# Title: 'To the Saints Abroad', Elders' Journal I:4, p. 7 (Far West, Missouri)
# Date: 1838-08
# Source: http://www.sidneyrigdon.com/RigWrit/RigWrit3d.htm | Provenance: signed SIDNEY RIGDON. High confidence.

TO THE SAINTS ABROAD.

In order that the object for which the saints are gathered together in the last days, as spoken of by
all the holy prophets since the world began, may be obtaincd, it is essentially necessarv, that they
should all be gathered into the Cities appointed for that purpose; as it will be much better for them
all, in order that they may be in a situation to have the necessary instruction, to prepare them for
the duties of their callings respectively.

The advantages of so doing are numerous, while the disadvantages are few, if there are any. As intelligence
is the great object of our holy religion, it is of all things important, that we should place ourselves
in the best situation possible to obtain it. And we wish it to be deeply impressed on the minds of all,
that to obtain all the knowledge which the circumstances of man will admit of, is one of the principle
objects the saints have in gathering together. Intelligence is the result of education, and education
can only be obtained by living in compact society; so compact, that schools of all kinds can be supported,
and that while we are supporting scbools, we, without any exception, can be benefited thereby.

It matters not how advanced many who celebrate the gospel, be in life, the true object of their calling,
is to increase their intelligence; to give them knowledge and understanding in all things which pertain
to their happiness and peace, both here and hereafter. -- And it is therefore required, that they place
themselves in a situation accordingly.

Vain are the hopes of those who embrace the gospel, and then suppose, like the ignorant sectarians of
the day, they have nothing more to do, but hold on to what they have gotten. Oh indeed! they think, or
at least some of them do, that it is very well to have their priest educated, as well as they can; but
for the people, they can serve God as well in ignorance as any other way: they can say their prayers,
whether there is sense in them or not; and sing Psalms, it matters not whether they are suited to their
condition or not; and thus in the most profound ignorance, with a learned blockhead, at their head,
blunder on, until they blunder into heaven. But this stupid ignorance cannot exist among the saints. --
It will do well enough, for creatures that know not God, and have not obeyed the gospel. But for saints
it will not do. The great God when he began to work for his name's glory, never thought of doing so, by
raising up a society of ignoramuses, but of men and women of intelligence; of first intelligence. Of
intelligence as high as human nature was susceptable; and by this means glhrify himself.

One of the principal objects then, of our coming together, is to obtain the advantages of edication;
and in order to do this, compact society is absolutely necessary: it cannot be obtained without it, at
most only by the few, to the exclusion of the many; which is a principle, at war with the principles of
the church of Christ; for the principle of the church is, that what one has, all have; and equal
privileges must be granted to all, or else it is not the church of Christ. And if those, on whom the
important duty of regulating this matter devolves, should neglect to do their duty in, this matter, they
will be found transgressors.

We wish the saints then to be apprised of this, that in order to obtain the ends of their calling, they
will find it, unavoidably, necessary that they should be gathered into the cities, in as compact order
as possible. Let parents then see to it, that they deprive not their children of their just rights, by
not complying with this order. --

And let the youth of our number see also, that they avail themselves of all the means put into their hands,
to cultivate the mind as well as make provisions for the body; for they can do both, by proper attention,
by occupying those leisure hours which are too often spent in vanity, and in vain and foolish conversation.

It will be found that farming, as well as all other business, can be carried on to better purpose, through
a well arranged order of things by living in cities, than it possibly can, by living in any other situation
of life; and the opportunities of education be complete, so that not only the rising generation, but that
which has risen also, be able to obtain all the education that heart can wish, and that which will be well
pleasing to God.

The principles of selfishness, which have obtained to so great an extent in the world, is the cause of
the great reign of ignorance which now prevails all over the earth. Let that principle once be done away;
and let the apostolic lesson, "To esteem each other better than themselves" be once fairly establishhed
among any people and the benefits to society will be incalcalable, both a relates to enriching the mind,
and the body. We exhort all men therefore, who call themselves after the name of Christ, or have taken
upon them his name according to law, to begin to prepare themselves to act according to his will, as set
forth by all the holy prophets since the world began. And we recommend to them a careful and prayerful
reading of the prophets, in order that they may see what they have got to do, or else they cannot be of
the church of the last days.

Finally brethren, remember that you are saints, and as such, you cannot fashion yourselves after this
world, for the fashion of this world passeth away. But be ye fashioned after Christ in all things, by
keeping his law, and by meditating upon it both day And night.

And may the God of all grace, preserve you, till his kingdom and coming; is the desire of your brother
in tribulation, and in the patience of Christ.

SIDNEY RIGDON.
