| 488 and began the attack, as usual, by throwing mud and warning the flock to "beware of wolves," and "not to listen to the voice of the stranger but to hear the voice of the good shepherd," evidently forgetting that the shepherds had fled, and were in hiding. We found the sheep in sad perplexity. Their shepherds had been very bold, and advised them not to fear, but to stand firm in the declaration and practice of their religion, and the God of Israel would come out of his hiding-place and preserve them from their enemies, and no harm should befall them. But behold, presto, change! Those who were so bold, so defiant and loudest in saying "stand fast," were the first to buy tickets on the underground railway to pastures new and obscure, unattainable by the sheep, but places of safety for the shepherds. . . .
Taking in the situation, it was by us thought wise to move slow but sure in our advance. The opera-house was secured for Sunday evening services, and the afternoon service held in our chapel, Bro. Joseph Smith speaking at both services. The chapel could not hold all who came to hear. The Spirit of God was there, and many a veteran who in years past held high the banner of Prince Emanuel was seen to brush the silent tear from faces shining anew under the influence of the old fire. It was good to be there; and when evening came and we repaired to the opera-house, and beheld the sea of eager faces, as they rose tier on tier to the very dome of the amphitheater, we were made to feel the great importance of the occasion and the vital questions at issue. And again the voice of God's servant was heard pleading with the people, not in railing accusation, not in condemnation, but in pleadings, mild yet firm, to stop and think and return to the old paths, and walk in the light of God's holy law, given to the church through Joseph, the Seer. . . .
Truly it was a season of rejoicing to us, clouded only by the thought that the people, whom we had come so far to serve, looked upon us as enemies. Surely "God moves in a mysterious way his wonders to perform."
Some were made glad, some were made mad; but so we expect it will be, and are not discouraged.
As Joseph does not fear the deputies, and has come to stay till the Spirit shall say, "It is enough, the call is made," we will await the result and trust in God, not anticipating but patiently working till the result appears.
July Fourth in Salt Lake City, Utah, was, to some extent at least, devoted to a purpose far removed from that to which the day is generally consecrated. The people of this city and Utah Territory were smarting under the vigorous efforts of the government officials to apprehend, and punish according to the terms of the Edmunds law, all who were practicing polygamy. Bitter feeling against the Government was rampant. It was claimed that the law was unconstitutional,
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