| 167 our views touching the redemption of the land, as we still think that it is to be "purchased" to the Saints rather than to be redeemed by blood.
We furthermore think that every man who now attempts to go near to Zion, should count the cost, and if he can not live in peace with his neighbor, his family, himself, and his God, let him by all means stay away; if he is persuaded that he can do this, let him set the boundaries of his home, plant his orchard and vineyard, and establish the door-posts of his house, and his altar place, and determine there to abide. It is time the Saints ceased wandering and pitched their tents for a season of repose. If it should ever again turn out that they shall be compelled to leave their homes, let every man refuse to sell a foot of his land, cache his title deeds, or carry them with him; and as soon as the storm abates return to their homes. Let the Saints now live in honesty with the world and among themselves and we are fully satisfied that they will never again be removed.
We do not pretend to infallibility, nor do we think a man a heretic if he disregards our counsel, for it is the privilege of every man to act for himself; but many events that have transpired, now in the past, have shown that we were nearly correct in our forecasting the situation; and while it has taught us to be careful, it has also strengthened us in the views so often expressed, that "we can safely inhabit in the 'regions round about."'
No immigration in a mass can be safely carried forward, neither is it at present advisable, for two reasons; distress would ensue, and, it is stated, there is an order on the statute book of Missouri, unrepealed, preventing it. This, however, need not affect those who may choose to cast their fortunes as individuals in that State. We believe it to be unwise to further arraign anybody for wrongs, redress for which has so long been placed by humble and devoted prayer, upon the final docket of the great Judge of all the earth. Let the past bury its dead, and only complain of wrongs inflicted since the appeal was taken.-The Saints' Herald, vol. 24, p. 25.
This opinion is confirmed by the following legal opinion subsequently obtained through the efforts of Elder T. W. Smith:
To Whom it May Concern: Having, at the request of the Reverend T. W. Smith, of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, carefully investigated the statutes of the state of Missouri, as to their effect on any contemplated adventures in business by members of that church, who are citizens of other States, under which capital shall be introduced with a view to investment in business, and joint stock or other companies may be formed, we do hereby declare that it appears that the laws of said state of Missouri do most clearly and positively favor such enterprises, and invite them by the most liberal provisions and protection, without any respect to persons, or religious or political belief (excepting the
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