| 481 we have and are; and again, never let minor differences in opinion on doctrine separate brethren, nor set up your own construction of the law of God as supreme, for there is a possibility of your being mistaken, or deceived by a wrong spirit; and again, be diligent in watching, not your brother and neighbor, but yourselves, and see that you study to make yourselves approved workmen, minding your own business and letting others do the same. If you will do this, you will in the future avoid much trouble and vexation of spirit; and one more point I wish you to notice, and that is, do not look for perfection in man till he who is perfect is come, even Jesus our Lord; never pin your faith to the sleeve of any man, nor make the arm of flesh your trust, for as sure as you do, you will meet with disappointment, and a severe fall. Worship God, and have your faith firmly fixed in Jesus Christ, and you never will be shaken in time nor in eternity.
"I desire in this brief letter to the saints, to express my gratitude for the love they have shown to me; I fear I can never repay them for all their kindness, I can only say I pray God to reward them fourfold, nay, ten fold, both spiritually and temporally, and in the future I ask you still to pray for me that I may prove faithful to the end of my days, and be saved in God's kingdom.
"In the future, should God call me to return to your midst, I shall feel sure of a welcome, for I know the faithful hearts that beat in the bosoms of the saints of the Pacific slope; I know the fountains of love that abound in those true and faithful souls obtain their supply at the fountain head, even God our Father, who art in heaven. Now you have the assurance that my prayers shall ascend in your behalf, and may peace, joy, love, and union be and abide with you, both now and forever, in time and in eternity, is the constant prayer of your servant in the gospel of Christ our Lord.
ALEXANDER H. SMITH.
"WATSONVILLE, California, September 22, 1867."
-The Saints' Herald, vol. 12, pp. 151, 152.
In the Herald for October 1, 1867, the editor reports progress and sounds a warning, as follows:-
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