as far as can
be seen through the gross darkness and infidelity that is becoming more
and more manifest; through all of their instrumentalities, such as prayer,
exhortation, visiting, comforting, writing, especially epistolary
correspondence, and all other proper means to ascertain the whereabouts,
and the number of the scattered sheep of the house of Israel: even the
most lonely and most despised.

Wait patiently therefore and watch, remembering what God has taught in
these last few years respecting the clear fulfillment of his word in our
experience, and the perfect harmony we are now _made_ to see in _place_,
_manner_ and _time_, for every point. As he had distinctly taught us, viz.
"Which ye shall proclaim in their seasons." "A time for all things."
"Every thing on his day." "Not one jot or tittle of the law to fail," even
_the thoughts of God towards us to be perfectly considered in the latter_
(or last) _days_.--Jer. xxiii: 20. As therefore it required the space of a
few years to arrange and develope the first casket, so then here likewise
must be _order_ and _time_ to cleanse, prepare, and properly arrange, the
second casket, by the same kind of instruments.

And whereas thou didst cry to him to forbear for fear he would injure the
precious jewels, and he replied fear not, I will take care of them; that
is, those that are "keeping the commandments of God and the faith of
Jesus," will not injure the jewels (their brethren) for they will act in
harmonious concert, under the new commandments of their officiating great
high priest and king.

Your cry to forbear, looks ominous of further resistance and as for any of
your assistance in collecting, cleansing and arranging the jewels of the
Lord of hosts (the last casket,) it looks still more dubious, as it seems
you kept your eyes closed (in a quiet state,) until the jewels were all
arranged. This is the reason why you did not see the pains that the man
(or messenger) took in arranging them.

This I fear, that you will not open your eyes to see this important work
until the sealing time, and God speaks himself; but I cannot but still
hope that your "shout for very joy," will be one of triumph and
redemption.

Several nights before I saw your dream, I had finished writing your
letter, I presented the subject of my work before the Lord again, for
wisdom to direct me in all that I had, or may write for the benefit of his
children, and the vindication of his word. And