March 1st 1849 This is my Birth Day Also the first day of the spring of 1849. I am 42 years old this day, how such figures look to A man while counting up his years. As the Lord has preserved me through another year of my life, I Pray my Heavenly Father to keep me safe through the year which I am now Entering. O God the Eternal Father I ask the in the Name of thy Son Jesus Christ, & by virtue of the Holy Priesthood to preserve me blameless through this year of my life life which I am now Entering. Keep me from evry temptation, from Entangling my feet with sin, let the Holy Ghost be my constant compa nion & teach me my duty in all things. Give me favor in thy sight O Lord & in the sight of thy Son Jesus Christ, in the sight of Angels And in the sight of All Prophets, Apostles, Patriarchs, & Saints both in Heaven, & on Earth. Preserve my wife & children in safety & all appartaining unto me. Bless thy servant Brigham His council, the Twelve, seventies High Priest, with all the saints of the Most High God in all the Earth. Bless the seed of Abraham, And gather them Home. Favor Zion, O Lord, Break in peaces every weapon formed against her. I Ask all these Blessings with all others which thou seest I need in the Name of Jesus Christ & by virtue of the Holy Priesthood Amen

I arose early while all nature was wraped in sleep And commenced writing in my Journal.

Cambridgeport March 1st 1849 Elder Pratt, Beloved Brother, As this is my birth day Also the first day of Spring, my mind is led this morning more than usual to reflect upon the signs of the times of the Globe upon which we dwell And while meditating upon Zion And Her messengers my mind flits across the Ocean & runs over the wall And takes A view of A large co- mpany of swift messengers who are the Horns of Joseph used to push the people together from the ends of the Earth, these meditations create A desire to convers A few moments with Br Pratt. So while all Nature is locked fast in sleep before the dawn of day is broke to start man from his slumber I seat myself to say A few words to you. I said this was my birth day, yes I am 42 years old this day. How such figures look to a man while counting up his years in this probation. The vary sight of them croud into the mind A flood of thought even more than tongue can utter or pen can write. The last sixteen years of my life has been spent in endeavouring to preach the Gospel & build up the Kingdom of God in connexion with my brethren. The past is gone, I have no desire to recal it, I would would not wish to live my life over if I could. I feel like looking forward & not backward I have a great desire that I may spend my future days doing the works of righteousness, Honoring the Priesthood & my calling, saving the souls of men, & building up the Kingdom of God that I may have a place with the faithful at the end of the race. Turn my eyes which way I will Either towards Babylon or Zion And I find the mov- ements & signs of Either of them at the present day Are fully keep- ing pace with the wheels of time. It is deeply interesting to see hear, feel, & live in this age and gaze upon the scenery of the whole Earth rushing like A Mighty cataract to finish its work while the high minded Jew in the highth of his pride was exha- usting his talents & oratory to prove to the Roman and the world their right to independance greatness & power. The Son of God was in Lamb like meekness bowing to the ordinance of Baptism And all the rites of the gospel & commandments of his Father looking forward to the day when He should make his second visit to his brethren with his reward upon his head. So at the present day while the Emperors, Kings, Princes, Lords, Nobles, Presidents Governours, Statesman with all the great men of Babylon have been making A desperate Effort to maintain their dignity And appear to a good Advantage before the whole Earth