Forty Years Among the Indians: A true yet thrilling narrative of the author's experiences among the nativesJones, Daniel W. (Daniel Webster)
History
Forty Years Among the Indians: A true yet thrilling narrative of the author's experiences among the natives
Jones, Daniel W. (Daniel Webster)
Frontier and pioneer life -- West (U.S.); Indians of North America; Latter Day Saint pioneers -- Biography
To say that the practices of this people cannot be tolerated in the
nation, as a religion, is to say that the teachings of the Bible
cannot be allowed as religion--for there is not a principle taught
or practiced as religion by this people except Bible doctrines and
precepts. This the world knows and have acknowledged as often as our
principles have been put to the test. Many look forward to some move
of importance taking place within a year or two. Sometimes I am asked
if I have an idea. Yes. "Well, what is it?" I believe it will not be
long before the Saints will acknowledge that the wisdom of man will not
do to depend upon, and turn unto the Lord and ask Him, in sincerity,
to direct them through His servants, whom He has commissioned to lead
Israel. Politics will not do. There are powers that will beat us
when we depend on our smartness. It may be a little humiliating to
acknowledge, but the world are smarter, in some things, than we are.
Young Utah will never do to lead this people. Whenever we undertake to
get ahead, in any way, of the wisdom of our Elders, then we will fail
to put a man forward as our best man, because of any earthly success
will never do.
History points to a time when our rulers in this nation were honest and
wise. Laws were made for the good of the whole people. No speculative
jobs were put up in those days; both brains and principles were in
demand. As the nation advanced wealth became principal, until today
there is but little said about the intelligence, honesty and capability
of national leaders only as financiers, and telling of the luxury and
extravagance of their wives and daughters.
This wave of luxurious desire has even reached to Salt Lake City, and
made a little ripple here during our last grand campaign. If we will
look back calmly we will remember that financial ability was the main
cry. The Lord will not change His laws and commandments to suit the
proud and wealthy. Wealth leads in the world, but principles will lead
this people; wealth does not necessarily do away with principles,
neither does wealth prove that principle exists. So the first great
move before this people will be to fall into line and be governed fully
and willingly by the principles of the gospel.
The questions are often asked, how long will it be before the power
of the wicked is broken? How long will this people be annoyed and
oppressed by their enemies? This I cannot answer; but I refer the
reader to page 122 of the Book of Mormon, showing clearly that there
is a certain work to be done before the wicked will be used up. Any
one reflecting reasonably upon the great work will see that it will
necessarily take time. Nothing can be done only in order; God has
promised to hasten His work, but He has not promised to violate His
laws for our convenience. It must, of necessity take a few years of
diligent labor from many of the Elders of the Church.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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