When I gaze upon this company of men, I see those who are actuated by patriotic and noble principles, who will stand up in defense of the oppressed, of whatever country, nation, color or clime. I see it in their countenances. It is planted by the Spirit of God. They have received it from the great Elohim, and all the power or influence of mobs, priestcraft or corrupt men cannot quench it. It will burn. It is comprehensive as the designs of God, and as expansive as the universe and reaches to all the world. No matter whether it was an Indian, a negro, or any other man or set of men that are oppressed, you would stand forth in their defense. I say unto you, continue to cherish those principles. Let them expand. And if the tree of liberty has been blasted in this nation--if it has been gnawed by worms, and already blight has overspread it, we {296} will stand up in defense of our liberties, and proclaim ourselves free in time and in eternity. The choir, by request, sang, "O stop and tell me, Red Man." After prayer by Elder John P. Greene, the meeting was adjourned for one hour. Footnotes: 1. The object of his mission was to assist Elders Orson Pratt and John E. Page in getting President Smith's Memorial, asking to be appointed "a member of the U. S. Army" and to be authorized to raise one hundred thousand armed volunteers to police the inter-mountain and Pacific coast west from Oregon to Texas. {297} CHAPTER XIII. CONFERENCE OF THE CHURCH, APRIL, 1844, CONTINUED--ADDRESS OF PATRIARCH HYRUM SMITH--THE BUILDING OF THE TEMPLE. _Saturday, April 6, 1844, [Conference Report Continued_.] The President arrived at the stand at half-past two o'clock, p.m. The choir sang a hymn; after which prayer by Elder John P. Greene, when the choir sang another hymn. Elder Rigdon resumed his history of the Church. A little before five o'clock the assembly was dismissed without ceremony, until next morning, on the appearance of a shower. The people had scarcely time to retire before a heavy shower of rain, wind, thunder and lightning followed. A splendid double rainbow seen in the heavens. _Sunday, 7_.-- Very pleasant morning. The President arrived at ten o'clock, the largest congregation ever seen in Nauvoo having assembled. The choir sang the hymn, "Ye slumbering nations that have slept." President Rigdon offered an affectionate appeal for the prayers of the Saints on behalf of the sick, and then prayer by Elder George J. Adams. Choir sang the hymn, "The Spirit of God like a fire is burning," &c. _President Joseph Smith_.