Letter from Orson Hyde and John E. Page, 1 May 1840

Sir, The mission upon which we are sent, swells greater & greater.

As there is a great work to be done in Germany, as manifested to us by the spirit; the following plan of opperation has been suggested to us; Viz to write a set of Lectures upon the faith and doctrine of <​our​> , giving a brief history of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, and an account of its contents, in as clear and plain style as possible; together with the out lines and organization and government of the church of Latter Day Saints, drawn from the “doctrine and Covenents” with all the wisdom and care possible; and get the same translated into German, and publish it when we arrive in Germany, and scatter <​it​> through the German Empire, Is this correct? Should we consider it necessary to translate the entire Book of Mormon into the German, and Doctrine and Covenents too; are we or are we not at liberty to do so. Should we deem it necessary to publish an edition of Hymn Books in any Country; are we at liberty to do it? The fact is we need such works; and we cannot get them from the church here; and if we could we could not well carry them with us, at least any quantity. We feel that we are acting under the direction of the Presidency, of the church; and the reason, that we make these enquires, is, that we do not wish to step beyond our limits or bring ourselves into a snare and dishonor by taking liberties that are not ours.

We feel that all our exertions and interests shall become subse[r]vient to build up the Kingdom [p. 144]