Why have not the Mormons said something about Slavery and the Wilmot Proviso in the Constitution of their New State of "Deseret?"

The answer is this: We view these questions as a prolific source of bitterness and strife, the agitation of which would tend to sour and alienate the feelings of our own people one against another, and that too, without any prospect of making "one hair white or black."

A mechanic has tools for executing all branches of his trade. It would not look well to see the joiner take his broad axe to bore a hole or an auger to plain a board. The Supreme Architect has a full set of tools in the shape of men for executing all his will; but he has never taken the Mormons to work up the knotty and cross-grained lumber of Slavery and the Wilmot Proviso. We are tempered to work in clearer stuff. Ye zealous partizans to these vexed questions, do your duty faithfully-clear you consciences and respect the wishes of your constituents. The hand of Providence invisibly guides the contest; and though its course may be through a dark labyrinth, through many a rugged and thorny defile tinged with crimson, it is certain to bring about a wise and glorious purpose; and the slaver owner and the Abolitionist will both confess: "True and righteous are thy ways, though King of Saints." The Mormons will try to act well their part in the great drama; and it is hoped that they may not be forced into any work or contest that they do not feel has been assigned to them.