Manuscript History of the Church[1]

Saturday, 29.—{About 10 in the forenoon I rode up and viewed the Temple. I expressed my satisfaction at the arrangements, and was pleased with the progress made in that sacred edifice. After conversing with several of the brethern and shaking hands with numbers who were very much rejoiced to see their Prophet again, [2] I returned home, but soon afterwards went over to the Store, where a number of brethren and Sisters were assembled who had arrived this morning from the neighborhood of New York, Long Island &c After Elders Taylor, Woodruff, and Samuel Bennett, [3] had addressed the brethren and Sisters, I spoke to them at considerable length, shewing them the proper course to pursue, and how to act in regard to making purchases of land &c.

I shewed them that it was generally in consequence of the brethren disregarding or disobeying counsel that they became dissatisfied and murmured; and many when they arrived here were dissatisfied with the conduct of some of the Saints because every thing was done perfectly right, and they get mad and thus the devil gets advantage over them to destroy them. I told them I was but a man, and they must not expect me to be perfect; if they expected perfection from me, I should expect it from them; but if they would bear with my infirmities and the infirmities of the brethren, I would likewise bear with their infirmities. I told them it was likely I would have again to hide up in the woods but they must not be discouraged but build up the city, the Temple &c. When my enemies take away my rights, I will bear it and keep out of the way, but if they take away your rights, I will fight for you. I blessed them and departed}. [4]

—29 October 1842

Notes

[1] See History of the Church, 5:181, and Teachings, pp. 267-68. The original source for History of the Church and Teachings is the "Book of the Law of the Lord," p. 208.

[2] See 29 August 1842, note 3.

[3] Samuel Bennett, appointed presiding authority of the branch of the Church in Cincinnati, Ohio, in October 1840, was later named associate justice of the Municipal Court of Nauvoo.

[4] The words enclosed in braces come from the "Book of the Law of the Lord."