“If ye will live godly in Christ Jesus, ye shall suffer persecution,” was the solemn proclamation made by one of the ancient servants of God;—a prophecy that has received its fulfilment in all ages, that has been known and understood by all saints, and that has been engraven upon the memories of all the faithful: for while blood, and fire, and sword, and torture, have been brought into requisition against the saints; whilst chains, and fetters, and death have been employed, and their sighings and mournings have been wafted on the wings of the wind; their solitary hours and midnight cries; their distress and calamity have been disregarded. This eternal truth has re-echoed in their ears; it has touched their inmost soul; it has been written on the tablet of their hearts—“if ye will live godly in Christ Jesus ye shall suffer persecution.”

Ever since the formation of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, calumny, reproach and persecution has flown plentifully [p. 886]