“, Hancock County, Ill. July 22. 1840. Dear — I must say that it is with no ordinary feelings, I endeavor to write a few lines to you in answer to yours of the 29th. ultimo, at the same time I am rejoiced at the privilege granted me. [HC 4:162] You may in some measure realize what my feelings as well as ’s and ’s were when we read your letter, truly our hearts were melted into tenderness and compassion when we ascertained your resolves &c—

I can assure you I feel a disposition to act on your case in a manner that will meet the approbation of Jehovah (whose servant I am) and agreeably to the principles of truth and righteousness which have been revealed, and inasmuch as long suffering patience and mercy have ever characterized the dealings of our heavenly Father towards the humble and penitent, I feel disposed to copy the example, — — — — cherish the same principles; <​and​> by so doing, be a Savior of my fellow men— It is true, that we have suffered much in consequence of your behavior— the cup of gall already full enough for mortals to drink, was indeed filled to overflowing when you turned against us. One with whom we had oft taken sweet Council together, and enjoyed many refreshing Seasons from the Lord “Had it been an enemy we could have borne it.” In the day that thou stoodest on the other side, in the day when strangers carried away captive his forces, and foreigners entered into his Gates, and cast lots upon , even thou wast as one of them but thou shouldst not have looked on the day of thy brother, in the day that he became a stranger, neither shouldst thou have spoken proudly in the day of distress.”

However the Cup has been drunk, the will of our Heavenly Father has been done, and we are yet alive for which we thank the Lord. And having been delivered from [p. 1082]