Being the anniversary of the entrance of the Pioneers into the Valley…
Volunteer Toasts.
By P.P. Pratt—Deseret, youngest sister of the Republic. May she be a solace, strength, and comfort to the Old Lady in her declining years….
Elder Parley P. Pratt then rose and addressed the audience saying, that if variety is the spice of life, we have had a spicy meeting. He doubted if the oldest States could set a larger table or a greater variety, and gave utterance to his feelings in an eloquent manner. Amongst other things he said, if he had the power to act from the impulse of the moment, the shackles should be burst from every nation, kindred, tongue, and people—they should all be free as the great parent has made all mankind—they should have liberty to worship as they please, but for that every man should answer to God for his own conscience. He said, I rejoice at the Constitution of the United States, while I mourn over a corrupt administration. The principles of our fathers will stand for ever, though all the nations may fall to pieces. I am a friend to my country, and an enemy to its enemies, while his soul stretched out in language to embrace the whole world….
[Millennial Star, 11:354-359]
[Journal History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, July 24, 1849, 1-4]
[transcribed and proofread by David Grow, July 2006]