December 27 1881 (pyramids)

Anderson Note: Refers to great physical suffering-- distress at being away from friends and family.

Dec. 27, 1881

1 Aglan Place, Shern Hall St.

Walthamstow, Essex, England Dec. 27, 1881

Dear and Beloved Brother Erasmussen:

With regard to the Pyramids in Egypt there will be wise men attracted there to explore, calculate to measure, to find what is the meaning of these extraordinary relics. Jeremiah speaking, and Isaiah also, knew the Lord of Hosts had a design in these great wonders, and these explorers will be helped to bring these hidden mysteries to light if they are doing it for an honest, holy purpose, to benefit mankind, and not with a view of making money; for every feature of the structure represents a heavenly order and may be called a pure language. Not by figure or by writing as we represent things, and it is written that the Lord will turn unto the inhabitants of the earth a pure language by which a small sign or movement may represent volumes of our written words. Its height, its circumference, its depth, its inner chambers, the space occupied by it, all represent Jehovah's purposes from Adam to the Millenium, and farther, as far as I know. There they stand, witnesses, and are called the mighty wonders of Egypt; and altho the children of Israel built some of these Pyramids in slavery and oppression, the Lord of Hosts claimed their labors a standing memorial of his guardianship over them. He delivered them, and drowned their oppressors, as the record tells us; but the Egyptians knew not what a wonderful memorial Jehovah's chosen had left behind them; and now, before our dear Lord's second coming, professors and wise men desire to look into the meaning of these grand structures, and, I have no doubt, others will be found buried in the sand. These explanations have been given me as fast as my scribe could write them. Amen & Amen.

Enclosed, on another sheet, will be found an answer to the question you put to me. I am glad you brought to my notice the matter while I am here to answer it. IT was given in secret to a few for their protection on their mission; but the trust has been betrayed. We have never had occasion to use it, neither was it intended for the public ear, or to be continued as a guide. Even we here, by ourselves, name it not, now no longer needed and after this, whosoever leans upon it, or teaches it, will find it a sharp instrument cutting tender places, bad to heal.

My bodily condition is painful in the extreme, away from my beloved friends and family. I look upon it as passing through my martyrdom instead of being shot. My spirit can, and does rejoice through all.

I do not know the time of my departure; but let everyone that loveth me strive to keep out of confusion; for it will be better to let the organization remain as it is, every one in his place from bro. James down. Then let the whole Assembly, including Bro. Thompson, choose the leader; for I have not been able to pick out who he shall be, tho I have been anscious to do so. Far as I know there will be no authority to declare birthright or High Priesthood or Lesser Priesthood or heirs of salvation; but as these are necessary, it must be done by representation—that is, in your priesthood councils, one shall be set apart to represent a High Prest or Prestes; another set apart to represent the Lesser Priesthood, for the work of the ministry, for the building of your infant Kingdom, until, in full strength all is prepared for the coming of our dear Lord. Let it be your joy to often meet together to speak comfort to each other in His name, and his love shall grow up in you. As for those who have forsaken and abused, “Watch,” and if they come repentant, confessing their error, be not backward in receiving them, and help them over their fall. It is noble to forgive, and there is joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, and the mercy of our merciful God endureth for ever, & so must ours, or we cannot be like him. Always take the old scriptures as your shield and hiding place. They are they who by our dear Lords holy words and meek sentences brought eternal life & immortality to light. The Jew was very dark & obscure on this principle except a few, such as Abraham, Noah, some of the 12 Patriarchs, and Jehovah's Prophets; but when our dear Lord appears, this ignorance he gently and gradually swept away, & will sweep away, until we see him as he is. For we, even we, do not half know him. Look at the grand sentence, “All power is given unto me, both in Heaven & on earth.” What prophet ever dare utter such a sentences as this? And at another time 'without me, ye can do nothing' What servant of the Lord ever dare utter such a sentence as this? Dear Br. Rasmussen, lay all his sentences to heart; practise them, teach them, and you shall never fail.

IN Bro. George's letter to the High Priests will be found my words on the Lord's supper. Try to grasp it. I like you to inquire of me when there is a doubt or difficulty, and while I live, and have power, I will take pleasure to answer you – not perhaps with such find touches as our dear Lord could, but humbly trading in his steps.

You also wish to know something of Melchisedec – the real Melchisedec, not one representing him. Now mark the first time we hear of him, he is declared to be a king of Salem or Peace. Here is brought out the bread and wine to Abraham, our faithful friend and brother. It is not written what was said at this interview; but I have no doubt it would be the same as said to the 12, at his last supper when he takes the bread and also the cup, saying: “Take, eat & drink, all of you, for this is my body broken, and my blood shed for you. There he stood, without a scar. They did not question him, for it was not their business to know how this cold be. That was his business, theirs was to believe it. No doubt the vision of their minds was strengthened & enlarged to realize it for they always practised it. And Paul waked up the long slumbering person of Melchisedec saying he was without father or mother, or the beginning of days, or the end of years, after the order of some anterior Melchisedec of whom could such be said of any but a God, as our dear Lord was, and is, and ever will be, all glory to his name who by his humility and suffering overcame all things; not by the sword; not by cannon, not by weapons of this world, he threw open the Kingdom of Heaven to all believers. Therefore be not offended with any who love adore him, form the Pope down to the last sect, even the salvation army; but let your charity be extended to all, for the time will come when, 2 by 2, Utah will be preached to the Fullness, again offered to them and many receive it, and many gnash upon you with their teeth, this when they are broken down.

All these things are written from our beloved brother's moth; but he is so exhausted, he speaketh no more this time, only with his thanks & gratitude, & with his love, peace and blessing to rest upon all the faithful, he remaining

Affectionately and faithfully,

Geo. Williams