Proclamation of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

by Council of the Twelve Apostles

Have you not the same interest in it that we have? Is it not sent forth to renovate the world—to enlighten the nations—to cover the earth with light, knowledge, truth, union, [p.5] peace and love? And thus usher in the great millennium, or sabbath of rest, so long expected and sought for by all good men? We bear testimony that it is. And the fulfilment of oar words will establish their truth, to millions yet unborn: while there are those now living upon the earth who will live to see the consummation.

Come, then, to the help of the Lord; and let us have your aid and protection—and your willing and hearty co-operation, in this, the greatest of all revolutions.

Again, we say, by the word of the Lord to the people, as well as to the rulers: your aid and assistance is required in this great work, and you are hereby invited, in the name of Jesus, to take an active part in it from this day forward.

Open your churches, doors, and hearts for the truth. Hear the Apostles and elders of the church of the Saints, when they come into your cities and neighborhoods. Read and search the scriptures carefully and see whether these things are so—read the publications of the Saints, and help to publish them to others. Seek for the witness of the Spirit, and come and obey the glorious fulness of the gospel: and help us build the cities and sanctuaries of our God.

The sons and daughters of Zion will soon be required to devote a portion of their time in instructing the children of the forest. For they must be educated, and instructed in all the arts of civil life, as well as in the gospel. They must be clothed, fed, and instructed in the principles and practice of virtue, modesty, temperance, cleanliness, industry, mechanical arts, manners, customs, dress, music, and all other things which are calculated in their nature to refine, purify, exalt and glorify them, as the sons and daughters of the royal house of Israel, and of Joseph; who are making ready for the coming of the bridegroom.

Know assuredly, that whether you come to the help of the Saints in this great work, or whether you make light of this message, and withhold your aid and co-operation, it is all the same as to the success and final triumph of the work. For it is the work of the great God; for which his word and oath has been pledged, from before the foundation of the [p.6] world. And the same promise and oath has been renewed unto man from the beginning, down through each succeeding dispensation: and confirmed again by his own voice out of the heavens in the present age. Therefore he is bound to fulfil it; and to overcome every obstacle.

The loss will therefore be on their own part, and not on the part of God, or of his Saints, should the people neglect their duty in the great work of modern restoration.

There is also another consideration of vast importance to all the rulers and people of the world, in regard to this matter. It is this: As this work progresses in its onward course, and becomes more and more an object of political and religious interest and excitement, no king, ruler, or subject, no community or individual, will stand neutral. All will at length be influenced by one spirit or the other; and will take sides either for or against the kingdom of God, and the fulfilment of the prophets, in the great restoration and return of his long dispersed covenant people.

Some will act the part of the venerable Jethro, the father-in-law of Moses; or the noble Cyrus; and will aid and bless the people of God; or like Ruth, the Moabitess, will forsake their people and their kindred and country, and will say to the Saints, or to Israel: “This people shall be my people, and their God my God.” While others will walk in the footsteps of a Pharaoh, or a Balak, and will harden their hearts, and fight against God, and seek to destroy his people. These will commune with priests and prophets who love the wages of unrighteousness; and who, like Balaam, will seek to curse, or to find enchantments against Israel.

You cannot therefore stand as idle and disinterested spectators of the scenes and events which are calculated in their very nature to reduce all nations and creeds to one political and religious standard, and thus put an end to Babel forms and names, and to strife and war. You will, therefore, either be led by the good Spirit to cast in your lot, and to take a lively interest with the Saints of the Most High, and the covenant people of the Lord, or on the other hand, you will become their [p.7] inveterate enemy, and oppose them by every means in your power.