Now, this was given in October, 1845, and we learn that the font—that is the permanent font, which replaced the former and temporary one—also the other parts of the Temple would be in readiness in a few days to commence the administration of holy ordinances. I wish now to refer to another reference from the writings of the president of the "Reorganization." I have already read where he declares that the font and the first floor above the basement and one stairway, also the basement, were completed. He reaffirms that in the following from an editorial in the Saints' Herald of February 17, 1904:
"Work continued to be done on the Temple until the fall of 1845, possibly until the summer of 1846"—you see he is not quite sure about it—"but the building was never finished; and whatever ordinances were performed in it took place in rooms not wholly finished."
Now note this particularly:
"The north stairway, the second or upper auditorium, and the attic were entirely incompleted."
We will now examine the Times and Seasons of January 20, 1846, and see what his testimony is worth. Here on page 1096 occurs the following:
"January thus far has been mild, which, in the midst of our preparations for an exodus next spring, has given an excellent time to finish the Temple. Nothing has appeared so much like a finish of that holy edifice as the present."
Now, I want to call your attention to this which immediately follows:
"The ATTIC story was finished in December."
That is in December 1845. You will remember that the president of the Reorganization declares that the attic was "entirely incompleted." But to continue the quotation:
"And if the Lord continues to favor us, the first story above the basement will be completed ready for meeting, in the month of February. The font, standing upon 12 stone oxen, is about ready, and the floor of the story is laid, so that all speculation about the Temple of God at Nauvoo, must cease."