brown, Elijah Thomins.
Texas--Preston Thomas, Williams Camp, Washington Jolly.
New Orleans--John Brown.
St. Louis--Horace S. Eldredge.
Iowa—Daniel Miller.
Washington City—Orson Pratt.
Australia—Augustus Farnham, Josiah W. Fleming, John Hyde, Paul Smith, Barr Frost, James Graham, Wm. Hyde, John S. Eldredge, Absalom P. Dowdle.
Sandwich Isles—Wm. McBride, Ephraim Green, Edgerton Snyder, James Lawson, Thomas Kairnes, Nathan Tanner, Reddick N. Allred, Reddin A. Allred, Benj. F. Johnson.
About 74 of those elders whose missions were to the Eastern Continent, and some of the British Provinces, left about the 15th of September, journeying by way of the South Pass, and Missouri River; accompanied by Elder Orson Pratt, of the Quorum of the Twelve, who was appointed at the same Conference, on a mission to Washington City; and to preside over the Saints in the United States, and the British Provinces in North America. President Orson Hyde arrived, with his family, from Pottawatamie, Sept. 21st. Elder Parley P. Pratt is within the Territory, on his way from Chili, South America, and is expected soon. Elders Amasa Lyman and Charles C. Rich, are at San Bernardino, expecting to leave on the 1st of November, and be at this pace the 1st of December. Elder Lorenzo Snow arrived a few days since, from Malta. Elders Wilford Woodruff and George A. Smith are in the Valley, where all the Twelve Apostles are expected to spend the winter, except Orson Pratt.
August 3d., Bishop Abraham O. Smoot arrived with 31 wagons, and about 250 Saints, the first company who have emigrated from England, by means of the "Perpetual Emigrating Fund;" and their arrival was hailed with the greatest demonstrations of joy by the Saints in the Valley, and met with a hearty response by the Camp. The funds of the Emigrating Company are safe, in stock, wagons, &c.; but the scarcity of cash will prevent the Company from extending that assistance abroad, the coming Spring, which we could wish, but let no one relax their exertions for the interest of the Company, and greater will be the help when it does come.
Six of the elders who were appointed on missions to Europe, at the April Conference, started on the 4th of May, viz: John C. Armstrong, T. Margetts, J. Dalling, George Fenu, T. B. Broderkick, and John Barker; and two more who had leave to tarry till Fall, accompanied the late mission.
Those elders who were appointed on foreign missions at the August Conference, and did not go East are expected to start on the Southern route to California, on Monday next, Oct. 18th, and sail from San Francisco.
The October Conference commenced on Wednesday the 6th inst., and closed on the Sunday following. During the whole time the Tabernacle was filled to overflowing, and the time was mostly devoted to preaching, teaching, exhortations, fasting, praying, praise, and thanksgiving, and the Sacrament; and a portion of the time, additional preaching was had out of doors, for the benefit of the multitude who could find no room in the house.
Elders Elam Luddington and Levi Savage, Jr. were appointed on missions to Siam, in place of Serne Hotchkiss, and Harlow Redfield, who tarry at home: The First Presidency, the Twelve Apostles, and the officers of the several Quorums, were sustained in their several callings, according to previous organization, by the unanimous vote of the Conference, which voted also to commence the Temple next Spring.
The news is cheering from all the various missions on the earth; multitudes are believing and being baptized for the remission of their sins; while the wicked are opposing; and, in places, persecuting the Saints, destroying their property, driving them from their homes, and reporting all manner of falsehoods concerning them. Let the wicked contend with the wicked, and while they are contending, let the Elders preach the Gospel, to those who will believe, that the work be not hindered; and where the Saints cannot live in peace, and worship God according to the dictates of their own consciences being enlightened by the spirit of truth, and the Revelations of Jesus Christ, they may receive it as a sign that it is time for them to arise and flee to Zion, to come home, to come to a land amid the everlasting hills, which is coveted by none, except the Saints; and by them, that they may dwell in peace, and enjoy the religion of heaven, and the good of their labors.
The invitation is to all, of every nation, kindred and tongue, who will believe, repent, be baptized, and receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost, by the laying on of hands, come home; come to the land of Joseph, to the Valleys of Ephraim. Journeying as you shall be instructed by the Presidency of the Church in the Nation where you are. Those who are accustomed to a warm climate, and have the opportunity, may journey to California, and take counsel of the Presidency at San Bernardino; and such will find themselves near home, if they land at San Diego. Those who are accustomed to a colder climate, may journey by way of New Orleans, where they will find Elder John Brown, whom we have sent to counsel the Saints on their arrival; also Elder Horace S. Eldredge, at St. Louis; and Elder Henry Miller, at Pottawatamie.
Come up to the building of the House of the Lord, Oh ye saints, from the four corners of the earth; for as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, so would the Lord Jesus gather you, in these last days; and now is the time for you to come, while the nations of the earth are at peace, and plenty covers the land. You know not how soon your way may be hedged by the sword; or stayed by the hand of famine; for the Savior said, while here on earth, that there should be wars and famine, even bloodshed and consumption upon the face of the whole earth; but the nations will not believe it until it comes upon them.
Listen to the voice of your teachers; listen to the counsel of the elders of Israel whom we send unto you; for, inasmuch as this is verily the work of God, in which we are engaged, you will find their words a light unto your feet; a lamp to your path, and the Holy Spirit will dwell with those who live by their precepts; and we …st we shall not have to say to you, as did an ancient apostle to the saints, "Ye have many masters, but few fathers." O ye elders of Israel, be ye fathers to the household of faith. Ye shepherds of Israel, feed the flock of God; and seek His pleasure and not your own, in all things; and teach the saints to be subject to the powers that be, wherever they are.
Let the rich saints gather up the poor, and help them home; and let the poor give their obligations to repay the same, as soon as their arrival at home, and they have means; and let them help themselves, to the utmost of their ability, and not be dependent on the rich. If all the saints, in any kingdom, or branch of the church, were as anxious for themselves as Jesus is for them; and they were all united in faith and means as the heart of one man, they would find means enough to help them all to Zion, without delay; while those who can come, and wait for better times, more means, and easier carriages to ride in, will wait in vain; and if they obtain the object of their search, they will do it through sorrow, and much tribulation.
We want paints, oil, glass, parry, nails, house trimmings, seeds for hedges and all choice fruits, vegetables and flowers; cotton and wool machinery; and all kinds of labor saving machinery. There are three more carding machines wanted in the Valley next season. Sheep and young stock will find a good market, to any amount. Fifty tons of cotton yarn are wanted at the present moment, for family use. Who will bring these things? All the Saints.
Bring all your spare silver and gold, precious stones, and curiosities, and antiquities, and every thing that will tend to build, beautify, and adorn the Temple of the Most High; and with meek and humble hearts, and prayer, and praise, and fasting, and thanksgiving, come up to the help of the Lord against the mighty, and you shall receive your reward, in ordinances, in blessings, in salvation; and we pray our Heavenly Father that he will inspire your hearts to works of righteousness, and guide you by his spirit continually, and enable you to abide his law, until you are made perfect, and prepared for the marriage Supper of the Lamb, in the name of Jesus: Amen.
BRIGHAM YOUNG,
HEBER C. KIMBALL,
WILLARD RICHARDS.
Great Salt Lake City, Oct. 13, 1852.