Elders and followed him with a few remarks, and meeting closed for one hour, when we met again, opened meeting and spoke upon revelation, obeying the commandments by building the , was followed by upon the same subject. Elder then spoke somewhat at length, concerning his mission to , which was interesting; after meeting, we all rode to , and took supper with , and while we were conversing with Brother Joseph, and . Brother Joseph made the following remarks.

The way to get along in any important matter, is to gather unto yourselves wise men, experienced and aged men to assist in Council in all times of trouble. Handsome men are not apt to be wise and strong minded men, but the strength of a strong minded man will generally create coarse features, like the rough strong bough of the oak. You will always discover in the first glance of a man, in the outlines of his features<​,​> something of his mind.

Excitement has almost become the essence of my life, when that dies away I feel almost lost; when a man is reined up continually by excitement, he becomes strong and gains power and knowledge; but when he relaxes for a season he loses much of his power and knowledge; but in all matters temporal or spiritual preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ, or in leading an army to battle, victory almost entirely depends upon good order and moderation. In going to battle move slowly, dress up into line, and though your enemy rush upon you with [HC 5:389] fury, meet them slowly but firmly, let not confusion or terror seize upon you, but meet them firmly, and strike a heavy blow and conquer. A man can bear a heavy burthen by practice and continuing to increase it. The inhabitants of this Continent anciently were so constituted, and were so determined, and persevering either in righteousness or wickedness, that God visited them immediately either with great judgments or blessings. But the present generation if they were going to battle, if they got any assistance from God, they would have to obtain it by faith.”