A LETTER FROM PRESIDENT WILLIAM S. PHILLIPS TO THE SAINTS IN WALES
Merthyr Tydfil, December 31, 1853
DEAR SAINTS,--The term of the presidency which was placed on me the first day of the year, 1849, has come to an end; and since I intend to go to Zion the beginning of the year which is about to begin, in accordance with the previous appointment, I am now ending my presidency. My wish is for the Churches to receive my successor with their customary willingness; for from five years' experience I know that this solemn calling carries with it an important stewardship--the kind which requires much patience, consideration, wisdom and the unfailing guidance of the Holy Spirit. I beseech you, dear Saints, to work together on his behalf in faithful prayer and sincere entreaties; striving also to support him in every way you should, so that his presidency over you will be a comfort to him, a blessing to you, and endless glory to the Lord God, whose work this is.
This work is the work of God, and it must succeed; but our Heavenly Father is so gracious as to allow you and me the great honor of helping in this noble success through our generous contributions and our heartfelt prayers; for that reason show forth your respect to the presidency of this Church as you do to your eternal lives; for all men who do not respect the presidency of this Church must suffer God's wrath, for there is no authority except that which he has placed in it.
I shall address you through the UDGORN at least one more time before going to the valleys of the mountains. I am here only to be released from the presidency and at the same time I wish you all "a happy new year" and every good thing which it is possible for me to wish you. My constant prayer is for God, the Eternal Father, to bless my successor with every blessing which is entrusted to our Lord Jesus Christ. So be it. Amen.
Though a big painful--a constant comfort.
Was my work to me, dear Saints.
Losing sleep in my efforts to serve you,
Which caused a burning in my breast.
But at last, in peace,
I shall go to free and wondrous Zion;
And there, with a clear conscience,
I shall take part in your goodness and rejoice in your success.
Leaving the tenderness of true friends,
Grieves my heart today;
But turning contentedly to America,
Gives special tender music;
True followers of God, of one heart,
Yonder in Zion are gentle,
And you shall be, as I have been,
Set free before long from your bonds.
With love for you in all your righteous endeavors, I am
Your true brother in the New Covenant,
W. S. PHILLIPS
[Translated from the Welsh original in Udgorn Seion, 1854, p. 8-9, by Ronald D. Dennis, 1529 W. 1170 North, Provo, Utah]
