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Source: Church History Vol. 3 Chapter 13 Page: 278 (~1861)

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278 "Permit me, through the columns of the Herald to address a few lines to the scattered saints.

"The question is often asked, 'Where is the gathering place for the saints?' seeming to imply the positive necessity for such a place. That such a place was necessary no one doubts; but when, for various reasons not necessary now to mention, the people were scattered, successively, from Kirtland, from Jackson County, Missouri, and lastly from Nauvoo, there seemed to come a time when there was a necessity for a division-for a sifting of the elements of discord, that the inharmonious and incongruous might be separated from the better and purer parts of the whole. What the result has been, most of those who know the history of this people are able to see; yet to many it is still dark.

"There are many obstacles to be met with by us, and which are to be overcome, not the least of which is the prejudice of those, who, most unfortunately for us, judge of us from very bad specimens of men, who either were, and are, or claim to be of the so-called Mormon faith. Another difficulty, and one of considerable importance, is the gathering together hastily in so large a body, that being incapable of harmonizing and assimilating the one with the other, so as to form a complete whole, it totters, and falls of its own concentrated weight.

"I shall not at this time enumerate or notice any more of the (to me) apparent difficulties than the two I have just spoken of, but if I can help to set these before some of those into whose hands this little volume may come, then am I amply repaid; and if not, then the good God, who sees the motives of all men, will receive the will for the deed, and pardon my shortcoming.

"I make no apology for my manner, neither for the crudeness of my material, nor for the indifferent way it is put together; but give it to the inspection of all, feeling sure that He who ruleth all things to his glory will guide and direct this to its desired end.

"When I assumed the position I now occupy, I covenanted that I would never willingly nor willfully do anything to

(page 278)

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