GREETING TO THE SAINTS
DEAR SAINTS,--After we saw the hint in the "Star" in connection to our duties to contribute toward the Temple yet this year, as it happened to us last year, we have been waiting until now for more definite instruction; but we feel that a hint to the wise is sufficient, and that will open our eyes to see our duties. We have been warning you for quite a while to make yourselves ready. As for the amount, brethren, we do not know yet, but begin to collect, and there is no need to fear than an excess will come in.
I have as much faith now as I ever had pertaining to the getting of money to carry this work forward, and don't think that it has lessened. An occasional brother says, "Let me have a little time to prepare my Saints; their hearts have closed uncommonly tight, and I am almost afraid to set anything before them now. I want to prepare them first." Brethren, this is the way to drive them to continual deterioration, and make them poorer and poorer. This is the way to make him who gives a shilling to give six pence, and to make him who gives six pence to give only a penny, and to say the time after he is asked, scratching his head, "Indeed, I can give only a halfpenny this time." And finally he will dry up just like the cow without any milk. Even though some have become angry by "damning the cow," yet, it is an excellent principle! Brethren, the way for you to prepare your churches is by teaching them their duties to contribute toward carrying every part of the work of God forward.
Rarely, a Branch is seen which is generous toward the work of God, feeble, but all enthused, successful and having great love toward everyone. Saints, may you call to mind that time when you were more generous; did you not enjoy more of the Spirit of God than you ever have since? Who can doubt this? No one, except those who contribute under protest, etc.
We also call your efforts, Saints, to the "Emigration Fund," for this is of great importance. When I began on this subject I had not intended to say anything except in relation to the Temple. Now, boys, all hands to the task, and then the blessing of God will be on us, and we will stay in Zion. May God bless us all for the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen.
14, Castle St., Merthyr, June 1, 1853.
W. S. PHILLIPS
[Translated from the Welsh original in Udgorn Seion, 1853 (Vol. V), p. 401-2, by Ronald D. Dennis, 1529 W. 1170 North, Provo, Utah]
