Ignorance, bigotry, and superstition are frequently in the way of the prosperity of this , and are like the torrent of rain rushing down from the mountains, which floods the clear stream with mire and dirt, but when the storm is over and the rain has ceased the mire and dirt are washed away, and the stream again is pure and clear as the fountain, so shall the church appear when ignorance, supersitition and bigotry are washed away. What power can stay the heavens, as well might man stretch forth his puny arm to stop the mighty in its course, as to hinder the Almighty from pouring down knowledge from heaven upon the hearts of the Latter day saints: what is the with his murderous party, but willows on the shore to stop the waters in their progress? As well might we argue that water is not water, because the mountain torrent sends down mire and riles the crystal stream; or the fire is not fire because it can be quenchable, as to say that our cause is down because renegadoes, liars, priests and murderers, who are alike tenacious of their crafts and creeds have poured down upon us a flood of dirt and mire from their strong holds. No, they may rage, with all the powers of hell and pour forth their wrath, indignation and cruelty like the burning lava of mount Vesuvius, yet, shall Mormonism stand. Truth is Mormonism, and God is its author, by him we received our birth, by him we were called to a dispensation of his gospel, in the beginning of the fulness of times, it was by him we received the book of Mormon, by him we remain unto this day and shall continue to remain if it be to his glory; we are determined to endure tribulation as good soldiers, unto the end: when you read this, you will learn, that prison walls, iron doors, screaching hinges, guards and jailors have not destroyed our confidence, but we say, and that from experience, that they are calculated in their very nature to make the soul of an honest man, feel stronger than the powers of hell. But we must bring our epistle to a close, and send our respects to fathers, mothers , wives, and children, brothers and sisters, and be assured we hold them in sacred remembrance.

We should be glad to hear from , , and , we remember them and would like to jog their memory a little on the fable of the bear and the two friends, who mutually agreed to stand by each other; we could also mention Uncle and others; a word of consolation and a blessing would not come amiss from any body, while we are so closely whispered by the bear. Our respects and love to all the virtuous saints. We are, dear brethren, your fellow sufferers and [p. 103]