Letter from John Taylor, 28 January 1879
Elder W. Woodruff,
St. George:
Dear Brother:
We were much pleased to learn from your letter, written
in the Temple, of your safe arrival in St. George. Since your departure we
have been kept interested and busy with the new phase that affairs have taken
through the cecision of the Supreme Court in Bro. Reynolds' case, but, as I
presume you will imagine, we have hept on in the even tenor of our ways,
trusting in God and leaving the outcome with him. We have no idea of bartering
away the holy principles of life, God has revealed, for any bubble man can give,
or inducement he can hold out. These must remain inviolate—preserved in the
purity in which He gave them.
You will see my ideas printed at length in the interview I had with Mr.
Collector Hollister; and after such a lengthy and detailed account of how
we regard matters, I will not weary you by giving over the same ground
in a private letter. The telegrams Etc. published in the papers
give you about all the news we possess with regard to the matters at Washington.
Our Sisters (Mrs. E.B. Wells and Z. Y. Williams) still remain in that city,
doing all the good they can, and will remain there as long as Bros. Cannon
thinks then can be of use to the cause. With regard to Bro. Reynolds' case
you will see that his attorney has made a motion for a re-hearing; we have no
idea that the motion will be granted, but it will give us time; as during
its consiserations the mandate of the Supreme Court will not be issued, and
until that is done, the courts here cannot move in the matter.
With regard to your own movements, we feel like leaving it to the promptings
of the Spirit that is within you, and whatever you deem best, that do. You will
undoubtedly find in Bro. Snow a wise counselor should anything arise on which
your own feelings are not satisfied.
With kind rememberance to all, in which Bro. Rich, who is now with me,
joins,
I remain,
Your Brother in the Gospel,
John Taylor
