Letter to Zera Smith Cole, 22 August 1860
Brother Zera S. Cole.
Your letter of May 10, per Geo. W.
Russell, has come to hand. We sympathize
with you in your long tarry in the midst of
hostile enemies. We were glad to hear from
you, and we would advise you to shake off
the ague, fever, and kindred diseases, get
your handcart, horse cart, ox cart, or cow cart, &
start towards the setting sun, in search of
light, health, & Zion's friends. The star of
Zion has been in the ascendency all the time.
though dark & threatening clouds have frequently ob-
scured the view. As they approach this high moun-
tainous country, it seems to break them up.
We are glad to hear from you as an old comrade
in Zion's Camp, many of whom have gone
to their rest. We fear you lack courage &
Energy, and we wish to encourage you to
gather with the Saints. The glorious land
which you now inhabit is ours when vile
corrupt men cease to rule it. Here is the
place for the Saints to shelter themselves in the cham-
bers of the mountains, where the Lord has made
springs in the desert, thereby causing the thirsty
