(Isa. 49:20)
If the work rolls forth with the same rapidity it has heretofore done, we may soon expect to see flocking to this place [Nauvoo], people from every land and from every nation … persons of all languages, and of every tongue, and of every color; who shall with us worship the Lord of Hosts in His holy temple and offer up their orisons in His sanctuary.
It was in consideration of these things … that induced us to purchase the present city for a place of gathering for the Saints, and the extensive tract of land on the opposite side of the Mississippi. Although the purchase at the time, and under the peculiar circumstances of the Church, appeared to many to be large and uncalled for; yet from what we now see, it is apparent to all that we shall soon have to say, “This place is too straight, give us room that we may dwell.” We therefore hope that the brethren who feel interested in the cause of truth, and desire to see the work of the gathering of Israel roll forth with power, will aid us in liquidating the debts which are now owing, so that the inheritances may be secured to the Church, and which eventually will be of great value.
(Joseph Smith, History of the Church, 4:213–14.)
“The Place Is Too Strait”
(Isa. 49:20)
If the work rolls forth with the same rapidity it has heretofore done, we may soon expect to see flocking to this place [Nauvoo], people from every land and from every nation … persons of all languages, and of every tongue, and of every color; who shall with us worship the Lord of Hosts in His holy temple and offer up their orisons in His sanctuary.
It was in consideration of these things … that induced us to purchase the present city for a place of gathering for the Saints, and the extensive tract of land on the opposite side of the Mississippi. Although the purchase at the time, and under the peculiar circumstances of the Church, appeared to many to be large and uncalled for; yet from what we now see, it is apparent to all that we shall soon have to say, “This place is too straight, give us room that we may dwell.” We therefore hope that the brethren who feel interested in the cause of truth, and desire to see the work of the gathering of Israel roll forth with power, will aid us in liquidating the debts which are now owing, so that the inheritances may be secured to the Church, and which eventually will be of great value.
(Joseph Smith, History of the Church, 4:213–14.)