I will say a few words before the congregation is dismissed.
As but few can be in our offices to learn the news that is brought in,
I will say that on the 2nd, Friday last, a messenger arrived with
intelligence that the soldiers were going up Ham's Fork.
Previous to that I had sent by Lieutenant-General Wells a copy of the
Proclamation proclaiming martial law, and ordering the troops not to
come here. They treated it as I presumed they would. They say that
they are sent by the President, are subject to superior officers, and
intend to abide their instructions; and I expect that they will, until
some other power checks their progress.
The brethren are well, and the spirit of peace and contentment rests
upon them. They are doing their duties—living to and serving their
God.
Keep the "'Mormon' creed," and especially just now in regard to the
remarks made by brother Spencer. Some may think they will have to
deviate in attending to digging their neighbors' potatoes; but this
is now the very business for the brethren to do. This is now their
duty, and what the brethren ought to do.
I do not know that anybody's heart burns, except it is to get
a little nearer to our enemies and for the troops to undertake to come
in here. Well, we are in the hands of the Lord our God, and he will
overrule things just as he pleases.
Many want to know what the result will be; and they want the Lord to
give them revelation. Get revelation, if you can. I have told you
before, and I can tell you now, that the result will be that
"Mormonism" will be higher and greater in power and influence than
ever it was before. Our enemies will sink, while we will increase in
power and strength, and enjoy an influence that we never enjoyed
before; and the Lord will have his own way in bringing about these
things. I know that all will be made right; and an allwise,
overruling Providence will bring us off victorious. He has led us to
victory and peace, and has given us power and influence that we can
sustain ourselves; and I believe that it is the calculation of all to
sustain themselves against all that can come to annoy, destroy,
desolate, and drive the Saints of God. God will fight our battles;
and he will do it just as he pleases.
You know that it is one peculiarity of our faith and religion never to
ask the Lord to do a thing without being willing to help him all that
we are able; and then the Lord will do the rest.
The main object I had in coming to meeting this morning was to let you
know that my health is better. Last Sabbath I did not think it prudent
to come out; but I am at my post, and God is at the helm.
Let us walk in the precepts of our Savior—those that he has marked
out for us, and God will bless us; and I bless you, my brethren and
sisters, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
I mean to save my brethren and sisters, God being my helper. God bless
you! Amen.