Dear brethren in Christ, and companions in tribulation:

WHEN we call to remembrance the ties with which we are bound to those who embrace the , and the felowship and love with which the hearts of the children of our Lord’s kingdom should be united, we cherish a belief, that you will bear with us, when we take this course to commnnicate to you some of the many thoughts which occupy our minds, and press with continued weight upon our hearts, as we reflect upon the vast importance and responsibility of your callings, in the sight of the Master of the vineyard. And though our communications to you may be frequent, yet we believe they will be received on your part with brotherly feelings; and that from us your unworthy brethren, you will suffer a word of oxhortation to have place on your hearts, as you see the great extent of power and dominion of the prince of darkness, and realize how vast the numbers are who are crowding the road to death without ever giving heed to the cheering sound of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ!

Consider for a moment, brethren, the fulfilment of the words of the prophet; for we behold that darkness covers the earth, and gross darkness the minds of the inhabitants thereof— that crimes of every description are increasing among men— vices of every enormity are practised— the rising generation growing up in the fulness of pride and arrogance— the aged losing every sense of conviction, and seemingly banishing every thought of a day of retribution— intemperance, immortality, extravagance, pride, blindness of heart, idolatry, the loss of natural affection; the love of this world, and indifference toward the things of eternity increasing among those who profess a belief in the religion of heaven, and infidelity spreading itself in consequence of the same— men giving themselves up to commit acts of the foulest kind, and deeds of the blackest dye, dying, blaspheming, stealing, robbing, murdering, defaming, defrauding, blasting the reputation of neighbors, advocating error and opposing the truth, forsaking the covenant of heaven, and denying the faith of Jesus— and in the midst of all this, the day of the Lord fast approaching when none except those who have on the wedding garment will be permitted to eat and drink in the presence of the Bridegroom, the Prince of peace!

Impressed with the truth o[f] these facts, what can be the feelings of those who have been partakers of the heavenly gift, and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come? Who but those who can see the awful precipice upon which the world of mankind stand in this generation, can labor in the vineyard of the Lord with a feeling sense of their deplorable situation? Who but those who have duly considered the condescention of the Father of our spirits, in providing a sacrifice for his creatures, a plan of redemption, a power of atonement, a scheme of salvation, having as one of its great objects, to bring men back into the presence of the King of heaven, crown them in the , and make them heirs with his Son to that which is incorruptible, undefiled, and which fadeth not away— can realize the importance of a perfect walk before all men, and a dilligence in calling upon all men to partake of these blessings! How indescribably glorious are these tidings to mankind! Of a truth they may be considered tidings of great joy to all people; and tidings too that ought to fill the earth and cheer the heart of every one when sounded in his ears. And the reflection, that every one is to receive according to [h]is own diligence and perseverance while in the vineyard, ought to inspire every one who is called to be a minister of these glad tidings, to [p. 271]