History of Utah, 1540-1886 - Brigham Young University

PROPOSED MIGRATION. 215
ference until it could be held in the temple. And
now, on the 5th of October, 1845, five thousand persons
assembled, and on the following day began the
great conference, which lasted three days. The saints,
however, were permitted but short enjoyment of their
beautiful structure, a meagre reward for all the toil
and money expended. Holiness to the Lord was the
motto of it; and there was little else they could now
carry hence ; the hewn stone, the wood-work, and the
brass they must leave behind. This building was to
them as a temple "where the children of the last
kingdom could come together to praise the Lord."
As they cast one last gaze on their homes and the
monuments reared to their faith, they asked, "Who is
the God of the gentiles ? Can he be our God ?" 3
In the same number of the Times and Seasons in
which appeared a notice of this meeting was published
a circular signed by Brigham Young, and addressed
to the brethren scattered abroad throughout
America, informing them of the impending change.
" The exodus of the nations of the only true Israel
from these United States to a far distant region of
the west, where bigotry, intolerance, and insatiable
oppression will have lost its power over them, forms
a new epoch, not only in the history of the church,
but of this nation." 4
3 Kane, with the carelessness usual in his statements, says that the temple
was completed and consecrated in May, and that the day after its consecration
its ornaments were carried away. ' For that one day the temple shone resplendent
in all its typical glories of sun, moon, and stars, and other abounding
figured and lettered signs, hieroglyphs, and symbols; but that day only.
The sacred rites of consecration ended, the work of removing the sacrasancta
proceeded with the rapidity of magic. It went on through the night; and
when the morning of the next day dawned, all the ornaments and furniture,
everything that could provoke a sneer, had been carried off; and except some
fixtures that would not bear removal, the building was dismantled to the
bare walls. It was this day saw the departure of the last elders, and the
largest band that moved in one company together. The people of Iowa have
told me that from morning to night they passed westward like an endless
procession. They did not seem greatly out of heart, they said; but at the
top of every hill, before they disappeared, were to be see.' looking back, like
banished Moors, on their aoandoned homes and the far-seen temple and its
glittering spire.' The Mormons, 21.
1 Times and Seasons, vi. 1018. In this number is a notice, signed by Willard
Richards, cutting off William Smith, the prophet's brother, for apostasy.