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Show 106 that, and that is what we wish to do; consequently, according to the best light and knowledge we are in possession of, we will tell you what we think the Lord wishes of us and his policy concerning this people.... The policy that I believe the Lord designs concerning this people we can learn by referring to several passages that are written and given to us for our instruction concerning the last days. The word of the Lord to us is, "I will fight your battles, saith the Lord." He has done so, thus far; and he will do so, if we take his counsel. Although we have had to leave our homes several times, and a great many lives have been lost in consequence of the sufferings, yet the Lord has fought our battles..., I want you to understand that I am your earthly shepherd you must follow me, or else we shall be separated.... Our enemies are determined to blot us out of existence if they can.... And as the kingdom of God grows, the enmity of the wicked will increase and extend broader and broader until we shall see the day when the whole wicked portion of mankind is as much opposed to us as any portion of them is now. "We are to be killed," is the constant feeling and cry of our enemies. "You 'Mormons' must be used up, or else you must bow down to the Christianity of the 19th century," say the world.... President Young then spoke of the futility of violent resistance: Should I take a course to waste life? We are in duty bound to preserve life-to preserve ourselves on the earth-consequently we must use policy and follow in the counsel given us, in order to preserve our lives. Shall we take a course to whip our enemies? or one to let them vhip themselves? or shall we go out and slay them now? We have been preparing to use up our enemies by fighting them, and if we take that course and shed the blood of our enemies, we will see the time, and that too not far |