Great Salt Lake City
February 6th 1855
Elder Orson Spencer
Cincinnati, Ohio
Dear Brother,
Your favor of Oct. 20th. arrived by course of mail on the 6th inst.
I was truly gratified to learn of your welfare. Although the prospect may seem dull for an immediate opening in Cincinnati, yet I feel in no wise discouraged, inasmuch as I know the Lord is at the helm, and that the hearts of the Children of men are in his hands to do with them as seemeth him good.
I think that the holding of a Conference in that City, as suggested in a letter received from bro Taylor will have an excellent effect, and will also furnish an opportunity for the Elders to rejoice in each others society
I can appreciate your view of additional efficiency and strength by growing less numerous. I have often said that I would rather be left alone with my faithful brethren, no matter how diminished in numbers, than have a million who take pleasure in unrighteousness, & prefer to dwell in the tents of wickedness. How truly do we see verified the words of the prophet in the visitation, devastation, pestilence, &c, now stalking abroad in the earth, but wickedness, and every species of abomination keeping even pace therewith, Itbecomes us as the servants of the most High, to gird up our loins and put on our Armour for assuridely the end is not yet. And although our hearts may melt, and our eyes shed tears of sympathy for the dire & awful scenes of suffering and calamity poured out upon the inhabitants of the earth, still they will not hearken to the voice of God, still they will fill up their cup of iniquity to the brim, and of a consequence the devourer satiates his appetite upon his willing victims. I doubt not that the stoutest hearts will shrink appalled by the many scenes of destruction which will transpire. But who can withstand the anger of the Almighty, or seek to stay his hand. Let us rejoice rather as we see the day approaching when the refuge of lies shall be swept away and the earth be purified, cleansed and made tenantable for God and holy beings.
All things are prosperous with us in these peaceful vales. The weather is very mild, it is said that this winter is very much resembles the first spent in these vallies by the Saints.
We are laying stone in the Temple foundation, & our works are steadily progressing.
The Indians are quiet and friendly throughout the Territory, although a little excitement prevails among the Utahs, just at present, in consequence of the death of Chief Walker. He died near Fillmore on the 29th Ulto. of inflamation on the lungs after an illness of ten days.
To the poor, the outcast, the down trodden of all the earth, we are sent, Bro. Orson, even to the scattered remnants of Israel. In these vallies we are favorably situated to instruct the poor Indian, and I do consider that a favorable influence has been exercised towards them since our location in their midst. I feel thankful to God for the peace we have enjoyed among them, and do say without any fear of successful contradiction, that it was never equaled in any other first settlement in this wide spread Republic, and probably there were no more vicious or savage aboriginies than these of Utah. This is owing to the working of the Spirit of God among them, and I consider that Capt. Walker was a good deal influenced by this Spirit, to exert his influence to keep peace between us and them.
It is also in the world, the poor, the humble, the low, and most acceptible, and much the likeliest to receive the truths of heaven. Begin with them bro. Orson in their habitations, and wherever, and whenever a suitable opportunity occurs, and invite them to come and hear you preach.
If you will reflect you will see reasons why the Isreal of God is found in the lowest conditions in life, and the King upon His throne and the proud aristocratic world at large, reject the Gospel of Christ. They will garnish the Sepulchers of ancient prophets of Jesus and his Apostles and reject the living oracles. We therefore turn to the humble and shall I say more virtuous, there are honorable exceptions I know in the higher walks of life, but still is virtue less rare among the poor & lower classes of society.
I have read with pleasure your article in the first number of the Luminary. It was timely and of the right kind. I think you will compel notice if you ifgive a few more such strikes as that. You have struck out in the right channel as also has Bro. Erastus Snow, so far as I can discover. I wish you to act as the Spirit leads you in connection with the counsel of Bro. Erastus Snow and Taylor, in regard to your location, gathering of the Saints &c.
I wish to be remembered to Bro. Banks and all the brethren with you. May you all be preserved in health and strength to the accomplishment of your mission, and to roll onward the purposes of God upon the earth is my prayer in the name of Jesus our Lord.
As ever I remain Very truly
Your Brother in the Gospel of Christ
Brigham Young