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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..4e3ecf1 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #60708 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/60708) diff --git a/old/60708-8.txt b/old/60708-8.txt deleted file mode 100644 index ae2ebd7..0000000 --- a/old/60708-8.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,32897 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of History of the Church of Jesus Christ of -Latter-day Saints (Vol. 4), by Joseph Smith - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Vol. 4) - -Author: Joseph Smith - -Editor: B. H. Roberts - -Release Date: November 16, 2019 [EBook #60708] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HISTORY OF CHURCH LATTER-DAY SAINTS, VOL 4 *** - - - - -Produced by the Mormon Texts Project (http://mormontextsproject.org) - - - - - - -HISTORY - -OF THE - -CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST - -OF - -LATTER-DAY SAINTS - -PERIOD I. - -History of Joseph Smith, the Prophet, - -By Himself. - -Volume IV. - -An Introduction and Notes - -By - -B. H. Roberts - -Published by the Church. - -Salt Lake City, Utah, - -1908. - -{III} - - - -Table of Contents. - -Volume IV. - -CHAPTER I. - -The Departure of the Twelve for England--Manifestation of God's Power -in Healing the Sick at Commerce. - -The Prophet's Literary Methods. - -Farewell to the Twelve. - -The L. D. S. Hymn Book. - -Administration to the Sick. - -Discourses by the Brothers Pratt. - -Prayer Meeting for the Sick. - -Letter to Isaac Russell, reproving him for issuing Pretended -Revelations to the Saints. - -Conference in New Jersey. - -Progress of the Work in England. - -The Prophet's Letter to Isaac Galland--Nauvoo Affairs. - -Brigham Young Starts on his Mission. - -Departure of Elders Young and Kimball from Nauvoo. - -Items of Doctrine, The Prophet. - -Minutes of Conference at Commerce, Illinois, October 6th, 7th and 8th, -1839. - -Death of John Young, Brigham Young's Father. - -Hardships of the Elders of the British Mission. - -CHAPTER II. - -The Prophet's Journey To Washington--The Petition Of The Saints To The -Congress Of The United States For Redress Of The Wrongs Inflicted Upon -Them In Missouri. - -Departure of the Prophet for Washington. - -Progress of the Twelve towards England. - -Canadian Saints En Route for Nauvoo. - -Elder Taylor Anointed in the Kirtland Temple. - -Excerpt from Parley P. Pratt's Letter to the Prophet. - -First Issue of the _Times and Seasons_. - -The Elements Obey. - -The Prophet's Adventure En Route to Washington. - -The Saints' Petition to Congress. {IV} - -CHAPTER III. - -The Prophet's Efforts at Washington to Obtain Redress of Grievances for the -Saints--Affidavits on Missouri Affairs. - -The Prophet's Letter to Hyrum Smith--Reporting State of Affairs at Washington. - -Letter of the Prophet and Elias Higbee to the High Council at Nauvoo--Preliminary -Hearing of Grievances. - -Brigham Young in New York. - -Letter of Hyrum Smith to Parley P. Pratt--On Printing the Book of Mormon in New -York. - -The Prophet in New Jersey. - -Affidavit of Simon Carter on his Sufferings in Missouri. - -Letter of Hyrum Smith to the Prophet and Judge Higbee. - -Affidavit of William F. Cahoon--Missouri Wrongs. - -Letter of C. Adams to the Prophet--Cause of the Saints before the Illinois -Legislature. - -Law Suits to be Abandoned. - -Extract from Elder Orson Pratt's Letter to his wife--Reporting Movements of the -Brethren in the Eastern States. - -Letter from John B. Weber to the Prophet--On Supplementing the Latter's Effort to -Obtain Redress from Congress. - -Affidavit of John M. Burke--Missouri Outrages. - -Affidavit of John Lowry--Ditto. - -Affidavit of Jedediah Owen--Ditto. - -Affidavit of T. Alvord--Ditto. - -Affidavit of William Hawk--Missouri Affairs. - -Affidavit of Timothy B. Clark--Ditto. - -Affidavit of Urban V. Stewart--Ditto. - -Affidavit of John Smith--Ditto. - -Affidavit of Samuel Smith--Ditto. - -Affidavit of Daniel Avery--Ditto. - -Affidavit of James Powell--Ditto. - -Affidavit of John Smith--Ditto. - -Affidavit of Smith Humphrey--Ditto. - -Affidavit of Henry Root--Ditto. - -Affidavit of Joseph Clark--Ditto. - -Affidavit of Thomas D. Casper--Ditto. - -Affidavit of Jesse W. Johnston--Ditto. - -Affidavit of Owen Cole--Ditto. - -Affidavit of Ezekiel Maginn--Ditto. - -Affidavit of Addison Green--Ditto. - -Affidavit of John P. Greene--Ditto. - -Affidavit of Asahel A. Lathrop--Ditto. - -Affidavit of Burr Riggs. - -Affidavit of Simon P. Curtis. - -Affidavit of Elisha H. Groves. - -Affidavit of Jacob Foutz. - -Affidavit of Frederick G. Williams. - -Statement of James Sloan. - -Affidavit of David Shumaker. - -Affidavit of Levi Richards. - -Affidavit of Gibson Gates. - -Affidavit of David Pettigrew. {V} - -CHAPTER IV. - -Departure of the Prophet from Washington--Labors of Elias Higbee Before the -Senate Judiciary Committee--Report of the Committee. - -Ministry of Brigham Young and George A. Smith at Richmond, New York. - -Appointments in the British Mission. - -Matthew S. Davis' Description of the Prophet, and a Report of his Washington -Discourse. - -The Prophet's Interview with Van Buren and Calhoun. - -Elias Higbee's Letter to the Prophet, Reporting Progress in the Cause of the Saints -before the Senate Committee. - -Second Letter of Elias Higbee to the Prophet--Cause of the Saints before the Senate -Committee. - -Third Letter of Elias Higbee to the Prophet--Cause of the Saints before the Senate -Committee. - -The Fourth Letter of Elias Higbee to the Prophet--Announces that the Senate Committee's -Report will be Adverse to the Saints. - -The Prophet En Route for Nauvoo. - -Death of James Mulholland. - -Report of the Senate Judiciary Committee on the Case of the Saints vs. Missouri. - -CHAPTER V. - -Affairs of the Saints before United States Senate--General Conference of the Church at -Nauvoo--Action of the Church with Reference to Senate Committee's Report--Mission to -Palestine. - -Extract from the Minutes of the Iowa High Council. - -Fifth Letter of Elias Higbee to the Prophet--The Affairs of the Saints at Washington. - -Extract from Elder John Taylor's Letter--Affairs in British Mission. - -Judge Elias Higbee's Course at Washington Approved. - -Letter R. B. Thompson to Elias Higbee, Announcing Approval of the Church Authorities of the -Latter's Course at Washington. - -Letter of Horace R. Hotchkiss to Sidney Rigdon and Joseph Smith, Jun.,--Inquiring Concerning -the Progress made before Congress. - -Sixth Letter of Elias Higbee to the Prophet--Affairs of the Saints at Washington--Papers -Withdrawn. - -Letter of Horace R. Hotchkiss to Joseph Smith, Jun.,--Offering Tract of Land for Sale. - -Letter of Sidney Rigdon to the Prophet. - -Arrival of Brigham Young and Associates in England. - -Minutes of the General Conference of the Church. {VI} - -CHAPTER VI. - -Development Of The Work In England--The Palestine Mission--Postoffice -Name Changed From Commerce To Nauvoo. - -Letter of Hon. Richard M. Young to Elias Higbee. - -Orson Hyde's Credentials as a Missionary to Palestine. - -Ordination of Willard Richards to the Apostleship. - -Letter of Heber C. Kimball to the Saints of the United States--Affairs -of the British Mission. - -Council Meeting of the Twelve in England--Hymn Book and the _Millennial -Star_ Projected. - -Letter of Brigham Young to the Prophet. - -Mission opened in Scotland--Orson Pratt. - -Letter of Robert Johnstone to Senator Young--Postoffice Name Changed -from Commerce to Nauvoo. - -Letter of Senator Young to Judge Elias Higbee--Postoffice Name, etc. - -Letter of Wilford Woodruff to Don Carlos Smith--Success of Woodruff's -Ministry. - -Letter of Elders Hyde and Page to the Prophet--Plans for the Palestine -Mission. - -Letter of Brigham Young to the Prophet--Affairs of the British Mission. - -Release of Elder Turley from Prison. - -Letter of the Prophet to Elders Hyde and Page--Palestine Mission -Considered. - -Letter of Willard Richards to the Editor of the _Millenial -Star_--Reporting Labors. - -CHAPTER VII. - -First Foreign Periodical Of The Church--The "Millennial Star"--The -Prophet Seeks Release From Secular Responsibilities. - -The Beacon Hill Conference. - -A Letter of Heber C. Kimball, _et al_., Recommending English Saints to -the Bishop of the Church. - -Death of Bishop Partridge. - -First Number of the _Millennial Star_. - -The First Company of Saints from England. - -Brigham Young's Dream. - -Minutes of the Conference Held at Gadfield Elm Chapel, in -Worcestershire, England, June 14th, 1840. - -Memorial of Joseph Smith, Jun., to the High Council of the Church of -Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, June 18th, 1840. - -Proceedings of the High Council on the Foregoing Memorial, June 20th, -1840. - -Minutes of the Conference Held at Stanley Hill, Castle Froome, -Herefordshire, England, June 21st, 1840. - -Carpenter's Hall. - -Minutes of the High Council. - -Letter of William W. Phelps--Confessing Errors Committed in Missouri. - -Letter of Elders Orson Hyde and John E. Page to Presidents Joseph -Smith, Hyrum Smith, Sidney Rigdon, Pleading for William W. Phelps. - -{VII} Minutes of a Meeting of the Crooked Creek Branch of the Church. - -Minutes of High Council at Nauvoo. - -Reflections of the Prophet on the Action of Congress. - -CHAPTER VIII. - -Important Conference of the Church in England--Kidnapping of Brown and -Boyce by Missourians--Action of the Citizens of Nauvoo. - -Conference of the Church in England. - -A Council of Church Officers, Held at Manchester, England. - -Extract from Elder Woodruff's Letter to the Editor of the _Millennial -Star_--Detailing Incidents of his Ministry. - -Special Instruction for High Councils. - -The First Missionary for Australia. - -Kidnapping of Alanson Brown and Benjamin Boyce--Affidavit of Daniel H. -Wells. - -Statement of James Allred. - -Action of the Citizens of Nauvoo in the Matter of the Kidnapping of -Brown and Boyce by the Missourians. - -Report of the Committee on Resolutions. - -Memorial to Governor Carlin. - -CHAPTER IX. - -The Return of a Prodigal--Conditions in Kirtland--Progress of the Work -in Great Britain--The Coming of John C. Bennett--Australian Mission. - -Extract of a Letter from Elder William Barratt. - -The Prophet's Letter to William W. Phelps--Welcoming him back into the -Church. - -Credentials of Elders Samuel Bent and George W. Harris. - -The Prophet's Letter to Oliver Granger--Dealing Chiefly with affairs at -Kirtland. - -Letter of John C. Bennett to Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon--Announcing -his Intention to Join the Saints. - -Letter of John C. Bennett to Messrs. Smith and Rigdon--Making Further -Tender of his Services to the Church. - -Letter of the Prophet to Horace R. Hotchkiss--Rock River Lands and the -White Purchase. - -Letter of John C. Bennett to Messrs. Smith and Rigdon--Expressing -Anxiety to be with the Saints. - -A Voice from the Holy City--Rebuilding the Temple of Solomon--Recall of -the People of God to the Land of Judah. - -Circular. - -Extract of a Letter from Wilford Woodruff to the Editor of the -_Millennial Star_--Reporting Labors. - -The Prophet's Letter to John C. Bennett--Bidding him Welcome to Nauvoo, -to partake of--Poverty. - -Letter of John C. Bennett to Messrs. Smith and Rigdon--Announcing that -he will soon be in Nauvoo. {VIII} - -CHAPTER X. - -A Missouri Kidnapping--Continued Development of the Work in Great -Britain--The Death of Joseph Smith, Sen., First Patriarch of the Church. - -Settlement of a Difficulty. - -The Kidnapping of Benjamin Boyce, Mr. Brown, _et al_. - -The Beginning of Open-air Meetings. - -The Electric Telegraph. - -An Address by the First Presidency to the Church. - -Minutes of the High Council Meeting, at the Office of Joseph Smith, -Jun., Nauvoo, September 5th, 1840. - -The Generosity of John Benbow. - -Earthquake at Mount Ararat. - -The Death of Joseph Smith, Sen. - -Biography of Joseph Smith, Sen., Presiding Patriarch of the Church, by -the Prophet, his Son. - -The Discourse of Elder Thompson at the Funeral of Joseph Smith, Sen. - -CHAPTER XI. - -Threatening Portents in the Actions of Missouri--General Conferences in -Nauvoo and England--The Doctrine of Priesthood. - -Letter of Samuel Bent and George W. Harris to the Presidency--Reporting -Labors. - -Letter of John E. Page to the Presidency, Reporting Progress of -Palestine Mission. - -Extracts from Orson Hyde's Letter--Signs in the Heavens. - -Elder Heber C. Kimball's Dream. - -Minutes of the General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of -Latter-day Saints, held in Nauvoo, October 3d, 1840. - -Report of the Presidency. - -Minutes of a General Conference in England. - -Minutes of a Council of the Twelve in England. - -CHAPTER XII. - -Progress of the Work in Great Britain--The Saints at Kirtland Reproved -for Their Course During the Missouri Persecutions--The Prophet's -Address to the Twelve and Saints in Great Britain. - -Charge against Oliver Walker. - -Minutes of the High Council. - -Letter of Heber C. Kimball et al. to Messrs. Ebenezer {IX} Robinson and -Don Carlos Smith--Reporting Affairs in the British Mission. - -"Remarkable Visions" by Orson Pratt. - -Letter of Joseph and Hyrum Smith to the Saints in Kirtland--Reproving -the Saints for Neglect of their Brethren and Sisters During the -Missouri Persecutions. - -An Epistle of the Prophet to the Twelve. - -CHAPTER XIII. - -Introduction of the Gospel in the Isle of Man--The Nauvoo Charter. - -Mormonism in the Isle of Man. - -Opposition to the Work in England. - -Excommunication of Sidney Roberts. - -Letter of Brigham Young to the Presidency, Detailing Movements of the -Mission in England. - -Elder Taylor's Defense of the Work. - -An Act to Incorporate the City of Nauvoo. - -Of the Legislative Powers of the City Council. - -Letter of John C. Bennett to the _Times and Seasons_--Announcing the -Passage of the Act Incorporating Nauvoo. - -CHAPTER XIV. - -Vale 1840--Enter 1841--List of Publications for and Against -the Church--Whereabouts of the Twelve Apostles--"Election and -Reprobation"--Proclamation to the Saints. - -The Acquittal of R. D. Foster. - -An Objector Put Down. - -Brigham Young's Letter to the Prophet--Reporting Labors in England. - -Election and Reprobation--by Brigham Young and Willard Richards. - -A Proclamation of the First Presidency of the Church to the Saints -Scattered Abroad, Greeting. - -CHAPTER XV. - -Reconstruction of Church Affairs at Nauvoo--Revelation--Municipal -Organization of Nauvoo--Installation of Civic and Military Officers. - -Reproof of John E. Page and Orson Hyde. - -Revelation given to Joseph Smith at Nauvoo, January 19th, 1841. - -Hyrum Smith Installed as Patriarch. - -First Election of Municipal Officers in Nauvoo. - -Joseph Smith made Sole Trustee of the Church. - -{X} Nauvoo City Council Organized. - -The Mayor's Inaugural Address. - -Minutes of the Meeting which Organized the Nauvoo Legion. - -Nauvoo Council Opened by Prayer. - -The Echo Company. - -Minutes of the London Conference. - -Ordinance. - -Missouri's "White-washing." - -Legion Resolutions. - -Resolution. - -Ordinance. - -An Act to Incorporate the Nauvoo House Association. - -An Act to Incorporate the Nauvoo Agricultural and Manufacturing -Association in the County of Hancock. - -Division of Nauvoo into Municipal Wards. - -Ordinance on Religious Liberty in Nauvoo. - -An Ordinance in Relation to Public Meetings. - -Committee Report. - -Appointment of City Officers. - -Letter of Brigham Young to the Editor of the _Star_--On Family Prayer. - -Appointment of Joseph Smith Lieutenant-General of the Nauvoo Legion. - -Organization of the Lesser Priesthood at Nauvoo. - -CHAPTER XVI. - -The First Foreign Mission of the Church, 1837-1841. - -History of the British Mission. - -CHAPTER XVII. - -Celebration of the Twelfth Anniversary of the Organization of the -Church--Order of Laying Corner-Stones of Temples--Council Meetings of -the Twelve in England. - -Staffordshire Conference. - -Union of Commerce and Nauvoo Plats. - -Letter of Wilford Woodruff to Don C. Smith--Relating to Affairs in -England. - -Minutes of a Council Meeting of the Twelve. - -Council Meeting of the Twelve--Continued. - -Council Meeting of the Twelve--Continued. - -Twelfth Anniversary of the Organization of the Church. - -Sidney Rigdon's Speech. - -Conduct of the People. - -Order of Laying Corner-stones of Temples. - -Conference at Philadelphia. - -Meeting of the Council of the Twelve in Manchester. - -CHAPTER XVIII. - -General Conference at Nauvoo--Epistle of the Twelve to the Saints in -England--Difference Between Baptists and Latter-Day Saints. - -Minutes of the General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of -Latter-day Saints, held in Nauvoo, Illinois, on the 7th day of April, -One Thousand Eight Hundred and Forty-one. - -Report of the First Presidency. - -{XI} Letter of George A. Smith to the _Star_--Report of Labors. - -Conference in New York City. - -An Epistle of the Twelve Apostles to the Church of Jesus Christ of -Latter-day Saints in England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and the Isle of -Man, Greeting. - -Difference Between the Baptists and Latter-day Saints, from the _North -Staffordshire Mercury_. - -The Difference Between the Baptists and the Former-day Saints. - -CHAPTER XIX. - -Organization of the Nauvoo Legion--Notable Persons at Nauvoo--The -Prophet's Sermon on Individual Responsibility for Sin and the Doctrine -of Election. - -The Twelve Embark for Home. - -Changes in the Iowa Stake. - -Organization of the Legion. - -New Burying Ground for Nauvoo. - -Nauvoo Legion Affairs. - -Letter of the Prophet to the _Times and Seasons_--Visit of Notable -Persons to Nauvoo. - -The Prophet's Discourse. - -Minutes of a Conference in London. - -Arrival of _Rochester_ at New York. - -The Healing of one who was Deaf. - -Rowdyism in New York Harbor. - -Mob Violence in England. - -Conference in Kirtland. - -Letter of the Presidency to the Saints--Concentration at Nauvoo. - -Legion Affairs. - -CHAPTER XX. - -Arrest of the Prophet on Demand of Missouri--Trial at Monmouth--The -Acquittal. - -The Prophet's Visit with Governor Carlin. - -The Arrest of the Prophet. - -Apostles in New Jersey. - -News of the Prophet's Arrest Reaches Nauvoo. - -The Prophet at Monmouth. - -The Trial. - -Honorable Conduct of Counsel. - -Judge Douglas--Ditto. - -A Letter from the Editor of the _Times and Seasons_ to that Journal, -Giving an Account of the Trial at Monmouth. - -The Prophet Set Free. - -CHAPTER XXI. - -The Mission to Jerusalem--Progress of Orson Hyde in His Journey. - -Elder John E. Page--a Laggard. - -Letter from Elder Orson Hyde to Presidency Joseph Smith--Recounting -Incidents of his Journey en route for Jerusalem. - -Elder Hyde's Letter to Rabbi Hirschell. - -Conclusion of Elder Hyde's Letter to the Prophet. {XII} - -CHAPTER XXII. - -Sundry Events at Nauvoo and Throughout the World--The Mission of the -Twelve Noted by the Prophet. - -Press Misrepresentations. - -Imprisonment of Theodore Curtis. - -Extract from a Letter in the _Juliet Courier_--Describing the Prophet's -Trial at Monmouth, and Affairs at Nauvoo. - -Revelation given to Joseph Smith, in the House of Brigham Young, in -Nauvoo City, July 9th, 1841. - -Liquor Selling Licensed in Nauvoo. - -Manna Rain in Aleppo. - -Press Falsehoods. - -Letter of Elder Orson Hyde to President Smith--Detailing Events while -en route to Jerusalem. - -Death of Senator Little. - -General Funeral Sermon. - -The Prophet's Account of the Mission of the Twelve. - -Letter of William Smith to President Smith--Land Transactions. - -CHAPTER XXIII. - -The Death of Don Carlos Smith--His Life and Labors--Special Conference -at Nauvoo. - -The Death of Don Carlos Smith. - -The Visits of Don Carlos to Liberty Prison. - -His Ministrations to the Sick. - -Personal Appearance of Don Carlos Smith. - -The Iowa Stake of Zion. - -New Mission Movement Planned. - -General Orders, Nauvoo Legion. - -Depression of the Times. - -Visit of the Sac and Fox Indians to Nauvoo. - -Minutes of a Special Conference at Nauvoo--Important Action in Relation -to the Twelve. - -CHAPTER XXIV. - -Hotchkiss Land Purchase Trouble--Death's Harvest, Oliver Granger, -Robert B. Thompson--Important Action Relating to the Twelve--The -Mission in Fox Island. - -The Founding of Warren. - -Letter of Horace R. Hotchkiss to Joseph Smith--Land Affairs in Nauvoo. - -Letter of the Prophet to Horace R. Hotchkiss--Nauvoo Land Transactions. - -Location and Character of the Hotchkiss Lands. - -Death of Oliver Granger. - -An Epistle of the Twelve Apostles to the Saints Scattered Abroad Among -the Nations, Greeting. - -Death of Robert B. Thompson. - -Biography of Robert Blashel Thompson. - -{XIII} Minutes of a Council Meeting of the Twelve Apostles at the House -of Brigham Young, Nauvoo. - -Changes of Officers in the Legion. - -Changes Among the Civil Officers of Nauvoo. - -The Prophet on Medicine. - -A Shower of "Flesh." - -British-Chinese War. - -Extract from Legion Minutes. - -The Coming of Edward Hunter to Nauvoo. - -Bitterness of D. W. Kilbourn. - -Hitch Council Resolution. - -Lumber for the Temple. - -The Work on Fox Island. - -Sentence Rendered by Pontius Pilate, Acting Governor of Lower Galilee, -Stating that Jesus of Nazareth shall Suffer Death on the Cross. - -CHAPTER XXV. - -The General Conference of the Church at Nauvoo--Doctrinal Sermon by the -Prophet--Baptism for the Dead--Angels and Ministering Spirits--Epistle -of the Twelve Reviewing Status of the Church. - -Suit against Geo. M. Hinkle. - -Minutes of the General Conference of the Church held at Nauvoo. - -Minutes of a Meeting of the Council of the Twelve. - -Copy of a Letter to Smith Tuttle, Esq.,--The Hotchkiss. - -Land Troubles. - -An Epistle of the Twelve Apostles, to the Brethren Scattered Abroad on -the Continent of America, Greeting. - -CHAPTER XXVI. - -Affairs in Kirtland and Nauvoo--Epistle of the Twelve to the Saints -in the British Islands--Orson Hyde's Prayer on the Mount of Olives, -Dedicating the Holy Land Preparatory to the Return of the Tribes of -Israel. - -Extract from Orson Hyde's Letter. - -Minutes of Conference held at Lima. - -Extract of a Letter from Parley P. Pratt--Emigration of Saints, and -Status of the Work in England. - -Copy of a Letter of Attorney from Joseph Smith, "Sole Trustee-in-Trust -for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints," to Reuben -McBride, of Kirtland, Ohio. - -Excerpt of Hyrum Smith's Letter to the Saints in Kirtland--Disapproving -of Certain Plans for Building up Kirtland. - -The Nuisance. - -Reproof of William O. Clark. - -Dedication of the Baptismal Font. - -An Ordinance Concerning Vagrants and Disorderly Persons. - -An Epistle of the Twelve Apostles to the Saints Scattered Abroad in -England, {XIV} Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and the Isle of Man, and the -Eastern Continent, Greeting. - -Minutes of a Meeting at Ramus, Illinois--Alanson Brown et al., -Disfellowshiped. - -Baptisms for the Dead. - -Elder Orson Hyde's Letter--His Prayer of Dedication on the Mount of -Olives. - -Prayer of Orson Hyde on the Mount of Olives. - -CHAPTER XXVII. - -Official Denunciation of Thieves at Nauvoo--The Moral Law of the -Church--Abandonment of Ramus as a Stake of Zion--Baptism for the Dead, -an Epistle. - -Affidavit of Hyrum Smith--Denouncing Theft. - -The Prophet's Estimate of the Book of Mormon. - -The Prophet's Denunciation of Thieves. - -Conference in New York. - -Warning of the Twelve Apostles against Thieves. - -Thieves. - -Revelation. - -Conference at Ramus. - -The Prophet Proof Reads Book of Mormon. - -Letter of the Prophet to Esquires Browning and Bushness--Payment of -Notes. - -The Prophet's Letter to Mr. Hotchkiss--Commerce Lands. - -The Prophet's Difficulties in Writing the Annals of the Church. - -Anti-Mormonism at Warsaw. - -Further Trouble at Warsaw. - -Baptism for the Dead. An Epistle of the Twelve Apostles to the Saints -of the Last Days. - -CHAPTER XXVIII. - -Kirtland vs. Nauvoo--Political Attitude of the People of Nauvoo -Declared--Publications Mormon and Anti-Mormon For 1841--Close of the -Year. - -Decision in the Case of Almon W. Babbitt and Kirtland. - -Affairs at Ramus. - -Expressions of Gratitude to James Gordon Bennett and the _New York -Herald_. - -Minutes of a Meeting of the Twelve in the House of the Prophet. - -The Prophet on the Attitude of the Saints in Politics. - -The Prophet's Letter to Edward Hunter--Business Affairs at Nauvoo. - -Revelation to John Snyder and Amos B. Fuller. - -Revelation. - -Work on Proclamation to Kings of the Earth. - -Emigration Agency to England. - -Xmas at Nauvoo, 1841. - -Conference Minutes--New York and Maine. - -Purpose of the Gift of Tongues. - -Instructions to the Twelve. - -Warren and Warsaw Affairs. - -A Prophecy Respecting Warsaw. - -Mormon Literature (_pro et con_) 1841. - -CHAPTER XXIX. - -The Opening of the Year 1842--Whereabouts of the Twelve -Apostles--Correspondence of Elder Hyde From Trieste--Report of High -Council on Affairs in Nauvoo--Events and Conditions in the British -Mission. - -Sundry Labors of the Prophet. - -The Prophet's Letter to Edward Hunter--Reports Opening of the New Store. - -Rejoicing of the Prophet. - -Tithing and Consecrations for the Temple of the Lord. - -Book of Mormon Corrections. - -Meeting with the Twelve. - -Highly Interesting from Jerusalem. - -Excerpts from Elder Hyde's Letters. - -The Prophet's Letter to Isaac Galland--On Settlement of Accounts. - -Isaac Galland Affair. - -Seventies' Quorum Affairs. - -Revelation. - -Report of High Council Committee. - -Letter of G. Walker to Elder Brigham Young et al.--Affairs in England -Since Departure of the Apostles. - -CHAPTER XXX. - -Emigration of the Saints From England to Nauvoo--The Book of Abraham - -Emigration. - -Death of Laura Phelps. - -Debates in Nauvoo. - -Vindication of Daniel Wood. - -Letter of Alfred Cordon to Joseph Smith--Reporting Affairs in England. - -Confidence in the Nauvoo Charter. - -Announcement of the Trustee-in-Trust for the Church Respecting Work on -the Temple. - -An Additional Word from the Twelve. - -Letter of the Prophet to an Unknown Brother on Tithing. - -Note of Robert Pierce--Expressing Satisfaction at Financial Settlement. - -The Book of Abraham. - -CHAPTER XXXI. - -The Wentworth Letter. - -CHAPTER XXXII. - -The Bennett-Dyer Correspondence--The Prophet's Discourse on the Subject -of the Resurrection, and the Salvation of Children--Epistle of the -Twelve to the Saints in England Concerning Their Emigration to America. - -Tax Controversy. - -Attempted Settlement with Gilbert Granger, - -Book of Abraham Fac-similes. - -{XVI} Letter of the Prophet to John C. Bennett--on Bennett's -Correspondence Anent Slavery. - -Correspondence Between Dr. C. V. Dyer and General J. C. Bennett. - -Letter of John C. Bennett to Joseph Smith--Anent the Dyer-Bennett -Correspondence. - -Letter of the Prophet to Edward Hunter--Business Transactions. - -Extract from the Legion Minutes. - -Extract from High Council Minutes. - -The Prophet Becomes Editor of the _Times and Seasons_. - -Honor Among Thieves. - -Origin of the Female Relief Society. - -The Prophet's Sermon on Life and Death; the Resurrection and the -Salvation of Children. - -An Epistle of the Twelve to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day -Saints in its Various Branches and Conferences in Europe, Greeting. - -CHAPTER XXXIII. - -A Mason's Estimate of Nauvoo and the Prophet--Organization of the -Female Relief Society--"Try the Spirits"--The Prophet's Editorial. - -Nauvoo and the Mormons. - -Extract from a Letter from Elder E. P. Maginn, Salem, Massachusetts. - -Organization of the Relief Society. - -Character of the Mormon Women. - -Mission of John Snyder. - -Synopsis of the Prophet's Sermon on Baptism for the Dead. - -Letter of Lorenzo D. Barnes to Parley P. Pratt--Reporting Labors. - -Synopsis of the Prophet's Remarks to the Female Relief Society. - -"Try the Spirits"--The Prophet's Editorial in the _Times and Seasons_. - -CHAPTER XXXIV. - -Special Conference of the Church at Nauvoo--The Prophet's Reproof of -the Wicked--Epistle of the Twelve to the Saints in Kirtland--Status of -the Church. - -The Thirteenth Anniversary of the Organization of the Church. - -Conference Minutes. Special Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of -Latter-day Saints, City of Nauvoo, April 6th, 1842. - -Remarks of the Prophet at the Funeral of Ephraim Marks. - -Synopsis of Remarks of the Prophet--Reproof of all Wickedness. - -A Meteor Fall. - -Council Meeting with the Twelve. - -Council Meeting with the Twelve. - -An Epistle of the Twelve to the Saints in America, Greeting. - -Military Appointments. - -CHAPTER XXXV. - -The General Bankrupt Law--The Doctrine of Baptism for the Dead--The -Prophet's Address to the Female Relief Society--The Keys of the -Priesthood and the Nauvoo Temple. - -The Bankrupt Law. - -The Prophet Forced into Bankruptcy. - -Baptism for the Dead. - -Cause of the Prophet's Insolvency. - -James Arlington Bennett Honored. - -Repast Militaire. - -The Rights and Privileges of Women in the Church Remarks of the Prophet -to the Relief Society. - -The Temple. - - - -Introduction to Volume IV. - -Five subjects may be said to form the outline of the chief events -detailed in this volume of the History of the Church _the Founding of -Nauvoo; the Appeal of the Church to the National Government for redress -of wrongs suffered in Missouri; the Mission of the Twelve Apostles to -the British Isles; the Mission of Orson Hyde to Palestine; and the -Doctrinal Development of the Church_. - -_Preliminary Considerations_. - -Preliminary to a brief consideration of these several subjects, I -desire to say a word as to the reception of the Latter-day Saints by -the people of Illinois, and the conditions prevailing in that state at -the time of their arrival. A knowledge of these conditions is necessary -to the understanding of this whole Illinois period of the History of -the Church. - -Much has been made of the hospitality which the people of Illinois -extended to the Latter-day Saints at the time of their expulsion from -Missouri. A writer in the _American Historical Magazine_ for July, -1906, says: "To the latter state [Illinois] they [the Saints] went -in 1839, and were received with such open-armed hospitality as only -a very generous and liberty-loving people can extend to those whom -they honestly believe to be suffering from a wrongful oppression. -The conduct of the Saints in five years turned this feeling of -extraordinarily deep-seated sympathy, inducing great practical -charities, into a feeling of very bitter hatred, threatening to break -into mob violence." Far be it from me to depreciate the kindness of -those who extended a helping hand to the Saints in the hour of their -distress. Stripped and sorely wounded they fled from the violence -of Missouri militia-mobs, and found for a time a peaceful asylum in -Illinois. Many were the acts of disinterested kindness extended to -them by the people in the western part of that state; and every such -act I am sure was and is remembered, both by those who were the direct -recipients of such acts of kindness and by their grateful descendants. -But is responding to the calls of humanity so rare a thing in a -Christian state, that it must needs be regarded as so exceptional in -this case? Such was the condition of the Saints as they fled from -Missouri, such the injustice to which they had been subjected in that -state, that their situation would have appealed to the generosity of -savages, how much more, then, to a civilized and Christian community! -And then, speaking of this reception of the Saints _en masse_, by -Illinois, and leaving out of consideration {XX} for the moment--since -they have already been acknowledged--the individual acts of kindness -bestowed upon the exiles, was this reception of the Saints by Illinois -wholly disinterested? Were there not benefits which the Saints could -bestow upon the state in return for the heartiness of the reception -given? Would it not have been, under all the circumstances, the gravest -of blunders for Illinois to have refused asylum to these exiles? Is it -to be presumed that the public men of western Illinois were so blind to -their own interests as not to see in these twelve or fifteen thousand -people a mighty advantage to the state? It is true they were poor -in this world's goods; but they were rich in labor-power, and their -reputation for habits of sobriety and of industry had preceded them. -Here were thousands of husbandmen seeking lands. Illinois had thousands -of acres of unoccupied lands awaiting husbandmen. How shortsighted and -unstatesman-like it would have been for the men of Illinois not to have -welcomed these settlers into their state? With half an eye it is easy -to see that the benefits of this reception of the exiled Mormons by -Illinois is not by any means a one-sided affair; and it would be doing -an injustice to the intelligence of the people of that state to suppose -they were blind to these advantages. This will more fully appear when -other conditions are taken into account. Illinois has an area of 56,650 -square miles; and at the time of the advent of the Saints in that state -a white population of less than four hundred thousand, [1] as against -a present population of five and a half millions. [2] It will be seen, -then, that in 1839, the year of the advent of the Saints into that -state, Illinois was very sparsely settled, and needed above all things -for her development and prosperity, people to subdue her wilderness -and cultivate her rich lands, especially people desirous of making -homes, and becoming permanent citizens. Moreover, Illinois had recently -launched an extensive system of internal improvements by state aid. -This system included the construction of 1,300 miles of railroads in -the state, besides provisions for the improvement of the navigation of -the Kaskaskia, Illinois, Great and Little Wabash, and Rock rivers. Also -the construction of a canal from Lake Michigan to the navigable waters -of the Illinois river, a distance of more than one hundred miles (from -Chicago to Peru). To carry out this system of internal improvements the -state legislature of 1836-7 had appropriated the sum of $12,000,000; -and to raise the money state bonds were placed on the stock markets of -the eastern states and in England. It is not my province here even to -note the wisdom or unwisdom of this policy of wholesale state aid for -these internal improvements; let the wisdom {XXI} or unwisdom be what -it may, these conditions emphasized Illinois' demand for population, -and again makes it evident that it would have been the height of folly -for the people of that state to do other than give hearty welcome to -this body of population so rich in labor-power; so potent in wealth -producing energy. - -Another thing to be noted is the fact that about the time of the advent -of the Saints into Illinois, political parties were just taking form in -that state, and it is within the record of facts in the case, as well -as of great likelihood, that a desire for obtaining political advantage -was at least in the background of motives prompting the heartiness of -the reception given to the Saints. - -Illinois was admitted into the Union in 1818, but it is a matter of -common knowledge that in the early years of her history as a state, -her officers were elected not on any well defined political party -principles, but chiefly on the strength of the personality of the -candidates and the special things for which they individually stood. -Indeed, it was not until 1830 that anything like party lines were -drawn in the state, and that it became a battle ground for the two -great national parties, Whigs and Democrats. It was a committee from -a Democratic party organization in Quincy, Illinois, that took the -initiative in welcoming the Saints into the state, and strive how one -may, it is difficult to think there was not some political advantage -sought through this action. On the other hand, the Whigs were not slow -to urge upon the incoming exiles that it was a Democratic state and a -Democratic administration in that state which had not only permitted, -but had really ordered their expulsion from Missouri, and that -doubtless the injustice they had suffered was owing to Democratic ideas -of the administration of government. Nor were there wanting those among -the Saints who were willing to believe that such was the case. Indeed, -Joseph Smith, the Prophet, found it necessary to gently reprove some of -his people who were rapidly making the question of their expulsion from -Missouri a political party question in Illinois. This effort to win the -Saints to one political party or the other, continued to be a factor -in their affairs so long as they remained at Nauvoo. It was owing to -this rivalry for their support that doubtless made it possible for the -Saints to obtain larger grants of power for their city government, and -greater political privileges and influence in the State than otherwise -could have been obtained by them. It also was this rivalry for their -favor, as the events in this, but more especially in the succeeding -volume will prove, that made them alternately fulsomely flattered and -heartily disliked; fawningly courted, and viciously betrayed. - -A knowledge of these circumstances, I say, is essential to the right -understanding of the Nauvoo period of the Church's history. - -{XXII} _The Founding of Nauvoo_. - -The founding of the city of Nauvoo was an event, the interest of which -extends beyond the people immediately concerned in it. It was a unique -movement in its way, and may yet suggest a policy in reference to the -government of large cities from which great benefits may arise. Very -naturally after the experiences of the Mormon people in Missouri, the -Prophet was anxious to environ them with conditions that would insure -protection to the community, hence for Nauvoo he secured as large -concessions of political power as it was possible to obtain, and an -examination of the Nauvoo charter proper with its attendant charters -providing as they did for an independent educational system, from -common schools to a University; an independent military organization -with a lieutenant-general as its commander; [3] a large grant of -commercial as well as municipal power, demonstrates how well he -succeeded. Commenting upon the charter immediately after its passage -by the state legislature had been formally announced, he said: "The -City Charter of Nauvoo is of my own plan and device. I concocted it for -the salvation of the Church, and on principles so broad, that every -honest man might dwell secure under its protective influence without -distinction of sect or party." [4] On another occasion when defending -the right of the city to issue writs of habeas corpus, even against -processes of the state, he held: "If there is not power in our charter -and courts, then there is not power in the State of Illinois nor in -the Congress or Constitution of the United States; for the United -States gave unto Illinois her Constitution or Charter, and Illinois -gave unto Nauvoo her charters conceding unto us our vested rights -which she has no right or power to take from us. All the power there -was in Illinois she gave to Nauvoo. * * * The municipal court has all -the power to issue and determine writs of habeas corpus within the -limits of this state that the {XXIII} Legislature can confer. This city -has all the power that the State courts have, and was given by the -same authority--the legislature. * * * The charter says that the City -Council shall have power and authority to make, ordain, establish, and -execute such ordinances not repugnant to the Constitution of the United -States, or of this State, as they may deem necessary for the peace, -benefit and safety of the inhabitants of said city. [5] And also that -the Municipal Court shall have power to grant writs of habeas corpus in -all cases arising under the ordinances of the City Council. The City -Council have passed an ordinance 'that no citizen of this city shall be -taken out of this city by any writ without the privilege of a writ of -habeas corpus.' There is nothing but what we have power over, except -where restricted by the Constitution of the United States. 'But,' says -the mob, 'what dangerous powers!' Yes--dangerous, because they will -protect the innocent and put down mobocrats. There is nothing but -what we have power over, except where restricted by the Constitution -of the United States. * * * If these powers are dangerous, then the -Constitution of the United States, and of this State are dangerous; but -they are not dangerous to good men; they are only so to bad men who are -breakers of the laws. * * * The lawyers themselves acknowledge that we -have all power granted us in our charters, that we could ask for--that -we had more power than any other court in the State; for all other -courts were restricted while ours was not." - -Such views in relation to an ordinary municipal government would -unquestionably be stamped as preposterous. No such powers as are here -claimed are accorded to ordinary city governments in Illinois or any -other of the states of the American Union. What then may be said of -the Prophet's claims in respect to the municipal powers of Nauvoo? -Nothing in way of defense, except that Nauvoo was _not_ an ordinary -municipality; that Joseph Smith had sought for extraordinary grants of -power for the city of Nauvoo and had obtained them; that his personal -experiences and the experiences of his people, both in Ohio and -Missouri, had taught him the necessity of having officers charged with -the duty of administering government wherein his people were concerned, -who were friendly disposed and whose interests were largely identical -with those of the Saints: that the things which both the Prophet and -his people had suffered justified both him and them in seeking for -and obtaining such power as had been conferred by charters upon the -city of Nauvoo; that the Prophet was wholly within the lines of right -conduct when he invoked the municipal powers in his own protection -{XXIV} against the aggressions of his old enemies in Missouri and his -new betrayers in Illinois. But whether the legislature of Illinois was -fully aware of the extraordinary powers they were conferring upon the -city of Nauvoo, or being aware of the import of their action the party -in control of the legislature was willing to grant the extraordinary -powers in the hope of currying political favor with the Saints, may not -now be determined; but in any event these extraordinary powers were -granted; and wittingly or unwittingly a "city-state" had practically -been established within the state of Illinois. Nothing short of this -descriptive term can adequately set forth the municipal government -of Nauvoo. It seems to be an unconscious reversion. In an incipient -way, to the "city-states" or "city-republics" of the old Greek -confederations; or the "free-towns" of medieval times, when the cities -were more potent than nations in commerce and even in politics. Whether -or not the state courts of Illinois and United States courts would have -sustained the Nauvoo charters if the matter of their validity had been -referred to them for adjudication, may not be determined; but one can -scarcely suppress the thought that the likelihood is that they would -not have been sustained; on the contrary they would have been most -likely declared anomalous to our system of government as it then stood, -and now stands. But certainly if the experiment of such a municipal -government had not been interrupted in its progress, it might have been -an instructive object lesson in the government of cities; and even as -it is, the founding of Nauvoo, the "city-state," suggests an important -idea which may work out great practical reforms in municipal government -in our country. - -The founders of our Government dealt with conditions that were very -simple in comparison with the complexity of the conditions which -government in its various forms, municipal, state and national, is -confronted with today. The Municipal problems which now vex the -people had not then arisen above the horizon of their experience. The -American commonwealths of the early decades of the nineteenth century -were practically rural commonwealths. At the time of Washington's -inauguration (1789) the population of New York was but thirty-three -thousand; Philadelphia forty-two thousand; Boston but eighteen -thousand; Baltimore thirteen thousand; Brooklyn one thousand six -hundred, and more village than town. Now compare these cities with -their present population. New York has a population of over four -millions; [6] Philadelphia a population of one and a half millions; [7] -Boston more than half {XXV} a million; [8] Baltimore over five hundred -thousand; [9] Brooklyn is absorbed in New York, but as a borough of -the larger city it has a population of nearly one and a half millions; -[10] Chicago, which in 1840 had but four thousand inhabitants, much -smaller than Nauvoo, has now a population of more than two millions; -[11] St. Louis which in 1840 had a population of but 16,469, has now a -population of three quarters of a million. [12] Nothing like the growth -of urban population within the United States during the last fifty -years has been known in the history of the world, and it has brought to -the inhabitants of these cities problems undreamed of by the founders -of our government. Every year discloses more and more distinctly the -fact that between these condensed communities and the town, village, -and rural population of the states in which they are located, there are -very distinct interests and governmental problems of widely differing -character. The differences which justify distinct local governments -in the state of New York and the peninsula of Florida are not more -insistent than the differences between the great commercial city of New -York and the state of the same name. Without entering upon elaborate -discussion of these questions (a discussion which is foreign to the -character of this writing) I venture the suggestion that separate and -complete state governments for our large cities, or the elevation of -them into what I have called "city-states," such as Nauvoo was, in -an incipient way, will be the solution to most of the problems of -municipal government in our very large cities. It would greatly enlarge -in them the governmental powers essential to their more perfect peace, -security, and prosperity. Also it would separate them from embroilment -in those questions of the state governments under which they are now -located, and in which they have so little interest--often indeed, -there is even sharp conflict of interests, engendering bitterness -and strife which hinders progress for both city and state. Besides, -granting complete statehood to our larger cities would be but a proper -recognition of the right of those great aggregations of citizens with -their varied industries, their immense wealth and distinct interests, -to that measure of influence in our national affairs which their -numbers and intelligence and interests justly demand. - -{XXVI} _The Appeal of the Church to the National government for Redress -of Wrongs Suffered in Missouri_. - -The Prophet Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, and Judge Elias Higbee were -chosen as the committee to present to the National Congress the -petition of the Saints for a redress of their grievances, suffered in -Missouri. This journey to the nation's Capital was of importance quite -apart from the immediate purpose for which it was undertaken; namely, -it brought the Prophet in contact with the leading statesmen of the -United States. While in Washington, he was brought in contact with -and interviewed such men as Henry Clay, John C. Calhoun, President -Martin Van Buren, different members of the Cabinet, Senators, and -Representatives. Such contact enabled him to take new measurements, -not only of a different class of men from those with whom he had been -accustomed to associate, but new measurements of himself by comparison -and contrast of himself with those leading spirits of the nation. -Comparisons which could not result otherwise than in advantage to -him; and I think it must be conceded by all students of the Prophet's -character, especially to those who have been at all close observers of -its development, that after this trip to Washington, which afforded the -above noted opportunities of comparison and contrast, the Prophet's -growth was immeasurably greater than at any time before that journey. - -In some respects however it was unfortunate that the Prophet was not -more cosmopolitan in his training and in his views of life on the -occasion of this visit to the nation's capital; for lack of such -training and views of life led him to the formation of rather hasty -judgments as to the character of our nation's public men at that time. -He undoubtedly had sticking to him as yet, some of the prejudices of -his New England and New York sectional training; and at the time of -his visit the spirit of the public men of the nation at Washington -was largely influenced by the Southern character and spirit. Bourbon -Democracy was at its height. The gentlemen of the South with their -extreme notions of chivalry and polite deportment, predominated. In -those days men were held to strict account for their manner of address -one to another. An improper word, a slight, magnified into an insult, -meant a challenge to mortal combat on "the field of honor," and this -sense of personal responsibility for utterances begot, no doubt, an -extreme politeness in personal deportment which seemed puerile to -those reared in another atmosphere and influenced by other sentiments -than those which resulted from education in the South. Joseph Smith's -judgment upon manners and customs in Washington, was doubtless New -England's judgment upon Southern customs with which it had no patience, -much less sympathy. It is only from these considerations that the -rather harsh {XXVII} judgment of the Prophet in relation to conditions -in Washington can be properly understood. - -Relative to the business upon which this committee visited Washington, -it should be said that Sidney Rigdon failed to participate in it at -all, in consequence of an illness which befell him on his journey, -and hindered him from reaching Washington until the business was -practically settled. A short stay in Washington convinced the Prophet -that nothing was to be expected in the way of obtaining a redress of -grievances for his people from the very cautious politicians then -in control of the government, all of whom were anxious, apparently, -to palliate the actions of Missouri with reference to the Saints, -for the sake of retaining her political influence on their side; and -also because of a prevailing inclination to a strict construction of -the powers of the general government in its relations to the states. -The Prophet therefore left Washington to preach the Gospel for a -short time in New Jersey and Philadelphia, after which he returned -to Nauvoo, leaving Judge Elias Higbee to urge consideration of the -petition of the Saints which had been referred to the Senate committee -on Judiciary, with what result is made known in detail in the body of -this volume of the history. It is sufficient here to say that the net -result of the Committee's deliberations was simply to recommend that -the Saints appeal for a redress of their wrongs to the United States -District Court having jurisdiction in Missouri, or they could, if they -saw proper, "apply to the justice and magnanimity of the State of -Missouri--an appeal which the committee feel justified in believing -will never be made in vain by the injured or oppressed."--(Sic!) - -This suggestion to take their case to the United States Courts was -never acted upon by the Saints, nor does it appear in what manner it -would have been practicable for them to do so. True it is expressly -provided in the Constitution that "The Judicial power of the United -States shall extend to all cases in law and equity, arising under this -Constitution, the laws of the United States, and treaties made, or -which shall be made, under their authority; to controversies between -two or more states; between a state and citizens of another state; -between citizens of different states; between citizens of the same -state," etc. [13] The case of the Saints would fall either under the -clauses in the above quotation respecting controversies arising between -a state (Missouri) and citizens of another state (the Saints, now -citizens, of Illinois); or "between citizens of different states," the -Saints, citizens of Illinois, and their former persecutors, citizens of -Missouri. In considering the question under the first clause it must be -remembered that the eleventh amendment to the Constitution (declared in -force 1798) provides that {XXVIII} "The Judicial power of the United -States shall not be construed to extend to any suit in law or equity, -commenced or prosecuted against one of the United States by citizens of -another state, or by citizens or subjects of any foreign state." It is -held that "the power as well as the dignity of a state would be gone if -it could be dragged into court by a private plaintiff." [14] - -The Supreme Court in the case Chisholm _vs_. the State of Georgia, had -decided (1793) that an action did lie against the State of Georgia at -a suit of a private plaintiff. The state however refused to appear, -whereupon the Supreme Court proceeded, a year later, to give judgment -against her by default in case she should not appear and plead before -a day; whereupon there arose such a storm of protest, not only in -Georgia, but in the other states as well, that the eleventh amendment -was adopted exempting a state from being sued in the courts of the -United States by citizens of another state, or by citizens subjects -of any foreign state. Moreover, states are not suable in any event -except with their consent; [15] and if a state waive its immunity, it -may attach any conditions it pleases to its consent. [16] Under these -circumstances it is not surprising that the Saints never attempted to -bring Missouri before the United States courts. They could only have -planted suit against the state by its consent, and if she consented, -then under such conditions as she might be pleased to attach to that -consent. Moreover, the Saints had the best of reasons for believing -that Missouri would never consent. - -As to suing their persecutors as individuals before the United States -courts, as citizens of one state suing citizens of another, it is -only necessary to remind the reader of the insuperable difficulties -attending upon that procedure to convince him of the futility of such -action. The expensiveness of the undertaking, and the extreme poverty -of the exiles alone would be sufficient to bar such an undertaking; -for every one knows how bitterly hard it is for the poor to set the -judicial machinery of organized society in motion in their favor. Then -there was the evident conspiracy entered into by the mobs of Missouri -to defeat the ends of justice in respect of the Saints: mobs which an -unfriendly governor had converted into a state militia; to which that -same governor gave an order to expel from the state or exterminate the -entire people; under which order said mob-militia did expel from the -state some twelve thousand citizens, depriving them of their property -and liberty without due process of law; and afterwards the state -through its legislature sanctioned and applauded the actions of this -mob-militia for the part it had taken in causing said expulsion--though -attended by acts of {XXIX} unspeakable atrocity--by appropriating -200,000 dollars to meet the expenses of the mob-militia in carrying -out the governor's illegal orders. After these crimes against the -Constitution and laws of the state, against American institutions and -the civilization of the age--after all this, I say, it is not difficult -to understand how farcical would be any procedure before either the -state or the federal courts in Missouri. By acts of perjury, in order -to still further defeat the ends of justice and protect each other -from the penalties due to their crimes, it would have been easy for -the people of Missouri to defeat the ends of justice. And after having -committed the crimes of murder and robbery; after having unlawfully -expelled a whole people, numbering thousands, from their homes--of -which the despoilers were then possessed--it is not to be believed that -such characters would hesitate to suborn witnesses, commit perjury, or -hesitate to do any other thing, however criminal, in order to escape -the just punishment for their crimes. - -The offense of the State of Missouri against the Saints was a denial -of political as well as of civil rights. She had in her treatment of -the Saints abdicated republican government. Her officers, including the -chief executive of the state had violated the Constitution of the state -in that they had entered into a wide-spread conspiracy to deprive the -Saints of their liberty and property without due process of law; and in -fact had deprived them of those rights by expelling them by force of -arms from the state. - -These were the wrongs the Saints had endured; this the nature of the -crime of the state of Missouri against them, and it seems that for -these things which they suffered there could be found no remedy; -for, as already explained, a state could not be made party to a suit -before the courts, either state or federal, without her consent; and -it is a well settled principle of American law that "a suit nominally -against an officer but really against a state to enforce performance -of its obligation in its political capacity, will not lie." A state, -therefore, could not be directly arraigned before the courts or any -kind of tribunal for failure to enforce its political obligations; nor -could it be indirectly so arraigned through its officers since such -an arraignment would undoubtedly have been held to be but "nominally -against the officers and really against the state;" hence void. [17] -The only arraignment of the state that could be made was evidently -at the bar of public opinion and sentiment, and this sentiment, -unfortunately viciated by misrepresentations, was against the Saints. -All things considered, then, there was little wisdom behind the -recommendation of the Senate Judiciary Committee for the Saints to -prosecute their case before the Federal courts having jurisdiction -in Missouri; and {XXX} the suggestion that they apply to the justice -and magnanimity of the state of the Missouri, borders upon mockery. -However, Missouri did not escape the chastisement due to her many -acts of predatory injustice upon the Saints; there was measured out -to her more than four fold of that sorrow and affliction which she -had perpetrated upon the Saints. She sowed to the wind in her conduct -towards the Mormon people, she reaped the whirl-wind in the terrible -experiences of more then ten years of border warfare, banditti rule, -and her enormous sacrifice of blood and treasure in the Civil War; all -of which is abundantly set forth in the Introduction to Volume III of -this work. - -_The Mission of the Twelve to England_. - -The mission of the Twelve to England marks an epoch in the missionary -experience of the Church. They undertook this mission in fulfillment -of a commandment received of the Lord on the 8th of July, 1838, at Far -West, Missouri, which revelation was given in answer to the question -of the Prophet: "Show us thy will, O Lord, concerning the Twelve." In -answer to that question the Lord directed that the several vacancies -then existing in the quorum should be filled by the appointment of John -Taylor, John E. Page, Wilford Woodruff, and Willard Richards. "And next -spring," said the revelation, "let them [the Twelve] depart to go over -the great waters and there promulgate my gospel, the fullness thereof, -and bear record of my name. Let them take leave of my Saints in the -City Far West on the 26th day of April next, on the building spot of my -house saith the Lord." [18] - -Notwithstanding the fact that the Church had been expelled from the -state of Missouri before the 26th day of April, 1839, a number of the -Twelve accompanied by several of those who had been appointed to fill -vacancies in the quorum, returned to Far West, held a meeting on the -site of the Lord's house in the public square of that place, on the -date appointed, sung some hymns, ordained those present who had been -appointed to fill vacancies in the quorum, laid a corner stone of the -Lord's house, took leave of a few of the brethren who were there, and -thence started for foreign lands, stopping for a time _en route_ at -Nauvoo. Late in the summer of 1839 the Twelve began their departure, -usually in pairs, for foreign lands. The work had already been -introduced into England by the labors of Elder Heber C. Kimball and -associates, Elder Orson Hyde of the quorum of the Twelve; also Elders -Willard Richards, Isaac Russell, John Goodson, John Snyder; and Joseph -Fielding, a priest. The mission of the Twelve to England as a quorum, -however, established the work in the British Isles on a broader and -more {XXXI} permanent basis, and thence forward the body religious was -strengthened from this mission; and as much from the character as from -the numbers of the British Saints. - -_The Mission of Orson Hyde to Palestine_. - -The mission appointed to Elders Orson Hyde and John E. Page, of the -quorum of the Twelve, to Jerusalem, was second in importance only to -that appointed to the rest of the Twelve to Great Britain. John E. -Page utterly failed to fulfill his appointment, notwithstanding the -frequent urging and reproofs of the Prophet. He never left the shores -of America, and finally returned to Nauvoo to be severely censured for -his lack of faith and energy. Orson Hyde, on the contrary, in the midst -of many hardships, persevered in his journey to the Holy Land, until -he succeeded in accomplishing that which had been appointed unto him. -Elder Hyde it appears, was a descendant of the tribe of Judah; [19] -and sometime after the Prophet had become acquainted with him, most -probably in the year 1832, in the course of pronouncing a blessing upon -him, said: "In due time thou shalt go to Jerusalem, the land of thy -fathers, and be a watchman unto the house of Israel; and by thy hand -shall the Most High do a great work, which shall prepare the way and -greatly facilitate the gathering together of that people." [20] It was -in fulfillment of this prediction upon his head that he had been called -upon this mission to Jerusalem, to dedicate the land of Palestine by -apostolic authority, preparatory to the return of the Jews and other -of the tribes of Israel to that land of promise. This mission he fully -accomplished. An account of his journey and of his beautiful and -powerful prayer of dedication will be found in his letters published in -this volume. [21] - -The question will be asked, Has anything resulted from this mission -to dedicate the land of Palestine to the return of the Jews and other -tribes of Israel? The only answer is an appeal to facts, to events -that have taken place since that prayer of consecration was offered up -by this Apostle of the new dispensation of the Gospel, on the 24th of -October, 1841. - -At the time of Elder Hyde's visit and the ceremonies of dedication he -performed on the Mount of Olives, there were comparatively but few -Jews at Jerusalem. As late as 1876 the British Consul Reports show -that there were but from fifteen to twenty thousand Jews in Judea. -But twenty years later the same authority declared the number of Jews -at sixty to seventy thousand; and, what was of more importance than -{XXXII} the numbers announced, these reports represented that the new -Jewish population was turning its attention to the cultivation of the -soil, which but requires the blessings of God upon it to restore it to -its ancient fruitfulness, and which will make it possible for it to -sustain once more a numerous population. The St. Louis _Globe-Democrat_ -commenting on these Consular Reports of 1896, said: - -"Only two decades ago there were not more than fifteen or twenty -thousand Jews in Jerusalem. At that time no houses were to be found -outside the walls of the city. Since then many changes have taken place -and the Hebrew population--mainly on account of the increase of the -Jewish immigration from Russia--now stands at between sixty and seventy -thousand. Whole streets of houses have been built outside the walls -on the site of the ancient suburban districts, which for hundreds of -years have remained deserted. It is not, however, only in Jerusalem -itself that the Jews abound, but throughout Palestine they are buying -farms and establishing themselves in a surprisingly rapid manner. In -Jerusalem they form at present a larger community than either the -Christian or the Mohammedan." - -Also in 1896 that racial movement among the Jews known as "Zionism" -took definite form. This movement was really the federation of all -the Jewish societies that have cherished the hope of seeing Israel -restored to his promised possessions in Palestine. That year the first -international conference of Zionists was held in Basel, Switzerland, -and since then under the leadership of the late Dr. Herzel of Austria, -and since his death under the leadership of Israel Zangwill, and by -reason of its annual conferences constantly increasing in interest -and attendance, "Zionism" has taken on all the aspects of one of the -world's great movements. It is not so much a religious movement as a -racial one; for prominent Jews of all shades of both political and -religious opinions have participated in it. - -After saying through so many centuries at the feast of the Passover, -"May we celebrate the next Passover in Jerusalem," the thought seems -to have occurred to some Jewish minds that if that hope is ever to -be realized some practical steps must be taken looking to the actual -achievement of the possibility--hence the "Zionite Movement." The -keynotes of that movement are heard in the following utterances of some -of the Jewish leaders in explanation of it: "We want to resume the -broken thread of our national existence; we want to show to the world -the moral strength, the intellectual power of the Jewish people. We -want a place where the race can be centralized."--(Leon Zoltokoff). "It -is for these Jews (of Russia, Roumania and Galicia) that the name of -their country (Palestine) spells 'Hope.' I should not be a man if I did -not realize that for these persecuted Jews, Jerusalem spells reason, -{XXXIII} justice, manhood and liberty."--(Rabbi Emil G. Hirsch). -"Jewish nationalism on a modern basis in Palestine, the old home of -the people."--(Max Nordau). "Palestine needs a people, Israel needs -a country. Give the country without a people to the people without a -country."--(Israel Zangwill). In a word it is the purpose of "Zionism" -to redeem Palestine, and give it back to Jewish control, create, in -fact, a Jewish state in the land promised to their fathers. - -The age has come when the promises of the Lord to Israel must be -fulfilled; and hence an apostle of the new dispensation of the -Gospel is sent by divine authority to dedicate the land of Palestine -preparatory to the return of Israel to his promised inheritance. -After which follows this strange and world-wide movement among the -Jews looking to the re-establishment of "Jewish nationalism on a -modern basis in Palestine." What other relationship can exist between -the mission of the Apostle Orson Hyde and this world-wide movement -among the Jews for the re-establishment of Israel in Palestine, but -the relationship of cause to effect--under, of course, the larger -fact that the set time for the restoration of Israel has come? The -apostle's mission to Jerusalem for the purpose of dedicating that land, -preparatory to the return of Israel, was without doubt part of the -general program for the restoration of Israel to their lands and to the -favor and blessing of God. - -_The Doctrinal Development of the Church_. - -The doctrinal development in this period of the dispensation of the -fullness of times, namely, between July, 1839, and the month of May, -1842, about three years, was chiefly in relation to salvation for -the dead, and the sacred ritual of the Temple. The foundation for -this doctrinal development in relation to salvation for the dead, was -laid in the very inception of the work. On the occasion of the first -visit of the angel Moroni to the Prophet, on the night of the 21st of -September, 1823, among other ancient prophecies quoted by him, and -which he declared was soon to be fulfilled, was the prophecy in the -fourth chapter of Malachi in relation to the future coming of Elijah -the prophet, "before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the -Lord." As quoted by the angel there was a slight variation in the -language from King James' version, as follows: "Behold, I will reveal -unto you the Priesthood by the hand of Elijah the prophet, before the -coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. And he shall plant in -the hearts of the children the promises made to the fathers, and the -hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers; if it were not so, -the whole world would be wasted at his coming." [22] - -Here the promise is made, that in consequence of the restoration of -a certain Priesthood, or special keys of authority held by Elijah, -the promises made to the fathers shall be planted in the hearts of -the children, "and the hearts of the children shall turn to their -fathers." Why? For a complete answer to that question the Church -waited some years. Again, and still early in the history of the -work, namely, March, 1830, the Lord in a revelation to Martin Harris -through the Prophet Joseph, added another line or two of knowledge -to this doctrine; knowledge which pushed out of the horizon of men's -conceptions the terrible and unjust doctrine respecting the eternal -punishment which God is supposed to inflict upon those who fail to obey -the Gospel in this life, and also those who died in ignorance of it. -In explanation of the terms, "eternal punishment," and "everlasting -punishment," sometimes found in Holy Writ, the Lord said to the -Prophet: "Behold, I am endless, and the punishment which is given from -my hand is endless, for endless is my name. Wherefore-- - -"Eternal punishment is God's punishment. - -"Endless punishment is God's punishment." - -That is to say, the punishment takes the name of Him in whose name -it is inflicted; as if it were written, "Eternal's punishment," -"Endless's punishment." And also, it must be understood, that the -punishment itself is endless. That is, penalties always attend upon -law, and follow its violation. That is an eternal principle. Law is -inconceivable without accompanying penalties. But it does not follow -that those who fall into the transgression of law, and therefore under -sentence of Eternal's justice, will have to endure affliction of the -penalty eternally. Justice can be satisfied. Mercy must be accorded her -claims, and the culprit having been brought to repentance and taught -obedience to law through the things which he has suffered, must go -free. But only to suffer again the penalties of the law, if he again -violates it; for laws and their penalties are eternal. Hence eternal -punishment, hence endless punishment administered to the violator of -the law, until he learns to live in harmony with law. For, on the one -hand, as "that which is governed by law is also preserved by law, and -perfected and sanctified by the same;" [23] so "that which breaketh -a law and abideth not by the law, but seeketh to become a law unto -itself, and willeth to abide in sin and altogether abideth in sin, -cannot be sanctified by law, neither by mercy, justice, nor judgment. -Therefore they must remain filthy still." [24] Thus obedience to law -becomes a savor of life unto life; while disobedience to law equally -becomes a savor of death unto death. - -In February, 1832, still further light was shed upon the subject of -{XXXV} the different states or degrees of glory in which men will live -in the future, by the revelation known as "The Vision." This revelation -is one of the sublimest ever given to man. It utterly discredits and -displaces the dogmas about the future of man held by Christendom, or -at least by Protestant Christendom. The orthodox, Protestant view -of man's future is that there are two states in one or the other of -which man will spend eternity--in heaven or in hell. If one shall gain -heaven, even by ever so small a margin, he will enter immediately upon -a complete possession of all its unspeakable joys, equally with the -angels and the holiest of Saints. Not only in the "Shorter Catechisms," -but in nearly all orthodox creeds the accepted doctrine was: "The souls -of believers are at their death made perfect in holiness." On the -other hand, if one shall miss heaven, even by ever so small a margin, -he is doomed to everlasting torment equally with the wickedest of men -and vilest of devils, and there is no deliverance for him through -all the countless ages of eternity! It will be noted that I have -excepted out of participating in the above view of man's future, the -Catholic church, by ascribing these views only to orthodox Protestant -Christendom. This is because the Catholic church doctrine slightly -differs from the doctrine of the Protestants on this subject. That is -Catholics do not believe that all Christians at death go immediately -into heaven, but on the contrary "believe that a Christian who dies -after the guilt and everlasting punishment of mortal sins have been -forgiven him, but who, either from want of opportunity, or through -his negligence has not discharged the debt of temporal punishment due -to his sin, will have to discharge that debt to the justice of God -in purgatory." "Purgatory is a state of suffering after this life, -in which those souls are for a time detained, which depart this life -after their deadly sins have been remitted as to the stain and guilt, -and as to the everlasting pain that was due to them, but which souls -have on account of those sins still some temporal punishment to pay; as -also those souls which leave this world guilty only of venial (that is -pardonable) sins. In purgatory these souls are purified and rendered -fit to enter into heaven, where nothing defiled enters." [25] As all -works of the Catholic church accessible to me have nothing on the -different degrees of glory in which men shall subsist in eternity, I -conclude that Catholic teaching is that they who finally attain unto -heaven are all equal in glory. So that in the last analysis of the -matter, Catholic doctrine falls as far below the great truth that God -has revealed upon the subject of the future estate of man, as the -doctrine of orthodox Protestant Christendom. - -Here is not the place for an extended exposition of the doctrine in -{XXXVI} relation to the future state of man as revealed to Joseph Smith -in the revelation called "The Vision." [26] It must suffice here to say -that its central principle is resident in the justice and the mercy -of God, that requires that every man shall be judged according to his -works, considered in the light of his intelligence, his consciousness -of right and wrong, and the moral law under which he lived. If he lived -in the earth when the Gospel of Jesus Christ was not in the world, or -if he lived at places or in circumstances where he did not learn of -its existence, much less come to a knowledge of its truths, then the -plain dictates of justice demand that some means must exist by which -its sanctifying powers may be applied to him in the future; so also as -to those who have even once rejected the truth (as in the case of the -antediluvians who rejected the teaching of righteous Noah, and were -disobedient, [27] when once the long suffering of God waited in vain -in those days for their repentance); having paid the just penalty of -their disobedience, then justice would demand that some means must -exist by which the saving principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ may -be applied to them; for only by the acceptance of the principles of the -Gospel, and by the application of its laws and ordinances as the means -by which the grace of God is applied to man, can the sons of men hope -for salvation. Then as men differ in degree of intelligence; in the -intensity of their faith; in the hartiness of their obedience; in the -steadiness of their fidelity; and in as much as there is the stern fact -of human freedom and responsibility, and the possibility of a short -or long resistance to the will of God, even up to eternal resistance -to that will, there is an infinitude of states of glory, of so called -rewards and punishments, in which man will live in the future. There -is one glory of which the sun in heaven is spoken of as being typical; -another of which the inferior light of the moon is typical; and another -of which the varying light of the stars is typical. And even as one -star differs from another star in glory, in light, so differ those -states of existence in which men will live in the future, but each -assigned to a place, to an environment, that corresponds to the status -of his development; which is only the modern way of saying he shall -be judged according to his works. These, in brief, are the underlying -principles of this remarkable revelation; a revelation which in every -way is worthy the encomium that the Prophet Joseph himself bestowed -upon it at the time of its inception: "Nothing could be more pleasing -to the Saints upon the order of the Kingdom of the Lord, than the light -which burst upon the world through the foregoing Vision. Every law, -every commandment, every promise, every truth, and every point touching -the destiny of man, from Genesis to Revelation, where the purity of -the {XXXVII} Scriptures remains unsullied by the folly of men, go to -show the perfection of the theory [of different degrees of glory in the -future life] and witnesses the fact that _that document is a transcript -from the records of the eternal world_." - -In June, 1836, while attending to washings and anointings in the -Kirtland Temple, previous to its dedication, the Prophet received still -further knowledge as to the future state of man. This also was by means -of a vision. He says: "The heavens were opened upon us, and I beheld -the celestial kingdom of God, and the glory thereof, whether in the -body or out, I cannot tell. I saw the transcendent beauty of the gate -through which the heirs of that kingdom will enter, which was like -unto circling flames of fire; also the blazing throne of God, whereon -was seated the Father and the Son. I saw the beautiful streets of that -kingdom, which had the appearance of being paved with gold. I saw -Fathers Adam and Abraham, and my father and mother, my brother, Alvin, -that has long since slept, and marveled how it was that he had obtained -an inheritance in that kingdom, seeing that he had departed this life -before the Lord had set His hand to gather Israel the second time, and -had not been baptized for the remission of sins. Thus came the voice of -the Lord unto me saying-- - -"_All who have died without a knowledge of this Gospel, who would have -received it if they had been permitted to tarry, shall be heirs of the -celestial kingdom of God; also all that shall die henceforth without -a knowledge of it, who would have received it with all their hearts, -shall be heirs of that kingdom, for I, the Lord, will judge all men -according to their works, according to the desire of their hearts_." - -"And I also beheld that all children who die before they arrive at the -years of accountability, are saved in the celestial kingdom of heaven." - -The next step in the development of this doctrine of salvation for the -dead was the coming of Elijah to "turn the heart of the fathers to the -children, and the heart of the children to the fathers," according to -Malachi; to restore the priesthood and "plant in the hearts of the -children the promises made to the fathers," by which "the hearts of -the children shall be turned to the fathers," according to Moroni. And -Elijah committed the keys of this dispensation of turning the hearts -of the fathers and children towards each other to Joseph Smith and to -Oliver Cowdery. This took place in the Kirtland Temple on the 3rd of -April, 1836. [28] - -It was not, however, until the Nauvoo period that the doctrine of -salvation for the dead was fully developed and active steps taken -looking to the actual performance of ordinances in their behalf. In -the revelation that was given on the 19th of January, 1841, the Saints -{XXXVIII} were commanded to build a house unto the Lord, a Holy Temple -unto the Most High. "For," said this revelation, "there is not a place -found on earth that He may come to and restore again that which was -lost unto you, or which He hath taken away, even the fullness of the -Priesthood; for a baptismal font there is not upon the earth, that -they, my Saints, may be baptized for those who are dead; for this -ordinance belongeth to my house, and cannot be acceptable to me, only -in the days of your poverty, wherein ye are not able to build a house -unto me. But I command you, all ye my Saints, to build a house unto me; -and I grant unto you a sufficient time to build a house unto me, and -during this time your baptisms shall be acceptable unto me." That is, -the baptisms for the dead should be acceptable unto the Lord in other -places than the temple, until the temple should be prepared for that -ordinance, if the Saints would be diligent and build it according to -the Lord's appointment. Moreover, the information is imparted in the -revelation that, it is "in Zion, and in her stakes, and in Jerusalem, -those places which I [the Lord] have appointed for refuge, shall be the -places for your baptisms for your dead." - -After this revelation was given to the Church baptism for the dead -was a subject frequently expounded in Nauvoo, both by the Prophet and -other leading elders. It was a theme upon which the Twelve Apostles -dwelt in their Epistles to the Church both in America and in Great -Britain. Baptisms for the dead were performed for some time in the -Mississippi river, and later, in the latter part of November, 1841, in -the baptismal font erected in the basement of the Temple, and dedicated -for that sacred purpose. For a time some irregularities obtained in -relation to this ordinance owing to the fact that the perfect knowledge -of the order of it had not then been obtained, but was developed later -in this Nauvoo period of the History of the Church, as will appear in -Volume V of this work. - -It was a mighty stride forward in the doctrinal development of the -Church, this idea of the possibility of salvation for the dead through -the administration of the ordinances of the Gospel for and in their -behalf by their kindred on earth; and greatly enlarged the views of -the Saints in relation to the importance and wide spread effects of -their work. The ends of the earth indeed converged in the labors of -the Saints henceforth, for their activities in the administrations of -the holy ordinances of the Gospel would affect all past generations as -well as affect all generations to come. It was a bringing into view the -full half of the work which up to this time had lain hidden behind the -horizon of men's conceptions of that "great and marvelous work" which -God from the beginning declared was about to be brought forth among the -children of men. [29] - -{XXXIX} _Other Doctrines of the Prophet's Teaching_. - -Other doctrines taught by the Prophet within the period covered by this -volume, relate to the Priesthood; to the Status of Translated Persons; -to Man's Personal Responsibility for his own conduct, to Election and -Reprobation. A word in relation to each of these doctrines must suffice -here since they do not reach their full development in the teachings -of the Prophet until the last two years of his eventful life, and must -therefore receive fuller treatment in the Introduction of Volume V. - -Relative to the Priesthood, the most important items advanced by the -Prophet in this volume, are, first, the unity of all Priesthood, and -second, the place and power assigned to Adam in the order of the -dispensations of the Gospel granted to our earth. Treating on the -unity of the Priesthood, the Prophet said: "There are two Priesthoods -spoken of in the Scriptures, viz., the Melchisedek and the Aaronic or -Levitical. Although there are two Priesthoods, yet the Melchisedek -Priesthood comprehends the Aaronic or Levitical Priesthood, and is -the grand head, and holds the highest authority which pertains to -the Priesthood, and the keys of the kingdom of God in all ages of -the world to the latest posterity on the earth, and is the channel -through which all knowledge, doctrine, the plan of salvation, and -every important matter is revealed from heaven. Its institution was -prior to 'the foundation of this earth, or the morning stars sang -together, or the Sons of God shouted for joy,' and is the highest and -holiest Priesthood, and is after the order of the Son of God, and all -other Priesthoods are only parts, ramifications, powers and blessings -belonging to the same, and are held, controlled, and directed by it. It -is the channel through which the Almighty commenced revealing His glory -at the beginning of the creation of this earth, and through which He -has continued to reveal Himself to the children of men to the present -time, and through which He will make known His purposes to the end of -time." - -Respecting the place of Adam in the Priesthood and his relationship to -the dispensations of that Priesthood to our earth, the Prophet said: -"Commencing with Adam, who was the first man, who is spoken of in -Daniel as being the 'Ancient of Days,' or in other words, the first -and oldest of all, the great, grand progenitor of whom it is said -in another place he is Michael, because he was the first and father -of all, not only by progeny, but the first to hold the spiritual -blessings, to whom was made known the plan of ordinances for the -salvation of his posterity unto the end, and to whom Christ was first -revealed, and through whom Christ has been revealed from heaven, and -will continue to be revealed from henceforth. Adam holds the keys of -the dispensation of the fullness of times; i. e., the dispensation -of all the times have been and will {XL} be revealed through him -from the beginning to Christ, and from Christ to the end of all the -dispensations that are to be revealed. 'Having made known unto us the -mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath -purposed in Himself: that in the dispensation of the fullness of times -He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are -in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him (Ephesians, 1st chap., -9th and 10th verses). Now the purpose in Himself in the winding up -scene of the last dispensation is that all things pertaining to that -dispensation should be conducted precisely in accordance with the -preceding dispensations. And again. God purposed in Himself that there -should not be an eternal fullness until every dispensation should be -fulfilled and gathered together in one, and that all things whatsoever, -that should be gathered together in one in those dispensations unto the -same fullness and eternal glory, should be in Christ Jesus; therefore -He set the ordinances to be the same forever and ever, and set Adam to -watch over them, to reveal them from heaven to man, or to send angels -to reveal them. * * * * These angels are under the direction of Michael -or Adam, who acts under the direction of the Lord. * * * * There are -many things which belong to the powers of the Priesthood and the keys -thereof, that have been kept hid from before the foundation of the -world; they are hid from the wise and prudent to be revealed in the -last times." - -That it was the design of the Lord in building the Temple at Nauvoo, -that there should be other ordinances revealed besides "baptism for -the dead," is clearly manifested in the revelation itself, for it -says: "And again, verily I say unto you, how shall your washings be -acceptable unto me, except ye perform them in a house which you have -built to my name. * * * * Therefore, verily I say unto you, that -your anointings, and your washings, and your baptisms for the dead, -and your solemn assemblies, and your memorials for your sacrifices, -by the sons of Levi and for your oracles in your most holy places -wherein you receive conversations, and your statutes and judgments, -for the beginning of the revelations and foundation of Zion, and for -the glory, honor, and endowment of all her municipals, are ordained by -the ordinance of my holy house which my people are always commanded to -build unto my holy name. And verily I say unto you, let this house be -built unto my name, that I may reveal mine ordinances therein, unto my -people; for I deign to reveal unto my Church things which have been -kept hid from before the foundation of the word, things that pertain to -the dispensation of the fullness of times." - -The ordinances here mentioned in addition to baptism for the dead are -chiefly connected with the Priesthood of the Church, and were fully -developed in the teachings of the Prophet before the close of his -eventful career. - -{XLI} As to the status of translated personages, he said: "Many have -supposed that the doctrine of translation was a doctrine whereby men -were taken immediately into the presence of God, and into an eternal -fulness, but this is a mistaken idea. Their place of habitation is that -of the terrestrial order, and a place prepared for such characters -He held in reserve to be ministering angels unto many planets, and -who as yet have not entered into as great a fullness as those who are -resurrected from the dead." - -Of man being personally responsible for his own conduct, he is reported -by the Editor of the _Times and Seasons_ as saying: "He [the Prophet] -then observed that Satan was generally blamed for the evils which we -did, but if he was the cause of all our wickedness, men could not be -condemned. The devil could not compel mankind to do evil; all was -voluntary. Those who resisted the Spirit of God, would be liable to -be led into temptation, and then the association of heaven would be -withdrawn from those who refused to be made partakers of such great -glory. God _would not_ exert any compulsory means, and the devil _could -not_; and such ideas as were entertained [on these subjects] by many -were absurd." What beautiful harmony between the Prophet's doctrine -here and that of the Apostle James: "Let no man say when he is tempted, -I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither -tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of -his own lusts, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringing -forth sin: and sin when it is finished, bringeth forth death." [30] - -Of election, a term used generally in connection with reprobation, when -commenting on the 9th Chapter of Romans,--wherein Paul is supposed to -teach the doctrine of election,--the Prophet is represented as saying: -"He then spoke on the subject of election, and read the 9th chapter of -Romans, from which it was evident that the election there spoken of -was pertaining to the flesh, and had reference to the seed of Abraham, -according to the promise God made to Abraham, saying, 'In thee, and in -thy seed, all the families of the earth shall be blessed.' * * * The -whole of the chapter had reference to the Priesthood and the house of -Israel: and unconditional election of individuals to eternal life was -not taught by the Apostles. God did elect or predestinate, that all -those who would be saved, should be saved in Christ Jesus, and through -obedience to the Gospel, but He passes over no man's sins, but visits -them with correction, and if His children will not repent of their sins -He will discard them." - -These several doctrines mark rapid development in the Prophet's work -as an instructor in sacred things, and clearly indicate his increasing -capacity and power as Prophet, Seer and Teacher. - -Footnotes - -1. The population in 1830 was but 155,061; and in 1840, 472,254. - -2. The population of Illinois in 1900 was 4,821,550--nearly five -millions: the estimated population for 1908 is 5,590,000. - -3. Commenting once in a half humorous way upon his "exalted" military -rank, the Prophet said to Josiah Quincy, who remarks that the Prophet -at the time of his visit to Nauvoo (May, 1843), was at the head of -3,000 men equipped by the state of Illinois, represents him as having -said: - -"I decided that the commander of my troops ought to be a -lieutenant-general, and I was, of course, chosen to that position. -I sent my certificate of election to Governor Ford, and received in -return a commission of lieutenant-general of the Nauvoo Legion of the -militia of the State of Illinois. Now, on examining the constitution -of the United States, I find that an officer must be tried by a -court martial composed of his equals in rank; and as I am the only -lieutenant-general in the country, I think they will find it pretty -hard to try me." _Figures of the Past_, p. 383. - -4. This volume, p. 249. - -5. Section 11, this volume, p. 241. The Prophet quoted from memory, and -is not exact; the exact language is--"As they deem necessary for the -peace, benefit, good order, regulation, convenience and cleanliness of -said city." - -6. The official census of 1905 give the population of New York at -4,014,304. The estimated population on January 1, 1908, is 4,285,435. - -7. Official returns for 1900 give Philadelphia a population of -1,293,697. The estimated population for Jan. 1, 1908, is 1,491,161. - -8. Official statistics for 1905 give Boston a population of 595,083. -The estimated population for Jan. 1, 1908, is 607,340. - -9. Official returns for 1900 give Baltimore a population of 508,957. -The estimated population for Jan. 1, 1908, is 567,000. - -10. The estimated population of Brooklyn as a borough of greater New -York is given on Jan. 1, 1908, as 1,448,095. - -11. Official statistics for 1900 give Chicago a population of -1,698,575. The estimated population for Jan. 1, 1908 is 2,483,641. - -12. Official statistics for 1900 give St. Louis a population of -575,238. The estimated population on Jan. 1, 1908, is 50,000. - -13. Art. III Const. U.S., Sec. ii. - -14. Am. Commonwealth (Bryce) Vol. I p. 231. - -15. Railroad Co. v. Tennessee, U.S. Reports 101, 337. - -16. Clark v. Barnard U.S. 108, 436, and Green v. State 73 Cal. 29 et -seq. - -17. See Cooler's Constitutional Limitations, chapter ii, also Louisiana -v. Jumel 107 U.S. Reports, p. 711, 2 sup. et. rep. 128. - -18. History of the Church, Vol. III, p. 46. - -19. See this Volume, p. 375. - -20. _Ibid_. - -21. The prayer of Dedication will be found at pp. 456-459. - -22. History of the Church, Vol. I, p. 12. - -23. Doctrine and Covenants, Sec. lxxxviii:34. - -24. _Ibid_, verse 35. - -25. The quotations in the above are from "Catholic Belief," by Bruno, -D. D. of the Catholic church. - -26. Doctrine and Covenants, Sec. lxxvi, and History of the Church Vol. -I, 245 _et seq_. - -27. 1 Peter iii, 18-22. - -28. See History of the Church, Vol. II, p. 435-436. Also Doc. and Cov. -Sec. cx. - -29. See Doc. And Cov. the opening paragraph of Sections iv, vi, xi, -xii, xiv, all given in the year 1829. - -30. James 1, 13-15 - -{1} - - - -CHAPTER I. - -The Departure of the Twelve for England--Manifestation of God's Power -in Healing the Sick at Commerce. - -[Sidenote: The Prophet's Literary Methods.] - -_Friday, July 5, 1839._--I was dictating history, I say dictating, for -I seldom use the pen myself. I always dictate all my communications, -but employ a scribe to write them. - -_Saturday, 6._--I was at home reviewing the Church records. - -[Sidenote: Farewell to the Twelve.] - -_Sunday, 7._--I was at the meeting held in the open air, at which a -large assemblage was expected to listen to the farewell address of the -Twelve, who were then about to take their departure on a most important -mission, namely to the nations of the earth and the islands of the sea. - -Elder John E. Page being the first of the Twelve present, opened the -meeting by addressing a few words of an introductory nature; after -singing and prayer, Elder Page {2} delivered a very interesting -discourse on the subject of the Book of Mormon, recapitulating, -in short terms, the principles of a former discourse on the same -subject, and afterwards proceeded to read portions from the Bible and -Book of Mormon concerning the best criterions whereby to judge of -the authenticity of the latter; and then went on to show in a very -satisfactory manner, that no impostor would ever attempt to make such -promises as are contained on pages five hundred forty-one, [1] and five -hundred and thirty-four. [2] He then bore testimony. - -After noon the meeting was again opened by prayer. Elder John Taylor -spoke on the subject of this dispensation; the other angel which John -saw, having the everlasting Gospel to preach, he then bore testimony of -the truth of the Book of Mormon. - -Elder Woodruff's address went chiefly to exhortation to the Saints; -after which he also bore his testimony. - -Elder Orson Hyde next came forward, and having alluded to his own late -fall, [3] exhorted all to perseverance in the things of God, expressed -himself one with his brethren, and bore testimony to his knowledge of -the truth, and the misery of falling from it. - -Elder Brigham Young made some very appropriate remarks, and also bore -testimony to the truth of these things, and gave an invitation to come -forward and be baptized, when three manifested their determination to -renounce the world and take upon themselves the name of Jesus Christ. -One brother was then confirmed; after which President Sidney Rigdon -addressed the meeting in a very feeling manner. He showed that it must -be no small matter which could induce men to leave their families -and their homes to travel over all the earth amidst persecutions and -trials, such as always followed the preaching of this Gospel. He then -addressed himself to {3} the Twelve and gave them some counsel and -consolation as far as lay in his power; after which I requested their -prayers, and promised to pray for them. - -The meeting was large and respectable; a great number were present -who did not belong to the Church. The most perfect order prevailed -throughout. The meeting was dismissed about half-past five, when we -repaired to the water, and the three candidates were baptized and -confirmed. - -[Sidenote: The L. D. S. Hymn Book.] - -_Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 8th, 9th and 10th of July_.--I was with -the Twelve selecting hymns, for the purpose of compiling a hymn book. - -About this time much sickness began to manifest itself among the -brethren, as well as among the inhabitants of the place, so that this -week and the following were generally spent in visiting the sick and -administering to them; some had faith enough and were healed; others -had not. - -[Sidenote: Administration to the sick.] - -_Sunday, 21_.--There was no meeting on account of much rain and much -sickness; however many of the sick were this day raised up by the power -of God, through the instrumentality of the Elders of Israel ministering -unto them in the name of Jesus Christ. - -_Monday and Tuesday, 22nd and 23rd_.--The sick were administered -unto with great success, [4] but many remain sick, and new cases are -occurring daily. - -{4} _Discourses by the Brothers Pratt_. - -_Sunday 28_.--Meeting was held as usual. Elder Parley P. Pratt preached -on the gathering of Israel. In the afternoon Orson Pratt addressed the -Church on the necessity of keeping the commandments of God. I spoke, -and admonished the members of the Church individually to set their -houses in order, to make clean the inside of the platter, and to {5} -meet on the next Sabbath to partake of the Sacrament, in order that by -our obedience to the ordinances, we might be enabled to prevail with -God against the destroyer, and that the sick might be healed. - -All this week chiefly spent among the sick, who in general are gaining -strength, and recovering health. - -[Sidenote: Prayer Meeting for the Sick.] - -_Sunday, August 4._--The Church came together for prayer meeting and -Sacrament. I exhorted the Church at length, concerning the necessity of -being righteous, and clean at heart before the Lord. Many others also -spoke; especially some of the Twelve, who were present, professed their -willingness to proceed on their mission to Europe, without either purse -or scrip. The Sacrament was administered; a spirit of humility and -harmony prevailed, and the Church passed a resolution that the Twelve -proceed on their mission as soon as possible, and that the Saints -provide for their families during their absence. - - _Letter to Isaac Russell, reproving him for issuing pretended - revelations to the Saints_. - - Commerce, Hancock County, Illinois, 5th August, 1839. - - Dear Sir:--I have been requested to write you on behalf of the - Twelve, who are just on the eve of their departure for England, and - {6} inform you, that "this thing" which you have thought proper to - write as a revelation "to the Church in Alston and the branches - round about," to which you yourself administered, has "already come - to the knowledge of the Churches" both here and elsewhere, and lest - you should have any doubt concerning the fact, we send you a copy - of your revelation to that Church. - - I am sir, with all respect, - - Yours truly, - - James Mulholland. - - P. S.--Isaiah chap. L, 10th and 11th verses. [5] In my own behalf I - wish to state that I sincerely wish that it may soon come to pass - that you, sir, and all our friends at Far West may perceive that - you are walking in the light of a fire, and sparks that you have - yourselves kindled; and that you may turn around and fear the Lord, - obey the voice of His servant, and thereby escape the sentence, "Ye - shall lie down in sorrow." - - J. M. - - _To Mr. Isaac Russell, Far West, Missouri_. - -_Conference in New Jersey_. - -_Friday, 9_.--A Conference was held at Brother Caleb Bennett's Monmouth -County, New Jersey, Elder John P. Greene presiding. The New York and -Brooklyn branches were represented by the President as being in good -fellowship. There were represented at this conference the following -branches, by Elder Ball, Shrewsbury, New Jersey, numbering twenty -members; Montage, three; Minissink, New Hampshire, two; Albany, eight; -Holliston, Massachusetts, sixteen; Elder Dunham represented Hamilton, -Madison County, forty-six; Samuel James, Leechburg, Pennsylvania, forty. - -_Sunday, 11_.--I attended meeting in the forenoon and heard a sermon -by Parley P. Pratt. In the afternoon there was one baptized, and four -were confirmed, namely, {7} Brother Hibbard, his wife, little son, and -daughter. The Sacrament was administered. - -This week I spent chiefly in visiting the sick; sickness much decreased. - -_Sunday, 18_.--Rode out in the forenoon. Orson Pratt preached upon the -order and plan of creation. Three were baptized. - -Afternoon: Three confirmed and one ordained an Elder. - -This week I spent chiefly among the sick. The Church made a purchase -of eighty acres from William White for four thousand dollars, lying -directly north of the Hugh White purchase. - -_Sunday, 25_.--I attended meeting. Sickness decreasing. - -_Thursday, 29_.--Elders Parley P. Pratt and family, Orson Pratt -and Hiram Clark, started on their mission to England, in their own -two-horse carriage--their route lying through Illinois, Indiana, and to -Detroit, the capital of Michigan, situated near the head of Lake Erie, -about five hundred and eighty miles distant. - -[Sidenote: Progress of the Work in England.] - -_Saturday, 31_.--The work is spreading in England. Elder Richards -went to the Staffordshire potteries this day, and Presidents Joseph -Fielding and William Clayton were visiting and setting in order many of -the branches, and ordaining many to the ministry who are diligent in -preaching as they have opportunity on the Sabbath in the surrounding -villages. - -_Sunday, September 1_.--I attended meeting, and spoke concerning some -errors in Parley P. Pratt's writings. This week sickness much decreased. - -_Monday, 9_, and the greater part of the week.--I spent in visiting the -sick, and attending to the settlement of our new town. [6] - -{8} - - _The Prophet's Letter to Isaac Galland.--Nauvoo Affairs_. - - Commerce, Illinois, 11th September, 1839. - - Dear Brother Galland:--We have had the great pleasure of receiving - your favor of the 24th July; and learning thereby that you and - your family had arrived at Chillicothe in safety and in health. We - perceive that you have had a rather narrow escape from a serious - accident; and doubtless the hand of the Lord is to be acknowledged - in the matter, although unperceived by mortal eye. Time and - experience will teach us more and more how easily falsehood gains - credence with mankind in general, rather than the truth; but - especially in taking into consideration the plan of salvation. The - plain simple order of the Gospel of Jesus Christ never has been - discerned or acknowledged as the truth, except by a few--among whom - were "not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many - noble;" whilst the majority have contented themselves with their - own private opinions, or have adopted those of others, according - to their address, their philosophy, their formula, their policy, - or their fineness may have attracted their attention, or pleased - their taste. But, sir, of all the other criterions whereby we may - judge of the vanity of these things, one will be always found true, - namely, that we will always find such characters glorying in their - own wisdom and their own works; whilst the humble Saint gives all - the glory to God the Father, and to His Son Jesus Christ, whose - yoke is easy and whose burden is light, and who told His disciples - that unless they became like little children they could not enter - the Kingdom of Heaven. - - As to the situation of the Church here, matters go with us as well - as can reasonably be expected; we have had considerable sickness - amongst us, but very few deaths; and as the greater part are now - recovering we yet hope to have shelters provided before the winter - shall set in. - - Since you left here, we have purchased out all Mr. Hotchkiss' - interest hereabouts. His farm we have laid out as an addition to - our town, Nauvoo, and the town of Commerce we also hope to build up. - - Some of the Twelve and others have already started for Europe, and - the remainder of that mission we expect will go now in a few days. - According to intelligence received since you left, the work of - the Lord rolls on in a very pleasing manner, both in this and in - the old country. In England many hundreds have of late been added - to our numbers; but so, even so, it must be, for "Ephraim he hath - mixed himself among the people." And the Savior He hath said, "My - sheep hear my voice;" and also, "He that heareth you, heareth me;" - and, "Behold I will bring them again from the north country, and - gather them from the coasts of the earth." And as John heard the - voice saying, "Come out of her, {9} my people," even so must all be - fulfilled; that the people of the Lord may live when "Babylon the - great is fallen, is fallen." - - There has quite a number of families gathered up here already; and - we anticipate a continuance, especially as upon inquiry we have - found that we have not had more than [the usual] ratio of sickness - here, notwithstanding the trials we have had, and the hardships to - which we have been exposed. Calculating as we do, upon the mercy - and power of God in our behalf, we hope to persevere on in every - good and useful work, even unto the end, that when we come to be - tried in the balance we may not be found wanting. - - With all good wishes and prayers for the temporal and eternal - salvation of yourself and your family, as well as of all the honest - in heart over the face of the earth, - - We remain, sir, with sincerity, - - Your friend and brother, - - Joseph Smith, Jun. - - _Addressed to Isaac Galland, Esq., Kirtland, Geauga, County, Ohio_. - -_Friday, 13_.--I left home for Brother William Smith's place. - -[Sidenote: Brigham Young Starts on his Mission.] - -_Saturday, 14_.--President Brigham Young started from his home at -Montrose, for England. His health was very poor; he was unable to go -thirty rods to the river without assistance. After he had crossed the -ferry he got Brother Israel Barlow to carry him on his horse behind him -to Heber C. Kimball's where he remained sick until the 18th. He left -his wife sick with a babe only ten days old, and all his children sick, -unable to wait upon each other. I returned home this evening. - -_Sunday, 15_.--I was visiting the sick. - -_Monday and Tuesday, 16 and 17_.--Was engaged in arranging the town -lots. - -[Sidenote: Departure of Elders Young and Kimball from Nauvoo.] - -_Wednesday, 18_.--Went to Burlington, Iowa Territory. Elders Young and -Kimball left Sister Kimball and all her children sick, except little -Heber; [7] went thirteen miles on their journey towards England, and -were left at Brother Osmon M. Duel's, who {10} lived in a small cabin -near the railway between Commerce and Warsaw. They were so feeble as to -be unable to carry their trunks into the house without the assistance -of Sister Duel, who received them kindly, prepared a bed for them to -lie on, and made them a cup of tea. - -_Thursday, 19_.--I Returned this evening from Burlington. - -Brother Duel carried Elders Young and Kimball in his wagon to Lima, -sixteen miles, where another brother received them and carried them to -Father Mikesell's near Quincy, about twenty miles; the fatigue of this -day was too much for their feeble health; they were prostrated, and -obliged to tarry a few days to recruit. - -_Friday and Saturday, 20 and 21_.--At home attending to domestic and -Church business. - -Elders George A. Smith, Reuben Hedlock, and Theodore Turley started -for England, and upset their wagon on the bank of the river, before -they got out of sight of Commerce. Elders Smith and Turley were so weak -they could not get up, and Brother Hedlock had to lift them in again. -Soon after, some gentlemen met them and asked who had been robbing the -burying ground--so miserable was their appearance through sickness. - -_Sunday, 22_.--I presided at the meeting, and spoke concerning the -"other Comforter," as I had previously taught the Twelve. [8] - -{11} This week I spent in transacting various business at home, except -when visiting the sick, who are in general recovering, though some of -them but slowly. - -_Wednesday, 25_.--President Young went to Charles C. Rich's; 26th, to -Brother Wilber's; 27th, Brother Wilber carried Elders Young and Kimball -to Pittsfield. - -[Sidenote: Items of Doctrine--the Prophet.] - -_Sunday, 29_.--Held meeting at my own house. After others had spoken -I spoke and explained concerning the uselessness of preaching to the -world about great judgments, but rather to preach the simple Gospel. -Explained concerning the coming of the Son of Man; also that it is a -false idea that the Saints will escape all the judgments, whilst the -wicked suffer; for all flesh is subject to suffer, and "the righteous -shall hardly escape;" still many of the Saints will escape, for the -just shall live by faith; yet many of the righteous shall fall a -prey to disease, to pestilence, etc., by reason of the weakness of -the flesh, and yet be saved in the Kingdom of God. So that it is an -unhallowed principle to say that such and such have transgressed -because they have been preyed upon by disease or death, for all flesh -is subject to death; and the Savior has said, "Judge not, lest ye be -judged." - -_Monday, 30_.--The fore part of this week I was at home preparing for -Conference. Elders Young and Kimball went to Brother Decker's and Mr. -Murray's, Sister Kimball's father. - -_Tuesday, October 1_.--Elders Young and Kimball went to Brother Lorenzo -Young's. - -_Thursday, 3_.--I was in counsel with the brethren. - -_Friday, 4_.--Lorenzo Young carried Elders Young and Kimball to -Jacksonville. - -_Saturday, 5_.--The friends and brethren conveyed the Elders of the -British Mission to Springfield, where they were kindly treated and -nursed, for they were yet very feeble. - -I attended a general conference of the Church of Jesus {12} Christ of -Latter-day Saints at Commerce, Hancock County, Illinois, of which the -following are the minutes: - - _Minutes of Conference at Commerce, Illinois, October 6th, 7th and - 8th, 1839_. - - The meeting was opened by prayer by President Joseph Smith, Jun., - after which he was appointed President, and James Sloan Clerk of - the conference, by a unanimous voice of the meeting. The President - then spoke at some length upon the situation of the Church; the - difficulties they have had to contend with; and the manner in which - they had been led to this place; and wanted to know the views of - the brethren, whether they wished to appoint this a stake of Zion - or not; stating that he believed it to be a good place, and suited - for the Saints. It was then unanimously agreed upon that it should - be appointed a stake and a place of gathering for the Saints. - - The following officers were then appointed--namely, William Marks - to be President; Bishop Whitney to be Bishop of middle ward; Bishop - Partridge to be Bishop of upper ward; Bishop Knight to be Bishop of - lower ward; George W. Harris, Samuel Bent, Henry G. Sherwood, David - Fullmer, Alpheus Cutler, William Huntington, Thomas Grover, Newel - Knight, Charles C. Rich, David Dort, Seymour Brunson, Lewis D. - Wilson, to be the High Council; who being respectfully called upon - accepted their appointment. - - It was then voted that a stake of the Church be established on the - west side of the river, in Iowa Territory; over which Elder John - Smith was appointed President; Alanson Ripley, Bishop; and Asahel - Smith, John M. Burk, Abraham O. Smoot, Richard Howard, Willard - Snow, Erastus Snow, David Pettigrew, Elijah Fordham, Edward Fisher, - Elias Smith, John Patten, Stephen Chase, were elected High Council. - Don C. Smith was elected to be continued as President of the High - Priesthood [High Priest's quorum]. Orson Hyde to stand in his - former office, [an Apostle] and William Smith to be continued in - his standing, [in the quorum of the Twelve.] - - Letters were then read respecting the absence of members on account - of ill health. It was voted that Harlow Redfield be suspended until - he can have a trial; and in the meantime that he should not act as - president of a branch, or preach. - - Voted that John Daley, James Daley, and Milo Andrus retain their - station in the Church. Voted that Ephraim Owen's confession for - disobeying the Word of Wisdom be accepted. - - Brothers Edward Johnston, Benjamin Johnston, Samuel Musick, John - S. Fullmer, Jabez Lake, Benjamin Jones, Henry Our Bough, Reddin - A. Allred, George W. Gee, Jesse McIntyre, James {13} Brown, Henry - Miller, Artemas Johnson, Joseph G. Hovey, Robert D. Foster, Fields - B. Jacaway, Zadok Bethers, William Allred, William B. Simmons, - William W. Edwards, Sen., William H. Edwards, Jun., Hosea Stout, - Thomas Rich, Allen J. Stout, Esaias Edwards, John Adams, Daniel - Miller, Simeon J. Comfort, Graham Coltrin, William Hyde, Andrew - Henry, Reddick N. Allred, Eli Lee, Hiram W. Mikesell and Thomas S. - Edwards were appointed Elders of the Church, who all accepted of - their appointment, with the exception of Thomas S. Edwards. - - John Gaylord was admitted into the Church upon his confession. Abel - Casto was confirmed by the laying on of hands. - - The meeting then adjourned until Sunday morning; after which six - were baptized by Joseph Smith, Jun. The assembly was very large. - - The conference met on Sunday morning, the 6th, pursuant to - adjournment at eight o'clock a. m., when Samuel Williams, Reuben - Foot, Orlando D. Hovey, Tunis Rappleyee, Sheffield Daniels, Albert - Milner, David B. Smith, Ebenezer Richardson, Pleasant Ewell, and - William Helm were appointed Elders of the Church, and were ordained - under the hands of Reynolds Cahoon, Seymour Brunson, Samuel Bent - and Alpheus Cutler. - - After some remarks from the President respecting order, and decorum - during conference, Elder Lyman Wight spoke concerning the duties of - Priests and Teachers. President Joseph Smith, Jun., then addressed - the conference, in relation to appointing a Patriarch, and other - matters connected with the well being of the Church. - - Having now got through the business matters, the President - proceeded to give instruction to the Elders respecting preaching - the Gospel, and pressed upon them the necessity of getting the - Spirit, so that they might preach with the Holy Ghost sent down - from heaven; to be careful in speaking on those subjects which - are not clearly pointed out in the word of God, which lead to - speculation and strife. - - Those persons who had been baptized, were then confirmed, and - several children received blessings by Elders Cutler, Bent, and - Brunson. Elder Lyman Wight then addressed the meeting on the - subject of raising funds by contribution, towards paying for the - lands which had been contracted for as a settlement for the Church, - after which contributions were received for that purpose. - - Judge Elias Higbee was appointed to accompany Presidents Joseph - Smith, Jun., and Sidney Rigdon to the city of Washington. - - The meeting then adjourned until Monday morning. - - Conference met on Monday morning, October 7th, pursuant to - adjournment. - - The President spoke at some length to the Elders, and explained - {14} many passages of Scripture. Elder Lyman Wight spoke on the - subject of the resurrection, and other important subjects; when he - offered the following resolution, which passed unanimously; - - Resolved: That a new edition of Hymn Books be printed immediately, - and that the one published by D. W. Rogers be utterly discarded by - the Church. - - Elder Ezra Hayes was then put upon trial for teaching doctrine - injurious to the Church, and for falsehoods, which were proven - against him; his license was taken from him, and he required to - give satisfaction to those whom he had offended. - - Charges having been preferred against Brother Rogers, it was agreed - that the case be handed over to the High Council. - - Asahel Perry made application to be received into fellowship, and - was voted into his former standing. - - After having referred the business not gone into, to the High - Council, the President then returned thanks to the conference for - their good attention and liberality, and having blessed them in the - name of the Lord, the conference was dismissed. - - The next conference was appointed to be held on the sixth day of - April next. - -_Tuesday, 8_.--After conference, this week I was mostly engaged in -attending to the general affairs of the Church, and principally about -home. - -_Friday, 11_.--This evening, Elders Young, Kimball, George A. Smith, -Hedlock, and Turley started from Springfield, traveled eight miles on -their journey, and stayed with Father Draper. - -_Saturday, 12_.--The Elders of the British Mission left Father Draper's -and pursued their journey toward Terre Haute. - -[Sidenote: Death of John Young, Brigham Young's Father.] - -This day President Brigham Young's father, John Young, Sen., died at -Quincy, Adams County, Illinois. He was in his seventy-seventh year, -and a soldier of the Revolution. He was also a firm believer in the -everlasting Gospel of Jesus Christ; and fell asleep under the influence -of that faith that buoyed up his soul, in the pangs of death, to -a glorious hope of immortality; fully testifying to all, that the -religion he enjoyed in life was able to {15} support him in death. He -was driven from Missouri with the Saints in the latter part of last -year. He died a martyr to the religion of Jesus, for his death was -caused by his sufferings in the cruel persecution. - -_Sunday, 13_.--I attended meeting in the grove. The assembly was small -on account of the cold weather. - -_Tuesday, 15_.--In the afternoon I went to Quincy in company with -Brother Hyrum Smith, John S. Fullmer, and Bishop Knight. Quite a number -of families moving into Commerce. - -_Thursday, 17_.--The brethren arrived at Terre Haute. Brothers Smith, -Hedlock, and Turley stopped at Brother Nahum Milton Stow's. - -[Sidenote: Hardships of the Elders of the British Mission.] - -In the evening Doctor Modisett went down to see the brethren, and -appeared to be very much affected to see them so sick, and having to -lie upon the floor on a straw bed that had been put into the wagon at -Springfield, by the brethren, for Elder Young to lie on, as he was -not able to sit up when he left there. When the doctor returned home, -he told Elders Young and Kimball, he could not refrain from shedding -tears to see the brethren going upon such a long mission, and in such -suffering circumstances. Elders Young and Kimball said they thought -the doctor might have relieved them from "their suffering and indigent -circumstances upon their long mission," for he told them in the course -of the evening, that his taxes in that place amounted to over four -hundred dollars, besides having other property to a great amount. - -Elder Kimball was very sick; he stopped with Brother Young at Doctor -Modisett's. In the evening Doctor Modisett gave Elder Kimball about -forty drops of morphine, saying it would relieve him of his distress, -and probably he would get a nap. In about fifteen minutes Brother -Kimball complained of feeling very strange; he rose from his seat and -would have fallen, but Brother Young caught him and gently eased him -to the floor, where he {16} lay for some time; and it was by faith and -the close attention of Brother Young and the family that his life was -preserved through the night. - -_Friday, 18_.--Brothers Smith, Hedlock, and Turley went on their -journey. - -_Saturday, 19_.--The High Council appointed for the Stake of the Church -in Iowa, met at Asahel Smith's, Nashville, and organized; John Smith, -President; Elias Smith, Clerk; Reynolds Cahoon and Lyman Wight were -chosen Counselors to President John Smith, and approved by the Council. -Council organized according to number. [9] - - _Minutes of the Nauvoo High Council, 20th October, 1839_. - - The members of the High Council elected at the October conference, - met and organized at W. D. Huntington's, where Harlow Redfield - was restored to fellowship; and voted that this High Council - disfellowship any and all persons that shall hereafter carry over - or ferry across the river, any people or freight to the injury of - said ferry from Commerce to Montrose. - - _Voted_ that the Horse Boat be repaired from the moneys received - on sale of lots in Nauvoo, and that D. C. Davis be master of said - ferry boat for the ensuing year. - - _Voted_ that Joseph Smith, Jun., and his family be exempt from - receiving in future such crowds of visitors as have formerly - thronged his house; and that the same be published in the _Times - and Seasons_. - - _Voted_, that this Council disfellowship any and all persons who - shall knowingly suffer and allow any animal (subject to their - control) to destroy the crops, fruit, or plants of the earth - belonging to any other person or persons, and to their injury, and - that this resolution be published in the _Times and Seasons_. - - Adjourned until tomorrow evening. - - High Council met pursuant to adjournment, and voted that President - Joseph Smith, Jun., go as a delegate to Washington; and that if he - went he should have a recommend from the Council. - - _Voted_ that James Mulholland be Clerk for the land contracts, when - needed by President Smith; that Joseph Smith, Jun., be treasurer of - said Church, and James Mulholland sub-treasurer. - - {17} _Voted_ that Henry G. Sherwood should set the price upon, - exhibit, contract and sell town lots in Nauvoo, when needed, and - report his doings to Presidents Joseph Smith and Hyrum Smith, for - their approval, and that five hundred dollars be the average price - of lots, i. e., none less than two hundred dollars, nor more than - eight hundred dollars. - - _Voted_ that the High Council meet every Sunday evening at Dimick - Huntington's; that D. C. Davis have thirty dollars per month for - his services as ferryman; and that these proceedings be published - in the _Times and Seasons_. - - [Signed] Henry G. Sherwood, Clerk. - -_Tuesday, 22_.--Brother James Modisett took Elders Young and Kimball -in his father's carriage and carried them twenty miles to the house of -Brother Addison Pratt; from thence they were carried by Elder Almon W. -Babbitt to Pleasant Garden, and put up with Brother Jonathan Crosby. -Elder Almon Babbitt was preaching in that region with good success; he -had baptized five. - -_Saturday, 26_.--Brother Babbitt took Elders Young and Kimball ten -miles on their way to Father Scott's. - -King Follett, the last of the brethren in bonds in Missouri, had his -trial and was set free some time previous to this day. - -_Sunday, 27_.--John Scott took Elders Young and Kimball on their way -fifteen miles, some part of it in the rain; they were yet very feeble, -and put up at a tavern in Belville, and when the stage coach came -along, took passage, and rode night and day to Willowby, near Kirtland. - -The High Council of Nauvoo voted that the Clerk's fees of James -Mulholland be thirty dollars per month; that the treasurer pay Vinson -Knight one hundred and fifty dollars, for the Iowa side of the ferry at -Montrose as per charter. - -_Voted_, that Sister Emma Smith select and publish a hymn-book for the -use of the Church, and that Brigham Young be informed of this action -and he not publish the hymns taken by him from Commerce; and that -the {18} Council assist in publishing a hymn-book and the _Times and -Seasons_. - -_Monday, 28_.--The High Council voted to build a stone house at Upper -Commerce, to be used for boarding; that Elder Oliver Granger be -requested to assist with funds to print the hymn-book; that Samuel -Dent, Davison Hibbard, and David Dort be trustees for building the -stone schoolhouse in contemplation; and that Alpheus Cutler and Jabez -Durphy be the architects and building committee for said house. - -_Voted_, to finish the office of President Joseph Smith, Jun. - -_Voted_, that the recommends drawn by Elder Sherwood, recommending, -constituting, and appointing Joseph Smith, Jun., Sidney Rigdon, and -Elias Higbee, delegates for the Church, to importune the President and -Congress of the United States for redress of grievances, be signed by -this Council. - -Footnotes. - -1. See pp. 573-4, current edition. - -2. See pp. 565-567, current edition. - -3. See History of the Church, Vol. III, pp. 167-8. - -4. "In consequence of the persecutions of the Saints in Missouri, and -the exposures to which they were subjected, many of them were taken -sick soon after their arrival at Commerce, afterwards called Nauvoo; -and as there was but a small number of dwellings for them to occupy, -Joseph had filled his house and tent with them, and through constantly -attending to their wants, he soon fell sick himself. After being -confined to his house several days, and while meditating upon his -situation, he had a great desire to attend to the duties of his office. -On the morning of the 22nd of July, 1839, he arose from his bed and -commenced to administer to the sick in his own house and door-yard, and -he commanded them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to arise and be -made whole; and the sick were healed upon every side of him. - -"Many lay sick along the bank of the river; Joseph walked along up to -the lower stone house, occupied by Sidney Rigdon, and he healed all the -sick that lay in his path. Among the number was Henry G. Sherwood, who -was nigh unto death. Joseph stood in the door of his tent and commanded -him in the name of Jesus Christ to arise and come out of his tent, and -he obeyed him and was healed. Brother Benjamin Brown and his family -also lay sick, the former appearing to be in a dying condition. Joseph -healed them in the name of the Lord. After healing all that lay sick -upon the bank of the river as far as the stone house, he called upon -Elder Kimball and some others to accompany him across the river to -visit the sick at Montrose. Many of the saints were living at the old -military barracks. Among the number were several of the Twelve. On his -arrival the first house he visited was that occupied by Elder Brigham -Young, the President of the Quorum of the Twelve, who lay sick. Joseph -healed him, then he arose and accompanied the Prophet on his visit -to others who were in the same condition. They visited Elder Wilford -Woodruff, also Elders Orson Pratt, and John Taylor, all of whom were -living in Montrose. They also accompanied him. - -"The next place they visited was the home of Elijah Fordham, who was -supposed to be about breathing his last. When the company entered the -room, the Prophet of God walked up to the dying man and took hold of -his right hand and spoke to him; but Brother Fordham was unable to -speak, his eyes were set in his head like glass, and he seemed entirely -unconscious of all around him. Joseph held his hand and looked into -his eyes in silence for a length of time. A change in the countenance -of Brother Fordham was soon perceptible to all present. His sight -returned, and upon Joseph asking him if he knew him, he, in a low -whisper, answered 'Yes.' Joseph asked him if he had faith to be healed. -He answered, 'I fear it is too late; if you had come sooner I think -I would have been healed.' The Prophet said 'Do you believe in Jesus -Christ?' He answered in a feeble voice, 'I do.' Joseph then stood -erect, still holding his hand in silence several moments; Then he spoke -in a very loud voice, saying, 'Brother Fordham, I command you, in the -name of Jesus Christ, to arise from this bed and be made whole.' His -voice was like the voice of God, and not of man. It seemed as though -the house shook to its very foundations. Brother Fordham arose from his -bed, and was immediately made whole. His feet were bound in poultices -which he kicked off; then putting on his clothes he ate a bowl of bread -and milk and followed the Prophet into the street. - -"The company next visited Brother Joseph Bates Noble, who lay very -sick. He also was healed by the Prophet. By this time the wicked -became alarmed and followed the company into Brother Noble's house. -After Noble was healed, all kneeled down to pray. Brother Fordham was -mouth, and while praying he fell to the floor. The Prophet arose, and -on looking around he saw quite a number of unbelievers in the house, -whom he ordered out. When the room was cleared of the wicked, Brother -Fordham came to and finished his prayer. - -"After healing the sick in Montrose, all the company followed Joseph to -the bank of the river, where he was going to take the boat to return -home. While waiting for the boat, a man from the West, who had seen -that the sick and dying were healed, asked Joseph if he would not go to -his house and heal two of his children who were very sick. They were -twins and were three months old. Joseph told the man he could not go, -but he would send some one to heal them. He told Elder Woodruff to go -with the man and heal his children. At the same time he took from his -pocket a silk bandanna handkerchief, and gave to Brother Woodruff, -telling him to wipe the faces of the children with it, and they should -be healed; and remarked at the same time: 'As long as you keep that -handkerchief it shall remain a league between you and me.' Elder -Woodruff did as he was commanded, and the children were healed, and he -keeps the handkerchief to this day. - -"There were many sick whom Joseph could not visit, so he counseled the -Twelve to go and visit and heal them, and many were healed under their -hands. On the day following that upon which the above-described events -took place, Joseph sent Elders George A. and Don Carlos Smith up the -river to heal the sick. They went up as far as Ebenezer Robinson's--one -or two miles--and did as they were commanded, and the sick were -healed." _Leaves from my Journal_, (Wilford Woodruff) Ch. XIX. - -5. "Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of -His servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? Let him trust -in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God. - -"Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with -sparks. Walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have -kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow." - -6. This has reference to the Hotchkiss purchase which had just recently -been laid out as part of the rapidly growing town of Nauvoo. It -constituted the north west part of the city, extending some distance -along the river front, and back on to the height of land overlooking -the river bottom. - -7. The departure of these two Elders upon their mission to England is -worthy of a more extended notice. A brother by the name of Charles -Hubbard sent a boy with a team to take them a day's journey on their -way. Elder Kimball left his wife in bed shaking with ague, and all his -children sick. It was only by the assistance of some of the brethren -that Heber himself could climb into the wagon. "It seemed to me," he -remarked afterwards in relating the circumstance, "as though my very -inmost parts would melt within me at the thought of leaving my family -in such a condition, as it were, almost in the arms of death. I felt as -though I could scarcely endure it." "Hold up!" said he to the teamster, -who had just started, "Brother Brigham, this is pretty tough, but let -us rise and give them a cheer." Brigham, with much difficulty, rose to -his feet, and joined Elder Kimball in swinging his hat and shouting, -"Hurrah, hurrah, hurrah, for Israel!" The two sisters, hearing the -cheer came to the door--sister Kimball with great difficulty--and waved -a farewell; and the two apostles continued their journey, without -purse, without scrip, for England. - -8. See vol. III, pp. 379-381. - -9. That is to say, to quote from the revelation establishing the -High Council--"Whenever an High Council of the church is regularly -organized, * * * it shall be the duty of the Twelve Counselors to cast -lots by numbers and thereby ascertain, who of the Twelve shall speak -first, commencing with number one, and so in succession to number -twelve."--_Doctrine and Covenants, Section cii_. - -{19} - - - -CHAPTER II. - -The Prophet's Journey to Washington--The Petition of the Saints to the -Congress of the United States for Redress of the Wrongs Inflicted upon -Them in Missouri. - -[Sidenote: Departure of the Prophet for Washington.] - -_Tuesday, 29_.--I left Nauvoo accompanied by Sidney Rigdon, Elias -Higbee, and Orrin P. Rockwell, in a two-horse carriage for the city -of Washington, to lay before the Congress of the United States, the -grievances of the Saints while in Missouri. We passed through Carthage, -and stayed at Judge Higbee's over night, and the next day we arrived at -Quincy. - -_Thursday, 31_.--We tarried at Quincy to complete the necessary papers -for our mission. Elder Rigdon was sick. - -_Friday, November 1_.--We pursued our journey towards Springfield, -Illinois, and put up with Brother Wilber, where we found Doctor Robert -D. Foster, who administered to Elder Rigdon. - -_Saturday, 2_.--Continued our journey, and during the day put up with -a friend on the bank of the Illinois river, so that Dr. Foster, who -accompanied us so far for that purpose, might administer medicine to -Elder Rigdon again. - -_Sunday, 3_.--Continued our journey and staid with a friend over night. -Dr. Foster continued to accompany us. - -[Sidenote: Progress of the Twelve towards England.] - -Elders Young and Kimball arrived at Cleveland, Ohio, {20} about 1 -o'clock in the morning; and while waiting for the stage until about -noon, Elders Smith, Turley, and Hedlock, who left them at Terre Haute, -drove up, having picked up Elder Taylor by the way, he having been -left sick by his company in the east part of Indiana. They were in -good health, compared with what they had been, and in fine spirits. -George A. Smith tarried in Cleveland till the next day, to visit his -relatives. Brothers Young, Kimball, Taylor, and Turley rode in the -stage, and Brother Hedlock and Mr. Murray in their wagon to Willoughby, -and from thence they all rode into Kirtland together. - -[Sidenote: Canadian Saints En Route for Nauvoo.] - -_Monday, 4_.--We arrived at Springfield, and put up with Brother -John Snider. When within one mile of the city, we met William Law -[1] and company with seven wagons from Canada, who returned with us -to Springfield, and tarried while we did, until the 8th. I preached -several times while here. General James Adams, [2] judge of probate, -heard of me, sought me out, and took me home with him, and treated me -like a father. - -President Brigham Young and his brother John visited their sister, Mrs. -Kent. - -There was some division of sentiment among the Kirtland brethren. - -{21} _Thursday, 7_.--The High Council of Iowa completed their -organization at Elijah Fordham's, at Montrose. - -_Friday, 8_.--We started from Springfield. Dr. Foster having concluded -to continue on the journey on account of Elder Rigdon's health, which -was still quite poor. We pursued our journey through Indiana towards -Columbus, Ohio. The traveling was bad, and our progress slow. - -_Sunday, 10_.--Elder Taylor preached in the forenoon, and Elder Kimball -in the afternoon, in the House of the Lord at Kirtland. - -_Thursday, 14_.--Elder Orson Hyde left Commerce, Illinois, intending -to go east as far as Philadelphia. He had just begun to recover from a -four months' illness of fever and ague. - -[Sidenote: Elder Taylor Anointed in the Kirtland Temple.] - -_Sunday, 17_.--President Young preached in the House of the Lord in the -forenoon, and John Taylor in the afternoon. In the evening, President -Brigham Young anointed Elder John Taylor in the House of the Lord, and -Elder Daniel S. Miles anointed Theodore Turley, all of which was sealed -with the shout of Hosanna. - -_Monday, 18_.--President Young visited Brother R. Potter at Newbury, -and returned on Tuesday to Kirtland. - -About this time we had arrived near Columbus, where the roads were so -bad, Elder Rigdon's health so poor, and the time so fast approaching -when it was necessary for the committee to be in Washington, that I -started in the stage with Judge Higbee on the most expeditious route to -Washington City, leaving Brothers Rockwell, Rigdon, and Foster, to come -on at their leisure in the carriage. - -Elder Brigham Young and company went to Fairport, where they waited for -a steamboat until Tuesday. - -Elder Parley P. Pratt and company sold their horses and carriage at -Detroit, and went on to New York City by steamboats, the canal and -railway. - -From New York, Elder Parley P. Pratt wrote me on {22} the 22nd, -directed to Commerce, from which I quote the following: - - _Excerpt from Parley P. Pratt's Letter to the Prophet_. - - The churches in these parts are prospering greatly, and are firm - in the faith, and increasing in numbers continually. The Church in - New York and Brooklyn now numbers from one hundred and fifty to - two hundred members, and additions are being made every week. A - general conference was held in this city on Tuesday and Wednesday - of this week. Elders present: Orson Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, Samuel - James, Benjamin Winchester, Elders Foster, Layne, Jenks, Brown, - Benedict, and myself. Priests present: Addison Everett, Birge, and - Vanvelver. Many branches of the Church in the region round about - were represented; several hundred members in all, and the numbers - still increasing. Great opportunities are open for preaching, and - crowded houses are the order of the day. - - I have also received letters from Maine and from Michigan, with - joyful accounts of the spread of the work of the Lord. You would - now find churches of the Saints in Philadelphia, in Albany, in - Brooklyn, in New York, in Jersey, in Pennsylvania, on Long Island, - and in various other places all around us. Our New York meetings - are now held three times every Sabbath in Columbia Hall, Grand - Street, a few doors east of the Bowery; it is very central, - and one of the best places in the city; it will hold nearly a - thousand people, and is well filled with attentive hearers. - Brother Winchester has a good hall well fitted up in Philadelphia, - where stated meetings are held--several every week, with crowded - audiences. - - In short the truth is spreading more rapidly than ever before, - in every direction, far and near. There is a great call for our - books. I am now reprinting the Voice of Warning, The History of - the Missouri Persecution, and my Poems. There is a great call for - hymn-books, but none to be had. I wish Sister Smith would add to - the old collection such new ones as is best, and republish them - immediately. If means and facilities are lacking in the west, - send it here, and it shall be nicely done for her; and at least - one thousand would immediately sell in these parts wholesale and - retail. The Book of Mormon is not to be had in this part of the - vineyard for love or money; hundreds are wanting in various parts - hereabouts, but there is truly a famine in that respect. - - The conference took into consideration the pressing calls for - this book, and have appointed a committee to raise means for the - publication of the same, and also to publish it if we can obtain - leave from you, who hold the copyright. Any hymn-book which Sister - Smith or the Church will favor us with, shall also be published on - similar conditions. - - Parley P. Pratt. - -{23} [Sidenote: First Issue of the "Times and Seasons."] - -Some time this month the first number of the _Times and Seasons_, a -monthly religious paper, in pamphlet form, was published at Commerce, -Hancock County, Illinois, by my brother Don Carlos Smith and Ebenezer -Robinson, under the firm name of Robinson & Smith, Publishers. - -_Tuesday, 26_.--At one in the afternoon, Elder Brigham Young and -company went on board the steamer _Columbus_, at Fairport, and went on -towards Buffalo. - -[Sidenote: The Elements Obey.] - -_Wednesday, 27._--About 1 o'clock this morning the wind arose, when -Elder Brigham Young went on deck, prayed to the Father in the name of -Jesus, when he felt to command the wind and the waves to cease, and -permit them to proceed on their journey in safety. The winds abated, -and he gave glory, honor, and praise to the God who rules all things. -Arriving in Buffalo in the morning, they took the stage for Batavia. - -[Sidenote: The Prophet's Adventure En Route to Washington.] - -While on the mountains some distance from Washington, our coachman -stepped into a public house to take his grog, when the horses took -fright and ran down the hill at full speed. I persuaded my fellow -travelers to be quiet and retain their seats, but had to hold one woman -to prevent her throwing her infant out of the coach. The passengers -were exceedingly agitated, but I used every persuasion to calm their -feelings; and opening the door, I secured my hold on the side of the -coach the best way I could, and succeeded in placing myself in the -coachman's seat, and reining up the horses, after they had run some two -or three miles, and neither coach, horses, or passengers received any -injury. My course was spoken of in the highest terms of commendation, -as being one of the most daring and heroic deeds, and no language could -express the gratitude of the passengers, when they found themselves -safe, and the horses quiet. There were some members of Congress with -us, who proposed naming the incident to that body, believing they would -reward such {24} conduct by some public act; but on inquiring my name, -to mention as the author of their safety, and finding it to be Joseph -Smith the "Mormon Prophet," as they called me, I heard no more of their -praise, gratitude, or reward. - -_Thursday, 28_.--I arrived in Washington City this morning, and put up -at the corner of Missouri and Third streets. - -This evening, Elder Brigham Young and company (except Elder Kimball, -who stopped at Byron to visit his sister) rode to Rochester in the -steam cars, and from thence rode all night in a horse coach, and -arrived at ten in the morning on Friday, 29th, at Auburn, New York. -Elders Taylor and Turley proceeded on their way to New York. - -The following is a copy of our petition to Congress for redress of our -Missouri grievances: - - The Saint's Petition to Congress. - - _To the Honorable the Senate and House of Representatives of the - United States of America, in Congress assembled_: - - Your petitioners, Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, and Elias Higbee, - would most respectfully represent, that they have been delegated, - by their brethren and fellow-citizens, known as "Latter-day - Saints" (commonly called Mormons), to prepare and present to you - a statement of their wrongs, and a prayer for their relief, which - they now have the honor to submit to the consideration of your - Honorable Body. - - In the summer of 1831, a portion of the society above-named - commenced a settlement in the county of Jackson, in the state of - Missouri. The individuals making that settlement had emigrated from - almost every state in the Union to the lovely spot in the Far West, - with the hope of improving their condition, of building houses - for themselves and posterity, and of erecting temples, where they - and theirs might worship their Creator according to the dictates - of their conscience. Though they had wandered far from the homes - of their childhood, still they had been taught to believe, that a - citizen born in any one state in this great Republic, might remove - to another and enjoy all the rights and immunities of citizens of - the state of his adoption--that wherever waved the American flag, - beneath its stars and stripes an American citizen might look for - protection and justice, for liberty in person and in conscience. - - {25} They bought farms, built houses, and erected churches. Some - tilled the earth, others bought and sold merchandise, and others - again toiled as mechanics. They were industrious and moral, and - they prospered, and though often persecuted and vilified for their - difference in religious opinion from their fellow citizens, they - were happy; they saw their society increasing in numbers, their - farms teemed with plenty, and they fondly looked forward to a - future, big with hope. That there was prejudice against them, they - knew; that slanders were propagated against them, they deplored; - yet they felt that these were unjust; and hoped that time, and - uprightness of life, would enable them to outlive them. While - the summer of peace, happiness, and hope shone over the infant - settlement of the Saints, the cloud was gathering, unseen by them, - that bore in its bosom the thunderbolt of destruction. - - On the 20th of July, 1833, around their peaceful village a mob - gathered, to the surprise and terror of the quiet "Mormons"--why, - they knew not; they had broken no law, they had harmed no man, in - deed or thought. Why they were thus threatened, they knew not. - Soon a committee from the mob called upon the leading "Mormons" - of the place; they announced that the store, the printing office, - and the shops must be closed, and that forthwith every "Mormon" - must leave the county. The message was so terrible, so unexpected, - that the "Mormons" asked time for deliberation and consultation, - which being refused, the brethren were severally asked, "Are you - willing to abandon your home?" The reply was, "We will not go;" - which determination being reported to the committee of the mob, - one of them replied that he was sorry, for said he, "The work of - destruction must now begin." No sooner said than it was done. The - printing office, a two story brick building, was assailed by the - mob and torn down, and, with its valuable appurtenances, destroyed. - They next proceeded to the store with a like purpose. Its owner - in part, Mr. Gilbert, agreed to close it, and they delayed their - purpose. - - They then proceeded to the dwelling of Mr. Partridge, the beloved - Bishop of the Church there, dragged him and his family to the - public square, where, surrounded by hundreds, they partly stripped - him of his clothing, and tarred and feathered him from head to - foot. A man by the name of Allen was at the same time treated in a - similar manner. The mob then dispersed with an agreement to meet - again on the next Tuesday, the above outrages having been committed - on Saturday. - - Tuesday came, and with it came the mob, bearing a red flag, in - token of _blood_. They proceeded to the houses of Isaac Morley, - and others of the leading men, and seized them, telling them to - bid their families farewell, that they would never see them again. - They were then driven at the point of the bayonet to the jail, and - there, amid the jeers and {26} insults of the crowd, they were - thrust into prison, to be kept as hostages; in case any of the mob - should be killed, they were to die to pay for it. Here some two or - three of the "Mormons" offered to surrender up their lives, if that - would satisfy the fury of the mob, and purchase peace and security - for their unoffending brethren, their helpless wives and children. - The reply of the mob was, that the "Mormons" must leave the county - _en masse_, or that every man should be put to death. - - The "Mormons," terrified and defenseless, then entered into an - agreement to leave the county--one half by the first of January, - the other half by the first of April next ensuing. This treaty - being made and ratified, the mob dispersed. Again, for a time, the - persecuted "Mormons" enjoyed a respite from their persecutions; but - not long was the repose permitted them. - - Some time in the month of October, a meeting was held at - Independence, at which it was determined to remove the "Mormons" or - die. Inflammatory speeches were made, and one of the speakers swore - he would remove the "Mormons" from the county if he had to wade up - to his neck in blood. - - Be it remarked that up to this time, the "Mormons" had faithfully - observed the treaty, and were guilty of no offense against the - laws of the land, or of society, but were peaceably following the - routine of their daily duties. - - Shortly after the meeting above referred to, another persecution - commenced; some of the "Mormons" were shot at, others were whipped, - their houses were assailed with brickbats, broken open, and thrown - down; their women and children were insulted; and thus for many - weeks, without offense, without resistance, by night and by day, - were they harassed, insulted, and oppressed. - - There is a point beyond which endurance ceases to be a virtue. The - worm when trampled upon will turn upon its oppressor. A company - of about thirty "Mormons" fell in with twice that number of the - mob engaged in the destruction of "Mormon" property, when a battle - ensued, in which one "Mormon" was killed, and two or three of - the mob; acting in concert with the officer who commanded the - mob, was Lilburn W. Boggs, Lieutenant-Governor of the state of - Missouri. When the noise of the battle was spread abroad, the - public mind became much inflamed. The militia collected in arms - from all quarters, and in great numbers, inflamed to fury. They - demanded that the "Mormons" should surrender up all their arms, and - immediately quit the county. Compelled by overpowering numbers, the - "Mormons" submitted. They surrendered up fifty-one guns, which have - never been returned, or paid for. - - The next day, parties of the mob went from house to house, {27} - threatening women and children with death, if they did not - immediately leave their homes. Imagination cannot paint the - terror which now pervaded the "Mormon" community. The weather was - intensely cold, and women and children abandoned their homes and - fled in every direction without sufficient clothing to protect them - from the piercing cold. Women gave birth to children in the woods - and on the prairies. One hundred and twenty women and children, for - the space of ten days, with only three or four men in the company, - concealed themselves in the woods in hourly expectation and fear of - massacre, until they finally escaped into Clay county. The society - of "Mormons" after the above disturbances, removed to the county of - Clay, where they were kindly received by the inhabitants, and their - wants administered to by their charity. - - In the meantime the houses of the "Mormons" in the county of - Jackson, amounting to about two hundred, were burned down or - otherwise destroyed by the mob, as well as much of their crops, - furniture, and stock. - - The damage done to the property of the "Mormons" by the mob in the - county of Jackson as above related, as near as they can ascertain, - would amount to the sum of one hundred and seventy-five thousand - dollars. The number of "Mormons" thus driven from the county of - Jackson amounted to about twelve hundred souls. For the property - thus destroyed they have never been paid. - - After the expulsion of the "Mormons" from the county of Jackson - as above related, they removed to and settled in the county of - Clay. They there purchased out some of the former inhabitants, - and entered at the land office wild lands offered for sale by the - General Government. The most of them became freeholders, owning - each an eighty or more of land. - - The "Mormons" lived peaceably in the county of Clay for about - three years, and all that time increased rapidly in numbers, by - emigration, and also in wealth by their industry. After they - had resided in that county about three years, the citizens not - connected with them began to look upon them with jealousy and - alarm. Reports were again put in circulation against them: public - meetings were held in the counties of Clay and Jackson, at which - violent resolutions were passed against the "Mormons," and rumors - of mobs began again to spread alarm among the "Mormons." At this - juncture the "Mormons" desirous of avoiding all conflict with their - fellow-citizens, and anxious to preserve the peace and harmony - of the society around them, as well as their own, deputized a - committee of their leading men to make terms of peace with their - fellow-citizens of Clay county. An interview took place between - them and a committee of citizens, at which it was agreed that - {28} the "Mormons" should leave the county of Clay, and that the - citizens of Clay county should buy their lands. - - These terms were complied with. The "Mormons" removed to and - settled in the county of Caldwell, and the citizens never paid them - value for their lands. Many received nothing at all for their land. - The "Mormons," by this removal, sacrificed much both of money and - feeling, but the sacrifice was made upon the altar of duty, for the - peace of the community. - - Your Memorialists would beg here to give what they believe a just - explanation of the causes of the prejudice and persecution against - the "Mormons" related above, and which will follow. That there - might have been some unworthy members among them, cannot be denied; - but many aver that as a community they were as moral, as upright, - and as observant of the laws of the land as any body of people in - the world. Why then this prejudice and persecution? An answer they - trust will be found in the fact that they were a body of people - distinct from their fellow-citizens, in religious opinions, in - their habits, and in their associations. They were numerous enough - to make the power of their numerical and moral force a matter of - anxiety and dread to the political and religious parties by which - they were surrounded; which arose not from what the "Mormons" had - done, but from the fear of what they might do. - - In addition, the "Mormons" have purchased of the settlers, or of - the Government, or obtained by pre-emption, the best lands in all - those regions of the state; and at the times of speculation, the - cupidity of many was aroused to possess those lands by driving off - the "Mormons," and taking forcible possession, or constraining them - to sell, through fear and coercion, at a price merely nominal. - - After the "Mormons" removed from Clay county, they settled in the - county of Caldwell as aforesaid. - - Your Memorialists do not deem it necessary for their purpose, to - detail the history of the progress, the cares, and anxieties of the - "Mormons," from the time they settled in Caldwell in the year 1836 - until the fall of the year 1838. They would, however, state, that - during all that time they deported themselves as good citizens, - obeying the laws of the land, and the moral and religious duties - enjoined by their faith. That there might have been some faithless - among the faithful is possible. They would not deny that there - might have been some who were a scandal to their brethren; and what - society, they would ask, has not some unworthy members? Where is - the sect, where the community, in which there cannot be found some - who trample under foot the laws of God and man? They believe the - "Mormon" community to have as few such as any other association, - religious or political. Within {29} the above period the "Mormons" - continued to increase in wealth and numbers, until in the fall of - the year 1838 they numbered about fifteen thousand souls. - - They purchased of the Government, or of the citizens, or held - by pre-emption, almost all the lands in the county of Caldwell, - and a portion of the lands in Daviess and Carroll. The county of - Caldwell was settled almost entirely by "Mormons," and "Mormons" - were rapidly filling up the counties of Daviess and Caldwell. When - they first commenced settling in those counties, there were but - few settlements made there; the lands were wild and uncultivated. - In the fall of 1838 large farms had been made, well improved and - stocked. Lands had risen in value, and sold for from ten dollars to - twenty-five dollars [per acre]. The improvement and settlement had - been such that it was a common remark that the county of Caldwell - would soon be the wealthiest in the state. - - Thus stood their affairs in the fall of 1838, when the storm of - persecution again raged over the heads of the "Mormons," and the - fierce demon of the mob drove them forth houseless and homeless, - and penniless, upon the charities of the world, which to them, - thank God! have been like angels' visits, but not few, or far - between. This last persecution began at an election, which was held - in Daviess county on the first Monday of August, 1838. A "Mormon" - went to the polls to vote. One of the mob standing by, opposed his - voting, contending that a "Mormon" had no more right to vote than - a negro; one angry word brought on another, and blows followed. - They are, however, happy to state that the "Mormon" was not the - aggressor, but was on the defensive: others interfered, not one - alone, but many assailed the "Mormon." His brethren, seeing him - thus assailed by numbers, rushed to the rescue; then came others - of the mob, until finally a general row commenced. The "Mormons" - were victorious. The next day, a rumor reached the "Mormons" of - Caldwell, that two of their brethren had been killed in this fight, - and a refusal had been made to surrender their bodies for burial. - Not knowing at the time that this rumor was false, they became much - excited, and several of them started for Daviess county, where - they arrived next morning, with a view of giving the brethren, - whom they supposed to have been killed, a decent interment. Among - the citizens this fight produced a great excitement. They held a - public meeting and resolved to drive the "Mormons" from the county. - Individuals began also to threaten the "Mormons" as a body, and - swear that they should leave the county in three days. When the - "Mormons" who had gone from Caldwell to Daviess, aforesaid, arrived - there, they found this state of excitement to exist. They also - heard that a large mob was collecting against them, headed by Adam - Black one of the judges of the county court of Daviess county. - - {30} Under these circumstances, and with a view to allay the - excitement, they called on Mr. Black, and inquired of him whether - the reports they had heard in relation to him were true. Upon - his denying them to be true, they then requested him to give - that denial in writing, which he freely did. This writing they - published with a view of calming the public mind, and allaying - the excitement. Having done this, they rested in quiet for some - time after, hoping that their efforts would produce the desired - effect. Their surprise can, under these circumstances, be easily - imagined, when a short time after, they learned that said Black had - gone before Judge King, and made oath that he was forced to sign - the instrument, by armed "Mormons," and procured a warrant for the - arrest of Joseph Smith, Jun., and Lyman Wight, which was placed - in the hands of the sheriff. It was also reported that the said - individuals had refused to surrender themselves, and that an armed - force was collecting to come and take them. - - Your Memoralists aver that the sheriff had never made any efforts - to serve the writ, and that the said Smith and Wight, so far from - making any resistance, did not know that such a writ had been - issued, until they learned it first by report as above related. In - the meantime the rumor had run over the whole country, that the - "Mormons" were compelling individuals to sign certain instruments - in writing, and that they were resisting the process of the - law. The public mind became much inflamed, and the mob began to - collect from all quarters and in large numbers, with pretensions - of assisting the sheriff to serve the process; and here let it - be observed in passing, that Adam Black had sold the improvement - and pre-emption claim on which he then resided, to the "Mormons," - received his pay for the same, and that through his instrumentality - the "Mormons" were driven off, and he now retains both their money - and the improvement. - - As soon as the above reports reached the ears of the said Smith - and Wight, they determined immediately upon the course they ought - to pursue, which was to submit to the laws. They both surrendered - themselves up to Judge King, underwent a trial, and in the absence - of all sufficient testimony they were discharged. They hoped - that this voluntary submission of theirs to the law, and their - triumphant vindication of the charge, would allay the excitement - of the community. But not so; the long-desired opportunity had - arrived when the oppression and extermination of the "Mormons" - might be made to assume the form of legal proceeding. The mob that - had assembled for the pretended purpose of assisting the officers - in the execution of process, did not disperse upon the acquittal - of Smith and Wight, but continued embodied with the encampments - and forms of a military force, and committing depredations upon - "Mormon" property. The "Mormons" in this extremity {31} called upon - the laws of the land, and the officers of the law, for protection. - After much delay, the militia under Generals Atchison, Doniphan, - and Parks, were sent to their relief. They arrived on the 13th of - September, and encamped between the "Mormons" and the mob. - - The above officers made no attempt to disperse the mob, excusing - themselves by saying, "that their own men had sympathies with - the mob." After remaining there for several days, those officers - adopted the following expedient of settling the difficulties--they - mustered the mob, and enrolled them with their own troops, and - then disbanded the whole, with orders to seek their several homes. - The officers went home, excepting Parks, who remained for their - protection, with his men. - - The "Mormons" made an agreement with the citizens of Daviess, - to buy out their lands and pre-emption rights, and appointed a - committee to make the purchase, and to go on buying till they had - purchased to the amount of twenty-five thousand dollars. While - these purchases were going on, the citizens were heard to say, that - as soon as they had sold out to the "Mormons" and received their - pay, they would drive the "Mormons" off, and keep both their lands - and the money. - - The mob, when disbanded in Daviess by the generals as aforesaid, - instead of repairing to their homes as commanded, proceeded in - a body to the adjoining county of Carroll, and encamped around - Dewitt, a village built and inhabited by "Mormons;" while thus - encamped around Dewitt, they sent to the county of Jackson, and - procured a cannon. They invested the place so closely, that no - person could leave the town in safety; when they did so, they were - fired upon by the mob. The horses of the "Mormons" were stolen, - and their cattle killed. The citizens of Dewitt, amounting to - about seventy families, were in great extremity, and worn out by - want and sickness. In their extremity they made application to - Governor Boggs for protection and relief; but no protection, no - relief was granted them. When reduced to the last extremity, no - alternative was left them, but to seek protection by flight, and - the abandonment of their homes. Accordingly, on the evening of the - 11th of October, 1838, they retreated from Dewitt, and made their - way to the counties of Daviess and Caldwell, leaving many of their - effects in the possession of the mob. - - Your Memorialists will not detail the horrors and sufferings of - such a flight, when shared with women and children. They might - detail many. One lady, who had given birth to a child just before - the flight commenced, died on the road and was buried without a - coffin. Many others, sick, worn out, starved, deprived of medical - aid, died upon the road. The remnant of "Mormons" from Dewitt - arrived in Daviess and Caldwell, and found a short relief and - supply of their wants from their friends and brethren there. - - {32} After the abandonment of Dewitt, and the flight of the - "Mormons" from Carroll, one Sashiel Woods addressed the mob, - advising them to take their cannon and march to the county of - Daviess, and drive the "Mormons" from that county, and seize upon - their lands and other property, saying that the "Mormons" could - get no benefit of the law, as they had recently seen. They then - commenced their march from Carroll to Daviess, carrying with them - the cannon which they had received from Jackson. On their way they - captured two "Mormons," made them ride on the cannon, and taunted - them as they went along, telling them that they were going to drive - the "Mormons" from Daviess to Caldwell, and from Caldwell to hell; - and that they should find no quarters but at the cannon's mouth. - The mob at this time was reported to number about four hundred - strong. - - The "Mormons" in these distresses, in pursuance of the laws of - Missouri, made application to Judge King, the circuit judge of that - circuit, for protection, and for the aid of the officers of the - law to protect them. Judge King, as they have been informed, and - believe, gave an order to Major General David R. Atchison to call - out the militia to protect the "Mormons" against the fury of the - mob. General Atchison thereupon gave orders to Brigadiers Parks - and Doniphan. In pursuance of these orders issued as aforesaid, on - the 18th of October, 1838, General Doniphan arrived at Far West, a - "Mormon" village in the county of Caldwell, with a small company of - militia. After he had been at Far West two days, General Doniphan - disbanded his company, alleging to the "Mormons," as his reason for - so doing, that his company had the same feelings as the mob, and - that he could not rely upon them. In a short time General Parks - arrived at Far West, and also disbanded his company. At this time - the mob was marching from Carroll to Daviess. General Doniphan, - while at Far West, directed the "Mormons" to raise a company to - protect themselves, telling them that one Cornelius Gilliam was - raising a mob to destroy their town, and also advising them to - place out guards to watch the motions of the mob. He also directed - them to raise a company and send them to Daviess, to aid their - brethren there against the mob which was marching down upon them - from Carroll. This the "Mormons" did; they mustered a company of - about sixty men, who proceeded to Diahman. When General Parks - arrived at Far West as aforesaid, and learned that General Doniphan - had disbanded his men he expressed great dissatisfaction. The same - evening on which General Parks disbanded his company as aforesaid, - he proceeded to Diahman, in order to learn what the mob were doing - there, and if possible to protect the "Mormons." - - When General Parks had arrived in Daviess, he found that the mob - had commenced its operations there, which was on the 20th of - October, 1838. {33} They commenced by burning the house of a man - [Don Carlos Smith] who had gone to Tennessee on business, and - left his wife at home with two small children. When the house was - burned down, the wife and two small children were left in the snow, - and she had to walk three miles before she could find a shelter, - carrying her two children all that distance, and had to wade Grand - River, which was three feet deep. The mob on the same evening - burned seven other houses, burning and destroying all the property - that they thought proper. The next morning, Colonel Lyman Wight, an - officer in the militia, inquired of General Parks, what was to be - done, as he now saw the course the mob was determined to pursue. - General Parks replied that he (Wight) should take a company of men - and give the mob battle, and that he would be responsible for the - act, saying that they could have no peace with the mob, until they - had given them a scourging. - - On the next morning, in obedience to this order, David W. Patten - was despatched with one hundred men under his command to meet the - mob as they were advancing from Carroll, with directions to protect - the citizens, and collect and bring into Far West such of the - "Mormons" as were scattered through the county, and unprotected, - and if the mob interfered, he must fight them. The company under - the command of Patten was the same, in part, that had gone from - Far West by the order of General Doniphan to protect the citizens - of Daviess. As Patten went in the direction of the mob, they fled - before him, leaving their cannon, which Patten took possession of. - The mob dispersed. Patten with his men then returned to Daviess - county. Patten in a few days after returned to Far West. It was - now supposed that the difficulties were at an end. But contrary - to expectation, on the evening of the 23rd of October, messengers - arrived at Far West and informed the citizens that a body of armed - men had made their appearance in the south part of the county, and - that they were burning houses, destroying property, and threatening - the "Mormon" citizens with death, unless they left the county the - next morning by 10 o'clock, or renounced their religion. - - About midnight another messenger arrived with news of the like - tenor. Patten collected about sixty men and proceeded to the scene - of the disturbance, to protect if possible the lives and property - of the "Mormon" citizens. On his arrival at the neighborhood where - the first disturbance had commenced, he found that the mob had - gone to another neighborhood to prosecute their acts of plunder - and outrage. He marched a short distance and unexpectedly came - upon the encampment of the mob. The guards of the mob fired upon - him and killed one of his men. Patten then charged the mob, and - after a few fires, the mob dispersed and fled, but Patten was - killed and another of his {34} men. After the fight and dispersion - of the mob, Patten's company returned to Far West. The report of - the proceedings created much excitement. The community was made - to believe that the "Mormons" were in rebellion against the law; - whereas the above facts show they were an injured people, standing - up in the defense of their persons and their property. - - At this time the governor of the state issued an order to General - Clark to raise several thousand men and march against the - "Mormons," and drive them from the state, or "exterminate them." - Major-General Lucas and Brigadier-General Wilson collected three or - four thousand men; and with this formidable force, commenced their - march and arrived at Far West. In their rear marched General Clark - with another formidable force. - - In the meantime the "Mormons" had not heard of these immense - preparations, and so far from expecting an armed force under the - orders of the state to war against them, were daily expecting a - force from the governor to protect their lives and their property - from the mob. - - When this formidable array first made its appearance, intent upon - peace, the "Mormons" sent a white flag several miles to meet them, - to ascertain the reason why an armed force was marching against - them, and what we might expect at their hands. They gave us no - satisfaction, but continued marching towards Far West. Immediately - on their arrival, a man came bearing a white flag from their - camp. He was interrogated about his business; he answered the - interrogations, saying they wanted three persons out of Far West, - before they massacred the rest. Those persons refused to go, and - he returned back to the camp. He was closely followed by General - Doniphan and his whole brigade marching to the city of Far West - in line of battle. The citizens also of Far West formed a line of - battle in full front of Doniphan's army: upon this Doniphan ordered - a halt, and then a retreat. Night closed upon both parties without - any collision. - - On the next day, towards evening, the "Mormons" were officially - informed that the governor of the state had sent this immense force - against them to massacre them, or drive them from the state. As - soon as the "Mormons" learned that this order had the sanction of - the governor of the state, they determined to make no resistance; - to submit themselves to the authorities of the state, how - tyrannical and unjust soever the exercise of that authority might - be. - - The commanders of the Missouri militia before Far West sent a - messenger into the town, requesting an interview in their camp - with five of the principal citizens among the "Mormons," pledging - their faith for their safe return on the following morning at eight - o'clock. Invited, as they {35} supposed, to propose and receive - terms of peace, and under the pledge of a safe conduct, Lyman - Wight, George W. Robinson, Joseph Smith, Jun., Parley P. Pratt, and - Sidney Rigdon, went towards the camp of the militia. Before they - arrived at the camp, they were surrounded by the whole army; and by - order of General Lucas put under guard, and marched to the camp, - and were told that they were prisoners of war. A court martial was - held that night, and they, without being heard, and in the absence - of all proof, were condemned to be shot next morning. - - The execution of this bloody order, was prevented by the manly - protest of General Doniphan. He denounced the act as cold blooded - murder, and withdrew his brigade. This noble stand taken by General - Doniphan, prevented the murder of the prisoners. It is here worthy - of note, that seventeen preachers of the gospel were on this court - martial, and were in favor of the sentence. - - The next morning the prisoners were marched under a strong guard - to Independence, in Jackson county, and after being detained there - for a week, they were marched to Richmond, where General Clark then - was with his troops. Here a court of inquiry was held before Judge - King; this continued from the 11th until the 28th of November; - while the five prisoners were kept in chains, and about fifty other - "Mormons," taken at Far West, were penned up in an open, unfinished - court house. In this mock court of inquiry the defendants were - prevented from giving any testimony on their part, by an armed - force at the court house; they were advised by their lawyers not to - bring any [witnesses], as they would be in danger of their lives, - or be driven out of the county; so there was no testimony examined - only against them. - - In this inquiry a great many questions were asked relative to - religious opinions. [3] The conclusion of the court of inquiry was - to send the prisoners to jail upon a charge of treason. - - They do not deem it necessary to detail their sufferings while in - prison, the horrors of a prison for four long months, in darkness, - in want, alone, and during the cold of winter, can better be - conceived than expressed. In the following April the prisoners were - sent to the county of Daviess for trial: they were then indicted - for treason, and a change of venue was taken to Boone county. The - prisoners were sent to the county of Boone, and while on their way - made their escape, and fled to the state of Illinois. - - That they were suffered to escape admits of no doubt. The truth - is, the state of Missouri had become ashamed of their proceedings - against the "Mormons," and as the best means of getting out of the - scrape, gave the prisoners an opportunity to escape. In proof of - this, the prisoners have ever since been living publicly in the - state of Illinois, {36} and the executive of Missouri has made no - demand upon the executive of Illinois. Can it be supposed that - the people of Missouri would thus tamely submit to the commission - of treason by a portion of their citizens, and make no effort - to punish the guilty, when they were thus publicly living in an - adjoining state? Is not this passiveness evidence? They knew the - "Mormons" were innocent, and the citizens of Missouri wrong? - - But to return to the operations of General Lucas before Far West: - We need only say that the exterminating order of Governor Boggs was - carried into full effect. After the above-named individuals were - taken prisoners, all the "Mormons" in Far West, about five hundred - in number, surrendered up their arms to the militia without any - resistance. The "Mormons" now fled in every direction--women and - children, through the dead of winter, marked their footsteps with - blood, as they fled from the state of Missouri. - - The orders of the governor were, that they should be driven from - the state or destroyed. About fifteen thousand souls, between - the sacking of Far West and spring, abandoned their homes, their - property, their all, hurried by the terrors of their armed - pursuers, in want of every necessary of life, with bleeding hearts - sought refuge in the state of Illinois, where they now reside. - - We cannot trespass upon your time by the relation of cases of - individual suffering; they would fill a volume. We forbear for our - regard to humanity, to detail the particulars of the conduct of - the Missouri militia. We could relate instances of house-burnings, - destruction of property, robbings, rapes, and murder, that would - shame humanity. One instance as a sample of many scenes which - they enacted: Two hundred of the militia came suddenly upon some - "Mormon" families emigrating to the state, and then encamped at - Haun's mill in Caldwell county. The "Mormon" men and children took - refuge in an old log house which had been used as a blacksmith's - shop. On seeing the militia approach, the "Mormons" cried for - quarters, but in vain; they were instantly fired upon; eighteen - fell dead; and their murderers, putting the muzzle of their guns - between the logs, fired indiscriminately upon children, upon the - dead and dying. One little boy, whose father (Warren Smith) had - just been shot dead, cried piteously to the militia to spare his - life. The reply was, "Kill him, kill him (with an oath), he is a - son of a damned Mormon." At this they shot his head all open, and - left him dead by the side of his father. About the same time an old - man by the name of McBride, a soldier of the Revolution, came up to - them and begged his life; but they hewed him to pieces with an old - corn cutter. They then loaded themselves with plunder and departed. - - Your petitioners have thus given a brief outline of the history - of the {37} "Mormon" persecutions in Missouri--all which they can - prove to be true, if an opportunity be given them. It will be seen - from this their brief statement, that neither the "Mormons" as a - body, nor individuals of that body, have been guilty of any offense - against the laws of Missouri, or of the United States; but their - only offense has been their religious opinion. - - The above statement will also show, that the "Mormons" on all - occasions submitted to the law of the land, and yielded to its - authority in every extremity, and at every hazard, at the risk of - life and property. The above statement will illustrate another - truth; that wherever the "Mormons" made any resistance to the mob, - it was in self defense; and for these acts of self defense they - always had the authority and sanction of the officers of the law - for so doing. Yet they, to the number of about fifteen thousand - souls, have been driven from their homes in Missouri. Their - property, to the amount of two millions of dollars, has been taken - from them, or destroyed. Some of them have been murdered, beaten, - bruised, or lamed and have all been driven forth, wandering over - the world without homes, without property. - - But the loss of property does not comprise half their sufferings. - They were human beings, possessed of human feelings and human - sympathies. Their agony of soul was the bitterest drop in the cup - of their sorrows. - - For these wrongs, the "Mormons" ought to have some redress; yet - how and where shall they seek and obtain it? Your constitution - guarantees to every citizen, even the humblest, the enjoyment of - life, liberty, and property. It promises to all, religious freedom, - the right to all to worship God beneath their own vine and fig - tree, according to the dictates of their conscience. It guarantees - to all the citizens of the several states the right to become - citizens of any one of the states, and to enjoy all the rights and - immunities of the citizens of the state of his adoption. Yet of all - these rights have the "Mormons" been deprived. They have, without - a cause, without a trial, been deprived of life, liberty and - property. They have been persecuted for their religious opinions. - They have been driven from the state of Missouri, at the point of - the bayonet, and prevented from enjoying and exercising the rights - of citizens of the state of Missouri. It is the theory of our laws, - that for the protection of every legal right, there is provided a - legal remedy. What, then, we would respectfully ask, is the remedy - of the "Mormons?" Shall they apply to the legislature of the state - of Missouri for redress? They have done so. They have petitioned, - and these petitions have been treated with silence and contempt. - Shall they apply to the federal courts? They were, at the time of - the injury, citizens of the state of Missouri. Shall they apply - to the court of the state of Missouri? Whom {38} shall they sue? - The order for their destruction, then extermination, was granted - by the executive of the state of Missouri. Is not this a plea of - justification for the loss of individuals, done in pursuance of - that order? If not, before whom shall the "Mormons" institute a - trial? Shall they summon a jury of the individuals who composed the - mob? An appeal to them were in vain. They dare not go to Missouri - to institute a suit; their lives would be in danger. - - For ourselves we see no redress, unless it is awarded by the - Congress of the United States. And here we make our appeal as - _American Citizens_, as _Christians_, and as _Men_--believing that - the high sense of justice which exists in your honorable body, - will not allow such oppression to be practiced upon any portion of - the citizens of this vast republic with impunity; but that some - measures which your wisdom may dictate, may be taken, so that the - great body of people who have been thus abused, may have redress - for the wrongs which they have suffered. And to your decision they - look with confidence; hoping it may be such as shall tend to dry up - the tear of the widow and orphan, and again place in situations of - peace, those who have been driven from their homes, and have had to - wade through scenes of sorrow and distress. - - And your Memoralists, as in duty bound, will ever pray. - -Footnotes: - -1. William Law was born September 8th, 1809, and was converted to the -gospel through the preaching of Elder John Taylor and Almon W. Babbitt. -He lived in Canada some twenty-five miles south of Toronto, and was now -leading a company of saints from Canada to Nauvoo. - -2. Concerning the antecedent of James Adams nothing can be learned -from our church annals. This is unfortunate, since he was truly a -noble character, and remained until his death (1843) a most faithful -friend of the Prophet's. In a book of Patriarchal blessings, given by -Hyrum Smith, is recorded a blessing upon the head of a James Adams, -who in every way would be such a man as the James Adams mentioned in -the text--I mean as to age, and character indicated in the blessing. -This James Adams of the blessing, and who I am personally convinced was -the Prophet's friend of the text, was the son of Parmenio and Chloe -Adams, born at Limsbury Township, Hartford county, Connecticut, 24th of -January, 1783. He is declared by the Patriarch to be of the tribe of -Judah. The blessing was given the 2nd October, 1841. - -3. See Vol. III., page 212. - -{39} - - - -CHAPTER III. - -The Prophet's Efforts at Washington to Obtain Redress of Grievances for -the Saints--Affidavits on Missouri Affairs. - -_Saturday, November 30, 1839_.--Elders Young and George A. Smith went -to Brother Isaac Haight's at Moravia. - -_Sunday, December 1, 1839_.--The High Council at Nauvoo met at Oliver -Granger's and voted that Hyrum Smith, George W. Harris, and Oliver -Granger, be a committee to send a petition to the legislature to define -new boundary lines of the city of Nauvoo, and also of Commerce, and -do all other needful acts relative to those cities; that Hyrum Smith -furnish the maps and plats for the alteration, and that Seymour Brunson -circulate the petition for signatures. - -Voted that Bishop Edward Partridge publish a piece in the _Times and -Seasons_, informing the brethren in the west, that it is improper to -remove from the west for the purpose of locating in Kirtland, Ohio, and -that those who do thus remove, will be disfellowshiped by the council. - - _The Prophet's Letter to Hyrum Smith--Reporting State of Affairs at - Washington_. - - Washington City, Corner Missouri And 3rd Sts. - - December 5th, 1839. - - Dear Brother Hyrum, President, and to the Honorable High Council - of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints--to whom be - fellowship, love, and the peace of Almighty God extended, and the - prayer of faith forever and ever. Amen. - - Your fellow laborers, Joseph Smith, Jun., Elias Higbee, and agents - as well as the servants that are sent by you, to perform one of - the most {40} arduous and responsible duties, and also to labor - in the most honorable cause that ever graced the pages of human - existence, respectfully show by these lines, that we have taken up - our cross thus far, and that we arrived in this city on the morning - of the 28th November, and spent the most of that day in looking up - a boarding house, which we succeeded in finding. We found as cheap - boarding as can be had in this city. - - On Friday morning, 29th, we proceeded to the house of the - President. We found a very large and splendid palace, surrounded - with a splendid enclosure, decorated with all the fineries and - elegancies of this world. We went to the door and requested to see - the President, when we were immediately introduced into an upper - apartment, where we met the President, and were introduced into his - parlor, where we presented him with our letters of introduction. - As soon as he had read one of them, he looked upon us with a half - frown, and said, "What can I do? I can do nothing for you! If I do - anything, I shall come in contact with the whole state of Missouri." - - But we were not to be intimidated; and demanded a hearing, and - constitutional rights. Before we left him he promised to reconsider - what he had said, and observed that he felt to sympathize with us, - on account of our sufferings. - - We have spent the remainder of our time in hunting up the - Representatives in order to get our case brought before the House; - in giving them letters of introduction, etc., and in getting - acquainted. A meeting of the delegation of the state of Illinois - was appointed today, to consult for bringing our case before - Congress. The gentlemen from Illinois are worthy men, and have - treated us with the greatest kindness, and are ready to do all that - is in their power; but you are aware, brethren, that they with us - have all the prejudices, superstition, and bigotry of an ignorant - generation to contend with; nevertheless we believe our case will - be brought before the House, and we will leave the event with God; - He is our Judge, and the Avenger of our wrongs. - - For a general thing there is but little solidity and honorable - deportment among those who are sent here to represent the people; - but a great deal of pomposity and show. - - We left President Rigdon and others on the road, and received a - letter from them this day. They were, at the date of the letter, on - the 20th of November, near Washington, in Pennsylvania, expecting - to stop a day or two at his brother's on account of his ill health. - He has occasionally a chill yet, but his illness is not dangerous. - We expect him here soon. - - We have already commenced forming some very honorable - acquaintances, and have thus far been prospered as much as we had - anticipated, if not more. We have had a pleasing interview with - Judge Young, who {41} proposed to furnish us with expense money. - We can draw on him for funds to publish our book, and we want you - to raise some more money for us, and deposit it in the Branch Bank - in Quincy, to be drawn to the order of Judge Young. Send us the - amount of your deposit, taking a receipt of the same. You need not - be afraid to do this. We think from the proceeds of the sale of - books, we can make it all straight. Do therefore be punctual, as - much depends upon it. We cannot accomplish the things for which - we were sent without some funds. You very well know, brethren, we - were contented to start, trusting in God, with little or nothing. - We have met with but one accident since we started. The lock of - our trunk was broken off, and Brother Lyman Wight's petition is - missing; but we trust there is a copy of it preserved; if there is, - you will please forward it immediately, with the name and affidavit - to it. - - For God's sake, brethren, be wide awake, and arm us with all the - power possible, for now is the time or never. We want you should - get all the influential men you can of that section of country, of - Iowa, and of every other quarter, to write letters to the members - of Congress, using their influence in our behalf, and to keep their - minds constantly upon the subject. - - Please to forward this to our wives. - - Yours in the bonds of the Everlasting Covenant, - - Joseph Smith, Jun., - - Elias Higbee. - - P. S.--Congress has been in session for four days, and the House - of Representatives is not yet organized, in consequence of some - seats being contested in the New Jersey delegation. They have this - day succeeded in electing John Q. Adams to the chair _pro tem_.; - but whether they will get their Speaker and Clerk chosen is yet - unknown, as there is a great deal of wind blown off on the occasion - on each day. There is such an itching disposition to display their - oratory on the most trivial occasions, and so much etiquette, - bowing and scraping, twisting and turning, to make a display of - their witticism, that it seems to us rather a display of folly and - show, more than substance and gravity, such as becomes a great - nation like ours. (However there are some exceptions). - - A warm feeling has been manifested in the discussion of the House - today, and it seems as much confusion as though the nation had - already began to be vexed. We came with one of the Missouri members - from Wheeling to this place, who was drunk but once, and that - however was most of the time; there was but one day but what he - could navigate, and that day he was keeled over, so he could eat no - dinner. The horses ran away with the stage; they ran about three - miles; {42} Brother Joseph climbed out of the stage, got the lines, - and stopped the horses, and also saved the life of a lady and - child. He was highly commended by the whole company for his great - exertions and presence of mind through the whole affair. Elias - Higbee jumped out of the stage at a favorable moment, just before - they stopped, with a view to assist in stopping them, and was but - slightly injured. We were not known to the state company until - after our arrival. - - In our interview with the President, he interrogated us wherein - we differed in our religion from the other religions of the day. - Brother Joseph said we differed in mode of baptism, and the gift of - the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands. We considered that all - other considerations were contained in the gift of the Holy Ghost, - and we deemed it unnecessary to make many words in preaching the - Gospel to him. Suffice it to say he has got our testimony. We watch - the post office, but have received no letters from our sections of - the country. Write instantly. - - Yours with respect, - - J. S. Jun., - - E. H. - -[Sidenote: Affairs in Iowa.] - -_Tuesday, 3_.--High Council of Iowa met at Elijah Fordham's and voted -to come up to the law of tithing, so far as circumstances would permit, -for the benefit of the poor, and that Alanson Ripley remove to Iowa; -and he was ordained Bishop by the Presidency of the Council. - -Elder Daniel Avery was instructed to call the Elders together and -organize the Elder's Quorum. - -_Saturday, 7_.--The President of the High Council of Iowa proposed the -following questions--Have the brethren a right to exact the payment -of debts which were due them from others, and were consecrated to the -Bishop in the state of Missouri? Six counselors spoke. The President -decided that all such debts ought not to be called for, and that -persons making such demands shall be disfellowshiped by the Church; -which was approved by the Council. Also that all those who sold goods -in Missouri, and were calling for their pay, should be considered as -acting in unrighteousness, and ought to be disfellowshiped; {43} as the -property of the Saints had been confiscated by Missouri. - - _Letter of the Prophet and Elias Higbee to the High Council at - Nauvoo--Preliminary Hearing of Grievances_. - - Washington City, Corner Of Missouri And 3rd Sts., - - December 7th, 1839. - - _To Seymour Brunson and the Honorable High Council of the Church of - Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints_: - - Your humble servants, Joseph Smith, Jun., and Elias Higbee, again - address you for the purpose of informing you of our proceedings - here in relation to our business and prospects of success. We deem - it unimportant to say anything in relation to our journey, arrival, - and interview with his Excellency, the President of these United - States; as they were mentioned in a letter lately addressed to - President Hyrum Smith and the High Council. We mentioned in that - letter the appointment of a meeting to be held by the Illinois - delegation, to consult upon the best measures of getting our - business brought before Congress. They met yesterday in one of the - committee rooms of the Capitol. All the delegation were present - except ex-Governor Reynolds--who is now one of the Representatives - in Congress--and on account of whose absence, the meeting was - adjourned until today at eleven o'clock; however the subject was - partially introduced, and Mr. Robinson took a stand against us, - so far as concerned our presenting claims to be liquidated by the - United States. - - We took a stand against him, asserting our constitutional rights. - Brother Joseph maintained the ground in argument against him firmly - and respectfully, setting forth the injuries that we have received, - and the appeals that we have made to the judiciary of Missouri, - and also the governor; their refusals from time to time to do - us justice; also the impracticability of doing anything in the - judiciary courts of Missouri--which tribunal Mr. Robinson thought - was the only proper place for our claims; but he finally said it - was his first impression on the subject, not having considered the - matter, but would take it into further consideration. - - Judge Young of the Senate made some remarks in our favor, saying - he would get the opinion of some of the prominent members of - the Senate, who were also lawyers, and would report to us the - next meeting. We met this day according to appointment, and very - friendly feelings were manifested on the occasion. Our business was - taken up, and {44} Judge Young stated that he had asked the opinion - of Judge White of Tennessee, of Mr. Wright, and several other - members whose names we do not recollect, but were prominent members - of the Senate. They all declined giving an opinion at present, as - it was a matter that they had not considered sufficiently to decide - upon at this time. The meeting, then, after some deliberations, - decided in our favor, which decision was that a Memorial and - Petition be drawn up in a concise manner, (our Representatives - promising so to do), and Judge Young present them to the Senate, - that they might thereby refer it to the proper committee, with all - the accompanying documents, and order the same to be printed. - - We want you to assist us now; and also to forward us your - certificates, that you hold for your lands in Missouri: your claims - to preemption rights, and affidavits to prove that soldiers were - quartered on us and in our houses without our consent, or any - special act of law for that purpose; contrary to the Constitution - of the United States. We think Brother Ripley and others will - recollect the circumstances and facts relative to this matter. You - will also recollect the circumstances of Brother Joseph and others - being refused the privilege of _habeas corpus_ by the authorities - of Missouri. - - These facts must be authenticated by affidavits. Let any particular - transaction of the outrages in Missouri that can be sworn to by the - sufferers, or those who were eye-witnesses to the facts, be sent, - specifying the particulars. Have the evidence _bona fide_ to the - point. - - The House of Representatives is not organized. Much feeling and - confusion have prevailed in the House for a few days past. The - House succeeded in electing John Q. Adams chairman _pro tem_. - on the 5th instant. They have not yet elected their Speaker or - Clerk. The Senate can do nothing of consequence until the House - is organized; neither can the President's message until then be - received. We design taking a paper and forwarding it to you. - - Your brethren in the bonds of the everlasting covenant, - - Joseph Smith, Jun., - - Elias Higbee. - -[Sidenote: Brigham Young in New York.] - -Brother Isaac Haight took Elders Young and George A. Smith to Brother -Joseph Murdock's, Hamilton, Madison county, New York, where Elder Young -preached on Sunday, 8th, and spent the week in preaching, and visiting -the brethren. Elder George A. Smith was confined to his room, sick. - -This day, the High Council of Nauvoo issued an Epistle {45} to the -Saints west of Kirtland not to return thither. (See _Times and -Seasons_, page 29). [1] - -Elders Hiram Clark, Alexander Wright, and Samuel Mulliner arrived in -Preston from America. Their licenses were mislaid on their journey, and -they had some difficulty in making themselves known. - -{46} Some time this month, Brother Hyrum Smith wrote a long Epistle "To -the Saints scattered abroad, Greeting," setting forth his sufferings, -etc., in the State of Missouri, and published the same in the _Times -and Seasons_, on page 20 and onward. [2] - -_Sunday, 15_.--President Young preached at Brother Gifford's, in -Waterville. - -The High Council at Nauvoo voted that Bishop Knight provide for the -families of Joseph Smith, Jun., Sidney Rigdon, and Orrin Porter -Rockwell, during their absence at Washington. - -Elder James Mulholland, my scribe, having died, it was voted that debts -contracted for building his house be settled. Also approved of Brothers -Annis, Bozier, and Edmunds building a water mill adjoining the city. - -_Monday 16_.--President Young returned to Hamilton. - -_Wednesday, 18_.--Elders Woodruff, John Taylor, and Theodore Turley -sailed from New York for England. - -_Friday, 20_.--President Young went to Eaton, to see his cousins Fitch, -Salmon, and Phinehas Brigham. - -{47} For particulars of our proceedings while at Washington, see my -letters and Judge Higbee's to friends at Commerce, or Nauvoo, as the -place is now frequently called. - -_Saturday, 21_.--I arrived in Philadelphia, direct from Washington -City, by the railroad, where I spent several days preaching and -visiting from house to house, among the brethren and others. - - _Letter of Hyrum Smith to Parley P. Pratt--On Printing the Book of - Mormon in New York_. - - Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, - - December 22nd, 1839. - - Dear Brother Parley:--In consequence of the absence of my brother - Joseph, your letter has come into my hands, to which I intend to - reply, and give such instructions, and advise you respecting the - matters and things of which you write, as I feel led by the Spirit - of the Lord [to give]. - - I was truly glad to hear of the prosperity of the churches in and - about the vicinity of New York. Truly these things are pleasing - to the Saints, and I presume to none more so than yourself, who - was the instrument in the hands of God in planting the standard of - truth in those regions, around which so many are now rallying. - - You express a desire to have the Book of Mormon, etc., printed - in New York, etc., etc., and have taken some steps towards - accomplishing that object. As respects this matter I would say, - that it is one of great importance, and should be properly - considered. Not only is the city of New York destitute of this - book, but there is truly a famine throughout the Union, and another - large edition is certainly required. But at the same time I cannot - give any encouragement for the publication of the same, other - than at this place, or where it can come out under the immediate - inspection of Joseph and his Counselors, so that no one may be - chargeable with any mistakes that may occur. I want the books we - print here should be a standard to all nations in which they may be - printed, and to all tongues into which the same may be translated. - - Again, as this place is appointed a Stake and a place of gathering - for the Saints, I think that every facility should be rendered it, - in order that the Saints may be able to accomplish the great works - which have to be performed in this generation. I should therefore - strongly advise, yea, urge you and all the Elders of Israel, when - they meet with those who have means, and a disposition to forward - this work, to send them to this place, where they may receive - counsel from time to time. - - If when Brothers Joseph and Rigdon return, we should deem it - {48} prudent to avail ourselves of the facilities offered in New - York for re-printing the Book of Mormon, it is probable that a - delegation will be sent to accomplish that object. In the meantime - you will be at liberty to go to Europe, for thereunto are you sent. - - The above observations will apply to the book of Doctrine and - Covenants, Hymn Book, etc., which publications I long to see - flowing through the land like a stream, imparting knowledge, - intelligence, and joy to all who shall drink at the stream. As to - publishing the Book of Mormon in Europe and other nations, I should - entirely acquiesce to your proposition. I do not know of any more - suitable persons for attending to that business than the Twelve. If - it should be deemed wisdom to have the same published in England - or elsewhere soon, you will be further advised on the subject, and - full powers given you immediately on the return of Joseph, who - is at present in the city of Washington, in company with Elder - Rigdon and Judge Higbee, endeavoring to get the subject of our late - persecutions brought before the councils of the nation. - - The families of the Twelve are generally well, but not altogether - so comfortably situated as I could wish, owing to the poverty of - the Church. I think it would be well for those who have means to - spare, to forward the same to their families. - - My love to all the brethren. I am your affectionate brother in the - bonds of the covenant, - - Hyrum Smith. - - Addressed to Elder P. P. Pratt, New York City. - -_Monday, 23_.--President Young went to Waterville with Brother Gifford. -About this time Brothers Rockwell and Higbee arrived at Philadelphia -with my carriage from Washington, where they had been some time, -leaving Elder Rigdon there sick, and Dr. Robert E. Foster to take care -of him. - -_Wednesday, 25_.--Elders Wright and Mulliner left Preston for Scotland, -and soon commenced preaching and baptising in Paisley and vicinity. - -President Young went six miles north of Rome [New York] to see Brother -Blakesly; returned on the 27th to Waterville, and on the 28th went to -Hamilton. - -_Saturday, 28_.--Heber John, son of Willard and Jennetta Richards, died -at Preston, England, aged five months and nine days. He had been sick -nine days with the smallpox, and was buried in Elswick Chapel yard. - -{49} _Sunday, 29_.--The High Council of Nauvoo voted to print ten -thousand copies of the hymn-books, and an edition of the Book of -Mormon, under the inspection of the First Presidency at Nauvoo, so soon -as means can be obtained. - -[Sidenote: The Prophet in New Jersey.] - -_Monday, 30_.--About this time I left Philadelphia with Brother Orson -Pratt, and visited a branch of the Church in Monmouth county, New -Jersey, where I spent several days, and returned to Philadelphia. - -The High Council of Nauvoo voted that a committee be appointed to -transact the business relating to the request of the brethren at -Washington as follows--Alanson Ripley, in Iowa; Seymour Brunson and -Charles C. Rich, at Quincy; Zenas H. Gurley, at Macomb; and that -President Hyrum Smith, and Bishops Edward Partridge and Vinson Knight -give the committee their instructions. - -_Wednesday, January 1, 1840_.--George A. Smith (who had partially -recovered from his illness) and Elder Brigham Young left Hamilton. The -brethren helped them on their way, and gave them considerable clothing. - -_Thursday, 2_.--Brother James Gifford brought them to Utica. - -As more positive and official testimony was wanted by the authorities -at Washington, many of the brethren made affidavits concerning their -sufferings in, and expulsion from, Missouri, a few of which I will -insert in my history: - - _Affidavit of Simeon Carter on his Sufferings in Missouri_. - - I, Simeon Carter, certify that I have been a resident of the state - of Missouri for six years and upwards, and that I have suffered - many things by a lawless mob; both myself and my family have been - driven from place to place, and suffered the loss of much property, - and finally were expelled from the state. I further certify, that - I belong to the Church of the Latter-day Saints, commonly called - "Mormons." And I certify that in the year eighteen hundred and - thirty-eight, both I and my people suffered much, by the people of - the state of Missouri. And I further certify, that in this same - year, in the month of November, between the first and sixth, we - were surrounded by a soldiery of the state of {50} Missouri, in the - city of Far West, in Caldwell county, both myself and many of my - "Mormon" brethren, and were compelled by the soldiery--which were - armed with all the implements of war to shed blood--under a public - declaration for our entire extermination, to sign away our all, - our property, personal and real estate, and to leave the state of - Missouri immediately. - - I certify that I had at that time one hundred and sixty-two acres - of land, the same which I held the certificate for. I further - certify that I was obliged to give up my duplicates to help me to a - small sum to carry me out of the state. I further certify not. - - Simeon Carter. - - Territory of Iowa, Lee County. - - Sworn to and subscribed before me, a justice of the peace for said - county, this and day of January, 1840. - - D. W. Kilbourn, J. P. - - _Letter of Hyrum Smith to the Prophet and Judge Higbee_. - - Nauvoo. Hancock County, Illinois, - - January 3rd, 1840. - - _To President Joseph Smith, Jun., and Judge Higbee_: - - Dear Brethren:--It is with feelings of no ordinary kind, that I - write you at this time, in answer to the letters with which we were - favored. Your letters were truly interesting, and were read with - great interest by the brethren here, as well as myself. - - We were truly glad to hear of your safe arrival in the city of - Washington, your interview with His Excellency the President, and - the steps you have since taken for the furtherance of the object - you have undertaken to accomplish, and for which you have left the - endearments of home, and the society of your friends. The mission - on which you are engaged is certainly an important one, and one - which every Saint of God, as well as everyone whose breast beats - high with those patriotic feelings which purchased our national - freedom, must take a deep interest in. And although there may be - many who do not value your labors--their sectarian prejudices - being greater than their love for truth and the Constitution of - our country; yet there are many who will undoubtedly appreciate - your services, and will feel it a pleasure to assist you all - that they possibly can. Conscious of the righteousness of your - cause--having the prayer of the Saints, (amongst whom are many who - have shared with you the trials, persecutions, and imprisonments - which have been heaped upon the Saints in Missouri), and having - the approval of heaven, I would say, go on, dear brethren, in the - name of the Lord; and while you are pleading the cause of the - widow and the fatherless, may {51} He who has promised to be a - father to the fatherless and a husband to the widow, bless you in - your undertakings, and arm you with sufficient strength for the - herculean task in which you are engaged. Your exertions will be - seconded by the brethren in this region, who are disposed to do all - they possibly can. - - I had just got ready to start for Springfield when I received your - letter. I no sooner read it than I abandoned the idea of going - there. I then made exertion to obtain funds for you in this place; - but not being able to get any, and hearing that there were brethren - in Quincy lately from New York, I started off the following day - and succeeded in obtaining from Brother Herringshaw three hundred - dollars, which I deposited with Messrs. Holmes & Co., merchants - in Quincy, subject to the order of Judge Young. The reason why I - deposited it with them was in consequence of the banks not doing - any business and refusing to take deposits, etc. I hope that we - shall be able to raise you some more soon. Brother William Law has - promised to let us have one hundred dollars as soon as he gets a - remittance from the east, which he expects daily. - - We have not been able to get much on the city lots since you left; - not more than enough to pay some wages for surveying, and a few - debts. Brother Lyman Wight returned the subscription paper a few - days ago, stating that he had not collected anything since you - left. In consequence of my health, which has been poor, and the - coldness of the weather, I have not been able to attend to it - myself. I hardly think we shall be able to raise the one thousand - dollars for Mr. William White by the time he will expect it. Elder - Granger is yet in Commerce, not being able to move in consequence - of the low stage of water in the Ohio river. - - I received a letter lately from Parley P. Pratt, stating that he - was in the City of New York, and had published another edition of - his book, and wanted permission to print an edition of the Book of - Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants, with a periodical similar to the - _Times and Seasons_, stating that there were men who had means, - that would assist in these things. He likewise wanted to get the - privilege for the Twelve to print the Book of Mormon in Europe. I - wrote in reply, that if there were any of the brethren disposed - to aid, and had means to spare for such purposes, to send them to - this place, so that not only this place might be benefitted, but - that the books might come out under your immediate inspection. I - am afraid some have been induced to tarry and assist Parley in - these undertakings; and had made arrangements with Elder Granger to - assist in liquidating the New York debts. - - I want a letter from you, Brother Joseph, as soon as possible, - giving me all the instructions you think necessary. I feel the - burden in your absence is great. Father expresses a great desire to - go to Kirtland, {52} along with Brother Granger, who has promised - to pay his and mother's expenses; would you think it advisable for - them to go or not? - - The High Council met a few days ago, and took your second letter - into consideration, and passed some resolutions on the subject; - appointed committees to get certificates for land, and to get - all other information they could. Some have gone to Quincy, and - others to different places. We shall forward from time to time the - information you desire. - - You will receive enclosed in this a number of duplicates for land - from Bishop Partridge and others. The Mississippi is frozen up. - The weather is very cold, and a great quantity of snow is on the - ground, and has been for some time. Your family is in tolerable - good health, excepting one or two having the chills occasionally. - - Bishop Knight desires me to inform you, that Brothers Granger and - Haws have driven into Commerce a large number of hogs. They are now - engaged in slaughtering them. I think there will be a good deal of - trade carried on in this line another year. - - You may expect to hear from us soon again. I sent you a copy of the - deposit I made in Holmes & Co., which I hope you will receive safe. - - I am very affectionately, - - Hyrum Smith. - - P. S.--We have concluded not to send any duplicates in this letter. - The packages of duplicates will be directed to Judge Higbee, - thinking they will come more safe to his address. - -_Friday, 3_.--Elders Brigham Young and George A. Smith went from Utica -to Albany, on the railway, and put up at the Railroad House. - - _Affidavit of William F. Cahoon--Missouri Wrongs_. - - I hereby certify that in the year 1838 I was residing in Daviess - county, Missouri, and while from home I was taken prisoner in Far - West by the militia, and kept under guard for six or eight days, in - which time I was forced to sign a deed of trust, after which I was - permitted to return home to my family in Daviess county, and found - them surrounded by an armed force, with the rest of my neighbors, - who were much frightened. The order from the militia was to leave - the county within ten days, in which time my house was broken open, - and many goods taken out by the militia. We were not permitted to - go from place to place without a pass from the general, and on - leaving the county, I received a pass as follows: - - "I permit William F. Cahoon to pass from Daviess to Caldwell - county, {53} and there remain during the winter, and thence to pass - out of the state of Missouri. - - "Signed November 10th, 1838. - - "Reeves, a Brigadier-General." - - During this time both myself and my family suffered much on account - of cold and hunger because we were not permitted to go outside of - the guard to obtain wood and provision; and according to orders of - the militia, in the spring following, I took my family and left the - state with the loss of much property. - - William F. Cahoon. - - Territory of Iowa, Lee county, subscribed and sworn before - - D. W. Kilbourn, J. P. - - _Letter of C. Adams to the Prophet--Cause of the Saints before the - Illinois Legislature_. - - Springfield, 4th January, 1840. - - Respected Sir.--I had the gratification of the receipt of yours of - the 16th of December, which gave me pleasure to learn that your - prospects were, at that early period, in a measure flattering. - I also saw yours of the 19th December to Mr. Weber. We are now - consulting and feeling the pulsations relative to your case being - brought before the legislature, now in session, by a series - of resolutions, instructing our senators, and requesting our - representatives to urge relief in your case. - - What will be done, remains yet uncertain; still it is my strongest - impression, it will be found prudent to get the matter before our - legislature, for their action thereon. I am happy to learn that all - our delegation are friendly to your intended application for relief - in some shape; and it strikes me that the views of the President at - this period may be the best, and perhaps the only way that relief - could at this time be obtained; and in that event, be no injury - to a future application to be restored to all your rights, when - prejudice shall in a measure have subsided and the true state of - the matter be more readily received, even by those whose prejudices - may have closed the avenues to reason and justice in a matter - identified with the odium so commonly attached to the sound of - "Mormons." This odium will naturally wear off when they have time - to learn that "Mormons" are neither anthropophagi or cannibals. - - Your friends are generally well. - - I am, etc., - - C. Adams. - - To Joseph Smith, Jun. - -[Sidenote: Law Suits to be Abandoned] - -{54} _Saturday, 4_.--The High Council at Montrose voted to utterly discard -the practice of suing brethren at the law, and that such as do it, -shall be disfellowshiped by this branch of the Church; that Abraham O. -Smoot ordain Daniel Avery President of the Elders' Quorum; and that the -sixth instant be devoted to taking affidavits concerning Missouri. - -Elder Young found the brethren in Albany; went to Troy, and -Lansingburg, where he heard Elder Phinehas Richards preach. - -_Sunday, 5_.--Elder Young preached at Lansingburg, and returned to Troy -and held a meeting with the brethren. - -_Monday, 6_.--Elder Young returned to Albany. - - _Extract from Elder Orson Pratt's Letter to his wife--Reporting - Movements of the Brethren in the Eastern States_. - - January 6th, 1840. - - I am well and hearty. After mailing the last letter to you in - Pennsylvania, I went to Philadelphia on Saturday, the 21st of - December; there I found President Joseph Smith, Jun.; he had just - arrived from Washington City, where he had been about three weeks. - Four or five days after, Judge Higbee, with Porter Rockwell, came - to Philadelphia; they are well. I wrote to Parley P. Pratt to - come and see President Smith; he did so, and probably will go to - Washington with him in a few days. I stayed with Brother Smith, in - Philadelphia, about eight days; we then took the railroad and went - some 35 or 40 miles, to a large branch of the Church in Monmouth - county, New Jersey, which numbers ninety members; there I left him - [President Smith] on New Year's day, and came to New York, where I - am at present. - - Elder Benjamin Winchester had, when I left Philadelphia, baptized - forty-five in that city, and several more had given in their names - for baptism, and scores believing. I preached in Chester county, - Pennsylvania, about two weeks, and I think I may safely say there - are hundreds believing. The work is prospering throughout all this - region. - - Elders Taylor, Woodruff, and Turley sailed for Liverpool, December - 18th, while I was in Pennsylvania. None of the rest of the Twelve - have yet arrived. Parley P. Pratt has another book printed, larger - than the Voice of Warning, entitled "The Millennium and other - Poems," and a piece on the "Eternal Duration of Matter." [3] - - {55} _Letter from John B. Weber to the Prophet--On Supplementing - the Latter's Effort to Obtain Redreses from Congress_. - - Springfield, January 6, 1840. - - Gentlemen:--Your letter of the 19th ult. came to hand ten days - after date, immediately after which I called upon many of the - prominent members of the Democratic party, with a view to unite - them in their influence in your behalf; all of whom expressed a - willingness to aid in bringing about justice. But I regret to - inform you that but few have exhibited that energy in the matter - which might reasonably be expected from all lovers of liberty and - advocates of equal rights. - - Your energetic friends were first of the opinion that an - effort ought to be made by our legislature to memorialize our - representatives in {56} Congress, to use all honorable means to - accomplish your desires; but after holding a consultation it was - believed that such a course would create a party strife here, and - consequently operate against you in Congress. Therefore it was - agreed that as many as had friends in Congress should write to them - immediately, desiring their aid in your behalf. - - If convenient you will please write again. Any information - respecting your mission will be thankfully received, and made known - to your people here. - - Very respectfully yours, - - John B. Weber. - - To the Rev. Joseph Smith and his Associates. - - _Affidavit of John M. Burk--Missouri Outrages_. - - I hereby certify that General John Clark and his Aid, on their - arrival at Far West in Caldwell county, Missouri, came to my tavern - stand, and without my leave, pitched their marquees in my yard and - did take my wood and hay to furnish the same, and did bring their - horses in also, and without my leave, took hay for them, and did - take possession of my house, and used it for a council house, and - did place a strong guard around it, so as to hinder any person from - going in or out, and I myself was not permitted to go in and out; - for all this I have received no remuneration, and was not even - permitted to pass out of town to water travelers' horses without a - permit. The above took place in the first part of November, 1838. - - I also certify that Caleb Baldwin, Lyman Wight, Hyrum Smith, Joseph - Smith, Jun., and Mr. Alexander McRae, in Clay county, Missouri, did - apply for a writ of _habeas corpus_ and did not get it. - - John M. Burk. - - Sworn before D. W. Kilbourn, J. P. - - _Affidavit of John Lowry--Ditto_. - - I certify that I saw General John Clark and his Aid, on their - arrival at Far West, Caldwell county, Missouri, in the yard of John - M. Burk, and gave orders to their waiters to pitch their marquees - in his yard, and to take of his wood for fire. - - I also saw Captain Samuel Bogart, with his men, come near my - dwelling, and did pitch their camp, and took my house logs without - my leave, and did burn them. I also saw him with the horse of - Joseph Smith, Jun., in his possession. - - John Lowry. - - Sworn before D. W. Kilbourn, J. P. - - _Affidavit of Jedediah Owen--Ditto_. - - To whom it may concern--This is to certify, that on the day - following {57} on which the troops arrived at Far West, that two - men of said troops came to my house, broke open my trunk, and took - therefrom both money and clothing, and also a number of papers, - among which were deeds and notes, and also a number of cooking - utensils, and in consequence of the cruel and inhuman treatment - which I and others have received from those troops, we are reduced - to a state of almost absolute starvation; and Daniel Avery and - myself were appointed as a committee to go out and beg corn and - meal, or anything we might obtain, that would render assistance or - relieve us in our suffering condition. - - Jedediah Owen. - - Sworn before D. W. Kilbourn, J. P. - - _Affidavit of T. Alvord--Ditto_. - - I removed my family from the state of Michigan to Clay county, - Missouri, in the year 1835, where I lived in peace with the people, - on my own land, eighteen months or more, when the people began to - be excited in consequence of the emigration of our people to that - county. The excitement became so great that I was obliged to sell - my place at half price, and removed to the county of Caldwell, - where I purchased me a farm, and settled my family, and made a good - improvement, and was in a good situation to support my family, - and there lived in peace with the people until the summer and - fall of 1838, when the mob began to rise, and we were obliged to - fly to arms in self defense; but notwithstanding our exertion, - they murdered and massacred many of our people. We applied to the - governor for assistance, and his reply to us was, "If you have got - into a scrape with the mob, you must fight it out yourselves, for - I cannot help you." The mob still increased, until I was obliged - to remove my family to Far West, and there remained, surrounded - with mobs of murderers, until General Clark arrived with his army, - with the governor's exterminating order. Then we were all taken - prisoners; our arms taken away; they then treated with all the - cruelty they were masters of, and took possession of whatever they - pleased, burnt timber, and laid waste town and country. - - I heard General Clark say that he would execute the Governor's - order; "but [said he] notwithstanding, I will vary so much as to - give some lenity for the removal of this people, and you must leave - the state immediately, for you need not expect to raise another - crop here." Those who were not taken to prison, were permitted to - return to their homes to make preparations to leave the state. - Finding I had no safety for myself and family in Missouri, I fled - to Illinois for safety. - - T. Alvord. - - Sworn to before D. W. Kilbourn, J. P. - -{58} _Tuesday, January 7_.--Elder Young took stage for Richmond, -Massachusetts. - - _Affidavit of William Hawk--Missouri Affairs_. - - Montrose, Lee County, Iowa, January 7, 1840. - - I hereby certify, that some time in the month of October, 1838, an - armed force collected in the county of Carroll, near De Witt, and - in open daylight, drove a man by the name of Humphrey out of his - house, and set fire to it, and burnt it to ashes, and then sent - an express ordering all the "Mormons" to leave the place as soon - as the next day. The next day they sent another express ordering - them to leave in six hours, or they would be massacred upon the - ground. They also fired their guns at different persons traveling - the road near the town. The "Mormons" were at length compelled to - leave their possessions, and all removed to Caldwell, consisting of - seventy and perhaps one hundred families, many of whom were in want - of the sustenance of life, sick, and some died upon the way. - - About two weeks after this, another armed force invaded Far West, - took my gun, and compelled me to sign away my property, both real - and personal, and leave the state forthwith. - - William Hawk. - - Sworn to before D. W. Kilbourn. J. P. - - _Affidavit of Timothy B. Clark--Ditto_. - - Montrose, Lee County, Iowa Territory, January 7, 1840. - - This is to certify that I was at work on my farm on the last of - October, 1838, when an armed company under General Lucas, came and - took myself and my three sons prisoners, and threw down my fences, - and opened my gates, and left them open, and left my crops to be - destroyed, and while I was a prisoner, they declared that they had - made clean work in destroying the crops as they passed through the - country, and they took from me two yoke of oxen, and three horses - and two wagons, and compelled me and my sons to drive them loaded - with produce of my own farm, to supply their army. - - I had in possession at the time, four hundred and eighty acres of - land, and rising of a hundred acres improved, with a small orchard - and nursery, the necessary buildings of a farm, etc.; and in - consequence of my imprisonment my fences remained down, and most of - my crops were destroyed; and further this deponent saith not. - - Timothy B. Clark. - - Sworn to before D. W. Kilbourn, J. P. - - _Affidavit of Urban V. Stewart--Ditto_. - - Montrose, Lee County, Iowa Territory, January 7, 1840. - - This is to certify that about the middle of October, I was driven, - by {59} the threats of the Daviess county armed force, to leave my - possessions, consisting of preemption right to a quarter section - of land with thirty acres under improvement, and a good house. I - went to Di-Ahman and remained until about the 1st of November, when - I was driven from there by an armed force under General Wilson. I - then went to Far West. While at Ondi-Ahman the armed force took - from me one cow and calf, and a yoke of oxen, one horse and five - sheep; they also took from me fifteen hogs. While at Far West, they - took two cows belonging to me, and I saw the soldiery killing the - live stock of the inhabitants without leave or remuneration, and - burning building timbers, fences, etc. - - Urban V. Stewart. - - Sworn to before D. W. Kilbourn, J. P. - - _Affidavit of John Smith--Ditto_. - - Lee County, Iowa Territory. - - This day personally appeared before me, D. W. Kilbourn, an - acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county, John Smith, - and after having been duly sworn, desposeth and saith, "That in - the months of October and November, 1838, I resided in the town - of Adam-ondi-Ahman. Daviess county, Missouri, and whilst being - peaceably engaged in the ordinary vocations of life, that in the - early part of November my house was entered by a body of armed - men painted after the manner or customs of the Indians of North - America, and proceeded to search my house for fire arms, stating - that they understood the Mormons knew how to hide their guns, and - in their search of a bed in which lay an aged, sick female, they - threw [her] to and fro in a very rough manner, without regard to - humanity or decency. Finding no arms, they went off without further - violence. - - "Shortly after this above described outrage, there was a number - of armed men, say about twenty, rode into my yard and inquired - for horses which they said they had lost, and stated, under - confirmation of an oath, that they would have the heads of twenty - 'Mormons,' if they did not find their horses. These last were - painted in like manner as the first. These transactions took place - when the citizens of the village and its vicinity were engaged in a - peaceable manner in the ordinary pursuits of life." - - This deponent further saith, "That the mob took possession of a - store of dry goods belonging to the Church of Latter-day Saints, - over which they placed a guard. I went into the store to get some - articles to distribute to the suffering poor, and the officer - who had the charge of the store ordered me out peremptorily, - stating it was too cold to wait on me, that I must come the next - morning; and returning the next morning, I found the store almost - entirely stripped of its contents. {60} Thereupon we as a Church - were ordered to depart the county and state, under the pains and - penalty of death or a total extermination of our society. Having no - alternative, (having my wagon stolen), I was compelled to abandon - my property, except a few movables which I got off with in the best - way that I could, and on receiving a permit or pass which is hereto - appended. I then proceeded to depart the state. - - "'I permit John Smith to remove from Daviess to Caldwell county, - there remain during the winter, or remove out of the state - unmolested. - - "'Daviess county, November 9th, 1838. - - "R. Wilson, Brigadier-General. By F. G. Cochnu.' - - "I accordingly left the state in the month of February following in - a destitute condition." - - John Smith. - - Sworn to before D. W. Kilbourn, J. P. - - _Affidavit of Samuel Smith--Ditto_. - - Montrose, Lee County, Iowa, January 7, 1840. - - I do hereby certify, that I, Samuel Smith, made an improvement - and obtained a preemption right upon one hundred and sixty acres - of land in Daviess county, Missouri, in 1837. On the first of - November, 1838, I was compelled to leave the county, by order of - General Wilson, in ten days. They took without my consent, two - horses, which have never been returned, nor remunerated for; also - destroyed my crop of corn, drove off four head of cattle. - - Samuel Smith. - - Sworn to before D. W. Kilbourn, J. P. - - _Affidavit of Daniel Avery--Ditto_. - - Lee County, Iowa Territory, March 5th, 1840. [4] - - I, Daniel Avery, do hereby certify that the following - scenes transpired in the state of Missouri to my personal - knowledge--First, in the year 1838, some time in the fall, I was - called on by the martial law of the state of Missouri, to aid and - assist to rescue women and children from the hands of a mob, from - the waters of Grand river, whose husbands and fathers had been - driven off. We found the house invested by the mob, some of whom - were in the house threatening the lives of the women and children, - if they did not leave their property and effects immediately and - follow their husbands and fathers. One family lost a {61} child - while in this situation, for the want of care; the women being - compelled, by these monsters, to provide and cook them food. This - company of the mob was commanded by James Weldin. - - I also saw about seventy families driven from De Witt by a mob - commanded by Sashiel Wood. I helped to bury one woman the first - night, who had been confined in childbed a night or two before, and - could not endure the sufferings. - - The next scene I saw I was peaceably traveling the road; a man by - the name of Patrick O'Banion was shot dead at my feet. We advanced - a little further, when two men were killed and several wounded. - I afterwards learned that this gang of mobbers was commanded by - Samuel Bogart. - - In consequence of being pursued out of the state, by this lawless - mob, I was not an eye witness to the many thousand wicked acts - committed by the Governor's exterminating militia. - - Daniel Avery. - - Sworn to before D. W. Kilbourn, J. P. - -_Wednesday, March 11_. - - _Affidavit of James Powell--Ditto_. - - Illinois, Adams County, March 11, 1840. - - I, James Powell, do certify, that I was a citizen of the state of - Missouri in 1838. I solemnly declare that while I was peaceably - traveling to one of my nearest neighbors, I was assaulted by a - company of men, to the number of five--Autherston Wrathey, John - Gardner, Philomen Ellis, Jesse Clark, and Ariel Sanders. First they - threw a stone and hit me between the shoulders, which very much - disabled me; they then shot at me, but did not hit me. One of them - then struck me with his gun, and broke my skull about six inches--a - part of my brain ran out. I have had fourteen pieces of bone taken - out of my skull. My system is so reduced that I have not done a - day's work since. - - I know no reason why they should have done [this act], as I did not - belong to the Mormon Church, neither had I ever heard one preach. - In this situation I was forced to leave the state forthwith. I was - carried three days without having my head dressed. When I arrived - at Huntsville, Doctor Head offered me assistance. I refer to him - for further testimony. - - James Powell. - - Attest, John Smith. - - We certify that the foregoing affidavit of James Powell's is true - and correct, as we stood by and saw it with our eyes. We also heard - them {62} say they would kill the Mormons, if they did not clear - out. We carried the wounded man in our wagon, till he was out of - reach of the mob. - - Peter Wimmer, - - Susan Wimmer, - - Ellen Wimmer. - - Sworn to before William Oglesby, J. P. - - _Affidavit of John Smith--Ditto_. - - Illinois, Columbus, Adams County, March 11, 1840. - - I, John Smith, certify that I was a resident in the state - of Missouri in 1838, when I was driven from my house, and a - pre-emption right, and forbid to stay in the state, [the mob] - threatening me if I did not go forthwith. I took my family and - pursued my journey one hundred miles. In consequence of cold, snow, - water and ice at the inclement season in which I was driven, I fell - sick, and for four weeks I was unable to travel; during which time - I was threatened daily; yet I was so sick it was considered by many - that I could not live, and was compelled to start when I was not - able to sit up through the day. I landed in Illinois; the long and - fatiguing journey, lying out in the cold, open air, proved too much - for my companion; it threw her into a violent fever, with which she - died. Many others in the company took sick and died with the same - hard fare. - - John Smith. - - Sworn to before William Oglesby, J. P. - - _Affidavit of Smith Humphrey--Ditto_. - - Illinois, Adams County, March 16, 1840. - - I, Smith Humphrey, certify that I was a citizen of Missouri in - eighteen hundred and thirty-eight; and some time in the month of - October, of the same year, I was fallen upon by a mob commanded by - Hyrum Standley. He took my goods out of my house; and said Standley - set fire to my house, and burnt it before my eyes, and ordered me - to leave the place forthwith. I removed from De Witt to Caldwell - county, where I was again assailed by Governor Bogg's exterminating - militia. They took me prisoner, and robbed my wagon of four hundred - dollars in cash, and one thousand dollars' worth of goods, and - drove me out of the state. - - Smith Humphrey. - - Sworn to before C. M. Woods, Clerk of Circuit Court. - - _Affidavit of Henry Root--Ditto_. - - Quincy, Illinois, 16th March, 1840. - - This is to certify that I, Henry Root, am, and was a citizen - of {63} De Witt, Carroll county, Missouri, at the time of the - persecutions (known by the name of the "Mormon War") commenced and - terminated between the citizens of said state of Missouri and the - Mormons; that in the fall of 1838, in the month of September, a mob - (under no regular authority) headed by William W. Austin, Sen., - consisting of from one hundred to one hundred and fifty men, came - into De Witt and ordered the Mormons to leave that place within - ten days from that time; that if they did not leave, they would be - driven from there by force. - - The Mormons did not leave; the appointed time came, and the mob - came, armed and equipped for war. The Mormon citizens petitioned - to the governor of the state, but no relief came. They sent to the - general of the brigade [in that locality], who ordered the militia - to repair to De Witt to disperse the mob. On the arrival of the - militia, Brigadier-General Parks told me the Mormons had better - leave their property and go off, as his men were prejudiced against - them, and he could do them no good, nor relieve them. With that the - Mormons left. - - Henry Root. - - Sworn to before C. M. Woods, Clerk of Circuit Court, Adams county, - Illinois. - - _Affidavit of Joseph Clark--Ditto_. - - Quincy, Illinois, March 16, 1840. - - I, Joseph Clark, certify that I was a citizen of the state of - Missouri in 1838; and when peaceably traveling the highway, I was - shot at twice by Governor Boggs' exterminating militia, commanded - by Major-General John B. Clark. - - Joseph Clark. - - Sworn to before C. M. Woods, Clerk of Circuit Court, Adams County - Illinois. - - _Affidavit of Thomas D. Casper--Ditto_. - - Quincy, Illinois, March 16th, 1840. - - This is to certify that I, Thomas D. Casper, was a resident of - the state of Missouri in the year 1838. I was not a member of the - Church of Mormons or Latter-day Saints; but witnessed the following - acts of distress: As I was on business, I inquired for Perry - Moppin, and learned that he, with Samuel Snowden, Esq., had gone - after Mr. Wilson, a Mormon, and had threatened and sworn to take - his life if he did not tell his name; and they swore they had the - tool to take his life if he had not told them his name. - - Further they agreed that the Mormons should leave the country of - Missouri except they would deny the faith, or their religion. And - I {64} heard Anthony McCustian say that he would head a mob in any - case, to prevent the lawyers from attending to any case of their - (the Mormons') grievances; and he was a postmaster. And I saw two - men that said they had been at Haun's mill at the murder; and one - by the name of White, and the other Moppin stated that he had slain - three Mormons. And I, Thomas D. Casper, witnessed other things too - tedious to mention; and solemnly swear, before God and men, that - what is here written is a true statement of facts relative to the - suffering of the Mormons in the state of Missouri. - - Thomas D. Casper. - - _Affidavit of Jesse W. Johnston--Ditto_. - - Quincy, Illinois, March 16, 1840. - - I, Jesse W. Johnston, certify that the following circumstances took - place in the State of Missouri, while I was a resident of that - state, viz.: I was taken prisoner by Governor Boggs' exterminating - militia. I saw one man killed belonging to the Mormon Church, and - was forced by them to take corn out of the fields of the Mormon - Church without leave. This was in the fall of 1838. - - Jesse W. Johnston. - - Sworn to before C. M. Woods, Clerk of the Circuit Court, Adams - County, Illinois. - - _Affidavit of Owen Cole--Ditto_. - - Quincy, Illinois, March 17, 1840. - - This is to certify that I, Owen Cole, was a resident of Caldwell - county, state of Missouri, and while residing at my dwelling house, - the militia under Governor Boggs, and by his orders, plundered my - house, and shot me through my thigh. My damage sustained by the - militia, by being driven from the state, besides my wound, was five - hundred dollars. The militia men were quartered on the lands of the - people called Mormons, contrary to the laws and Constitution of the - state. I hereby certify this to be a true statement. - - Owen Cole. - - Sworn to before C. M. Woods, Clerk Circuit Court. - - _Affidavit of Ezekiel Maginn--Ditto_. - - Quincy, Illinois, March 17, 1840. - - I, Ezekiel Maginn, certify that I was a citizen of the state of - Missouri in the year 1838, and was an eye witness to the following - facts--First, I saw the militia, called for by Governor Boggs' - exterminating order, enter the house of Lyman Wight, and take from - it a bed and bedding, {65} pillows, and dishes, personally known to - me to be his property. - - Ezekiel Maginn. - - Sworn to before C. M. Woods, Clerk Circuit Court, Adams County. - - _Affidavit of Addison Green--Ditto_. - - Quincy, March 17, 1840. - - I, Addison Green, do certify that in the month of October, one - thousand eight hundred and thirty-eight, when I was peaceably - walking the highroad in Ray county, state of Missouri, I was - molested and taken prisoner by ten armed men, who took from me - one double-barrel fowling piece and equipage, threatening to blow - out my brains and swore that if I was a Mormon they would hang me - without further ceremony. They had previously been to my lodging - and taken my horse, saddle, and bridle. All was then taken into the - woods about one mile to Bogart's camp. - - I was kept a prisoner until the next morning, when I was let go; - but have not obtained any part of my property, which was worth - about one hundred and fifty dollars. - - A. Green. - - Sworn to before John H. Holton, notary public. - - _Affidavit of John P. Greene--Ditto_. - - I, John P. Greene, was in company with several of my neighbors - walking the road in peace, when one of our company, a young man, by - name of O'Banion, was shot down at my side, being shot by a company - of mobbers; and soon after this we were fired upon again, and two - more were killed and several others wounded. This was about the - 25th day of October, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-eight, - in the state of Missouri, and I do hereby certify the above to be - true according to the best of my knowledge. - - John P. Greene - - Sworn to before John H. Holton, notary public. - - _Affidavit of Asahel A. Lathrop--Ditto_. - - This is to certify that I, Asahel A. Lathrop, was a citizen of the - state of Missouri, at the time the difficulty originated between - the people called Mormons and the [other] inhabitants of the - aforesaid state, and herein give a statement of the transactions - that came under my observation, according to the best of my - recollection. - - I settled in Missouri in the summer of 1838, in Caldwell county, - where I purchased land and erected buildings. The said land I now - have a deed of; and in the fall I purchased a claim on what is - called the East Fork of Grand River, together with a large stock of - cattle and {66} horses, sheep and hogs; it being some sixty miles - from the aforesaid county where I first located; and moved on to - the latter place, supposing that I was at peace with all men; but - I found by sad experience that I was surrounded by enemies; for in - the fall of 1838, whilst at home with my family, I was notified by - a man by the name of James Welden, that the people of Livingston - county, had met at the house of one Doctor William P. Thompson, - then living in the attached part of said county, for the purpose of - entering into measures respecting the people called Mormons; and - the same Welden was a member of the same, and also the aforesaid - William P. Thompson was a justice of the peace; and they all - jointly agreed to drive every Mormon from the state; and notified - me that I must leave immediately, or I would be in danger of losing - my life. - - All this time some of my family were sick; but after listening to - the entreaties of my wife to flee for safety, I committed them into - the hands of God and left them, it being on Monday morning; and in - a short time after I left, there came some ten or fifteen men to my - house, and took possession of the same, and compelled my wife to - cook for them, and also made free to take such things as they saw - fit; and whilst in this situation, my child died, which I have no - reason to doubt was for the want of care; which, owing to the abuse - she received, and being deprived of rendering that care she would, - had she been otherwise situated. My boy was buried by the mob, my - wife not being able to pay the last respects to her child. - - I went from my home into Daviess county and applied to Austin A. - King and General Atchison for advice, as they were acting officers - in the state of Missouri. There were men called out to go and - liberate my family, which I had been absent from some ten or - fifteen days; and on my return I found the remainder of my family - confined to their beds, not being able the one to assist the other, - and my house guarded by an armed force. - - I was compelled to remove my family in this situation, on a bed to - a place of safety. This, together with all the trouble, and for - the want of care, was the cause of the death of the residue of - my family, as I have no doubt; which consisted of a wife and two - more children; as they died a few days after their arrival at my - friend's. Such was my situation, that I was obliged to assist in - making their coffins. - - I will give the names of some of the men that have driven me from - my house and abused my family; those that I found at my house on - my return were Samuel Law, Calvin Hatfield, Stanley Hatfield, Andy - Hatfield; and those that were leading men were James Welden, Doctor - William P. Thompson, a justice of the peace, and William Cochran, - and many others, the names I do not recollect. - - {67} I have also seen men abused in various ways; and that whilst - they were considered prisoners; such as the mob cocking their - guns and swearing that they would shoot, with their guns to their - face, and the officers of the militia, so called, standing by - without uttering a word; and in these councils they have said if a - Missourian should kill a Mormon he should draw a pension, same as a - soldier of the Revolution. - - I was also compelled to give up my gun, and the terms were, I was - to leave the aforesaid state of Missouri, or be exterminated. My - property is yet remaining in said state, whilst I am deprived of - the control of the same. - - Written this 17th day of March, 1840. - - Asahel A. Lathrop. - - Sworn to before D. W. Kilburn, J. P., Lee county, Iowa Territory. - - _Affidavit of Burr Riggs_. - - I, Burr Riggs, of the town of Quincy, and state of Illinois, do - hereby certify that in the year 1836, when moving to the state of - Missouri, with my family and others, we were met in Ray county, in - said state, by a mob of one hundred and fourteen armed men, who - commanded us not to proceed any further, but to return, or they - would take our lives; and the leader stepped forward at the same - time, and cocked his piece. We turned round with our team; and the - mob followed us about six miles and left us. - - Some time after this I moved to Caldwell county, in said state, and - purchased about two hundred acres of land, and a village lot, on - which I erected a dwelling house, staked, and commenced improving - my land, and had, at the time I was driven away, about forty acres - of corn, vegetables, etc.; and in the year 1838, in the month - of November, was compelled to leave my house and possessions in - consequence of Governor Boggs' exterminating order, without means - sufficient to bear my expense out of the state. - - Given under my hand at Quincy, Illinois, 17th March, 1840. - - Burr Riggs. - - Sworn to before C. M. Woods, Clerk of the Circuit Court, Adams - county, Illinois. - - _Affidavit of Simons P. Curtis_. - - I, Simons P. Curtis, a resident of Quincy, Adams county, Illinois, - certify that in the year 1838, I was a citizen of Caldwell county, - Missouri, residing in the city of Far West. Also that I went in - search of {68} a lost steer; and passing by Captain Bogart's camp, - while he was guarding the city, I saw the hide and feet of said - steer, which I knew to be mine; the flesh of which I suppose they - applied to their own use. - - I also certify that Wiley E. Williams, one of the Governor's aids, - who was gunkeeper, caused me to pay thirty-seven and a half cents - to him. I also paid twenty-five cents to a justice of the peace - to qualify me to testify that the gun was mine. The said Wiley E. - Williams is said to be the one that carried the story to Governor - Boggs, which story was the cause of the exterminating order being - issued, as stated by the Governor in said order. - - Simons P. Curtis. - - Sworn to before C. M. Woods, Clerk Circuit Court, Adams County, - Illinois. - - _Affidavit of Elisha H. Groves_. - - I, Elisha H. Groves, of the town of Quincy, and state of Illinois, - upon oath say, that I was a resident of Daviess county, in the - state of Missouri, and that on the 16th day of November, in the - year of our Lord, 1838, Judge Vinson Smith and others came to my - house and ordered myself and family, Levi Taylor, David Osborn and - others, to leave our possessions which we had bought of Government - and paid our money for the same, saying we must within three days - leave the county or they would take our lives, for there was no law - to save us after that time. In consequence of those proceedings, - together with Governor Boggs' exterminating order, we were - compelled to leave the state of Missouri. Furthermore this deponent - saith not. - - Given under my hand at Quincy, the 17th day of March, A. D. 1840. - - Elisha H. Groves. - - Sworn to before C. M. Woods, Clerk Circuit Court. - - _Affidavit of Jacob Foutz_. - - Quincy, Illinois, March 17, A. D. 1840. - - This is to certify that I was a citizen, resident of Caldwell - county, Missouri, at the time Governor Boggs' exterminating order - was issued; and that I was quartered on by the mob militia, without - my leave or consent at different times, and at one time by William - Mann, Hiram Cumstock, and brother, who professed to be the captain; - also Robert White; and that I was at the murder at Haun's mill, - and was wounded; and that I was driven from the state, to my - inconvenience, and {69} deprived of my freedom, as well as to my - loss of at least four hundred dollars. - - Jacob Foutz. - - Sworn to before C. M. Woods, Clerk Circuit Court. - - _Affidavit of Frederick G. Williams_. - - I do certify that I was a resident of Caldwell county, in the - State of Missouri, in the year of our Lord 1838, and owned land - to a considerable amount, building lots, etc., in the village of - Far West; and in consequence of mobocracy, together with Governor - Boggs' exterminating order, was compelled to leave the state under - great sacrifice of real and personal property, which has reduced - and left myself and family in a state of poverty, with a delicate - state of health, in an advanced stage of life. Furthermore this - deponent saith not. - - Given under my hand at Quincy, Illinois, March 17, 1840. - - Frederick G. Williams. - - Sworn to before C. M. Woods, Clerk Adams county, Illinois. - - _Statement of James Sloan_. - - James Sloan made affidavit at Quincy, that the officers of the - militia under the exterminating order of Governor Boggs in Missouri - in 1838, took possession, carried off and destroyed a store of - goods, of several hundred dollars' value, belonging to the people - called "Mormons," in Daviess county; that his life was threatened, - his property taken, and he was obliged to flee the state with his - family, greatly to his disadvantage. - - _Affidavit of David Shumaker_. - - Quincy, Illinois, Adams County, March 18, 1840. - - I, Jacob Shumaker, do certify that I went back to the state of - Missouri about the first of October last, with the calculation to - live with my family, but finding it impossible, as the mob, say to - the amount of twenty or thirty of them, surrounded my house, and - whilst they were quarreling about me, what they should do, and in - what way they should dispose of me, I crept out of the back window - and made my escape; and leaving my family to their most scandalous - abuses; my wife and oldest daughter barely escaping from their - unholy designs. - - I was thus a second time obliged to leave the state, or remain - at the risk of my life. The former alternative I chose. My loss - sustained by the above-mentioned abuses was not less than three - hundred dollars. A lot of land containing forty acres, for which - I paid four dollars per acre, situated in Caldwell county, was - unjustly and unlawfully taken {70} from me, and is still retained - by some person or persons to me unknown. I hereby certify that the - above is a true statement. - - Jacob Shumaker. - - Sworn to before C. M. Woods. - - _Affidavit of Levi Richards_. - - I, Levi Richards, a resident of Quincy, Adams county Illinois, - practitioner of medicine, certify that in the year one thousand - eight hundred and thirty-eight, I was a citizen of Far West, - Caldwell county, Missouri, and that in the fall of said year, I - saw the city invaded by a numerous armed soldiery, who compelled - its inhabitants to surrender, give up their firearms, and submit - to their dictation. They then set a strong guard around the city, - thereby preventing egress or ingress, without special permission. - Then they collected the citizens together upon the public square, - formed around them a strong guard of soldiers, and then at the - mouths of their rifles, compelled them to sign what was termed a - deed of trust, thereby depriving them of all their property and - civil rights. - - This occupied several days of most inclement weather, when they - were brought to the same order by General Clark, and I judge some - forty or fifty were made special prisoners by him. At this time he - delivered his speech to the "Mormons," which has been published, - and which is substantially correct. I was compelled by a company - of men armed with rifles, to leave my house, and go to captain - Bogart's camp, (he commanded, as I understood, a part of the guard - which surrounded the city,) upon an indirect charge or insinuation; - was detained a prisoner two days, examined, and liberated. I - then asked the clerk of the company, who had been my keeper, the - following questions, which he readily answered: - - Were those men who massacred the "Mormons" at Haun's mill, out - under the Governor's order, or were they mobbers? - - A. Mobbers. - - Are Captain Cornelius Gilliam and his company out by legal - authority, or are they mobbers? - - A. Mobbers. - - Where are those mobbers now? - - A. They have joined the army. - - This company [Gilliam's] at the surrender of Far West were painted - like Indians. The army wore a badge of red (blood). I saw a large - amount of lumber and timber destroyed, and used for fuel by the - soldiers. The destruction of cattle, hogs, etc., seemed to be their - sport, as their camp and the fields testified when they withdrew. - An excellent gun was taken from me, which I have never seen or - heard of since. A {71} gun that was left in my care was taken at - the same time, which I afterwards found with Wiley E. Williams of - Richmond, (reputed one of the Governor's aids,) to obtain which - I had to prove property, affirm before a magistrate and pay said - Williams fifty cents. - - I was called to extract lead, dress the wounds, etc., for several - persons (Saints) who were shot in the above siege, two of whom - died. Immediately previous to the above transactions, and for a - long time before, the citizens of Caldwell, and particularly Far - West, were called upon to watch for mobs by day and guard against - them by night, till it became a burden almost intolerable. - - Levi Richards. - - Sworn to before C. M. Woods. Clerk Circuit Court, Adams county, - Illinois - - _Affidavit of Gibson Gates_. - - I, Gibson Gates, do hereby certify that I was residing in Jackson - county, Missouri, in the fall of the year, 1833, and had been - for the space of about one year. I was at a meeting one day for - worship, when a man by the name of Masters came to us, stating that - he was sent by the mob to inform us that if we would forsake our - religion, they were willing to be our brethren and fight for us; - "but if not," said he, "our young men are ready, and we can scarce - constrain them from falling upon you and cutting you to pieces." - - Soon after this there came a large company of men, armed, to my - place, and with much threatening and profane words, ordered me to - be gone by the next day, or they would kill me and my family; in - consequence of which threatening, we quit our house in the month - of November, leaving most of our effects; suffering very much with - cold, fatigue and hunger, we took [set out] on the prairie, and - went southward twenty miles or more, where we stayed a few weeks. - But still being threatened by the mob, we removed to Clay county, - where we lived in peace until the fall of 1838, when a mob arose - against the people of the Church of Latter-day Saints, when we were - again obliged to leave our home, and seek safety in another place - for a few weeks. When we returned our house had been broken open, - and the lock of a trunk broken open, and the most valuable contents - thereof taken away; the most of our bedding and furniture was - either stolen or destroyed; and we were then ordered to leave the - state. - - Gibson Gates. - - Sworn to before David W. Kilbourn, J P. - - _Affidavit of David Pettigrew_. - - This is to certify, that I, David Pettigrew, was a citizen of - Jackson county, Missouri, and owned a good farm, lying on the Blue - river, six miles west of Independence, and lived in peace with the - inhabitants until the summer and fall of 1833, when the inhabitants - began to {72} threaten us with destruction. I was at work in my - field, and a man by the name of Allen, and others with him, came - along and cried out, "Mr. Pettigrew, you are at work as though - you were determined to stay here, but we are determined that you - shall leave the county immediately." I replied that I was a free - born citizen of the United States, and had done harm to no man. - "I therefore claim protection by the law of the land," and that - the law and the Constitution of the land would not suffer them to - commit so horrid a crime. They then replied that "the old law and - Constitution is worn out, and we are about to make a new one." - - I was at a meeting where we had met for prayer, and a man by the - name of Masters came and desired an interview with us; he then - stated that he was sent by the mob to inform us, that if we would - forsake our "Mormon" and Prophet religion, and become of their - religion, they, the mob, would be our brothers, and would fight for - us; "but if you will not, we are ready and will drive you from the - county." - - A few days after this, a large mob came to my house, commanded by - General Moses Wilson, Hugh Braziel and Lewis Franklin, and broke - down my door, and burst into my house, armed with guns, clubs and - knives; some of them were painted red and black. This was in the - night, and my family was much frightened. They threatened me with - immediate death if I did not leave the place. After much abuse they - left us for the night, but in a few days they returned and drove me - and my family into the street, not suffering us to take anything - with us. I saw that we must go or die; we went south to Van Buren - county, in company with eighty or ninety others. In a short time - after, I returned to my farm and found my house plundered, my grain - and crop, stock, and all my farm and farming tools laid waste and - destroyed; and shortly after my house was burned to ashes. - - I called on Esquire Western, of Independence, and inquired of - him if he could inform me what all this mobbing and riot meant, - informing him of the destruction and plundering of my house; to - which he gave me no satisfaction, but insulted me and treated - me roughly. Governor Boggs lived in the county, and I have seen - him passing through among us in our great distress, and gave no - attention to our distresses. He was then Lieutenant-Governor of the - state. On my return to my family in Van Buren county, I was much - abused by a man by the name of Brady; he said he would kill me if I - ever attempted to go to my farm, or if he saw me passing that way - again. I returned to my family, and in a few days after, a company - of men came where we lived and said they would spill my blood if I - did not leave the place immediately. The leaders of this company - were John Cornet, Thomas Langley, and Hezekiah Warden; they lived - in Jackson county. - - {73} This was in the cold winter, and our sufferings were great. I - fled across the Missouri river to Clay county, where I lived three - years; in which time I often heard Judge Cameron and others say, - that "you Mormons cannot get your rights in any of the courts of - the upper country;" and I had not the privilege of voting as a free - citizen. - - I moved to Caldwell county, bought land and opened a good farm, - and lived in peace until the summer and fall of 1838, when mobs - arose in the counties round about, and I with the rest was obliged - to take up arms in self defense; for the cry was, that mob law - should prevail, if we stood against them, until the army came and - took us all prisoners of war. I with the rest was obliged to sign - a deed of trust at the point of the sword, I with sixty others was - selected out and marched to Richmond, in Ray county, by the command - of General Clark, where they kept us a number of weeks, pretending - to try us as treasoners and murderers. At length I obtained my - liberty, and returned to my family in Caldwell county: and I found - that there was no safety there, for there was no law, but all a - scene of robbing, and plundering, and stealing. They were about to - take me again, and I was obliged to leave my family and flee to - Illinois. In about two months my family arrived, having suffered - much abuse and loss of health and property. Soon after the arrival - of my family my son, a young man, died; and I attribute his death - to the cruel barbarity of the mob of Missouri, he being a prisoner - among them, and having suffered much because of them. - - My father was a soldier, and served in the Revolutionary War, - under the great Washington, but I have not had protection on - my own lands; and I have not been permitted to see my farm in - Jackson county, Missouri, in seven years. Soldiers were stationed - or quartered in different parts of Far West; and they treated us - roughly, threatening to shoot us, and making use of anything they - pleased, such as burning house, timber, and rails, and garden - fences, and stealing and plundering what they pleased. - - When I was at Richmond, a prisoner before Judge King, we sent for - many witnesses; and when they came, they were taken and cast into - Prison with us, and we were not permitted to have any witnesses. - The day I came out of prison, they compelled me to sign a writing - which was not true or remain in prison. - - David Pettigrew. - - Sworn to before D. W. Kilbourn, J. P. - -[Sidenote: Comment of the Prophet on the Foregoing Affidavits.] - -Thus I have given a few of the multitude of affidavits which might -be given to substantiate the facts of our persecutions and deaths in -Missouri. When the brethren left Missouri, {74} they were poor, having -been plundered of everything valued by mobs. Much of the plundering -was done under the eye of the government officers, according to the -foregoing affidavits; and all by the sanction of the state of Missouri, -as the acts of her legislature testify. [5] The Saints, being so -numerous, were obliged to scatter over the state of Illinois and -different states to get bread and clothing--so that but few accounts -against Missouri could be collected without unreasonable exertions. -About 491 individuals gave in their claims against Missouri, which -I presented to Congress--amounting to about $1,381,044.00; leaving -a multitude more of similar bills hereafter to be presented, which, -if not settled immediately, will ere long amount to a handsome sum, -increasing by compound interest. - -Footnotes: - -1. This epistle is of interest as showing the spirit of the Church -government at that time, (1839) and the recognition of the rights of -individuals. For these reasons it is quoted here: - -_To the Saints scattered abroad, in the region westward from Kirtland, -Ohio_: - -Beloved Brethren:--Feeling that it is our duty, as the servants of God, -to instruct the Saints from time to time, in those things which to us -appear to be wise and proper--therefore we freely give you a few words -of advice at this time. - -We have hear it rumored abroad, that some at least, and probably many, -are making their calculations to remove back to Kirtland next season. - -Now brethren, this being the case, we advise you to abandon such an -idea; yea, we warn you, in the name of the Lord, not to remove back -there, unless you are counseled to do so by the First Presidency, and -the High Council of Nauvoo. We do not wish by this to take your agency -from you; but we feel to be plain, and pointed in our advice for we -wish to do our duty, that your sins may not be found in our skirts. -All persons are entitled to their agency, for God has so ordained -it. He has constituted mankind moral agents, and given them power to -choose good or evil; to seek after that which is good, by pursuing -the pathway of holiness in this life, which brings peace of mind, and -joy in the Holy Ghost here, and a fulness of joy and happiness at His -right hand hereafter; or to pursue an evil course, going on in sin and -rebellion against God, thereby bringing condemnation to their souls in -this world, and an eternal loss in the world to come. Since the God of -heaven has left these things optional with every individual, we do not -wish to deprive them of it. We only wish to act the part of a faithful -watchman, agreeably to the word of the Lord to Ezekiel the prophet, -(Ezekiel 33 chap. 2, 3, 4, 5, verses,) and leave it for others to do as -seemeth them good. - -Now for persons to do things, merely because they are advised to do -them, and yet murmur all the time they are doing them, is of no use at -all; they might as well not do them. There are those who profess to be -Saints who are too apt to murmur, and find fault, when any advice is -given, which comes in opposition to their feelings, even when they, -themselves, ask for counsel; much more so when counsel is given unasked -for, which does not agree with their notion of things; but brethren, we -hope for better things from the most of you; we trust that you desire -counsel, from time to time, and that you will cheerfully conform to it, -whenever your receive it from a proper source. - -It is very probable, that it may be considered wisdom for some of us, -[i. e. at Nauvoo], and perhaps others, to move back to Kirtland, to -attend to important business there: but notwithstanding that, after -what we have written, should any be so unwise to move back there, -without being first counseled so to do, their conduct will be highly -disapprobated. - -Done by order and vote of the First Presidency and High Council for the -Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, at Nauvoo, December 8, -1839. - -H.G. Sherwood, Clerk - -_Times and Seasons_, Vol. 1, p. 29. - -2. This communication of Hyrum Smith's adds nothing to his very -elaborate statement of the wrongs suffered by himself and the Saints -in Missouri already published in Volume III, pp. 403-424, except his -testimony to the truth of the Book of Mormon; and as he was one of the -Eight Witnesses to the fact of the existence of the Nephite plates -from which the record was translated, the paragraphs relating to that -testimony are give here: - -"Having given my testimony to the world of the truth of the Book of -Mormon, the renewal of the everlasting covenant, and the establishment -of the kingdom of heaven, in the last days; and having been brought -into great afflictions and distresses for the same, I thought that it -might be strengthening to my beloved brethren, to give them a short -account of my sufferings, for the truth's sake, and the state of my -mind and feelings, while under circumstances of the most trying and -afflicting nature. * * * * I had been abused and thrust into a dungeon, -and confined for months on account of my faith, and the testimony of -Jesus Christ. However I thank God that I felt a determination to die, -rather than deny then things which my eyes have seen, which my hands -had handled, and which I had borne testimony to, [all in plain allusion -to his testimony to the existence of the plates from which the Book of -Mormon was translated] wherever my lot had been cast; and I can assure -my beloved brethren that I was enabled to bear as strong a testimony, -when nothing but death presented itself, as I ever did I my life. My -confidence in God, was likewise unshaken. I knew that He who suffered -me, along with my brethren, to be thus tried, that He could and that -He would deliver us out of the hands of our enemies; and in His own -due time He did so, for which I desire to bless and praise His holy -name."--_Times and Seasons_, Vol. 1, pp. 20 and 23. - -3. This treatise on the "Regeneration and Eternal Duration of Matter," -was written by Elder Pratt while in Columbia prison, Missouri. He -explains that it "was more calculated to comfort and console myself -and friends when death stared me in the face, than as an argumentative -or philosophical production." This article has for some time been out -of print, yet it has much that is instructive in it. The author states -as a basic principle in his treatise the following: "Matter and spirit -are the two great principles of all existence. Everything animate and -inanimate is composed of one or the other, or both of these eternal -principles. I say eternal, because the elements are as durable as the -quickening power which exists in them. Matter and spirit are of equal -duration; both are self-existent,--they never began to exist, and they -never can be annihilated. * * * * Matter as well as spirit is eternal, -uncreated, self existing. However infinite the variety of its changes, -forms and shapes;--however vast and varying the parts it has to act in -the great theater of the universe;--whatever sphere its several parts -may be destined to fill in the boundless organization of infinite -wisdom, yet it is there, durable at the throne of Jehovah. And eternity -is inscribed in indelible characters on every particle. Revolution may -succeed revolution;--vegetation may bloom and flourish, generation -upon generation may pass away and others still succeed--empires may -fall to ruin, and moulder to the dust and be forgotten--the marble -monuments of antiquity may crumble to atoms and mingle in the common -ruin--the mightiest works of art, with all their glory, may sink in -oblivion and be remembered no more--worlds may startle from their -orbits, and hurling from their spheres, run lawless on each other in -conceivable confusion--element may war with element in awful majesty, -while thunders roll from sky to sky, and arrows of lightning break the -mountains asunder--scatter the rocks like hailstones--set worlds on -fire, and melt the elements with fervent heat, and yet not one grain -can be lost--not one particle can be annihilated. All these revolutions -and convulsions of nature will only serve to refine, purify, and -finally restore and renew the elements upon which they act. And like -the sunshine after a storm, or like gold seven times tried in the fire, -they will shine forth with additional luster as they roll in their -eternal spheres, in their glory, in the midst of the power of God." On -this theory of the indestructibility of matter the author proceeds to -consider the reality of the resurrection from the dead and the future -life of man in a sentient, tangible existence. "The resurrection of -the body is a complete restoration and reorganization of the physical -system of man; * * * * the elements of which his body is composed -are eternal in their duration; * * * * they form the tabernacle--the -everlasting habitation of that spirit which animated them in this life; -* * * * the spirits and bodies of men are of equal importance and -destined to form an eternal and inseparable union with each other." - -4. This affidavit, it will be observed, was given some time after the -others of this group, and appears in the Ms. of the Prophet's History -under date of March the 5th, but it is brought forward here, with all -those that follow in this chapter, that it may appear in connection -with the others of its kind. - -5. That is to say, the legislature had appropriated two hundred -thousand dollars to meet the expenses of the mob-militia in unlawfully -dispossessing the Saints of their lands and other property, and then -expelling them from the state. While on the other hand, it refused -to give any consideration worthy of the name to the petition of the -Saints for redress of their grievances; and so far was the legislature -from giving the Saints any assurance of re-instatement in the rightful -possession of their lands and other property and maintaining them -in peaceful possession of them, that it finally refused even to -investigate the justice of their claims. Under these circumstances the -Prophet is undoubtedly justified in using the language of the text. -(See Vol. III, chaps. xv, xvi.) - -{75} - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -Departure of the Prophet from Washington--Labors of Elias Higbee Before -the Senate Judiciary Committee--Report of the Committee. - -_Wednesday, 8_.--The High Council at Nauvoo voted to loan all the -moneys possible for the relief of the poor Saints. - -[Sidenote: Ministry of Brigham Young and Geo. A. Smith at Richmond, New -York.] - -This evening President Young preached at a school house in the south -west part of Richmond, [1] when the people present commenced making -a noise and disturbing the meeting, and when President Young was -reproving them for their disgraceful conduct, some of those present -fired lucifer matches. President Young rebuked them severely, and -taught them better manners, and proposed to send them some Indians from -the West to civilize them. - -_Thursday, 9_.--About this time I returned to Philadelphia, where I -continued to preach and visit for a little season. - -George A. Smith preached at Richmond this evening. His health is still -very poor, and he is almost blind. President Young also was very -feeble. While they were opening the meeting, some one threw a quantity -of brimstone in the fire, which nearly suffocated them. As soon as the -fumes of brimstone would permit, Brother Smith told them he thought he -should be in no danger of catching the itch in Massachusetts, for the -smell of brimstone indicated that it was thoroughly cured. - -_Sunday, 12_.--Elders Young and Smith held a meeting {76} at William -Pierson's, Richmond. After preaching, Elder Smith had a severe shake of -the ague, which lasted some hours. The weather was extremely cold, but -by the kind attention of Mr. Pierson's family, and William Richards, -he was in some measure relieved of his ague before he left Richmond. -President Young wore a cradle bed quilt from Far West to Richmond, -where Rhoda Richards lined Doctor Richard's old worn out plaid cloak -with President Young's quilt, with flannel between, which made him very -comfortable. - -_Monday, 13_.--Elders Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, and Theodore -Turley arrived at Preston, England. - -_Tuesday, 14_.--About this time Elder Rigdon and Doctor Foster arrived -at Philadelphia. - -[Sidenote: Appointments in the British Mission.] - -_Friday, 17_.--A special council was held at the house of Elder -Willard Richards, in Preston, Joseph Fielding, president, Theodore -Turley, scribe. Present, Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, Hiram Clark, -and Willard Richards. Council decided that Elders Woodruff and Turley -should go to the Staffordshire potteries; Elders Taylor and Fielding, -to Liverpool; Elder Clark, to Manchester, with Elder William Clayton; -and Elder Willard Richards to go where the Spirit directs; that the -Elders of the council communicate with the presidency at Preston once a -month; and Elder Richards write to Brothers Alexander Wright and Samuel -Mulliner in Scotland, and hold no general conference until more of the -Twelve arrive. - -Elders Brigham Young and George A. Smith went to Canaan, Connecticut, -with Edwin D. Pierson, Elder Smith shaking very severely with the ague -in the evening. - -_Saturday, 18_.--Elders Woodruff and Turley started for the Potteries. - -_Sunday 19_.--The High Council at Nauvoo voted to donate a city lot to -Brother James Hendrix, who was shot in Missouri; also voted to build -him a house; also donated a house and lot to Father Joseph Knight. - -{77} Elder Brigham Young preached at Sheffield mills, where he stayed -till the twenty-sixth. - -_Wednesday, 22_.--Elders Fielding and Taylor went to Liverpool and -commenced their mission. - -_Saturday, 25_.--About this time I visited the Saints at Brandywine, -where I spent some days, and returned to Philadelphia. - -_Monday, 27_.--Brothers Gibson Smith and Peter French conveyed Elders -Brigham Young and George A. Smith to New Haven, where they tarried -until the 31st. - -About the last of this month, I left Philadelphia for Washington, in -company with Brothers Rockwell, Higbee, and Doctor Foster, traveling by -railroad, having sold my carriage, and having left Elder Rigdon sick in -Philadelphia. - -_Friday, 31_.--Elders Brigham Young and George A. Smith took steamboat -from New Haven for New York City. When within eighteen miles of the -city, they took the stage, and arrived at their destination about ten -o'clock at night. When they alighted from the carriage they had no -funds to pay their fare, and Elder Young asked Captain Stone to pay -their bill, fifty cents, which he very readily did; and they found -Elder Parley P. Pratt's house in about five minutes, where they stayed -Saturday, February 1st. - -_Sunday, February 2_.--Elders Brigham Young and George A. Smith -preached in the Columbia Hall. Elder Young preached every evening -during the week, till Saturday, three times in the Columbia Hall; by -which he injured himself so much, that he was not able to dress himself -for four or five days. - -On Monday George A. Smith went to Philadelphia. - -_Thursday, 6_.--I had previously preached in Washington, and one of my -sermons I find reported in synopsis, by a member of Congress; which I -will insert entire. - - {78} _Mathew S. Davis' Description of the Prophet, and a Report of - his Washington Discourse_. - - Washington, 6th February, 1840. - - My Dear Mary:--I went last evening to hear "Joe Smith," the - celebrated Mormon, expound his doctrine. I, with several others, - had a desire to understand his tenets as explained by himself. He - is not an educated man: but he is a plain, sensible, strong minded - man. Everything he says, is said in a manner to leave an impression - that he is sincere. There is no levity, no fanaticism, no want - of dignity in his deportment. He is apparently from forty to - forty-five years of age, rather above the middle stature, and what - you ladies would call a very good looking man. In his garb there - are no peculiarities; his dress being that of a plain, unpretending - citizen. He is by profession a farmer, but is evidently well read. - - He commenced by saying, that he knew the prejudices which were - abroad in the world against him, but requested us to pay no respect - to the rumors which were in circulation respecting him or his - doctrines. He was accompanied by three or four of his followers. - He said, "I state to you our belief, so far as time will permit." - "I believe," said he, "that there is a God, possessing all the - attributes ascribed to Him by all Christians of all denominations; - that He reigns over all things in heaven and on earth, and that - all are subject to His power." He then spoke rationally of the - attributes of Divinity, such as foreknowledge, mercy &c., &c. He - then took up the Bible. "I believe," said he, "in this sacred - volume. In it the 'Mormon' faith is to be found. We teach nothing - but what the Bible teaches. We believe nothing, but what is to be - found in this book. I believe in the fall of man, as recorded in - the Bible; I believe that God foreknew everything, but did not - foreordain everything; I deny that foreordain and foreknow is the - same thing. He foreordained the fall of man; but all merciful as - He is, He foreordained at the same time, a plan of redemption for - all mankind. I believe in the Divinity of Jesus Christ, and that - He died for the sins of all men, who in Adam had fallen." He then - entered into some details, the result of which tended to show his - total unbelief of what is termed _original sin_. He believes that - it is washed away by the blood of Christ, and that it no longer - exists. As a necessary consequence, he believes that we are all - born pure and undefiled. That _all_ children dying at an early age - (say _eight_ years) not knowing good from evil, were incapable of - sinning; and that all such assuredly go to heaven. "I believe," - said he, "that a man is a moral, responsible, free agent; that - although it was foreordained he should fall, and be redeemed, yet - after the redemption it was not foreordained that he should again - sin. In the Bible a rule of conduct is laid down for him; in the - Old and {79} Testaments the law by which he is to be governed, may - be found. If he violates that law, he is to be punished for the - deeds done in the body." - - I believe that God is eternal. That He had no beginning, and can - have no end. Eternity means that which is without beginning or - end. I believe that the _soul_ is eternal; and had no beginning; - it can have no end. Here he entered into some explanations, which - were so brief that I could not perfectly comprehend him. But the - idea seemed to be that the soul of man, the spirit, had existed - from eternity in the bosom of Divinity; and so far as he was - intelligible to me, must ultimately return from whence it came. He - said very little of rewards and punishments; but one conclusion, - from what he did say, was irresistible--he contended throughout, - that everything which had a _beginning_ must have an _ending_; - and consequently if the punishment of man _commenced_ in the next - world, it must, according to his logic and belief have an _end_. - - During the whole of his address, and it occupied more than two - hours, there was no opinion or belief that he expressed, that - was calculated, in the slightest degree, to impair the morals - of society, or in any manner to degrade and brutalize the human - species. There was much in his precepts, if they were followed, - that would soften the asperities of man towards man, and that - would tend to make him a more rational being than he is generally - found to be. There was no violence, no fury, no denunciation. His - religion appears to be the religion of meekness, lowliness, and - mild persuasion. - - Towards the close of his address, he remarked that he had been - represented as pretending to be a Savior, a worker of miracles, - etc. All this was false. He made no such pretensions. He was but a - man, he said; a plain, untutored man; seeking what he should do to - be saved. He performed no miracles. He did not pretend to possess - any such power. He closed by referring to the Mormon Bible, which - he said, contained nothing inconsistent or conflicting with the - Christian Bible, and he again repeated that all who would follow - the precepts of the Bible, whether Mormon or not, would assuredly - be saved. - - Throughout his whole address, he displayed strongly a spirit - of charity and forbearance. The Mormon Bible, he said, was - communicated to him, _direct from heaven_. If there was such a - thing on earth, as the author of it, then he (Smith) was the - author; but the idea that he wished to impress was, that he had - penned it as dictated by God. - - I have taken some pains to explain this man's belief, as he - himself explained it. I have done so because it might satisfy - your curiosity, and might be interesting to you, and some of your - friends. _I have changed my opinion of the Mormons_. They are an - injured and much-abused people. Of matters of _faith_, you know - I express no opinion. I have {80} only room to add--let William, - if you cannot do it, acknowledge the receipt of this, with the - enclosure. - - Remember me to Sarah and the boys. Kiss the dear baby for me. - - Affectionately your husband, - - M. L. Davis. - - P. S.--I omitted to say, he does not believe in infant baptism, - _sprinkling_, but in _immersion_, after _eight_ years of age. - - To Mrs. Mathew L. Davis, 107 Henry Street, New York. - -[Sidenote: The Prophet's Interview with Van Buren and Calhoun.] - -During my stay I had an interview with Martin Van Buren, the President, -who treated me very insolently, and it was with great reluctance -he listened to our message, which, when he had heard, he said: -"_Gentlemen, your cause is just, but I can do nothing for you_;" -and "_If I take up for you I shall lose the vote of Missouri_." -His whole course went to show that he was an office-seeker, that -self-aggrandizement was his ruling passion, and that justice and -righteousness were no part of his composition. I found him such a -man as I could not conscientiously support at the head of our noble -Republic. I also had an interview with Mr. John C. Calhoun, whose -conduct towards me very ill became his station. I became satisfied -there was little use for me to tarry, to press the just claims of the -Saints on the consideration of the President or Congress, and stayed -but a few days, taking passage in company with Porter Rockwell and Dr. -Foster on the railroad and stages back to Dayton, Ohio. - -_Friday, 7_.--High Council at Montrose voted to disfellowship all -brethren who should persist in keeping tippling shops in that branch of -the Church. - -_Sunday, 16_.--Elder Brigham Young tarried at Elder Parley P. Pratt's, -58 Mott Street, N. Y., and Elder Heber C. Kimball arrived there this -morning. - -_Thursday, 20_.--Judge Higbee I left at Washington, and he wrote me as -follows: - - {81} _Elias Higbee's Letter to the Prophet, Reporting Progress of the - Cause of the Saints Before the Senate Committee_. - - Washington City, Feb. 20th, 1840. - - Dear Brother:--I have just returned from the Committee Room, wherein - I spoke about one hour and a half. There were but three of the - committee present, for which I am very sorry. I think they will be - obliged to acknowledge the justice of our cause. They paid good - attention; and I think my remarks were well received. It was a special - meeting appointed to hear me by my request. The Missouri Senators and - Representatives were invited to attend. Dr. Linn, and Mr. Jamieson - attended, and God gave me courage, so that I was not intimidated - by them. Dr. Linn, I thought, felt a little uneasy at times; but - manifested a much better spirit afterwards than Mr. Jamieson. - - I told them first, that I represented a suffering people, who had - been deprived, together with myself, of their rights in Missouri; who - numbered something like fifteen thousand souls; and not only they, - but many others were deprived of the rights guaranteed to them by the - Constitution of the United States. At least the amount of one hundred - and fifty thousand free-born citizens are deprived the enjoyment of - citizenship in each and every state; that we had no ingress in the - state of Missouri; nor could any of us have, only at the expense of - our lives; and this by the order of the executive. - - I then took their own declaration of the cause of our expulsion; - referred them to Parley P. Pratt's pamphlet, which I held in my hand; - then showed that the first accusation therein contained, was on - account of our religious tenets; furthermore, that the others were - utterly groundless. I went on to prove that the whole persecution, - from beginning to end, was grounded on our religious faith. For - evidence of this, I referred them to Porter Rockwell's testimony, and - P. Powell's. I stated that there was abundant testimony to prove this - to be a fact, among the documents. - - I then gave a brief history of the persecutions, from the first - settlement in the state to our final expulsion. I also stated that - the society were industrious, inoffensive, and innocent of crime; had - the _Times and Seasons_, from which I read Governor Lucas's letter - to Alanson Ripley. I also referred to Judge Young's letter from Pike - county, the clerk's and others, respecting our character in their - section of the country. I gave them some hints of the Haun's mill - massacre, and the murder of the two little boys, but referred them - more particularly to the documents for information concerning those - things; and furthermore that I had not come here to instruct them - in what they were to do in the case, but to present them with the - facts--having all confidence in this honorable body (the Congress), - believing them to be honorable men. - - {82} I demanded from them a restitution of all our rights and - privileges as citizens of the United States, and damages for all - the losses we had sustained in consequence of our persecutions and - expulsion from the state; and told them we could have recourse no - where else on earth that I knew of; that we could not sue an army of - soldiers, neither could we go into the state to sue anyone else. I - told them that I knew not how far Congress had jurisdiction in this - case, or how far they had not; but as far as they had, we claimed the - exercise of it for our relief; for we were an injured people. - - These and some others were the principal subjects of my speech; after - which Mr. Jamieson said he was once in the "Mormons'" favor; but - afterwards learned that it was impossible to live among them, for - they stole their neighbors' hogs; and there being so much testimony, - he believed it, etc., etc. I replied something like this: making - statements was one thing, and proving them was another. Mr. Linn then - said he wished me to answer one thing, viz.: If the legislature of - Missouri did not refuse to investigate the subject of our difficulties - solely on account of the trials then pending. In reply I assured him - that I knew they had refused us an investigation; but as to that being - the cause, I did not know, but told him they might have done it when - those trials were discharged. He seemed to think it an injustice for - Congress to take it up before the legislature had acted on it. - - I occupied all but a few minutes of the time when the Senate was to go - into session, so they adjourned until tomorrow at ten o'clock, when - the Missourians are to reply. Mr. Linn observed, that there was a - gentleman whom he would have before the committee on the morrow, who - lived in the upper part of Missouri, that knew everything relative - to the affair. I presume _he_ is to put in his gab. I suppose I - must attend the committee, as I am solicited by the chairman; but I - would rather take a flogging; because I must sit still, and hear a - volubility of lies concerning myself and brethren. _Lies_ I say, for - they have nothing but _lies_ to tell, that will in the least degree - justify their conduct in Missouri. Mr. Linn said he had written - to Missouri, to get all the evidence taken before Judge King; so - that if the thing must come up, he would be prepared to have a full - investigation of the matter, and that the committee should have power - to send for persons, papers, &c,. &c. - - In my remarks I stated that an article of the Constitution was - violated in not granting compulsory process for witnesses in behalf - of the prisoners; and that the main evidence adduced, upon which - they were committed, (as I understood), was from Dr. Avard, who once - belonged to our society, and was compelled to swear as suited them - best, in order to save his life; that I knew him to be a man whose - character was the {83} worst I ever knew in all my associations or - intercourse with mankind; and that I had evidence by affidavits before - them, of five or six respectable men, to prove that all he swore to - was false. - - Brethren and sisters, I want your especial prayers, that God may give - me wisdom to manage this case according to His will, and that He will - protect me from our foes, both publicly and privately. - - Yours in the bonds of love, - - Elias Higbee. - - _Second letter of Elias Higbee to the Prophet--Cause of the Saints - before the Senate Committee_. - - Washington City, February 21st, 1840. - - Dear Brother.--I have just returned again from the Committee Room. - Mr. Linn and Mr. Jamieson made some remarks, to which I replied. Mr. - Linn is much more mild and reasonable (mostly perhaps from policy) - than Mr. Jamieson, who related a long lingo of stuff, which he said - was proven before the legislature in Missouri, which amounted to about - this: that Joseph Smith gave the "Mormons" liberty to trespass on - their neighbors' property; also told them, that it all belonged to - them; as they were Israelites. Upon the strength of this they became - the aggressors. I replied that the Jackson county people in their - declaration of causes that induced them to unite in order to drive the - "Mormons," the crime of stealing, or trespassing, was not mentioned; - and there was no docket, either clerk's or justice's, that could show - it, in Jackson, Clay, Caldwell, or in Daviess counties; and that no - man ever heard such teaching or doctrine from Joseph Smith, or any - other "Mormon;" that we held to no such doctrine, neither believed in - any such thing. - - I mentioned some things contained in our Book of Doctrine and - Covenants; Government and Laws in general. I told them we had - published long ago our belief on that subject. Some things I - recollected, which were that all persons should obey the laws of the - government under which they lived, and that ecclesiastical power - should not be exercised to control our civil rights in any way; - particularly that ecclesiastical power should only be used in the - Church; and then no further than fellowship was concerned. I think - they injured their cause to-day. There is another appointment for - them on the morrow, at 10 o'clock. Their friend they said was sick, - consequently could not attend to-day. Mr. Linn said he thought it - would be time enough to take it up in Congress when they [the Saints] - could not get justice from the State; and that he was confident there - was a disposition in the state of Missouri to do us justice, should - we apply; that the reason of their refusing to investigate before - was, the trials of the prisoners were pending; and further said, - (when speaking of the trials before Judge King,) that he understood - from {84} gentlemen that the prisoners commended the Judge for his - clemency and fair dealing towards them; and acknowledged they were - guilty in part of the charge preferred against them. Mr. Linn said he - presumed I was not present, when said men were tried. I replied in the - negative, that I was not there, neither any body else that could be a - witness in their favor. The lawyers advised them to keep away if they - desired the salvation of their lives. I observed that I had read the - proceedings of the legislature, but did not now recollect them; but - since yesterday I have been reflecting on the subject, and recollect a - conversation I had with Mr. Harvey Redfield, who was the bearer of the - petition to Jefferson City, and he informed me that the reasons why - they refused an investigation, was on account of the Upper Missouri - members being so violently opposed to it, that they used their utmost - exertions, and finally succeeded in getting a majority against it; and - the reason of their taking this course was, in consequence of one of - their members being in the massacre at Haun's mill, viz., Mr. Ashley; - and Cornelius Gilliam was a leader of the first mob in Daviess county, - which the militia were called out to suppress. - - Mr. Linn said if it must come out in Congress, it should be fully - investigated, and they, the Committee, should have power to send for - persons and papers; for if we have a right to claim damages of the - United States, so had they, if all were true concerning the acts - alleged against the "Mormons;" that they had a right to ask the - Government to pay the war against the "Mormons;" but finally seemed - to disapprove of the exterminating order, which was admitted to have - existed by Mr. Jamieson, or was issued by their legislature, but that - no one ever thought of carrying it into effect. He said that General - Clark merely advised the "Mormons" to leave the State. To which I - replied, General Clark's speech was before them; that I had stated - some of its contents yesterday; and if it were necessary, I could - prove it by four or five hundred affidavits. - - Then Mr. Jamieson stated something about the prisoners making their - escape, and that he had no doubt but that they could have a fair trial - in Missouri, for the legislature, to his certain knowledge, passed - a law whereby they had a right to choose any county in the State to - be tried in. To which I replied, that I understood such a law was - passed; but notwithstanding, they could not get their trials in the - county wherein they desired; for they were forced to go to Boone, - whereas they desired to have their trials in Palmyra, where they - could get their witnesses, as that was only sixteen miles from the - river, and the other was a great distance. He said that Judge King - certainly would not go contrary to law. I told him there were some - affidavits in those documents that would tell him some things very - strange concerning Judge {85} King. Mr. Linn then wished to know if - the affidavits were from anybody else save "Mormons." I replied that - there were some others; but how many I knew not. He then wanted to - know how they were certified; whether any clerk's name was attached in - the business. I told him they were well authenticated by the Courts of - Record, with the Clerk's name attached thereto. - - After these things and some others were said, the committee refused - to consult on the subject. Only the same three attended that were - in yesterday. The Chairman observed that they had not expressed any - opinion relative to the subject; but observed his mind was made up in - relation to the matter. I think, from all I have discovered, Mr. Smith - of Indiana will be on the side of justice; but how the thing will - terminate I cannot tell. Mr. Crittenden and Mr. Strange are the two - absent members of the Committee. - - Yours in the bond of love, - - Elias Higbee. - - _Third Letter of Elias Higbee to the Prophet--Cause of the Saints - before the Senate Committee_. - - Washington, February 22nd, 1840. - - Dear Brother.--I have just returned from the Committee Room. The - Committee being present to-day, a Mr. Corwin of St. Louis, formerly a - democratic editor, emptied his budget; which was as great a bundle of - nonsense and stuff as could be thought of; I suppose not what he knew, - but what gentlemen had told him; for instance, the religious General - Clark and others. I confess I had hard work to restrain my feeling - some of the time, but I did succeed in keeping silence tolerably well. - Himself, Mr. Jamieson, and Mr. Linn summoned all the energies of their - minds to impress upon the assembly that "Joe Smith," as he called him, - led the people altogether by Revelation, in their temporal, civil, - and political matters, and by this means caused all the "Mormons" - to vote the "whole-hog" ticket on one side, except two persons. But - when I got an opportunity of speaking, I observed that Joseph Smith - never led any of the Church in these matters; as we considered him - to have no authority, neither did he presume to exercise any of that - nature; that Revelations were only concerning spiritual things in the - Church; and the Bible being our standard, we received no Revelations - contrary to it. I also observed that we were not such ignoramuses, - perhaps, as he fain would have people believe us to be; and some other - things on this subject. I then told him that every man exercised the - right of suffrage according to his better judgment, and without any - ecclesiastical restraint being put upon him; that it was all false - about a Revelation on voting; and the reason of our voting that ticket - was in consequence of {86} the Democratic principles having been - taught us from our infancy, and that they ever extended equal rights - to all; and further we had been much persecuted previous to that - time--many threatenings being made from the counties round about, as - well as among us, by those who took the lead in political affairs. It - was true we advised our brethren to vote this ticket, telling them we - thought that party would protect our rights, and not suffer us to be - driven from our lands, as we had hitherto been; believing it to be - by far the most liberal party; but in that we were mistaken, because - when it came to the test, there were as many Democrats turned against - us as Whigs; and indeed less liberality and political freedom were - manifested by them; for one Whig paper came out decidedly in our favor. - - I made these remarks partly from motives which I may at another time - explain to you. He laid great stress on the trials at Richmond, and a - constitution, that he said Avard and others (who were in good standing - in the "Mormon" Church at this time) swore to; then went on to relate - what it contained, and that it was written by Sidney Rigdon. - - I flatly denied it, and I could bring all the "Mormons," both men, - women, and children, besides myself, that would swear before all the - world, that no such thing ever existed, nor was thought of among the - "Mormons." - - He then related some things which he said John Corril had told him - at the legislature, in Missouri; which were to the effect that the - "Mormons" had burnt a number of houses in Daviess county, and that - for himself, if he could not get to heaven by being an honest man, he - would never go there. Then, I, speaking of some of the dissenters, - told him Corril was anxious to get into the Church again, and that it - was the fact in regard to damages having been done, after we had been - driven from Jackson and Clay--relating the De Witt scrape, and calling - of the militia, and the mob's marching to Daviess and saying they - would drive the "Mormons" from there to Caldwell, and then to hell; - their burning our houses: that small parties on both sides were on - the alert, and probably did some damages; though I was not personally - knowing to [it], as I was not there. I told him Joseph Smith held no - office in the country, neither was he a military man, and did not take - gun in hand in the affair to my knowledge. I then stated that John - Corril's affidavit, which contained some important facts, was before - them,--which facts I forgot to mention yesterday,--importing that he - (John Corril) was convinced we would get no redress in Missouri (he - being a member of the legislature, ought to know). I saw the Chairman - of the Committee not long since, who informed me that the Committee - had not come to a final conclusion on this matter as yet. - - I saw Mr. Jamieson on the walk, who said the first thing the {87} - Committee would do was to decide whether they would take it up and - consider it or not; and if they do take it up according to request, - the Senate will grant the Committee power to send for persons and - papers. The Committee made some inquiries respecting our religion, and - I answered there, as a matter of course, as well as I was able. - - They inquired very particularly concerning how much land we had - entered there, and how much of it yet remained unsold; when Mr. - Corwin observed that we had never entered much land there, but were - squatters. I then described the size of Caldwell and Daviess counties, - giving an explanation on these matters. - - I suppose perhaps on Monday or Tuesday, we shall know something - relative to this matter. Whether power be given them to send for - persons and papers, [or not] you may see where they depend to rally - their forces, viz., by endeavoring to make us treasonable characters, - by the constitution, said to govern us, and that everything both civil - and political among us is done by revelation. These points I desire - to blow to the four winds, and that you will select a number of firm - brethren, possessing good understanding, who will tell the truth, and - willingly send me their names when they know they are wanted. Send - plenty of them. They will get two dollars per day, and ten cents a - mile to and from, [as] expense money. Do not send them until their - subpoenas get there, for they will not draw expense money only for - going home. - - I will suggest a few names--Alanson Ripley, King Follett, Amasa Lyman, - Francis M. Higbee, as they know concerning the De Witt scrape; also - send Charles C. Rich, Seymour Brunson, and others. You will know whom - to send better than myself. - - If the Missourians should send for you, I would say consult God about - going. - - Elias Higbee. - - P. S.--Mr. Jamieson stated to me this evening, if the "Mormons" could - make it appear that they had been wronged, they would use their - influence in having them redressed, so the shame should not fall on - the whole state, but on those which had been guilty. I then observed - that there was a minority in the legislature, much in our favor, which - seemed to please him, as they alluded several times to it. The cause - of my being so particular, is to show you the whole ground I have - taken in this matter, that there may be no inconsistency. If I have - erred in this matter, it is my head and not my heart. - - Elias Higbee. - -_Sunday, 23_.--Elder Brigham Young had so far recovered as to be able -to attend preaching by Parley P. Pratt, at Columbia Hall, New York. - -{88} The High Council of Nauvoo voted, that the notes given into the -hands of Bishop Partridge, by certain individuals, as consecrations for -building the Lord's House in Far West, be returned to the same by him. - -_Tuesday, 25_.--Elders Brigham Young and Reuben Hedlock went -to Hampstead, on Long Island, and preached at Rockaway and the -neighborhood till the fourth of March, and baptized nine. - - _The Fourth Letter of Elias Higbee to the Prophet--Announces that - the Senate Committee's Report will be Adverse to the Saints_. - - Washington, February 26th, 1840. - - Dear Brother.--I am just informed, by General Wall (the Chairman of - the Committee), before whom, or to whom, our business is referred, - that the decision is against us, or in other words unfavorable, - that they believe redress can only be had in Missouri, the courts - and legislature. He says, they will report this week. I desire to - get a copy of it, and also the papers. I feel a conscience void of - offense towards God and man in this matter; that I have discharged - my duty here; and as I wish not to be on expense, as soon as I can - write to President Rigdon, get my papers, and draw some money to - bear my expenses, I shall bid adieu to this city, to return to my - family and friends. - - I feel now that we have made our last appeal to all earthly - tribunals; that we should now put our whole trust in the God of - Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. We have a right now which we could not - heretofore so fully claim--that is, of asking God for redress and - redemption, as they have been refused us by man. - - Elias Higbee. - - To Joseph Smith, Junior. - -[Sidenote: The Prophet _en route_ for Nauvoo.] - -When I had returned as far as Dayton, Ohio, I found the horses which we -left on our journey out, and from thence I pursued my journey through -Indiana on horseback, in company with Dr. Foster, leaving Brother -Porter Rockwell at Dayton; the traveling being exceedingly bad, my -progress was slow and wearisome. - -[Sidenote: Death of James Mulholland.] - -My clerk, James Mulholland, while I was absent, died {89} on November -3rd, 1839, aged thirty-five years. He was a man of fine education, and -a faithful scribe and Elder in the Church. [2] - -_Wednesday, March 4, 1840_. I arrived safely at Nauvoo, after a -wearisome journey, through alternate snow and mud, having witnessed -many vexatious movements in government officers, whose sole object -should be the peace and prosperity and happiness of the whole people; -but instead of this, I discovered that popular clamor and personal -aggrandizement were the ruling principles of those in authority; and -my heart faints within me when I see, by the visions of the Almighty, -the end of this nation, if she continues to disregard the cries and -petitions of her virtuous citizens, as she has done, and is now doing. - -I have also enjoyed many precious moments with the Saints during my -journey. - -On my way home I did not fail to proclaim the iniquity and insolence of -Martin Van Buren, toward myself and an injured people, which will have -its effect upon the public mind; and may he never be elected again to -any office of trust or power, [3] by which he may abuse the innocent -and let the guilty go free. - -I depended on Dr. Foster to keep my daily journal during this journey, -but he has failed me. - -Elders Brigham Young and Reuben Hedlock returned to New York, and held -a conference, when many Elders were ordained. - - {90} _Report of the Senate Judiciary Committee on the Case of the - Saints vs. Missouri_. - - Twenty-sixth Congress--First Session.--In the Senate of the United - States, March 4th, 1840. Submitted, laid on the table, and ordered - to be printed, the following Report, made by Mr. Wall-- - - The Committee on the Judiciary to whom was referred the Memorial of - a Delegation of the Latter-day Saints, report-- - - The Petition of the Memoralists sets forth, in substance, that - a portion of their sect commenced a settlement in the county of - Jackson, in the state of Missouri, in the summer of 1831; that - they bought lands, built houses, erected churches, and established - their homes, and engaged in all the various occupations of life; - that they were expelled from that county in 1833 by a mob, under - circumstances of great outrage, cruelty, and oppression, and - against all law, and without any offense committed on their part, - and to the destruction of property to the amount of 120,000 - dollars; that the society thus expelled amounted to about 1,200 - souls; that no compensation was ever made for the destruction of - their property in Jackson; that after their expulsion from Jackson - county, they settled in Clay county, on the opposite side of the - Missouri river, where they purchased lands, and entered others at - the land office; where they resided peaceably for three years, - engaged in cultivation, and other useful and active employments, - when the mob again threatened their peace, lives, and property; and - they became alarmed, and finally made a treaty with the citizens - of Clay county, that they should purchase their lands, and the - Saints should remove; which was complied with on their part, and - the Saints removed to the county of Caldwell, where they took up - their abode and re-established their settlement, not without heavy - pecuniary losses and other inconveniences; that the citizens of - Clay county never paid them for their lands, except for a small - part; they remained in Caldwell from 1836 until the fall of 1838, - and during that time had acquired, by purchase from the Government, - the settlers, and pre-emptioners, almost all the lands in the - county of Caldwell, and a portion of the lands in Daviess and - Carroll counties--the former county being almost entirely settled - by the Saints, and they were rapidly filling up the two latter - counties. - - Those counties, when the Saints first commenced their settlement, - were for the most part wild and uncultivated, and they had - converted them into large and well improved farms, well stocked. - Land had risen in value to ten or even twenty-five dollars per - acre, and these counties were rapidly advancing in cultivation and - wealth. - - That in August, 1838, a riot commenced, growing out of an attempt - of a Saint to vote, which resulted in creating great excitement, - and the {91} perpetration of many scenes of lawless outrage, which - are set forth in the Petition. That they were finally compelled to - fly from those counties, and on the 11th October, 1838, they sought - safety by that means, with their families, leaving many of their - effects behind. That they had previously applied to the constituted - authorities of Missouri for protection, but in vain. They allege, - that they were pursued by the mob; that conflicts ensued; deaths - occurred on each side; and finally a force was organized under the - authority of the Governor of the state of Missouri, with orders to - drive the Saints from the state, or exterminate them. The Saints - thereupon determined to make no further resistance, but to submit - themselves to the authorities of the state. - - Several of the Saints were arrested and imprisoned on a charge of - treason against the state, and the rest, amounting to about 15,000 - souls, fled into other states, principally into Illinois, where - they now reside. - - The petition is drawn up at great length, and sets forth, with - feeling and eloquence, the wrongs of which they complain; justifies - their own conduct, and aggravates that of those whom they call - their persecutors, and concludes by saying they see no redress, - unless it be obtained of the Congress of the United States, to - whom they make their solemn, last appeal, as American citizens, as - Christians, and as men; to which decision they say they will submit. - - The committee have examined the case presented by the petition, and - heard the views urged by their agent, with care and attention; and - after full examination and consideration, unanimously concur in the - opinion-- - - That the case presented for their investigation is not such a one - as will justify or authorize any interposition by this government. - - The wrongs complained of are not alleged to be committed by any of - the officers of the United States, or under the authority of its - government in any manner whatever. The allegations in the petition - relate to the acts of its citizens, and inhabitants and authorities - of the state of Missouri, of which state the petitioners were at - the time citizens, or inhabitants. - - The grievances complained of in the petition are alleged to - have been done within the territory of the state of Missouri. - The committee, under these circumstances, have not considered - themselves justified in inquiring into the truth or falsehood - of the facts charged in the petition. If they are true, the - petitioners must seek relief in the courts of judicature of - the state of Missouri, or of the United States, which has the - appropriate jurisdiction to administer full and adequate redress - for the wrongs complained of, and doubless will do so fairly and - impartially; [4] {92} or the petitioners may, if they see proper, - apply to the justice and magnanimity of the state of Missouri--an - appeal which the committee feel justified in believing will never - be made in vain by the injured or oppressed. - - It can never be presumed that a state either wants the power or - lacks the disposition to redress the wrongs of its own citizens, - committed within her own territory, whether they proceed from the - lawless acts of her officers or any other persons. The committee - therefore report that they recommend the passage of the following - resolution: - - _Resolved_, That the committee on the judiciary be discharged from - the further consideration of the memorial in this case; and that - the memorialists have leave to withdraw the papers which accompany - their memorial. - -Footnotes: - -1. Richmond is in Schoharie county, about seventy miles west of Albany, -N. Y. - -2. Mulholland street in Nauvoo was named in honor of this worthy man. -It ran east and west on the south side of the Temple block, and became -the principal business street of the city. It was to him that the -Prophet dictated a considerable part of his history. See History of the -Church, Vol. III, p. 375. - -3. He never was. In the Presidential election of 1840, Van Buren was -renominated by the Democratic Party, but was defeated by William -Henry Harrison, the Whig candidate. Harrison received two hundred and -thirty-four electoral votes to sixty for Van Buren. In 1848 Van Buren -was again a candidate for President being the nominee of the Free Soil -Party. Lewis Cass was the nominee of the Democrats, and Zachary Taylor -of the Whigs. Taylor was elected, and Van Buren did not receive a -single electoral vote. - -4. The Saints never acted upon the suggestion of the judiciary -committee of the Senate, that they take their case before the Federal -courts. The reasons why are considered at length in the introduction of -this volume which see. - -{93} - - - -CHAPTER V. - -Affairs of the Saints before United States Senate--General Conference -of the Church at Nauvoo--Action of the Church with Reference to Senate -Committee's Report--Mission to Palestine. - -_Friday, 6_.--Attended the meeting of the High Council of Iowa, at -Brother Elijah Fordham's, Montrose. - - _Extract from the Minutes of the Iowa High Council_. - - President Joseph Smith, Jun., addressed the Council on various - subjects, and in particular the consecration law; stating that - the affairs now before Congress was the only thing that ought - to interest the Saints at present; and till it was ascertained - how it would terminate, no person ought to be brought to account - before the constituted authorities of the Church for any offense - whatever; and [he] was determined that no man should be brought - before the Council in Nauvoo till that time, etc., etc. The law - of consecration could not be kept here, and that it was the will - of the Lord that we should desist from trying to keep it; and if - persisted in, it would produce a perfect defeat of its object, and - that he assumed the whole responsibility of not keeping it until - proposed by himself. [1] - - {94} He requested every exertion to be made to forward affidavits - to Washington, and also letters to members of Congress. The - following votes were then passed: - - First--That this Council will coincide with President Joseph Smith, - Jun.'s decision concerning the consecration law, on the principle - of its being the will of the Lord, and of President Smith's taking - the responsibility on himself. - - Second--That a committee of three be appointed, consisting of - Wheeler Baldwin, Lyman Wight, and Abraham O. Smoot, to obtain - affidavits and other documents to be forwarded to the city of - Washington. - - Third--That the clerk of this Council be directed to inform Judge - Higbee, that it is the wish of this Council that he should not, - upon any consideration, consent to accept of anything of Congress - short of our just rights and demands for our losses and damages in - Missouri. - -_Sunday, 8_.--I attended the Council of Nauvoo, at Brother Granger's. - -President Brigham Young preached in Columbia Hall, New York. - -_Monday, 9_.--Elders Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Parley P. Pratt, -Orson Pratt, George A. Smith, and Reuben Hedlock, sailed from New York -on the _Patrick Henry_ for Liverpool. - - _Fifth Letter of Elias Higbee to the Prophet--the Affairs of the - Saints at Washington_. - - Washington, March 9th, 1840. - - Dear Brother:--I expected, by this time, that we would be through - with our business, but the chairman of the committee gave notice - last week, he should call it [the committee's Report] up today - in the Senate; through Mr. Young's having gone to Philadelphia, - it will not be called up until his return, which will be on next - Thursday, according to the information that I have obtained - relative to this matter. If the resolution is passed, as annexed to - the Report, I shall get my papers and leave the city. - - I have written some letters to Brother Rigdon, which it seems he - did not get. Brother Samuel Bennett writes that Brother Rigdon left - Philadelphia for the Jerseys on the 5th instant. He [Rigdon] stated - that he expects me to come there to go with him home, and that he - would write me soon on the subject. I shall write for him to make - the necessary arrangements. He says Dr. Ell's family left about a - week ago for Commerce. Also that the Church there numbers about one - hundred; and Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, Brother Kimball, Brother - Brigham {95} Young, George A. Smith, and Brother Hedlock were to - sail from New York to England on the 7th instant. - - As I have lately written several letters to you, I shall bid adieu, - not to write again until after the Senate acts upon our business. - Mr. Robinson says he has sent you a report; notwithstanding, I - shall enclose another for you. - - I have changed my place of boarding in consequence of Mrs. Richey's - breaking up house-keeping, and going to Baltimore. I am busy here - at chimney corner preaching. - - Yours as ever in the bonds of everlasting love, - - Elias Higbee. - - To President Joseph Smith, Jun., Commerce, Illinois. - - P. S.--Lest my previous letters should not come to hand, I merely - say that I have been before the committee three days, and done all - in my power to effect the object of our mission; have spoken my - mind freely on the subject; and feel to have a conscience void of - offense towards God in this matter. The subscription of which the - report makes mention, was on condition that they could not lawfully - do anything for us; after examination we were to submit and wait - until the Great Disposer of human events shall adjust these things, - in that place where the wicked cease from troubling and the weary - are at rest (this I think is nearly the sentiment though perhaps - not the very words); and I for one hope and pray the time will - soon come when they will not trouble us in the west, as they have - hitherto done. - - There is a man here on whom I occasionally call, who owns two - printing presses and much type, reading our books, I will with the - assistance of God, get him to come to the west as soon as possible - with his press, that you may set him to printing the truth. He told - me, if we had any printing to do, he would do it cheap, and even go - to the west if necessary. - - Give my respects to Porter Rockwell, Dr. Foster, and also all the - household of faith. - - E. H. - -_Friday, 13_.--Jacob K. Potts and Levi Stilley made affidavit before -William Oglesby, J. P., that they witnessed the massacre at Haun's mill -on the 30th of October, 1838, confirming the statements already written -in this History. Potts had two balls shot into his right leg. - -_Sunday, 15_.--The High Council of the Church at Nauvoo voted that the -First Presidency superintend the affairs of the ferry between Nauvoo -and Montrose. - -{96} _Monday, 16_.--Elder John Taylor wrote from Liverpool: - - _Extract from Elder John Taylor's Letter--Affairs in British - Mission_. - - I told you about our coming to Liverpool. The first time I preached - ten came forward [for baptism]. We have been baptizing since: last - week we baptized nine, we are to baptize tomorrow, but how many I - know not. The little stone is rolling forth. One of the brethren - dreamed he saw two men come to Liverpool; they cast a net into the - sea and pulled it out full of fishes: he was surprised to see them - pick the small fish out first and then the large. Well, if we get - all the fish I shall be satisfied. - - Brother Woodruff has lately left the Potteries and has gone to - another neighborhood, and is making Methodist preachers scarce. - He baptized 32 persons in one week--13 of them were Methodist - preachers. Elder Clark is preaching and baptizing in and about - Manchester. The latest account from Elder Turley, he was well, - preaching and baptizing in the Potteries. Elder Willard Richards - is very busy at this period, in visiting and setting in order the - branches of the Church in Preston, Clithero, and all the regions - round about, and holding correspondence with the Elders abroad. - -[Sidenote: Judge Elias Higbee's Course at Washington Approved.] - -The High Council met at my house in Nauvoo, and resolved that Robert B. -Thompson write a letter to Judge Higbee at Washington, approving his -course and giving him certain names (for which see Thompson's letter), -that he may order subpoenas for them as witnesses in the suit now -before Congress, namely, the Latter-day Saints _versus_ the State of -Missouri, for redress of grievances. - - _Letter of R. B. Thompson to Elias Higbee, Announcing the Approval - of the Church Authorities of the Latter's Course at Washington_. - - Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, - - March 17th, 1840. - - _Elias Higbee, Esq_. - - Dear And Honored Sir:--It is with the greatest pleasure I sit down - to write to you at this time, to inform you of the situation and - state of the Church as regards the object of your mission. - - Since President Joseph Smith returned we have been favored with - several communications from you, giving a statement of the - proceedings before the committee, etc. On Monday evening last, - your letters were read to a large concourse of our brethren, and - other persons who were assembled to hear the same; and I must say - that the greatest satisfaction was manifested by the assembled - multitude, with the {97} noble stand and straightforward and - honorable course which you had pursued; and before the assembly - separated, a vote of thanks to you was unanimously agreed upon. I - can assure you that, from the feelings there, as well as upon other - occasions, [expressed] there is not only a disposition, but a fixed - determination, to uphold you in your righteous cause and sustain - you in your efforts to obtain redress for the injuries which the - Saints have borne from their unfeeling oppressors, and in bringing - their case before the authorities of the nation. - - In the evening the High Council assembled at the house of President - Joseph Smith, Jun., and took your letters into consideration, when - it was unanimously resolved that a letter should be written to you - approving the measures which you were taking. The High Council - likewise send you a list of the names of such persons as they think - will testify to such facts as you want to substantiate. The names - are as follows: - - Alanson Ripley, - - Francis Higbee, - - Lyman Wight, - - Tarlton Lewis, - - Edward Partridge, - - Parley P. Pratt, - - Thorit Parsons, - - King Follett, - - Isaac Laney, - - Harvey Redfield, - - Ellis Eames, - - Chapman Duncan, - - Smith Humphrey, - - Erastus Snow, - - John M. Burk, - - Rebecca Judd, - - Heber C. Kimball, - - William Seyley, - - Dr. Isaac Galland, - - William Chapplin, - - Ira Mills, - - Oliver Olney, - - Hyrum Smith, - - Seymour Brunson, - - Samuel Bent, - - Porter Rockwell, - - George A. Smith, - - Stephen Markham, - - Thomas Grover, - - Amanda Smith, - - Lyman Leonard, - - Alma Smith, - - Zebediah Robinson, - - Orson Hyde, - - Charles C. Rich, - - Henry G. Sherwood, - - Elias Smith, - - Sidney Rigdon. - - There probably may be others, who may occur to your mind, whom you - can send for if you think necessary. We should feel glad if you - had the assistance of Presidents Smith and Rigdon at this critical - time, while you have to contend with Jamieson, Linn [and others]. - However I hope you will go forth in the strength of the Lord, and - that truth will prevail. And I would say, "Twice is he armed who - hath his quarrel just." The principles, sir, for which you contend - are true; they are principles of justice, of humanity, of the - Constitution, and the eternal principles of righteousness. - - Although mankind may depart from those principles and be swayed - {98} by popular prejudices, and undue influences; yet at the same - time, that man who contends for the same, although he cannot - always carry his point, or convince at all times partial and - interested judges--the gem or light of truth may be darkened, and - its brilliancy for a while hid--yet when the Son of Righteousness - shall arise, and disperse the darkness and mist of superstition and - bigotry; when the true light shines, then shall it shine with all - its glorious splendor and shed forth its luster with a brilliancy - upon its advocates as shall altogether surpass the equipage and - glories of those who are now in power. - - Robert B. Thompson. - - _Letter of Horace R. Hotchkiss to Sidney Rigdon and Joseph Smith, - Jun.--Inquiring Concerning the Progress Made Before Congress_. - - Fair Haven, March 17th, 1840. - - _Reverends Sidney Rigdon and Joseph Smith, Jun_.: - - Gentlemen:--I some time since addressed a letter to Mr. [Joseph] - Smith at Philadelphia, to which I have received no reply; and was - in that city two or three weeks ago, but not being able to hear - anything of Mr. Smith, I suppose he must of course have left; and - with the hope of still reaching you, I now send to Washington. I - should have written you long before, and indeed very often this - winter, but my health has been miserable; and since my return from - Philadelphia, I have been confined to my house. - - I beg you to inform me how you are progressing with your petition - before Congress, and its probable result; whether you have any - friends in the House or in the Senate, who will bring forward your - case, and advocate it in sincerity, and persevere in your behalf - with skill and ability until something is accomplished. Milk and - water friends in Congress are good for nothing. They must be true, - have talents, be zealous, or else they will be detrimental rather - than advantageous to you. - - Should you, gentlemen, and Judge Higbee, come as far east as this, - it will afford [me] much gratification to have you take up your - quarters at my house. I did intend to see you at Washington, but my - health will not now permit. - - With much respect, yours, - - Horace R. Hotchkiss. - - _Sixth Letter of Elias Higbee to the Prophet--Affairs of the Saints - at Washington--Papers Withdrawn_. - - Washington City, March 24th, 1840. - - Dear Brother:--Our business is at last ended here. Yesterday - a resolution passed the Senate, that the committee should be - discharged; and that we might withdraw the accompanying papers, - which I have {99} done. I have also taken a copy of the memorial, - and want to be off for the west immediately. I have not gotten a - letter from President Rigdon, although I have frequently written - to him. I have received a letter from Brother Bennett, stating - that he was in the Jerseys, and that he was calculating to have me - come that way and go home with him; and also that he had business - which he wanted me to attend to at the office here. When he last - wrote, he stated that as yet he had no money to get home with, and - I hardly know what course to take in regard to the matter. If I do - not receive a letter in two or three days, I design leaving for - Philadelphia or the west. - - There is one honest Quaker-looking sort of a man here, by the name - of William Green, (instead of John Green, as I stated in a letter - to Brother Robinson), who has two iron printing presses, with other - things necessary, that would come to Commerce, provided you could - find work for him, and inform him of the same. How much work there - is to do I know not; therefore merely write that if such a man and - establishment are wanted, you could easily obtain them, or would - know where they could be obtained. He believes as much in our - religion as any other, but not much in any. - - Yours in the Lord, - - Elias Higbee. - - P.S.--I would just observe, that information has reached this - place, through some of the newspapers, that you have come out for - Harrison. It is said that the information came by some gentlemen - who obtained it from you, whilst in your company in passing through - the state of Indiana. Another paper states that 1,000 houses are to - be built in Commerce this season, which I hope is the truth. - - I would just observe (on the subject of our business) I am sorry - Judge Young had not insisted on the motion to print our papers, as - it would have been opposed; then a speech from Clay and Mr. Preston - would have been brought forth, as I have since learned: but I think - it was a trick of the Missouri Senators to slide it along without - making a noise, by its going to the committee as it did. Judge - Young says he was anxious to have it brought before the committee, - but seemed disposed to let it slide along easily, rather than run - the risk of its being refused. - - If he had let those speeches been made, almost every one would have - read them; which would have shamed Missouri, (if there is any shame - in her), and waked up the whole country, so that by another year - Congress would do something for us. But there is no need of crying - for spilt milk. I have done all I could in this matter, depending - on the good judgment of Judge Young to legislate for us to the best - advantage. I am inclined, however, to think if it was an error, it - was one of the head, and not of the heart. - - {100} Mr. Hotchkiss, of Fair Haven, Connecticut, has addressed - a letter to yourself, Brother Rigdon and myself, which seems to - be written with much good feeling. He desires to know concerning - our business here, inviting us to make his house our home, should - we travel in that region. He writes that his health is very bad. - I have been talking with Mr. Steward concerning a memorial, - requesting him to bring it before the House; he has promised to - do so if he can. He says he will talk with some of the members - respecting it. I have answered Mr. Hotchkiss' letter this day, and - sent him the report of the committee. - - E. H. - -At this time the work of the Lord is spreading rapidly in the United -States and England--Elders are traveling in almost every direction, and -multitudes are being baptized. - - _Letter of Horace R. Hotchkiss to Joseph Smith, Jun.--Offering - Tract of Land for Sale_. - - Fair Haven, 1st April, 1840. - - _Reverend Joseph Smith, Jun_.: - - My Dear Sir:--After writing you at, and then going to, - Philadelphia, and not finding you, I addressed a letter to - Washington City, and received a reply from Judge Higbee, by which - I first learned of your return to Illinois; and at the same time - I got the committee's report upon your application to Congress - for redress of the outrages perpetrated upon your people by the - Missourians. I am not, I must confess, much disappointed in the - result; as I know the vacillating, fawning character of many in - both houses of Congress; and these are not their worst traits - either, for they not only lack the moral courage to do right, but - will do what they know to be positively wrong, if they can make - political capital by it; and will abandon you, me, or any one else, - with perfect indifference, and heartless treachery, if by doing it - they can obtain governmental favor, or political preferment. If we - should not put our faith in princes, it appears most emphatically - true that we should repose no confidence in politicians. The idea - conveyed in the report, that exact justice will be meted to you by - the judicial tribunals of Missouri, is too preposterous to require - comment. It is indeed a new doctrine, that we should apply to - robbers, or their supporters, to condemn themselves, to restore - the valuables they have stolen, and to betray each other for the - murders they have committed. - - I do not believe (though I am sorry to say it) that you will - ever receive a just or honorable remuneration for your losses of - property, or {101} any reparation for the personal indignities, - privations and sufferings which your people have sustained in - Missouri. The greatest reliance you have for regaining your - wealth is in the honorable conduct of your people--their pure - morals--their correct habits--their indefatigable industry--their - untiring perseverance--and their well-directed enterprise. These - constitute a capital which can never be shaken by man, and form - the basis of all that is great in commercial influence, or in the - attainment of pecuniary power. - - Judge Higbee informs me that Mr. Rigdon is probably in New Jersey. - It would have afforded me much pleasure to have seen you all at my - house, and it was my intention to spend some time at Washington - while you were there; but my health has been so very infirm, that - it has prevented me from executing nearly all the arrangements I - had proposed for myself for the last eight months. - - Knowing the additions constantly joining your society, it has - occurred to me that some of them may be unprovided with farming - lands, and I mention at this time, that I am interested in a tract - of about 12,000 acres of very choice lands, consisting of timber - and prairie, fifteen or twenty miles from Springfield, upon which - Mr. Gillett and several other families are settled and cultivating - most excellent farms. It is one of the best neighborhoods in the - state. - - I do not know what my co-partners in this tract would say about - disposing of what remains unsold of the tract, (say eight to nine - thousand acres,) but I should be disposed to sell upon reasonable - terms, provided from twenty to forty families, valuable for their - prudence, industry, and good habits, from your society, can be - found to form a small colony of practical farmers. I am also - interested with the same gentlemen in lands near Rock River, - in Henry and Mercer counties, and believe this would, on many - accounts, be another extremely desirable place or location for a - colony of your people. I have said nothing to those owning with - me relative to this subject, but suppose they would be governed - materially by two considerations; namely, the characters of the - purchasers, and the fact of their being actual settlers or not. - - If you think two small colonies of the right sort can be formed - from your society, you will oblige by informing me at your - earliest opportunity. The price of the balance in the tract near - Springfield, including an average proportion of timber, and an - average proportion of prairie, I should think $4.50 per acre. None - of the prairie alone has been sold for less than three dollars, and - some at three and a half; and I am confident that four and a half - dollars for timber and prairie is very low, and especially as a - credit, except for a small amount, would be extended to purchasers. - The other tract is nearly all prairie, but the finest selection of - that region. It is probably worth three and a half dollars per acre. - - {102} As my paper is out, I have only room to request my respects - presented to all friends at Commerce. I beg you to tell the editor - of the _Times and Seasons_, that as soon as my health allows me to - go to the bank, I shall send him $10. - - Your obedient servant, - - Horace R. Hotchkiss. - - _Letter of Sidney Rigdon to the Prophet_. - - At James Ivans', New Jersey, - - April 3rd, 1840. - - _Brother Joseph Smith, Jun_. - - Dear Sir:--I thought I would occupy a portion of this morning in - writing to you. By a letter received from Brother Higbee yesterday, - I have learned that the Senate has decided that they have no - constitutional right to interfere in the case between us and the - people of Missouri; and refer us to the courts for redress; either - those of Missouri or the United States. Now I am confident, that - there is but one person in Missouri that we can sue with safety, - and that is Boggs, and he is known to be a bankrupt, and unable to - pay his debts; that if we should sue him, we will have the cost to - pay, as he has nothing to pay it with. We are therefore left to - bear the loss without redress, at present. - - Judge Higbee is on the way home, and has been for ten days. He - obtained money from Judge Young, to what amount I cannot say, but - he will be able to tell you when he gets home. The Judge continues - his friendship, and is ready to accommodate with money, whenever - called for. Surely he is a friend indeed, and ought never to be - forgotten. - - I am up to this time without means to get home, but I have no - uneasiness about it. I shall doubtless get means as soon as my - health will admit of my going. My health is slowly improving, and I - think if I have no relapse, I will be able to leave for home some - time in the month of May, &c. - - Sidney Rigdon. - -[Sidenote: Arrival of Brigham Young and Associates in England.] - -_Monday, April 6_.--Elders Young, Kimball, Pratt, Smith, and Hedlock -landed in Liverpool, on the first day of the eleventh year of the -Church, after a tedious passage of twenty-eight days, during sixteen -of which they encountered head winds, and one severe storm of three or -four days; and a great portion of the time the decks were covered {103} -with water--all of which tended to increase sea-sickness and suffering. - -At the time of sailing President Young's and Elder Kimball's health was -very poor. George A. Smith had the ague for six days in succession. -When the ship left her moorings the shore resounded with the songs of -the Saints, who had come down to bid them farewell; they unitedly sang -"The gallant ship is under weigh," [2] until {104} out of hearing. -The brethren occupied three berths in the forecastle, taking what was -called a steerage passage. With the exception of Elder Kimball, not -one of them had ever been to sea, and the sailors called them "land -lubbers." The ship being loaded with flour and cotton, they were packed -in a small compartment with about 100 or 120 passengers, being a motley -mixture of English, Welsh, Irish, and Scotch, who were returning home -from America to visit their friends, or had got sick of "Yankeedom" and -were leaving for "sweet home." - -They had scarcely been at sea twelve hours before the whole of them -were prostrated by sea-sickness. George A. Smith vomited up his -ague. [3] Brother Brigham Young, although confined to his berth by -sea-sickness during the entire journey, was unable to vomit. - -On coming into the Mersey the ship cast anchor in order to wait for -the tide, when a small boat put off from the shore. Brothers Young, -Kimball, and Parley P. Pratt went in it to the landing. On reaching -the quay, Brother Young shouted hosannah three times, which he had -promised to do whenever he should land on the shores of Old England. -The brethren then went to No. 8 Union Street, Liverpool, where they -procured bread and wine in order to partake of the Sacrament. - -Elders Orson Pratt and George A. Smith, and Reuben Hedlock stayed on -board to look after the baggage. About {105} three p. m., Brother -Young sent a small boat for them, and the boatmen piloted them to the -same place, where they all met together, partook of the Sacrament, and -returned thanks for their safe deliverance. - -When they landed they were almost penniless. Two or three of them had -sufficient to buy hats for those who needed them the worst. - - _Minutes of the General Conference of the Church_. - - At a General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day - Saints, held in Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, on the sixth day - of April, A.D. 1840, agreeable to previous appointment, Joseph - Smith, Jun., was called upon to preside over the meeting, and - Robert B. Thompson was chosen clerk. - - The Conference was then opened by prayer by Elder John E. Page. - - The President rose, made some observations on the business of the - Conference, exhorted the brethren who had charges to make against - individuals, and made some very appropriate remarks respecting - the pulling the beam out of their own eye, that they may see more - clearly the mote which was in their brother's eye. - - A letter was read from presidents of the Seventies, wishing for - an explanation of the steps, which the High Council had taken, in - removing Elder F. G. Bishop from the quorum of the Seventies to - that of the High Priests, without any other ordination than he had - when in the Seventies, and wished to know whether those ordained - into the Seventies at the same time F. G. Bishop was, had a right - to the High Priesthood, [4] or not. After observations on the case - by different individuals, the president gave a statement of the - authority of the Seventies, and stated that they were Elders and - not High Priests, and consequently Brother F. G. Bishop had no - claim to that office. It was then unanimously resolved that Elder - F. G. Bishop be placed back again into the quorum of the Seventies. - - On motion, resolved that the Conference adjourn until two o'clock. - - Conference met pursuant to adjournment. Prayer by Elder Joseph - Young. - - Elder Thomas Grover presented charges against Brother D. W. Rogers - for compiling a hymn-book, and selling it as the one compiled and - published by Sister Emma Smith; secondly, for writing a private - letter to New York City, casting reflections on the character of - Elder John P. Greene; and thirdly, for administering medicine - unskilfully, which had a bad effect. - - {106} On motion, resolved, that, as Brother Rogers is not present, - his case be laid over until tomorrow. - - Elder John Lawson then came forward and stated, that in consequence - of some difficulty existing in the branch of the Church where - he resided, respecting the Word of Wisdom, fellowship had been - withdrawn from him, and also from Brother Thomas S. Edwards. After - hearing the particulars, on motion, resolved, that John Lawson and - Thomas S. Edwards be restored to fellowship. - - Elder Orson Hyde addressed the Conference at some length, and - stated that it had been prophesied, some years ago, that he had - a great work to perform among the Jews; and that he had recently - been moved upon by the Spirit of the Lord to visit that people, and - gather up all the information he could respecting their movements, - expectations, &c., and communicate the same to this Church, and to - the nation at large; stating that he intended to visit the Jews in - New York, London, and Amsterdam, and then visit Constantinople and - the Holy Land. - - On motion, resolved, that Elder Orson Hyde proceed on his mission - to the Jews, and that letters of recommendation be given him, - signed by the President and Clerk of the Conference. - - Elder John E. Page then arose, and spoke with much force on the - subject of Elder Hyde's mission, the gathering of the Jews, and - the restoration of the house of Israel; proving, in a brief but - convincing manner, from the Bible, Book of Mormon, and the Book of - Doctrine and Covenants, that these things must take place, and that - the time had nearly arrived for their accomplishment. - - Adjourned until tomorrow morning, nine o'clock. - -_Tuesday morning, April 7_. - - Conference met pursuant to adjournment. A hymn was sung by the - choir, and the throne of grace was addressed by Elder Caleb Baldwin. - - Brother D. W. Rogers' case was then called up, and after many - observations and explanations, it was on motion resolved, that D. - W. Rogers be forgiven, and the hand of fellowship be continued - towards him. - - Conference adjourned for one hour, and met pursuant to adjournment. - A hymn was sung by the choir, followed by prayer by Elder Reynolds - Cahoon. - - The President called upon the Clerk to read the report of the First - Presidency and High Council, with regard to their proceedings in - purchasing lands, and securing a place of gathering for the Saints. - The report having been read, the President made some observations - respecting the pecuniary affairs of the Church, and requested the - brethren to step forward, and assist in liquidating the debts on - the town plot, so that the poor might have an inheritance. - - {107} The President then gave an account of their mission to - Washington City, the treatment they received, and the action of the - Senate on the Memorial which was presented before them. The meeting - then called for the reading of the Memorial, and the report of the - Committee on Judiciary, to whom the same was referred, which were - read. - - On motion, resolved that a committee of five be appointed to draft - resolutions expressive of the sentiments of this Conference in - reference to the report. On motion it was resolved, that Robert - D. Foster, Orson Hyde, John E. Page, Joseph Wood, and Robert B. - Thompson compose said committee, and report to this Conference. - - Resolved, that this meeting adjourn until tomorrow morning. - -_Wednesday morning, April 8_. - - Conference met pursuant to adjournment. A number were confirmed who - had been baptized the previous evening. Prayer by Elder Marks. - - The Committee appointed to draft resolutions on the report of the - Senate Committee of the Judiciary were then called upon to make - their report. Robert B. Thompson of the Committee then read the - - _Resolutions_: - - Whereas, we learn, with deep sorrow, regret, and disappointment, - that the Committee on the Judiciary to whom was referred the - Memorial of the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day - Saints (commonly called "Mormons"), complaining of the grievances - suffered by them in the state of Missouri, have reported - unfavorably to our cause, to justice, and humanity; - - _Therefore Resolved 1st_: That we consider the report of the - Committee on Judiciary, unconstitutional, and subversive to the - rights of a free people, and justly calls for the disapprobation - of all the supporters and lovers of good government and republican - principles. - - _Resolved, 2ndly_: That the Committee state, in their report, - that our Memorial _aggravates_ the case of our oppressors, and at - the same time say, that they have not examined into the truth or - falsehood of the facts mentioned in said Memorial. - - _Resolved, 3rdly_: That the Memorial does not aggravate the conduct - of our oppressors, as every statement set forth in said Memorial - was substantiated by indubitable testimony; therefore we consider - the statements of the Committee, in regard to that part, as false - and ungenerous. - - _Resolved, 4thly_: That that part of the report referring us to - the justice and magnanimity of the state of Missouri for redress, - we deem it a great insult to our good sense, better judgment, and - intelligence, when numerous affidavits, which were laid before - the Committee, prove that we could only go into the state of - Missouri contrary to the exterminating order of the Governor, and - consequently at the risk of our lives. - - {108} _Resolved, 5thly_: That after repeated appeals to the - constituted authorities of the state of Missouri for redress, which - were in vain, we fondly hoped that in the Congress of the United - States, ample justice would have been rendered us; and upon that - consideration alone, we pledged ourselves to abide their decision. - - _Resolved, 6thly_: That the exterminating order of Governor Boggs - is a direct infraction of the Constitution of the United States, - and of the state of Missouri; and the committee in refusing to - investigate the proceedings of the Executive and others of the - state of Missouri, and turning a deaf ear to the cries of widows, - orphans, and innocent blood, we deem no less than seconding the - proceeding of that murderous clan, whose deeds are recorded in - heaven, and justly call down upon their heads the righteous - judgments of an offended God. - - _Resolved, 7thly_: That the thanks of this meeting be tendered to - the citizens of the state of Illinois, for their kind, liberal, and - generous conduct towards us; and that we call upon them, as well - as every patriot in this vast Republic, to aid us in all lawful - endeavors to obtain redress for the injuries we have sustained. - - _Resolved, 8thly_: That the thanks of this meeting be tendered - to the delegation of Illinois, for the bold, manly, noble, and - independent course they have taken in presenting our case before - the nation, amid misrepresentation, contumely, and abuse, which - were heaped upon us in our suffering condition. - - _Resolved, 9thly_: That the thanks of this meeting be tendered to - Governor Carlin of Illinois, Governor Lucas of Iowa Territory, for - their sympathy, aid, and protection; and to all other honorable - gentlemen who have assisted us in our endeavors to obtain redress. - - _Resolved, 10thly_: That Joseph Smith, Jun., Sidney Rigdon, and - Elias Higbee, the Delegates appointed by this Church to visit - the City of Washington, to present our sufferings before the - authorities of the nation, be tendered the thanks of this meeting - for the prompt and efficient manner in which they have discharged - their duty; and that they be requested, in behalf of the Church - of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout the world, to - continue to use their endeavors to obtain redress for a suffering - people. And if all hopes of obtaining satisfaction for the injuries - done us be entirely blasted, that they then appeal our case to - the Court of Heaven, believing that the Great Jehovah, who rules - over the destiny of nations, and who notices the falling sparrows, - will undoubtedly redress our wrongs, and ere long avenge us of our - adversaries. [5] - - On motion, _Resolved_, That the report of the committee on the - Judiciary, {109} as well as the foregoing Preamble and Resolutions, - be published in the Quincy papers. - - On motion, _Resolved_, That a committee of three be appointed to - investigate the recommendations of those persons who wish to obtain - an ordination to the ministry, and ordain such as are thought - worthy; and that Elders Bent, Wood, and Hyde compose said committee. - - _Resolved_, That this meeting feel satisfied with the proceeding of - the Presidency with regard to the sales of town property, &c., and - that they are requested to continue in their agency. - - _Resolved_, That this meeting adjourn for one hour. - - Conference met pursuant to adjournment. - - After singing the President arose and read the 3rd chapter of - John's Gospel, after which, prayer was offered by Elder Erastus - Snow. - - The President commenced making observations on the different - subjects embraced in the chapter [previously read] particularly the - 3rd, 4th, and 5th verses, illustrating them with a very beautiful - and striking figure, and throwing a flood of light on the subjects - brought up to review. He then spoke to the Elders respecting their - mission, and advised those who went into the world to preach the - Gospel, to leave their families provided with the necessaries - of life; and to teach the gathering as set forth in the Holy - Scripture. That it had been wisdom for the most of the Church - to keep on this side of the river, that a foundation might be - established in this place; but that now it was the privilege of the - Saints to occupy the lands in Iowa, or wherever the Spirit might - lead them. That he did not wish to have any political influence, - but wished the Saints to use their political franchise to the best - of their knowledge. - - He then stated that since Elder Hyde had been appointed to visit - the Jews, he had felt an impression that it would be well for Elder - John E. Page to accompany him on his mission. It was resolved that - Elder John E. Page be appointed to accompany Elder Orson Hyde on - his mission, and that he have proper credentials given him. - - It was then resolved, that as a great part of the time of the - Conference had been taken up with charges against individuals, - which might have been settled by the different authorities of - the Church, that in future no such cases be brought before the - Conferences. - - The Committee on ordinations reported that they had ordained - thirty-one persons to be Elders in the Church, who were ordained - under the hands of Alpheus Gifford [6] and Stephen Perry, which - report was accepted. - - {110} Fredrick G. Williams presented himself on the stand, and - humbly asked forgiveness for his conduct, [while in Missouri], and - expressed his determination to do the will of God in the future. - His case was presented to the Conference by President Hyrum Smith, - when it was unanimously - - _Resolved_, - - That Fredrick G. Williams be forgiven, and be received into the - fellowship of the Church. - - It was reported that seventy-five persons had been baptized during - the Conference, and that upwards of fifty had been received into - the quorum of Seventies. - - President Hyrum Smith dismissed the assembly. After he had made a - few observations, the Conference was closed, under the blessings of - the Presidency, until the first Friday in October next. - - Joseph Smith, Jun., - - President. - -Footnotes: - -1. This is the record of a very important action. The law of -consecration and stewardship, with which the action deals, was given -to the church by revelation (Doc. and Cov. sec. xlii). Its fundamental -principle is the recognition of God as the possessor of all things, the -earth and the fullness thereof. It is His by right of proprietorship. -He created it and sustains it by His power. This recognized, it follows -that whatsoever man possesses in it, he holds as a stewardship merely. -These principles the Saints were called upon to recognize and act under -in the establishment of Zion in Missouri; and apparently the Saints -in Iowa were disposed to undertake the same order of things in the -settlement they were then making, until stopped by the Prophet. The -action of the Prophet in this instance demonstrates the elasticity in -church government, and law. The Lord, who commanded to move forward, -may also command a halt. He who said take neither purse nor scrip when -going to preach the Gospel (Matt. x:10) may later say, under other -circumstances, "He that hath a purse let him take it, and likewise -his scrip" (Luke xxii:35, 36). So, too, in other matters. The Lord -commanded the colony of Lehi that there should no man among them -"have save it be but one wife, and concubines ye shall have none;" -yet reserved the right to command His people otherwise should the -accomplishment of His purposes require it. (Book of Mormon, Jacob -ii:24-30.) - -2. The hymn was composed by W. W. Phelps, and is worthy of reproduction -in extenso. - - The gallant ship is under weigh - To bear me off to sea, - And yonder floats the streamer gay - That says she waits for me. - The seamen dip the ready oar, - As rippled waves oft tell, - They bear me swiftly from the shore: - My native land, farewell! - - I go, not to plough the main, - To ease a restless mind, - Nor yet to toil on battle's plain, - The victor's wreath to find. - 'Tis not for treasures that are hid - In mountain or in dell, - 'Tis not for joys like these I bid - My native land, farewell! - - I go to break the fowler's snare, - To gather Israel home; - I go the name of Christ to bear - In lands and isles unknown. - And soon my pilgrim feet shall tread - On land where errors dwell, - Whence light and truth have long since fled, - My native land, farewell! - - I go, an erring child of dust, - Ten thousand foes among, - Yet on His mighty arm I trust. - Who makes the feeble strong. - My sun, my shield, forever nigh. - He will my fears dispel, - This hope supports me when I sigh, - My native land, farewell! - - I go devoted to His cause, - And to His will resigned; - His presence will supply the loss - Of all I leave behind. - His promise cheers the sinking heart - And lights the darkest cell, - To exiled pilgrims grace imparts; - My native land, farewell! - - I go, it is my Master's call, - He's made my duty plain, - No danger can the heart appall - When Jesus stoops to reign. - And now the vessel's side we've made, - The sails their bosoms swell. - Thy beauties in the distance fade, - My native land, farewell! - -3. It is said that he never had the ague afterwards. - -4. To the office of High Priest is what is meant; Seventies, of course, -hold the Melchisedek or High Priesthood. - -5. See Introduction to Volume III History of the Church, where -retribution on Missouri is considered at length. - -6. Alpheus Gifford was born in Adams township, Berkshire County, -Massachusetts, August 28, 1793. At the age of eighteen, having scarcely -sufficient learning to enable him to read the Bible, he commenced -preaching the Gospel, not for hire, but for the salvation of souls. -In 1817, he married Anna Nash, who bore him seven sons and three -daughters. In the spring of 1831, hearing of the doctrines taught by -Joseph Smith he made diligent inquiry and found they were scriptural -and was baptized and ordained a priest; he brought home five books of -Mormon which he distributed among his friends; he was then living in -Tioga County, Pennsylvania. Soon after he went to Kirtland, Ohio, to -see the Prophet Joseph Smith and the brethren, when he was ordained -an elder; he was accompanied by his brother Levi, Elial Strong, -Eleazer Miller, Enos Curtis, and Abraham Brown, who were baptized. On -returning to Pennsylvania he preached and baptized many, among whom -was Heber C. Kimball. The gifts of the Gospel were enjoyed by many, -signs followed those who believed; devils were cast out; the sick were -healed; many prophesied; some spake with new tongues; while others -interpreted the same. Mr. Calvin Gilmour, with whom Brother Gifford had -previously been associated in preaching, heard him speak in tongues and -interpret. Gilmour declared he understood the languages and that they -were interpreted correctly, and that he knew Gifford had no classical -learning; but that he would rather be damned than believe in Mormonism. - -In June 1832, Brother Gifford started for Missouri; traveled to -Cincinnati and wintered there with a few saints who bad been baptized -by Lyman Wight. He arrived in Jackson county, Missouri, in March, 1833, -where he preached extensively; he was driven with the Saints from that -county in the fall of that year. He removed to Clay county, enduring -the persecution incident upon settling in, and final expulsion from, -the same. He went to Kirtland, Ohio, and attended the dedication of the -Temple and received the ordinances there administered. He returned to -Missouri and was driven with the Saints to Far West, Caldwell county. -In the winter of 1839, he was driven from Missouri. He located in the -Morley settlement near Lima, Illinois, and subsequently five miles -above Nauvoo, where he died December 25, 1841. (_Addenda_, Ms. Church -History, Book "C" 2. Also page 404.) - -{111} - - - -CHAPTER VI. - -Development of the Work in England--The Palestine Mission--Post-Office -Name Changed from Commerce to Nauvoo. - -_April 7_.--The brethren [President Brigham Young, _et al_.] found -Elder John Taylor, who, in company with Joseph Fielding, had recently -built up a branch of twenty-eight members in Liverpool. - -_April 8_.--President Brigham Young and company went to Elder -Richards', at Preston, by railway; when they arrived there, they had -not a single sixpence left. So emaciated was President Young at this -time from his long sickness, and journey, that when Elder Richards -returned home this day from a mission to Clitheroe, and found him in -his room, he did not know him. - - _Letter of Hon. Richard M. Young to Elias Higbee_. - - Washington City, April 9, 1840. - - _Judge Elias Higbee_: - - Dear Sir:--Having a private opportunity, by Judge Snow, of Quincy, - I have sent you two receipts, one for $50, and the other for $90, - making together $140, to Mr. E. I. Philips, cashier of the branch - of the State Bank of Illinois, at Quincy. When it is convenient - for you to make payment, will you have the goodness to send the - money to Mr. Philips, who is instructed to receive it, and apply it - towards the payment of a note of mine in that bank. - - I received a letter from Mr. Rigdon a few days ago. It was mailed - in Philadelphia, but was dated on the inside in New Jersey. His - health is gradually but slowly improving, and he thinks he will set - out for home some time in May. He wished a small sum of money, $40, - deposited in one of the banks here, for a gentleman in Buffalo, - New York, which I have attended to according to his direction and - request. I also informed him, if he stood in need of more, to call - on me and it would give me pleasure to accommodate him; so you need - not be uneasy on that score. - - {112} Nothing new has transpired since you left us, with the - exception of the death of one of the Connecticut Senators, Mr. - Thadeus Betts, who died yesterday. His funeral took place today, - hence no business was transacted in the Senate. We have also lost - the Cumberland Road Bill by a final vote in the Senate, 20 voting - for and 22 against it; one single vote from the majority would - have saved it, by making a tie. The Vice-President was exceedingly - anxious for the opportunity of getting the casting vote in its - favor. Mr. Clay, of Kentucky, made a speech against and voted - throughout against it. Grundy, of Tennessee, Wright of New York, - and Buchanan of Pennsylvania, three of the leading Democrats in the - Senate voted for it. There were but seven Whigs who voted for it, - and thirteen Democrats. I think we will adjourn about the first or - second Monday in June. - - I received from Mr. Rigdon the Petition and papers in relation to - a change of postmaster at Commerce, with an affidavit from Doctor - Galland, all of which have been laid before the proper department. - As soon as I get an answer, it shall be communicated to you. Don't - forget to have the _Times and Seasons_ sent to me. Give my respects - to Rev. Joseph Smith, and accept for yourself my best wishes for - your happiness. - - Yours, etc., - - Richard M. Young. - -[Sidenote: _The News_.] - -In the _Times and Seasons_ of this month is a prospectus for publishing -at Nauvoo, a weekly paper, to be called _The News_. [1] - - _Orson Hyde's Credentials as a Missionary to Palestine_. - - _To all people unto whom these presents shall come, Greeting_-- - - Be it known that we, the constituted authorities of the Church - of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, assembled in Conference at - Nauvoo, Hancock county, and state of Illinois, on the sixth day - of April, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and - forty, considering an important event at hand, an event involving - the interest and fate of the Gentile nations throughout the - world--from the signs of the times and from declarations contained - in the oracles of God, we are forced to come to this conclusion. - The Jewish nations have been scattered abroad among the Gentiles - for a long period; and in our estimation, the {113} time of the - commencement of their return to the Holy Land has already arrived. - As this scattered and persecuted people are set among the Gentiles - as a sign unto them of the second coming of the Messiah, and also - of the overthrow of the present kingdoms and governments of the - earth, by the potency of His Almighty arm in scattering famine and - pestilence like the frosts and snows of winter, and sending the - sword with nation against nation to bathe it in each other's blood; - it is highly important, in our opinion, that the present views and - movements of the Jewish people be sought after and laid before the - American people, for their consideration, their profit and their - learning. - - And feeling it to be our duty to employ the most efficient means - in our power to save the children of men from "the abomination - that maketh desolate," we have, by the counsel of the Holy Spirit, - appointed Elder Orson Hyde, the bearer of these presents, a - faithful and worthy minister of Jesus Christ, to be our Agent and - Representative in foreign lands, to visit the cities of London, - Amsterdam, Constantinople, and Jerusalem; and also other places - that he may deem expedient; and converse with the priests, rulers, - and elders of the Jews, and obtain from them all the information - possible, and communicate the same to some principal paper for - publication, that it may have a general circulation throughout the - United States. - - As Mr. Hyde has willingly and cheerfully accepted the appointment - to become our servant and the servant of the public in distant and - foreign countries, for Christ's sake, we do confidently recommend - him to all religious and Christian people, and to gentlemen and - ladies making no profession, as a worthy member of society, - possessing much zeal to promote the happiness of mankind, fully - believing that they will be forward to render him all the pecuniary - aid he needs to accomplish this laborious and hazardous mission for - the general good of the human family. - - Ministers of every denomination upon whom Mr. Hyde shall call, are - requested to hold up his hands, and aid him by their influence, - with an assurance that such as do this shall have the prayers and - blessings of a poor and afflicted people, whose blood has flowed - to test the depths of their sincerity and to crimson the face of - freedom's soil with martyr's blood. - - Mr. Hyde is instructed by this Conference to transmit to this - country nothing but simple facts for publication, entirely - disconnected with any peculiar views of theology, leaving each - class to make their own comments and draw their own inferences. - - Given under our hands at the time and place before mentioned. - - Joseph Smith, Jun., Chairman. - - Robert B. Thompson, Clerk. - -{114} _Sunday, 12_.--Several of the Twelve bore their public testimony -to the Gospel in the Cock Pit, Preston. - -The High Council of Nauvoo met at my house, when I proposed that -Brother Hyrum Smith go east with Oliver Granger to settle some business -transactions of the Church which the Council sanctioned; and voted, -"that President Joseph Smith, Jun., make the necessary credentials for -Oliver Granger and Hyrum Smith." - -[Sidenote: Earthquakes.] - -_Monday, 13_.--From the second of October, 1839, to this date, there -have been one hundred and forty-five shocks of earthquake in Scotland, -reported by Mr. Milne to the Royal Society of Edinburgh. Some of these -shocks were sufficient to alter the natural levels of the ground more -than two degrees, and some witnesses thought four degrees, and caused -houses to rock like boats on the sea. - -[Sidenote: Ordination of Willard Richards to the Apostleship.] - -_Tuesday, 14_.--A council of the Twelve, namely, Brigham Young, Heber -C. Kimball, Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, George -A. Smith and John Taylor, was held at the house of Elder Willard -Richards, in Preston, England, when the latter was ordained to the -Apostleship,--agreeably to the revelation,--by President Young, under -the hands of the quorum present. Other business was transacted, as -also on the following days, all of which may be seen by reference to -President Young's letter of the 17th instant. - -_Wednesday, 15_.--Elder Orson Hyde left Commerce for Jerusalem. - -_Thursday, 16_.--Elder Orson Hyde met with John E. Page at Lima. - - _Letter of Brigham Young to the Saints of the United - States--Affairs of the British Mission_. - - Preston, England, April 17, 1840. - - To the Saints in the United States of America: For the comfort of - the Church in general, in that country, I attempt to address a few - lines {115} to you, to let you know where we are, and what we are - doing in this country. - - The work of the Lord is progressing here, and has been ever since - Elders Orson Hyde and H. C. Kimball left this country. According - to the account that the Elders give of their labors, there have - been about eight or nine hundred persons baptized since they left. - The Gospel is spreading, the devils are roaring. As nigh as I can - learn, the priests are howling, the tares are binding up, the wheat - is gathering, nations are trembling, and kingdoms tottering; "men's - hearts failing them for fear, and for looking for those things that - are coming on the earth." The poor among men are rejoicing in the - Lord, and the meek do increase their joy. The hearts of the wicked - do wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. - - But I rejoice that I am counted worthy to be one of the number to - carry salvation to the poor and meek of the earth. Brethren, I want - to say many things, but I shall not have room on this paper, as I - design giving the minutes of our conference below. - - After a long and tedious voyage of 28 days on the water, we landed - in Liverpool, Elders Heber C. Kimball, Parley P. Pratt, Orson - Pratt, George A. Smith, Reuben Hedlock, were in the company. We - rejoiced in the Lord, and when we cast our minds upon the Saints in - that country, [the United States] we could, by faith participate in - their joys, realizing they were met in conference, it being the 6th - day of April. We soon found a room that we could have to ourselves, - which made our solemn assembly glorious. We blest each other and - prepared for our labor. The next day we found Elder Taylor in the - city. There had been about thirty baptized. On Wednesday went to - Preston; met with the church on Sunday, and bore testimony to the - things the Lord is doing in these last day's. President Joseph - Fielding gave out an appointment for a conference for the church on - Wednesday, the 15th. - - At a council of the Twelve, held in Preston, England, on the 14th - of April, 1840, it being the 9th day of the 1st month of the 11th - year of the rise of the Church of Jesus Christ, Elders Brigham - Young, Heber C. Kimball, Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, Wilford - Woodruff, John Taylor and George A. Smith, being present, Elder - Brigham Young was called to preside, and Elder John Taylor chosen - secretary. - - The council was opened by prayer by Elder Brigham Young. Elder - Willard Richards was ordained to the office of an Apostle, and - received into the quorum of the Twelve by unanimous vote, according - to previous revelation. Elder Brigham Young was unanimously chosen - as the President of the Twelve. [2] - - {116} Resolved, that he who acts as the secretary of the quorum, - shall prepare the minutes of the conference of the quorum, and - deposit them in the hands of the president for keeping. - - Moved by Elder Kimball, and seconded by Elder Richards, that twenty - of the Seventies be sent for, and that it be left discretionary - with the President of the Twelve to send for more if he think - proper. Conference adjourned. Benediction by Elder Kimball. - - At a general conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day - Saints, held in the Temperance Hall, Preston, Lancashire, England, - on the 15th of April, 1840, President Joseph Fielding called upon - Elder Kimball to preside, and Elder William Clayton was chosen - clerk, it being the 10th day of the 1st month of the 11th year of - the rise of the Church. - - The meeting was opened by singing, and prayer by Elder Kimball. - Elder Kimball then called upon the Elders to represent the - different branches of the Church. Elder Joseph Fielding represented - the church in Preston, consisting of about three hundred members, - seven Elders, eight Priests, six Teachers, and two Deacons. Elder - Peter Melling represented the church in Penworthan, consisting of - seventy-three members, three Elders, one Priest, two Teachers. John - Jackson represented the church at Southport, consisting of twenty - members, one Priest, and one Teacher. Elder John Moon represented - the church at Danbers Lane, and neighborhood--members generally in - good standing, consisting of fifty-four members, one Elder, two - Priests, three Teachers. Richard Benson, represented the church at - Hunter's Hill and neighborhood, consisting of seventeen members, - one Elder, one Priest, one Teacher. - - Elder Amos Fielding, represented the church at Bolton, consisting - of sixty members, one Elder, two Priests, two Teachers. Elder Amos - Fielding represented the church at Heskin, consisting of three - members, one Elder. Elder Amos Fielding represented the Church at - Radcliff, consisting of ten members. Elder Withnal represented - the {117} church at Whittle, consisting of eighteen members, one - Elder, four Priests. Elder Francis Clark represented the church - at Ribchester, consisting of twenty-five members, two Elders, one - Priest. Elder Thomas Richardson represented the church at Burnley, - consisting of twenty four members, generally in good standing, one - Priest, one Teacher. Elder Francis Moon represented the church - at Blackburn, consisting of fifteen members, one Priest. Elder - James Smithies represented the church at Chardgley and Thornley, - consisting of twenty-nine members, two Elders, one Priest, one - Teacher, one Deacon. - - Priest John Ellison represented the church at Waddington, - consisting of fifty members, two Priests, two Teachers, one Deacon. - Elder Thomas Smith represented the church at Clitheroe, consisting - of twenty-seven members, one Elder, three Priests. Elder Thomas - Smith represented the church at Catburn, consisting of eighty-four - members, one Elder, two Priests, two Teachers, one Deacon. Elder - Thomas Smith represented the church at Downham, consisting of - twenty members, one Teacher, one Deacon. - - Elder Thomas Smith represented the church at Gridleton, consisting - of five members. Elder William Clayton represented the church at - Manchester, consisting of two hundred and forty members, three - Elders, five Priests, four Teachers, one Deacon. Elder William - Clayton represented the church at Stockport, consisting of forty - members, one Priest, two Teachers, one Deacon. Elder William - Clayton represented the church at Peover and Macclesfield, - consisting of thirty members, three Priests. Elder William - Clayton represented the church at Duckinfield, consisting of - thirty members, one Priest. Elder William Clayton represented the - church at Altrincham, consisting of eight members, one Priest, - one Teacher. Elder William Clayton represented the church at - Middlewich, consisting of six members. - - Elder David Wilding represented the church at Bury and Elton, - consisting of twelve members. Elder Wilford Woodruff represented - the church in the Potteries, consisting of one hundred and one - members, one Elder, two Priests, four Teachers, one Deacon. - Elder Wilford Woodruff represented the church at Herefordshire, - consisting of one hundred and sixty members, one Elder, two - Priests; about forty of them were Methodist preachers of the United - Brethren. - - Elder John Taylor represented the church at Liverpool, consisting - of twenty-eight members. Elder Joseph Fielding represented the - church at Alston, Cumberland, consisting of forty members, - two Elders, two Priests, two Teachers. Elder Willard Richards - represented the church at Brampton, consisting of thirty members, - one Elder, one Priest. Elder Willard Richards represented the - church at Bedford, consisting of forty members, one Elder, one - Priest. Elder Willard Richards {118} represented the church at - Scotland, consisting of twenty-one members, three Elders. - - The meeting was then adjourned for one hour. The conference again - assembled at half-past one o'clock. Meeting opened by prayer, and - business commenced. - - Elder John Moon represented the church at Layland Moss, consisting - of six members, one Priest. - - Elder Willard Richards having been previously ordained into the - quorum of the Twelve, according to previous revelation, it was - moved by Elder Young, and seconded by Elder Taylor, that Elder - Hyrum Clark be appointed as a counselor to Elder Fielding, in the - place of Elder Richards; carried unanimously. - - Moved by Elder Fielding, seconded by Elder Young, that a hymnbook - should be published; carried. Moved and seconded, that the - publishing of the hymn-book shall be done by the direction of the - Twelve; carried. - - Moved and seconded that a monthly periodical shall be published - under the direction and superintendence of the Twelve, for the - benefit and information of the Church, as soon as a sufficient - number of subscribers shall be obtained; carried. - - Moved and seconded that Brother John Blazard, of Samsbury, be - ordained to the office of a Priest; carried. - - Moved and seconded that Brother James Cobridge, of Thornley, be - ordained to the office of Priest; carried. - - Elder Kimball then laid before the conference the importance and - propriety of ordaining a Patriarch to bestow patriarchal blessings - on the fatherless, &c.; referred to the Twelve, whose business it - is to select one, and ordain him according to the directions of the - Spirit. - - After various remarks and addresses given by the Elders, President - Fielding and his counselors proceeded to ordain Brothers Blazard - and Cobridge to their offices, as stated above. - - Elder Kimball then called upon the clerk to read over the minutes - of the conference, which being done, they were received by the - unanimous voice of the conference. - - Moved by Elder Young, and seconded by Elder Parley P. Pratt, that - this conference be adjourned until the 6th of July next, to be held - in Preston, at 10 o'clock a. m.; carried. Meeting then adjourned. - - H. C. Kimball, President. - - Wm. Clayton, Clerk. - - _Council Meeting of the Twelve in England--Hymn-Book and the - "Millennial Star" Projected_. - - The Council met pursuant to adjournment, April 16th, 1840. The - number of the quorum the same as on the 14th. - - {119} Moved by Elder Young, seconded by Elder Taylor, that Elder - Parley P. Pratt be chosen as the editor of the monthly periodical - for the Church. - - Moved by Elder Kimball, seconded by Parley P. Pratt, that a - committee of three be appointed to make a selection of hymns. - - Moved by Elder Orson Pratt, and seconded by Elder Wilford Woodruff, - that Elders Brigham Young, Parley P. Pratt, and John Taylor form - the committee for that purpose. - - Moved by Elder Willard Richards, seconded by Elder George A. Smith, - that the name of the paper or periodical be the _Latter-day Saints - Millennial Star_. - - Moved by Elder Brigham Young, seconded by Elder Orson Pratt, that - the size of the paper, its plan, and price be left at the disposal - of the editor. - - Moved by Elder Brigham Young, seconded by Elder Heber C. Kimball, - that the Saints receive a recommend to the Church in America to - move in small or large bodies, inasmuch as they desire to emigrate - to that new country. - - Moved by Elder Brigham Young, seconded by Parley P. Pratt, that we - recommend no one to go to America that has money, without assisting - the poor according to our counsel from time to time. - - Moved by Elder John Taylor, seconded by Elder Parley P. Pratt, that - the copyright of the Book of Doctrine and Covenants and the Book of - Mormon be secured as quick as possible. - - Moved by Elder Woodruff, seconded by Elder Willard Richards, that - Elders Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, and Parley P. Pratt be the - committee to secure the copyright. - - Moved by Elder Heber C. Kimball, and seconded by Elder Willard - Richards, that Elder Peter Melling be ordained an evangelical - minister [Patriarch] in Preston. - - Moved by Elder Heber C. Kimball, that the Twelve meet here on the - 6th of July next, seconded by Elder Wilford Woodruff; and carried. - - Moved by Elder Willard Richards, and seconded by Elder Wilford - Woodruff, that the editor of the periodical keep an account of all - the receipts and expenditures connected with the printing, general - expense, &c., and the books at all times be open for the inspection - of the Council. - - The above resolutions were unanimously adopted. The conference - closed by prayer. - - John Taylor, Clerk. - - _Letter of Brigham Young to the Prophet_. - - _To President Joseph Smith and Counselors_: - - Dear Brethren:--You no doubt will have the perusal of this letter, - and minutes of our conference; this will give you an idea of what - we {120} are doing in this country. If you see anything in or about - the whole affair, that is not right, I ask, in the name of the Lord - Jesus Christ, that you would make known unto us the mind of the - Lord, and His will concerning us. I believe that I am as willing to - do the will of the Lord, and take counsel of my brethren, and be - a servant of the Church, as ever I was in my life; but I can tell - you, I would like to be with my old friends; I like new friends, - but I cannot part with my old ones for them. - - Concerning the hymn-book--when we arrived here, we found the - brethren had laid by their old hymn-books, and they wanted new - ones; for the Bible, religion, and all is new to them. When I came - to learn more about carrying books into the states, or bringing - them here, I found the duties were so high that we never should - want to bring books from the states. - - I request one favor of you, that is, a letter from you, that I - may hear from my friends. I trust that I will remain your friend - through life and in eternity. As ever. - - Brigham Young. - -_April 17_.--This day the Twelve blessed and drank a bottle of wine at -Penworthan, made by Mother Moon forty years before. Held a Council at -her house in the evening, and ordained Peter Melling, Patriarch. [3] - -The following is the aggregate number of churches, official and private -members represented at the above Conferences, held in Preston, England: -Elders, 36; Priests, 54; Teachers, 36; Deacons, 11; members, 1,686; all -contained in 34 branches. - -_Saturday, 18_.--Elders Young, Woodruff, and George A. Smith went to -Burslem, and Elders Kimball and Richards to Chaidgley. - -_Sunday, 19_.--The High Council voted to meet at my office every -Saturday at two in the afternoon. - -[Sidenote: Mission Opened in Scotland--Orson Pratt.] - -_Monday, 20_.--Elders Young and Woodruff went to Wolverhampton. About -this time Elder Orson Pratt went to Edinburgh, Scotland. Elder Taylor -returned to Liverpool. - - {121} _Letter of Robert Johnstone to Senator Young--Postoffice Name - Changed from Commerce to Nauvoo_. - - Postoffice Department, Appointment Office, - - 21st April, 1830. - - Sir:--I have the honor to inform you, that the Postmaster General - has this day changed the name of the postoffice at Commerce, - Hancock county, Illinois, to "Nauvoo," and appointed George W. - Robinson postmaster thereof. - - Very respectfully, your obedient servant, - - Robert Johnstone, - - Second Assistant Postmaster General. - - To the Hon. Richard M. Young, U.S. Senate. - -Elders Young and Woodruff visited the old cathedral at Worcester on -their way to Ledbury, where they arrived this night. - - _Letter of Senator Young to Judge Elias Higbee--Postoffice Name, - etc_. - - Washington City, April 22, 1840. - - Dear Sir:--After your departure from this city, I received, under - cover from the Reverend Sidney Rigdon, the petition mentioned - by you, for the appointment of George W. Robinson as postmaster - at Commerce. This petition I laid before the Honorable Robert - Johnstone, second assistant postmaster general, who has appointed - Mr. Robinson as requested. - - We found, on examination of the papers, and a letter from Dr. - Gallad, that there was a request that the name of the postoffice - should be changed to that of Nauvoo, a Hebrew term, signifying a - beautiful place. Mr. Johnstone, at my instance, has changed the - name accordingly, in the supposition that it would be agreeable to - the citizens concerned. Will you please advise with the Rev. Joseph - Smith and others most immediately interested, and if the change of - the name to Nauvoo should not be acceptable, it can on application - be restored to that of Commerce. - - I received a letter from Malcolm McGregor, Esq., postmaster at - Carthage, a few days ago, in which he urges the necessity of having - the mail carried twice a week, between Carthage and Nauvoo, and - expresses the opinion that the additional expenses would not exceed - one hundred and fifty dollars, as the mail is carried on horseback. - I have brought the subject before the proper department as - requested by Mr. McGregor, and hope to be able to succeed; although - the Postoffice Department, owing to pecuniary embarrassment, is not - in a situation to extend facilities at the present time. - - {122} Please present my respects to Mr. Smith, and accept for - yourself my kindest regards. - - Very respectfully, &c., - - Richard M. Young. - - To Judge Elias Higbee. - -_Wednesday, 22_.--Elders Young and Woodruff organized a branch of the -Church at Frooms Hill, Herefordshire. - -_Thursday, 23_.--Elders Kimball and Richards returned to Preston. Elder -Young visited at Moor Ends Cross, and 24th preached at Malvern Hill. -Elder Kimball went to Eccleston and continued some days visiting the -churches around Preston. - -_Saturday, 25_.--Elder Richards went to Manchester, found the -_Prospectus_ for the _Millennial Star_ ready. Elder Young returned -to Frooms Hill, and stayed at Brother John Benbow's till the 30th, -preaching, and writing letters to his friends in America. - -_Wednesday, 29_.--Elders Hyde and Page were at Quincy, Illinois. - -Elder Woodruff wrote as follows: - - _Letter of Wilford Woodruff to Don Carlos Smith--Success of - Woodruff's Ministry_. - - Ledbury, Herefordshire, England, - - April 29, 1840. - - _Elders Ebenezer Robinson and Don Carlos Smith_: - - Brethren:--As Elder Young is writing, I am privileged with a space - of a few lines: knowing that our friends are desirous to hear of - the work of the Lord in this land, I make the following remarks - concerning the mercy of God and my labors. - - Since I last wrote you, (I wrote you a lengthy letter, dated - February 27th, in which I gave you an account of my travels, - voyage, and labors from the time I left Montrose unto the date of - my letter, which I trust you have received,) I continued laboring - in Staffordshire until the first of March, when I felt it to be - the will of the Lord that I should go more to the south part of - England. I left the care of the Staffordshire church in the hands - of Elder Turley, and traveled eighty miles south, in a region where - the word had not been preached. I commenced preaching near Ledbury, - Herefordshire; this is about forty miles from Bristol, {123} - forty from Birmingham, fourteen from Worcester, one hundred and - twenty from London. As soon as I began to teach, many received my - testimony. I there preached one month and five days, and baptized - the superintendent of the church of the United Brethren, a branch - of the Methodist church, and with him 45 preachers, mostly of the - same order; and about 114 members, making 160 in all. This put into - my hands, or under my care, more than forty established places of - preaching, licensed according to law, including one or two chapels. - This opened a large field for the spread of the work in this - country. - - Among the number baptized are some of most all churches and classes - as well as preachers. There is one constable, and one clerk of the - Church of England, with numbers of their members. But in the midst - of my labors I received a letter stating that the Twelve had just - arrived and wished me to come to Preston, and meet with them in - conference. Consequently I traveled 160 miles to Preston and was - once more permitted to strike hands with my brethren from America, - and sit in conference with them, the minutes of which you have. - - After conference I returned to Herefordshire in company with Elder - Brigham Young. We have again commenced our labors here, and there - will be many baptized in this region. I have now more than 200 on - my list, and scores are now waiting for an opportunity to receive - the ordinance of baptism; and the work is progressing in all parts - of this country where it is faithfully proclaimed. I understand - that Elders Wright and Mulliner are opening some permanent doors - in Scotland; and we have many calls through many parts of this - country, even more than we are able to fill. - - I desire the prayers of the Saints; that I may have wisdom and - grace according to my day, and do the work of God in meekness and - humility. - - Wilford Woodruff. - -_Thursday, 30_.--Elders Young, Woodruff, and Richards met at Elder -Kington's, at Dymock. - - _Letter of Elders Hyde and Page to the Prophet--Plans for the - Palestine Mission_. - - Columbus, May 1, 1840. - - _President Smith_: - - Sir:--The mission upon which we are sent swells greater and - greater. As there is a great work to be done in Germany, as - manifested to us by the Spirit, the following plan has been - suggested to us; viz., to write a set of lectures upon the faith - and doctrine of our Church, giving a brief {124} history of - the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, and an account of its - contents in as clear and plain a style as possible; together with - the outlines and organization and government of the Church of - Latter-day Saints, drawn from the Doctrine and Covenants with all - the wisdom and care possible; and get the same translated into - German, and publish it when we arrive in Germany, and scatter it - through the German empire. Is this correct? Should we consider it - necessary to translate the entire Book of Mormon into German, and - Doctrine and Covenants too, are we or are we not at liberty to do - so? Should we deem it necessary to publish an edition of hymn-books - in any country, are we at liberty to do it? The fact is, we need - such works, and we cannot get them from the church here; and if - we could, we could not well carry them with us, at least in any - quantity. - - We feel that we are acting under the direction of the Presidency - of the Church; and the reason that we make these inquiries, is, - that we do not wish to step beyond our limits, or bring ourselves - into a snare and dishonor by taking liberties that are not ours. We - feel that all our exertions and interests shall become subservient - to building up the Kingdom of God. We wish to be co-workers with - you and with the Spirit of the Lord. We did not converse so much - upon these literary works as we should have done before we left. - The fact is, we did not begin to see the greatness of our mission - before we left home; our minds were in a nutshell. - - It seems to us that we should spread this work among all people, - languages and tongues, so far as possible; and gather up all jewels - among the Jews besides. Who is sufficient for these things? - - As agents for the Church abroad, and as co-workers with yourself, - in spreading this kingdom to the remotest corners of the earth, are - we at liberty to translate and publish any works that we may think - necessary, or that the circumstances in which we are placed seem to - require whether original, or works published by the Church? If we - are not at liberty to take this wide range, please tell us how far - we may go. - - We are setting this great work before the people as an inducement - to them to help us. If we are setting our standard too high, a word - from you will bring it down. We have held a two days' meeting in - this place; but in consequence of continual rains, which swelled - the creeks so high, the people could not get to us. The meeting was - four miles from Columbus; one only baptized. - - We have now an opportunity to ride as far east as Indiana, beyond - the metropolis, and have the privilege to stop and preach by the - way. Will you write to us at Cincinnati, and much oblige. - - Your brethren in the Kingdom of God, - - Orson Hyde, - - John E. Page. - - {125} P. S.--Will you please send word to Marinda, that I want her - to write to me at Cincinnati, Ohio. Please bear it in mind and - oblige thy friend. - - O. H. - -[Sidenote: Commotions in the World.] - -_Friday, May 1_.--The town of Baji, in the county of Baes, on the -river Danube, was almost totally destroyed by fire; about two thousand -houses were burnt, with the palace, several churches, and all the great -corn magazines; leaving about sixteen thousand inhabitants destitute. -The plague is raging in the East--at Silistria, Broussa, Alexandria, -Aleppo, &c.; and wars and rumors of wars in Spain, Mexico and South -American governments; French and Arabs in Africa, Russia and Circassia, -Egypt, England and the East Indies, and the Canada Revolution; all -betoken the fulfillment of prophecy. - -_Thursday, 7_.--The city of Natchez was this day to a great extent -destroyed, almost in a moment, by a whirlwind, storm and tempest. It -is reported that sixty boats sunk, houses and churches blown to atoms, -more than three hundred persons killed, and $5,000,000 of property -destroyed; nearly the whole country on the Mississippi for 1,100 miles -from its mouth is under water. - - _Letter of Brigham Young to the Prophet--Affairs of the British - Mission_. - - Lugwardine, Herefordshire, England, - - May 7, 1840. - - Brother Joseph Smith:--Through the mercy of our heavenly Father, I - am alive and in pretty good health; better than I should have been, - had I remained in America. I trust that you and family are well, - and I ask my heavenly Father that we may live forever; but not to - be chased about by mobs, but live to enjoy each other's society in - peace. I long to see the faces of my friends again in that country - once more, It is better for me to be here, because the Lord has - called me to this great work, but it is hard for me to be parted - from my old friends whom I have proved to be willing to lay down - their lives for each other. I feel as though the Lord would grant - me the privilege of sometime seeing my old friends in America. Give - my best wishes to your wife. I remember her in my prayers, and also - Father and Mother Smith. I remember {126} the time when I first - saw Mother Smith, and the trials she had when the work of the Lord - first commenced in her family. I beg to be remembered to Brother - Rigdon and family, also to Brother Hyrum and family, and to all the - faithful in Christ. - - The brethren that have come from America are all well and doing - well. I want to ask some questions. Shall we print the Book of - Mormon in this country immediately? They are calling for it from - every quarter. The duties are so high on books, we need not think - of bringing them from America. Another question, is the Book of - Doctrine and Covenants to be printed just as it is now, to go to - the nations of the earth; and shall we give it to them as quickly - as we can? Or what shall we do? Will the Twelve have to be together - to do business as a quorum? Or shall they do business in the name - of the Church? Why I ask this is for my own satisfaction; if the - Lord has a word for us, for one I am willing to receive it. - - I wish you to write as soon as you receive this, and let me know - about the Book of Mormon, whether we shall proceed to publish - it immediately or not, or whether we shall do according to our - feelings. If I should act according to my feelings, I should hand - the Book of Mormon to this people as quickly as I could. The people - are very different in this country from what the Americans are. - They say it cannot be possible that men should leave their homes - and come so far, unless they were truly the servants of the Lord; - they do not seem to understand argument; simple testimony is enough - for them; they beg and plead for the Book of Mormon, and were it - not for the priests, the people would follow after the servants of - the Lord and inquire what they should do to be saved. The priests - feel just as they did in the days of the Savior. If they let "this - sect alone, all men will believe on them, and the Romans will come - and take away our place and nation." - - I wish you would tell me how Cousin Lemuel gets along with his - business, and all the boys on the half-breed track, and the whole - breed. I think a great deal about our friends, families, and - possessions. I look for the time when the Lord will speak so that - the hearts of the rebellious will be pierced. You will remember the - words of the Savior to His disciples; He says, to you is given to - know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them that are - without, all things are in parables. - - The brethren here are very anxious to emigrate to that country; - some want to come this fall: where shall they go? Their customs - are different from ours, and it would be more pleasant for them to - settle by themselves. Almost without exception it is the poor that - receive the Gospel. I think there will be some [who will go] over - this fall. My counsel to such as intend to go is, that they go to - the western states, where they {127} can live among the farmers and - wait for orders from the authorities of the Church, and all will be - well. - - You must excuse my bad writing. I have only caught at ideas. I want - to know about the brethren's coming over this fall. I think some - of us will come. We shall send our papers to you, and to a number - of the rest of the brethren. I wish you would have the goodness to - give me a pretty general knowledge of the Church, for I feel for - them, and pray for them continually. We need help very much in this - country. One American can do more here than a number of Elders who - are raised up here by the preaching of the Gospel. We have sent for - some to come. I wish you would encourage them to come as quickly as - they can. - - If we could go four ways at a time, we could not fill all the calls - we have for preaching. I shall expect such counsel from you about - the Elders coming as you shall think necessary for us and them to - have. I wish to know what the prospect is about the government's - doing anything for us. When we left New York I thought there was - but a poor chance for us. - - Concerning calling Seventies and sending them to other countries, - I should like to know whether it would be proper to ordain them - to that office or not while here. Had any of us better come back - this fall? I suppose that some that come over with us will return; - Brothers Clark and Hedlock, and Brother Turley if the latter gets - at liberty. I suppose you have heard that he is in prison. He has - been there ever since my arrival in England, and how long he will - remain the Lord only knows. He was put there through the influence - of a priest, as nigh as I can learn, for some old pretended claim, - but no one can find out what that claim is. - - I have just met with Brother Woodruff; he tells me that the Church - in this region of country numbers between three and four hundred; - it is only about three months since Brother Woodruff commenced to - labor here. I have just received a letter from Brother Turley, - which states he expects to leave his place the next day. Brother - Woodruff sends his respects. - - I am as ever, - - Brigham Young. - -[Sidenote: Release of Elder Turley from prison.] - -_Saturday, 9_.--Elder Theodore Turley was released from Stafford jail, -where he had been confined since his arrest on the 16th of March last, -at the instigation of John Jones, a Methodist preacher, on the pretense -of a claim arising under a partnership with another man fifteen years -ago, before he left {128} England; but the real object was to stop his -preaching. He was without provisions for several days, but the poor -Saints in the Potteries, on learning his condition, supplied his wants, -some of the sisters actually walking upwards of twenty miles to relieve -him. He preached several times to the debtors, was visited by Elders -Woodruff, Richards, George A. Smith, A. Cordon, and others, and was -dismissed from prison on his persecutors ascertaining their conduct -was about to be exposed. This rather encouraged than disheartened the -Elders, as I had told them on their leaving Nauvoo, to be of good -courage, for some of them would have to look through grates before -their return. - -_Thursday, 14_.--The papers of this date report that the island of -Ternate [4] was nearly ruined by earthquakes on the 14th and 15th -February, 1840. - - _Letter of the Prophet to Elders Hyde and Page--Palestine Mission - Considered_. - - Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, May 14th, 1840. - - _To Orson Hyde and John E. Page_: - - Dear Brethren:--I am happy in being informed by your letter - that your mission swells "larger and larger." It is a great and - important mission, and one that is worthy those intelligences - who surround the throne of Jehovah to be engaged in. Although it - appears great at present, yet you have but just begun to realize - the greatness, the extent and glory of the same. If there is - anything calculated to interest the mind of the Saints, to awaken - in them the finest sensibilities, and arouse them to enterprise - and exertion, surely it is the great and precious promises made by - our heavenly Father to the children of Abraham; and those engaged - in seeking the outcasts of Israel, and the dispersed of Judah, - cannot fail to enjoy the Spirit of the Lord and have the choicest - blessings of Heaven rest upon them in copious effusions. - - Brethren, you are in the pathway to eternal fame, and immortal - glory: and inasmuch as you feel interested for the covenant people - of the Lord, the God of their fathers shall bless you. Do not be - discouraged on {129} account of the greatness of the work; only - be humble and faithful, and then you can say, "What art thou, O - great mountain! before Zerubbabel shalt thou be brought down." - He who scattered Israel has promised to gather them; therefore - inasmuch as you are to be instrumental in this great work, He will - endow you with power, wisdom, might, and intelligence, and every - qualification necessary; while your minds will expand wider and - wider, until you can circumscribe the earth and the heavens, reach - forth into eternity, and contemplate the mighty acts of Jehovah in - all their variety and glory. - - In answer to your inquiries respecting the translation and - publication of the Book of Mormon, hymn-book, history of the - Church, &c., &c., I would say that I entirely approve of the - same, and give my consent, with the exception of the hymn book, - as a new edition, containing a greater variety of hymns, will be - shortly published or printed in this place, which I think will be a - standard work. As soon as it is printed, you shall have some sent - to you, which you may get translated, and printed into any language - you please. - - Should we not be able to send some to you, and there should be a - great call for hymn books where you may be, then I should have no - objection to your publishing the present one. Were you to publish - the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, or hymn-book, I desire - the copyrights of the same to be secured in my name. - - With respect to publishing any other work, either original, or - those which have been published before, you will be governed by - circumstances; if you think necessary to do so, I shall have - no objection whatever. It will be well to study plainness and - simplicity in whatever you publish, "for my soul delighteth in - plainness." - - I feel much pleased with the spirit of your letter--and be assured, - dear brethren, of my hearty co-operation, and my prayers for your - welfare and success. In answer to your inquiry in a former letter, - relative to the duty of the Seventies in regulating churches, &c., - I say that the duties of the Seventies are more particularly to - preach the Gospel, and build up churches, rather than regulate - them, that a High Priest may take charge of them. If a High Priest - should be remiss in his duty, and should lead, or suffer the church - to be led astray, depart from the ordinances of the Lord, then - it is the duty of one of the Seventies, acting under the special - direction of the Twelve, being duly commissioned by them with their - delegated authority, to go to the church, and if agreeable to a - majority of the members of said church, to proceed to regulate and - put in order the same; otherwise, he can have no authority to act. - - Joseph Smith, Jun. - -{130} _Friday, 15_. - - _Letter of Willard Richards to the Editor of the Millennial - Star--Reporting Labors_. - - Ledbury, Herefordshire, May 15th, 1840. - - _To the Editor of the Millennial Star_: - - Beloved Brother:--Two weeks ago this day, I parted with Brothers - Young and Woodruff in this place, taking different locations in - this part of the vineyard, originally opened by Brother Woodruff, - and after visiting various places in Herefordshire, Worcestershire, - and Gloucestershire, preaching daily, talking night and day, and - administering the ordinances of the Gospel as directed by the - Spirit, we have again this day found ourselves together, and Elder - Kington in our midst (he is devoted wholly to the ministry). By - comparing minutes we find there have been in these two weeks about - 112 baptized; 200 confirmed; 2 Elders, about 20 Priests, and 1 - Teacher ordained; and the Church in these regions now numbers - about 320. The branches are small, the brethren much scattered; - consequently the field is so large that the reapers cannot call to - each other from side to side, neither can they often see each other - without a telescope. - - There are many doors open which we cannot fill; calls for preaching - on almost every hand, which we cannot answer. Oh! that the Saints - would pray to the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers! - - I have this day received a letter from my sister in Massachusetts, - giving me the intelligence of the death of my aged father. The - work of the Lord is rolling forth in that part of the land, such - intelligence as this from our native land makes our hearts rejoice, - even in affliction. - - Your brother in the everlasting covenant, - - Willard Richards. - -Footnotes: - -1. It was announced in the Prospectus that the _News_ would "take -perfectly neutral ground, in regard to politics, and it is the fixed -determination of the publishers to studiously avoid all party strife, -and political wranglings which are so prevalent at the present time." -The _News_, however, never materialized. - -2. President Young was also President of the Twelve by virtue of -seniority of ordination into the quorum. When the quorum of the Twelve -was first organized the members took their place according to age. This -arrangement brought Thomas B. Marsh to the head of the quorum, and made -him President. After this first arrangement, however, the members of -the quorum took their place in it according to seniority of ordination, -not of age. (See Volume II this work, pp. 219, 220, and notes). Brigham -Young was the second man ordained into the quorum, Lyman E. Johnson -being the first. As Lyman E. Johnson was excommunicated from the church -at Far West in 1838, Brigham Young was President of the Twelve by -virtue of his seniority of ordination as well as by the choice of his -brethren. Indeed the choice of the brethren mentioned in the text can -only be regarded as an act recognizing the fact of his presidency by -virtue of his seniority of ordination. It may be of interest to remark -also, that at the time there was but one man in the quorum President -Young's senior by age, namely, John E. Page, born in 1799, and ordained -an Apostle in 1838. - -3. Peter Melling was the first patriarch ordained in a foreign land, -that is, a foreign land from America where the latter-day dispensation -of the Gospel was opened. He was the son of Peter Melling, born in -Preston, England, on the 14th day of February, 1787. He was, therefore, -in his 64th year. He was evidently a man of great force of character, -for he proceeded at once with great diligence and ability to fulfill -the duties of his high office, all of which is evidenced by the record -of the Patriarchal blessings given under his hands, and now in the -Historian's office. - -4. Ternate is a small island in the Moluccas, west of Jilolo, in the -Dutch East Indies. - -{131} - - - -CHAPTER VII. - -First Foreign Periodical of the Church, "The Millennial Star"--The -Prophet Seeks Release from Secular Responsibilities. - -_Sunday, May 17_.--Elders Young, Woodruff, and Richards held conference -with the Saints at Gadfield Elm Chapel. - -[Sidenote: The Beacon Hill Conference.] - -_Monday, 18_.--The above Elders met the brethren at Elder Kington's, -where they had a tea party, praying, singing, confirming, ordaining, -and about twenty were baptized; thus they continued their labors from -place to place, until Wednesday 20th, when they found themselves with -one accord on the top of "the Herefordshire Beacon," [1] and within -the old fortification, when after prayer they expressed their feelings -concerning the business of the Church, which were (as they had obtained -money from Brother John Benbow, and other brethren for printing -the hymnbook, and in part sufficient for the Book of Mormon) that -Elder Young repair immediately to Manchester, and join his brethren -previously appointed with him on a committee, for the printing of the -hymn-book, and cause 3,000 copies to be issued without delay. Also -that the same committee cause 3,000 copies of the Book of Mormon to -be printed and completed with as little delay as possible, with an -index affixed to the same, the form of the book to be determined by -the committee. Their views were written and signed by Elder Willard -Richards and Wilford Woodruff, when President Young left direct for -Manchester. He saw George A. Smith, at the Potteries, who approved the -"Beacon Conference." - -{132} _Sunday, 24_.--President Young met with the Church, and on -Monday, 25th, visited the printers to inquire their prices, etc. - - _A Letter of Heber C. Kimball, et al., Recommending English Saints - to the Bishop of the Church_. - - Preston, May 25, 1840. - - To the Presidency, High Council and Bishop of the Church of Jesus - Christ of Latter-day Saints at Commerce. We commend to your notice - the brethren and sisters that have commendatory letters from us of - this date, that you will do all that you consistently can for them, - for I verily believe they have utmost confidence in you, and will - receive with gratitude your advice and instruction, and cheerfully - submit to the rules and regulations of the Church. They have our - blessings, and we trust their subsequent conduct will entitle them - to your blessings also, and the Church generally. We rejoice that - we can say the work of God here is in a prosperous way. Yea, we - rejoice greatly at the aspect of the times, expecting the time to - be not far distant when the standard of truth will be conspicuously - raised throughout this land. We have witnessed the flowing of the - Saints towards Zion; the stream has begun, and we expect to see - it continue running until it shall have drained the salt, or the - light, from Babylon, when we hope to shout hosanna home. - - Dear brethren, accept our love, and present it to the Church. - - Your brethren in the new and everlasting covenant, - - Heber C. Kimball, - - Joseph Fielding, - - William Clayton. - -_Tuesday, 26_.--Elder John Taylor arrived at Manchester, and on the -27th, Elder Kimball arrived. The committee on the hymn-book commenced -and continued selecting hymns until the 30th, when Elders Young, -Kimball and Taylor went to Liverpool, and preached on Sunday the 31st. - -[Sidenote: Death of Bishop Partridge.] - -_Wednesday, 27_.--Bishop Edward Partridge [2] died at Nauvoo, aged -forty-six years. He lost his life in consequence of the Missouri -persecutions, and he is one of that number whose blood will be required -at their hands. His daughter, Harriet Pamela, died on the 16th of May, -aged nineteen years. - -{133} [Sidenote: First Number of the _Millenial Star_.] - -The first number of _The Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star_ [3] was -issued at Manchester, in pamphlet form of twenty-four pages. Edited by -Parley P. Pratt. Price sixpence. Office 149 Oldham Road. - -_Monday, June 1, 1840_.--The Saints have already erected about two -hundred and fifty-houses at Nauvoo, mostly block houses, a few framed, -and many more are in course of construction. - -The Gospel is spreading through the States, Canada, England, Scotland, -and other places, with great rapidity. - -{134} Elders Young and Kimball were engaged in blessing the brethren -who were about to sail for America. - -_Wednesday, 3._--Elders Young and Taylor visited the printers in -Liverpool and Elder Young preached on the Sunday following. - -The First Company of Saints from England. - -_Saturday, 6._--Elder John Moon and a company of forty Saints, to -wit., Hugh Moon, his mother and seven others of her family, Henry Moon -(uncle of John Moon), Henry Moon, Francis Moon, William Sutton, William -Sitgraves, Richard Eaves, Thomas Moss, Henry Moore, Nancy Ashworth, -Richard Ainscough, and families, sailed in the ship _Britannia_ from -Liverpool for New York, being the first Saints that have sailed from -England for Zion. - -_Monday, 8_.--Elders Young and Taylor visited Cheshire, and on Tuesday, -Manchester, and continued to select hymns. - -[Sidenote: Brigham Young's Dreams.] - -Elder Young dreamed of his family in health and want, also of the -Church and people, and of a contention between two small companies in -the west, one north, the other south--the north prevailing from time to -time. - - _Minutes of the Conference Held at Gadfield Elm Chapel, in - Worcestershire, England, June 14th, 1840_. - - The preachers and members of the Bran Green and Gadfield Elm Branch - of the Froomes Hill Circuit, of the United Brethren met at the - Gadfield Elm Chapel, Worcestershire, June 14th, 1840, pursuant to - previous notice, when the meeting was called to order by Elder - Thomas Kington. Elder Willard Richards was chosen president, and - Elder Daniel Browett clerk for the meeting. The meeting was opened - by prayer by Elder Wilford Woodruff. Remarks were then made by the - president respecting the business of the day, and the necessary - changes which must take place. - - It was then moved by Elder Thomas Kington, seconded by Elder Daniel - Browett that this meeting be hereafter known by the name of the - "Bran Green and Gadfield Elm Conference of the Church of Jesus - Christ of Latter-day Saints," organized and established by the will - and commandment of God in the United States of America, on the 6th - day of April, {135} A. D. 1830, this being the eighth day of the - third month of the eleventh year of the rise of the Church. Carried - unanimously. - - [This motion was permitted to accommodate the feelings of the - conference, who had all recently been baptized, but there is no - such principle in existence, as to transform a church or conference - of the world into a church or conference of Christ's fold by vote.] - [4] - - Moved by Elder Wilford Woodruff, seconded by Elder T. Kington, - that William Jenkins be ordained an Elder; and William Coleman, - Joseph Firkins, William Pitt and Robert Harris be ordained to the - office of Priest; and that George Burton, James Palmer, and William - Loveridge, be ordained Teachers; carried unanimously. Ordained - under the hands of Elders Richards and Woodruff. - - Moved by Elder Kington, seconded by Elder Woodruff, that Robert - Clift, Priest, have the care of the church at Dymock; James - Palmer, Priest, have the care of the church at Kilcott; John Hill, - Priest, have the care of the church at Twigworth; William Coleman, - Priest, have the care of the church at Bran Green; Thomas Brooks, - Priest, have the care of the church at Ryton; John Smith, Priest, - have the care of the church at Lime Street; Charles Hayes, Priest - have the care of the church at Deerhurst; Thomas Smith, Priest, - Assistant, have the care of the church at Deerhurst; John Vernon, - Priest, have the care of the church at Apperley; William Bayliss, - Priest, Assistant, have the care of the church at Apperley; John - Arlick, Priest, have the care of the church at Norton; John Spires, - Priest, have the care of the church at Leigh; John Davis, Priest, - assistant, have the care of the church at Leigh; Thomas Oakley, - Priest, have the care of the church at Gadfield Elm. - - And that Elder Daniel Browett take charge of the churches on the - south, and Elder William Jenkins on the north side, of the river - Severn. Carried unanimously. - - Moved by Elder Woodruff, and seconded by Elder Richards, that Elder - Thomas Kington be the Presiding Elder over the Conference; carried. - Meeting adjourned until two o'clock. - - Conference met at two o'clock according to adjournment, and - administered the sacrament to a large congregation of Saints, - accompanied by many observations on many subjects by the President. - Ten members were confirmed under the hands of Elders Woodruff - and Kington. Remarks were made by the President respecting the - "blessing of children." Seven children were then blessed under the - hands of Elders Woodruff and Kington. - - {136} Moved by Elder Kington, seconded by Elder Woodruff, that - Elder Daniel Browett represent this Conference to the general - conference, at Manchester, on the 6th day of July next; carried. - Moved and carried that the Clerk present to the Presiding Elder, T. - Kington, also to the general conference, for safe keeping, a copy - of the minutes of this conference. - - The above minutes were then read and adopted, article by article, - when it was moved by the President, and seconded by Elder Woodruff, - that this conference be adjourned to the 13th day of September next - at this place; carried unanimously. - - Conference closed by prayer; after which the Elders and officers - present met in council, and voted unanimously to establish a weekly - council of the officers of said conference to be held alternately - on the south and north sides of the river Severn, to commence at - Leigh on the 25th inst.; and organized the same by appointing Elder - Daniel Browett, president and John Hill, Priest, clerk, on the - south side of the river; and also on the north side, by appointing - Elder William Jenkins, president and John Smith, Priest, clerk; to - assemble on the 3rd of July next, at Turkey Hall. - - After passing many other votes of minor importance, accompanied by - much instruction from Elders Richards and Woodruff, touching the - duties of the several officers in their relations to each other, - and the Church, the council adjourned. And it is worthy of remark, - that no dissenting vote or voice was seen or heard during the day, - either in conference or council. - - Willard Richards, President. - - Daniel Browett, Clerk. - - _Memorial of Joseph Smith, Jun., to the High Council of the Church - of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, June 18th, 1840_. - - The Memorial of Joseph Smith, Jun., respectfully represents--That - after the members of the Church of Jesus Christ had been inhumanly - as well as unconstitutionally expelled from their homes which they - had secured to themselves in the state of Missouri, and although - very much scattered and at considerable distance from each other, - they found a resting place in the state of Illinois:--That after - the escape of your Memorialist from his enemies, he (under the - direction of the authorities of the Church) took such steps as - has secured to the Church the present locations, viz., the town - plot of Nauvoo and lands in the Iowa territory:--That in order to - secure said locations, your Memorialist had to become responsible - for the payment of the same, and had to use considerable exertion - in order to commence a settlement, and a place of gathering for - the Saints; and knowing from the genius of the {137} constitution - of the Church, and for the well-being of the Saints, that it was - necessary that the constituted authorities of the Church might - assemble together to act or to legislate for the good of the whole - society and that the Saints might enjoy those privileges which - they could not enjoy by being scattered so widely apart--your - Memorialist was induced to exert himself to the utmost in order to - bring about objects so necessary and so desirable to the Saints at - large:--Under the then existing circumstances, your Memorialist had - necessarily to engage in the temporalities of the Church, which he - has had to attend to until the present time:--That your Memorialist - feels it a duty which he owes to God, as well as to the Church, to - give his attention more particularly to those things connected with - the spiritual welfare of the Saints, (which have now become a great - people,) so that they may be built up in their most holy faith, and - go on to perfection:--That the Church have erected an office where - he can attend to the affairs of the Church without distraction, - he thinks, and verily believes, that the time has now come, when - he should devote himself exclusively to those things which relate - to the spiritualities of the Church, and commence the work of - translating the Egyptian records, the Bible, and wait upon the - Lord for such revelations as may be suited to the conditions and - circumstances of the Church. And in order that he may be enabled to - attend to those things, he prays your honorable body will relieve - him from the anxiety and trouble necessarily attendant on business - transactions, by appointing some one to take charge of the city - plot, and attend to the business transactions which have heretofore - rested upon your Memorialist: That should your Honors deem it - proper to do so, your Memorialist would respectfully suggest that - he would have no means of support whatever, and therefore would - request that some one might be appointed to see that all his - necessary wants may be provided for, as well as sufficient means or - appropriations for a clerk or clerks, which he may require to aid - him in his important work. - - Your Memorialist would further represent, that as Elder H. G. - Sherwood is conversant with the affairs of the city plot, he would - be a suitable person to act as clerk in that business, and attend - to the disposing of the remaining lots, &c. - - Your Memorialist would take this opportunity of congratulating your - honorable body on the peace and harmony which exist in the Church, - and for the good feelings which seem to be manifested by all the - Saints, and hopes that inasmuch as we devote ourselves for the good - of the Church, and the spread of the kingdom, that the choicest - blessings of heaven will be poured upon us, and that the glory of - the Lord will overshadow the inheritances of the Saints. - - Joseph Smith, Jun. - - {138} _Proceedings of the High Council on the Foregoing Memorial, - June 20th, 1840_. - - The Council relieved President Joseph Smith, Jun., according to - his request in the memorial, and appointed H. G. Sherwood to take - charge of the city plot and to act as clerk in that business, and - also to attend to the disposing of the remaining lots, and the - business transactions which have rested upon him [Joseph Smith]. - Alanson Ripley was appointed steward to see that all the necessary - wants of the First Presidency be supplied, as well as to provide - sufficient means or appropriations for a clerk or clerks to aid - President Joseph Smith, Jun., in his important work. - - Hosea Stout, Clerk. - - _Minutes of the Conference held at Stanley Hill, Castle Froome, - Herefordshire, England, June 21st, 1840_. - - The preachers and members of the Froome's Hill Circuit of the - United Brethren met at the house of Elder John Cheese, on Stanley - Hill, Herefordshire, England, June 21, A. D. 1840, at ten a. m., - according to previous notice; the meeting was called to order by - Elder Thomas Kington; Elder Wilford Woodruff was chosen president, - and Elder John Benbow, clerk of the meeting. - - After prayer by Elder Richards, and remarks by the president - concerning the business of the day, it was moved by Elder Thomas - Kington, and seconded by Elder John Benbow, that [the several - districts represented at] this meeting be hereafter known by the - name of the "Froome's Hill Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ - of Latter-day Saints," organized and established by the will and - commandment of God, in the United States of America, on the 6th day - of April, 1830, this being the 15th day of the third month of the - eleventh year of the rise of the Church. Carried unanimously. - - Moved by Elder Richards, seconded by Elder Kington, that Thomas - Clark, Charles Price, James Hill, and Samuel Jones be ordained - Elders; also that John James, Joseph Skinn, Henry Jones, James - Baldwin, John Morgan, Samuel Badham, and John Dyer, be ordained - Priests; also that Robert Hill, George Brooks, James Skinn, and - James Watkins be ordained Teachers; carried unanimously; and they - were ordained under the hands of Elders Woodruff and Richards. - - Moved by Elder Kington, and seconded by Elders Woodruff and - Richards, that John James, Priest, have the care of the church at - Froome's Hill; John Parry, Priest, have the care of the church at - Stanley Hill; James Burns, Priest, have the care of the church - at Ridgway Cross; William Possons, Priest, have the care of the - church at Moor-end Cross; Jonathan Lucy, Priest, have the care of - the church at Caldwell; Thomas Jones, Priest, have the care of the - church at Pale House; John Preece, {139} Priest, have the care of - the church at Ledbury; Samuel Warren, Priest, have the care of the - church at Keysend Street; James Baldwin, Priest, have the care of - the church at Wind Point; George Allen, Priest, have the care of - the church at Woferwood Common. - - Rough Leasow, Birchwood, Tunbridge, and Dunsclose will all be - united in one branch, called Dunsclose. - - Samuel Badham, Priest, to have the care of the church at Dunsclose; - Edward Phillips, Priest, to have care of the church at Ashfield - and Crowcut; John Meeks, Priest, to have care of the church at - Old Starridge; John Galley, Priest, to have care of the church at - Hope Rough; Benj. Williams, Priest, to have care of the church at - Shucknell Hill; John Powell, Priest, to have care of the church - at Lugwardine; John Dyer, Priest, to have care of the church at - Marden; William Evans, Priest, to have care of the church at Stokes - Lane; John Fidoe, Priest, to have care of the church at Bishop - Froome. Carried unanimously. - - Moved by Elder Richards, and seconded by Elder Kington, that - Elder Thomas Clark have charge of the churches at Dunsclose, Old - Starridge, Ashfield, and Crowcut; that Elder Samuel Jones have - charge of the churches at Keys-end Street, Wind Point, Colwell, - Pale House, and Malvern Hill; that Elder Philip Green have charge - of the churches at Shucknall Hill, Lugwardine, and Marden; that - Elder John Cheese have charge of the churches at Stokes Lane, - Woferwood Common, and Bishop Froome; that Elder Charles Price have - charge of the churches at Ledbury, Moor-end Cross, and Ridgway - Cross; that Elder James Hill have charge of the churches at Hope - Rough and Stanley Hill; that Elder John Benbow have charge of the - church at Froome's Hill. Carried unanimously. - - Moved by the president, seconded by Elder Richards, that Elder - Thomas Kington be the Presiding Elder over this conference. - - After remarks by the president, the meeting adjourned till 2 - o'clock p. m. During the recess ten persons were baptized. - - Assembled at 2 o'clock according to adjournment, and administered - the sacrament to several hundred Saints; after which twenty were - confirmed, and twenty children blessed under the hands of Elders - Woodruff and Richards, accompanied with instructions by the - president, explanatory of the ordinance. - - Moved by Elder Richards, seconded by the president, that Elder - Thomas Kington represent this Conference to the general conference - at Manchester on the 6th of July; carried. Moved and carried that - the clerk of the conference present to the Presiding Elder, T. - Lington, a copy of the minutes of this conference for safe keeping; - also a copy to present to the general conference at Manchester. - The minutes were then read and accepted. The president, followed - by Elder Richards, then {140} proceeded to give such instruction - to the Saints concerning the order of the Church, and the several - duties of the members, as the Spirit directed; and bore testimony - to the multitude of the truth of the work; followed by Elder - Kington; when it was moved by Elder Richards, seconded by the - president, that this conference adjourn to the 21st September next, - 10 o'clock a. m., at this place; carried. - - After prayer and singing, the assembly dispersed, the Elders and - officers went into council, when it was moved by Elder Richards, - and seconded by Elder Kington, that we proceed to establish - and organize monthly councils of the officers of the Froome's - Hill Conference, to commence on Friday, the 3rd of July next, - at half-past seven o'clock p. m., in the several divisions, - respectively assigned to the different Elders, viz.-- - - Elder Thomas Clark, president, and James Meeks, clerk, Dunsclose; - Elder Charles Price, president, Thomas Jenkins, clerk, Moor-end - Cross; Samuel Jones, president, William Williams, clerk, Wind - Point; James Hill, president, Joseph Pullen, clerk, Stanley Hill; - Philip Green, president, Francis Burnett, clerk, Lugwardine; John - Benbow, president, John Morgan, clerk, Froome's Hill; John Cheese, - president, George Allen, clerk, Stoke's Lane. Carried. - - Moved by Elder Richards, and seconded by Elder Kington, that a - monthly general council of the officers of this conference be held - at Stanley Hill, to commence on Friday, the 17th of July next, at - half-past seven o'clock, p. m. Elder Thomas Kington, president, and - Elder John Benbow, clerk. Carried unanimously. - - The president then proceeded to explain the nature of the - Priesthood, and the duties and privileges of the several officers, - and gave such instruction as their situation required, followed by - Elder Richards, who explained many important principles connected - with the building up of the Kingdom. - - The minutes of the council were then read and accepted when the - council adjourned; and after singing "The Spirit of God," &c., the - brethren separated, with feelings of gratitude and thanksgiving, - that God had been with His people, and that the spirit of union and - love had prevailed in all the deliberations of the day. - - Wilford Woodruff, President. - - John Benbow, Clerk. - - Remarks--The different branches in this region are so scattered, - that it has not been possible to ascertain the number of members - connected with each individual church; but connected with the Bran - Green and Gadfield Elm, and the Froome's Hill conferences, together - with a small branch of Little Garway of twelve members, one Priest, - and one Teacher, are thirty-three churches, five hundred and {141} - thirty-four members, seventy-five officers, viz., ten Elders, - fifty-two priests, and thirteen teachers. And for the comforting of - the Saints, and with heart-felt gratitude to our heavenly Father, - we would say that it is less than four months since the fulness of - the Gospel was first preached in this region; which is a proof that - God is beginning to make a short work in these last days. - - Wilford Woodruff. - -[Sidenote: Carpenter's Hall.] - -_June 21_.--The Saints hired the Carpenters' Hall in Manchester, which -is large enough to accommodate ten or fifteen hundred hearers, for five -hundred dollars a year, payable by contribution, and Elders Young and -Pratt preached therein this day for the first time. - -_Monday, 22_.--Elder Young went to Liverpool to see about printing the -Book of Mormon, and returned to Manchester on the 26th; and on Sunday, -28th, preached in Carpenters' Hall. - -_June 27_.--High Council met at my office. - - _Minutes of the High Council_. - - Alanson Ripley states to the council that he was authorized to - inform them that President Joseph Smith, Jun., had vetoed [5] the - proceedings of the Council of the 20th June, in relation to his - Memorial. Laid over for hearing until Friday next. - - Hosea Stout, Clerk. - - _Letter of William W. Phelps--Confessing Errors committed in - Missouri_. - - Dayton, Ohio, June 29, 1840. - - Brother Joseph--I am alive, and with the help of God I mean to live - still. I am as the prodigal son, though I never doubt or disbelieve - the fulness of the Gospel. I have been greatly abused and humbled, - and I blessed the God of Israel when I lately read your prophetic - blessing on my head, as follows: - - "The Lord will chasten him because he taketh honor to himself, and - when his soul is greatly humbled he will forsake the evil. Then - shall {142} the light of the Lord break upon him as at noonday and - in him shall be no darkness," &c. - - I have seen the folly of my way, and I tremble at the gulf I have - passed. So it is, and why I know not. I prayed and God answered, - but what could I do? Says I, "I will repent and live, and ask my - old brethren to forgive me, and though they chasten me to death, - yet I will die with them, for their God is my God. The least place - with them is enough for me, yea, it is bigger and better than all - Babylon." Then I dreamed that I was in a large house with many - mansions, with you and Hyrum and Sidney, and when it was said, - "Supper must be made ready," by one of the cooks, I saw no meat, - but you said there was pleanty, and you showed me much, and as good - as I ever saw; and while cutting to cook, your heart and mine beat - within us, and we took each other's hand and cried for joy, and I - awoke and took courage. - - I know my situation, you know it, and God knows it, and I want to - be saved if my friends will help me. Like the captain that was cast - away on a desert island; when he got off he went to sea again, and - made his fortune the next time, so let my lot be. I have done wrong - and I am sorry. The beam is in my own eye. I have not walked along - with my friends according to my holy anointing. I ask forgiveness - in the name of Jesus Christ of all the Saints, for I will do - right, God helping me. I want your fellowship; if you cannot grant - that, grant me your peace and friendship, for we are brethren, and - our communion used to be sweet, and whenever the Lord brings us - together again, I will make ail the satisfaction on every point - that Saints or God can require. Amen. [6] - - W. W. Phelps. - - _Letter of Elders Orson Hyde and John E. Page to Presidents Joseph - Smith, Hyrum Smith, Sidney Rigdon, Pleading for William W. Phelps_. - - Dear Brother:--We have been in this place a few days, and have - preached faithfully, a very great prospect of some able and - influential men embracing the faith in this place. We have moved - along slowly, but have left a sealing testimony. Baptized a - considerable number. We shall write again more particularly as soon - as we learn the result of our labors here. We are well and in good - spirits through the favor of the Lord. - - Brother Phelps requests us to write a few lines in his letter, and - we cheerfully embrace the opportunity. Brother Phelps says he wants - to {143} live, but we do not feel ourselves authorized to act upon - his case, but have recommended him to you; but he says his poverty - will not allow him to visit you in person, at this time, and we - think he tells the truth. We therefore advise him to write, which - he has done. - - He tells us verbally that he is willing to make any sacrifice to - procure your fellowship, life not excepted, yet reposing that - confidence in your magnanimity that you will take no advantage of - this open and frank confession. If he can obtain your fellowship he - wants to come to Commerce as soon as he can. But if he cannot be - received into the fellowship of the Church, he must do the best he - can in banishment and exile. - - Brethren, with you are the keys of the Kingdom; to you is power - given to "exert your clemency, or display your vengeance." By - the former you will save a soul from death, and hide a multitude - of sins; by the latter, you will forever discourage a returning - prodigal cause sorrow without benefit, pain without pleasure, [and - the] ending [of Brother Phelps] in wretchedness and despair. But - former experience teaches [us] that you are workmen in the art of - saving souls; therefore with greater confidence do we recommend - to your clemency and favorable consideration, the author [of the - foregoing] and subject of this communication. "Whosoever will, let - him take of the waters of life freely." Brother Phelps says he - will, and so far as we are concerned we say he may. - - In the bonds of the covenant, - - Orson Hyde, - - John E. Page. - -The Committee of the Twelve in England finished the collection of hymns -and prepared the index for the press; and on the 30th Elders Kimball -and Richards arrived at Manchester. - -_Wednesday, July 1, 1840_.--Elders Wilford Woodruff and George A. Smith -arrived at Manchester from the Potteries. - -_July 2_. - - _Minutes of a meeting of the Crooked Creek Branch of the Church_. - - At a meeting of the Saints of Crooked Creek Branch, on the 2nd of - July, 1840, to take into consideration the propriety of having a - Stake of Zion appointed or located somewhere in the bounds of this - branch, Brother John Hicks was called to the chair. Meeting was - opened by prayer, after which several remarks were made, and the - following resolutions were passed: - - {144} _Resolved_: That it be our wishes that a Stake of Zion be - appointed or located within the bounds of this Branch, provided it - should meet the minds of the First Presidency of this Church. - - _Resolved_: That a committee of three be appointed to ascertain the - mind of the First Presidency and report to the Branch. - - _Resolved_: That Joseph Holebrook, Nathaniel Frampton, and John - Hicks compose said committee. - - It was ascertained that there were about 2,525 acres of land owned - by the brethren, and wherever the Stake should be appointed the - lands should be donated or purchased for a very small compensation, - and that there are one hundred and twelve members belonging to this - Branch. - - _Resolved_: That we meet on Thursday next, at one o'clock, p. m., - to receive the report of the committee, - - _Resolved_: That the proceedings of this meeting be signed by the - president and clerk. - - John A. Hicks, President. - - William Whiteman, Clerk. - -_Friday, 3_.--High Council met at my office. - - _Minutes of High Council at Nauvoo_. - - The subject of the Memorial of President Joseph Smith, Jun., was - brought up for a rehearing, according to the decision of the last - Council (June 27) when the following resolutions were entered into: - - 1st. _Resolved_: That we feel perfectly satisfied with the course - taken by Joseph Smith, Jun., and feel a disposition, as far as - it is in our power, to assist him, so as to relieve him from - the temporalities of the Church, in order that he may devote - his time more particularly to the spiritualities of the same, - believing by so doing we shall promote the good of the whole - Church. But as he (Joseph Smith, Jun.) is held responsible for - the payment of the city plot, and knowing no way to relieve him - from the responsibility at present, we would request of him to - act as treasurer for the city plot and to whom [i. e., President - Smith] those persons whom we may appoint to make sales of lots - and attend to the business affairs of the Church may at all times - be responsible, and make true and correct returns of all their - proceedings, as well as to account for all monies, properties, - etc., which may come into their hands. Therefore - - _Resolved_: That Elder Henry G. Sherwood act as Clerk for the same. - That Bishop Alanson Ripley be appointed to provide for the wants of - the Presidency, and make such appropriations to them, and to their - clerk or clerks, which they may require. - - _Resolved_: That the funds of the city plot shall not be taken - to provide for the Presidency or clerks, but that the Bishops be - instructed to {145} raise funds from other sources to meet calls - made on them; and monies received for lots shall be deposited in - the hands of the Treasurer to liquidate the debts of the city plot. - - The resolutions of the Crooked Creek Branch of the 2nd inst., were - taken into consideration by President Joseph Smith, Jun., and it - was thought proper to establish a Stake on Crooked Creek, agreeably - to the request of said Branch, and a letter was written to the - brethren to that effect. - - Robert B. Thompson, Scribe. - -[Sidenote: Reflections of the Prophet on the Action of Congress.] - -Since Congress has decided against us, the Lord has begun to vex this -nation, and He will continue to do so except they repent; for they -now stand guilty of murder, robbery and plunder, as a nation, because -they have refused to protect their citizens, and to execute justice -according to their own Constitution. A hailstorm has visited South -Carolina; some of the stones are said to have measured nine inches in -circumference, which swept the crops, killing some cattle. Insects are -devouring crops on the high lands, where the floods of the country have -not reached, and great commercial distress prevails everywhere. - -Footnotes: - -1. One of the noted heights of the Black Mountains, running through the -west part of Herefordshire. - -2. See Biographical Note, Vol. I, pp. 128-9. - -3. The _Millennial Star_ was the first foreign publication of the -Church. It was issued as a monthly, but afterwards more frequently, -semi-monthly, and finally, and now for many years, a weekly. Its -publication has been continuous from the time it was started until -the present--1907. Also the _Star_ has retained the general character -imparted to it by its first publishers. "The _Millennial Star_," -said its Prospectus, "will stand aloof from the common political -and commercial news of the day. Its columns will be devoted to the -spread of the fulness of the Gospel--the restoration of the ancient -principles of Christianity--the gathering of Israel--the rolling forth -of the kingdom of God among the nations--the signs of the times--the -fulfillment of prophecy--recording the judgments of God as they befall -the nations whether signs in the heavens or in the earth, blood fire -or vapor of smoke--in short, whatever is shown forth indicative of the -coming of the 'Son of Man' and ushering in of his universal reign upon -the earth. It will also contain letters from our numerous Elders who -are abroad, preaching the word both in America and Europe containing -news of their success in ministering the blessings of the glorious -Gospel." - -As an explanation of its title and mission, the editor in its first -number also said: - -"The word _Millennium_ signifies a thousand years, and in this sense -of the word, may be applied to any [period of a] thousand years, -whether under the reign of wickedness or righteousness. But the term -_the Millennium_, is generally understood to apply to the particular -thousand years which is mentioned in the Scriptures as the reign of -peace--the great sabbath of creation, of which all the other sabbaths -or jubilees seem to be but types. It is written that a 'thousand years -is as one day, and one day as a thousand years with the Lord.' This -being the case, then seven thousand years are seven days with the Lord, -and the seventh, or last thousand years would, of course, be a sabbath -or jubilee; a rest, a grand release from servitude and woe. * * * The -curse will be taken from off the earth, and it will cease to bring -forth thorns and thistles, and become fertile as it were a paradise, -while sickness, premature death, and all their attendant train of pains -and sorrows will scarce be known upon its face; thus peace, and joy, -and truth, and love, and knowledge, and plenty, and glory, will cover -the face of the earth as the waters do the sea. The tabernacle of God -and his sanctuary will be with man, in the midst of the holy cities; -and joy and gladness will all the measure of their cup. Such then, is -the _Great Millennium_ of which our little '_Star_' would fain announce -the dawn." - -4. The matter in brackets occurs in the Ms. History as also in the -History as published in the _Millennial Star_, but it is evidently the -comment of the Church Historians. - -5. By reference to the minutes of the High Council which took into -consideration the Prophet's "Memorial" it is evident that they failed -to grasp the importance of the subjects presented to them, and made -such disposition of them as was neither in keeping with the dignity of -the Prophet or the weight of the matters on which they acted--hence the -"veto," or dissatisfaction with the council's action--See p. 144 for -the conclusion of the matter. - -6. For William W. Phelps' troubles in the church, which brought him to -this great sorrow and repentance, see Vol. III, pp. 3, 7, 56, 358, 359, -360 and notes. - -{146} - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - -Important Conference of the Church in England--Kidnapping of Brown and -Boyce by Missourians--Action of the Citizens of Nauvoo. - -_Monday, July 6, 1840_. - - _Conference of the Church in England_. - - A General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day - Saints was held in the Carpenter's Hall, Manchester, on the 6th - day of July, 1840, it being the 1st day of the 4th month of the - eleventh year of the Church, when the following officers of the - traveling High Council were present, viz.: Elders Brigham Young, - Parley P. Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, Willard Richards, - Heber C. Kimball, and George A. Smith; other officers, viz.: High - Priests 5, Elders 19, Priests 15, Teachers 11, and Deacons 3. - - The meeting being called to order, a little after ten o'clock, - by Elder William Clayton, it was moved by Elder Brigham Young, - seconded by Elder Wilford Woodruff, that Elder Parley P. Pratt - be chosen President of the conference, [1] which was carried - unanimously. Elder William {147} Clayton was chosen clerk. The - meeting was opened by singing, and prayer by the President. - - Elder Brigham Young then proceeded to prefer charges against - Elder T. Green, viz., first, for giving way to a false spirit; - second, for abusing a young female, by accusing her, in a public - meeting, of things which he could not prove; and third, for abuse - to the house and congregation at Duckinfield, June 28th, 1840. The - president then proceeded to ask Elder Green whether he was guilty - of these charges, or not. He immediately pleaded guilty. After - Elder Young had made extended remarks to the meeting, touching the - conduct of Elder Green, he proposed that Elder Green go to those - characters where he had abused and insulted, and make confession to - them as far as the offense extended, and then to be suspended from - office for a season. The President then made remarks to the same - effect, and put it to the vote of the meeting, viz., that Elder - Green shall make confession, as stated above, and be suspended from - office for a season. Carried. - - The President then asked Elder Green if he was willing to make - confession, he immediately agreed to do it the first opportunity. - The meeting adjourned a little after twelve o'clock. - - At two o'clock business commenced by singing and prayer, when the - President called upon the officers to represent the different - branches of the Church, which was done in the following order, - viz.-- - - {148} - - Branches Represented, &c. Members. Elders. Priests. Teachers. Deacons. - The Branch at Manchester Represented by Elder William Clayton 28 3 5 5 1 - The Branch at Preston represented by Elder Joseph Fielding 354 6 8 4 2 - Elders Kington and Browett presented the minutes of the conference - held in Herefordshire, which were read by Elder Wilford Woodruff, - representing 33 branches of the Church 534 10 52 13 - Elder Alfred Cordon read the minutes of the conference held at - Hanley, Staffordshire, representing 7 branches of the Church 168 4 13 6 2 - The branch at Liverpool, represented by Elder John Taylor 78 1 3 2 - Elder Joseph Fielding read the minutes of the Thornley, represented - represented by Elder William Kay 30 3 2 1 1 - The Branch at Ribchester, represented by Elder Francis Clark 22 2 1 - The Branch at Waddington, represented by John Ellison 58 2 2 1 - The Branch at Clitheroe, represented by Brother Lofthouse 35 1 3 1 - The Branch at Chatburn, represented by Elder John Bond 91 2 2 2 - The Branch at Downham, represented by John Spencer 25 1 - The Branch at Grindleton, represented by Elder Joseph Fielding 5 1 - The Branch at Whitmore, represented by J. Spencer 3 - The Branch at Burnley, represented by Elder H. C. Kimball 27 1 1 1 - The Branch at Blackburn, represented by Elder H. C. Kimball 17 1 - Elder Reuben Hedlock read the minutes of the conference held at - Paisley, Scotland, representing 5 branches of the Church 106 6 5 3 2 - The Branch at Alston, represented by Elder John Sanders 36 2 2 2 - The Branch at Brampton, represented by Elder John Sanders 36 1 1 - The Branch at Longton, represented by Elder Bradshaw 54 2 4 2 - The Branch at Penworthan, represented by Elder P. Melling 77 4 1 1 1 - The Branch at Whittle, represented by Elder Richard Withnall 16 1 4 - The Branch at Southport, represented by R. McBride 19 1 2 - The Branch at Daubers Lane & Eccleston, Represented by Elder - Richard Withnall 42 1 3 - The Branch at Hunter's Hill, represented by Richard Benson 26 1 1 1 - The Branch at Bolton, represented by Elder David Wilding 61 1 2 2 - The Branch at Bury and Elton, represented by Elder David Wilding 12 - The Branch at Ratcliff, represented by Elder Amos Fielding 11 - The Branch at Benford, &c. represented by Elder Willard Richards 40 1 1 - The Branch at Stockport, represented by Elder M. Littlewood 85 2 1 2 1 - The Branch at Duckinfield, represented by Elder Henry Royle 41 1 1 - The Branch at Macclesfield, represented by Samuel Heath 14 2 - The Branch at Middlewich, represented by Samuel Heath 20 1 1 1 - The Brach at Plover, represented by Samuel Heath 24 1 1 1 - The Branch at Northwich, represented by William Berry 14 1 - The Branch at Altrincham, represented by William Berry 4 1 - The Branch at Whitfield, represented by Walker Johnson 14 1 - The Branch at Pendlebury, represented by Elder William Clayton 13 1 1 - The Branch at Eccles, represented by Elder William Clayton 5 - The Branch at West Bromwich, represented by Elder Theodore Turley 16 1 1 - - After the officers had got through the representations, the - President introduced the new hymn-book; and after suitable remarks - had been made by him and Elders Young and Thomas Kington, the - President asked the conference if they were satisfied with the - labors of those who had made the selection, and if they received - the book. The unanimous approbation of the meeting was immediately - manifested. - - By unanimous vote, Thomas Kington, Alfred Cordon, and Thomas Smith - were ordained High Priests; John Albison, John Blezzard, William - Berry, John Sanders, John Parkinson, James Worsley, and John Allen - were ordained Elders; and Joseph Slinger, George Walker, John - Smith, Robert Williams, William Black, John Melling, and John - Swindlehurst were ordained Priests. - - Elder Brigham Young then called upon those officers, whose - circumstances would permit them to devote themselves entirely to - the work of the ministry, and would volunteer so to do, to stand - up--when the following names were taken, viz., of the traveling - High Council, Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, John Taylor, Wilford - Woodruff, Willard Richards, and George A. Smith; other officers, - namely, William Clayton, Reuben Hedlock, Hiram Clark, Theodore - Turley, Joseph Fielding, Thomas Richardson, Amos Fielding, John - Parkinson, John Wych, John Needham, Henry Royle, John Blezzard, D. - Wilding, Charles Price, Joseph Knowles, Wm. Kay, Samuel Heath, Wm. - Parr, R. McBride, and James Morgan. - - {149} Moved by Elder Richards, seconded by Elder Kimball, that - Elder Peter Melling be appointed to preside over the following - branches of the Church, namely--Preston, Longton, Penwortham, North - Meols, and Southport; carried. - - Moved by Elder Kimball, seconded by Elder Young, that Elder Richard - Withnall be appointed to preside over the branches of the Church - at Whittle, Daubers Lane, Chorley, Hunter's Hill, and Euxtonburgh; - carried. - - Moved by Elder Kimball, seconded by Elder Young, that Elder Thomas - Smith be appointed to preside over the branches of the Church at - Clitheroe, Chatburn, Downham, Chaighley, Grindleton, Whitmore, - Burnley, Blackburn, Ribchester, and Thornley: carried. - - Moved and seconded, that President Fielding and his counselors - be set at liberty from the charge which they have sustained as a - presidency, that they may have the privilege of more fully entering - into the field of labor; and that their labors be accepted; carried. - - Elders Young and Richards then proceeded to ordain those who had - been nominated to their respective offices, after which the minutes - were read and accepted. - - The conference adjourned to the sixth of October next, to be held - in the Carpenter's Hall, Manchester, at 10 o'clock, a. m. - -_Tuesday, 7_. - - _A council of Church Officers, held at Manchester, England_. - - Pursuant to previous notice, a general council of the Church - officers was held in the council room at the _Star_ office, - Manchester, on the 7th day of July, 1840. The meeting being opened - by prayer by Elder Kimball, Elder Young began to speak concerning - those officers who had volunteered to devote themselves wholly to - the ministry; when it was moved and seconded that Brothers William - Kay and Thomas Richardson go to Herefordshire, to labor in that - region with Elder Kington; carried. - - Moved by Elder Kimball, seconded by Elder Young, that Brothers - Hiram Clark and Joseph Knowles go with Elder Hedlock to Scotland: - carried. - - Moved by Elder Kimball, seconded by Elder Young, that Brother - Joseph Fielding go to Bedford: carried. - - Moved by Elder Richards, seconded by Elder Kimball, that Brothers - Amos Fielding and John Wych go to Newcastle-upon-Tyne: carried. - - Moved by Elder Kimball, seconded by Elder Woodruff, that Brother - David Wilding go to Garway, Herefordshire: carried. - - Moved by Elder Young, seconded by Elder Woodruff, that Brothers - William Clayton and John Needham go to Birmingham: carried. - - {150} Moved by Elder Richards, seconded by Elder Young, that - Brother Henry Royle go to Sheffield: carried. - - Moved by Elder Clayton, seconded by Elder Young, that Brother John - Albiston take charge of the following Branches of the Church, - namely--Duckinfield, Hyde, Woolley Hill, Ashton, and Staley Bridge: - carried. - - Moved by Elder Pratt, seconded by Elder Woodruff, that Brother - William Parr go to Sandbach and Congleton: carried. - - Moved by Elder Richards, seconded by Elder Pratt, that Brother - Heath continue his labors in Macclesfield: carried. - - Moved by Elder Richards, seconded by Elder Woodruff, that Brother - John Blezzard go to Cornshaw: carried. - - Moved by Elder Kimball, seconded by Elder Richards, that Brother - Robert McBride go to Lancaster: carried. - - Moved by Elder Richards, seconded by Elder Woodruff, that Brother - James Morgan abide in his own neighborhood to labor with Elder - David Wilding: carried. - - Moved by Elder Pratt, seconded by Elder Woodruff, that Brother - Price give up his business, and labor under the advice of Elder - Kington as the way opens: carried. - - Moved by Elder Richards, seconded by Elder Kimball, that Brother - William Black go to Lisburn, Ireland, as the way opens: carried. - - Moved by Elder Richards, seconded by Elder Smith, that Brother John - Parkinson have a roving commission, so long as he keeps busy, and - doing good: carried. - - After Elder Young had addressed the meeting upon several important - items, the meeting dismissed by blessing from Elder Young. - - Parley P. Pratt, President. - - William Clayton, Clerk. - -At this time Elders Orson Hyde and John E. Page were laboring in Ohio. - -_Thursday, 9_. - - _Extract from Elder Woodruff's Letter to the Editor of the - _Millennial Star_--Detailing Incidents of his Ministry_. - - I arrived at Froome's Hill, Castle Froome, Herefordshire, on the - 4th of March, and was kindly entertained for the night by Mr. - John Benbow, who received my testimony, and opened his door for - meeting; and on the evening following, the 5th of March, for the - first time I preached the fullness of the Gospel in that place to - a small congregation, who manifested much interest in what they - heard, and desired to inquire further into those things; and on - the evening following I met a large {151} number at Mr. Benbow's, - and preached unto them the principles of the Gospel, namely, faith - in Christ, repentance, and baptism for the remission of sins and - the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands; after which - I administered the ordinance of baptism unto six persons, Mr. and - Mrs. Benbow among the number. I also preached on Sunday the 8th - and baptized seven, confirmed thirteen, and broke bread unto them. - Several of those who were baptized were preachers of the order - called the United Brethren. - - The United Brethren formerly belonged to the Primitive Methodists, - but had separated themselves from the body, and chose the name of - the United Brethren. They had from forty to fifty preachers and - about the same number of established places of meeting, including - two chapels. - - Mr. Thomas Kington was the superintendent of the church of the - United Brethren, whose members numbered about four hundred in all, - divided into small branches and scattered over an extent of country - from fifteen to twenty miles. This people almost universally - appeared willing to give heed to the exhortation of Solomon, to - hear a matter before they judged or condemned. They opened their - doors for me to preach, and searched the Scriptures daily to see if - the things which I taught were true; and on finding that the word - and spirit agreed and bore record of the truth of the fullness of - the Everlasting Gospel, they embraced it with all their hearts, - which has brought great joy and satisfaction to many souls in that - region. - - I continued preaching and baptizing daily; the congregations were - large and generally attentive. I was soon privileged with an - interview with Mr. Thomas Kington, the superintendent of the United - Brethren, before whom I gave an account of the rise and progress - of the Church of the Latter-day Saints, and bore testimony of the - truth of the great work which God had set His hand to accomplish in - these last days. - - Mr. Kington received my testimony and sayings with candor; and - carried the case before the Lord, made it a subject of prayer, and - asked the Father in the name of Jesus Christ, if these things were - true; and the Lord manifested the truth of it unto him, and he went - forth and was baptized, he and all his household. I ordained him an - Elder, and he went forth and began to preach the fullness of the - Gospel. - - I also baptized about forty preachers of the same order, and - several others belonging unto other churches, and about one hundred - and twenty members of the United Brethren, which opened about forty - doors or preaching places, where the fullness of the Gospel would - meet a welcome reception, and all this during the term of one month - and five days. - - On the 10th of April I took my departure from the Saints in - Herefordshire and adjoining country, numbering about one hundred - and sixty; {152} whom I left rejoicing in the fullness of the - Gospel, and hundreds of others who were ready to be baptized as - soon as a proper time and opportunity arrived. I arrived in Preston - on the 13th, by way of Worcester, Wolverhampton, Burslem, and - Manchester, a distance of about one hundred and seventy miles, - visiting the churches by the way. - - On my arrival in Preston, I was blessed with the happy privilege of - once more greeting my brethren of the Traveling High Council and - other Elders, and of sitting with them on the 14th, 15th, and 16th - of April in the first council and general conference which they had - ever held, as a quorum, in a foreign nation. After spending several - days together, (during which time much business of importance was - transacted for the Church,) it became necessary for us again to - separate in order to labor in different parts of the vineyard which - were now open before us. I left Preston on the 17th, accompanied - by Elder Brigham Young, and visited the churches by the way, until - we arrived among the Saints in Herefordshire, who were anxiously - looking for my return. In a few days we were joined in our labors - by Elder Willard Richards. We took locations in different parts of - this new field of labor, which extended through various places in - Herefordshire, Worcestershire, and Gloucestershire. - - We continued preaching, and baptizing, and administering in the - ordinances of the Gospel daily, unto such as would receive our - testimony, and obey the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Truth was mighty - and prevailed; the work prospered, and multiplied on every hand, - until several hundreds, including more than fifty preachers of - various sects, were rejoicing in the fullness of the everlasting - Gospel, and felt to praise God that they had lived to behold the - day when the Lord had set His hand to prune His vineyard once - more with a mighty pruning, and to establish the Gospel in its - ancient purity again upon the face of the earth; and in many - instances signs followed the believer, according to the promise - of the Savior. The Spirit of God accompanied the preaching of the - word to the hearts of men. Whole households, on hearing the word, - have received it into good and honest hearts, and gone forth and - received the ordinances of the Gospel; and frequently we have - baptized from eight to twelve the first time of meeting with the - people in new places, and preaching the word of God to them. - - Elder Young labored with us about one month, during which time - many were baptized, confirmed, and numbers ordained to preach the - Gospel--and while the Saints were much edified, and their hearts - made glad with the teaching and instruction by Elder Young, I also - obtained much benefit myself by enjoying his society, sitting under - his instruction, and sharing in his counsel. - - As it became necessary for Elder Young to return to Manchester, - to {153} assist in preparing a collection of hymns, and other - matters, he took the parting hand with us on the 20th of May; and - Elders Richards and myself continued our labors in the vineyard, in - connection with Elder Kington, who had given himself wholly to the - work of the ministry. - - The Lord still continued to bless our labors, and added daily unto - the Church. New doors were opening on every hand; and multiplicity - of calls constantly reached our ears, many of which we could not - answer for the want of laborers. Notwithstanding there were about - fifty ordained Elders and Priests in this part of the vineyard, yet - there were equally as many places for preaching to be attended to - upon the Sabbath day. Thus we continued our labors in this region - until the time drew near for the general conference in Manchester - on the 6th of July. - - But before leaving the Saints, we considered it wisdom to set in - order the church, and organize them into branches and conferences, - that they might be properly represented before the general - conference. Therefore we held two conferences with the Saints - before we took our departure from them. The first was held at the - Gadfield Elm Chapel, Worcestershire, on the 14th of June, at which - time we organized twelve branches, and transacted such business as - the occasion required. The Second conference was held at Stanley - Hill, Herefordshire, on the 21st of June, twenty branches of the - Church were organized. The minutes of the above-named conferences I - present you for publication, if you think proper. - - On the day following, Elder Richards and myself took our leave of - the Saints at Froome's Hill, Herefordshire; but before leaving we - repaired to a pool three times to baptize and confirm numbers that - came to us and requested these ordinances at our hands. - - Elder Richards labored in this part of the vineyard about two - months, during which time he traveled extensively, preached night - and day, gave much instruction to the Saints generally, and had - many souls as seals to his ministry. I received much benefit from - the counsel which he gave in the organization of the churches, and - it was manifest that he had passed through a profitable school of - experience during the three years of his travels in England; and - the interesting seasons we have enjoyed together during these two - months, will not be easily erased from my memory. - - It was with no ordinary fellings that we took our departure from - the Saints in Herefordshire on this occasion; for, less than - four months since, I proclaimed the fullness of the Gospel in - this region for the first time; but now, we were leaving between - five and six hundred Saints, who were rejoicing in the new and - everlasting covenant, and hundreds of others who were wishing to - hear and obey. I parted from Elder Richards at Birmingham, who went - direct to Manchester, while I visited {154} West Bromwich, and - preached several times to a small branch of the Church which had - been raised up in that place by Elder Turley, who baptized several - while I was there. I also attended a conference on the 29th June, - at Hanley, in the Staffordshire Potteries, in company with Elder - George A. Smith and others, after which I arrived in Manchester. - - Wilford Woodruff. - - Manchester, July 9, 1840. - -[Sidenote: Special Instructions for the High Councils.] - -_Saturday, 11_.--The High Council met at my office, when I taught -them principles relating to their duty as a Council, and that they -might be guided by the same in future, I ordered it to be recorded as -follows: "That the Council should try no case without both parties -being present, or having had an opportunity to be present; neither -should they hear one person's complaint before his case is brought up -for trial; neither should they suffer the character of any one to be -exposed before the High Council without the person being present and -ready to defend him or herself; that the minds of the councilors be not -prejudiced for or against any one whose case they may possibly have to -act upon." - -[Sidenote: The First Missionary for Australia.] - -William Barrett, aged 17, was ordained an Elder in Hanley, -Staffordshire, England, by Elders George A. Smith and Alfred Cordon, -and took leave for South Australia, being the first Elder who went on a -mission to that country. - -_Sunday, 12_--Elias Smith was appointed Bishop by the High Council of -Iowa, in place of Alanson Ripley, removed to Nauvoo. - -_Monday, 13_. - - _Kidnapping of Alanson Brown and Benjamin Boyce--Affidavit of - Daniel H. Wells_. [2] - - State Of Illinois, Hancock County. - - This day personally appeared before the undersigned, an acting - justice of the peace, in the aforesaid county, Alanson Brown, - who, first {155} being duly sworn according to law, deposes and - says, that on the 7th day of July, A. D. 1840, and in the county - of Hancock, in said state, William Allensworth, H. M. Woodyard, - William Martin, John H. Owsley, John Bain, Light T. Tait, and - Halsay White, in company with several other persons, to this - affiant unknown, forcibly arrested this affiant, and one Benjamin - Boyce, whilst affiant and said Boyce, were quietly pursuing their - own lawful business; and that immediately after said arrest, the - said Allensworth, Woodyard, Martin, Owsley, Bain, Tait, and White, - did illegally and forcibly take, kidnap, and carry this affiant and - said Boyce, bound with cords, from the said county of Hancock, in - said state, on the day and year above set forth, in the county of - Lewis, in the state of Missouri, without having established a claim - for such a procedure, according to the laws of the United States. - - Affiant states that in a short time after he was taken into the - state of Missouri, he was put into a room with said Boyce, and - there kept until about eleven o'clock the following night; when - they were taken out of the room where they had been confined, into - the woods, near at hand, by said Tait, a man by the name of Huner, - and another by the name of Monday, and some others, whose name - affiant did not learn; they previously placed a rope about the - neck of the affiant; Huner and Monday then proceeded to hang the - affiant, and did hang him for some time upon a tree, until affiant - was nearly strangled, after which they let him down and loosened - the rope. Shortly after this, affiant heard repeated blows, which - others--belonging to the same gang of Huner--were inflicting upon - Boyce, and he could hear also the cries of Boyce, under the pain - arising from the blows; after which affiant and Boyce were taken - back to the room where they had been confined, in which they found - a man by the name of Rogers, and another by the name of Allred. - - Affiant further states that he was kept in imprisonment by the - {156} persons heretofore named, and others to him unknown, until - Friday evening next ensuing the Tuesday on which Boyce and himself - were kidnapped, when he escaped out of their hands and returned - into the state of Illinois. Affiant had learned that the name of - the place in said county of Lewis, state of Missouri, to which he - was taken from the state of Illinois, is called Tully, to which the - said Allensworth, Woodyard, Martin, Owsley, Bain, Tait and White, - have fled as fugitives from justice, and at which they are now to - be found. - - I hereby certify that the foregoing affidavit was this day - subscribed and duly sworn to before me, by said Alanson Brown. - - Daniel H. Wells. - - Justice of the Peace, July 13, 1840. - - _Statement of James Allred_. - - State Of Illinois, Hancock County. - - This day personally appeared before the undersigned, an acting - Justice of the Peace, in and for said county, James Allred, a - credible witness, who first being duly sworn according to law, - deposes and says that William Allensworth, John H. Owsley, and - William Martin, on the 7th day of July, 1840, within the limits - of said county of Hancock, aided by several other persons, to - this affiant unknown, forcibly arrested this affiant and one Noah - Rogers, whilst the affiant and said Rogers were peaceably pursuing - their own lawful business; and that the said Allensworth, Owsley - and Martin, after said arrest, aided by sundry persons, to affiant - unknown, did forcibly take, kidnap and carry this affiant and said - Rogers from the said county of Hancock in the state of Illinois, - on the day and year above mentioned into the state of Missouri, - without having established a claim for such procedure according to - the laws of the United States. - - Affiant further states, that in a short time after he had been so - taken into the state of Missouri, he was put into a room with said - Rogers, and there kept until some time during the following night, - when they were taken out of the room where they were confined, - into the woods near by, and this affiant was bound by the persons - conducting him, to a tree, he having been first forcibly stripped - by them of every particle of clothing. Those having him in charge - then told affiant that they would whip him; one of them, by the - name of Monday, saying to this affiant, "G--d--n you, I'll cut you - to the hollow." They, however, at last unbound the affiant without - whipping him. - - Affiant states that said Rogers was taken just beyond the place - where affiant was bound with a rope around his neck, and he heard - a great number of blows, which he then supposed, and has since - learned were inflicted upon said Rogers, and heard him cry out - several times as if in great agony; after which affiant, together - with Rogers, was taken {157} back and placed in the room from which - they were taken, together with one Boyce and Brown, and detained - until Monday next succeeding the day on which he was kidnapped; at - which time he received from one of the company, who had imprisoned - him, a passport, of which the following is a copy-- - - "Tully, Missouri, July 12, 1840. The people of Tully, having - taken up Mr. Allred, with some others, and having examined into - the offenses committed, find nothing to justify his detention any - longer, and have released him. By order of the committee. - - "H. M. Woodward." - - And then this affiant was permitted to return home into the state - of Illinois. This place in Missouri, to which affiant and said - Rogers were taken, he has learned is called Tully, and is situated - in the county of Lewis, and at which place the said Allensworth, - Owsley and Martin are now living. - - I hereby certify that the forgoing affidavit was this day - subscribed, and duly sworn to before me, by the said James Allred. - - Daniel H. Wells, - - Justice of the Peace. - - _Action of the Citizens of Nauvoo in the Matter of the Kidnapping - of Brown and Boyce by the Missourians_. - - At a meeting of the citizens of Nauvoo, Hancock county, Illinois, - 13th July, 1840, Judge Elias Higbee was called to the chair, and - Robert B. Thompson was appointed Secretary. - - On motion a committee was appointed to report resolutions, - expressive of the sense of this meeting, consisting of the - following persons, to wit.--Isaac Galland, Robert B. Thompson, - Sidney Rigdon, and Daniel H. Wells, who retired, and after a short - absence, reported the following preamble and resolutions, which - were unanimously adopted-- - - _Report of the Committee on Resolutions_. - - Preamble--The committee appointed to express the sense of this - meeting, in relation to the recent acts of abduction, and other - deeds of cruelty and inhumanity committed upon our citizens - by [some of] the citizens of the state of Missouri, beg leave - respectfully to report: - - That having under consideration the principal matters involve in - the discharge of their duty, they have been forced to arrive at the - following conclusions: - - First--That the people of Missouri, not having sufficiently slacked - their thirst for blood and plunder, are now disposed to pursue us - with a repetition of the scenes of brutality which marked their - whole course of conduct towards us during our unhappy residence - among them. - - {158} Second--That notwithstanding they have already robbed us - of our homes, murdered our families, stolen and carried away our - property; and to complete the measure of their infamy as a state, - their executive caused unoffending thousands to be banished from - the state, without even the form of a trial, or the slightest - evidence of crime; they are now sending their gangs of murdering - banditti, and thieving brigands, to wreak further vengeance, and - satisfy their insatiable cupidity in the state of Illinois, and - that too before we have even had time to erect shelters for our - families. - - Third--That for the purpose of giving a semblance of justification - to their most unhallowed conduct, the people of Missouri have again - commenced concealing goods within the limits of our settlements, as - they had done before in the state of Missouri, in order to raise a - charge of stealing against our citizens, and under this guise they - have within a few days kidnapped, and carried away, several honest - and worthy citizens of this county. - - Fourth--Under these circumstances the first duty and the only - redress which seems to offer itself to our consideration is an - appeal to the executive of the state of Illinois, for redress, and - protection from further injuries, with a confident assurance that - he, unlike the governor of Missouri, will extend the executive arm - to protect from lawless outrage, unoffending citizens. Therefore, - - _Resolved 1st_: That we view, with no ordinary feelings, the - approaching danger as a necessary consequence following the lawless - and outrageous conduct of the citizens of Missouri, in setting - at defiance the laws of this, as well as of all other states in - this Union, by forcing from their homes, and from the state, civil - citizens of Illinois, and taking them into the state of Missouri, - without any legal process whatever, and there inflicting upon them - base cruelties in order to extort false confessions from them, to - give a coloring to their (the Missourians') iniquities, and screen - themselves from the just indignation of an incensed public. - - _Resolved 2ndly_: That while we deeply deplore the cause which - has brought us together on this occasion, we cannot refrain from - expressing our most unqualified disapprobation at the infringement - of the laws of this state, as set forth in the above Preamble, and - strongest indignation at the manner in which the people of Missouri - treated those whom they had thus inhumanly taken from among us. - - _Resolved 3rdly_: That inasmuch as we are conscious of our honest - and upright intentions, and are at all times ready and willing - to submit to the just requirements of the laws, we claim of the - citizens and authorities of this state, protection from such unjust - and, before, unheard of oppressions. - - {159} _Resolved 4thly_: That the forcible abduction of our citizens - by the citizens of Missouri, is a violation of the laws regulating - the federal compact, subversive to the rights of freemen, and - contrary to our free institutions, and republican principles. - - _Resolved, 5thly_: That the cruelties practiced upon our citizens, - since their abduction, is disgraceful to humanity; the height of - injustice and oppression, and would disgrace the annals of the most - barbarous nations, in either ancient or modern times; and can only - find its parallel in the "_Auto da Fe_"--the inquisitions in Spain. - - _Resolved, 6thly_: That such unconstitutional and unhallowed - proceedings on the part of the citizens of Missouri, ought to - arouse every patriot to exertion and diligence to put a stop to - such procedure, and use all constitutional means to bring the - offenders to justice. - - _Resolved, 7thly_: That we memorialize the Executive of this state, - of the gross outrage which has been committed on our citizens; - and pledge ourselves to aid him in such measures as may be deemed - necessary to restore our citizens to freedom, and have satisfaction - for the wrongs we have suffered. - - Elias Higbee, Chairman, - - R. B. Thompson, Secretary. - - _Memorial to Governor Carlin_. - - _To his Excellency Governor Carlin_:--The undersigned being a - committee to draft a Memorial to your Excellency relative to the - recent outrages, would respectfully represent; that after being - driven from our homes, and pleasant places of abode, in the state - of Missouri, by the authorities of said state, Illinois seemed to - be the first shelter or asylum which presented itself to our view; - that having left the state of Missouri, your memorialists found - an asylum in the state of Illinois; and notwithstanding the false - reports which were circulated to our prejudice, we were received - with kindness by the noble hearted citizens of Illinois; who - relieved our necessities, and bade us welcome; for which kindness - we feel thankful. - - That under your Excellency's administration, we have had every - encouragement given us, and have every reason, from the kindness - and sympathy which you have ever manifested towards us in our - sufferings, to feel confident that your aid will ever be offered - to us in common with the rest of the citizens of the state. That - feeling ourselves so happy and secure, and beginning again to - enjoy the comforts of life, we are sorry to say that our quiet has - been disturbed, our fears alarmed, and our families annoyed by - the citizens of Missouri; who, with malice and hatred, which is - characteristic of them, have unconstitutionally sent an armed force - and abducted some of our friends, namely, James Allred, {160} Noah - Rogers, Alanson Brown, and one Boyce, and carried them into the - state of Missouri, and treated them with the greatest barbarity - and cruelty; even now their wives and children, as well as their - friends, are alarmed for the safety of their lives. - - Therefore we have felt it our duty to place the circumstances of - this unheard-of outrage before you, and appeal to your Excellency - for protection from such marauders, and take such measures as you - may deem proper, that our friends may be again restored to the - bosom of their families, and the offenders punished for their - crimes. - - We have the greatest confidence in your Excellency, that every - constitutional means will be resorted to, to restore our friends to - the society of their families, &c., that we, in common with other - citizens of the state of Illinois, may enjoy all the rights and - privileges of freemen. - - Your memorialists have under all circumstances paid the greatest - respect to the laws of the country, and if any should break the - same, they have never felt a disposition to screen such from - justice, but when under false pretenses, to gratify and satiate - a revengeful disposition--for the citizens of another state, - regardless of both the laws of God and man, to come and kidnap our - friends, to carry off our citizens to cruelly treat our brethren; - such offenders, we think, should be brought to an account, to be - dealt with according to their merit or demerit; that we may enjoy - the privileges guaranteed to us by the Constitution of the United - States. - - We therefore humbly pray that your Excellency will satisfy yourself - of the gross outrage which has been committed on the citizens of - the state, and with that energy which is so characteristic of your - Excellency's administration, take such steps as you may deem best - calculated to repair the injuries which your memorialists have - sustained; that you will vindicate the injured laws of the state. - - In conclusion, we beg leave to assure your Excellency, that in the - discharge of this, as well as every other constitutional movement, - you may rely upon the hearty co-operation of your memorialists, - who respectfully submit to your Excellency the accompanying - Resolutions, which were passed at a large meeting held in this - place on this day, and also the affidavit of one of those persons - who was kidnapped, but fortunately has made his escape. - -Footnotes: - -1. At the present time the above arrangement by which Elder Parley -P. Pratt was chosen president of the conference, while Elder Brigham -Young was his senior in the quorum of the Twelve Apostles, will seem -somewhat out of order. Such procedure is recorded a number of times -in the minutes of conferences and other gatherings in the early years -of the Church's history; it is therefore proper to say that in those -days the right to presidency by reason of seniority of standing in -quorums and councils was not as well settled as it is now. Presidency -throughout the councils and quorums of the church is determined by well -settled principles of seniority of ordination, and as soon as any of -these organizations are called to order for business the president of -the council or conference is determined by the seniority of standing -in said organization without any formal action. In the above case the -brethren may have been influenced by the fact that Elder Pratt was an -older member of the church than President Young. Also, it appears in -a subsequent paragraph that some charges were preferred by President -Young against one of the Elders in the conference. This course may have -been decided upon by the Apostles, who probably thought that it would -not be best for the presiding officer over the conference to make such -charges, hence Elder Pratt was chosen to preside and Elder Young left -free to make the charges aforesaid. - -2. Daniel Hanmer Wells was the son of Daniel Wells by his second wife -Catherine Chapin. He was born at Trenton, Oneida county, New York, -October 27, 1814. His father was a descendant of Thomas Wells, the -fourth governor of Connecticut, while his mother was descended from -David Chapin, a veteran of the Revolution, who served under Washington, -and was a descendant of one of the oldest and most distinguished -families of New England. The father of Daniel H. Wells died when the -son was but 12 years old, which threw upon him, at this early age, the -care of his mother and younger sister. At the age of 16 he migrated -with his mother and sister to Marietta, Ohio, where Daniel H. taught -school during the winter, and in the spring moved to Illinois, settling -at Commerce, where he made extensive purchases of land. One farm of -eighty acres was in the very heart of what became the city of Nauvoo, -in fact he platted his farm into city lots which he sold at very -reasonable prices to the Saints. The Temple site was selected from the -western range of blocks in this addition. In 1885 he married Eliza -Robison, and a son was born to them a year later. Mr. Wells served a -term as constable in the district in which Commerce was situated, and -was now a justice of the peace and familiarly called "Squire Wells." -He was a stalwart Whig in politics; a man of high character and great -courage. - -{161} - - - -CHAPTER IX. - -The Return of a Prodigal--Conditions in Kirtland--Progress of the Work -in Great Britain--The Coming of John C. Bennett. - - Australian Mission. - - _Extract of a Letter from Elder William Barratt_. - - Deptford, [1] July 15, 1840. - - Dear Brother In Christ:--I write to inform you of my arrival in - the metropolis this morning, after a tedious journey in the midst - of much profaneness and swearing, such as I never heard in my - life before. I feel, as the Apostle expresses it, like a lamb - among wolves, going into a land of strangers to preach the Gospel; - therefore I desire your prayers in my behalf. I have witnessed much - of the spirit of revelation since Sunday; in fact, I only thought - it a mere thought, when the Elders testified that they were called - by revelation; but now I know the truth of the assertion, which - proves to me who ought to preach, and that none ought, without they - are called by revelation. - - Give my love to all the Saints, and tell them that as many as - remain faithful I will meet in Zion, bringing my sheaves with me. - Tell them my faith is fixed, and my resolution is strong to meet - you all there, whom I love in the Lord. Pray that a door may be - opened, and that a gift of utterance may be given unto me in a - foreign land to preach the Gospel. Brethren, sorrow not for me, as - those that have no hope, for we have a hope of living and eating - together in the kingdom of our God. - -_Friday, 17_.--By my suggestion, High Council voted that Samuel Bent -and George W. Harris go on a mission to procure money for printing -certain books. - -_Saturday, 18_.--Elias Smith was ordained a Bishop. - -_Sunday, 19_.--An answer to Brigham Young's letter of the 17th of May -was sent by Lorenzo Snow, [2] which gave {162} the Twelve permission to -publish the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and hymn-book, but -not to ordain any into the quorum of the Seventies; and likewise some -general instructions. - -_Monday, 20_.--Elder John Moon and company arrived in New York being -the first arrival of Saints in America. - -_Wednesday, 22_. - - _The Prophet's Letter to William W. Phelps--Welcoming him back into - the Church_. [3] - - Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, July 22, 1840. - - Dear Brother Phelps:--I must say that it is with no ordinary - feelings I endeavor to write a few lines to you in answer to yours - of the 29th ultimo; at the same time I am rejoiced at the privilege - granted me. - - {163} You may in some measure realize what my feelings, as well - as Elder Rigdon's and Brother Hyrum's were, when we read your - letter--truly our hearts were melted into tenderness and compassion - when we ascertained your resolves, &c. I can assure you I feel a - disposition to act on your case in a manner that will meet the - approbation of Jehovah' (whose servant I am), and agreeable to the - principles of truth and righteousness which have been revealed; - and inasmuch as long-suffering, patience, and mercy have ever - characterized the dealings of our heavenly Father towards the - humble and penitent, I feel disposed to copy the example, cherish - the same principles, and by so doing be a savior of my fellow men. - - It is true, that we have suffered much in consequence of your - behavior--the cup of gall, already full enough for mortals to - drink, was indeed filled to overflowing when you turned against - us. One with whom we had oft taken sweet counsel together, and - enjoyed many refreshing seasons from the Lord--"had it been an - enemy, we could have borne it." "In the day that thou stoodest on - the other side, in the day when strangers carried away captive his - forces, and foreigners entered into his gates, and cast lots upon - [Far West], even thou wast as one of them; that thou shouldest not - have looked on the day of thy brother, in the day that he became a - stranger, neither shouldst thou have spoken proudly in the day of - distress." - - However, the cup has been drunk, the will of our Father has been - done, and we are yet alive, for which we thank the Lord. And having - been delivered from the hands of wicked men by the mercy of our - God, we say it is your privilege to be delivered from the powers of - the adversary, be brought into the liberty of God's dear children, - and again take your stand among the Saints of the Most High, and by - diligence, humility, and love unfeigned, commend yourself to our - God, and your God, and to the Church of Jesus Christ. - - Believing your confession to be real, and your repentance genuine, - I shall be happy once again to give you the right hand of - fellowship, and rejoice over the returning prodigal. - - Your letter was read to the Saints last Sunday, and an expression - of their feeling was taken, when it was unanimously - - {164} _Resolved_, That W. W. Phelps should be received into fellowship. - - "Come on, dear brother, since the war is past, - For friends at first, are friends again at last." - - Yours as ever, Joseph Smith, Jun. - - _Credentials of Elders Samuel Bent and George W. Harris_. - - To all whom it may concern:--This is to certify that Elders Samuel - Bent and George W. Harris are authorized agents of the Church of - Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, being appointed by the First - Presidency and High Council of said Church to visit the branches - of the Church in the east, or wherever they may be led in the - providence of God, to obtain donations and subscriptions for the - purpose of printing the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, - hymn-books, the new translation of the Scriptures. They are - likewise instructed and authorized to procure loans in behalf - of the Church, for carrying into operation the above and other - important works necessary to the well being of said Church. - - From our long acquaintance with these our beloved brethren, their - long, tried friendship under circumstances the most trying and - painful, their zeal for the cause of truth, and their strict - morality and honesty we most cheerfully recommend them to the - Saints of the Most High. Any statements they may make relative to - their mission may be implicitly relied upon, and any loans which - they may obtain, will be considered binding on the Church. And we - do hope the Saints will do all in their power to effect the object - proposed, and lift up the hands of our beloved brethren who have - cheerfully come forward to engage in a work so great and important. - - Joseph Smith, Jun., President, - - William Marks, - - Elias Higbee, - - David Dort, - - Charles C. Rich, - - Seymour Brunson, - - William Huntington, - - Hyrum Smith, - - Newel Knight, - - Alpheus Cutler, - - Henry G. Sherwood, - - David Fullmer, - - Thomas Grover, - - Lewis D. Wilson. - - _The Prophet's Letter to Oliver Granger--Dealing Chiefly with - Affairs at Kirtland_. - - _Brother Granger_: - - Dear Sir:--It was with great pleasure I received your and Brother - Richards' letter, dated New York, June 23, 1840, and was very happy - {165} to be informed of your safe arrival in that place, and your - probability of success; and I do hope that your anticipations will - be realized, and that you will be enabled to free the Lord's House - from all incumbrances, and be prospered in all your undertakings - for the benefit of the Church; and pray that while you are exerting - your influence to bring about an object so desirable, that the - choicest blessings of heaven may rest down upon you, while you are - endeavoring to do so, and attending to the duties laid upon you by - the authorities of the Church in this place. - - I am sorry to be informed not only in your letter, but from other - respectable sources, of the strange conduct pursued in Kirtland by - Elder Almon W. Babbitt. I am indeed surprised that a man having the - experience which Brother Babbitt has had, should take any steps - whatever, calculated to destroy the confidence of the brethren in - the Presidency or any of the authorities of the Church. - - In order to conduct the affairs of the Kingdom in righteousness, it - is all important that the most perfect harmony, kind feeling, good - understanding, and confidence should exist in the hearts of all the - brethren; and that true charity, love one towards another, should - characterize all their proceedings. If there are any uncharitable - feelings, any lack of confidence, then pride, arrogance and envy - will soon be manifested; confusion must inevitably prevail, and - the authorities of the Church set at naught; and under such - circumstances, Kirtland cannot rise and free herself from the - captivity in which she is held, and become a place of safety for - the Saints, nor can the blessings of Jehovah rest upon her. - - If the Saints in Kirtland deem me unworthy of their prayers when - they assemble together, and neglect to bear me up at the throne of - heavenly grace, it is a strong and convincing proof to me that they - have not the Spirit of God. If the revelations we have received - are true, who is to lead the people? If the keys of the Kingdom - have been committed to my hands, who shall open out the mysteries - thereof? - - As long as my brethren stand by me and encourage me, I can combat - the prejudices of the world, and can bear the contumely and abuse - with joy; but when my brethren stand aloof, when they begin to - faint, and endeavor to retard my progress and enterprise, then I - feel to mourn, but am no less determined to prosecute my task, - being confident that although my earthly friends may fail, and even - turn against me, yet my Heavenly Father will bear me off triumphant. - - However, I hope that even in Kirtland there are some who do not - make a man an offender for a word, but are disposed to stand forth - in defense of righteousness and truth, and attend to every duty - {166} enjoined upon them; and who will have wisdom to direct them - against any movement or influence calculated to bring confusion and - discord into the camp of Israel, and to discern between the spirit - of truth and the spirit of error. - - It would be gratifying to my mind to see the Saints in Kirtland - flourish, but think the time is not yet come; and I assure you it - never will until a different order of things be established and - a different spirit manifested. When confidence is restored, when - pride shall fall, and every aspiring mind be clothed with humility - as with a garment, and selfishness give place to benevolence and - charity, and a united determination to live by every word which - proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord is observable, then, and - not till then, can peace, order and love prevail. - - It is in consequence of aspiring men that Kirtland has been - forsaken. How frequently has your humble servant been envied in his - office by such characters, who endeavored to raise themselves to - power at his expense, and seeing it impossible to do so, resorted - to foul slander and abuse, and other means to effect his overthrow. - Such characters have ever been the first to cry out against the - Presidency, and publish their faults and foibles to the four winds - of heaven. - - I cannot forget the treatment I received in the house of my - friends. These things continually roll across my mind, and cause - me much sorrow of heart; and when I think that others who have - lately come into the Church should be led to Kirtland instead of to - this place, by Elder Babbitt; and having their confidence in the - authorities lessened by such observations as he (Elder Babbitt) has - thought proper to make, as well as hearing all the false reports - and exaggerated accounts of our enemies--I must say that I feel - grieved in spirit, and cannot tolerate such proceedings--neither - will I; but will endeavor to disabuse the minds of the Saints, and - break down all such unallowed proceedings. - - It was something new to me when I heard there had been secret - meetings held in the Lord's House, and that some of my - friends--faithful brethren--men enjoying the confidence of the - Church, should be locked out. Such proceedings are not calculated - to promote union, or peace, but to engender strife; and will be a - curse instead of a blessing. To those who are young in the work, I - know they are calculated to be, and must be, injurious. Those who - have had experience, and who should know better than to reflect on - their brethren--there is no excuse for them. - - If Brother Babbitt and the other brethren wish to reform the - Church, and come out and make a stand against sin and speculation, - &c., they must use other weapons than lies, or their object can - never be effected; {167} and their labors will be given to the - house of the stranger, rather than to the House of the Lord. - - The proceedings of Brother Babbitt were taken into consideration - at a meeting of the Church at this place, when it was unanimously - resolved, that fellowship should be withdrawn from him until - he make satisfaction for the course he has pursued: of which - circumstance I wish you to apprise him without delay, and demand - his license. - - Dear sir, I wish you to stand in your lot, and keep the station - which was given you by revelation and the authorities of the - Church. Attend to the affairs of the Church with diligence, and - then rest assured of the blessings of heaven. It is binding on - you to act as president of the Church in Kirtland, until you are - removed by the same authority which put you in; and I do hope there - will be no cause for opposition, but that good feeling will be - manifested in future by all the brethren. - - Brother Burdick's letter to Brother Hyrum was duly received, for - which he has our best thanks; it was indeed an admirable letter, - and worthy of its author. The sentiments expressed were in - accordance with the spirit of the Gospel, and the principles are - correct. - - I am glad that Brother Richards has continued with you, and hope he - has been of some service to you. Give my love to him. - - Our prospects in this place continue good. Considerable numbers - have come in this spring. There were some bickerings respecting - your conduct soon after your departure, but they have all blown - over, and I hope there will never be any occasion for any more; - but that you will commend yourself to God and to the Saints by a - virtuous walk and holy conversation. - - I had a letter from William W. Phelps a few days ago, informing - me of his desire to come back to the Church, if we would accept - of him. He appears very humble, and is willing to make every - satisfaction that Saints or God may require. - - We expect to have an edition of the Book of Mormon printed by the - first of September; it is now being stereotyped in Cincinnati. - - I am, &c., &c., - - Joseph Smith, Jun. - -[Sidenote: A Jew's Memorial.] - -An interesting memorial concerning the Jews, "To the Protestant Powers -of Europe and America," signed and sealed in London the 8th of January, -1839, may be found in the _Millennial Star_, Vol. I, No. 6. [4] - -{168} _Sunday, 24_.--Elder William Donaldson, member of the British -army bound for the East Indies, writes from Chatham, 24th of July, "We -go on board tomorrow. I have had a glorious vision about going into the -land of Egypt." - -_Saturday, 25_. - - _Letter of John C. Bennett to Joseph Smith and Sidney - Rigdon--Announcing His Intention to Join the Saints_. - - Fairfield, Illinois, July 25, 1840. - - Reverend and Dear Friends:--The last time I wrote you was during - the pendency of your difficulties with the Missourians. You are - aware that at that time I held the office of "Brigadier-General of - the Invincible Dragoons" of this state, and proffered you my entire - energies for your deliverance from a ruthless and savage, though - cowardly foe; but the Lord came to your rescue, and saved you with - a powerful arm. I am happy to find that you are now in a civilized - land, and in the enjoyment of peace and happiness. - - Some months ago I resigned my office with an intention of removing - to your town, and joining your people; but hitherto I have been - prevented. I hope, however, to remove to Commerce, and unite with - your Church next spring. I believe I should be much happier with - you. I have many things to communicate which I would prefer doing - orally; and I propose to meet you in Springfield on the first - Monday in December next, as I shall be there at the time on state - and United States business. - - If I remove to Commerce, I expect to follow my profession, and to - that end I enclose you a slip from the _Louisville Journal_, to - give you an idea of my professional standing. - - On the first of this month I was appointed to the office of {169} - "Quartermaster-General of the State of Illinois," which office I - expect to hold some years. - - I hope you are all quite well. In haste. Write me immediately. - - Yours respectfully, - - John C. Bennett. [5] - - To Messrs. Smith and Rigdon. - -_Monday, 27_. - - _Letter of John C. Bennett to Messrs. Smith and Rigdon--Making - Further Tender of his Services to the Church_. - - Quartermaster-General's Office, - - Fairfield, Illinois, July 27, 1840. - - _To the Reverends Sidney Rigdon and Joseph Smith, Jun_.: - - Respected Friends:--I wrote you a few days ago from this place, but - my great desire to be with you and your people prompts me to write - again at this time; and I hope it will not be considered obtrusive - by friends whom I have always so highly esteemed as yourselves. - - At the last District and Circuit Court of the United States, holden - at Springfield, in June last, I had the honor of being on the - grand inquest of the United States for the District of Illinois, - and hoped to have seen you there; but was quite disappointed. I - attended the meeting of your people opposite Mr. Lowry's hotel, but - did not make myself known, as I had no personal acquaintance in the - congregation. - - It would be my deliberate advice to you to concentrate all of your - Church at one point. If Hancock county, with Commerce for its - commercial emporium, is to be that point, well; fix upon it, and - let us cooperate with a general concerted action. You can rely upon - me in any event. I am with you in spirit, and will be in person as - soon as circumstances permit, and immediately if it is your desire. - Wealth is no material object with me. I desire to be happy, and am - fully satisfied that can enjoy myself better with your people, with - my present views and feelings, than with any other. I hope that - time will soon come when your people will become my people, and - your God my God. - - At the time of your peril and bitter persecution in Missouri, you - are {170} aware I proffered you my utmost energies, and had not - the conflict terminated so speedily, I should have been with you - then. God be thanked for your rescue from the hand of a savage, but - cowardly foe! - - I do not expect to resign my office of "Quartermaster-General of - the State of Illinois" in the event of my removal to Commerce, - unless you advise otherwise. I shall likewise expect to practice - my profession; but at the same time your people shall have all - the benefit of my speaking powers, and my untiring energies in - behalf of the good and holy faith. _Un necessariis unitas, in non - necessariis libertas, in omnibus charitas_, [6] shall be my motto - with--_Suaviter in modo, fortiter in re_. [7] - - Be so good as to inform me substantially of the population of - Commerce and Hancock county, the face of the country, climate, - soil, health, &c., &c. How many of your people are concentrated - there? Please to write me in full immediately. Louisville paper - will accompany this; please inquire for it. - - With sentiments of profound respect and esteem, suffer me to - subscribe myself, - - Yours respectfully, - - John C. Bennett. - -Elder John Taylor sailed for Ireland from Liverpool. [8] - -_Tuesday, 28_. - - _Letter of the Prophet to Horace R. Hotchkiss--Rock River Lands and - the White Purchase_. - - Nauvoo, July 28, 1840. - - _Horace R. Hotchkiss, Esq_.: - - Dear Sir:--I acknowledge the receipt of yours of last month, - giving me the numbers of the land on Rock River, which you felt - disposed to sell. In reply to which I have to say, that we have not - yet examined the land, and consequently have not arrived at any - conclusion {171} respecting it; but it is probable that some of my - friends will visit it this fall, and if we should think it wisdom - to locate there, or on the other tract, you will be informed of the - same, and arrangements entered into. - - I am sorry that your health has been so poor, but hope, ere - this, you are perfectly recovered. It would afford me great - pleasure indeed, could I hold out any prospect of the two notes - due next month being met at maturity, or even this fall. Having - had considerable difficulty (necessarily consequent on a new - settlement) to contend with, as well as poverty and considerable - sickness, our first payment will be probably somewhat delayed, - until we again get a good start in the world; and I am happy to - say, the prospect is indeed favorable. Under these circumstances - we shall have to claim your indulgence, which I have no doubt will - be extended. However, every exertion on our part shall be made - to meet the demands against us, so that if we cannot accomplish - all we wish to, it will be our misfortune, and not our fault. - Notwithstanding the impoverished condition of our people, and the - adverse circumstances under which we have had to labor, I hope we - shall eventually rise above them, and again enjoy the blessings of - health, peace, and plenty. - - You were informed in a former letter that we had paid Mr. William - White the one thousand dollars specified in your bond; a few days - ago he called at this place and agreed to give us a deed for the - ninety acres, (less one-half acre), providing I would give him an - identifying bond, and pay the interest due from you to him on the - one thousand dollars, which I agreed to do. I have therefore got - the deed for the land, and paid him the interest. My reasons for - so doing were these: there are some who wish to purchase lots, - providing they can get a good title deed for the same, and who - would be induced to make purchases and make an effort to raise - money, for the sake of getting a deed; which effort they would not - be so likely to make if we could only give them a bond. This I - think will work both to your advantage and ours, and hope that we - shall be able by and by to make some cash sales. - - I hope this arrangement with Mr. White will meet your approbation, - although it is a departure from the common rules of business; but - was induced to do so from the advantages which will result from it, - which I hope will be mutual. The amount of interest paid to Mr. - White, after deducting $61.50, which was coming from him to you - for rents, was eighty-four dollars and forty cents. Mr. White told - us that you agreed to pay him as much interest for the money as he - could get elsewhere. We accordingly (in good faith) allowed him at - the rate of ten per cent. Hoping the course pursued will meet your - approbation. - - I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, - - Joseph Smith, Jun. - - {172} P. S.--You will recollect the verbal agreement entered into - by us, that the notes for the interest would not be exacted for - at least five years. Notwithstanding which, we use our endeavors - to meet them as fast as possible, and think that when I have the - pleasure of seeing you again, you will be fully satisfied with the - course we have taken, and our endeavors to meet all our engagements. - - J. S., Jun. - -_Thursday, 30_. - - _Letter of John C. Bennett to Messrs. Smith and Rigdon--Expressing - Anxiety to be with the Saints_. - - Fairfield, Wayne County, Illinois, July 30th, 1840. - - _To Reverends Sidney Rigdon, and Joseph Smith, Jun_. - - Respected Friends:--It is with difficulty that I can forego the - felicity of an immediate immersion into the true faith of your - beloved people. I have written you several letters, and forwarded - you several newspapers to Commerce, which I hope will be duly - received, as they contain some matters of importance. - - Is Nauvoo, or Commerce, to be the general point of concentration - for the Mormon people? For at that point I desire to locate, and - ever remain. My anxiety to be with you is daily increasing, and I - shall wind up my professional business immediately, and proceed to - your blissful abode, if you think it best. - - Look at all my letters and papers and write me forthwith. You are - aware that at the time of your most bitter persecutions, I was - with you in feeling, and proffered you my military knowledge and - prowess. My faith is still strong. I believe the God of the whole - earth will avenge your wrong in time as well as in eternity. - - O my friends, go on and prosper; and may the God of all grace save - you with an everlasting salvation. - - Yours respectfully, - - J. C. Bennett. - -_Saturday, August 1_.--In the _Times and Seasons_ of this month I find -the following: - - _A voice from the holy city--rebuilding of the temple of - Solomon--Recall of the people of God to the land of Judah_. - - We have received by the last packet from England, a copy of a - very extraordinary "Circular" issued by the Jews, now residing - at Jerusalem, and addressed to all the descendants of Abraham to - the uttermost {173} ends of the earth. It is written in the pure - Hebrew character, and accompanied with an English translation, - which we annex as matter of the deepest curiosity to the people of - this country. Next week, if we possibly can, we shall publish the - original Hebrew in a double sheet, but at present we must content - ourselves with the translation.--_Morning Herald_. - - Circular. - - "_To our Brethren the Israelites of Europe and America_: - - "The liberal and benevolent contributors towards every holy and - pious purpose--ready to stand in the breach and evince their love - for the Land of Promise: to the well-wishers of Jerusalem, and - friends of Zion (dearer to us than life) who extend their bounteous - aid to this Holy City, and devote their best means, in love and - affection, 'to take pity on her stones, and show mercy to her - dust.' To the illustrious and excellent Rabbies--to their worthy - and distinguished Assessors--to the noble Chiefs and faithful - Leaders of Israel; to all congregations devoted to the Lord, and - to every member thereof--health, life, and prosperity. May the - Lord vouchsafe His protection unto them; may they rejoice and be - exceedingly glad; and with their own eyes may they behold when the - Lord restoreth Zion. Such be His gracious will. Amen. - - "It is a fact well known throughout Judah and Israel, that 'the - glory altogether departed from the daughter of Zion,' since upwards - of one hundred years ago, the congregation of German Jews in this - Holy City were forcibly deprived of their homes and inheritance. - Dreadful and grievous was the yoke under which the despots of this - land oppressed them. Tyranny and cruel usage ground them to the - dust, and forced them to forsake their habitations, to abandon - their houses and all their property, and to seek safety in flight. - Thus the large court they inherited from their ancestors remained - deserted and uninhabited, until it was seized upon and possessed by - aliens. The sacred edifices it contained, namely, the Synagogue and - Medrash, were by them demolished, the whole of the property utterly - ruined, and possessions, lawfully ours, devastated before our eyes. - Then did our souls refuse all consolation! For how could we bear to - witness the evil which befell our people! - - "As the light gleams forth from a spark, so did our congregation - take heart and return again to form their establishments, and to - take root on the Holy Mount. But we could find no rest for our - wearied feet--no place consecrated and appointed for our prayer and - instruction. Our aching eyes beheld how every nation and tongue, - even from the most distant isles of the ocean, is here possessed - of structures defended by walls, gates, and portcullis, whilst the - people of the Lord, forcibly {174} expelled from their inheritances - by rapacious barbarians, were covered with obloquy, scorn, and - disgrace. - - "The cries of the people ascended unto the Lord who dwelleth - in Zion. He looked down, and in pity beheld their sufferings - and oppression. And ever since the ruler of Egypt first assumed - the government of the Holy Land--a ruler who maintains justice - throughout his dominions--an edict was issued permitting Jews to - do whatsoever they deemed right and expedient, with respect to - the rebuilding of their demolished synagogues and colleges. Us, - likewise, the Lord in His mercy vouchsafed to remember, and caused - us to be reinstated into the heritage of our fathers, even to the - aforementioned court, which is called the Ruin of R. Jehudah the - Pious (of blessed memory). - - "Blessed be the Lord our God, the God of our fathers, who inspired - the heart of the ruler of Egypt to restore unto us the possessions - of our ancestors. Nor did we delay or lose time in the matter, but - exerted ourselves to rebuild Jerusalem. - - "'We fenced it, and gathered up the stones thereof,' and the sacred - undertaking prospered in our hands, so that we have completed the - Medrash, and 'great is the glory of the house;' and also houses - for the teachers of the law, and for the hospitable reception and - entertainment of strangers, which were indispensably necessary - to accommodate the many pious Israelites who visit the Holy City - during the festivals. And on _Rosh Hodesh Shebath_ last we joyfully - placed a Sepher Torah in the Medrash, which we consecrated by the - name of '_Menahem Zion_,' for the Lord has vouchsafed to comfort - His people. - - "But although we have thus, under the blessings of Providence, - retrieved from devastation a part of the possessions bequeathed - unto us by our pious ancestors, yet our hearts are afflicted and - our eyes are dimmed when we behold the sanctuary of our Lord, the - Synagogue, which still lies in ruins; nor is it in the power of all - of us (the German Congregation) to rebuild it; for alas! great is - the number of our poor who stand in need of bread, and the debts - we contracted in building the Medrash are large, and weigh heavily - upon us. - - "The cause of our grief is thus ever present to our eyes--the - ruins of the Synagogue are heaped in the middle of the court, and - rank weeds spread over the consecrated pile. We therefore deem it - our bounden duty to dispatch a messenger unto our brethren, the - children of Israel, who are dispersed and in exile, in order to - acquaint them with 'the salvation of the Lord in the land,' so that - they may arise and take pity on Zion, for it is time to show mercy - unto her. - - "To undertake this laborious duty was the voluntary offer of - our dearly beloved friend, that profound and renowned Rabbi, - the zealous and honorable _Aaron Selig Ashkenazi_. He is a man - confirmed in the {175} fear of the Lord, of a faithful stock; - and him we depute as our messenger, worthy of all trust, to make - proclamation unto the communities of Israel 'according to the sight - which he has seen in the Holy Mount,' and to him we have given - letters of authorization, containing full particulars as to his - pious mission, and every necessary information relating thereto. - - "Now, therefore, let the righteous behold and rejoice. Let the - pious exult and triumph in gladness. The day ye have so long hoped - for is come, and ye see it. The crown of holiness will again adorn - its former abode. Therefore, arise, and take upon yourselves, - according to the words of this letter, to devote a portion of your - wealth as a sacred tribute towards erecting 'the Temple of the Most - Holy King on the mountain of the Lord'--that ye may have a portion - and a righteous record in Jerusalem. - - "Let no one among you refuse his aid, but let the poor man - contribute his mite for himself and his household freely, as the - rich dispenses the bounty wherewith the Lord hath blessed him. Let - fathers and their offspring, the aged and the youthful, alike arise - in mercy to Zion at this propitious season. - - "Let each man encourage his neighbor and say, 'We will be zealous - and persevering for our people and the City of our God. And for the - love of Zion, and the sake of Jerusalem, we will not rest nor be - easy until Jerusalem is praised throughout the earth, and foremost - in our joys, even as we have vowed:--If I forget thee, Jerusalem, - let my right hand forget her cunning; if I prefer not Jerusalem - above my chief joy.' - - "Such are the words of your brethren who address you for the - glory of God, and for the honor of His land, His people and His - inheritance--continually praying for our exiled brethren, and - offering up our orisons on holy ground and particularly near the - _Western Wall_, that it may be well with you everlastingly as you - yourself desire, and we most sincerely wish. - - "Signed at Jerusalem, the 18th day of year 5597 a. m., by the - Wardens of the Medrash, and members of the Building Committee, on - behalf of the Congregation of German Jews in this Holy City. - - ["Signed] Hirsh Joseph, - - "David Reuben, - - "Nathan Saddis, - - "Abraham S. Salmons, - - "Mordecai Avigdor, - - "Uriah S. Hyam." - - The undersigned Assessors of the Bethdin, by the direction of - the {176} Rev. Chief Rabbi, hereby certify that Rev. Aaron Selig - Ashkenazi is actually deputed for the purpose mentioned in the - above circular. - - "London, the 7th Tebath, - - "24 Dec. 5599. - - "Israel Levy, - - "Aaron Levy, - - "A. L. Barnett." - -_Monday, August 3_.--Elders Wilford Woodruff and George A. Smith are at -Ledbury, Herefordshire. - -_Tuesday, 4_.--Elder Heber C. Kimball left Manchester for -Herefordshire, and Joseph Fielding is at Bedford. - -_Wednesday, 5_. - - _Extract of a Letter from Wilford Woodruff to the Editor of the - Millennial Star--Reporting Labors_. - - Beloved Brethren:--Since Elder George A. Smith and myself left - Manchester for the purpose of going to the south of England, we - have visited the churches which lay in our route, and found them - universally prospering and receiving additions. - - We preached in Leek on Sunday, July 10th, and Elder Smith baptized - six persons after meeting: and numbers were also baptized in the - churches at the Staffordshire Potteries while we were there. We - passed through West Bromwich and Birmingham, and found numbers - who were anxiously wishing for some of the Elders to visit that - region and labor among them. We arrived in Ludbury, Herefordshire, - July 22nd, and here spent about two weeks in visiting the churches - through this region, and I am happy to inform you, that we have - found the Saints universally rejoicing in the truth, and the work - progressing upon every hand. - - Elder Thomas Richardson has baptized about forty since he came, - and Elder William Kay about twenty; they are both much blessed in - their labors. Elder Kington is laboring constantly in this wide - field, which is under his care; and he with the Elders and Priests - generally throughout this region are blessed with many souls as - seals of their ministry. We baptized forty on Sunday last in this - region, making 250 since the conference. The churches here now - number about 800 members and appear [to be] in a very prosperous - state. We are expecting Elder Kimball every hour, and soon after - his arrival we shall leave the Saints in this region, for the - purpose of visiting the city of London and warning the inhabitants - thereof. - - Wilford Woodruff. - -{177} _Saturday, 8_.--Soon after the July conference at Manchester, -Elder Parley P. Pratt started for America for the purpose of getting -his family and taking them to England, meantime leaving the _Star_ in -charge of President Brigham Young, assisted by Elder Willard Richards. - - _The Prophet's Letter to John C. Bennett--Bidding Him Welcome to - Nauvoo, to partake of--its Poverty_. - - Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, - - August 8th, 1840. - - Dear Sir:--Yours of the 25th ultimo, addressed to Elder Rigdon and - myself, is received, for which you have our thanks, and to which I - shall feel great pleasure in replying. - - Although I have not the pleasure of your acquaintance, yet from - the kindness manifested towards our people when in bondage and - oppression, and from the frank and noble mindedness breathed in - your letter, I am brought to the conclusion that you are a friend - to suffering humanity and truth. - - To those who have suffered so much abuse, and borne the cruelties - and insults of wicked men so long, on account of those principles - which we have been instructed to teach to the world, a feeling of - sympathy and kindness is something like the refreshing breeze and - cooling stream at the present season of the year, and are, I assure - you, duly appreciated by us. - - It would afford me much pleasure to see you at this place, and from - the desire you express in your letter to move to this place, I hope - I shall soon have that satisfaction. - - I have no doubt you would be of great service to this community - in practicing your profession, as well as those other abilities - of which you are in possession. Since to devote your time and - abilities in the cause of truth and a suffering people may not - be the means of exalting you in the eyes of this generation, or - securing you the riches of the world, yet by so doing you may rely - on the approval of Jehovah, "that blessing which maketh rich and - addeth no sorrow." Through the tender mercies of our God we have - escaped the hands of those who sought our overthrow, and have - secure locations in this state, and in the territory of Iowa. Our - principal location is at this place, Nauvoo, (formerly Commerce), - which is beautifully situated on the banks of the Mississippi, - immediately above the lower rapids, and is probably the best and - most beautiful site for a city on the river. It has a gradual - ascent from the river nearly a mile, then a fine, level, and - fertile prairie--a situation in {178} every respect adapted to - commercial and agricultural pursuits, but like all other places on - the river, is sickly in summer. - - The number of inhabitants is nearly three thousand, and is fast - increasing. If we are suffered to remain, [9] there is every - prospect of its becoming one of the largest cities on the river, if - not in the western world. Numbers have moved in from the seaboard, - and a few from the islands of the sea (Great Britain). - - It is our intention to commence the erection of some public - buildings next spring. We have purchased twenty thousand acres in - the Iowa Territory opposite this place, which is fast filling up - with our people. I desire all the Saints, as well as all lovers - of truth and correct principles, to come to this place as fast as - possible, or [as rapidly as] their circumstances will permit, and - endeavor, by energy of action and concentration of talent, &c., - &c., to effect those objects, that are so dear to us. Therefore my - general invitation is, Let all that will, come, and partake of the - poverty of Nauvoo freely. - - I should be disposed to give you a special invitation to come - as early as possible, believing you will be of great service - to us; however, you must make arrangements according to your - circumstances. Were it possible for you to come here this season - to suffer affliction with the people of God, no one will be more - pleased to give you a more cordial welcome than myself. - - A charter has been obtained from the legislature for a railroad - from Warsaw, being immediately below the rapids of the Mississippi, - to this place--a distance of about twenty miles, which if carried - into operation will be of incalculable advantage to this place, as - steamboats can only ascend the rapids at a high stage of water. The - soil is good, and I think not inferior to any in the state. Crops - are abundant in this section of country--and I think provisions - will be reasonable. - - I should be very happy could I make arrangements to meet you in - Springfield at the time you mention--but cannot promise myself that - pleasure. If I should not, probably you can make it convenient to - come and pay us a visit here, prior to your removal. - - Elder Rigdon is very sick, and has been for nearly twelve months - with the fever and ague, which disease is very prevalent here at - this time. At present he is not able to leave his room. - - Yours, &c., - - Joseph Smith, Jun. - - To J. C. Bennett, M. D. - - P. S.--Yours of the 30th is just received, in which I am glad to - learn that your increasing desire to unite yourself with a people - "that are {179} everywhere spoken against," and the anxiety you - feel for our welfare--for which you have my best feelings; and I - pray that my heavenly Father will pour out His choicest blessings - in this world, and enable you by His grace to overcome the evils - which are in the world, that you may secure a blissful immortality - in the world that is to come. - - J. S., Jun. - -_August 10_.--Colonel Seymour Brunson, aged forty years, ten months -and twenty-three days, died at Nauvoo. Colonel Brunson was among -the first settlers of this place. He has always been a lively stone -in the building of God and was much respected by his friends and -acquaintances. He died in the triumph of faith, and in his dying -moments bore testimony to the Gospel that he had embraced. - -_Saturday, 15_. - - _Letter of John C. Bennett to Messrs. Smith and Rigdon--Announcing - that he will soon be in Nauvoo_. - - Wayne County Illinois, August 15, 1840. - - _Reverends Joseph Smith, Jun., and Sidney Rigdon_. - - Respected Friends:--I have written you several communications to - Commerce and Nauvoo, supposing they were different places, but a - brother to a lady in your community, now in this place, informs me - that they are one and the same. - - I have received no reply to my letters, and attribute the delay - to a press of business or professional absence. I have come to - the conclusion to join your people immediately, and take up my - abode with you. Let us adopt as our motto--_Licut partribus sit - Deus nobius_--(as God was with our fathers, so may He be with - us), and adapt the means to the end, and the victory is ours. The - winged warrior of the air will not cease to be our proud emblem of - liberty, and the dogs of war will be forever chained. - - I shall be with you in about two weeks, and shall devote my time - and energies to the advancement of the cause of truth and virtue, - and the advocacy of the holy religion which you have so nobly - defended, and so honorably sustained. - - My love to all the brethren. - - With sentiments of fraternal regard. - - Yours respectfully, - - J. C. Bennett. - -Footnotes: - -1. Formerly a town in Kent and Surrey, England, on the Thames, noted -for its dock yards, now part of London. - -2. Lorenzo Snow was born April 30, 1814, in Mantua, Portage county, -Ohio. He was the eldest son of Oliver Snow and Rosetta L. Pettibone. -The early years of his life were spent upon his father's farm. Later -he entered Oberlin College, a Presbyterian institution, in the town -of Oberlin, in Lorain county, Ohio, about sixty miles southwest of -Kirtland. In June, 1836, he visited Kirtland and attended the Hebrew -classes, then being taught in the Temple. While in Kirtland he became -a convert to the faith of the Latter-day Saints and was baptized by -Elder John Boynton, one of the Twelve Apostles. The following year he -did some missionary work among his relatives and friends in Ohio, and -in 1836, with his parents, who in the meantime joined the Church, he -moved to Missouri, and shortly afterwards went upon a preaching mission -through the states of Kentucky and Illinois. A few days before starting -upon this mission mentioned in the text, namely, 17th of July, 1840, he -was ordained a seventy by President Joseph Young, and the day following -was made a High Priest under the hands of Don Carlos Smith. The -testimony which this man received of the truth of the Gospel is very -interesting, and seems to have remained with him throughout his long -life, in all the freshness of its first impression upon him. Having -received the usual promise of a testimony of the truth of the work if -he obeyed the Gospel, he sought that testimony most earnestly in prayer -with the following result as stated by himself: - -"I had no sooner opened my lips in an effort to pray than I heard -a sound just above my head like the rushing of silken robes; and -immediately the Spirit of God descended upon me, completely enveloping -my whole person, filling me from the crown of my head to the soles of -my feet, and oh, the joyful happiness I felt! No language can describe -the almost instantaneous transition from a dense cloud of spiritual -darkness into a refulgence of light and knowledge, as it was at that -time imparted to my understanding. I received a perfect knowledge that -God lives, that Jesus Christ is the son of God, and of the restoration -of the Holy Priesthood, and the fullness of the Gospel. It was a -complete baptism--a tangible immersion in the heavenly principle or -element, the Holy Ghost; and even more physical in its effects upon -every part of my system than the immersion by water." - -3. When the great offense of Elder William W. Phelps is taken into -account--amounting as it did to a betrayal of the Prophet and the -Church in Missouri, during the troubles of the Saints in that -state--this letter is remarkable. The Prophet's frank forgiveness of -his erring brother, gently chiding his wrong-doing, but at the same -time remembering in a large way that brother's former devotion and -labors; the Prophet's willingness to have the prodigal return and -occupy his former high standing among the Saints--all this exhibits a -broad-mindedness and generosity that can come only from a great soul, -influenced by the spirit of charity enjoined upon his disciples by the -teachings of the Son of God. One of the surest evidences of Joseph -Smith's greatness of mind and of the inspiration of God upon him is -to be seen in his treatment of those who had fallen but were willing -to and did repent of their sins. His capacity to forgive under these -circumstances seemed boundless. - -4. The article which appeared first in a periodical, entitled "Memorial -Concerning God's Ancient People of Israel," and then in the _London -Times_, seems to have been written by a Christian Jew. It deals largely -with the promises of God to ancient Israel, especially as to their -return as a people to Palestine. The closing paragraph is an appeal to -the Protestant powers of the north of Europe and America to assist in -this restoration: "As the spirit of Cyrus, king of Persia, was stirred -up to build the Lord a temple, which was in Jerusalem (2 Chron., -xxxvi:22, 23), who is there among you, high and mighty ones of all the -nations, to find the good pleasure of the holy will of the Lord of -heaven, saying to Jerusalem, 'Thou shalt be built,' and to the temple, -'Thy foundation shall be laid?' (Isa. xliv:28). The Lord God of Israel -be with such. Great grace, mercy and peace shall descend upon the -people who offer themselves willingly; and the free offerings of their -hearts and hands shall be those of a sweet smelling savor unto him who -hath said, 'I will bless thee (Gen. xii:3), and contend with him that -contendeth with thee.'" (Isa. xlix:25). - -5. "This was a Dr. John C. Bennett, a man who seems to have been -without any moral character, but who had filled positions of -importance. Born in Massachusetts in 1804, he practiced as a physician -in Ohio, and later in Illinois, holding a professorship in Willoughby -University, Ohio, and taking with him to Illinois testimonials as to -his professional skill. In the latter state he showed a taste for -military affairs, and after being elected brigadier-general of the -Invincible Dragoons, he was appointed quartermaster-general of the -state in 1840, and held that position at the state capital when the -Mormons applied to the legislature for a charter for Nauvoo." ("The -Story of the Mormons," Linn, 1901). - -6. Translation: In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in -all things, charity. - -7. Gently in the manner, firmly in the act. - -8. Elder John Taylor was accompanied on this mission by Brothers -McGuffie and William Black. Elder Taylor had baptized Brother -McGuffie while laboring in Liverpool; and as the new convert had some -acquaintances in Newry, county Down, Ireland, he thought it advisable -to take him along. A large company of saints went with them to see -them off. The day after sailing, Elder Taylor and companions arrived -in Newry, a beautiful Irish village nestling among rolling hills, -characteristic of that part of Ireland. Brother McGuffie obtained the -court house to hold a meeting in, and sent around the bell-man to give -notice of it. A congregation of six or seven hundred gathered in at -seven o'clock in the evening, and Elder Taylor preached to them. This -was the introduction of the Gospel into Ireland. - -9. "If we are suffered to remain" sounds somewhat prophetic and ominous. - -{180} - - - -Chapter X. - -A Missouri Kidnapping--Continued Development of the Work in Great -Britain--The Death of Joseph Smith, Sen., First Patriarch of the Church. - -[Sidenote: Settlement of a Difficulty.] - -_Monday, 17_.--Met with the High Council of Nauvoo at my office, also -the High Council of Iowa. John Batten preferred many charges against -Elijah Fordham. After the testimony, and the councillors had spoken, -I addressed the Council at some length, showing the situation of the -contending parties, that there was in reality no cause of difference; -that they had better be reconciled without an action, or vote of the -Council, and henceforth live as brethren, and never more mention their -former difficulties. They settled accordingly. - -_Tuesday, 18_.--Elders Kimball, Woodruff, and George A. Smith left -Cheltenham for London, one hundred and ten miles, where they arrived -in seven and a half hours, at William Allgood's, No. 19 King Street, -Borough, and were kindly received by Mrs. Allgood, who took them to the -King's Arms Inn. - -Great distress is prevailing in Ireland; no work, and provisions very -scarce. - -The truth is spreading rapidly in England and Scotland. - -_Friday, 21_--Testimony of Benjamin Boyce: - - _The Kidnapping of Benjamin Boyce, Mr. Brown, et al_. - - I left my home in Nauvoo to go to Adams county, where I had lived - the summer before, for the purpose of meeting some debts. I fell in - company with a Mr. Brown, who stated to me that he was in search - of some horses that had strayed from him. We had not proceeded - far {181} together, before we were hailed by twelve armed men, - who demanded of us where we were going. I stated to them where I - was going, and likewise Mr. Brown stated his business. They then - asked if we were "Mormons;" we said we were; they then said that - we could go no further; they said they were sworn to kill all the - damned "Mormons" that they could find, and took us prisoners, tied - us with ropes, and took us to a boat, and four of the company (one - by the name of Martin, the others not known) took us to Missouri, - to a little town called Tully, where we were put under guard, and - kept till 11 o'clock in the evening, when three men came to us - with a long rope, and tied it round each of our necks. I asked - them what they were going to do with us; one said they were going - to take us to the river, kill us, and make catfish bait of us, his - name was Uno. They then led us to the woods, I should think about - three-quarters of a mile distant; they then parted us, took and - stripped me naked, and tied me fast to a tree; one of the company - cocked a pistol and placed it close to my ear, and swore, if I - attempted to get away, that he would blow out my brains. They - then commenced to whip me with large gads which they had for the - purpose, and literally mangled me from my shoulders to my knees. - - There were in the company, as near as I could recollect, twelve - or fourteen: they were stripped of their hats and coats, with - their sleeves rolled up, and collars open, which made them look - like murderers and robbers. The names, as far as I can recollect, - Monday, Uno, and Martin; the others I do not recollect. After - keeping me tied in this condition I should think an hour and - a half, they then brought Mr. Brown to me, and after some - consultation, loosed me from the tree where I was tied, and led - us back to the town, put us in a room where I saw Noah Rogers and - James Allred. They then tied them about the neck, and led them out, - and in the course of the night, they brought them back to the room - where we were. - - Brother Rogers said they stripped him, and whipped him very badly. - This was on the seventh of July. The next day Rogers and myself - were taken before a magistrate; nothing proven against us, only - that we were "Mormons:" and we were ordered to prison. Brown and - Allred, by some means, were liberated, but we (Rogers and myself) - were put in jail and put in irons until the 21st of August, when - through the kindness of God we made our escape and returned to - Nauvoo. - - Benjamin Boyce. - -_Sunday, 23_.--Ten persons who had been baptized were confirmed at -Carpenter's Hall, Manchester. [1] - -{182} _Saturday, 29_--Elder Kimball writes: "The brethren are beginning -to excite attention in some of the public grounds in London." Out-door -preaching is common in England. - -_Sunday, 30_.--Twenty were confirmed at the hall in Manchester. [2] - -[Sidenote: The Beginning of Open Air Meetings.] - -Elders Kimball, Woodruff, and George A. Smith, after having spent ten -days visiting the clergymen and preachers and others of the several -denominations, asking the privilege of preaching in their chapels, -and being continually refused by them in a contemptuous manner, they -determined to preach in the open air, Jonah-like; and accordingly went -to Smithfield Market [3] (to the spot where John Rogers [4] was burnt -at the stake), for the purpose of preaching at 10 a. m., {183} where -they were notified by the police, that the Lord Mayor had issued orders -prohibiting street preaching in the city. A Mr. Connor stepped up and -said, "I will show you a place outside of his jurisdiction," and guided -them to "Tabernacle Square," where they found an assembly of about 400 -people listening to a preacher who was standing on a chair. When he got -through another preacher arose to speak. Elder Kimball stated to the -first clergyman, "There is a man present from America who would like -to preach;" which was granted; when Elder George A. Smith delivered -a discourse of about twenty minutes, on the first principles of the -Gospel, taking for his text, Mark xvi: 16; after which Elder Kimball -asked the preacher to give out another appointment at the same place -for the American Elder to preach; when he jumped up and said, "I have -just learned that the gentleman who has addressed you is a Latter-day -Saint; I know them--they are a very bad people; they have split up -many churches, and have done a great deal of hurt." He spoke all -manner of evil, and gave the Latter-day Saints a very bad character, -and commanded the people not to hear the Elders, "as we have got the -Gospel, and can save the people, without infidelity, socialism, or -Latter-day Saints." - -Elder Kimball asked the privilege of standing on the chair to give out -an appointment himself. The preacher said, "You shall not do it; you -have no right to preach here;" jerked the chair away from him, and ran -away with it. Several of the crowd said, "You have as much right to -preach here as he has, and give out your appointment;" whereupon Elder -Kimball gave out an {184} appointment for 3 o'clock p. m.; at which -time a large congregation was gathered. - -After opening the meeting by singing and prayer, Elder Woodruff spoke -about thirty minutes, from Gal. i: 8, 9, upon the first principles of -the Gospel. Elder Kimball followed upon the same subjects. The people -gave good attention, and seemed much interested in what they had heard. -The inhabitants who lived around the square opened their windows -to four stories high; the most of them were crowded with anxious -listeners, which is an uncommon occurrence. The meeting was dismissed -in the midst of good feeling. - -Mr. Henry Connor invited the Elders to his house. Soon after they -arrived here, Elder Kimball felt impressed to return to the place of -preaching. When he got there he found a large company talking about the -things which they had heard in the afternoon, and they wished him to -speak to them again. He did so, when several persons invited him home -with them. While Elder Kimball was preaching, several persons came to -Brothers Woodruff and Smith to converse on doctrine, when Mr. Connor -offered himself for baptism. - -_Monday, 31_.--Elder Kimball baptized Henry Connor, watchmaker, 52 -Ironmonger's Row, London, in Peerless Pool, being the first baptized in -that place, and confirmed him the same evening. - -[Sidenote: The Electric Telegraph.] - -The electric telegraph is beginning to be used on the Great Western -Railroad in England, between Drayton and Paddington, by which -intelligence is communicated at the rate of two hundred thousand miles -per second. - - _An Address by the First Presidency to the Church_. - - _To the Saints Scattered Abroad_: - - Beloved Brethren:--We address a few lines to the members of the - Church of Jesus Christ, who have obeyed from the heart that form of - doctrine which has been delivered to them by the servants of the - Lord, {185} and who are desirous to go forward in the ways of truth - and righteousness, and by obedience to the heavenly command, escape - the things which are coming on the earth, and secure to themselves - an inheritance among the sanctified in the world to come. - - Having been placed in a very responsible station in the Church, we - at all times feel interested in the welfare of the Saints, and make - mention of them continually in our prayers to our heavenly Father, - that they may be kept from the evils which are in the world, and - ever be found walking in the path of truth. - - The work of the Lord in these last days, is one of vast magnitude - and almost beyond the comprehension of mortals. Its glories are - past description, and its grandeur unsurpassable. It is the theme - which has animated the bosom of prophets and righteous men from the - creation of the world down through every succeeding generation to - the present time; and it is truly the dispensation of the fullness - of times, when all things which are in Christ Jesus, whether in - heaven or on the earth, shall be gathered together in Him, and - when all things shall be restored, as spoken of by all the holy - prophets since the world began; for in it will take place the - glorious fulfilment of the promises made to the fathers, while - the manifestations of the power of the Most High will be great, - glorious, and sublime. - - The purposes of our God are great, His love unfathomable, His - wisdom infinite, and His power unlimited; therefore, the Saints - have cause to rejoice and be glad, knowing that "this God is our - God forever and ever, and He will be our Guide until death." Having - confidence in the power, wisdom, and love of God, the Saints have - been enabled to go forward through the most adverse circumstances, - and frequently, when to all human appearances, nothing but death - presented itself, and destruction inevitable, has the power of God - been manifest, His glory revealed, and deliverance effected; and - the Saints, like the children of Israel, who came out of the land - of Egypt, and through the Red Sea, have sung an anthem of praise - to his holy name. This has not only been the case in former days, - but in our days, and within a few months, have we seen this fully - verified. - - Having through the kindness of our God been delivered from - destruction, and having secured a location upon which we have - again commenced operations for the good of His people, we feel - disposed to go forward and unite our energies for the upbuilding - of the Kingdom, and establishing the Priesthood in their fullness - and glory. The work which has to be accomplished in the last days - is one of vast importance, and will call into action the energy, - skill, talent, and ability of the Saints, so that it may roll forth - with that glory and majesty described by the prophet; and will - consequently require the {186} concentration of the Saints, to - accomplish works of such magnitude and grandeur. - - The work of the gathering spoken of in the Scriptures will be - necessary to bring about the glories of the last dispensation. It - is probably unnecessary to press this subject on the Saints, as we - believe the spirit of it is manifest, and its necessity obvious to - every considerate mind; and everyone zealous for the promotion of - truth and righteousness, is equally so for the gathering of the - Saints. - - Dear brethren, feeling desirous to carry out the purposes of God - to which work we have been called; and to be co-workers with - Him in this last dispensation; we feel the necessity of having - the hearty cooperation of the Saints throughout this land, and - upon the islands of the sea. It will be necessary for the Saints - to hearken to counsel and turn their attention to the Church, - the establishment of the Kingdom, and lay aside every selfish - principle, everything low and groveling; and stand forward in the - cause of truth, and assist to the utmost of their power, those to - whom has been given the pattern and design. Like those who held up - the hands of Moses, so let us hold up the hands of those who are - appointed to direct the affairs of the Kingdom, so that they may be - strengthened, and be enabled to prosecute their great designs, and - be instrumental in effecting the great work of the last days. - - Believing the time has now come, when it is necessary to erect - a house of prayer, a house of order, a house for the worship of - our God, where the ordinances can be attended to agreeably to - His divine will, in this region of country--to accomplish which, - considerable exertion must be made, and means will be required--and - as the work must be hastened in righteousness, it behooves the - Saints to weigh the importance of these things, in their minds, - in all their bearings, and then take such steps as are necessary - to carry them into operation; and arming themselves with courage, - resolve to do all they can, and feel themselves as much interested - as though the whole labor depended on themselves alone. By so doing - they will emulate the glorious deeds of the fathers, and secure - the blessings of heaven upon themselves and their posterity to the - latest generation. - - To those who feel thus interested, and can assist in this great - work, we say, let them come to this place; by so doing they will - not only assist in the rolling on of the Kingdom, but be in a - situation where they can have the advantages of instruction from - the Presidency and other authorities of the Church, and rise higher - and higher in the scale of intelligence until they can "comprehend - with all Saints what is the breadth and length, and depth and - height; and to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge." - - {187} Connected with the building up of the Kingdom, is the - printing and circulation of the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and - Covenants, hymnbook, and the new translation of the Scriptures. It - is unnecessary to say anything respecting these works; those who - have read them, and who have drunk of the stream of knowledge which - they convey, know how to appreciate them; and although fools may - have them in derision, yet they are calculated to make men wise - unto salvation, and sweep away the cobwebs of superstition of ages, - throw a light on the proceedings of Jehovah which have already - been accomplished, and mark out the future in all its dreadful and - glorious realities. Those who have tasted the benefit derived from - a study of these works, will undoubtedly vie with each other in - their zeal for sending them abroad throughout the world, that every - son of Adam may enjoy the same privileges, and rejoice in the same - truths. - - Here, then, beloved brethren, is a work to engage in worthy of - archangels--a work which will cast into the shade the things which - have been heretofore accomplished; a work which kings and prophets - and righteous men in former ages have sought, expected, and - earnestly desired to see, but died without the sight; and well will - it be for those who shall aid in carrying into effect the mighty - operations of Jehovah. - - By order of the First Presidency, - - Robert B. Thompson, Scribe. - -_Saturday, September 5_.--Elders Young and Richards went from -Manchester to Liverpool, and in the evening organized a company of -Saints bound for New York, by choosing Elder Theodore Turley to -preside, with six counselors. - - _Minutes of the High Council Meeting, at the Office of Joseph - Smith, Jun., Nauvoo, September 5th, 1840_. - - Joseph Smith, Jun., preferred charges against Elder Almon W. - Babbitt, predicated on the authority of two letters, one from - Thomas Burdick, the other from Oliver Granger and Levi Richards, - accusing Elder Babbitt as follows: - - First. For stating that Joseph Smith, Jun., had extravagantly - purchased three suits of clothes while he was at Washington City, - and that Sidney Rigdon had purchased four suits while at the same - place besides dresses in profusion for their families. - - Second. For having stated that Joseph Smith, Jun., Sidney Rigdon - and Elias Higbee had said that they were worth one hundred thousand - dollars each, while they were at Washington, and that Joseph Smith, - {188} Jun., had repeated the same statement while in Philadelphia, - and for saying that Oliver Granger had stated that he also was - worth as much as they (that is, one hundred thousand dollars). - - Third. For holding secret councils in the Lord's House, in - Kirtland, and for locking the doors of the house, for the purpose - of prohibiting certain brethren in good standing in the Church, - from being in the Council, thereby depriving them of the use of the - house. - - Two were appointed to speak on the case, namely, Thomas Grover, - Austin Cowles. - - Council adjourned till the 6th September, at 2 o'clock, when - Council met according to adjournment, the evidences were all heard - on the case pending, and the councilors closed on both sides. The - parties spoke at length, after which, Joseph Smith withdrew the - charge, and both parties were reconciled to each other, things - being adjusted to their satisfaction. - -_Sunday 6_.--Elder Young preached. - -_Monday 7_.--This evening, Elders Kimball, Woodruff and George A. -Smith, preached in the south Temperance Hall, London. - -On Monday night, Elders Brigham Young and Willard Richards, stayed on -board the _North America_ with the Saints, and on Tuesday morning, -about nine o'clock, the vessel went out with a steamer. The Elders -accompanied them fifteen or twenty miles, and left them in good -spirits. Elder Richards returned to Manchester the same evening and -Elder Young on the 10th. - -[Sidenote: The Generosity of John Benbow.] - -Elder John Benbow, who had previously furnished two hundred and -fifty pounds towards printing the hymn book, Book of Mormon, etc., -relinquished all claim to said money, except such assistance as his -friends, who might wish to emigrate to America the next season, might -need, leaving the remainder to the disposal of Brigham Young, Willard -Richards, and Wilford Woodruff, who borrowed said moneys for the -benefit of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, forever, -also the avails of the Gadfield Elm Chapel, when sold. - -_Wednesday, 9_.--There was a terrific storm on the North of Scotland. - -{189} [Sidenote: Earthquake at Mount Ararat.] - -_Friday, 11_.--There was a terrible earthquake at Mount Ararat, which -destroyed the town of Makitchevan, damaged all the buildings at Erivan, -and devastated the two districts of Sharour and Sourmate in Armenia. -A considerable mass was loosened from Mount Ararat and destroyed -everything in its way for nearly five miles. The village of Akhouli was -buried, with one thousand inhabitants. - -_Sunday, 13_.--Elder Kimball baptized four in London. - -[Sidenote: The Death of Joseph, Sen.] - -_Monday, 14_.--My father, Joseph Smith, Sen., Patriarch of the whole -Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died at Nauvoo. - - _Biography of Joseph Smith, Sen., Presiding Patriarch of the - Church, by the Prophet Joseph, his Son_. - - Joseph Smith, Sen., was born on the 12th day of July, 1771, in - Topsfield, Essex county, Massachusetts; he was the second of the - seven sons of Asahel and Mary Smith. Asahel was born in Topsfield, - March 7th, 1744. He was the youngest son of Samuel and Priscilla - Smith. Samuel was born January 26th, 1714, in Topsfield; he was - the eldest son of Samuel and Rebecca Smith. Samuel was born in - Topsfield, January 20, 1666, and was the son of Robert and Mary - Smith, who emigrated from Old England. - - My father removed with his father to Tunbridge, Orange county, - Vermont, in 1791, and assisted in clearing a large farm of a heavy - growth of timber. He married Lucy, daughter of Solomon and Lydia - Mack on the 14th of January, 1796, by whom he had - - Alvin Smith, born February 11th, 1798, died November 19th, 1824. - - Hyrum, born February 9th, 1800. - - Sophronia, born May 16th, 1803. - - Joseph, born December 23rd, 1805. - - Samuel Harrison, born March 13th, 1808. - - Ephraim, born March 13th, 1810, died March 24th, 1810. - - William, born March 13th, 1811. - - Catherine, born July 28th, 1812. - - Don Carlos, born March 25th, 1816. - - Lucy, born July 18th, 1824. - - At his marriage he owned a handsome farm in Tunbridge. In 1802, - {190} he rented it and engaged in mercantile business, and soon - after embarked in a venture of [raising] ginseng [5] to send - to China, and was swindled out of the entire proceeds by the - shipmaster and agent, he was consequently obliged to sell his farm - and all of his effects to pay his debts. - - About the year 1816 he removed to Palmyra, Wayne county, New York, - bought a farm and cleared two hundred acres, which he lost in - consequence of not being able to pay the last installment of the - purchase money at the time it was due. This was the case with a - great number of farmers in New York, who had cleared land under - similar contracts. He afterwards moved to Manchester, Ontario - county, New York, procured a comfortable home with sixteen acres of - land, where he lived until he removed to Kirtland, Ohio. - - He was the first person who received my testimony after I had seen - the angel, and exhorted me to be faithful and diligent to the - message I had received. [6] He was baptized April 6th, 1830. - - In August, 1830, in company with my brother Don Carlos, he took a - mission to St. Lawrence county, New York, touching on his route at - several of the Canadian ports, where he distributed a few copies - of the Book of Mormon. He also visited his father, brothers and - sister residing in St. Lawrence county, bore testimony to the truth - which resulted eventually in all the family coming into the Church, - excepting his brother Jesse and sister Susan. - - He removed with his family to Kirtland in 1831; was ordained - Patriarch and President of the High Priesthood [in Kirtland] [7] - under the hands of Oliver Cowdery, Sidney Rigdon, Frederick G. - Williams and myself, on the 18th of December, 1833; was a member of - the First High Council, organized on the 17th of February, 1834, - (when he conferred on me and my brother Samuel H., a father's - blessing). - - {191} In 1836 he traveled in company with his brother John two - thousand four hundred miles in Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, - Vermont, and New Hampshire, visiting the branches of the Church in - those states and bestowing patriarchal blessings on several hundred - persons, preaching the Gospel to all who would hear, and baptizing - many. They returned to Kirtland on the 2nd of October, 1836. - - During the persecutions in Kirtland in 1837, he was made a - prisoner, but fortunately obtained his liberty, and after a very - tedious journey in the spring and summer of 1838, he arrived at Far - West, Missouri. After I and my brother Hyrum were thrown into the - Missouri jails by the mob, he fled from under the exterminating - order of Governor Lilburn W. Boggs, and made his escape in - midwinter to Quincy, Illinois, from whence he removed to Commerce - in the spring of 1839. - - The exposures he suffered brought on consumption, of which he died - on this 14th day of September, 1840, aged sixty-nine years, two - months, and two days. He was six feet, two inches high, was very - straight, and remarkably well proportioned. His ordinary weight was - about two hundred pounds, and he was very strong and active. In - his younger days he was famed as a wrestler, and, Jacob like, he - never wrestled with but one man whom he could not throw. He was one - of the most benevolent of men; opening his house to all who were - destitute. While at Quincy, Illinois, he fed hundreds of the poor - Saints who were flying from the Missouri persecutions, although he - had arrived there penniless himself. - -_Tuesday, 15_.--The funeral of Joseph Smith, Sen., took place this day, -when the following address was delivered by Elder Robert B. Thompson: - - _The Discourse of Elder Thompson at the Funeral of Joseph Smith, - Sen_. - - The occasion which has brought us together this day, is one of no - {192} ordinary importance: for not only has a single family to - mourn and sorrow on account of the death of the individual, whose - funeral obsequies we this day celebrate; but a whole society; yes, - thousands will this day have to say, _a Father in Israel is gone_. - - The man whom we have been accustomed to look up to as a - _Patriarch_, a Father, and a Counselor is no more an inhabitant - of mortality: he has dropped his clay tenement, bid adieu to - terrestrial scenes, and his spirit now free and unencumbered, roams - and expatiates in that world where the spirits of just men made - perfect dwell, and where pain and sickness, tribulation and death - cannot come. - - The friends we have lost prior to our late venerable and lamented - Father, were such as rendered life sweet, and in whose society we - took great pleasure, and who shed a lustre in the several walks - of life in which they moved, and to whom we feel endeared by - friendship's sacred ties. Their virtues and kindnesses will long be - remembered by the sorrowing widow, the disconsolate husband, the - weeping children, the almost distracted and heart-broken parent, - and by a large circle of acquaintances and friends. These, like - the stars in yonder firmament, shone in their several spheres, and - filled that station to which they had been called by the providence - of God, with honor to themselves and to the Church; and we feel to - mingle our tears with their surviving relatives. - - But on this occasion we realize that we have suffered more than an - ordinary bereavement, and consequently we feel the more interested. - If ever there was a man who had claims on the affections of the - community, it was our beloved but now deceased Patriarch. If ever - there was an event calculated to raise the feelings of sorrow in - the human breast, and cause us to drop the sympathetic tear, it - certainly is the present; for truly we can say with the king of - Israel, "A prince and a great man has fallen in Israel." A man - endeared to us by every feeling calculated to entwine around and - adhere to the human heart, by almost indissoluble bonds. A man - faithful to his God and to the Church in every situation and under - all circumstances through which he was called to pass. - - Whether in prosperity, surrounded by the comforts of life, a - smiling progeny, and all the enjoyments of a domestic circle; or - when called upon, like the Patriarchs of old, to leave the land - of his nativity, to journey in strange lands, and become subject - to all the trials and persecutions that have been heaped upon - the Saints with a liberal hand, by characters destitute of every - principle of morality or religion, alike regardless of the tender - offspring and the aged sire, whose silvery locks and furrowed - cheeks ought to have been a sufficient shield from their cruelty; - still, like the Apostle Paul he could exclaim, (and his life {193} - and conduct have fully borne out the sentiment) "None of these - things move me; neither count I my life dear, so that I may finish - my course with joy." - - The principles of the Gospel were too well established in that - breast, and had got too sure a footing there, ever to be torn down, - or prostrated by the fierce winds of persecution, the blasts of - poverty, or the swollen waves of distress and tribulation. No; - thank God, his house was built upon a _rock_--consequently it stood - amid the contending elements, firm and unshaken. - - The life of our departed father has indeed been an eventful one, - having to take a conspicuous part in the great work of the last - days; being designated by the ancient prophets who once dwelt on - this continent, as the father of him whom the Lord had promised - to raise up in the last days, to lead His people Israel; and by - a uniform consistent, and a virtuous course, for a long series - of years, he has proved himself worthy of such a son, and such a - family by whom he had the happiness of being surrounded in his - dying moments; most of whom had the satisfaction of receiving his - dying benediction. - - He was already in the wane of life, when the light of truth broke - in upon the world, and with pleasure he hailed its benign and - enlightening rays, and was chosen by the Almighty to be one of the - witnesses to the Book of Mormon. From that time, his only aim was - the promotion of truth--his soul was taken up with the things of - the Kingdom; his bowels yearned over the children of men; and it - was more than his meat and his drink to do the will of his Father, - who is in heaven. - - By unceasing industry of himself and family, he had secured a - home in the state of New York, where he no doubt expected, with - every honest industrious citizen, to enjoy the blessings of peace - and liberty. But when the principles of truth were introduced and - the Gospel of Jesus Christ was promulgated by himself and family, - friends forsook, enemies raged, and persecution was resorted to by - wicked and ungodly men, insomuch that he was obliged to flee from - that place, and seek a home in a more hospitable land. - - In Ohio he met with many kind and generous friends, and was kindly - welcomed by the Saints; many of whom continue to this day, and can - call to mind the various scenes which there transpired; many of - which were of such a nature as not to be easily obliterated. - - While the House of the Lord was building he took great interest in - its erection, and daily watched its progress, and had the pleasure - of taking a part at the opening, and seeing it crowded by hundreds - of pious worshipers. As the King of Israel longed for and desired - to see the completion of the House of the Lord, so did he; and - with him he could exclaim, "O Lord, I love the habitation of thine - house, and the {194} place where thine honor dwelleth." To dwell - in the house of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple, was his - daily delight; and in it he enjoyed many blessings, and spent many - hours in sweet communion with his heavenly Father. He has trod its - sacred aisles, solitary and alone from mankind, long before the - king of day has gilded the eastern horizon; and he has uttered his - aspirations within its walls, when nature has been asleep. In its - holy enclosures have the visions of heaven been opened to his mind, - and his soul has feasted on the riches of eternity; and there under - his teachings have the meek and humble been instructed, while the - widow and the orphan have received his patriarchal blessings. - - There he saw the work spreading far and wide; saw the Elders of - Israel go forth under his blessing--bore them up by the prayer of - faith, and hailed them welcome when they again returned bringing - their sheaves with them. There with his aged partner, he spent many - happy days in the bosom of his family, whom he loved with all the - tenderness of parental affection. - - Here I might enlarge, and expatiate on the "scenes of joy and - scenes of gladness" which were enjoyed by our beloved Patriarch, - but I shall pass on to an event which was truly painful and trying. - - The delightful scene soon vanished; the calm was soon succeeded by - a storm and the frail bark was driven by the tempest and foaming - ocean, for many who had once been proud to acknowledge him a - father and a friend, and who sought counsel at his hands, joined - with the enemies of truth, and sought his destruction; and would - have rejoiced to see his aged and venerable form immured in a - dungeon; but, thank God, this they were not suffered to do; he - providentially made his escape, and after evading his enemies for - some time, he undertook and accomplished a journey of a thousand - miles, and bore up under the fatigue and suffering necessarily - attendant on such a journey with patient resignation. After a - journey of several weeks, he arrived in safety at Far West, in the - bosom of the Church, and was cordially welcomed by the Saints, who - had found an asylum in the rich and fertile county of Caldwell. - - There he, in common with the rest of the Saints, hoped to enjoy the - privileges and blessings of peace. There, from the fertile soil and - flowery meads, which well repaid the labor of the husbandman, and - poured forth abundance for the support of the numerous herds which - decked those lovely and wide-spread prairies, he hoped to enjoy - uninterrupted, the comforts of domestic life. - - But he had not long indulged these pleasing anticipations before - the delightful prospect again vanished: the cup of blessing which - he began again to enjoy, was dashed from his aged lips; and the cup - of sorrow filled to overflowing, was given him instead; and surely - he drank it to the {195} very dregs; for not only did he see the - Saints in bondage, treated with cruelty, and some of them murdered; - but the kind and affectionate parent saw--and ah! how painful - was the sight--two of his sons to whom he looked for protection, - torn away from their domestic circles, from their weeping and - distracted families, by monsters in the shape of men, who swore and - threatened to kill them, and who had every disposition to imbrue - their hands in their blood. This circumstance was too much for - his agitated and now sinking frame to bear up under; and although - his confidence in his God was great, and his conduct was that of - a Christian and a Saint, yet he felt like a man and a parent. At - that time his constitution received a shock from which it never - recovered. Ah! yes there were feelings agitated in the bosom of - our deceased friend at that time of no ordinary kind; feelings of - painful anxiety, and emotion too great for his earthly tabernacle - to contain without suffering a great and a sensible injury; and - which from that time began to manifest itself. - - It would be unnecessary to trace him and his aged partner (who - shared in all his sorrows and afflictions) from such a scene, as - many of the Saints are knowing to the privations and sufferings - which they, in common with the Church, endured while moving from - that land of oppression; suffice it to say, he arrived in safety in - Illinois, broken down in constitution and in health, and since then - he has labored under severe afflictions and pain, while disease has - been slowly but surely undermining his system. - - Whenever he had a short respite from pain, he felt a pleasure in - attending to his patriarchal duties, and with cheerfullness he - performed them; and frequently his labors have been more than his - strength would admit of; but having great zeal for the cause of - truth, he felt willing to be spent in the service of his God. - - For some time past he has been confined to his bed, and the time of - is departure was near at hand. On Saturday evening last, a rupture - of a blood vessel took place, when he vomited a large quantity - of blood. His family were summoned to his bedside, it being now - evident that he could not long survive. - - On Sunday he called his children and grandchildren around him, - and like the ancient patriarchs gave them his final benediction. - Although his strength was far gone, and he was obliged to rest at - intervals, yet his mind was clear, perfectly collected, and calm - as the gentle zephyrs. The love of God was in his heart, the peace - of God rested upon him, and his soul was full of compassion and - blessing. - - All the circumstances connected with his death, were calculated - to lead the mind back to the time when an Abraham, an Isaac and a - Jacob bid adieu to mortality, and entered into rest. - - {196} His death, like theirs, was sweet, and it certainly was - a privilege indeed to witness such a scene; and I was forcibly - reminded of the sentiment of the poet: - - The chamber where the good man meets his fate, - Is privileged beyond the common walk of virtuous life. - - There were no reflections of a misspent life--no fearful - forebodings of a gloomy nature in relation to the future; the - realities of eternity were dawning, the shades of time were - lowering; but there was nothing to terrify, to alarm or disturb - his mind; no, the principles of the Gospel, which, "bring life and - immortality to light," nobly triumphed in nature's final hour. - These principles so long taught and cherished by our lamented - friend, were honorably maintained to the last; which is not only a - consolation to the immediate relatives, but to the Church at large. - - The instructions imparted by him will long be remembered by his - numerous progeny, who will undoubtedly profit by the same, and - strive to render themselves worthy of such a sire; and the whole - Church will copy his examples, walk in his footsteps, and emulate - his faith and virtuous actions, and commend themselves to his God - and to their God. - - Notwithstanding his enemies frequently "shot at him, yet his bow - abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong - by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob," and his courage and - resolution never forsook him. - - His anxiety for the spread of truth was great, and he lived to see - great and important things accomplished. He saw the commencement - of the work, small as a mustard seed, and with attention and deep - interest he watched its progress; and he had the satisfaction of - beholding thousands on this Continent, rejoicing in its truth, and - heard the glorious tidings, that other lands were becoming heirs to - the richest blessings. - - Under these circumstances, he could exclaim, like pious Simeon of - old, "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, for mine - eyes have seen thy salvation." - - Although his spirit has taken its flight and his remains will - soon mingle with their mother earth, yet his memory will long be - cherished by all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance, and will - be fresh and blooming when those of his enemies shall be blotted - out from under heaven. - - May we, beloved friends, who survive our venerable Patriarch, study - to prosecute those things which were so dear to his aged heart, - and pray that a double portion of his spirit may be bestowed on - us, {197} that we may be the humble instruments in aiding the - consummation of the great work which he saw so happily begun; - that when we have to stand before the bar of Christ, we may with - our departed friend hear the welcome plaudit, "Come up hither, ye - blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the - foundation of the world." Amen. - -Footnotes: - -1. The entry of the text is the only one made in the Prophet's -manuscript history for the 23rd of August, but "Uncle" John -Smith, brother of the Prophet's father, and formerly president of -Adam-ondi-Ahman stake of Zion, in Missouri, makes the following entry -in his journal: - -"Attended meeting at Nashville. Joseph and Hyrum Smith present and a -large assembly of saints, who voted to commence building a city at -Nashville and a place of worship." Nashville, by the way, was situated -in Lee county, Iowa, on the Mississippi river, at the head of the Des -Moines Rapids, about three miles southeast of Montrose, eight miles -north of Keokuk. The Church had purchased twenty thousand acres of land -in this vicinity and surveyed out of it a townsite on which a number of -saints located. - -2. Again from the journal of "Uncle" John Smith we learn that on the -30th day of August, the Prophet Joseph was in Nashville and preached on -"Eternal Judgment and the Eternal Duration of Matter." - -3. Smithfield is noted for other historical incidents than being the -scene of John Rogers' martyrdom. It is an open space of nearly six -acres in London, England. It was formerly used as a market place, but -is now partially laid out in gardens. It was the scene of Bartholomew -Fair; William Wallace was executed there; it was the place of the -meeting of Wat Tyler and King Richard II, in 1380, when the former -was stabbed by the Mayor of London, and then dispatched by the King's -attendants. It was the scene of many martyrdoms. - -4. John Rogers suffered martyrdom by being burnt at the stake in -Smithfield, on the 4th of February, 1555. He was the first victim -of what is known in history as the "Marian Persecution;" and which -conferred on England's Catholic queen the title of "Bloody Mary." -Archbishop Gardiner, however, is usually credited with being the prime -instigator of that persecution, though he died before it reached its -height, and not before he had shown symptoms of relenting. Cardinal -Pole though "naturally humane and gentle," shares the guilt of -sanctioning it; "but the chief agent was Bonner, bishop of London, -in whose diocese the majority of all the executions took place. * * -* * The total number of men, women and children who were burnt--for -even children were thrown into the flames and some at the very moment -of their birth"--is computed as follows: 1555, from February--72; -1556--94; 1557--79; 1558, from February to September--(when the -persecution closed), 39; making a total of 284. It was during this -persecution that Ridley and Latimer suffered. On the way to the -execution the latter, it is said, "with a keen quaintness which -adorns his sermons," uttered the words which fortunately became -prophetic--addressing himself to his companion--"Be of good comfort, -Master Ridley; play the man; we shall this day light such a candle, by -God's grace, in England, as I trust shall never be put out." (History -of England, by William Smith, p. 156). - -5. Ginseng is a plant, the roots of which are highly esteemed as -medicine, being quite generally regarded as possessing the most -extraordinary virtues, and as a remedy for almost all diseases, -but particularly for exhaustion of body or mind. In China ginseng -is sometimes sold for its weight in gold. It was once introduced -in Europe, but was soon forgotten. It is a native plant of Chinese -Tartary, and grows from one to two feet in height. Its leaves are five -fingered and almost smooth. It is doubted by many botanists if this -species is really distinct from _phanx quinquefolium_, a common North -American plant, doubtless the species referred to in the text, the root -of which is now an article of export from North America to China, and -is used to some extent as a domestic medicine in the states west of -the Alleghanies, but which European and American medical practitioners -generally regard as almost worthless. - -6. From that time on the Prophet of the Dispensation of the Fullness of -Times had no truer or more constant or faithful friend than his father. - -7. This term, "High Priesthood," is often used in these annals--as it -is above--for High Priest. The intent of the above statement is to -say that "Father Smith,"--for so he was affectionately called by the -Saints--was ordained Patriarch and the President of the High Priests -in Kirtland. That he was not made President of the High Priesthood is -evident from the fact that the Prophet Joseph himself at that time was -President of the High Priesthood of the Church, a position to which -he was ordained at a Conference of High Priests in Amherst, Loraine -county, Ohio, in 1832 (see Church History, Vol. I, p. 243 and note.) -The Presidency of the High Priesthood carries with it the office of -President of the Church: "And again, the duty of the President of the -office of the High Priesthood is to preside over the whole Church, and -to be like unto Moses. Behold, here is wisdom, yea, to be a seer, a -revelator, a translator, and a Prophet, having all the gifts of God -which He bestows upon the head of the Church." (Doc. and Cov. sec. 107, -verses 91-9.) - -{198} - - - -Chapter XI. - -Threatening Portents in the Actions of Missouri--General Conferences in -Nauvoo and England--The Doctrine of Priesthood. - -_Tuesday, September 15, 1840_. - - "The governor of Missouri, after a silence of about two years, has - at last made a demand on Governor Carlin of Illinois, for Joseph - Smith, Jun., Sidney Rigdon, Lyman Wight, Parley P. Pratt, Caleb - Baldwin, and Alanson Brown, as fugitives from justice. - - "The demand it seems has been complied with by Governor Carlin, - and an order issued for their apprehension; accordingly our place - has recently received a visit from the sheriff for these men; - but through the tender mercies of a kind Providence, who by His - power has sustained, and once delivered them from the hands of the - blood-thirsty and savage race of beings in the shape of men that - tread Missouri's delightful soil; they were not to be found--as - the Lord would have it, they were gone from home, and the sheriff - returned, of course without them. - - "These men do not feel disposed to again try the solemn realities - of mob law in that state; and a free and enlightened republic - should respond against it, for Missouri has no claim on them, but - they have claim on Missouri. - - "What right have they to demand of Governor Carlin, as fugitives - from justice, men against whom no process had ever been found in - that state--no, not so much as the form of a process? They were - taken by a mob militia, and dragged from everything that was dear - and sacred, and tried (without their knowledge) by a court martial, - condemned to be shot, but this failing, they were forced into - confinement, galled with chains, deprived of the comforts of life, - and even that which was necessary to save life, then brought to a - pretended trial, without even having a legal process served, and - then deprived of the privilege of defense. They were taken by a - mob, tried, condemned and imprisoned by the same, and this Missouri - cannot deny. - - "What a beautiful picture Governor Boggs has presented to the - {199} world, after driving twelve or fifteen thousand inhabitants - from their homes, forcing them to leave the state under the pain - of extermination, and confiscating their property, and murdering - innocent men, women and children; then, because that a few made - their escape from his murdering hand, and have found protection in - a land of equal rights, so that his plans and designs have all been - unfruitful, to that extent that he has caused 'Mormonism' to spread - with double vigor; he now has the presumption to demand them back, - in order that his thirst for innocent blood may yet be satiated. - - "He has no business with them; they have not escaped from justice, - but from the hands of a cursed, infuriated, inhuman set, or race - of beings who are enemies to their country, to their God, to - themselves, and to every principle of righteousness and humanity. - They loathe Christianity, and despise the people of God; they war - against truth, and inherit lies; virtue they tread under their - feet; while vice (with her ten thousand offspring) is their welcome - associate; therefore, men on whom Missouri has no claim, she - cannot, no, she never shall have." [1] - -_Sunday, 20_.--Elder Willard Richards went to Preston, held a -conference, ordained five Elders, eleven Priests, eight Teachers, one -Deacon, and returned to Manchester same day. - - _Letter of Samuel Bent and George W. Harris to the - Presidency--Reporting Labors_. - - Cincinnati, Sept. 23, 1840. - - _To the First Presidency and High Council of the Church of Jesus - Christ of Latter-day Saints_: - - We gladly embrace this opportunity of conveying a few lines to - you by Ebenezer Robinson, who we expect will leave this place for - Nauvoo in a few days. - - Brother George W. Harris and myself have visited the several - branches of the Church in Adams county, Pike county, Jacksonville, - and Springfield. On our way we stopped at Terre Haute, and Pleasant - Garden, Indiana. We found the brethren generally very willing and - anxious to do all in their power to assist the Church in the great - and glorious cause that we have engaged in respecting the printing - of the several books in contemplation, but I am sorry to say I - found them destitute of the means to relieve our present necessity. - - However, we have succeeded in obtaining several notes of hand from - {200} different brethren in the state of Illinois, to the amount of - about eighty-three dollars, which will come due on the first day of - October next, and we have handed them over to Ebenezer Robinson, - to be delivered to Joseph Smith, Jun., for collection. We expect - Brother Robinson will arrive with them at the time they become due. - - We have obtained some money, which we have paid over to Brother - Ebenezer Robinson. We have also given our obligations as agents for - the Church, to Shepherd and Stearns to the amount of three hundred - dollars, two hundred of which becomes due on the twenty-sixth day - of November next, and the other one hundred on the twenty sixth day - of December next, being the amount due Shepherd and Stearns for the - stereotype plates. - - We have taken up the bond that Brother Brown gave for the wagon - or carriage which he let Joseph Smith, Jun., have, and we have - succeeded in procuring a horse and harness to put alongside of - the other horse to make it easier for him. We got said horse and - harness by contributions from the brethren at Dayton and West - Milton, Ohio. - - Brother Ebenezer Robinson (we think) has been very economical, - diligent, and persevering, and successful in the business whereupon - he was sent. He has gained the confidence of the gentlemen with - whom he has been transacting business in the city, and has done - honor to the cause of Christ and His Church of Latter-day Saints. - We can further say to you brethren, we think the course he has - taken, and our united exertions with him, have established the - credit of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in this - place (I mean as to business transactions), to that extent that we - can obtain any amount of paper, type, and other materials requisite - to carry on the printing business to a large extent, and upon terms - that will warrant our success. - - We therefore shall go on with renewed courage and zeal, trusting - in the Lord to prepare the way before us, and we feel to ask your - prayers that God may peradventure expand the minds of the Saints - abroad, that they may be able to comprehend the magnitude of the - work we so much desire to accomplish, which in all probability will - induce them to donate with alacrity. - - Brother John E. Page is preaching with the manifestations of the - Spirit and power in this place, and with considerable success. - We think when Brother Page leaves the city of Cincinnati, the - inhabitants thereof will be left without excuse for not receiving - the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and his garments clear from their blood - in the day of judgment. - - Accept our love and best wishes. - - Yours in the bonds of the New and Everlasting Covenant, - - Samuel Bent, - - George W. Harris. - - {201} _Letter of John E. Page to the Presidency--Reporting Progress - of Palestine Mission_. - - Cincinnati, September 23, 1840. - - _To the President and Council of the Church of Jesus Christ of - Latter-day Saints, and also to all the Saints Assembled in General - Conference_: - - Your humble servant embraces with pleasure this opportunity to - pen for your edification a few lines. I congratulate you upon - the steady march and advancement of the cause of Christ, as [it] - has fallen under my observation. Elder Hyde and myself have been - treated with respect, and had the greatest attention paid us by - the brethren and sisters; and by gentlemen and ladies of the first - class in society, we have been made welcome very heartily to their - dwellings and comforts of life. When we separate from them they - grip our hands with tears standing full in their eyes, bidding - farewell, and often leave something noble with us to help us on - our mission; and a firm promise that they will duly reflect on the - great things which we have told them. They ardently request us to - send them some competent Elder to preach to them. - - Yes, dear brethren, the cause of truth is marching onward with - unparalleled rapidity, and victory! Victory! will soon be the shout - of all the faithful in Christ; and thank the Lord, thank the Lord, - is the language of unworthy me, that I have lived to see 1840, with - all its attendant evidences of the truth of the Book of Mormon, and - the Book of Doctrine and Covenants. - - I must save a place in this communication to make some remarks - concerning Brother Ebenezer Robinson. I can say, in truth and - soberness, that he merits the esteem and confidence of the Saints - and all good men for his diligence and economy while getting - the Book of Mormon stereotyped, &c., here. The honest and frank - course he has pursued towards the gentlemen with whom he has - been concerned in business (viz., Messrs. Shepherd, Stearns, and - others), has won their everlasting respect and esteem, judging from - their own manifestations to me. - - Dear brethren and sisters, your humble servants, Orson Hyde and - myself, sincerely solicit your special prayers, sealed with a - hearty amen. - - Elder Hyde is truly a humble servant of the Lord, and a very - agreeable companion in the ministry. Our hearts are one, our faith - is one, and the strongholds of Satan quake before us. We desire - to have grace to perform our mission, that we may return to our - families and brethren with triumph and joy. - - I anticipate that Elder Hyde is in New York City. I am waiting to - obtain a few copies of the third edition of the Book of Mormon. To - {202} raise means is hard, yet we trust in the Lord. I shall go to - Philadelphia as soon as possible. - - I have baptized thirteen in this city; many are believing, and some - halting between two opinions; and have baptized in all since I - started, eighty-four. - - I have had a vision from the Lord, which manifested the present - state of the world respecting the Jews, Jerusalem, the remnant - of Israel, and also the Gentile world. As hasty summer fruit, so - is this nation; as a vineyard of grapes fully ripe, ready to be - gathered for the press, so are all the nations of the earth. - - I want the conference to send some faithful and competent Elder to - this place, to nurse the seed or word that has been sown here, and - shall leave this matter with Ebenezer Robinson to lay before the - conference. - - Elders Bent and Harris are here, and are using all their energies, - both of mind and body, to fill their calling. I deem them amply - qualified to discharge the function of their office, provided they - keep humble. - - Dear brethren, remember me to my family, and pray for them; - remember me to Sister Hyde, and also all of the wives of the Elders - in particular, whose husbands are in the field. Tell them to pray - for us. I hope the authorities of the Church will see that they are - provided with food and raiment, that they may enjoy life with you. - - Yours in the bonds of the Covenant, - - John E. Page. - -_Monday, 28_. - - _Extracts from Orson Hyde's Letter--Signs in the Heavens_. - - Burlington County, New Jersey. - - I left Elder Page at Cincinnati the latter part of August, and came - on up the Ohio river as far as Wellsburgh, Virginia. I stopped with - Father James. Here I preached twice, and baptized three persons; - came on by stage and steamboats to Pittsburg; from thence took the - canal to Leechburgh, where I stopped and preached to a small number - of Saints, raised up by the instrumentality of Father Nickerson--in - good spirits. - - As I left this place about nine o'clock in the morning, the - most remarkable phenomenon occurred in the heavens that I ever - witnessed. There appeared two bright and luminous bodies, one on - the north and the other on the south of the sun; in length about - ten yards, inclining to a circle resembling a rainbow, about fifty - yards distant from the sun; apparently east about twenty-five - yards, was a body of light as brilliant almost as the sun itself; - and on the west, a great distance from the sun, {203} appeared a - white semi-circle passing half way round the horizon, and another - crossing it at right angles, exhibiting a scene of the sublimest - kind. It was a great wonder to the passengers on board the boat. - Put this with the fact that the Jews are gathering home, and that - all Europe is in commotion and on the eve of breaking out in open - hostilities; and also that the tree of liberty, which has long - flourished in the republican soil of America, has been girdled, - and her green foliage, which has shielded and protected the sons - of oppression from the scorching rays of despotic power, already - begins to wither like the accursed fig tree--and what language do - these speak to the Saints! "Lift up your heads, for your redemption - draweth near!" * * * * * * - - I came on, and met with the Saints in Chester county, Pennsylvania, - laboring there about one week with Brother Barnes, where we added - six to their number. I preached about one week in Philadelphia, - and baptized twelve; came on to this place with Brothers Snow - and Barnes, and held a two-days' meeting, at which sixteen were - baptized. I shall return to Philadelphia in a few days, where I - expect to meet Brother Page, and then, if the Lord will, after - holding a few meetings in this country, we shall proceed on to New - York, there to take ship and sail over the seas. - - Orson Hyde. - -On the night of the 28th, Elder Heber C. Kimball had the following -dream, as related by himself: - - _Elder Heber C. Kimball's Dream_. - - Having great anxiety for the welfare of the small branch which - we had raised in London, I retired to rest and had the following - dream. I thought that we dug a well on high ground in order to - obtain water, and after digging some considerable time, we came to - an excellent spring; we then commenced to back it up, but before it - was finished, we had occasion to leave for a short time and when - we returned to complete it, we found it carefully filled up with - sand, and all attempts to remove it proved unavailing, we thought - it better to choose another spot on lower ground, where we were - successful. When we returned to London, we experienced a perfect - fulfillment of my dream--having to open a new preaching place at - Barrett's Academy, King Square, Goswell Road, our former place - being closed against us. - -_Tuesday, 29_.--Elders Heber C. Kimball and George A. Smith left London -for the Manchester conference. - -_Saturday, October 3_. - - {204} _Minutes of the General Conference of the Church of Jesus - Christ of Latter-day Saints, held in Nauvoo, Hancock County, - Illinois, Beginning October 3, 1840_. - - The conference was opened with prayer by President William Marks. - President Joseph Smith was then unanimously called to the chair, - and Robert B. Thompson appointed clerk. - - A letter from Elders Bent and Harris, and one from Elder John E. - Page were then read by the clerk, which gave very satisfactory - accounts of their mission. - - On motion, Resolved: That a committee be appointed to ordain such - as have recommends to this conference for ordination, and that - Jonathan H. Hale, Elisha H. Groves, Charles C. Rich, John Murdock, - and Simeon Carter, compose said committee, and report their - proceedings before the conference closes. - - The President arose and stated that there had been several - depredations committed on the citizens of Nauvoo, and thought - it expedient that a committee be appointed to search out the - offenders, and bring them to justice. - - Whereupon it was Resolved: That Joseph Smith, Elias Higbee, William - Marks, Vinson Knight, William Law, Charles C. Rich, and Dimick B. - Huntington, compose said committee. - - On motion, Resolved: That Robert B. Thompson be appointed the - General Church Clerk, in the room of George W. Robinson, who - intends to remove to Iowa. - - It having been requested by Elder Page, that the conference would - appoint an Elder to take charge of the church which he and Elder - Hyde had raised up in Cincinnati, on motion, Resolved: That Elder - Samuel Bennett be appointed to preside there. - - The president then arose and stated that it was necessary that - something should be done with regard to Kirtland, so that it might - be built up; and gave it as his opinion, that the brethren from - the east might gather there, and also that it was necessary that - some one should be appointed from this conference to preside over - that stake. On motion, Resolved: That Elder Almon W. Babbitt be - appointed to preside over the Church in Kirtland, and that he - choose his own counselors. - - Conference adjourned for one hour. - - One o'clock p. m. Conference met pursuant to adjournment. An - opportunity was given to the brethren who had any remarks to make - on suitable locations for stakes of Zion. Elder H. W. Miller stated - that it was the desire of a number of the brethren residing in - Adams county, to have a stake appointed at Mount Ephrain in that - county, and stated the advantages of the place for agricultural - purposes. - - {205} On motion, Resolved: That a stake be appointed at Mount - Ephraim, in Adams county. - - There being several applications for the appointment of stakes, - it was Resolved: That a committee be appointed to organize stakes - between this place and Kirtland, and that Hyrum Smith, Lyman Wight, - and Almon W. Babbitt, compose said committee. - - The President then spoke of the necessity of building a "House of - the Lord" in this place. Whereupon it was Resolved: That the Saints - build a house for the worship of God, and that Reynolds Cahoon, - Elias Higbee, and Alpheus Cutler be appointed a committee to build - the same. - - On motion, Resolved: That a commencement be made ten days from this - date, and that every tenth day be appropriated for the building of - the house. - - President Hyrum Smith arose and stated that there were several - individuals who, on moving to this place, had not settled with - their creditors, and had no recommend from the branches of the - churches where they had resided. On motion, Resolved: That those - persons moving to this place, who do not bring a recommend, be - disfellowshiped. - - John C. Bennett, M. D., then spoke at some length, on the - oppression to which the Church had been subjected, and remarked - that it was necessary for the brethren to stand by each other, and - resist every unlawful attempt at persecution. - - Elder Lyman Wight then addressed the meeting. Adjourned till - tomorrow morning. - -_Sunday morning, October 4_. - - Conference met pursuant to adjournment, and was opened with prayer - by Elder Almon W. Babbitt. - - The clerk was then called upon to read the report of the Presidency - in relation to the city plat, after which the President made some - observations on the status of the debts on the city plat, which - will appear at the close of these conference minutes, and advised - that a committee be appointed to raise funds to liquidated the - same. On motion, Resolved: That William Marks and Hyrum Smith - compose said committee. - - On motion, Resolved: That a committee be appointed to draft a bill - for the incorporation of the town of Nauvoo, and other purposes. - - _Resolved_: That Joseph Smith, John C. Bennett, and Robert B. - Thompson be said committee. - - _Resolved_: That John C. Bennett be appointed delegate, to urge the - passage of said bill through the legislature. - - President Hyrum Smith then rose and gave some general instructions - to the Church. Conference adjourned for one hour. - - {206} One o'clock p. m. Conference met pursuant to adjournment, and - was opened with prayer by Elder John P. Greene. - - President Joseph Smith then rose and delivered a discourse on - the subject of baptism for the dead, which was listened to with - considerable interest, by the vast multitude assembled. - - Dr. John C. Bennett from the committee to draft a charter for the - city, and for other purposes, reported the outlines thereof. On - motion, Resolved: That the same be adopted. - - Elder Ebenezer Robinson then rose and gave an account of the - printing of another edition of the Book of Mormon, and stated that - it was now nearly completed, and that arrangements had been made - for the printing of the hymn-book, Book of Doctrine and Covenants, - &c. - - Conference adjourned to Monday morning. - -_Monday morning, October 5_. - - Conference met pursuant to adjournment, and was opened with prayer - by Elder Lyman Wight. - - Elder Robert B. Thompson, after a few preliminary remarks, read - an article on the Priesthood, composed by President Joseph Smith, - which will appear at the close of the conference minutes; after - which Elder Babbitt delivered an excellent discourse on the same - subject, at considerable length. - - Conference adjourned for one hour. During the intermission a large - number was baptized. - - Two o'clock p. m. Conference met pursuant to adjournment. Elder - Lyman Wight addressed the congregation on the subject of baptism - for the dead, and other subjects of interest to the Church. - - The President then made some observations and pronounced his - benediction on the assembly. - - Dr. John C. Bennett said that many persons had been accused of - crime, and been looked upon as guilty, when on investigation it - has been ascertained that nothing could be proved against them. - Whereupon, on motion, it was Resolved: That no person be considered - guilty of crime, unless proved so by the testimony of two or three - witnesses. - - He next brought before the conference the treatment the Saints had - experienced in Missouri, and wished to know whether the conference - would take any further steps in relation to obtaining redress. - On motion, resolved: That Elias Higbee and Robert B. Thompson be - appointed a committee to obtain redress for the wrongs sustained in - Missouri. - - The committee on ordinations reported that they had ordained - thirty-nine to the ministry. - - {207} On motion, Resolved: That this conference be dismissed, and - that the next conference be held on the 6th day of April next. - - Joseph Smith, President. - - Robert B. Thompson, Clerk. - -The following is the article on Priesthood referred to in the -conference minutes: - - Priesthood. - - In order to investigated the subject of the Priesthood, so - important to this, as well as every succeeding generation, I shall - proceed to trace the subject as far as I possibly can from the Old - and New Testaments. - - There are two Priesthoods spoken of in the Scriptures, viz., the - Melchisedek and the Aaronic or Levitical. Although there are two - Priesthoods, yet the Melchisedek Priesthood comprehends the Aaronic - or Levitical Priesthood, and is the grand head, and holds the - highest authority which pertains to the Priesthood, and the keys of - the Kingdom of God in all ages of the world to the latest posterity - on the earth, and is the channel through which all knowledge, - doctrine, the plan of salvation, and every important matter is - revealed from heaven. - - Its institution was prior to "the foundation of this earth, or - the morning stars sang together, or the Sons of God shouted for - joy," and is the highest and holiest Priesthood, and is after the - order of the Son of God, and all other Priesthoods are only parts, - ramifications, powers and blessings belonging to the same, and are - held, controlled, and directed by it. It is the channel through - which the Almighty commenced revealing His glory at the beginning - of the creation of this earth, and through which He has continued - to reveal Himself to the children of men to the present time, and - through which He will make known His purposes to the end of time. - - Commencing with Adam, who was the first man, who is spoken of in - Daniel as being the "Ancient of Days," or in other words, the - first and oldest of all, the great, grand progenitor of whom it - is said in another place he is Michael, because he was the first - and father of all, not only by progeny, but the first to hold the - spiritual blessings, to whom was made known the plan of ordinances - for the salvation of his posterity unto the end, and to whom Christ - was first revealed, and through whom Christ has been revealed - from heaven, and will continue to be revealed from henceforth. - Adam holds the keys of the dispensation of the fullness of times; - i. e., the dispensation of all the times have been and will be - revealed through him from the beginning to Christ, and from Christ - to the end of all the dispensations that are to be {208} revealed. - "Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to - His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself: that in the - dispensation of the fullness of times He might gather together in - one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are - on earth; even in him." (Ephesians, 1st chap., 9th and 10 verses). - - Now the purpose in Himself in the winding up scene of the last - dispensation is that all things pertaining to that dispensation - should be conducted precisely in accordance with the preceding - dispensations. - - And again, God purposed in Himself that there should not be an - eternal fullness until every dispensation should be fulfilled and - gathered together in one, and that all things whatsoever, that - should be gathered together in one in those dispensations unto - the same fullness and eternal glory, should be in Christ Jesus; - therefore He set the ordinances to be the same forever and ever, - and set Adam to watch over them, to reveal them from heaven to man, - or to send angels to reveal them. "Are they not all ministering - spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of - salvation?" (Hebrews, i, 14). - - These angels are under the direction of Michael or Adam, who acts - under the direction of the Lord. From the above quotation we learn - that Paul perfectly understood the purposes of God in relation - to His connection with man, and that glorious and perfect order - which He established in Himself, whereby he sent forth power, - revelations, and glory. - - God will not acknowledge that which He has not called, ordained, - and chosen. In the beginning God called Adam by His own voice. "And - the Lord called unto Adam and said unto him, Where art thou? And - he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid because - I was naked, and hid myself." (See Genesis 3rd chap., 9, 10.) Adam - received commandments and instructions from God: this was the order - from the beginning. - - That he received revelations, commandments and ordinances at the - beginning is beyond the power of controversy; else how did they - begin to offer sacrifices to God in an acceptable manner? And if - they offered sacrifices they must be authorized by ordination. - We read in (Genesis, 4th chap., 4th), that Abel brought of the - firstlings of the flock and the fat thereof, and the Lord had - respect to Abel and to his offering. And, again, "By faith Abel - offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which - he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his - gifts; and by it he being dead, yet speaketh." (Hebrews xi:4). - How doth he yet speak? Why he magnified the Priesthood which was - conferred upon him, and died a righteous man, and therefore has - become an angel of God by receiving his body from the dead, holding - still the keys of his dispensation; and was sent down from heaven - unto {209} Paul to minister consoling words, and to commit unto him - a knowledge of the mysteries of godliness. - - And if this was not the case, I would ask, how did Paul know so - much about Abel, and why should he talk about his speaking after he - was dead? Hence, that he spoke after he was dead must be by being - sent down out of heaven to administer. - - This, then, is the nature of the Priesthood; every man holding the - Presidency of his dispensation, and one man holding the Presidency - of them all, even Adam: and Adam receiving his Presidency and - authority from the Lord, but cannot receive a fullness until Christ - shall present the Kingdom to the Father, which shall be at the end - of the last dispensation. - - The power, glory and blessings of the Priesthood could not continue - with those who received ordination only as their righteousness - continued; for Cain also being authorized to offer sacrifice, but - not offering it in righteousness, was cursed. It signifies, then, - that the ordinances must be kept in the very way God has appointed; - otherwise their Priesthood will prove a cursing instead of a - blessing. - - If Cain had fulfilled the law of righteousness as did Enoch, he - could have walked with God all the days of his life, and never - failed of a blessing. "And Enoch walked with God after he begat - Methuselah 300 years, and begat sons and daughters, and all the - days of Enoch were 365 years; and Enoch walked with God, and he was - not, for God took him." (Gen. 5th chap., 22nd ver.) Now this Enoch - God reserved unto Himself, that he should not die at that time, - and appointed unto him a ministry unto terrestrial bodies, of whom - there has been but little revealed. He is reserved also unto the - Presidency of a dispensation, and more shall be said of him and - terrestrial bodies in another treatise. He is a ministering angel, - to minister to those who shall be heirs of salvation and appeared - unto Jude as Abel did unto Paul; therefore Jude spoke of him (14, - 15 verses). And Enoch, the seventh from Adam, revealed these - sayings: "Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousand of His Saints." - - Paul was also acquainted with this character, and received - instructions from him. "By faith Enoch was translated, that he - should not see death, and was not found, because God had translated - him; for before his translation he had this testimony, that he - pleased God; but without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for - he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that he is a - revealer to those who diligently seek him." (Heb. 11, 5). - - Now the doctrine of translation is a power which belongs to this - Priesthood. There are many things which belong to the powers of the - Priesthood and the keys thereof, that have been kept hid from {210} - before the foundation of the world; they are hid from the wise and - prudent to be revealed in the last times. - - Many have supposed that the doctrine of translation was a doctrine - whereby men were taken immediately into the presence of God, and - into an eternal fullness, but this is a mistaken idea. Their - place of habitation is that of the terrestrial order, and a place - prepared for such characters He held in reserve to be ministering - angels unto many planets, and who as yet have not entered into - so great a fullness as those who are resurrected from the dead. - "Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might - obtain a better resurrection." (See Heb. 11th chap., part of the - 35th verse.) - - Now it was evident that there was a better resurrection, or else - God would not have revealed it unto Paul. Wherein then, can it be - said a better resurrection. This distinction is made between the - doctrine of the actual resurrection and translation: translation - obtains deliverance from the tortures and sufferings of the body, - but their existence will prolong as to the labors and toils of the - ministry, before they can enter into so great a rest and glory. - - On the other hand, those who were tortured, not accepting - deliverance, received an immediate rest from their labors. "And I - heard a voice from heaven, saying, Blessed are the dead who die - in the Lord, for from henceforth they do rest from their labors - and their works do follow them." (See Revelation, 14th chap., 13th - verse). - - They rest from their labors for a long time, and yet their work is - held in reserve for them, that they are permitted to do the same - work, after they receive a resurrection for their bodies. But we - shall leave this subject and the subject of the terrestrial bodies - for another time, in order to treat upon them more fully. - - The next great, grand Patriarch [after Enoch] who held the keys - of the Priesthood was Lamech. "And Lamech lived one hundred and - eighty-two years and begat a son, and he called his name Noah, - saying, this same shall comfort us concerning our work and the toil - of our hands because of the ground which the Lord has cursed." (See - Gen. 5th chap., 28th and 29th verses.) The Priesthood continued - from Lamech to Noah: "And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh - is before me, for the earth is filled with violence through them, - and behold I will destroy them with the earth." (Gen. 6: 13.) - - Thus we behold the keys of this Priesthood consisted in obtaining - the voice of Jehovah that He talked with him [Noah] in a familiar - and friendly manner, that He continued to him the keys, the - covenants, the power and the glory, with which he blessed Adam at - the beginning; and the offering of sacrifice, which also shall - be continued at the last time; for all the ordinances and duties - that ever have been required by {211} the Priesthood, under - the directions and commandments of the Almighty in any of the - dispensations, shall all be had in the last dispensation, therefore - all things had under the authority of the Priesthood at any former - period, shall be had again, bringing to pass the restoration spoken - of by the mouth of all the Holy Prophets; then shall the sons of - Levi offer an acceptable offering to the Lord. "And he shall sit as - a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of - Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto - the Lord." (See Malachi 3:3). - - It will be necessary here to make a few observations on the - doctrine set forth in the above quotation, and it is generally - supposed that sacrifice was entirely done away when the Great - Sacrifice [_i. e_., the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus] was offered - up, and that there will be no necessity for the ordinance of - sacrifice in future; but those who assert this are certainly - not acquainted with the duties, privileges and authority of the - priesthood, or with the Prophets. - - The offering of sacrifice has ever been connected and forms a part - of the duties of the Priesthood. It began with the Priesthood, and - will be continued until after the coming of Christ, from generation - to generation. We frequently have mention made of the offering of - sacrifice by the servants of the Most High in ancient days, prior - to the law of Moses; which ordinances will be continued when the - Priesthood is restored with all its authority, power and blessings. - - Elijah was the last Prophet that held the keys of the Priesthood, - and who will, before the last dispensation, restore the authority - and deliver the keys of the Priesthood, in order that all the - ordinances may be attended to in righteousness. It is true that - the Savior had authority and power to bestow this blessing; but - the sons of Levi were too prejudiced. "And I will send Elijah the - Prophet before the great and terrible day of the Lord," etc., etc. - Why send Elijah? Because he holds the keys of the authority to - administer in all the ordinances of the Priesthood; and without the - authority is given, the ordinances could not be administered in - righteousness. - - It is a very prevalent opinion that the sacrifices which were - offered were entirely consumed. This was not the case; if you read - Leviticus, second chap., second and third verses, you will observe - that the priests took a part as a memorial and offered it up before - the Lord, while the remainder was kept for the maintenance of the - priests; so that the offerings and sacrifices are not all consumed - upon the altar--but the blood is sprinkled, and the fat and certain - other portions are consumed. - - These sacrifices, as well as every ordinance belonging to the - Priesthood, will, when the Temple of the Lord shall be built, and - the sons of Levi be purified, be fully restored and attended to in - all their powers, ramifications, and blessings. This ever did and - ever will exist when the {212} powers of the Melchisedic Priesthood - are sufficiently manifest; else how can the restitution of all - things spoken of by the holy Prophets be brought to pass? It is not - to be understood that the law of Moses will be established again - with all its rites and variety of ceremonies; this has never been - spoken of by the Prophets; but those things which existed prior to - Moses' day, namely, sacrifice, will be continued. - - It may be asked by some, what necessity for sacrifice, since the - Great Sacrifice was offered? In answer to which, if repentance, - baptism, and faith existed prior to the days of Christ, what - necessity for them since that time? The Priesthood has descended - in a regular line from father to son, through their succeeding - generations. (See Book of Doctrine and Covenants). [2] - - Report Of The Presidency. [3] - - The First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day - Saints would respectfully report-- - - That they feel rejoiced to meet the Saints at another General - Conference, and under circumstances as favorable as the present. - Since our settlement in Illinois we have for the most part been - treated with courtesy and respect, and a feeling of kindness and - of sympathy has generally been manifested by all classes of the - community, who, with us, deprecate the conduct of those men whose - dark and blackening deeds are stamped with everlasting infamy and - disgrace. The contrast between our past and present situation is - great. Two years ago mobs were threatening, plundering, driving - and murdering the Saints. Our burning houses lighted up the canopy - of heaven. Our women and children, houseless and destitute, had - to wander from place to place to seek a shelter from the rage of - persecuting foes. Now we enjoy peace, and can worship the God of - heaven and earth without molestation, and expect to be able to go - forward and accomplish the great and glorious work to which we have - been called. - - Under these circumstances we feel to congratulate the Saints - of the Most High, on the happy and pleasing change in their - circumstances, condition and prospects, and which those who shared - in the perils and distress, undoubtedly appreciate; while prayers - and thanksgivings daily ascend to that God who looked upon our - distresses and delivered us from danger and death, and whose hand - is over us for good. - - From the unpropitious nature of the weather, we hardly expected to - behold so many of our friends on this occasion; in this, however, - we are agreeably disappointed, which gives us strong assurance that - the Saints are as zealous, untiring, and energetic as ever, in the - great work of the last days; and gives us joy and consolation, and - greatly {213} encourages us, while contending with the difficulties - which necessarily lie in our way. Let the brethren ever manifest - such a spirit, and hold up our hands, and we must, we will go - forward; the work of the Lord shall roll forth, the Temple of the - Lord be reared, the Elders of Israel be encouraged, Zion be built - up, and become the praise, the joy, and the glory of the whole - earth, and the song of praise, glory, honor, and majesty to Him - that sitteth upon the throne, and to the Lamb for ever and ever, - shall reverberate from hill to hill, from mountain to mountain, - from island to island, and from continent to continent, and the - kingdoms of this world become the kingdom of our God and His Christ. - - We are glad indeed to know that there is such a spirit of union - existing throughout the churches, at home and abroad, on this - continent, as well as on the islands of the sea; for by this - principle, and by a concentration of action, shall we be able to - carry into effect the purposes of our God. - - From the Elders abroad we receive the most cheering accounts. - Wherever the faithful laborer has gone forth weeping, sowing the - seed of truth, he has returned with joy, bringing his sheaves with - him; and the information we receive from all quarters is that the - laborers are few and that the harvest is great. Many wealthy and - influential people have embraced the Gospel, so that not only - will the poor rejoice in that they are exalted, but the rich in - that they are made low. The calls to the Southern States are - indeed great; many places which a short time ago would think it - a disgrace to give shelter to a "Mormon," on account of the many - misrepresentations which were abroad, now desire to hear an Elder - of the Church of the Latter-day Saints. - - On the islands of the sea, namely, Great Britain, there continues - to be a steady flow of souls into the Church. Branches have been - organized in many large and populous cities, and the whole land - appears to be thirsting for the pure streams of knowledge and - salvation. - - The Twelve have already printed a new edition of the hymn-book, and - they issue a monthly periodical in that land. Several families have - already arrived here from England, and a number more are on their - way to this place, and are expected this fall. - - If the work rolls forth with the same rapidity it has heretofore - done, we may soon expect to see flocking to this place, people - from every land and from every nation; the polished European, the - degraded Hottentot, and the shivering Laplander; 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, and that a home might be - provided for the Saints, that induced us to purchase the present - city for a place of gathering for the Saints, and the extensive - tract of land on {214} 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. - - The good spirit which is manifested on this occasion, the desire to - do good, and the zeal for the honor of the Church, inspires us with - confidence that we shall not appeal in vain, but that funds will be - forthcoming on this occasion, sufficient to meet the necessities of - the case. - - It is with great pleasure that we have to inform the Church that - another edition of the Book of Mormon has been printed, and - which is expected on from Cincinnati in a short time; and that - arrangements are making for printing the Book of Doctrine and - Covenants, hymn-book, &c.; so that the demand which may exist for - these works will soon be supplied. - - In conclusion we would say, brethren and sisters, be faithful, be - diligent, contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the - Saints; let every man, woman and child realize the importance of - the work, and act as if success depended on his individual exertion - alone; let all feel an interest in it, and then consider they live - in a day, the contemplation of which animated the bosoms of kings, - Prophets, and righteous men thousands of years ago--the prospect - of which inspired their sweetest notes, and most exalted lays, and - caused them to break out in such rapturous strains as are recorded - in the Scriptures; and by and by we will have to exclaim, in the - language of inspiration-- - - The Lord has brought again Zion, - The Lord hath redeemed His people Israel. - -_Tuesday, October 6_. - - _Minutes of a General Conference in England_. - - Minutes of a general conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of - Latter-day Saints, held at Carpenter's Hall, Manchester, Tuesday, - the 6th day of October, 1840, it being the first day of the seventh - month of the eleventh year of the Church; when the following - officers of the Traveling High Council were present, viz.: Elders - Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Orson Pratt, Willard Richards, - Wilford Woodruff, and George A. Smith; other officers: High Priests - 5, Elders 19, Priests 28, Teachers 4, and Deacons 2. - - The meeting being called to order at 10 o'clock by Elder Brigham - Young, {215} it was moved by Elder Young, seconded by Elder Woodruff, - that Elder Orson Pratt be president off the conference, which was - carried unanimously. Elder George Walker was chosen clerk. - - After singing, and prayer by the president, the following - statistical report was read: - - Conferences and Branches. Members. Elders. Priests. Teachers. Deacons. - Preston Conference (including all the branches in the care of 665 18 23 11 2 - Elders Melling and Withnall) as represented by Elder Melling - Potteries were represented by Elder Alfred Cordon 248 9 32 9 9 - Birmingham Branch, represented by Elder Alfred Cordon 4 - West Bromwich, represented by Elder Alfred Cordon 21 3 1 - Clitheroe Conference, represented by Thomas Smith 295 10 11 9 3 - Herefordshire, &c., represented by Thoedore Curtis 1007 19 78 15 1 - Glasgow, and regions round about, represented by Samuel Mulliner 492 8 7 5 3 - Hilsboro Branch, Ireland, represented by Theodore Curtis 5 - Isle of Man Branch, represented by Hiram Clark 6 - Liverpool Conference, represented by Priest William Mitchell 100 3 4 2 1 - London Branch, represented by Elder Heber C. Kimball 11 2 - Macclesfield, represented by Priest I. Brown 71 6 2 2 - Altrincham Conference, (including Middlewich, Nortwich, and 82 1 3 3 3 - Peover,) represented by Elder William Berry - Bedford Branch, represented by Elder Brigham Young 36 1 1 - Stockport, represented by Elder Martin Littlewood 140 2 5 2 1 - Bolton, represented by Priest Barroes 61 2 1 - Duckinfield, represented by Elder Albiston 76 1 3 1 - Edinburg Conference, represented by Orson Pratt 43 2 - Pendlebury Branch, represented by Henry Royle 36 2 - Eccles, represented by Brother E. Leather 13 3 - Whitefield, represented by Elder Walker Johnson 39 1 2 3 - Ratcliffe, represented by John Allen 16 1 2 - Brampton, represented by Thomas Tweddle 40 1 1 1 - Alston, represented by John Sanders 39 2 1 2 - Newcastle-upon-Tyne, represented by Amos Fielding 6 2 1 - Manchester, represented by Brigham Young 364 4 27 6 1 - Ancrum, represented by Orson Pratt 9 - - The president brought before the conference the subject of - ordinations, and after various observations thereon, it was - proposed by Elder George A. Smith, that for the future, ordinations - be not attended to, except by the Traveling High Council or under - such restrictions as they may adopt in reference thereto. Elder - Young spoke on the subject of conferences, and also with respect - of restricting ordination; and after taking into consideration the - great expense attendant upon holding general conferences, and the - inconvenience experienced by members attending them, suggested, - that for the future, general conferences should in a great measure - be done away with, or restricted to the Traveling High Council to - hold conferences at such places and times as they may think proper. - - {216} The meeting adjourned at 12 o'clock. - - At 2 o'clock the meeting opened with prayer, after which Elder - Kimball spoke on the subject of Elders taking upon themselves the - responsibility of ordaining officers in this Church; after pointing - out the evils that might result therefrom, he proceeded to treat - upon the duty of members towards those who preside over them in - the Lord, and respecting the members administering to the temporal - necessities of those whose calling it is to labor amongst them in - spiritual things. - - Moved by Elder Willard Richards, seconded by Elder Thomas Smith, - and carried unanimously, that all ordinations be confined to or - under the regulations of the Traveling High Council. - - Elder Young called the attention of the conference to the case of - Emma Bolton, a sister from the Potteries, who had conducted herself - disorderly. Elder Johnson and others spoke of several cases of - improper conduct on her part; after which it was moved by Elder - Young, seconded by Elder Kimball, and carried unanimously, that - Emma Bolton be cut off from the Church. - - The president [of the conference, Elder Orson Pratt], then called - the attention of the conference to a letter from Isaac Brown and - other officers of the Church at Macclesfield, concerning Elder - Heath, and also to some half a dozen charges preferred by the said - Isaac Brown, James Galley, Edward Horrocks, and John Horrocks, - against the said Samuel Heath, for several items of misconduct, and - neglecting the duties of his office; to all of which charges Elder - Heath pleaded not guilty. The complainants then entered into proof - of the several items, to which Elder Heath replied by stating that - the charges against him were in consequence of a misunderstanding, - &c. The proceedings opened a wide field for instruction from Elder - Young, followed by the president, who recommended the parties - to become reconciled to each other, stating that he did not - consider the charges preferred against Elder Heath sufficiently - substantiated to withdraw fellowship from him; when it was moved - and seconded, that no further proceeding be taken on this subject; - carried unanimously. - - The conference then adjourned till 7 o'clock. p. m. - - At 7 o'clock the meeting was opened with prayer. - - The president having made such preliminary remarks as the - importance of the subject called forth, proceeded to call upon - those who were willing to volunteer their services to labor in the - vineyard of the Lord, when the officers gave their names as follows: - - High Priests--Hiram Clark, Thomas Smith, Alfred Cordon, Thomas - Kington, Orson Pratt, Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Willard - Richards, Wilford Woodruff, George A. Smith. - - Elders--George D. Watt, John Parkinson, David Moss, Martin {217} - Littlewood, William Parr, Samuel Heath, John Sanders, Theodore - Curtis, Henry Royle, Thomas Tweddle, John Leigh, Amos Fielding, - Thomas Richardson. - - Priests--William Snailam, William Speakman, John Needham, James - Mahon, Frederick Cook, Robert Crooks, William Mitchell, William - Black, Robert Williams, William Jones, Thomas Pollitt, Richard - Steele, John Burns, Joseph Knowles, Richard Benson, John Wyche, - William Roylance, Joseph Street, Joseph White. - - Moved, seconded, and carried, that Elder George D. Watt go to - Edinburgh; Elder Alfred Cordon to Birmingham, and also take charge - of the Staffordshire Potteries Conference, and that John Burns, - Priest, go with him. - - Elder Thomas Kington to take charge of the Herefordshire - Conferences as heretofore, also Garway; and William Snailam and - Joseph Knowles, Priests, to accompany him. - - Robert Crooks, Priest, to go to Bolton; Thomas Richardson, Elder, - and John Needham, Priest, to go to Herefordshire; Elder Hiram Clark - to go to the Isle of Man; Elder Thomas Tweddle to Glasgow; Elder - John Sanders to labor at Alston, and go to Carlisle as soon as - practicable. - - Elder Amos Fielding to go to Newcastle-upon-Tyne; Elder John - Parkinson to Greenock; Elder Henry Royle and Frederick Cook, - Priest, to Cly in Flintshire; William Mitchell, Priest, to Leeds; - Elder Thomas Smith to remain at Clitheroe; Elder John Leigh, and - James Mahon, Priest, to go to Arden, Cheshire, and Joseph White - and Richard Steele, Priests, to labor under the direction of Elder - Cordon. - - Elder John Smith to be ordained High Priest, to take charge of - the church in Manchester and the regions round about: Elder Peter - Melling to take charge of the church as heretofore, in connection - with Elder H. Withnall; and John Wyche, Priest, to go into - Staffordshire, and labor under the direction of Alfred Cordon. - - Moved and seconded, that the remainder of the officers who have - volunteered, be left to the Traveling High Council to dispose of, - and appoint to such places as they may judge expedient; carried. - - Moved and seconded, that in consequence of there not being time to - transact all the business of this conference, the ordination of - officers be left to the Traveling High Council to ordain from time - to time such members as they may consider requisite; carried. - - Elder Young then addressed the meeting on the propriety of - establishing a fund for the support and clothing of such members - as may from time to time be called out to labor in the vineyard, - and whose circumstances may require that their necessities may be - administered unto. The president then addressed the meeting on - the same subject, {218} and pointed out the difference between - preaching for money and the Elders having their necessities - ministered unto, while they are called to labor "without taking - thought for the morrow." Elder Richards followed upon the same - subject; also Elder Kimball; after which Elder Young moved, that - wherever a branch of the Church is established, two members be - appointed to receive the weekly voluntary contributions of the - members, for promoting the spread of the Gospel, and the same to be - disposed of by the vote of the church in council with the Twelve - Apostles; seconded by Elder George A. Smith, and carried. - - The minutes were then read and accepted, and the conference - adjourned _sine die_. - - Orson Pratt, President, - - George Walker, Secretary. - -_Thursday, 8_. - - _Minutes of Council of the Twelve in England_. - - Minutes of a Council of the Twelve, viz., Brigham Young, Heber - C. Kimball, Orson Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, George A. Smith, and - Willard Richards; also Hiram Clark, and Reuben Hedlock, High - Priests, at the house of Willard Richards, No. 1, Chapman Street, - Manchester; Brigham Young presiding. - - Moved by Elder Kimball, that Elder Willard Richards take charge - of the _Millennial Star_, seconded and carried. Voted that our - publishing office be removed to London as soon as circumstances - will permit; and that Elders Hedlock and Curtis go where they - please to labor. - - Willard Richards, Clerk. - -Footnotes: - -1. The foregoing is an editorial in the _Times and Seasons_ for -September, 1840. - -2. A discourse on the same subject to the Twelve will be found in vol. -iii, p. 385, _et seq_. - -3. This is the report referred to in the conference minutes. - -{219} - - - -CHAPTER XII. - -Progress of the Work in Great Britain--The Saints at Kirtland Reproved -for Their Course During the Missouri Persecutions--The Prophet's -Address to the Twelve and Saints in Great Britain. - -_Saturday, October 10_.--Elder George A. Smith returned to London, and -was soon followed by Elder Woodruff. - -[Sidenote: Charges against Oliver Walker.] - -David Fulmer preferred a charge against Oliver Walker "for reporting -certain slanderous stories of a fallacious and calumniating nature, -calculated to stigmatize, and raise a persecution against the Church -and individuals in it, in this place, [Nauvoo], and for other acts -of unchristianlike conduct," before the High Council at Nauvoo. The -defendant pleaded that "he was not prepared to meet the charge, it -being too indefinite." Council adjourned till next day. - -_Sunday, 11_.--High Council met according to adjournment. The charge -against Oliver Walker was taken up, and the following substituted for -the first charge: - - _Minutes of the High Council_. - - _To the High Council of the Church of Jesus Christ at Nauvoo_: - - For and in behalf of said Church, I prefer a charge against Elder - Oliver Walker, for several different offenses hereinafter set - forth, as said to be by him done, performed, said, and committed, - as well as various duties omitted, all of which was done at - different times, periods, places, and seasons, subsequent to - September 1st, A. D. 1838, to-wit.: - - For a general course of procedure, of acts, doings, and words, - and suggestions by him, the said Elder Oliver Walker, done, - performed, said, spoken, hinted at, and suggested, both directly - and indirectly, and {220} as calculated to be derogatory to the - character of the heads and leaders of the Church, and extremely - injurious and hurtful to the upbuilding, welfare, being, and - advancement of the same, namely, for fleeing from, quitting, and - deserting the society, ranks, and needs of his brethren, in times - of difficulty with, and danger from their enemies, "the mob;" - restraining from the use of his brethren, his influence, efforts, - and needful assistance, at such times of need; as also for joining - with, and strengthening the hands, will, evil pursuits, and designs - of the mob, and Gentile enemies of the Church, by expressions, - hints, and suggestions of wavering and dubious nature, respecting - the faith and order of the Church, and of the professed calling, - qualifications, proceedings, &c., of Joseph Smith, Jun., as a Seer, - Prophet, and one called to bring to light the fullness of the - Gospel, &c., in these last days. - - Likewise for advancing ideas, notions, or opinions, that the - different orders or sects, namely, Methodists and others, could by - a pursuit in their faith, order, and pursuits, as readily obtain - every celestial attainment and Gospel advantage, as they could by - embracing and pursuing the system brought forth by Joseph Smith, - Jun., in these last days. - - And moreover for suggesting within the last six months, at Alton, - Nauvoo, intermediate and adjacent places, that in the Church at - Nauvoo there did exist a set of pilferers, who were actually - thieving, robbing, plundering, taking and unlawfully carrying away - from Missouri, certain goods and chattels, wares and property; - and that the act and acts of such supposed thieving, &c., was - fostered and conducted by the knowledge and approbation of the - heads and leaders of the Church, viz., by the Presidency and High - Council; all of which items set forth as aforesaid, together with - any and all corroborating acts, doings, hints, expressions, and - suggestions in any way belonging to, or connected with, any or all - of the aforesaid accusations, he, the said Oliver Walker, is hereby - notified to prepare to defend in said trial. - - Dated October 11, 1840, Nauvoo. - - David Fulmer. - - Walker pleaded that he was not prepared to defend himself, and the - trial was deferred at his request till April conference. - - _Letter of Heber C. Kimball et al. to Messrs. Ebenezer Robinson and - Don Carlos Smith--Reporting Affairs in the British Mission_. - - Manchester, England, October 12, 1840. - - _Messrs. Ebenezer Robinson, and Don Carlos Smith_: - - Dear Brethren:--We left Manchester immediately after the July {221} - conference, for the purpose of visiting the city of London. We - visited the churches which lay on our route through Staffordshire, - Herefordshire, Worcestershire, and Gloucestershire; and we had many - interesting meetings, baptizing and confirming daily, as we passed - along. We baptized forty in one day; many new doors were opening, - and all things indicated a short work in England. - - The last meeting we held among the Saints while on this journey, - was in a field in Leigh, Gloucestershire, on the 16th of August. - We had an interesting time; we baptized fifteen, and ordained one - Elder and two Priests. Two Methodist priests came twelve miles to - hear; we baptized them after the first sermon, and confirmed and - ordained them at the same time, and sent them to preach the Gospel. - We parted with the Saints there on the 17th, went to Cheltenham, - (five miles), and spent the night. There were several Saints in - that place. - - On the 18th we took coach and rode forty miles, through a level - farming country, something like Illinois prairie; we passed through - Oxfordshire, leaving the Oxford University a little upon our left. - This university consists of twenty colleges endowed, and five - halls not endowed; and is considered the largest and most noted - university in the world. We then took the railroad and traveled - seventy miles, had a splendid view of Windsor Castle as we passed - along. We landed at the London terminus of the Great Western - Railway at 4 o'clock in the evening. From thence we took coach and - rode a few miles into the city; we walked over London Bridge, and - called upon Mr. Allgood, 19 King Street, Borough. Mrs. Allgood is - sister to Elder Theodore Turley's wife; she treated us kindly, gave - us such refreshments as we needed, and directed us to lodgings in - the neighborhood, where we spent the night. - - After which we immediately commenced our researches through this - great metropolis, for the honest in heart and the meek of the - earth. We first commenced by visiting the ministers and preachers - of the various orders, and requested the privilege of delivering - our message unto the people in their churches and chapels; but of - course you will not be astonished when we inform you that they - denied us this privilege, and rejected our testimony. - - We went to and fro through the city of London, from day to day, - endeavoring to get some door open whereby we could warn the - people and search out the honest in heart; when on diligent - search we found the whole city given to covetousness, (which is - idolatry), priestcraft, tradition, superstition, and all manner - of abominations, wickedness and uncleanness; and all doors closed - against us. - - We did not hesitate to stand in the midst of the streets, and, - Jonah like, cry repentance unto the inhabitants of that mighty - city--the {222} metropolis of England--the pride and glory of - Britain--the boast of the Gentiles, and the largest commercial city - in the world--containing over one million five hundred thousand - souls, who are ripening in iniquity and preparing for the wrath of - God; and like the ox going to the slaughter, know not the day of - their visitation. - - We shall long remember standing together in the midst of that - people, and bearing a message which will prove a savor of life unto - life, or of death unto death, not only unto them, but unto all - those unto whom the sound of the everlasting Gospel shall come; - even unto the whole world; and the judgment of the great day shall - manifest the truth of it unto all nations. And it will ever sweeten - the memory of that eventful period of our lives, to know that our - labors, on that occasion, were not in vain; but we were enabled - through toil, labor, diligent search, perseverance, and the great - mercy of God, to find some of the blood of Ephraim--a few honest - souls who were willing to receive and obey the Gospel; and that we - were enabled to lay the foundation of a work in the city of London, - which will not be removed until the city is warned, so that they - will be left without excuse; and the Saints gathered out to stand - in holy places, while judgment works. Until that time, the seed - which we have sown there, will bring forth fruit, and the fruit - will redound to the honor and glory of God. - - We have baptized eleven only, in the city of London, but through - the faith and the mercy of God, we ere long expect a harvest of - souls in that place; but we are willing to acknowledge, that in - our travels, either in America or Europe, we have never before - found a people, from whose minds we have had to remove a greater - multiplicity of objections, or combination of obstacles, in order - to excite an interest in the subject and prepare the heart for the - reception of the word of God, than in the city of London. - - While conversing with the common people concerning the Gospel, we - found their highest attainments to be, "Why, I go to church or - chapel and get my children christened, what more is necessary?" - When we conversed with the learned, we found them too wise to be - taught, and too much established in the traditions of their fathers - to expect any change in the last days. While conversing with the - ministers of the various orders of the day, upon the principles of - the Gospel, they would inform us that the ancient order of things - was done away, and no longer needed; and some of them had preached - forty years the good old religion, and God was with them, and they - needed no more revelation, or healing the sick, or anything as - manifest in the days of the Apostles, for we can get along without - them in this day of refinement, light and knowledge. - - When we arose to preach unto the people repentance, and baptism - {223} for the remission of sins, the cry of "Baptist, Baptist," - would be rung in our ears. If we spoke of the Church and body of - Christ being composed of Prophets, and Apostles; as well as other - members, "Irvingites, Irvingites," would immediately dash into the - mind. If in the midst of our remarks, we even for once suffered the - saying to drop from our lips, "The testimony of Jesus is the spirit - of prophecy," "O, you belong to Johanna Southcote," would be heard - from several places at once. If we spoke of the second coming of - Christ, the cry would be, "Aitkenites." If we made mention of the - Priesthood, they would call us "Catholics." If we testified of the - ministering of angels, the people would reply, "The Irvingites have - their angels, and even the Duke of Normandy is ready to swear that - he has the administering of angels every night." - - These salutations, in connection with a multitude of others, of a - similar nature, continued to salute our ears from day to day, until - we were about ready to conclude that London had been such a perfect - depot of the systems of the nineteenth century, that it contained - six hundred three score and six different gods, gospels, redeemers, - plans of salvation, religions, churches, commandments, (essential - and non-essential), orders of preaching, roads to heaven and to - hell; and that this order of things had so affected the minds of - the people, that it almost required a horn to be blown from the - highest heavens, in order to awaken the attention of the people, - and prepare their minds to candidly hear and receive the doctrine - of one Gospel, one faith, one baptism, one Holy Ghost, one God, and - one plan of salvation, and that, such as Christ and the Apostles - preached. - - But notwithstanding this, we do not feel discouraged concerning a - work being perfected in London, but firmly believe that many souls - will embrace the fullness of the Gospel there, though it will be - through faith, diligence, perseverance, and prayer. - - Having spent twenty-three days together in this first mission - in the metropolis, and the time drawing near for our October - conference, Elder Woodruff left the city on the 10th of September - for the purpose of attending several conferences. He attended the - Bran Green and Gadfield Elm conference, held in Worcester on the - 14th of September, and also the Froomes Hill conference, held in - Herefordshire on the 21st of September. At these two conferences, - he heard represented, 40 branches of the Church, containing - 1,007 members, and 113 officers, viz., 19 Elders, 78 Priests, 15 - Teachers, and 1 Deacon; the whole of whom had received the fullness - of the Everlasting Gospel, and been baptized in less than seven - months in that part of the vineyard which he first opened in the - month of March; and the work is still progressing very rapidly - throughout that region; and among the number baptized {224} there - have not been much less than one hundred preachers of various sects. - - He also attended the conference in the Staffordshire Potteries, - which met at Hanley on the 28th of September; where were - represented 231 members, 9 Elders, 32 Priests, 9 Teachers, and 9 - Deacons; most of whom received the work since our arrival there - last winter and spring. While he was attending these conferences, - Elders Kimball and George A. Smith continued their labors in London - until the first of October, at which time we met together again in - Staffordshire, and enjoyed each other's company while journeying - together to Manchester, where the quorum of the Traveling High - Council, with many Elders and Saints had the privilege of once more - sitting in a general conference together, on the 6th of October in - the Carpenter's Hall, where we heard represented 3,636 Saints, and - 383 official members. - - At the July conference there were 2,513 Saints, and 256 official - members, making an increase in three months of 1,113 Saints and 127 - official members, besides over 200 Saints, including many Elders, - Priests, Teachers and Deacons, who have emigrated to America; which - would make over 1,300 additions to the Church in Europe during the - last three months, and over two thousand since our conference in - Preston on the 15th of April; which representation at that time was - 1,671 Saints, and 132 official members. - - Thus you see the Lord hath given us an increase, and blessed the - labors of the servants of God universally in this land, for which - we feel thankful; and our constant prayer to God is that His - kingdom may roll forth, that the messengers bearing the everlasting - Gospel may be diligent, meek, and humble, not weary in well doing, - but waiting with patience for their reward, which lies at the end - of the race, that their joy may be full. - - Heber C. Kimball, - - Wilford Woodruff, - - George A. Smith. - -_Saturday, 17_.--A conference was held in Philadelphia, Elder Orson -Hyde presiding; 896 members were represented, including 24 Elders, 11 -Priests, 6 Teachers, 5 Deacons, in Pennsylvania, New York City, New -Jersey, and vicinity. - -[Sidenote: Remarkable Visions by Orson Pratt.] - -Parley P. Pratt and family arrived in Manchester, and resumed the -editorial labors of the _Star_. Brother Orson Pratt has recently -published a pamphlet, entitled "An interesting account of several -Remarkable Visions, and of the late Discovery {225} of Ancient American -Records," comprising 31 pages giving a brief sketch of the rise of the -Church. - -_Monday, 19_. - - _Letter of Joseph and Hyrum Smith to the Saints in - Kirtland--Reproving the Saints for Neglect of their Brethren and - Sisters During the Missouri Persecutions_. - - Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, - - October 19th, 1840. - - _To the Saints in Kirtland, Ohio_: - - Dear beloved brethren in the kingdom and patience of Jesus - Christ:--We take this opportunity of informing you that we yet - remember the Saints scattered abroad in the regions of Kirtland, - and feel interested in their welfare as well as in that of the - Saints at large. We have beheld with feelings peculiar to ourselves - the situation of things in Kirtland and the numerous difficulties - to which the Saints have been subjected, by false friends as well - as open enemies. - - All these circumstances have more or less engaged our attention - from time to time. We likewise must complain of the brethren who - are in office and authority in the stake of Kirtland, for not - writing to us, and making known their difficulties and their - affairs from time to time, so that they might be advised in matters - of importance to the well being of said stake; but above all, for - not sending one word of consolation to us while we were in the - hands of our enemies, and thrust into dungeons. Some of our friends - from various sections sent us letters which breathed a kind and - sympathetic spirit, and which made our afflictions and sufferings - endurable. All was silent as the grave [from Kirtland]; no feelings - of sorrow, sympathy, or affection [was expressed] to cheer the - heart under the gloomy shades of affliction and trouble through - which we had to pass. - - Dear brethren, could you realize that your brethren were thus - circumstanced, and were to bear up under the weight of affliction - and woe which was heaped upon them by their enemies, and you stand - unmoved and unconcerned! Where were the bowels of compassion? - Where was the love which ought to characterize the Saints of the - Most High? Did those high born and noble feelings lie dormant, - or were you insensible to the treatment we received? However, we - are disposed to leave these things to God, and to futurity, and - feel disposed to forget this coldness on the part of the Saints - in Kirtland, and to look to the future with more pleasure than - while we contemplated the past; and shall by the assistance of our - heavenly Father, take such steps as we think best {226} calculated - to promote the interests of the Saints, and for the promotion of - truth and righteousness, and the building up of the kingdom is - these last days. - - The situation of Kirtland was brought before the general - conference, held at this place on the 3rd instant, when it was - resolved that Elder Almon W. Babbitt should be appointed to preside - over the stake of Kirtland, and that he be privileged to choose his - own counselors. We therefore hope that the Saints will hold up the - hands of our beloved brother, and unite with him in endeavoring to - promote the interests of the kingdom. - - It has been deemed prudent to advise the eastern brethren who - desire to locate in Kirtland, to do so; consequently you may - expect an increase of members in your stake, who probably will be - but young in the faith, and who will require kind treatment. We - therefore hope the brethren will feel interested in the welfare of - the Saints, and will use all their endeavors to promote the welfare - of the brethren who may think proper to take up their residence in - that place. - - If you will put away from your midst all evil speaking, backbiting, - and ungenerous thoughts and feelings: humble yourselves, and - cultivate every principle of virtue and love, then will the - blessings of Jehovah rest upon you, and you will yet see good and - glorious days; peace will be within your gates, and prosperity in - your borders; which may our heavenly Father grant in the name of - Jesus Christ, is the prayer of yours in the bonds of the covenant, - - Joseph Smith, - - Hyrum Smith. - - An Epistle of the Prophet to the Twelve. - - _To the Traveling High Council and Elders of the Church of Jesus - Christ of Latter-day Saints in Great Britain_: - - Beloved Brethren:--May grace, mercy, and peace rest upon you - from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Having several - communications lying before me from my brethren the Twelve, some - of which ere this have merited a reply, but from the multiplicity - of business which necessarily engages my attention, I have delayed - communicating with you to the present time. - - Be assured, beloved brethren, that I am no disinterested observer - of the things which are transpiring on the face of the whole earth; - and amidst the general movements which are in progress, none is - of more importance than the glorious work in which you are now - engaged; consequently I feel some anxiety on your account, that you - may by your virtue, faith, diligence and charity commend yourselves - to one another, {227} to the Church of Christ, and to your Father - who is in heaven; by whose grace you have been called to so holy - a calling; and be enabled to perform the great and responsible - duties which rest upon you. And I can assure you, that from the - information I have received, I feel satisfied that you have not - been remiss in your duty; but that your diligence and faithfulness - have been such as must secure you the smiles of that God whose - servant you are, and also the good will of the Saints throughout - the world. - - The spread of the Gospel throughout England is certainly pleasing; - the contemplation of which cannot but afford feelings of no - ordinary kind, in the bosom of those who have borne the heat and - burden of the day; and who were its firm supporters and strenuous - advocates in infancy, while surrounded with circumstances the most - unpropitious, and its destruction threatened on all hands; like the - gallant bark that has braved the storm unhurt, spreads her canvas - to the breeze, and nobly cuts her way through the yielding wave, - more conscious than ever of the strength of her timbers, and the - experience and capability of her captain, pilot, and crew. - - It is likewise very satisfactory to my mind, that there has been - such a good understanding between you, and that the Saints have so - cheerfully hearkened to council, and vied with each other in this - labor of love, and in the promotion of truth and righteousness. - This is as it should be in the Church of Jesus Christ; unity is - strength. "How pleasing it is for brethren to dwell together - in unity!" Let the Saints of the Most High ever cultivate this - principle, and the most glorious blessings must result, not only - to them individually, but to the whole Church--the order of the - kingdom will be maintained, its officers respected, and its - requirements readily and cheerfully obeyed. - - Love is one of the chief characteristics of Deity, and ought to - be manifested by those who aspire to be the sons of God. A man - filled with the love of God, is not content with blessing his - family alone, but ranges through the whole world, anxious to bless - the whole human race. This has been your feeling, and caused you - to forego the pleasures of home, that you might be a blessing to - others, who are candidates for immortality, but strangers to truth, - and for so doing, I pray that heaven's choicest blessings may rest - upon you. - - Being requested to give my advice respecting the propriety of your - returning in the spring, I will do so willingly. I have reflected - on the subject some time, and am of the opinion that it would be - wisdom in you to make preparations to leave the scene of your - labors in the spring. Having carried the testimony to that land, - and numbers having received it, the leaven can now spread without - your being obliged to stay. - - Another thing--there have been whisperings of the Spirit that {228} - there will be some agitations, excitements, and trouble in the - land in which you are now laboring. I would therefore say, in the - meantime be diligent: organize the churches, and let everyone stand - in his proper place, so that those who cannot come with you in the - spring, may not be left as sheep without a shepherd. - - I would likewise observe, that inasmuch as this place has been - appointed for the gathering of the Saints, it is necessary that it - should be attended to in the order that the Lord intends it should. - To this end I would say, that as there are great numbers of the - Saints in England who are extremely poor, and not accustomed to - the farming business, who must have certain preparations made for - them before they can support themselves in this country, therefore - to prevent confusion and disappointment when they arrive here, - let those men who are accustomed to make machinery, and those who - can command capital, though it be small, come here as soon as - convenient, and put up machinery, and make such other preparations - as may be necessary, so that when the poor come on, they may have - employment to come to. This place has advantages for manufacturing - and commercial purposes, which but very few can boast of; and - the establishing of cotton factories, foundries, potteries, &c., - would be the means of bringing in wealth, and raising it to a very - important elevation. - - I need not occupy more space on this subject, as its reasonableness - must be obvious to every mind. - - In my former epistle I told you my mind respecting the printing of - the Book of Mormon, hymn-book, &c. I have been favored by receiving - a hymn-book from you, and as far as I have examined it, I highly - approve of it, and think it to be a very valuable collection. I am - informed that the Book of Mormon is likewise printed, which I am - glad to hear, and should be pleased to hear that it was printed - in all the different languages of the earth. You can use your own - pleasure respecting the printing of the Doctrine and Covenants. If - there is a great demand for it, I have no objections, but would - rather encourage it. - - I can say, that as far as I have been made acquainted with your - movements, I am perfectly satisfied that they have been in wisdom; - and I have no doubt, but that the Spirit of the Lord has directed - you; and this proves to my mind that you have been humble, and your - desires have been for the salvation of your fellow man, and not - for your own aggrandizement, and selfish interests. As long as the - Saints manifest such a disposition, their counsels will be approved - of, and their exertions crowned with success. - - There are many things of much importance, on which you ask counsel, - but which I think you will be perfectly able to decide upon, as - you are more conversant with the peculiar circumstances than I am; - and I {229} feel great confidence in your united wisdom; therefore - you will excuse me for not entering into detail. If I should see - anything that is wrong, I would take the privilege of making known - my mind to you, and pointing out the evil. - - If Elder Parley P. Pratt should wish to remain in England some - time longer than the rest of the Twelve, he will feel himself at - liberty to do so, as his family are with him, consequently his - circumstances are somewhat different from the rest; and likewise - it is necessary that someone should remain who is conversant with - the rules and regulations of the Church, and continue the paper - which is published. Consequently, taking all these things into - consideration, I would not press it upon Brother Pratt to return in - the spring. - - I am happy to inform you that we are prospering in this place, - and that the Saints are more healthy than formerly; and from the - decrease of sickness this season, when compared with the last, I am - led to the conclusion that this must eventually become a healthy - place. There are at present about 3,000 inhabitants in Nauvoo, - and numbers are flocking in daily. Several stakes have been set - off in different parts of the country, which are in prosperous - circumstances. - - Provisions are much lower than when you left. Flour is about $4 - per barrel. Corn and potatoes about 25 cents per bushel; and other - things in proportion. There has been a very plentiful harvest - throughout the Union. - - You will observe, by the _Times and Seasons_, that we are about - building a temple for the worship of our God in this place. - Preparations are now making; every tenth day is devoted by the - brethren for quarrying rock, &c. We have secured one of the most - lovely situations for it in this region of country. It is expected - to be considerably larger than the one in Kirtland, and on a more - magnificent scale, and which will undoubtedly attract the attention - of the great men of the earth. - - We have a bill before the legislature for the incorporation of - the city of Nauvoo, and for the establishment of a seminary of - learning, and other purposes--which I expect will pass in a short - time. - - You will also receive intelligence of the death of my father; which - event, although painful to the family and to the Church generally, - yet the sealing testimony of the truth of the work of the Lord was - indeed satisfactory. Brother Hyrum succeeds him as Patriarch of the - Church, according to his last directions and benedictions. [1] - - {230} Several persons of eminence and distinction in society have - joined the Church and become obedient to the faith; and I am happy - to inform you that the work is spreading very fast upon this - continent. Some of the brethren are now in New Orleans, and we - expect a large gathering from the south. I have had the pleasure of - welcoming about one hundred brethren who came with Brother Turley; - the remainder I am informed stayed in Kirtland, not having means to - get any further. I think that those who came here this fall, did - not take the best possible route, or the least expensive. Most of - the brethren have obtained employment of one kind or another, and - appear tolerably well contented, and seem disposed to hearken to - counsel. - - Brothers Robinson and Smith lately had a letter from Elders - Kimball, Smith and Woodruff, which gave us information of the - commencement of the work of the Lord in the city of London, which - I was glad to hear. I am likewise informed that Elders have gone - to Australia and to the East Indies. I feel desirous that every - providential opening of the kind should be filled, and that you - should, prior to your leaving England, send the Gospel into as many - parts as you possibly can. - - Beloved brethren, you must be aware in some measure of my feelings, - when I contemplate the great work which is now rolling on, and - the relationship which I sustain to it, while it is extending to - distant lands, and thousands are embracing it. I realize in some - measure my responsibility, and the need I have of support from - above, and wisdom from on high, that I may be able to teach this - people, which have now become a great people, the principles of - righteousness, and lead them agreeably to the will of Heaven; so - that they may be perfected, and prepared to meet the Lord Jesus - Christ when He shall appear in great glory. Can I rely on your - prayers to our heavenly Father on my behalf, and on all the prayers - of all my brethren and sisters in England, (whom having not seen, - yet I love), that I may be enabled to escape every stratagem of - Satan, surmount every difficulty, and bring this people to the - enjoyment of those blessings which are reserved for the righteous? - I ask this at your hands in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. - - Let the Saints remember that great things depend on their - individual exertion, and that they are called to be co-workers with - us and the Holy Spirit in accomplishing the great work of the last - days; and in consideration of the extent, the blessings and glories - of the same, let {231} every selfish feeling be not only buried, - but annihilated; and let love to God and man predominate, and - reign triumphant in every mind, that their hearts may become like - unto Enoch's of old, and comprehend all things, present, past and - future, and come behind in no gift, waiting for the coming of the - Lord Jesus Christ. - - The work in which we are unitedly engaged is one of no ordinary - kind. The enemies we have to contend against are subtle and well - skilled in maneuvering; it behooves us to be on the alert to - concentrate our energies, and that the best feelings should exist - in our midst; and then, by the help of the Almighty, we shall go - on from victory to victory, and from conquest to conquest; our - evil passions will be subdued, our prejudices depart; we shall - find no room in our bosoms for hatred; vice will hide its deformed - head, and we shall stand approved in the sight of heaven, and be - acknowledged the sons of God. - - Let us realize that we are not to live to ourselves, but to God; by - so doing the greatest blessings will rest upon us both in time and - in eternity. - - I presume the doctrine of "baptism for the dead" has ere this - reached your ears, and may have raised some inquiries in your minds - respecting the same. I cannot in this letter give you all the - information you may desire on the subject; but aside from knowledge - independent of the Bible, I would say that it was certainly - practiced by the ancient churches; and St. Paul endeavors to prove - the doctrine of the resurrection from the same, and says, "Else - what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead - rise not at all? Why are they then baptized for the dead?" - - I first mentioned the doctrine in public when preaching the funeral - sermon of Brother Seymour Brunson; and have since then given - general instructions in the Church on the subject. The Saints have - the privilege of being baptized for those of their relatives who - are dead, whom they believe would have embraced the Gospel, if they - had been privileged with hearing it, and who have received the - Gospel in the spirit, through the instrumentality of those who have - been commissioned to preach to them while in prison. - - Without enlarging on the subject, you will undoubtedly see its - consistency and reasonableness; and it presents the Gospel of - Christ in probably a more enlarged scale than some have imagined - it. But as the performance of this rite is more particularly - confined to this place, it will not be necessary to enter into - particulars; at the same time I always feel glad to give all the - information in my power, but my space will not allow me to do it. - - We had a letter from Elder Hyde, a few days ago, who is in New - Jersey, and is expecting to leave for England as soon as Elder Page - {232} reaches him. He requested to know if converted Jews are to go - to Jerusalem or to come to Zion. I therefore wish you to inform him - that converted Jews must come here. - - Give my kind love to all the brethren and sisters, and tell them I - should have been pleased to come over to England to see them, but I - am afraid that I shall be under the necessity of remaining here for - some time; therefore I give them a pressing invitation to come and - see me. - - I remain, dear brethren, yours affectionately, - - Joseph Smith. - -Footnotes: - -1. The last "directions and benedictions" of the Patriarch Joseph -Smith, Sen., here referred to, are stated by "Mother Lucy Smith" in her -book, "History of the Prophet Joseph" as follows: - -"My son Hyrum, I seal upon your head your patriarchal blessing, which I -placed upon your head before, for that shall be verified. In addition -to this, I now give you my dying blessing. You shall have a season of -peace, so that you shall have sufficient rest to accomplish the work -which God has given you to do. You shall be as firm as the pillars -of heaven unto the end of your days. I now seal upon your head the -patriarchal power, and you shall bless the people. This is my dying -blessing upon your head in the name of Jesus. Amen."--_History of the -Prophet Joseph Smith_, p. 266. - -{233} - - - -Chapter XIII. - -Introduction of the Gospel in the Isle of Man--The Nauvoo Charter. - -_Wednesday, October 21, 1840_.--Elder Lorenzo Snow arrived in -Manchester, England, from Nauvoo. - -_Thursday, 22_.--The committee appointed by the general conference of -the Church at Nauvoo on the 3rd inst., (my brother Hyrum presiding) -organized a Stake at Lima this evening, by appointing Isaac Morley, -president; John Murdock and Walter Cox, his counselors; also a Bishop's -Court composed of Gardner Snow, Clark Hulet and Henry Dean, with James -C. Snow, clerk. - -_Friday, 23_.--Gardner Snow was ordained Bishop under the hands of -Hyrum Smith. - -_Sunday, 25_.--The committee organized a Stake at Quincy. The -presidency were Daniel Stanton, Stephen Jones and Ezra T. Benson; the -latter was ordained a High Priest; also bishop and counselors, George -W. Crouse, Azariah Dustin, and Sylvester B. Stoddard. - -_Tuesday, 27_.--The committee organized a Stake called Mount Hope, at -the steam mills, Columbus, Adams county. President and counselors were -Abel Lamb, Sherman Gilbert and John Smith. Bishop and counselors, were -Daniel A. Miller, Isaac Clark, and John Allen; Simeon J. Comfort, clerk. - -At Freedom Stake, near Payson, Adams county, Henry W. Miller, Duncan -McArthur, and William Tenney were appointed to preside. Bishop and -counselors, Matthew Leach, Horra Kimball, and Jacob Foutz. - -_Wednesday 28_.--[On this date a long communication {234} was sent to -the editors of the _Times and Seasons_ signed by Heber C. Kimball, -Wilford Woodruff and George A. Smith, detailing their visit to various -places in London, but as the communication does not in any way bear -upon the incidents of the history of the Church, it is thought -unnecessary to publish the letter _in extenso_. The following paragraph -from the letter, however, it is thought should be preserved, because -it refers to the liberty the Elders of the Church incidentally enjoyed -while engaged in the ministry; and also because it breathes that spirit -of liberty in the pursuit of knowledge characteristic of the work of -God in the last days.--Editors.] - - We consider it perfectly consistent with our calling, with reason - and revelation that we should form a knowledge of kingdoms and - countries whether at home or abroad, whether ancient or modern, - whether of things past or present or to come; whether it be in - heaven, earth or hell, air or seas; or whether we obtain this - knowledge by being local or traveling, by study or by faith, by - dreams or by visions, by revelation or by prophecy, it mattereth - not unto us; if we can but obtain a correct [view of] principles, - and knowledge of things as they are, in their true light, past, - present and to come. It is under such a view of things that we are - endeavoring to avail ourselves of every opportunity in our travels - among the nations of the earth, to record an account of things as - they pass under our observation. - -_Thursday, 29_.--Elder Woodruff preached twice in London, and baptized -three. - -_Friday, 30_.--Elder Lorenzo Snow had a discussion with Mr. Barker, a -Methodist minister, at Hill Top, near Birmingham, and baptized two. - -_Sunday, 31_.--I copy the following from the _Manx Liberal_ of this -date: - - Mormonism in the Isle of Man. - - _To the Editor of the Manx Liberal_: - - Sir--I feel rather surprised and chagrined that the modern - delusion, viz., "Mormonism," should have made such rapid strides - in this town, hitherto considered exempt from the many systems of - irreligious creeds which abound in England, America, and elsewhere. - I had thought that {235} the powerful and argumentative addresses - of the dissenting ministers would have checked such a gross piece - of imposition in its infancy, and thus prevented the great mass of - our town's people from becoming dupes of designing knaves, "and - being led away by every wind of doctrine." Above all, I imagined - the two pamphlets issued by that holy, religious and devout man of - God, Mr. Hays, Wesleyan minister, (to which connection I have the - happiness and honor to belong) would have been quite sufficient - to prove the fallacy of such a system, and prevent its further - spread. But, sir, alas! alas! the case is quite the reverse; - numbers continually flock to the Wellington room, and listen with - eagerness to the principles there advocated. The members of our - society (Methodists) seem to be most conspicuous in sanctioning and - promoting this vile and abominable doctrine. - - Oh, sir, the result to our connection will be dreadful! the havoc - tremendous; just think of the majority of our _leading_ and - intelligent men aiding and abetting a cause of this description! - Oh, sir, lamentable and heart-rending to witness the beaming - countenances, and smiles of approbation displayed recently at - Taylor's meeting! I could enumerate a host of our members who - regularly attend those anti-Christian meetings; but I will just - mention, with your permission, the names of a few who attended one - of the last meetings. (Here followed a list of names.) - - O! Mr. Editor! I quake for the consequence; such a wholesale - conversion to Mormonism was never before witnessed in any town or - country. What will become of our society? What will become of our - class meetings? What will become of our brethren in the faith? And - above all, what will become of poor Mr. Hays [1] that nice and - humble man, who so nobly stood forward to expose the errors of the - Mormon system; God bless him and preserve him from want! But, Mr. - Editor, what makes the case worse is, that a rumor is prevalent - that all these pious men are to be baptized! That is duly immersed - in the salt water of Douglas Bay, by that abominable creature, - Taylor! Surely, there must be something enchanting about the vile - man. Immersion! (my hand shakes while I write) and in winter, too! - Oh, sir! the thought chills my very soul; surely this American - dipper intends to drown them; he can have no other object in view, - therefore, brethren of the Methodist society, beware! Drowning is - not to be envied, and that too in your sins. Besides, what would - the venerable John Wesley, (if he {236} were alive) say to such - conduct? What will the conference say? And what will the world say? - I leave these questions to yourselves to answer. In conclusion, - brethren, I recommend you to read, mark, learn and inwardly digest - the things which belong to your eternal peace, and listen no longer - to the follies of men. - - A Staunch Wesleyan. - - Duke Street, Douglas, 29th Oct. - -_Sunday, November 1, 1840_.--The committee organized a Stake, -Geneva, Morgan county, Illinois, and called it Geneva Stake; -presidents--William Bosley, Howard S. Smith, and Samuel Fowler. -Bishop's Court--Gardner Clark, Moses Clare, and David Orton. - -Elder Levi Richards arrived in Manchester. - -_Tuesday, 3_.--The English bombarded St. Jean D'Acre, during which a -powder magazine exploded, killing over two thousand men. - -_Thursday, 5_.--The committee organized a Stake of the Church at -Springfield; presidents--Edwin P. Merriam, Isaac H. Bishop, and Arnold -Stephens. Bishop's Court--Abraham Palmer, Henry Stephens, and Jonathan -Palmer. - -_Monday, 9_.--Elder George A. Smith received counsel to leave London -and go to Staffordshire for his health, as he had injured his lungs by -preaching in the streets, so that he discharged considerable blood from -them. - -_Tuesday, 10_.--Elder Smith took leave of Elder Woodruff and traveled -to Birmingham, met Elder Alfred Cordon, preached and baptized five in -the evening. - -[Sidenote: Opposition to the Work in England.] - -_Thursday, 12_.--The _Weekly Dispatch_, England, having published a -sarcastic article against the Saints in that country, and blaming the -Bishop of Gloucester, and his tithe-fattened clergy for allowing the -"Mormons" to delude and baptize five hundred in his Diocese, Elder -Wilford Woodruff replied to this, but the _Dispatch_ refused to publish -his reply. - -_Saturday, 21_.--Elders Young, Kimball and Richards, visited the Church -at Bolton. - -{237} _Thursday, 26_.--Elders Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, and -George A. Smith preached to the Saints in Hanley this day, and on the -27th at Stoke-upon-Trent. - -_Saturday, 28_.--Elders Young and Kimball left for London. - -Elders Elias Higbee and Robert B. Thompson, the committee appointed at -the October Conference, wrote a petition to Congress for the redress -of the grievances of the Latter-day Saints in Missouri, setting forth -their wrongs and sufferings, in substance the same as my petition in -connection with Elias Higbee and Sidney Rigdon, of the 28th day of -November, 1839. - -_Thursday, December 3_.--Elders Young, Kimball and Woodruff visited the -tower of London, the Horse Armory, Jewel Room and the Thames Tunnel. - -_Friday, 4_.--Elders Young and Woodruff visited Buckingham Palace and -Westminster Abbey. - -[Sidenote: Excommunication of Sidney Roberts.] - -There was a conference in New York City, Elder Orson Hyde presiding. -The revelations of Elder Sidney Roberts were objected to, which were -that a certain brother must give him a suit of clothes, and a gold -watch, the best that could be had, also his saluting the sisters with -holy kiss. Elder Roberts justified himself in these things. Much good -counsel was given him, but he said he knew the revelations he had -received were from God, and would make no confession; consequently the -conference cut him off, and demanded his license, which he refused to -give up. - -Elder John Taylor has been preaching and baptizing for some time in the -Isle of Man, where the work is now progressing. - -_Saturday, 5_.--Elder Brigham Young writes as follows: - - _Letter of Brigham Young to the Presidency, Detailing Movements of - the Mission in England_. - - No. 40, Ironmonger Row, St. Luke's, December 5th, 1840. - - Beloved Brethren--I have just returned from a walk with Brothers - Kimball and Woodruff. We have only been as far as St. Paul's and - {238} returned by Smithfield Market about three miles. Brother - Kimball and myself had fine weather for our journey here; it was a - beautiful day that we left Macclesfield for Burslem. We found the - brethren in Macclesfield in good spirits, and in a good state as - to appearance. They appear to be well suited with Brother James - Galley; I think he will be a useful man in this kingdom. We found - Brother George A. Smith in Burslem, not in the best of health. He - is like the rest of us, the climate does not agree with him; he is - affected with a bleeding at the lungs. We stayed with him at the - Potteries. I preached two evenings. The Church is in a good state; - some of the members have a pretty hard time of it. Brother Smith - will stay there for the present. - - Saturday, 28th, left for the next stopping place in Grets Green, - where we spent the Sabbath. On Saturday evening we called to see - Sister Roden, Father Patrick's daughter; she was very glad to see - us, and wanted we should stay all night. Her husband was very - kind to us, and bid us or other Elders welcome to his house at - any time. We could not stay; took tea with them, and agreed to - send Elder Lorenzo Snow there if he could come; blessed them, and - left them. I preached in the morning to the Saints in Grets Green, - stayed afternoon meeting, and then walked to Birmingham; was very - tired; heard Elder Snow preach; he is a nice young man, I think. - Brother Kimball also spoke to the people after Brother Snow had - got through. We found Brother Robert Williams here; he opened the - meeting; he seems to be full of the Spirit. - - On Monday at 12 o'clock, Brother Kimball and myself took the - railway. Brother Williams started on foot for London. We arrived - here on Monday evening about six o'clock; found Brother Woodruff - well and in good spirits. We have been pretty busy since we have - been here. - - Brigham Young. - -A great part of the city of Messina, Sicily, was this day destroyed -by an earthquake. Such was the force of the first shock that the -inhabitants of the town were buried in an instant beneath the ruins. - -_Sunday, 6_.--Elders Young and Kimball preached in Barratt's Academy, -London, and administered the sacrament in the evening. - -[Sidenote: Elder Taylor's Defense of the Work.] - -_Monday, 7_.--Elder John Taylor issued his third pamphlet in defense -of the truth, against the attacks of the Rev. Robert Hays, Wesleyan -Minister, Douglas, Isle of Man; the three containing thirty-five pages -of closely printed matter, {239} which are a complete expose of the -corruptions of the Wesleyan priesthood, and a clear illustration of the -truth of the Latter-day work. - -Elders Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, and Wilford Woodruff, visited -the Anatomical Department of the College of Surgeons, London. - -_Wednesday, 9_.--Elders Young and Kimball visited St. Paul's Cathedral, -the Monument, London and Southwark Bridges and also the British Museum. - -_Thursday, 10_.--Elder Levi Richards left Manchester for Herefordshire. - -_Sunday, 13_.--I attended the High Council at my office. Robert D. -Foster was on trial for lying, slandering the authorities of the -Church, profane swearing, etc. Witness was examined in part and trial -adjourned to the 20th. - -_Monday, 14_.--Ebenezer Robinson and Don Carlos Smith dissolved -co-partnership. The _Times and Seasons_ is to be continued by Don -Carlos Smith. - -_Wednesday, 16_.--This day the act chartering the "City of Nauvoo," -the "Nauvoo Legion," and the "University of the City of Nauvoo," was -signed by the Governor, having previously passed the House and Senate. -Following is the act _in extenso_. - - An Act to Incorporate the City of Nauvoo. - - Section 1. Be it enacted by the people of the State of Illinois, - represented in the General Assembly, that all that district of - country embraced within the following boundaries, to wit: beginning - at the north east corner of section thirty-one in Township seven, - north of range eight, west of the fourth principal meridian, in the - county of Hancock, and running thence west to the northwest corner - of said section, thence north to the Mississippi river, thence west - to the middle of the main channel of the said river; thence down - the middle of said channel to a point due west of the southeast - corner of fractional section number twelve in township six, north - of range nine, west of the fourth principal meridian, thence east - to the southeast corner of said section twelve, thence north on the - range line between township six north, and range eight and nine - west, to the southwest corner of section six in township six north - of range eight west, thence east to the southeast corner of {240} - said section, thence north to the place of beginning, including - the town plats of Commerce and Nauvoo, shall hereafter be called - and known by the name of the "City of Nauvoo," and the inhabitants - thereof are hereby constituted a body corporate and politic by the - name aforesaid, and shall have perpetual succession, and may have - and use a common seal which they may change and alter at pleasure. - - Sec. 2. Whenever any tract of land adjoining the "City of Nauvoo" - shall have been laid out into town lots, and duly recorded - according to law, the same shall form a part of the "City of - Nauvoo." - - Sec. 3. The inhabitants of said city, by the name and style - aforesaid, shall have power to sue and be sued, to plead and be - impleaded, defend and be defended, in all courts of law and equity, - and all actions whatsoever; to purchase, receive and hold property, - real and personal, in said city, to purchase, receive, and hold - real property beyond the city, for burying grounds, or for other - public purposes, for the use of the inhabitants of said city, to - sell, lease, convey or dispose of property, real or personal, for - the benefit of the city, to improve and protect such property, and - to do all other things in relation thereto as natural persons. - - Sec. 4. There shall be a City Council, to consist of a Mayor, four - Aldermen, and nine Councilors, who shall have the qualifications - of electors of said city, and shall be chosen by the qualified - voters thereof, and shall hold their offices for two years, and - until their successors shall be elected and qualified. The City - Council shall judge of the qualifications, elections and returns of - their own members, and a majority of them shall form a quorum to - do business, but a smaller number may adjourn from day to day, and - compel the attendance of absent members, under such penalties as - may be prescribed by ordinance. - - Sec. 5. The Mayor, Aldermen and Councilors, before entering upon - the duties of their office, shall take and subscribe an oath or - affirmation that they will support the Constitution of the United - States, and of this State and that they will well and truly - perform the duties of their offices to the best of their skill and - abilities. - - Sec. 6. On the first Monday of February next, and every two years - thereafter, an election shall be held for the election of one - Mayor, four Aldermen, and nine Councillors; and at the first - election under the Act, three Judges shall be chosen _viva voce_ - by the electors present. The said Judges shall choose two Clerks, - and the Judges and Clerks, before entering upon their duties, - shall take and subscribe an oath or affirmation such as is now - required by law to be taken by Judges or Clerks of other elections - and at all subsequent elections, the necessary number of Judges - and Clerks shall be appointed by the City Council. At the first - election thus held, the polls shall be opened at 9 o'clock a. m. - and closed at 6 o'clock p. m.; at the close of the polls the votes - shall be counted {241} and a statement thereof proclaimed at the - front door of the house at which said election shall be held; and - the Clerks shall leave with each person elected, or at his place of - residence, within five days after the election, a written notice - of his election; and each person so notified shall within ten - days after the election take the oath or affirmation hereinbefore - mentioned, a certificate of which oath shall be deposited with the - Recorder, whose appointment is hereafter provided for, and be by - him preserved; and subsequent elections shall be held, conducted - and returns thereof made as may be provided for by ordinance of the - City Council. - - Sec. 7. All free white male inhabitants, who are of the age of - twenty one years, who are entitled to vote for State Officers, - and who shall have been actual residents of the city sixty days - next preceding said election, shall be entitled to vote for City - Officers. - - Sec. 8. The City Council shall have authority to levy and collect - taxes, for city purposes, upon all property, real and personal, - within the limits of the city, one-half per cent per annum, upon - the assessed value thereof, and may enforce payment of the same - in any manner, to be provided by ordinance, not repugnant to the - Constitution of the United States or of this State. - - Sec. 9. The City Council shall have power to appoint a Recorder, - Treasurer, Assessor, Marshal, Supervisor of streets, and all such - other officers as may be necessary, and to prescribe their duties - and remove them from office at pleasure. - - Sec. 10. The City Council shall have power to require, of all - officers appointed in pursuance of this Act, bonds, with penalty - and security, for the faithful performance of their respective - duties, such as may be deemed expedient; and also to require all - officers appointed as aforesaid, to take an oath for the faithful - performance of the duties of their respective offices. - - Sec. 11. The City Council shall have power and authority to make, - ordain, establish and execute all such ordinances, not repugnant - to the Constitution of the United States or of this State, as they - may deem necessary for the peace, benefit, good order, regulation, - convenience, and cleanliness of said city: for the protection of - property therein from destruction by fire, or otherwise, and for - the health and happiness thereof: they shall have power to fill all - vacancies that may happen by death, resignation, or removal, in - any of the offices herein made elective; to fix and establish all - the fees of the office of said corporation not herein established; - to impose such fines, not exceeding one hundred dollars, for each - offense, as they may deem just, for refusing to accept any office - under the corporation, or for misconduct therein; to divide the - city into wards; to add to the number of Aldermen and Councillors, - {242} and apportion them among the several wards as may be most - just and conducive to the interests of the city. - - Sec. 12. To license, tax, and regulate auctions, merchants, - retailers, grocers, hawkers, peddlers, butchers, pawnbrokers, and - money-changers. - - Sec. 13. The City Council shall have exclusive power within the - city, by ordinance, to license, regulate, and restrain the keeping - of ferries; to regulate the police of the city; to impose fines, - forfeitures, and penalties for the breach of any ordinance, and - provide for the recovery of such fines and forfeitures, and the - enforcement of such penalties; and to pass such ordinances, as may - be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the powers - specified in this Act; provided such ordinances are not repugnant - to the Constitution of the United States or of this State, and in - fine to exercise such other legislative powers as are conferred on - the City Council of the City of Springfield, by an Act entitled an - Act to Incorporate the City of Springfield, approved February 3rd, - 1840. - - Sec. 14. All ordinances passed by the City Council shall, within - one month after they shall have been passed, be published in some - newspaper printed in the city, or certified copies thereof be - posted up in three of the most public places in the city. - - Sec. 15. All ordinances of the city may be proven by the seal of - the corporation, and when printed or published in book or pamphlet - form purporting to be printed or published by authority of the - corporation, the same shall be received in evidence in all courts - or places without further proof. - - Sec. 16. The Mayor and Aldermen shall be conservators of the peace - within the limits of said city, and shall have all the powers of - Justices of the Peace therein, both in civil and criminal cases, - arising under the laws of the State; they shall, as Justices of the - Peace, within the limits of said city, perform the same duties, be - governed by the same laws, give the same bonds and security, as - other Justices of the Peace, and be commissioned as Justices of the - Peace in and for said city by the Governor. - - Sec. 17. The Mayor shall have exclusive jurisdiction in all - cases arising under the ordinances of the corporation, and shall - issue such process as may be necessary to carry such ordinances - into execution and effect; appeals may be had from any decision - or judgment of said Mayor or Aldermen, arising under the city - ordinances, to the Municipal Court, under such regulations as may - be presented by ordinance; which court shall be composed of the - Mayor as Chief Justice, and the Aldermen as Associate Justices, - and from the final judgment of the Municipal Court to the Circuit - Court of Hancock county, in the same manner of appeals {243} are - taken from judgments of the Justices of the Peace; provided that - the parties litigant shall have a right to a trial by a jury of - twelve men in all cases before the Municipal Court. The Municipal - Court shall have power to grant writs of habeas corpus in all cases - arising under the ordinances of the City Council. - - Sec. 18. The Municipal Court shall sit on the first Monday of every - month, and the City Council at such times and place as may be - prescribed by city ordinance; special meetings of which may at any - time be called by the Mayor or any two Aldermen. - - Sec. 19. All process issued by the Mayor, Aldermen, or Municipal - Court, shall be directed to the Marshal, and, in the execution - thereof, he shall be governed by the same laws as are or may be - prescribed for the direction and compensation of constables in - similar cases. The Marshal shall also perform such other duties as - may be required of him under the ordinances of said city, and shall - be the principal ministerial officer. - - Sec. 20. It shall be the duty of the Recorder to make and keep - accurate records of all ordinances made by the City Council, and - of all their proceedings in their corporate capacity, which record - shall at all times be open to the inspection of the electors of - said city, and shall perform such other duties as may be required - of him by the ordinances of the City Council, and shall serve as - Clerk of the Municipal Court. - - Sec. 21. When it shall be necessary to take private property for - the opening, widening, or altering any public street, lane, avenue, - or alley, the corporation shall make a just compensation therefor - to the person whose property is to be taken, and if the amount of - such compensation cannot be agreed upon, the Mayor shall cause the - same to be ascertained by a jury of six disinterested freeholders - of the city. - - Sec. 22. All jurors compelled to inquire into the amount of - benefits or damages that shall happen to the owners of property - so proposed to be taken, shall first be sworn to that effect, and - shall return to the Mayor their inquest in writing, signed by each - juror. - - Sec. 23. In case the Mayor shall at any time be guilty of a - palpable omission of duty, or shall wilfully, and corruptly be - guilty of oppression, mal conduct, or partiality, in the discharge - of the duties of his office, he shall be liable to be indicted in - the Circuit Court of Hancock county, and on conviction he shall be - fined not more than two hundred dollars, and the Court shall have - power on the recommendation of the jury to add to the judgment of - the Court that he be removed from office. - - Sec. 24. The City Council may establish and organize an institution - of learning within the limits of the city, for the teaching of - the Arts, Sciences, and Learned Professions, to be called the - "University of the City of Nauvoo," which institution shall be - under the control and {244} management of a Board of Trustees, - consisting of a Chancellor, Registrar, and twenty-three Regents, - which Board shall thereafter be a body corporate and politic, with - perpetual succession by the name of the "Chancellor and Regents of - the University of the City of Nauvoo," and shall have full power to - pass, ordain, establish, and execute, all such laws and ordinances - as they may consider necessary for the welfare and prosperity of - said University, its officers and students; provided that the said - laws and ordinances shall not be repugnant to the Constitution of - the United States, or of this State; and provided also, that the - Trustees shall at all times be appointed by the City Council, and - shall have all the powers and privileges for the advancement of the - cause of education which appertain to the Trustees of any other - College or University of this State. - - Sec. 25. The City Council may organize the inhabitants of said - city, subject to military duty, into a body of independent military - men, to be called the "Nauvoo Legion," the Court Martial of which - shall be composed of the commissioned officers of said Legion, - and constitute the law-making department, with full power and - authority to make, ordain, establish, and execute all such laws - and ordinances as may be considered necessary for the benefit, - government, and regulation of said Legion; provided said Court - Martial shall pass no law or act, repugnant to, or inconsistent - with, the Constitution of the United States, or of this State; and - provided also that the officers of the Legion shall be commissioned - by the Governor of the State. The said Legion shall perform the - same amount of military duty as is now or may be hereafter required - of the regular militia of the State, and shall be at the disposal - of the Mayor in executing the laws and ordinances of the city - corporation, and the laws of the State, and at the disposal of the - Governor for the public defense, and the execution of the laws of - the State or of the United States, and shall be entitled to their - proportion of the public arms; and provided also, that said Legion - shall be exempt from all other military duty. - - Sec. 26. The inhabitants of the city of Nauvoo are hereby exempted - from working on any road beyond the limits of the city, and for - the purpose of keeping the streets, lanes, avenues, and alleys in - repair, to require of the male inhabitants of said city, over the - age of twenty-one, and under fifty years, to labor on said streets, - lanes, avenues, and alleys, not exceeding three days in each year; - any person failing to perform such labor, when duly notified by the - Supervisor, shall forfeit and pay the sum of one dollar per day for - each day so neglected or refused. - - Sec. 27. The City Council shall have power to provide for the - punishment of offenders by imprisonment in the county or city jail, - in all cases when such offenders shall fail or refuse to pay the - fines and forfeitures, which may be recovered against them. - - {245} Sec. 28. This Act is hereby declared to be a public Act, and - shall take effect on the first Monday of February next. - - Wm. L. D. Ewing, - - Speaker of the House of Representatives. - - S. H. Anderson, - - Speaker of the Senate. - - Approved Dec. 16, 1840. - - Thos. Carlin. - - State of Illinois, Office of Secretary of State. - - I, Stephen A. Douglas, Secretary of State, do hereby certify that - the foregoing is a true and perfect copy of the enrolled law now on - file in my office. - - Witness my hand, and Seal of State, at Springfield, this 18th day - of December, 1840. - - [L. S.] - - S. A. Douglas. - - Secretary of State. - -The following are the Legislative powers alluded to in the 13th section -of the foregoing Act, as pertaining to the City Council of the City of -Springfield, and which consequently became a part of the Charter of the -City of Nauvoo, to wit: - - _Of the Legislative Powers of the City Council_. - - Sec. 1. The City Council shall have powers and authority to levy - and collect taxes upon all property, real and personal, within - the city, not exceeding one-half per cent., per annum, upon the - assessed valuation thereof, and may enforce the payment of the - same in any manner prescribed by ordinance, not repugnant to the - Constitution of the United States and of this State. - - Sec. 2. The City Council shall have power to require of all - officers appointed in pursuance of the Charters, bonds with penalty - and security for the faithful performance of their respective - duties as may be deemed expedient, and also to require all - officers appointed as aforesaid, to take an oath for the faithful - performance of the duties of their respective offices upon entering - upon the discharge of the same. - - Sec. 3. To establish, support, and regulate common schools, to - borrow money on the credit of the city; provided, that no sum or - sums of money shall be borrowed at a greater interest than six per - cent per annum, nor shall the interest on the aggregate of all the - sums borrowed and outstanding ever exceed one half of the city - revenue, arising for taxes assessed on real property within the - corporation. - - {246} Sec. 4. To make regulations to prevent the introduction of - contagious diseases into the city, to make Quarantine Laws for that - purpose, and enforce the same. - - Sec. 5. To appropriate and provide for the payment of the debt and - expenses of the city. - - Sec. 6. To establish hospitals, and make regulations for the - government of the same. - - Sec. 7. To make regulations to secure the general health of the - inhabitants, to declare what shall be a nuisance, and to prevent - and remove the same. - - Sec. 8. To provide the city with water, to dig wells and erect - pumps in the streets for the extinguishment of fires, and - convenience of the inhabitants. - - Sec. 9. To open, alter, widen, extend, establish, grade, pave, or - otherwise improve and keep in repair streets, avenues, lanes, and - alleys. - - Sec. 10. To establish, erect, and keep in repair bridges. - - Sec. 11. To divide the city into wards, and specify the boundaries - thereof, and create additional wards, as the occasion may require. - - Sec. 12. To provide for lighting the streets and erecting lamp - posts. - - Sec. 13. To establish, support, and regulate night watches. - - Sec. 14. To erect market houses, establish markets, and market - places, and provide for the government and regulation thereof. - - Sec. 15. To provide for erecting all needful buildings for the use - of the city. - - Sec. 16. To provide for enclosing, improving, and regulating all - public grounds belonging to the city. - - Sec. 17. To license, tax, and regulate auctioneers, merchants, and - retailers, grocers, taverns ordinaries, hawkers, peddlers, brokers, - pawnbrokers, and money changers. - - Sec. 18. To license, tax, and regulate hackney carriages, wagons, - carts and drays, and fix the rates to be charged for the carriage - of persons, and for the wagonage, cartage and drayage of property. - - Sec. 19. To license and regulate porters and fix the rates of - porterage. - - Sec. 20. To license and regulate theatrical and other exhibitions, - shows and amusements. - - Sec. 21. To tax, restrain, prohibit, and suppress, tippling houses, - dram shops, gaming houses, bawdy and other disorderly houses. - - Sec. 22. To provide for the prevention and extinguishment of fires, - and to organize and establish fire companies. - - Sec. 23. To regulate the fixing of chimneys, and the flues thereof, - and stove pipes. - - {247} Sec. 24. To regulate the storage of gunpowder, tar, pitch, - rosin, and other combustible materials. - - Sec. 25. To regulate and order parapet walls, and partition fences. - - Sec. 26. To establish standard weights and measures, and regulate - the weights and measures to be used in the city in all other cases - not provided for by law. - - Sec. 27. To provide for the inspection and measuring of lumber and - other building materials, and for the measurement of all kinds of - mechanical work. - - Sec. 28. To provide for the inspection and weighing of hay, lime, - and stone coal, the measuring of charcoal, firewood, and other - fuel, to be sold or used within the city. - - Sec. 29. To provide for and regulate the inspection of tobacco, and - of beef, pork, flour, meal, and whiskey in barrels. - - Sec. 30. To regulate the weight, quality, and price of bread, sold, - and used in the city. - - Sec. 31. To provide for taking the enumeration of the inhabitants - of the city. - - Sec. 32. To regulate the election of city officers, and provide - for removing from office any person holding an office created by - ordinance. - - Sec. 33. To fix the compensation of all city officers, and regulate - the fees of jurors, witnesses, and others, for services rendered - under this Act or any ordinance. - - Sec. 34. To regulate the police of the city, to impose fines, - and forfeitures, and penalties, for the breach of any ordinance, - and provide for the recovery and appropriation of such fines and - forfeitures, and the enforcement of such penalties. - - Sec. 35. The City Council shall have exclusive power within - the city by ordinance, to license, regulate, and suppress, and - restrain, billiard tables, and from one to twenty pin alleys, and - every other description of gaming or gambling. - - Sec. 36. The City Council shall have power to make all ordinances - which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution - the powers specified in this Act, so that such ordinances be not - repugnant to nor inconsistent with, the constitution of the United - States or of this state. - - Sec. 37. The style of the ordinances of the city shall be--"Be it - ordained by the city council of the city of Springfield--[Nauvoo]." - - Sec. 38. All ordinances passed by the city council shall, within - one month after they shall have been passed, be published in some - newspaper published in the city, and shall not be in force until - they shall have been published as aforesaid. - - Sec. 39. All ordinances of the city may be proven by the seal of - the {248} corporation, and when printed and published by authority - of the corporation, the same shall be received in evidence in all - courts and places without further proof. - -John C. Bennett who had been delegated to Springfield to carry our -petition for a City Charter, announced the passage of the bill, as -follows-- - - _Letter of John C. Bennett to the "Times and Seasons"--Announcing - the passage of the act incorporating Nauvoo_. - - City Of Springfield, December 16, 1840. - - _Editors of the Times and Seasons_: - - The act incorporating the city of Nauvoo has just passed the - council of revision, and is now a law of the land, to take effect - and be in force from and after the first Monday in February - next. The aforesaid act contains two additional charters--one - incorporating the "Nauvoo Legion," the other the "University of the - city of Nauvoo." - - All these charters are very broad and liberal, conferring the most - plenary powers on the corporators. Illinois has acquitted herself - with honor, and her state legislators shall never be forgotten. - Every power we asked has been granted, every request gratified, - every desire fulfilled. In the senate Mr. Little cancelled every - obligation to our people, and faithfully, and honestly, and with - untiring diligence, discharged every obligation devolving upon him - as our immediate representative in the Upper House. Mark well that - man, and do him honor. Snyder, and Ralston, and Moore, and Ross, - and Stapp, and numerous others, likewise in that branch of our - state government, rendered as very essential services; and the act - passed that body without a dissenting voice. - - In the House of Representatives, Charles, our immediate - Representative in the Lower House, was at his post and discharged - his duty as a faithful representative; he is an acting, and not - a talking man, and has fulfilled all his obligations to us. Many - members in this house, likewise, were warmly in our favor; and with - only one or two dissenting voices, every representative appeared - inclined to extend to us all such powers as they considered us - justly entitled to, and voted for the law; and here I should not - forget to mention, that Lincoln, [2] whose name we erased from the - electoral ticket in November (not however on account of any dislike - to him as a man, but simply because his was the last name on the - ticket, and we desired to show our friendship to the Democratic - {249} party by substituting the name of Ralston for some one of the - Whigs) had the magnanimity to vote for our act, and came forward, - after the final vote to the bar of the house, and cordially - congratulated me on its passage. - - Our worthy governor is certainly disposed to do us ample justice in - every respect, and to extend to us every facility for our future - happiness and prosperity. - - Illinois has certainly done her duty, and her whole duty; and now - it becomes us to show ourselves upright, honest, just, worthy of - the favors bestowed by noble, generous, and magnanimous statesmen, - I have said that we are a law-abiding people, and we must now show - it. The state has washed her hands in granting all our petitions, - and if we do not now show ourselves approved, the curse must fall - upon our own heads. Justice, equal justice, should be our fixed - object and purpose, and the Great God will prosper us; length of - days will be in our right hand, and in our left, glory and honor. - - Yours, &c., - - John C. Bennett. - -The City Charter of Nauvoo is of my own plan and device. I concocted it -for the salvation of the Church, and on principles so broad, that every -honest man might dwell secure under its protective influence without -distinction of sect or party. - -Footnotes: - -1. Elder Taylor was also opposed by Rev. Thomas Hamilton, whom he -met in a public debate and easily vanquished. "No great honor, -however," says Elder Taylor in his account of the affair, "as he was -a very ignorant man." Elder Taylor secured for his meeting place the -Wellington rooms, and from the platform he answered all who opposed -him, and succeeded, despite all opposition, in organizing a branch of -the Church in Douglas. - -2. This doubtless refers to Abraham Lincoln who was then a member of -the legislature. See Nicolay and Hay's _Abraham Lincoln_, Vol. I, p. 42 -_et seq_. - -{250} - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - -Vale 1840--Enter 1841--List of Publications for and against -the Church--Whereabouts of the Twelve Apostles--"Election and -Reprobation"--Proclamation to the Saints. - -[Sidenote: The acquittal of R.D. Foster.] - -_Sunday, December 20, 1840_.--I was called upon by the High Council -to decide the adjourned case of Robert D. Foster. Having heard the -witnesses, I decided that he be acquitted of the charges against him, -which decision the Council approved. [1] - -[Sidenote: An Objector Put Down.] - -This is a fair specimen of the wisdom of the nineteenth century that -opposes itself to the work of the Most High God. - - "Your preacher preaches false doctrine," exclaimed a sectarian in - Manchester to one of the Saints. "Ah!" inquired the other, "wherein - does he teach false doctrine?" "Why, in telling the people to - go to America, to be sure," said the sectarian; "and" continued - he, "there is nothing in the Bible that commands people to go to - America." "Ah!" replied the other, "and there is nothing in the - Bible that commands people to stop in Manchester; so I wonder - how you dare stay in so unscriptural a place another night; for - certainly no one ought to live in England unless they can find - scripture for it, any more than in America." - -_Monday, 21_.--The petition of Elias Higbee, and Robert B. Thompson, -under date of 28th November, 1840, was presented to the House of -Representatives of the United {251} States, referred to the Committee -on the Judiciary, and ordered to be printed. - -_Friday, 25_.--Elders Brigham Young and George A. Smith attended a -conference at Hanley, Staffordshire Potteries, at which was represented -an increase of six Elders, twenty-six Priests, ten Teachers, nine -deacons, and three hundred and fifty-six members, since last July -Conference; and also ordained six Elders, six Priests, four Teachers, -and three Deacons. - -_Sunday, 27_.--Elders Kimball and Woodruff occupied a chapel belonging -to the Independents in London. Elder Woodruff preached. - -_Monday, 28_.--There are ninety-five Saints in Edinburgh, Scotland, -raised up by Elder Orson Pratt. Elder George D. Watt is now laboring in -that place. - -_Wednesday, 30_.--Elder Brigham Young writes from Liverpool: - - _Brigham Young's Letter to the Prophet Reporting Labors in England_. - - Beloved Brother:--I write to inform you of a few particulars of my - journey to London. I left Manchester November 25th, in company with - Elder Kimball; we visited the following places, viz., Macclesfield, - Burslem, Hanley, Lane End, West Bromwich, and Birmingham. We - traveled by coach and railway, and arrived in London on Monday - 30th: found Elder Woodruff in good health. He had baptized three or - four persons the day before we arrived. I stayed in London till the - 11th December, when I left for Herefordshire. Brothers Woodruff and - Williams came with me to the railway station. Elder Kimball stayed - in London. - - The prospect for the spread of the Gospel brightened up while we - were there. Our feelings were very clear and decisive that Elder - Kimball had better stay with Elder Woodruff. I was much interested - while there with my brethren. I pray the Lord to roll on His work - in that great city. I feel much for the people in that place! yea - my feelings are exquisite, for why, God knows; but I believe it - is for the glory of God, and the good of souls. May His name be - glorified. - - I arrived in Cheltenham the same day I left London--only - about seven and a half hours going one hundred and one miles, - thirty-eight of it by coach. I stayed over the Sabbath there; - preached twice to a very attentive congregation. In the afternoon - the house was full to {252} overflowing. Elder Henry Glover is - preaching in this place, and in the region around with much - success. I think he is a humble, good man, and will do much good. - I attended the Gadfield Elm conference. The minutes of the Garway - conference were read, which had been held on the 8th. After this I - visited the brethren till the Stanley Hill conference, which was - held on the 21st. The church in Garway numbers ninety-five members, - one Elder, seven Priests, three Teachers and one Deacon. At - Gadfield Elm conference there were seventeen branches represented, - three hundred and twenty-seven members, thirteen Elders, - thirty-one Priests, nine Teachers. The Stanley Hill conference - contains twenty-five branches, which represented eight hundred and - thirty-nine members, seventeen Elders, fifty-seven Priests, sixteen - Teachers and one Deacon. Including officers there are in these - three conferences twelve hundred and sixty-one members, thirty-one - Elders, ninety-five Priests, twenty-eight Teachers and two - Deacons; making two hundred and fifty-five added since the October - conference. - - I attended the conference in the Staffordshire Potteries on the - 25th; we had a good meeting; but I have not the minutes before me, - so I cannot give a particular statement of the church there, yet I - can say they are prospering. - - In my travels and at the conferences, there were some baptized and - many ordained. We can say truly, that the Lord is doing a great - work in the land. The Gospel is preached to the poor, and signs - follow them that believe. I arrived in Liverpool last evening and - expect to tarry here till the Book of Mormon is completed. - - I am as ever, your brother in the Kingdom of Patience, - - Brigham Young. - -About this time, immense quantities of rain fell which produced a flood -in the east and south of France, doing immense damage, carrying with -it buildings, bridges and everything in its way. Earthquakes have been -felt in divers places the past year; and fearful sights and bloody -signs have been witnessed in the heavens, fulfilling the words of the -ancient Prophets concerning the last days. - -I copy the following from a printed sheet: - - Signs in the Sky. - - A most wonderful phenomenon was observed last week by the - inhabitants of Hull and the neighborhood. A perfectly blood red - flag was seen flying in the heavens, which illuminated the horizon - for many miles around. At intervals it changed its form, assuming - that of a {253} cross, sword and many other shapes. At one o'clock - on Friday morning, the town was nearly as light as noon-day; the - inhabitant were parading the streets; fear and dismay pictured in - their countenances. This wonder continued until near three o'clock, - when it gradually went to the westward, illuminating the Humber as - it seemed to sink in her waters. Then for a few seconds all became - total darkness, when from the northwest by north, arose the most - beautiful light, which shot away towards the western hemisphere, - leaving in its train the most beautiful and varigated colors, and - which the eye might readily form into armies drawn up in the order - of battle, charging and retreating alternately, and then again all - was wrapped in the sable curtain of night. It appears that many - signs were seen on the same night in different parts of the kingdom. - -[Sidenote: List of Books.] - -The following is a list of books, pamphlets, and letters published for -and against the Latter-day Saints during the past year, so far as such -have come under my observation: - -Fourteen numbers of the _Times and Seasons_ have been issued from the -office in Nauvoo, containing two hundred and twenty-four pages, edited -by Ebenezer Robinson and Don Carlos Smith, three numbers having been -issued during 1839. - -Eight numbers of the _Millennial Star_ have been published at 149 -Oldham Road, Manchester, England, containing two hundred and sixteen -pages, edited by Elder Parley P. Pratt. - -A selection of hymns was published about the first of July, in England, -by Brigham Young, John Taylor, and Parley P. Pratt, for the use of the -Saints in Europe. - -The Rev. Robert Hays, Wesleyan minister, Douglas, Isle of Man, -published three addresses in pamphlet form, against the Latter-day -Saints, which were replied to in the following order: - -"An Answer to Some False Statements and Misrepresentations," published -by the Rev. Robert Hays, Wesleyan minister, in an address to his -society in Douglas, and its vicinity on the subject of Mormonism, by -John Taylor, October 7th, 1840. - -{254} "Calumny Refuted, and the Truth Defended," being a reply to -the second address of the Rev. Robert Hays, by John Taylor, Douglas, -October 29, 1840. - -"Truth Defended and Methodism Weighed in the Balances and Found -Wanting," being a reply to the third address of the Rev. Robert Hays -against the Latter-day Saints and also an "Exposure of the Principles -of Methodism," by John Taylor, Liverpool, December 7, 1840. - -"The Latter-day Saints and the Book of Mormon;" being a few words of -warning against the Latter-day Saints, from a minister to his flock. W. -J. Morrish, Ledbury, Herefordshire, September. - -A second warning by the same W. J. Morrish, October 15th. - -"A Few More Facts Relating to the Self-styled "Latter-day Saints," -by John Simmons, Church of England minister, Dymock, Herefordshire, -September 14th." - -Several letters written by Mr. Curran, and published in the _Manx -Liberal_, Isle of Man, in October, were replied to by John Taylor. - -"Mormonism Weighed in the Balances of the Sanctuary and Found Wanting;" -the substance of four lectures by Samuel Haining, published in Douglas, -Isle of Man; a tract of sixty-six pages. - -Interesting account of several remarkable visions, and of the late -discovery of ancient American Records giving an account of the -commencement of the work of the Lord in this generation, by Elder Orson -Pratt, Edinburgh, September. - -The Word of the Lord to the Citizens of London, of every sect and -denomination; and to every individual into whose hands it may fall; -showing forth the plan of salvation as laid down in the New Testament; -namely, faith in our Lord Jesus Christ--Repentance--Baptism for the -remission of sins--and the Gift of the Holy Ghost, by the laying on of -hands, presented by Heber C. Kimball {255} and Wilford Woodruff, Elders -of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. - -An exposure of the errors and fallacies of the self-named "Latter-day -Saints." By William Hewitt, of Lane End, Staffordshire, Potteries. - -An answer to Mr. William Hewitt's tract against the Latter-day Saints. -By Elder Parley P. Pratt. - -Plain Facts; showing the falsehood and folly of the Rev. C. Bush (the -Church of England minister, of the parish of Peover, Cheshire); being a -reply to his tract against the Latter-day Saints by Parley P. Pratt. - -A few remarks by way of reply to an anonymous scribbler, calling -himself "a Philanthropist," disabusing the Church of Jesus Christ -of Latter-day Saints, of the slanders and falsehoods which he has -attempted to fasten upon it. By Samuel Bennett, Philadelphia. - -Mormonism unmasked, and Mr. Bennett's reply answered and refuted. By a -Philanthropist of Chester county. Published in Philadelphia. - -An Appeal to the American People; being an account of the persecutions -of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the barbarities -inflicted on them by the inhabitants of the State of Missouri, sixty -closely printed pages second edition revised by authority of said -Church, Joseph Smith, Jun., Sidney Rigdon, Hyrum Smith, Presidency. - -A Reply to Mr. Thomas Taylor's Pamphlet, entitled "Complete Failure," -etc., and also to Mr. Richard Livesey's tract, "Mormonism Exposed" by -Parley P. Pratt. - -The editor of the _London Dispatch_, published an article on November -8th, against the Latter-day Saints, containing some of the false -statements of Captain D. L. St. Clair, in his tract against them, which -was replied to by Elder Parley P. Pratt, in the November number of the -_Millennial Star_. - -"The Millennium, and other Poems:" to which is annexed, "A Treatise on -the Regeneration and Eternal {256} Duration of Matter," by Parley P. -Pratt, New York. - -_January 1, 1841_.--Elders Brigham Young, Parley P. Pratt, and John -Taylor attended a conference in Liverpool. - -Elders Heber C. Kimball, and Wilford Woodruff are in London. - -Elder Orson Pratt in Edinburgh. - -Elder George A. Smith in Burslem. - -Elder Willard Richards in Preston. - -Elders Orson Hyde and J. E. Page are _en route_ for Jerusalem. - -Elder William Smith, at Plymouth, Hancock county, Illinois. - -The _Millennial Star_ [No. 9, Vol. I] contains the following -communication, which I have read several times. It is one of the -sweetest pieces that has been written in these last days. I therefore -insert it entire. - - _Election and Reprobation--by Brigham Young and Willard Richards_. - - Do you believe in election and reprobation? To prevent the - necessity of repeating a thousand times what may be said at once, - we purpose to answer this oft-asked question in writing, so that - the Saints may learn doctrine, and all who will may understand - that such election and reprobation as is taught in the Old and New - Testaments, and other revelations from God, we fully believe, in - connection with every other principle of righteousness; and we ask - this favor of all into whose hands our answer may come, that they - will not condemn until they have read it through, in the spirit of - meekness and prayer. - - The Lord (Jehovah) hath spoken through Isaiah (xiii:1), saying, - "Behold my servant whom I uphold--mine elect in whom my soul - delighteth;" evidently referring to the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son - of God, chosen, or elected by the Father. (I Peter i:20). "Who - verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was - manifest in these last times for you, who by Him do believe in God - to serve Him in the redemption of the world, to be a covenant of - the people (Isaiah xlii:6), for a light to the Gentiles, and the - glory of His people Israel, having ordained Him to be the judge - of the quick until dead (Acts x:42), that through Him forgiveness - of sins might be preached (Acts xiii:38), unto all who would be - obedient unto His Gospel." (Mark xvi:16, 17). - - {257} Every High Priest must be ordained (Heb. v:1), and if Christ - had not received ordination, He would not have had power to ordain - others, as he did when He ordained the Twelve (Mark iii:14), to - take part in the ministry which He had received of His Father; - also, (John xv:16): "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, - and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit; (Heb. - v:4), for no man taketh this honor unto himself, but he that is - called of God, as was Aaron (v:5), so also Christ glorified not - Himself to be made an High Priest; but He that said unto Him, - Thou art my Son, today have I begotten Thee." No being can give - that which he does not possess; consequently, no man can confer - the Priesthood on another, if he has not himself first received - it; and the Priesthood is of such a nature that it is impossible - to investigate the principles of election, reprobation, &c., - without touching upon the Priesthood also; and although some may - say that Christ, as God, needed no ordination, having possessed - it eternally, yet Christ says, (Matt. xxviii:18), "All power is - _given_ unto me in heaven and in earth;" which could not have been - if He was in eternal possession; and in the previously quoted - verse we discover that He that said unto Him [_i. e_. His Father] - glorified Him to be made an High Priest, or ordained Him to the - work of creating the world and all things upon it, (Col. i:16), - "For by Him were all things created that are in heaven, and that - are in earth," &c., and of redeeming the same from the fall, and to - the judging of the quick and dead, for the right of judging rests - in the Priesthood, and it is through this medium that the Father - hath committed all judgment unto the Son (John v:22), referring to - His administration on earth. It was necessary that Christ should - receive the Priesthood to qualify Him to minister before His - Father, unto the children of men, so as to redeem and save them. - Does it seem reasonable that any man should take it upon him to do - a part of the same work, or to assist in the same Priesthood, who - has not been called by the spirit of prophecy or revelation as was - Aaron, and ordained accordingly? And can it be expected that a man - will be called by revelation who does not believe in revelation? - Or will any man submit to ordination for the fulfillment of a - revelation or call, in which he hath no faith? We think not. - - That we may learn still further that God calls or elects particular - men to perform particular works, or on whom to confer special - blessings, we read, (Isaiah xlv:4), "For Jacob my servant's sake, - and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee [Cyrus] by thy - name," to be a deliverer to my people Israel, and help to plant - them on my holy mountain, (Isaiah lxv:9, see connection) "for mine - elect shall inherit it, and my servants shall dwell there," even - on the mountains of Palestine, the {258} land of Canaan which God - had before promised to Abraham and his seed; (Gen. xvii:8), and - the particular reason why Abraham was chosen or elected to be the - father of this blessed nation, is clearly told by the Lord, (Gen. - xviii:19), "For I know him, that he will command his children and - his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, - to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham - that which he hath spoken of him;" and this includes the general - principle of election, _i. e_. that God chose, elected, or ordained - Jesus Christ, His Son, to be the creator, governor, savior, and - judge of the world; and Abraham to be the father of the faithful, - on account of His foreknowledge of their obedience to His will and - commandments, which agrees with the saying in II Tim. ii:21, "If a - man therefore purge himself from these [i. e. iniquities], he shall - be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, - and prepared unto every good work." - - Thus it appears that God has chosen or elected certain individuals - to certain blessings, or to the performance of certain works; and - that we may more fully understand the movements of the Supreme - Governor of the universe, in the order of election, we proceed to - quote the sacred writers, (Rom. viii:29, 30), "For whom He did - foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image - of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. - Moreover, whom He did predestinate, them He also called: and whom - He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He - also glorified." And whom did He foreknow? Those that loved Him, - as we find in the 28th verse of the same chapter--"And we know - that all things work together for good to them that love God, to - them who are the called according to His purpose." And "who are - the called according to His purpose?" Those whom He foreknew, for - He foreknew that those who loved Him would do His will and work - righteousness; and it is vain for men to say they love God, if they - do not keep His commandments. Cain found it so when he presented - an unrighteous offering, for God said unto him, (Gen. iv:7), "If - thou dost well, shalt thou not be accepted?" And yet he was not - accepted. "But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love - of God perfected; and hereby know we that we are in Him," (I John - ii:5), or, that we "are the called according to his purpose." - - The principles of God's kingdom are perfect and harmonious, and - the Scriptures of truth must also agree in all their parts, so - that one sentiment thereof shall not destroy another, and when we - read that, "whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate;" and - that "known unto God are all His works;" so that it might appear - from an abstract {259} view thereof, that God foreknew all, and - consequently predestinated all "to be conformed to the image of - His Son;" we ought also to read, (Mark xvi:16), "He that believeth - not shall be damned;" and (John viii:14), "If ye believe not that - I am he, ye shall die in your sins;" also (Matt. xxv:41), "Depart - from me, ye cursed, * * * for I was an hungered, and ye gave me no - meat," &c. - - Paul, referring to the Saints, (Rom. 1:7), calls them beloved - of God, called to be Saints; and says, (Rom. viii:1), "There is - no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not - after the flesh, but after the Spirit," and goes on to show in his - epistle to the Romans, that the law (the law of carnal commandments - given to the children of Israel, the covenant people), could not - make the comers thereunto perfect (see also Heb. x:1), but was - given for a schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ (Gal. iii:24); - so that when He had come and offered Himself without spot unto - God (Heb. ix:14), the sacrifice of the law should be done away - in him, that the honest in heart all might come unto the perfect - law of liberty (James i:25); or the Gospel of Christ, walking - no longer after the flesh but after the spirit, and be of that - number who love God and keep His commandments, that they might be - called according to His purpose (Rom. viii:28); and these were the - individuals referred to, whom God foreknew; such as Abel, Seth, - Enoch, Noah, Melchisedek, Abraham, Lot, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, - Moses, Caleb, Joshua, the harlot Rahab, who wrought righteousness - by hiding the servants of God, when their lives were sought by - their enemies, Gideon, Barak, Sampson, Jeptha, David, Samuel, and - the Prophets; (Heb. xi), "Who through faith, subdued kingdoms, - wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of - lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the - sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, - and turned to flight the armies of the aliens." These all died - in faith, having kept the commandments of the Most High, having - obtained the promise of a glorious inheritance, and are waiting the - fulfillment of the promise which they obtained; (Heb. xi:40), "God - having provided some better things for us, that they without us - should not be made perfect." - - The Prophet Alma bears a similar testimony to the other Prophets - concerning election, in his 9th chapter [Book of Mormon] saying, - "This is the manner after which they were ordained: being called - and prepared from the foundation of the world, according to the - foreknowledge of God, on account of their exceeding faith and - good works; in the first place being left to choose good or evil; - therefore they have chosen good, and exercising exceeding great - faith, are called with a holy calling, yea, with that holy calling - which was prepared with, and according to, a {260} preparatory - redemption for such; and thus they have been called to this holy - calling on account of their faith, while others would reject the - Spirit of God on account of the hardness of their hearts and - blindness of their minds, while, if it had not been for this, - they might have had as great privilege as their brethren. Or in - fine, in the first place, they were on the same standing with - their brethren; thus, this holy calling being prepared from the - foundation of the world for such as would not harden their hearts, - being in and through the atonement of the only begotten Son, who - was prepared; and thus being called by this holy calling, and - ordained unto the high priesthood of the holy order of God, to - teach His commandments unto the children of men, that they also - might enter into His rest: this high priesthood being after the - order of His Son, which order was from the foundation of the - world: or, in other words, being without beginning of days or end - of years, being prepared from eternity to all eternity, according - to his foreknowledge of all things." (Rom. ix:11, 12), "For the - children being not yet born, neither having done any good or - evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, - not of works, but of Him that calleth; it was said unto her, The - elder shall serve the younger." As we have before shown why God - chose Abraham to be the father of the faithful, viz., because He - knew Abraham would command his children and his household after - him; so now we see, by this, why the purposes of God, according - to election, should stand, and that for His oath's sake." (Gen. - xxii:16, 17, 18), "By myself have I sworn, saith the Lord, for - because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy - son, thine only son, that in blessing I will bless thee, and in - multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of heaven, and as - the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess - the gate of his enemies, and in thy seed shall all the nations of - the earth be blessed because thou hast obeyed my voice." Here the - Lord Jesus, coming through the seed of Abraham, is again referred - to, through whose sufferings and death, or in whom all the nations - of the earth were to be blessed, or made alive, as they had died in - Adam. (1 Cor. xv:22). In this, election is made manifest, for God - elected or chose the children of Israel to be His peculiar people, - and to them belong the covenants and promises, and the blessings - received by the Gentiles come through the covenants to Abraham and - his seed; for through the unbelief of the Jews (Rom. xi: 17) they - were broken off, and the Gentiles were grafted in; but they stand - by faith (Rom. xi: 20), and not by the oath of election; therefore - it becometh them to fear lest they cease quickly to bear fruit and - be broken off (verse 21) that the Jews may be grafted in again; for - they shall be grafted in again (verse 23), if they abide not in - unbelief. - - {261} The Gentiles became partakers of the blessings of election - and promises, through faith and obedience, as Peter says, writing - to the strangers scattered abroad (1 Peter, 1st chap.), who were - the Gentiles, the "elect according to the foreknowledge of God the - Father, through sanctification of the spirit unto obedience;" (1 - Peter, ii: 9) for "ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, - an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth - the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His - marvelous light, (verse 10) which in time past were not a people, - but now are the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but - now have obtained mercy." - - Why were they a peculiar people? Because God had chosen that - generation of Gentiles, and conferred on them the blessings which - descended through the Priesthood, and the covenants unto the house - of Israel, or grafted them into the good olive tree (Rom. xi: 17); - and thus the house of Israel became the ministers of salvation to - the Gentiles; and this is what the house of Israel was elected - unto, not only their own salvation, but through them salvation unto - all others; (John iv: 22) "For salvation is of the Jews," (Rom. xi: - 11) and "through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles." - - Among the promised seed we find Jesus Christ neither last nor - least, but the Great High Priest and head of all, who was chosen - to lay down His life for the redemption of the world, for without - the shedding of blood there could be no remission of sins (Heb. - ix: 22). (Deut. vii: 6, 7, 8, 9,) Moses bears a similar testimony - with Peter and Paul to the principles of election--"For thou art - an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God hath chosen - thee to be a special people unto Himself, above all people that are - upon the face of the earth. The Lord did not set His love upon you, - nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; - for ye were the fewest of all people: but because the Lord loved - you, and because He would keep the oath which He had sworn unto - your fathers, hath the Lord brought you out with a mighty hand, and - redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh, - king of Egypt. Know therefore that the Lord thy God, He is God, the - faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love - Him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;" which - proves the long continuance of the blessings of this highly favored - people. - - And the Lord said unto her, (Rebecca, Gen. xxv: 23) "The elder - shall serve the younger." And why? Because that Isaac, the - father of Esau and Jacob, the husband of Rebecca, and the son of - promise to Abraham, was the heir; and as Esau was the elder son - of his father Isaac, he had a legal claim to the heirship; but - through unbelief, {262} hardness of heart, and hunger, he sold - his birthright to his younger brother Jacob (Gen. xxv: 33); and - God knowing beforehand that he would do this of his own free will - and choice, or acting upon that agency which God has delegated to - all men, said to his mother, "The elder shall serve the younger;" - for as the elder son Esau, has sold his birthright, and by that - means lost all claim to the blessings promised to Abraham; those - blessings and promises must have failed, if they had not descended - with the purchased birthright unto the younger son, Jacob, for - there was no other heir in Abraham's family; and if those blessings - had failed, the purposes of God according to election must have - failed in relation to the posterity of Israel, and the oath of - Jehovah would have been broken, which could not be though heaven - and earth were to pass away. (Rom. ix: 13) "As it is written, Jacob - have I loved, but Esau have I hated." Where is it written? (Mal. - i: 1, 2). When was it written? About 397 years before Christ, - (according to the computation of time in Scripture margin), - and Esau and Jacob were born about 1,773 years before Christ, - (according to the computation of time in Scripture margin), so Esau - and Jacob lived about 1,376 years before the Lord spoke by Malachi, - saying, "Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated," as quoted by - Paul. This text is often brought forward to prove that God loved - Jacob and hated Esau before they were born, or before they had done - good or evil; but if God did love one and hate the other before - they had done good or evil, He has not seen fit to tell us of it, - either in the Old or New Testament, or any other revelation: but - this only we learn that 1,376 years after Esau and Jacob were born, - God said by Malachi--"Jacob have I loved, and Esau have I hated;" - and surely that was time sufficient to prove their works, and - ascertain whether they were worthy to be loved or hated. - - And why did He love the one and hate the other? For the same - reason that He accepted the offering of Abel and rejected Cain's - offering. Because Jacob's works had been righteous, and Esau's - wicked, and where is there a righteous father who would not do the - same thing? Who would not love an affectionate and obedient son - more than one who was disobedient, and sought to injure Him and - overthrow the order of His house? (Objection). But God seeth not as - man seeth, and He is no respecter of persons. (Acts x: 34). True, - but what saith the next verse, "He that feareth God and worketh - righteousness is accepted of Him;" but it does not say that he that - worketh wickedness is accepted, and this is a proof that God has - respect to the actions of persons; and if He did not, why should - He commend obedience to His law? For if he had no respect to the - actions of men, He would be just as well pleased with a wicked man - for breaking His law as a righteous man for keeping it; and if - Cain had done well, he would have been accepted as well as Abel - (Gen. iv: 7), and Esau as well as Jacob, which {263} proves that - God does not respect persons, only in relation to their acts, (see - Matt. xxv: 34 to the end) "Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit - the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: - for I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat," &c.; and because - that God blessed Abel and Jacob, this would not have hindered His - blessing Cain and Esau, if their works had been righteous like - unto their brethren; so God's choosing one nation to blessing does - not doom another to cursing or make them reprobate, according to - the reprobation of God, as some suppose; "But by resisting the - truth they became reprobate concerning the faith" (II Tim. iii: - 8); and are "abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work - reprobate" (Titus i: 16); consequently, are not fit subjects for - the blessings of election. - - Rom. ix: 15, "For He saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I - will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have - compassion." (See Exod. xxx: 13 to the 19) "My presence shall go - with thee, and I will give thee rest, * * * for thou hast found - grace in my sight, and I know thee by name, and I will make all my - goodness to pass before thee, * * * and I will proclaim the name - of the Lord before thee; and I will be gracious to whom I will be - gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy." (Rom. - ix: 16) "So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that - runneth, but of God that showeth mercy;" having His eye at the same - time directed towards His covenant people in Egyptian bondage. For - the Scripture saith unto Pharoah (Exod. ix: 16, 17), "And in very - deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to show in thee my - power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth. - As yet exaltest thou thyself, against my people, that thou wilt not - let them go?" - - God has promised to bring the house of Israel up out of the land - of Egypt at his own appointed time; and with a mighty hand and - an outstretched arm, and great terribleness (Deut. xxvi, 8.) He - chose to do this thing that His power might be known and his name - declared throughout all the earth, so that all nations might have - the God of heaven in remembrance, and reverence his holy name; - and to accomplish this it was needful that He should meet with - opposition to give Him an opportunity to manifest His power; - therefore He raised up a man, even Pharaoh, who, He foreknew, would - harden his heart against God of his own free will and choice, and - would withstand the Almighty in His attempt to deliver His chosen - people, and that to the utmost of his ability; and he proved - himself worthy of the choice, for he left no means unimproved - which his wicked heart could devise to vex the sons of Abraham, - and defeat the purposes of the Most High, which gave the God of - Abraham an opportunity to magnify his name in the ears {264} of the - nations, and in sight of this wicked king, by many mighty signs and - wonders, sometimes even to the convincing of the wicked king of his - wickedness, and of the power of God, (Exod. viii: 28, etc.) and - yet he would continue to rebel and hold the Israelites in bondage; - and this is what it meant by God's hardening Pharaoh's heart. - He manifested Himself in so many glorious and mighty ways, that - Pharaoh could not resist the truth without becoming harder; so that - at last, in his madness, to stay the people of God, he rushed his - hosts into the Red Sea and they were covered with the floods. - - Had not the power of God been exerted in a remarkable manner, it - would seem as though the house of Israel must have become extinct, - for Pharaoh commanded the midwives to destroy the sons of the - Israelitish women as soon as they were born (Exod. i: 15, 16), and - called them to account for saving the men children alive (verse - 18), and charged all his people saying, "Every son that is born, - ye shall cast into the river" (verse 22), and yet God would have - mercy on whom He would have mercy (Rom. ix: 18); for he would have - mercy on the goodly child, Moses, when he was hid and laid in the - flags (Exod. xi: 3) by his mother to save him from Pharaoh's cruel - order, and caused that he should be preserved as a Prophet and - deliverer to lead His people up to their own country; and whom He - would He hardened, for He hardened Pharaoh by passing before him - in mighty power and withdrawing His Spirit, and leaving him to his - own inclination, for he had set task-masters over the Israelites - to afflict them with their burdens, and caused them to build - treasure cities for Pharaoh, and made them to serve with rigor; - and made their lives bitter with hard bondage, in mortar and brick - and all manner of service in the field (Exod. 1st chap.); besides - destroying the men children, thus proving to the God of heaven and - all men that he had hardened his own hard heart, until he became a - vessel of wrath fitted for destruction (Rom, ix: 22); all this long - before God said unto Moses, "I will harden his (Pharaoh's) heart" - (Exod. iv: 21). - - Are men, then, to be saved by works? Nay, verily, "By grace are ye - saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift - of God" (Eph. ii: 8); "Not of works, lest any man should boast" - (v. 9); "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but - according to His mercy He saved us" (Titus iii: 5): and yet faith - without works is dead, being alone (James ii: 17). Was not Abraham, - our father, justified by works (v. 21)? Shall we then be saved by - faith? Nay, neither by faith nor works, but by works is faith made - perfect (v. 22); but "by grace are ye saved" (Eph. ii: 8); "And if - by grace, then it is no more of works, otherwise grace is no more - grace; and if it be of works, then it is no more grace; otherwise - works is no works" (Rom. xi: 6); "Ye {265} see then how that a man - is justified by works, and not by faith only" (James ii: 24). - - Rom. x: 3,4, "For they (Israel) being ignorant of God's - righteousness and going about to establish their own righteousness, - have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God; for - Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that - believeth." Thus the righteousness of God is made manifest in the - plan of salvation by His crucified son; for there is none other - name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved, but the - name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth (Acts iv: 10, 12); but of this the - Jews were ignorant, although they themselves crucified Him; and - they have been going about wandering among all the nations of the - earth ever since, for the space of eighteen hundred years, trying - to establish their own righteousness, which is of the law of Moses, - which law can never make the comers thereto perfect (Heb. x: i.); - yet notwithstanding their darkness and long dispersion, there is - a remnant, according to the election of grace (Rom. xi: 5); whom - God will gather from among all people whither they are scattered - and will be sanctified in them in the sight of the heathen; then - shall they dwell in their land which God gave to His servant Jacob, - and they shall dwell safely therein, and shall build houses and - plant vineyards; "Yea, they shall dwell with confidence when I - have executed judgments upon all those that despise them round - about; and they shall know that I am the Lord their God" (Ezek. - xxviii: 25, 26; Is. xi: 11 to 16); and when this gathering shall - be completed, "It shall no more be said, The Lord liveth, that - brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt, but the - Lord liveth that brought up the children of Israel from the land - of the north, and from all the lands whither he had driven them: - and I will bring them again into their land that I gave unto their - fathers" (Jer. xvi: 14 to the end). - - Rom. xi: 7. "What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he - seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it." And why have they - not obtained it? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it - were by the works of the law, for they stumbled at the stumbling - stone; as it is written, "Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone - and rock of offense" (Rom. ix: 32, 33); "to both the houses of - Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. - And many among them shall stumble" (Isaiah viii: 14, 15); but "have - they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid; but rather through - their fall, salvation is come unto the Gentiles" (Rom. xi: 11). - "And Jerusalem shall be trodden down by the Gentiles, until the - times of the Gentiles be fulfilled (Luke xxi: 24); and when the - house of Israel shall be restored to their possessions in Canaan, - it may truly be said, the election hath {266} obtained it; for the - fulfillment of God's oath of election to Abraham as the father of - the faithful, and the promises to His children will obtain that for - Israel, which he has sought for in vain by the law of Moses." - - This is the election that we believe in, viz., such as we find in - the Prophets and Apostles, and the word of the Lord Himself, and as - we have not room to give all the quotations in full, in relation - to election in this epistle, we would invite the Saints to examine - the Scriptures, in connection with these quoted; and whenever they - find election, or any other principle or blessing, given or applied - to the house of Israel, let those principles continue with the - house of Israel, and not apply that to Esau which belongs to Jacob; - or to the churches of modern times which belong to the ancient - covenant people; and always ascertain how the Lord, the Apostles - and Prophets have applied their words, and ever continue the same - application, and knowledge and wisdom will be added unto you; and - in the words of the beloved Peter and Paul, we would exhort you to - "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God - which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure" - (Phil. ii: 12, 13); "Giving all diligence to make your calling and - election sure" (2 Peter i: 10); for this is that sealing power - spoken of in Ephesians (i: 13, 14)--"in whom ye also trusted, after - that ye heard the word of truth; the gospel of your salvation, in - whom also, after that ye believed ye were sealed with that Holy - Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance, until - the redemption of the purchased possession, until the praise of His - glory" (2 Peter i: 11); "For so an entrance shall be ministered - unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and - Savior Jesus Christ." Amen. - -_Friday, January 8_.--Elder Parley P. Pratt wrote President Sidney -Rigdon, from Manchester, England, in part as follows: - -* * * * * - - As to the progress of the work of God in this county, it is - increasing at every step. It is now prospering in Ireland and in - Wales, as well as in Scotland and England. It is spreading into - various new places in England. We have several hundred faithful - preachers, and the spirit of inquiry seems to be more generally - awakened. The clergy of the Church of England, the Methodist - priests, the Baptist ministers, and Unitarians, are all in arms, as - it were, against the Saints. - - The country is flooded with pamphlets, tracts, papers, &c., - published against us. * * * * * I must now inform you of the - {267} fact that we have reaped the first fruits of Campbellism in - England, at a place called Nottingham. - - _A Proclamation of the First Presidency of the Church to the Saints - Scattered Abroad, Greeting_: - - Beloved Brethren:--The relationship which we sustain to the - Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, renders it necessary - that we should make known from time to time, the circumstances, - situation, and prospects of the Church, and give such instructions - as may be necessary for the well being of the Saints, and for the - promotion of those objects calculated to farther their present and - everlasting happiness. - - We have to congratulate the Saints on the progress of the great - work of the "last days," for not only has it spread through the - length and breadth of this vast continent, but on the continent of - Europe, and on the islands of the sea, it is spreading in a manner - entirely unprecedented in the annals of time. This appears the - more pleasing when we consider, that but a short time has elapsed - since we were unmercifully driven from the state of Missouri, - after suffering cruelties and persecutions in various and horrid - forms. Then our overthrow, to many, seemed inevitable, while the - enemies of truth triumphed over us, and by their cruel reproaches - endeavored to aggravate our sufferings. But the Lord of Hosts was - with us, the God of Jacob was our refuge, and we were delivered - from the hands of bloody and deceitful men; and in the state of - Illinois we found an asylum, and were kindly welcomed by persons - worthy the character of freemen. - - It would be impossible to enumerate all those who, in our time of - deep distress, nobly came forward to our relief, and, like the good - Samaritan, poured oil into our wounds, and contributed liberally - to our necessities, and the citizens of Quincy _en masse_, and the - people of Illinois, generally, seemed to emulate each other in - this labor of love. We would, however, make honorable mention of - Governor Carlin, Judge Young, General Leech, Judge Ralston, Rev. - Mr. Young, Col. Henry, N. Bushnell, John Wood, J. N. Morris, S. - M. Bartlett, Samuel Holmes, and J. T. Holmes, Esquires, who will - long be remembered, by a grateful community, for their philanthropy - to a suffering people, and whose kindness, on that occasion, is - indelibly engraved on the tablets of our hearts in golden letters - of love. - - We would likewise make mention of the legislators of this state, - who, without respect to parties, without reluctance, freely, - openly, boldly, and nobly, have come forth to our assistance, owned - us as citizens and friends, and took us by the hand, and extended - to us all the blessings {268} of civil, political, and religious - liberty, by granting us, under date of December 16, 1840, one - of the most liberal charters, with the most plenary powers ever - conferred by a legislative assembly on free citizens, "The City of - Nauvoo," the "Nauvoo Legion," and the "University of the City of - Nauvoo." - - The first of these charters (that for the "City of Nauvoo") secures - to us, in all time to come, irrevocably, all those great blessings - of civil liberty which of right appertain to all the free citizens - of a great civilized republic; it is all we ever claimed. What a - contrast does the proceedings of the legislators of this state - present when compared with those of Missouri, whose bigotry, - jealousy, and superstition, prevailed to such an extent as to deny - us our liberty and our sacred rights. Illinois has set a glorious - example to the whole United States, and to the world at large, - and has nobly carried out the principles of her Constitution, and - the Constitution of these United States, and while she requires - of us implicit obedience to the laws, (which we hope ever to see - observed) she affords us the protection of law, the security of - life, liberty, and the peaceable pursuit of happiness. - - The name of our city (Nauvoo) is of Hebrew origin, and signifies a - beautiful situation, or place, carrying with it, also, the idea of - rest; and is truly descriptive of the most delightful location. It - is situated on the east bank of the Mississippi river, at the head - of the Des Moines Rapids, in Hancock county, bounded on the east by - an extensive prairie of surpassing beauty, and on the north, west, - and south, by the Mississippi. This place has been objected to by - some on account of the sickness which has prevailed in the summer - months, but it is the opinion of Doctor Bennett, that Hancock - county, and all the eastern and southern portions of the City of - Nauvoo, are as healthful as any other portions of the western - country, to acclimatized citizens; whilst the northwestern portion - of the city has experienced much affliction from fever and ague, - which, however, Doctor Bennett thinks can be easily remedied by - draining the sloughs on the adjacent islands in the Mississippi. - - The population of our city is increasing with unparalleled - rapidity, numbering more than 3,000 inhabitants. Every facility is - afforded, in the city and adjacent country, in Hancock county, for - the successful prosecution of the mechanical arts and the pleasing - pursuits of agriculture. The waters of the Mississippi can be - successfully used for manufacturing purposes to almost an unlimited - extent. - - Having been instrumental, in the hands of our heavenly Father, in - laying a foundation for the gathering of Zion, we would say, let - all those who appreciate the blessings of the Gospel, and realize - the importance of obeying the commandments of heaven, who have - been blessed of heaven with the possession of this world's goods, - first {269} prepare for the general gathering; let them dispose - of their effects as fast as circumstances will possibly admit, - without making too great sacrifices, and remove to our city and - county; establish and build up manufactures in the city, purchase - and cultivate farms in the county. This will secure our permanent - inheritance, and prepare the way for the gathering of the poor. - This is agreeable to the order of heaven, and the only principle on - which the gathering can be effected. Let the rich, then, and all - who can assist in establishing this place, make every preparation - to come on without delay, and strengthen our hands, and assist in - promoting the happiness of the Saints. This cannot be too forcibly - impressed on the minds of all, and the Elders are hereby instructed - to proclaim this word in all places where the Saints reside, - in their public administrations, for this is according to the - instructions we have received from the Lord. - - The Temple of the Lord is in process of erection here, where the - Saints will come to worship the God of their fathers, according - to the order of His house and the powers of the Holy Priesthood, - and will be so constructed as to enable all the functions of the - Priesthood to be duly exercised, and where instructions from the - Most High will be received, and from this place go forth to distant - lands. Let us then concentrate all our powers, under the provisions - of our _magna charta_ granted by the Illinois legislature, at the - "City of Nauvoo" and surrounding country, and strive to emulate - the action of the ancient covenant fathers and patriarchs, in - those things which are of such vast importance to this and every - succeeding generation. - - The "Nauvoo Legion" embraces all our military power, and will - enable us to perform our military duty by ourselves, and thus - afford us the power and privilege of avoiding one of the most - fruitful sources of strife, oppression, and collision with the - world. It will enable us to show our attachment to the state and - nation, as a people, whenever the public service requires our aid, - thus proving ourselves obedient to the paramount laws of the land, - and ready at all times to sustain and execute them. - - The "University of the City of Nauvoo" will enable us to teach - our children wisdom, to instruct them in all the knowledge and - learning, in the arts, sciences, and learned professions. We hope - to make this institution one of the great lights of the world, and - by and through it to diffuse that kind of knowledge which will - be of practicable utility, and for the public good, and also for - private and individual happiness. The Regents of the University - will take the general supervision of all matters appertaining to - education, from common schools up to the highest branches of a most - liberal collegiate course. They will establish a regular system of - education, and hand over the pupil from teacher to {270} professor, - until the regular gradation is consummated and the education - finished. - - This corporation contains all the powers and prerogatives of any - other college or university in this state. The charters for the - University and Legion are _addenda_ to the city charter, making the - whole perfect and complete. - - Not only has the Lord given us favor in the eyes of the community, - who are happy to see us in the enjoyment of all the rights and - privileges of freemen, but we are happy to state that several - of the principal men in Illinois, who have listened to the - doctrines we promulgate, have become obedient to the faith, and - are rejoicing in the same; among whom is John C. Bennett, M. D., - Quartermaster-General of Illinois. We mention this gentleman - first, because, that during our persecutions in Missouri, he - became acquainted with the violence we were suffering while in - that state, on account of our religion; his sympathy for us was - aroused, and his indignation kindled against our persecutors, for - the cruelties practiced upon us, and their flagrant violation of - both the law and the Constitution. Amidst their heated zeal to - put down the truth, he addressed us a letter, tendering to us his - assistance in delivering us out of the hands of our enemies, and - restoring us again to our privileges, and only required at our - hands to point out the way and he would be forthcoming, with all - the forces he could raise for the purpose. He has been one of the - instruments in effecting or safety and deliverance, from the unjust - persecutions and demands of the authorities of Missouri, and also - in procuring the city charter. He is a man of enterprise, extensive - acquirements, and of independent mind, and is calculated to be a - great blessing to our community. - - Dr. Isaac Galland also, who is one of our benefactors, having under - his control a large quantity of land, in the immediate vicinity of - our city, and a considerable portion of the city plat, opened both - his heart and his hands, and "when we were strangers, took us in," - and bade us welcome to share with him in his abundance, leaving - his dwelling house, the most splendid edifice in the vicinity, for - our accommodation, and partook himself to a small, uncomfortable - dwelling. He sold us his large estates on very reasonable terms, - and on long credit, so that we might have an opportunity of paying - for them without being distressed, and has since taken our lands - in Missouri in payment for the whole amount, and has given us a - clear and indisputable title for the same. And in addition to the - first purchase, we have exchanged lands with him in Missouri to the - amount of eighty thousand dollars. He is the honored instrument the - Lord used to prepare a home for us, when we were driven from our - inheritances, having given him control of vast bodies of land, and - prepared his heart to make the use of it the Lord {271} intended he - should. Being a man of extensive information, great talents, and - high literary fame, he devoted all his powers and influence to give - us a standing. - - After having thus exerted himself for our salvation and comfort, - and formed an intimate acquaintance with many of our people, his - mind became wrought up to the greatest feelings, being convinced - that our persecutions were like those of the ancient Saints, - and, after investigating the doctrines we proclaimed, he became - convinced of the truth and of the necessity of obedience thereto, - and, to the great joy and satisfaction of the Church, he yielded - himself to the waters of baptism, and became a partaker with us in - our sufferings, "Choosing rather to suffer afflictions with the - people of God than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season." - - In connection with these, we would mention the names of General - James Adams, judge of probate, of Sangamon county; Dr. Green of - Shelby county, R. D. Foster, and Sidney Knowlton, of Hancock - county; Dr. Knight, of Putnam county, Indiana; many others of - respectability and high standing in society, and nearly all the - old settlers in our immediate neighborhood. We make mention of - this that the Saints may be encouraged, and also that they may see - that the persecutions we suffered in Missouri were but the prelude - to a far more glorious display of the power of truth, and of the - religion we have espoused. - - From the kind, uniform, and consistent course pursued by the - citizens of Illinois, and the great success which has attended us - while here, the natural advantages of this place for every purpose - we require, and the necessity of the gathering of the Saints of the - Most High, we would say--let the brethren who love the prosperity - of Zion, who are anxious that her stakes should be strengthened - and her cords lengthened, and who prefer her prosperity to their - chief joy, come and cast in their lots with us, and cheerfully - engage in a work so glorious and sublime, and say with Nehemiah, - "We, His servants, will arise and build." It probably would hardly - be necessary to enforce this important subject on the attention - of the Saints, as its necessity is obvious, and is a subject of - paramount importance; but as watchmen to the house of Israel--as - shepherds over the flock which is now scattered over a vast - extent of country, and the anxiety we feel for their prosperity - and everlasting welfare, and for the carrying out the great and - glorious purposes of our God, to which we have been called, we - feel to urge its necessity, and say--Let the Saints come here; - this is the word of the Lord, and in accordance with the great - work of the last days. It is true, the idea of a general gathering - has heretofore been associated with the most cruel and oppressing - scenes, owing to our unrelenting persecutions at the hands of - wicked and unjust men; but we hope that {272} those days of - darkness and gloom have gone by, and, from the liberal policy of - our state government, we may expect a scene of peace and prosperity - we have never before witnessed since the rise of our Church, and - the happiness and prosperity which now await us, is, in all human - probability, incalculably great. By a concentration of action, - and a unity of effort, we can only accomplish the great work of - the last days which we could not do in our remote and scattered - condition, while our interests, both temporal and spiritual, will - be greatly enhanced, and the blessings of heaven must flow unto - us in an uninterrupted stream; of this, we think there can be no - question. - - The greatest temporal and spiritual blessings which always flow - from faithfulness and concerted effort, never attended individual - exertion or enterprise. The history of all past ages abundantly - attests this fact. In addition to all temporal blessings, there - is no other way for the Saints to be saved in these last days, - [than by the gathering] as the concurrent testimony of all the - holy Prophets clearly proves, for it is written--"They shall come - from the east, and be gathered from the west; the north shall give - up, and the south shall keep not back." "The sons of God shall be - gathered from far, and His daughters from the ends of the earth." - - It is also the concurrent testimony of all the Prophets, that - this gathering together of all the Saints, must take place before - the Lord comes to "take vengeance upon the ungodly," and "to be - glorified and admired by all those who obey the Gospel." The - fiftieth Psalm, from the first to the fifth verse inclusive, - describes the glory and majesty of that event. - - "The mighty God, and even the Lord hath spoken, and called the - earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof. Out - of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined. Our God shall - come, and shall not keep silence; a fire shall devour before Him, - and it shall be very tempestuous round about Him. He shall call to - the heavens from above, and to the earth (that He may judge the - people). Gather my Saints together unto me; those that have made - covenant with me by sacrifice." - - We might offer many other quotations from the Scriptures, but - believing them to be familiar to the Saints, we forbear. - - We would wish the Saints to understand that, when they come here, - they must not expect perfection, or that all will be harmony, - peace, and love; if they indulge these ideas, they will undoubtedly - be deceived, for here there are persons, not only from different - states, but from different nations, who, although they feel a - great attachment to the cause of truth, have their prejudices of - education, and, consequently, it requires some time before these - things can be overcome. Again, there {273} are many that creep in - unawares, and endeavor to sow discord, strife, and animosity in our - midst, and by so doing, bring evil upon the Saints. These things - we have to bear with, and these things will prevail either to a - greater or less extent until "the floor be thoroughly purged," and - "the chaff be burnt up." Therefore, let those who come up to this - place be determined to keep the commandments of God, and not be - discouraged by those things we have enumerated, and then they will - be prospered--the intelligence of heaven will be communicated to - them, and they will, eventually, see eye to eye, and rejoice in the - full fruition of that glory which is reserved for the righteous. - - In order to erect the Temple of the Lord, great exertions will be - required on the part of the Saints, so that they may build a house - which shall be accepted by the Almighty, and in which His power and - glory shall be manifested. Therefore let those who can freely make - a sacrifice of their time, their talents, and their property, for - the prosperity of the kingdom, and for the love they have to the - cause of truth, bid adieu to their homes and pleasant places of - abode, and unite with us in the great work of the last days, and - share in the tribulation, that they may ultimately share in the - glory and triumph. - - We wish it likewise to be distinctly understood, that we claim - no privilege but what we feel cheerfully disposed to share with - our fellow citizens of every denomination, and every sentiment of - religion; and therefore say, that so far from being restricted - to our own faith, let all those who desire to locate themselves - in this place, or the vicinity, come, and we will hail them as - citizens and friends, and shall feel it not only a duty, but a - privilege, to reciprocate the kindness we have received from the - benevolent and kind-hearted citizens of the state of Illinois. - - Joseph Smith, - - Sidney Rigdon, - - Hyrum Smith, - - Presidents of the Church. - - Nauvoo, January 15th, 1841. - -Footnotes: - -1. For the nature of the charges see ch. xiii. - -{274} - - - -CHAPTER XV. - -Reconstruction of Church Affairs at Nauvoo--Revelation--Municipal -Organization of Nauvoo--Installation of Civic and Military Officers. - -_Friday, January 15, 1841_.--I published the following in the _Times -and Seasons_-- - - _Reproof of John E. Page and Orson Hyde_. - - Elders Orson Hyde and John E. Page are informed that the Lord - is not well pleased with them, in consequence of delaying their - mission, (John E. Page in particular) and they are requested, - by the First Presidency, to hasten their journey towards their - destination. - -_Sunday, 17_.--Elder Brigham Young preached twice in the Music Hall, -Liverpool. - -_Monday, 18_.--Elders Brigham Young and Willard Richards commenced -reading the Book of Mormon, and writing an index to the English edition. - -_Tuesday, 19_.--Elder Amos Fielding has baptized twenty-nine at -Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England. - -I received the following revelation: [1] - - _Revelation Given to Joseph Smith at Nauvoo, January 19th, 1841_. - - Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you, my servant Joseph Smith, I am - well pleased with your offering and acknowledgments, which you have - made, for unto this end have I raised you up, that I might show - forth my wisdom through the weak things of the earth. - - Your prayers are acceptable before me, and in answer to them I say - unto you, that you are now called immediately to make a solemn - proclamation of my Gospel, and of this Stake which I have planted - to be a {275} corner-stone of Zion, which shall be polished with - the refinement which is after the similitude of a palace. - - This proclamation shall be made to all the kings of the world, to - the four corners thereof; to the honorable President elect, and the - high-minded Governors of the nation in which you live, and to all - the nations of the earth, scattered abroad. - - Let it be written in the spirit of meekness and by the power of the - Holy Ghost, which shall be in you at the time of the writing of the - same; - - For it shall be given you by the Holy Ghost to know my will - concerning those kings and authorities, even what shall befall them - in a time to come. - - For, behold! I am about to call upon them to give heed to the light - and glory of Zion, for the set time has come to favor her. - - Call ye, therefore, upon them with loud proclamation, and with your - testimony, fearing them not, for they are as grass, and all their - glory as the flower thereof which soon falleth, that they may be - left also without excuse, - - And that I may visit them in the day of visitation, when I shall - unveil the face of my covering, to appoint the portion of the - oppressor among hypocrites, where there is gnashing of teeth, if - they reject my servants and my testimony which I have revealed unto - them. - - And again, I will visit and soften their hearts, many of them for - your good, that ye may find grace in their eyes, that they may - come to the light of truth, and the Gentiles to the exaltation or - lifting up of Zion. - - For the day of my visitation cometh speedily, in an hour when ye - think not of, and where shall be the safety of my people, and - refuge for those who shall be left of them? - - Awake, O kings of the earth! Come ye, O, come ye, with your gold - and your silver, to the help of my people, to the house of the - daughters of Zion. - - And again, verily I say unto you, let my servant Robert B. Thompson - help you to write this proclamation, for I am well pleased with - him, and that he should be with you; - - Let him, therefore, hearken to your counsel, and I will bless him - with a multiplicity of blessings; let him be faithful and true in - all things from henceforth, and he shall be great in mine eyes; - - But let him remember that his stewardship will I require at his - hands. - - And again, verily I say unto you, blessed is my servant Hyrum - Smith, for I, the Lord, love him because of the integrity of his - heart, and because he loveth that which is right before me, saith - the Lord. - - Again, let my servant John C. Bennett, help you in your labor in - sending my word to the kings and people of the earth, and stand - by {276} you, even you my servant Joseph Smith, in the hour of - affliction, and his reward shall not fail, if he receive counsel; - - And for his love he shall be great, for he shall be mine if he do - this, saith the Lord. I have seen the work which he hath done, - which I accept, if he continue, and will crown him with blessings - and great glory. - - And again, I say unto you, that it is my will that my servant Lyman - Wight should continue in preaching for Zion, in the spirit of - meekness confessing me before the world, and I will bear him up as - on eagle's wings, and he shall beget glory and honor to himself, - and unto my name. - - That when he shall finish his work, that I may receive him unto - myself, even as I did my servant David Patten, who is with me at - this time, and also my servant Edward Partridge, and also my aged - servant Joseph Smith, Sen., who sitteth with Abraham at his right - hand, and blessed and holy is he, for he is mine. - - And again, verily I say unto you, my servant George Miller is - without guile: he may be trusted because of the integrity of his - heart; and for the love which he has to my testimony I, the Lord, - love him; - - I therefore say unto you, I seal upon his head the office of a - bishopric, like unto my servant Edward Partridge, that he may - receive the consecrations of mine house, that he may administer - blessing upon the heads of the poor of my people, saith the Lord. - Let no man despise my servant George, for he shall honor me. - - Let my servant George, and my servant Lyman, and my servant John - Snider, and others, build a house unto my name, such an one as my - servant Joseph shall show unto them; upon the place which he shall - show unto them also. - - And it shall be for a house for boarding, a house that strangers - may come from afar to lodge therein; therefore let it be a good - house, worthy of all acceptation, that the weary traveler may find - health and safety while he shall contemplate the word of the Lord; - and the cornerstone I have appointed for Zion. - - This house shall be a healthy habitation if it be built unto my - name, and if the governor which shall be appointed unto it shall - not suffer any pollution to come upon it. It shall be holy, or the - Lord your God will not dwell therein. - - And again, verily I say unto you, let all my Saints come from afar; - - And send ye swift messengers, yea, chosen messengers, and say - unto them: Come ye, with all your gold, and your silver, and your - precious stones, and with all your antiquities; and with all who - have knowledge of antiquities, that will come, may come, and bring - the box-tree, and the fir-tree, and the pine-tree, together with - all the precious trees of the earth; - - {277} And with iron, with copper, and with brass, and with zinc, - and with all your precious things of the earth, and build a house - to my name for the Most High to dwell therein; - - For there is not a place found on earth that He may come and - restore again that which was lost unto you, or which He hath taken - away, even the fullness of the Priesthood; - - For a baptismal font there is not upon the earth, that they, my - Saints, may be baptized for those who are dead; - - For this ordinance belongeth to my house, and cannot be acceptable - to me, only in the days of your poverty, wherein ye are not able to - build a house unto me. - - But I command you, all ye my Saints, to build a house unto me; and - I grant unto you a sufficient time to build a house unto me, and - during this time your baptisms shall be acceptable unto me. - - But behold, at the end of this appointment, your baptisms for your - dead shall not be acceptable unto me; and if you do not these - things at the end of the appointment, ye shall be rejected as a - church, with your dead, saith the Lord your God. - - For verily I say unto you, that after you have had sufficient time - to build a house to me, wherein the ordinance of baptizing for the - dead belongeth, and for which the same was instituted from before - the foundation of the world, your baptisms for your dead cannot be - acceptable unto me. - - For therein are the keys of the holy Priesthood, ordained that you - may receive honor and glory. - - And after this time, your baptisms for the dead, by those who are - scattered abroad, are not acceptable unto me, saith the Lord; - - For it is ordained that in Zion, and in her stakes, and in - Jerusalem, those places which I have appointed for refuge, shall be - the places for your baptisms for your dead. - - And again, verily I say unto you, how shall your washings be - acceptable unto me, except ye perform them in a house which you - have built to my name? For, for this cause I commanded Moses that - he should build a tabernacle, that they should bear it with them in - the wilderness, and to build a house in the land of promise, that - those ordinances might be revealed which had been hid from before - the world was; - - Therefore, verily I say unto you, that your anointings, and - your washings, and your baptisms for the dead, and your solemn - assemblies, and your memorials for your sacrifices, by the sons of - Levi, and for your oracles in your most holy places, wherein you - receive conversations, and your statutes and judgments, for the - beginning of the revelations and foundation of Zion, and for the - glory, honor, and endowment of all her municipals, are ordained by - the ordinance of my holy house which my people are always commanded - to build unto my holy name. - - {278} And verily I say unto you, let this house be built unto my - name, that I may reveal mine ordinances therein, unto my people; - - For I deign to reveal unto my Church things which have been kept - hid from before the foundation of the world, things that pertain to - the dispensation of the fullness of times; - - And I will show unto my servant Joseph all things pertaining to - this house, and the Priesthood thereof; and the place whereon it - shall be built; - - And ye shall build it on the place where you have contemplated - building it, for that is the spot which I have chosen for you to - build it; - - If ye labor with all your might, I will consecrate that spot that - it shall be made holy; - - And if my people will hearken unto my voice, and unto the voice of - my servants whom I have appointed to lead my people, behold, verily - I say unto you, they shall not be moved out of their place. - - But if they will not hearken to my voice, nor unto the voice of - these men whom I have appointed, they shall not be blest, because - they pollute mine holy grounds, and mine holy ordinances, and - charters, and my holy words which I give unto them. - - And it shall come to pass, that if you build a house unto my name, - and do not do the things that I say, I will not perform the oath - which I make unto you, neither fulfill the promises which ye expect - at my hands, saith the Lord; - - For instead of blessings, ye, by your own works, bring cursings, - wrath, indignation, and judgments upon your own heads, by your - follies, and by all your abominations, which you practice before - me, saith the Lord. - - Verily, verily I say unto you, that when I give a commandment to - any of the sons of men, to do a work unto my name, and those sons - of men go with all their might, and with all they have, to perform - that work, and cease not their diligence, and their enemies come - upon them, and hinder them from performing that work; behold, it - behooveth me to require that work no more at the hands of those - sons of men, but to accept of their offerings; - - And the iniquity and transgression of my holy laws and - commandments, I will visit upon the heads of those who hindered my - work, unto the third and fourth generation, so long as they repent - not, and hate me, saith the Lord God. - - Therefore for this cause have I accepted the offerings of those - whom I commanded to build up a city and a house unto my name, in - Jackson county, Missouri, and were hindered by their enemies, saith - the Lord your God. - - And I will answer judgment, wrath, and indignation, wailing, and - {279} anguish, and gnashing of teeth upon their heads, unto the - third and fourth generation, so long as they repent not and hate - me, saith the Lord your God. - - And this I make an example unto you, for your consolation - concerning all those who have been commanded to do a work, and have - been hindered by the hands of their enemies, and by oppression, - saith the Lord your God; - - For I am the Lord your God, and will save all those of your - brethren who have been pure in heart, and have been slain in the - land of Missouri, saith the Lord. - - And again, verily I say unto you, I command you again to build a - house to my name, even in this place that you may prove yourselves - unto me that ye are faithful in all things whatsoever I command - you, that I may bless you, and crown you with honor, immortality, - and eternal life. - - And now I say unto you, as pertaining to my boarding house which I - have commanded you to build for the boarding of strangers, let it - be built unto my name, and let my name be named upon it, and let my - servant Joseph, and his house have place therein, from generation - to generation; - - For this anointing have I put upon his head, that his blessing - shall also be put upon the head of his posterity after him, - - And as I said unto Abraham concerning the kindreds of the earth, - even so I say unto my servant Joseph, in thee and in thy seed, - shall the kindred of the earth be blessed. - - Therefore, let my servant Joseph and his seed after him have place - in that house, from generation to generation, for ever and ever, - saith the Lord. - - And let the name of that house be called Nauvoo House, and let it - be a delightful habitation for man, and a resting place for the - weary traveler, that he may contemplate the glory of Zion, and the - glory of this, the corner-stone thereof; - - That he may receive also the counsel from those whom I have set to - be as plants of renown, and as watchmen upon her walls. - - Behold, verily I say unto you, let my servant George Miller, and - my servant Lyman Wight, and my servant John Snider, and my servant - Peter Haws, organize themselves, and appoint one of them to be a - president over their quorum for the purpose of building that house. - - And they shall form a constitution whereby they may receive stock - for the building of that house. - - And they shall not receive less than fifty dollars for a share of - stock in that house, and they shall be permitted to receive fifteen - thousand dollars from any one man for stock in that house; - - {280} But they shall not be permitted to receive over fifteen - thousand dollars stock from any one man; - - And they shall not be permitted to receive under fifty dollars for - a share of stock from any one man in that house; - - And they shall not be permitted to receive any man as a stockholder - in this house, except the same shall pay his stock into their hands - at the time he receives stock; - - And in proportion to the amount of stock he pays into their hands, - he shall receive stock in that house; but if he pays nothing into - their hands, he shall not receive any stock in that house. - - And if any pay stock into their hands, it shall be for stock in - that house, for himself, and for his generation after him, from - generation to generation, so long as he and his heirs shall hold - that stock, and do not sell or convey the stock away out of their - hands by their own free will and act, if you will do my will, saith - the Lord your God. - - And again, verily I say unto you, if my servant George Miller, - and my servant Lyman Wight, and my servant John Snider, and my - servant Peter Haws, receive any stock into their hands, in moneys - or in properties, wherein they receive the real value of moneys, - they shall not appropriate any portion of that stock to any other - purpose, only in that house; - - And if they do appropriate any portion of that stock anywhere else, - only in that house, without the consent of the stockholder, and do - not repay fourfold for the stock which they appropriate anywhere - else, only in that house, they shall be accursed, and shall be - moved out of their place, saith the Lord God, for I, the Lord, am - God, and cannot be mocked in any of these things. - - Verily I say unto you, let my servant Joseph pay stock into their - hands for the building of that house, as seemeth him good; but my - servant Joseph cannot pay over fifteen thousand dollars stock in - that house, nor under fifty dollars; neither can any other man, - saith the Lord. - - And there are others also who wish to know my will concerning them, - for they have asked it at my hands. - - Therefore I say unto you concerning my servant Vinson Knight, if he - will do my will, let him put stock into that house for himself, and - for his generation after him, from generation to generation, - - And let him lift up his voice long and loud, in the midst of the - people, to plead the cause of the poor and the needy, and let him - not fail, neither let his heart faint, and I will accept of his - offerings, for they shall not be unto me as the offerings of Cain, - for he shall be mine, saith the Lord. - - {281} Let his family rejoice, and turn away their hearts from - affliction, for I have chosen him and anointed him, and he shall be - honored in the midst of his house, for I will forgive all his sins, - saith the Lord. Amen. - - Verily I say unto you, let my servant Hyrum put stock into that - house as seemeth him good, for himself and his generation after - him, from generation to generation. - - Let my servant Isaac Galland put stock into that house, for I, the - Lord, love him for the work he hath done, and will forgive all his - sins; therefore, let him be remembered for an interest in that - house from generation to generation. - - Let my servant Isaac Galland be appointed among you, and be - ordained by my servant William Marks, and be blessed of him, to - go with my servant Hyrum, to accomplish the work that my servant - Joseph shall point out to them, and they shall be greatly blessed. - - Let my servant William Marks pay stock into that house, as seemeth - him good, for himself and his generation, from generation to - generation. - - Let my servant Henry G. Sherwood pay stock into that house, - as seemeth him good, for himself and his seed after him from - generation to generation. - - Let my servant William Law pay stock into that house, for himself - and his seed after him, from generation to generation. - - If he will do my will, let him not take his family unto the eastern - lands, even unto Kirtland; nevertheless, I, the Lord, will build - up Kirtland, but I, the Lord, have a scourge prepared for the - inhabitants thereof. - - And with my servant Almon Babbitt, there are many things with which - I am not pleased; behold, he aspireth to establish his council - instead of the council which I have ordained, even the Presidency - of my Church, and he setteth up a golden calf for the worship of my - people. - - Let no man go from this place who has come here essaying to keep my - commandments. - - If they live here let them live unto me; and if they die, let them - die unto me; for they shall rest from all their labors here, and - shall continue their works. - - Therefore let my servant William put his trust in me, and cease to - fear concerning his family, because of the sickness of the land. - If ye love me, keep my commandments, and the sickness of the land - shall redound to your glory. - - Let my servant William go and proclaim my everlasting Gospel with - a loud voice, and with great joy, as he shall be moved upon by - {282} my Spirit, unto the inhabitants of Warsaw, and also unto - the inhabitants of Carthage, and also unto the inhabitants of - Burlington, and also unto the inhabitants of Madison, and await - patiently and diligently for further instructions at my general - conference, saith the Lord. - - If he will do my will, let him from henceforth hearken to the - counsel of my servant Joseph, and with his interest support the - cause of the poor, and publish the new translation of my holy word - unto the inhabitants of the earth; - - And if he will do this, I will bless him with a multiplicity of - blessings, that he shall not be forsaken, nor his seed be found - begging bread. - - And again, verily I say unto you, let my servant William be - appointed, ordained, and anointed as a counselor unto my servant - Joseph, in the room of my servant Hyrum; that my servant Hyrum may - take the office of Priesthood and Patriarch which was appointed - unto him by his father, by blessing and also by right. - - That from henceforth he shall hold the keys of the Patriarchal - blessings upon the heads of all my people, - - That whomsoever he blesses shall be blessed, and whomsoever he - curses shall be cursed; that whatsoever he shall bind on earth - shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever he shall loose on earth - shall be loosed in heaven; - - And from this time forth I appoint unto him that he may be a - prophet, and a seer and a revelator unto my Church, as well as my - servant Joseph. - - That he may act in concert also with my servant Joseph, and that he - shall receive counsel from my servant Joseph, who shall show unto - him the keys whereby he may ask and receive, and be crowned with - the same blessing, and glory, and honor, and Priesthood, and gifts - of the Priesthood, that once were put upon him that was my servant - Oliver Cowdery; - - That my servant Hyrum may bear record of the things which I shall - show unto him, that his name may be had in honorable remembrance - from generation to generation forever and ever. - - Let my servant William Law also receive the keys by which he - may ask and receive blessings; let him be humble before me, and - be without guile, and he shall receive of my Spirit, even the - Comforter, which shall manifest unto him the truth of all things, - and shall give him in the very hour what he shall say. - - And these signs shall follow him; he shall heal the sick, he shall - cast out devils, and shall be delivered from those who would - administer unto him deadly poison; - - And he shall be led in paths where the poisonous serpent cannot lay - {283} hold upon his heel, and he shall mount up in the imagination - of his thoughts as upon eagle's wings; - - And what if I will that he should raise the dead, let him not - withhold his voice. - - Therefore, let my servant William cry aloud and spare not, with - joy and rejoicing, and with hosannas to Him that sitteth upon the - throne forever and ever, saith the Lord your God. - - Behold I say unto you, I have a mission in store for my servant - William and my servant Hyrum, and for them alone; and let my - servant Joseph tarry at home, for he is needed; the remainder I - will show unto you hereafter. Even so. Amen. - - And again, verily I say unto you, if my servant Sidney will serve - me and be counselor unto my servant Joseph, let him arise and come - up and stand in the office of his calling, and humble himself - before me; - - And if he will offer unto me an acceptable offering, and - acknowledgments, and remain with my people, behold, I, the Lord - your God, will heal him that he shall be healed; and he shall lift - up his voice again on the mountains, and be a spokesman before my - face. - - Let him come and locate his family in the neighborhood in which my - servant Joseph resides, - - And in all his journeyings let him lift up his voice as with the - sound of a trump, and warn the inhabitants of the earth to flee the - wrath to come; - - Let him assist my servant Joseph; and also let my servant William - Law assist my servant Joseph, in making a solemn proclamation unto - the kings of the earth, even as I have before said unto you; - - If my servant Sidney will do my will, let him not remove his family - unto the eastern lands, but let him change their habitation even as - I have said. - - Behold, it is not my will that he shall seek to find safety and - refuge out of the city which I have appointed unto you, even the - city of Nauvoo. - - Verily I say unto you, even now, if he will hearken unto my voice, - it shall be well with him. Even so. Amen. - - And again, verily I say unto you, let my servant Amos Davis pay - stock into the hands of those whom I have appointed to build a - house for boarding, even the Nauvoo House; - - This let him do if he will have an interest, and let him hearken - unto the counsel of my servant Joseph, and labor with his own hands - that he may obtain the confidence of men; - - And when he shall prove himself faithful in all things that shall - be entrusted unto his care, yea, even a few things, he shall be - made ruler over many; - - {284} Let him therefore abase himself that he may be exalted. Even - so. Amen. - - And again, verily I say unto you, if my servant Robert D. Foster - will obey my voice, let him build a house for my servant Joseph, - according to the contract which he has made with him, as the door - shall be open to him from time to time. - - And let him repent of all his folly, and clothe himself with - charity, and cease to do evil, and lay aside all his hard speeches, - - And pay stock also into the hands of the quorum of the Nauvoo House - for himself and for his generation after him, from generation to - generation, - - And hearken unto the counsel of my servants Joseph and Hyrum and - William Law, and unto the authorities which I have called to lay - the foundation of Zion, and it shall be well with him for ever and - ever, Even so. Amen. - - And again, verily I say unto you, let no man pay stock to the - quorum of the Nauvoo House, unless he shall be a believer in the - Book of Mormon, and the revelations I have given unto you, saith - the Lord your God; - - For that which is more or less than this cometh of evil, and shall - be attended with cursings and not blessings, saith the Lord your - God. Even so. Amen. - - And again, verily I say unto you, let the quorum of the Nauvoo - House have a just recompense of wages for all their labors which - they do in building the Nauvoo House, and let their wages be as - shall be agreed among themselves, as pertaining to the price - thereof; - - And let every man who pays stock bear his proportion of their - wages, if it must needs be, for their support, saith the Lord; - otherwise, their labors shall be accounted unto them for stock in - that house. Even so. Amen. - - Verily I say unto you, I now give unto you the officers belonging - to my Priesthood, that ye may hold the keys thereof, even the - Priesthood which is after the order of Melchisedek, which is after - the order of my Only Begotten Son. - - First, I give unto you Hyrum Smith, to be a Patriarch unto you, to - hold the sealing blessings of my church, even the Holy Spirit of - promise, whereby ye are sealed up unto the day of redemption, that - ye may not fall, notwithstanding the hour of temptation that may - come upon you. - - I give unto you my servant Joseph, to be a presiding elder over all - my church, to be a translator, a revelator, a seer, and prophet. - - I give unto him for counselors my servant Sidney Rigdon, and my - servant William Law, that these may constitute a quorum and First - Presidency, to receive the oracles for the whole church. - - {285} I give unto you my servant Brigham Young, to be a President - over Twelve traveling Council; - - Which Twelve hold the keys to open up the authority of my kingdom - upon the four corners of the earth, and after that to send my word - to every creature. - - They are Heber C. Kimball, Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, Orson - Hyde, William Smith, John Taylor, John E. Page, Wilford Woodruff, - Willard Richards, George A. Smith; - - David Patten I have taken unto myself; behold, his Priesthood no - man taketh from him; but verily I say unto you, another may be - appointed unto the same calling. - - And again, I say unto you, I give unto you a High Council, for the - corner stone of Zion; - - Viz., Samuel Bent, Henry G. Sherwood, George W. Harris, Charles - C. Rich, Thomas Grover, Newel Knight, David Dort, Dunbar Wilson; - (Seymour Brunson I have taken unto myself, no man taketh his - Priesthood, but another may be appointed unto the same Priesthood - in his stead; and verily I say unto you, let my servant Aaron - Johnson be ordained unto this calling in his stead); David Fullmer, - Alpheus Cutler, William Huntington. - - And again, I give unto you Don C. Smith, to be a president over a - quorum of High Priests; - - Which ordinance is instituted for the purpose of qualifying those - who shall be appointed standing presidents or servants over - different Stakes scattered abroad, - - And they may travel also if they choose, but rather be ordained for - standing presidents, this is the office of their calling, saith the - Lord your God. - - I give unto him Amasa Lyman, and Noah Packard, for Counselors, that - they may preside over the quorum of High Priests of my Church, - saith the Lord. - - And again, I say unto you, I give unto you John A. Hicks, Samuel - Williams, and Jesse Baker, which Priesthood is to preside over - the quorum of elders, which quorum is instituted for standing - ministers, nevertheless they may travel, yet they are ordained to - be standing ministers to my Church, saith the Lord. - - And again, I give unto you, Joseph Young, Josiah Butterfield, - Daniel Miles, Henry Harriman, Zera Pulsipher, Levi Hancock, James - Foster, to preside over the quorum of seventies, - - Which quorum is instituted for traveling elders to bear record of - my name in all the world, wherever the traveling High Council, my - apostles, shall send them to prepare a way before my face. - - The difference between this quorum and the quorum of elders, is - {286} that one is to travel continually, and the other is to - preside over the churches from time to time; the one has the - responsibility of presiding from time to time, and the other has no - responsibility of presiding, saith the Lord your God. - - And again, I say unto you, I give unto you Vinson Knight, Samuel H. - Smith and Shadrach Roundy, if he will receive it, to preside over - the bishopric; a knowledge of said bishopric is given unto you in - the book of Doctrine and Covenants. - - And again, I say unto you, Samuel Rolfe and his counselors for - priests, and the president of the teachers and his counselors, and - also the president of the deacons and his counselors, and also the - president of the stake and his counselors; - - The above offices I have given unto you, and the keys thereof, for - helps and for governments, for the work of the ministry, and the - perfecting of my Saints; - - And a commandment I give unto you that you should fill all these - offices and approve of those names which I have mentioned, or else - disapprove of them at my general conference; - - And that ye should prepare rooms for all these offices in my house - when you build it unto my name, saith the Lord your God. Even so. - Amen. - -_Thursday, 21_.--Elders Brigham Young and Willard Richards completed -the index to the Book of Mormon, and it was immediately put in type, -which closed the printing of the first English edition. - -_Sunday, 24_.--Elder Brigham Young preached twice at Liverpool on -election and reprobation. - -[Sidenote: Hyrum Smith Installed as Patriarch.] - -Hyrum Smith, who received the office of Patriarch in the Church, in -place of Joseph Smith, Sen., deceased, has by revelation been appointed -a Prophet and Revelator. William Law has by revelation been appointed -one of the First Presidency, in place of Hyrum Smith, appointed -Patriarch. George Miller has been appointed, by revelation, Bishop in -place of Edward Partridge, deceased. - -_Saturday, 30_.--At a special conference of the Church of Jesus Christ -of Latter-day Saints, held at Nauvoo pursuant to public notice, I was -unanimously elected sole Trustee-in-Trust for the Church of Jesus -Christ of Latter-day Saints. - -{287} Also Saturday the 30th and Sunday 31st, a Conference was held at -Walnut Grove, Knox county, Illinois; Elder William Smith presiding; 113 -members, 14 Elders were present; several branches were represented, and -several persons baptized. - -[Sidenote: First Election of Municipal Officers in Nauvoo.] - -_Monday, 1_.--The first election in Nauvoo, for members of the -City Council took place, and the following persons were elected by -majorities varying from 330 to 337 votes; to wit, for Mayor, John C. -Bennett; Aldermen, William Marks, Samuel H. Smith, Daniel H. Wells, -Newel K. Whitney; Councilors, Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, Sidney Rigdon, -Charles C. Rich, John T. Barnett, Wilson Law, Don Carlos Smith, John P. -Greene, Vinson Knight. - - City Of Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, Feb. 1, A. D. 1841. - - _To the County Recorder of the County of Hancock_: - - Dear Sir:--At a meeting of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day - Saints, at this place on Saturday, the 30th day of January, A. - D. 1841, I was elected sole Trustee for said Church, to hold my - office during life (my successors to be the First Presidency of - said Church) and vested with plenary powers, as sole Trustee in - Trust for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to - receive, acquire, manage or convey property, real, personal, or - mixed, for the sole use and benefit of said Church, agreeably to - the provisions of an act entitled, "An Act Concerning Religious - Societies," approved February 6, 1835. - - Joseph Smith, (L. S.) - - State Of Illinois Hancock Co., ss. - - This day personally appeared before me, Daniel H. Wells, a justice - of the peace, within and for the county of Hancock, County - aforesaid, Isaac Galland, Robert B. Thompson, and John C. Bennett, - who being duly sworn, depose and say that the foregoing certificate - of Joseph Smith is true. - - Isaac Galland, - - Robert B. Thompson - - John C. Bennett. - - Sworn to and subscribed this third day of February in the year of - our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty-one before me, - - Daniel H. Wells, - - Justice of the Peace. - -{288} The above is recorded in the county records at Carthage, in book -No. 1, of Bonds and Mortgages, page 95, No. 87. - -_Wednesday 3_.--Elder Taylor reports 160 baptized in Liverpool, -England; in Ireland about 25; in the Isle of Man, 70; Hawarden, 30. -Elder Lorenzo Snow is laboring in London. - -[Sidenote: Nauvoo City Council Organized.] - -The City Council of Nauvoo was organized; the opening prayer was -offered by myself, after which the Mayor-elect delivered his inaugural -address as published in the _Times and Seasons_, page 316, as follows: - - Inaugural Address. - - City Of Nauvoo, Illinois, Feb. 3rd, 1841. - - _Gentlemen of the City Council, Aldermen and Councillors_: - - Having been elected to the Mayoralty of this city by the unanimous - suffrage of all parties and interests, I now enter upon the duties - devolving upon me as your Chief Magistrate under a deep sense of - the responsibilities of the station. I trust that the confidence - reposed in me, by my fellow citizens, has not been misplaced, and - for the honor conferred they will accept my warmest sentiments - of gratitude. By the munificence and wise legislation of noble, - high-minded, and patriotic statesmen, and the grace of God, we - have been blessed with one of the most liberal corporate acts ever - granted by a legislative assembly. As the presiding officer of - the law-making department of the municipal government, it will be - expected that I communicate to you, from time to time, by oral or - written messages, for your deliberative consideration and action, - such matters as may suggest themselves to me in relation to the - public weal; and upon this occasion I beg leave to present the - following as matters of paramount importance: - - The 21st section of the addenda to the 13th section of the City - Charter, concedes to you plenary power "to tax, restrain, prohibit - and suppress, tippling houses, dram shops," etc., etc., and I now - recommend, in the strongest possible terms, that you take prompt, - strong, and decisive measures to "prohibit and suppress" all such - establishments. It is true you have the power "to tax," or license - and tolerate, them, and thus add to the city finances; but I - consider it much better to raise revenue by an advalorem tax on the - property of sober men, than by licensing dram shops, or taxing the - signs of the inebriated worshipers at the shrine of Bacchus. The - revels of bacchanalians in the {289} houses of blasphemy and noise - will always prove a disgrace to a moral people. Public sentiment - will do much to suppress the vice of intemperance, and its - concomitant evil results; but ample experience has incontrovertibly - proven that it cannot do all--the law must be brought to the - rescue, and an effective prohibitory ordinance enacted. This cannot - be done at a better time than at the present. Let us commence - correctly, and the great work of reform, at least so far as our - peaceful city is concerned, can be summarily consummated. It would - be difficult to calculate the vast amount of evil and crime that - would be prevented, and the great good that would accrue to the - public at large by fostering the cause of temperance; but suffice - it to say that the one would be commensurate to the other. No - sales of spirituous liquors whatever, in a less quantity than - a quart, except in cases of sickness on the recommendation of - a physician or surgeon duly accredited by the Chancellor and - Regents of the University, should be tolerated. The liberty of - selling the intoxicating cup is a false liberty--it enslaves, - degrades, destroys; and wretchedness and want are attendant on - every step,--its touch, like that of the poison upas, is death. - Liberty to do good should be cheerfully and freely accorded to - every man; but liberty to do evil, which is licentiousness, should - be peremptorily prohibited. The public good imperiously demands - it--and the cause of humanity pleads for help. The protecting - aegis of the corporation should be thrown around every moral and - religious institution of the day, which is in any way calculated to - ennoble, or ameliorate the condition of the human family. - - The immediate organization of the University, as contemplated in - the 24th section of the act incorporating our city, cannot be - too forcibly impressed upon you at this time. As all matters in - relation to mental culture, and public instruction, from common - schools up to the highest branches of a full collegiate course in - the arts, sciences, and learned professions, will devolve upon the - Chancellor and Regents of the University, they should be speedily - elected, and instructed to perfect their plan, and enter upon its - execution with as little delay as possible. The wheels of education - should never be clogged, or retrograde, but roll progressively from - the Alpha to the Omega of a most perfect, liberal, and thorough - course of university attainments. The following observations - in relation to false education, from Alexander's Messenger, so - perfectly accords with my feelings and views on this highly - important subject, that I cannot do better than incorporate them in - this message. - - "Among the changes for the worse, which the world has witnessed - within the last century, we include that specious, superficial, - incomplete way of doing certain things, which were formerly thought - to be deserving of care, labor and attention. It would seem that - appearance is now considered of more moment than reality. The - modern mode of {290} education is an example in point. Children - are so instructed as to acquire a smattering of everything, and as - a matter of consequence, they know nothing properly. Seminaries - and academies deal out their moral and natural philosophy, their - geometry, trigonometry, and astronomy, their chemistry, botany, - and mineralogy, until the mind of the pupil becomes a chaos; and, - like the stomach when it is overloaded with a variety of food, - it digests nothing, but converts the superabundant nutriment to - poison. This mode of education answers one purpose--it enables - people to seem learned; and seemingly, by a great many, is - thought all sufficient. Thus we are schooled in quackery, and are - early taught to regard showy and superficial attainments as most - desirable. Every boarding school Miss is a Plato in petticoats, - without an ounce of that genuine knowledge, that true philosophy, - which would enable her to be useful in the world, and to escape - those perils with which she must necessarily be encompassed. Young - people are taught to use a variety of hard terms, which they - understand but imperfectly--to repeat lessons which they are unable - to apply--to astonish their grandmothers with a display of their - parrot-like acquisitions; but their mental energies are clogged - and torpified with a variety of learned lumber, most of which is - discarded from the brain long before its possessor knows how to use - it. This is the quackery of education. - - "The effects of the erring system are not easily obliterated. The - habit of using words without thought, sticks to the unfortunate - student through life, and should he ever learn to think, he - cannot express his ideas without the most tedious and perplexing - verbosity. This is, more or less, the fault of every writer in - the nineteenth century. The sense is encumbered with sound. The - scribbler appears to imagine that if he puts a sufficient number - of words together he has done his part; and, alas! how many books - are written on this principle. Thus literature, and even science - itself, is overloaded with froth and flummery. Verbalizing has - become fashionable and indispensable, and one line from an ancient - author will furnish the materials for a modern treatise." - - Our University should be a "utilitarian" institution--and - competent, industrious teachers and professors should be - immediately elected for the several departments. "Knowledge is - power,"--foster education and we are forever free! Nothing can be - done which is more certainly calculated to perpetuate the free - institutions of our common country, for which our progenitors - "fought and bled, and died," than the general diffusion of - useful knowledge amongst the people. Education should always - be of a purely practical character, for such, and such alone, - is calculated to perfect the happiness and prosperity of our - fellow-citizens--ignorance, impudence, and false knowledge, are - equally detestible,--shame and confusion follow in their train. As - you now {291} possess the power, afford the most ample facilities - to the Regents to make their plans complete; and thus enable them - to set a glorious example to the world at large. The most liberal - policy should attend the organization of the University, and equal - honors and privileges should be extended to all classes of the - community. - - In order to carry out the provisions of the 25th section of the - act incorporating our city, I would recommend the immediate - organization of the Legion. Comprising, as it does, the entire - military power of our city, with a provision allowing any citizen - of Hancock county to unite by voluntary enrollment, early - facilities should be afforded the court martial for perfecting - their plans of drill, rules, and regulations. Nothing is more - necessary to the preservation of order and the supremacy of the - laws, than the perfect organization of our military forces, under - a uniform and rigid discipline and approved judicious drill; and - to this end I desire to see all the departments and cohorts of - the Legion put in immediate requisition. The Legion should be all - powerful, panoplied with justice and equity, to consummate the - designs of its projectors--at all times ready, as minute men, - to serve the state in such way and manner as may, from time to - time, be pointed out by the Governor. You have long sought an - opportunity of showing your attachment to the state government - of Illinois--it is now afforded; the Legion should maintain the - constitution and the laws, and be ready at all times for the public - defense. The winged warrior of the air perches upon the pole of - American liberty, and the beast that has the temerity to ruffle her - feathers should be made to feel the power of her talons; and until - she ceases to be our proud national emblem we should not cease - to show our attachment to Illinois. Should the tocsin of alarm - ever be sounded, and the Legion called to the tented field by our - Executive, I hope to see it able, under one of the proudest mottoes - that ever blazed upon a warrior's shield--_Sicut patribus sit Deus - nobis_; "as God was with our fathers, so may He be with us"--to - fight the battles of our country, as victors, and as freemen; the - juice of the uva, or the spirit of insubordination should never - enter our camp,--but we should stand, ever stand, as a united - people--one and indivisible. - - I would earnestly recommend the construction of a wing-dam in the - Mississippi, at the mouth of the ravine at or near the head of - Main street, and the excavation of a ship canal from that point - to a point terminating in a grand reservoir on the bank of said - river, east of the foot of said street, a distance of about two - miles. This would afford, at the various outlets, the most ample - water power for propelling any amount of machinery for mill and - manufacturing purposes, so essentially necessary to the building - up of a great commercial city in the heart of one of the most - productive and delightful countries on earth. I {292} would - advise that an agent be immediately appointed on behalf of the - city corporation, to negotiate with eastern capitalists for the - completion of this great work, on the most advantageous terms, even - to the conveyance of the privilege for a term of years. This work - finished, and the future greatness of this city is placed upon an - imperishable basis. In addition to the great advantages that will - otherwise accrue to the city and country by the construction of - this noble work, it would afford the best harbor for steamboats, - for winter quarters, on this magnificent stream. - - The public health requires that the low lands, bordering on the - Mississippi, should be immediately drained, and the entire timber - removed. This can and will be one of the most healthful cities - in the west, provided you take prompt and decisive action in the - premises. A board of health should be appointed and vested with the - usual powers and prerogatives. - - The Governor, council of revision, and legislature of Illinois, - should be held in everlasting remembrance by our people--they - burst the chains of slavery and proclaimed us forever free! A vote - of thanks, couched in the strongest language possible, should be - tendered them in our corporate capacity; and, when this is done, - Quincy, our first noble city of refuge, when we came from the - slaughter in Missouri with our garments stained with blood, should - not be forgotten. - - As the Chief Magistrate of your city I am determined to execute all - state laws and city ordinances passed in pursuance to law, to the - very letter, should it require the strong arm of military power - to enable me to do so. As an officer I know no man; the peaceful, - unoffending in the full exercise of all his civil, political, and - religious rights, and the guilty violator of law shall be punished, - without respect to persons. - - All of which is respectfully submitted. [2] - - John C. Bennett. - -The following persons were elected by the council to their offices, -to-wit--Henry G. Sherwood, marshal; James Sloan, recorder; Robert -B. Thompson, treasurer; James Robinson, assessor; Austin Cowles, -supervisor of streets. I presented to the city council the following -resolution, which was unanimously adopted: - - {293} Resolved by the City Council of the City of Nauvoo, that the - unfeigned thanks of this community be respectfully tendered to the - Governor, Council of Revision, and Legislature of the state of - Illinois, as a feeble testimonial of their respect and esteem for - noble, high-minded, and patriotic statesmen; and as an evidence of - gratitude for the signal powers recently conferred; also that the - citizens of Quincy be held in everlasting remembrance, for their - unparalleled liberality and marked kindness to our people, when in - their greatest state of suffering and want. - -I presented a bill for an ordinance concerning the University of -Nauvoo, which passed as follows: - - Sec.1. Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Nauvoo, - that the "University of the City of Nauvoo," be, and the same - is hereby organized by the appointment of the following Board - of Trustees, to-wit--John C. Bennett, chancellor; William Law, - registrar; and Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, Hyrum Smith, William - Marks, Samuel H. Smith, Daniel H. Wells, Newel K. Whitney, Charles - C. Rich, John T. Barnett, Wilson Law, Don Carlos Smith, John P. - Greene, Vinson Knight, Isaac Galland, Elias Higbee, Robert D. - Foster, James Adams, Robert B. Thompson, Samuel Bennett, Ebenezer - Robinson, John Snider, George Miller, and Lenos M. Knight, Regents - of the "University of the City of Nauvoo;" as contemplated in - the 24th section of "An Act to incorporate the City of Nauvoo," - approved December 16, 1840. - - Sec. 2. The board named in the first section of this ordinance, - shall hold its first meeting at the office of Joseph Smith, on - Tuesday, the 9th day of February, 1841, at 2 o'clock p. m. - - Passed February 3, 1841. - - John C. Bennett, Mayor. - - James Sloan, Recorder. - -I also presented a bill for an ordinance organizing the Nauvoo Legion, -which passed the same day, as follows: - - Sec. 1. Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Nauvoo, - that the inhabitants of the City of Nauvoo, and such citizens of - Hancock county as may unite by voluntary enrollment, be, and they - are hereby organized into a body of independent military men, to be - called the "Nauvoo Legion," as contemplated in the 25th section of - "An Act to incorporate the City of Nauvoo," approved December 16, - 1840. - - Sec. 2. The Legion shall be, and is hereby divided into two - cohorts; the horse troops to constitute the first cohort, and the - foot troops to constitute the second cohort. - - {294} Sec. 3. The general officers of the Legion shall consist of a - lieutenant-general, as the chief commanding and reviewing officer, - and president of the court martial and Legion; a major-general, - as the second in command in the Legion, the secretary of the - court martial and Legion, and adjutant and inspector-general; - a brigadier-general, as the commander of the first cohort; and - brigadier-general, as commander of the second cohort. - - Sec. 4. The staff of the lieutenant-general shall consist of two - principal aids-de-camp, with the rank of colonels of cavalry; and a - guard of twelve aids-de-camp, with the rank of captain of infantry; - and a drill officer, with the rank of colonel of dragoons, who - shall likewise be the chief officer of the guard. - - Sec. 5. The staff of the major-general shall consist of an - adjutant, a surgeon-in-chief, a cornet, a quarter-master, a - paymaster, a commissary, and a chaplain, with the rank of colonels - of infantry; a surgeon for each cohort, a quarter-master-sergeant, - sergeant-major, and chief musician, with the rank of captains of - light infantry, and two musicians, with the rank of captains of - infantry. - - Sec. 6. The staff of each brigadier-general shall consist of one - aid-de-camp, with the rank of lieutenant-colonel of infantry, - provided that the said brigadiers shall have access to the staff of - the major-general, when not otherwise in service. - - Sec. 7. No officer shall hereafter be elected by the various - companies of the Legion, except upon the nomination of the - court-martial; and it is hereby made the duty of the court-martial - to nominate at least two candidates for each vacant office, - whenever such vacancies occur. - - Sec. 8. The court-martial shall fill and supply all offices - ranking between captains and brigadier-generals by granting brevet - commissions to the most worthy company officers of the line, who - shall thereafter take rank, and command according to the date of - their brevets, provided that their original place in the line shall - not thereby be vacated. - - Sec. 9. The court-martial, consisting of all the military officers, - commissioned or entitled to commissions, within the limits of the - city corporation, shall meet at the office of Joseph Smith, on - Thursday, the 4th day of February, 1841, at 10 o'clock a. m.; and - then and there proceed to elect the general officers of the Legion, - as contemplated in the 3rd section of this ordinance. - - Sec. 10. The court-martial shall adopt for the Legion, as nearly as - may be, and so far as applicable, the discipline, drill, uniform, - rule, and regulations of the United States army. - - Passed February 8, 1841. - - John C. Bennett, Mayor. - - James Sloan, Recorder. - -{295} Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, Don C. Smith, and Charles C. Rich were -duly sworn as members of the City Council. [3] - -The following addition has been made to the Charter of the Nauvoo -Legion by the legislature-- - - Any citizen of Hancock county may, by voluntary enrollment, attach - himself to the Nauvoo Legion, with all the privileges, which - appertain to that independent military body. - -I gave a general invitation to my friends to enroll themselves, so as -to have a perfect organization by the fourth of July. I was appointed -chairman of several committees, viz.: "On the Canal," "For Vacating -the Town of Commerce," "Vending Spirituous Liquors," "Code of City -Ordinances", "Board of Health," &c. Council adjourned to the 8th. - -_Thursday, 4_. - - _Minutes of the Meeting which Organized the Nauvoo Legion_. - - Pursuant to an ordinance of the City Council of the City of Nauvoo, - entitled, "An ordinance organizing the Nauvoo Legion," passed - February 3, 1841, a court-martial, composed of the commissioned - officers of the militia of the state of Illinois, within the city - of Nauvoo, assembled at the office of Joseph Smith, on Thursday - at 10 o'clock a. m., the 4th day of February, 1841: present--John - C. Bennett, quarter-master general of the state of Illinois; - Lieutenant-Colonel Don Carlos Smith; Captains Charles C. Rich, - Wilson Law, Albert P. Rockwood, William Law, Titus Billings, - Stephen Markham; first lieutenants, Francis M. Higbee, John T. - Barnett, John D. Parker, Benjamin S. Wilber, Amos Davis; second - lieutenants, Chancy L. Higbee, Nelson Higgins, David H. Redfield, - Hosea Stout, Stephen Winchester, Thomas Rich; third lieutenants, - John C. Annis, and Alexander Badlam. The court was {296} called - to order by General Bennett. On motion, Joseph Smith and Hugh - McFall were requested to sit in the court. The court-martial then - proceeded to the election of the general officers of the Legion; - whereupon Joseph Smith was duly elected lieutenant-general of - the Nauvoo Legion, and John C. Bennett, major-general. Colonel - Wilson Law was elected brigadier-general of the first cohort, and - Lieutenant-Colonel Don Carlos Smith brigadier-general of the second - cohort, by unanimous vote of the court-martial. Lieutenant-general - Joseph Smith, after being duly sworn into office, appointed the - following named persons for his staff, to-wit--Captain A. P. - Rockwood to be drill officer; Captains William Law and Robert B. - Thompson, aids-de-camp; and James Allred, Thomas Grover, C. M. - Kreymeyer, John L. Butler, John Snider, Alpheus Cutler, Reynolds - Cahoon, Elias Higbee, Henry G. Sherwood, Shadrack Roundy, Samuel H. - Smith, and Vinson Knight, guards, and assistant aids-de-camp. The - Legion, at its organization, was composed of six companies. - -_Friday, 5_.--Elder Reuben Hedlock is laboring in Glasgow, Scotland. -The Church in that place numbers 55, and the spirit of enquiry -increases. - -_Saturday, 6_. - - _Minutes of a Council at Brother Richard Harrison's, 72 Burlington - Street, Liverpool, for organizing a company of Saints going to New - Orleans on the ship "Sheffield," Captain Porter_. - - Elders Brigham Young, Willard Richards, John Taylor, and other - officers, present. Elder Hyrum Clark was chosen president, and - Thomas Walmsley, Miles Romney, Edward Martin, John Taylor, Francis - Clark, and John Riley, counselors to President Clark. Edward - Martin, clerk and historian. Peter Maughan and John Taylor were - ordained Elders. President Clark and his counselors were blessed - and set apart for their mission. - -_Sunday, 7_.--Ship _Sheffield_ sailed from Liverpool with 235 Saints. - -_Monday, 8_.--Levi Richards writes from Lugwardine-- - - _To the Editor of the Star_: - - Since Stanley Hill conference, I have attended about thirty - council meetings of Church officers, in eleven different places - in Herefordshire, Gloucestershire, and Worcestershire, making a - circuit of nearly one hundred miles. Union and harmony prevail - among them, and a {297} disposition to add to their faith. New - places are frequently opened for preaching, which is generally - supplied. Many are baptized every week, although the ice has to - yield its natural claims, and be put aside. The gift of healing is - manifested to quite an extent in this region. The gift of tongues - is received in most of the branches where I am acquainted. The - spirit of persecution is not yet wholly cast out of the world: for - recently preaching was held for the first time in Pendock parish, - eight miles from Ledbury, when a congregation, respectable in - numbers and appearance, were compelled to retire prematurely, in - consequence of the quantity of gravel thrown upon the roof and - against the windows. The mob were numerous, and pelted the Saints - on their way home with mud. The meeting was held at the shop of a - tradesman, who had been clerk of the parish, but was so fortunate - as to obey the Gospel, and be turned out of his stewardship; and - his wife was dismissed from her school, for the same reason, by the - parson of the parish. More or less of the Saints are turned out of - employ, and out of their houses, for obeying the Gospel. - -[Sidenote: Nauvoo Council Opened by Prayer.] - -City Council met according to adjournment and opened by prayer, which -was made a standing rule of the council. I reported a bill for the -survey of a canal through the city, which was accepted; and I was -appointed to contract for its survey. I also reported a bill for an -ordinance on temperance, which was read and laid over. - -_Wednesday, 10_.--Elder James Burnham writes from Overton, Flintshire, -North Wales-- - - I have organized two branches, with about 150 members; and we are - continually baptizing, whether it be cold or hot. There is great - opposition. - -[Sidenote: The _Echo_ Company.] - -_Thursday, 11_.--Elders Young, Richards, and Taylor, in council at 72 -Burlington Street, Liverpool, set apart, by the laying on of hands, -Elder Daniel Browett, to take charge of a company of Saints, about to -sail for New Orleans on ship _Echo_, Captain Wood; and John Cheese, -David Wilding, James Lavender, William Jenkins, Robert Harris, and John -Ellison, to be his counselors. Robert Harris was ordained an Elder, and -Elder Browett was appointed clerk and historian of the company. - -{298} _Saturday, 13_.--Elder Orson Hyde sailed from New York for -Liverpool, on his way to Jerusalem, accompanied by Elder George J. -Adams. - -_Sunday, 14_. - - _Minutes of the London Conference_. - - A conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was - held at Barrett's Academy, 57 King Square, Goswell Road, London, - on Sunday, the 14th of February, 1841, there being present--Elders - Heber C. Kimball, Wilford Woodruff, Lorenzo Snow, William Pitt, - and four Priests. The meeting was called to order by Elder Kimball - at 2 o'clock p. m. Moved by Elder Kimball, seconded by Elder Pitt, - that Elder Woodruff be president of this conference; carried - unanimously. Moved by Elder Kimball, seconded by Elder Woodruff, - that Dr. W. Copeland be clerk; carried unanimously. The meeting - opened by Elder Kimball with prayer and singing. The president then - called upon the official members to represent their respective - branches. The church at Ipswich was represented by Elder Pitt, - as consisting of twelve members, one Elder, one Priest, and one - Teacher. The church at Bedford was represented by Robert Williams, - Priest, as consisting of forty-two members, one Priest, seven - moved, two died. The church at Woolwich was represented by John - Griffith, Priest, as consisting of six members, one Priest. The - church in London was represented by Elder Kimball as consisting of - forty-six members, one Elder, two Priests: excellent prospects of a - continued increase. James Allen was ordained an Elder, and Thomas - Barnes a Priest. Robert Williams was ordained an Elder, to preside - over the branch at Bedford; and William Smith and John Sheffield - were ordained Priests. Richard Bates was ordained a Priest, in the - branch of Woolwich, and A. Painter a Teacher--all under the hands - of Elders Kimball, Woodruff and Snow. It was then moved by Elder - Kimball, seconded by Elder Woodruff, that Elder Snow be appointed - president of this [the Woolwich] conference, also to take the - superintendency of the branch in London. Much valuable instruction - was given by Elders Kimball and Woodruff in relation to the duties - of the official members. It was then moved by Elder Kimball, - and seconded by Elder Snow, that this conference be adjourned - to Sunday, 16th of May, 1841. The conference was then closed at - half-past five, by singing and prayer. - - Dr. W. Copeland, Clerk. - -_Monday, 15_.--As chairman of the committee [on the vending of -spirituous liquors] I reported a bill to the City {299} Council, which, -after a long discussion, passed into "An ordinance in relation to -temperance." - - Ordinance. - - Sec. 1. Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Nauvoo, - that all persons and establishments whatever, in this city, are - prohibited from vending whisky in a less quantity than a gallon, or - other spirituous liquors in a less quantity than a quart, to any - person whatever, excepting on the recommendation of a physician, - duly accredited in writing, by the Chancellor and Regents of the - University of the City of Nauvoo; and any person guilty of any act - contrary to the prohibition contained in this ordinance, shall, on - conviction thereof before the Mayor or municipal court, be fined - in any sum not exceeding twenty-five dollars, at the discretion - of said Mayor or municipal court; and any person or persons who - shall attempt to evade this ordinance by giving away liquor, or by - any other means, shall be considered alike amenable, and fined as - aforesaid. - - Passed February 15, 1841. - - John C. Bennett, Mayor. - - James Sloan, Recorder. - -In the discussion of the foregoing bill, I spoke at great length on the -use of liquors, and showed that they were unnecessary, and operate as a -poison in the stomach, and that roots and herbs can be found to effect -all necessary purposes. - -_Tuesday, 16_. - - _Missouri's "White-washing_." - - Resolved by the Senate [of the state of Missouri], the House - of Representatives concurring, that two thousand copies of the - evidence taken before the examining court in relation to "Mormon" - difficulties, and such of the letters, orders, and correspondence - on that subject, on file in the office of the secretary of state, - as may be selected by a joint committee of the two houses, shall be - published in pamphlet form, under the direction of the secretary of - state; that one copy, in lieu of the manuscript copies, heretofore - ordered, be sent to our delegation in Congress, to be laid before - the House to which they respectively belong, one to each member of - Congress, and the residue be distributed among the Mormons of the - general assembly. - - Approved February 16, 1841. [4] - -{300} Is this Missouri's last struggle to retrieve her lost character -to publish to the world a one-sided statement of her robberies, -murders, and extermination which she had committed without provocation, -at a time when not one Saint was left in Missouri to tell the truth -about them? - -The ship _Echo_ sailed from Liverpool for New Orleans, with 109 Saints, -led by Daniel Browett. - -_Saturday, 20_.--Elder Brigham Young went to Harwarden and preached -twice on Sunday. - -Elders William Kay and Thomas Richardson introduced the Gospel into the -City of Hereford. - -The court-martial of the Nauvoo Legion, by a unanimous vote, adopted -the following resolutions, to-wit-- - - _Legion Resolutions_. - - That no person whatever, residing within the limits of the City - of Nauvoo, between the ages of 18 and 45 years, excepting such as - are exempted by the laws of the United States, shall be exempt - from military duty, unless exempted by a special act of this - court; and the fines for neglecting or refusing to appear on the - days of general parade were fixed at the following rates: for - generals, $25; colonels, $20; captains, $15; lieutenants, $10; and - musicians and privates, $5; and for company parade at the following - rates--for commissioned officers, $5; non-commissioned officers, - $3; musicians and privates, $2. The 1st and 6th of April, and the - 3rd of July, were fixed upon as days for general parade for this - year. - - Ordered that Edward P. Duzette enlist and organize a band of music, - not exceeding twenty men. It was also reported that John Scott had - been elected captain in the place of William Law, and Lieutenant - Hosea Stout in the place of Albert P. Rockwood, who has been - promoted. - -_Monday, 22_.--I laid before the City Council the following-- - - Resolution. - - Resolved by the City Council of the City of Nauvoo, that the - freedom of the city be, and the same hereby is, conferred on the - present Governor, lieutenant-governor, council of revision, and - members of both houses of the general assembly, of the state of - Illinois, as an evidence {301} of our gratitude for their great - liberality and kindness to this community, during the present - winter, which was adopted unanimously. - -I also presented the following bill for "An ordinance in relation to -the University." - - Ordinance. - - Sec. 1. Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Nauvoo, - that all matters and powers whatever in relation to common schools, - and all other institutions of learning within the City of Nauvoo - be, and the same hereby are transferred from the City Council of - the City of Nauvoo, to the chancellor and regents of the University - of the City of Nauvoo. - - Passed February 22, 1841. - - John C. Bennett, Mayor. - - James Sloan, Recorder. - -_Tuesday, 23_.--Elder Kington writes from Bristol, England, that eight -have been baptized in that place. - - An Act to Incorporate the Nauvoo House Association. - - Sec. 1. Be it enacted by the people of the state of Illinois, - represented in the general assembly, that George Miller, Lyman - Wight, John Snider, and Peter Haws, and their associates, are - hereby declared a body corporate, under the name and style of the - "Nauvoo House Association;" and they are hereby authorized to erect - and furnish a public house of entertainment, to be called the - "Nauvoo House." - - Sec. 2. The above-named George Miller, Lyman Wight, John Snider, - and Peter Haws, and their associates, are hereby declared to be the - trustees of the association, with full power and authority to hold - in joint tenancy, by themselves and their successors in office, a - certain lot in the City of Nauvoo, in the county of Hancock, and - state of Illinois, known and designated on the plat of said city, - as the south half of lot numbered fifty-six, for the purpose of - erecting thereon the house contemplated in the first section of - this act. - - Sec. 3. The said trustees are further authorized and empowered - to obtain by stock subscription, by themselves or their duly - authorized agents, the sum of one hundred and fifty thousand - dollars, which shall be divided into shares of fifty dollars each. - - Sec. 4. No individual shall be permitted to hold more than three - hundred, nor less than one share of stock, and certificates of - stock shall {302} be delivered to subscribers, so soon as their - subscriptions are paid in and not before. - - Sec. 5. As soon as the contemplated house shall have been completed - and furnished, the stockholders shall appoint such agents as the - trustees may deem necessary in the management of the affairs of - said association. - - Sec. 6. The trustees shall have power to sue and be sued, plead and - be impleaded in any court in this state, in the name and style of - the "Trustees of the Nauvoo House Association." - - Sec. 7. They shall also take the general care and supervision in - procuring materials for said house, and constructing and erecting - the same, and further to superintend its general management, and to - do and perform all matters and things which may be necessary to be - done, in order to secure the interest and promote the objects of - this association. - - Sec. 8. This association shall continue twenty years from the - passage of this act, and the house herein provided for shall be - kept for the accommodation of strangers, travelers, and all other - persons who may resort therein for rest and refreshment. - - Sec. 9. It is moreover established as a perpetual rule of said - house, to be observed by all persons who may keep or occupy the - same that spirituous liquors of every description are prohibited, - and that such liquor shall never be vended as a beverage, or - introduced into common use, in said house. - - Sec. 10. And whereas Joseph Smith has furnished the said - association with the ground whereon to erect said house, it is - further declared that the said Smith and his heirs shall hold, by - perpetual succession, a suite of rooms in the said house, to be set - apart and conveyed in due form of law to him and his heirs by the - said trustees, as soon as the same are completed. - - Sec. 11. The Board of Trustees shall appoint one of their number as - president thereof. - - Approved February 23, 1841. - - Thomas Carlin, - - Governor. - - W. L. D. Ewing, - - Speaker of the House of Representatives. - - S.H. Anderson, - - Speaker of the Senate. - - State of Illinois, - - Office of Secretary of State, s. s. - - I, Stephen A. Douglas, Secretary of State, do hereby certify the - {303} foregoing to be a true and perfect copy of the enrolled law - on file in my office. - - Witness my hand and the seal of State. - - Springfield, February 24, A. D. 1841. - - [SEAL.] - - S. A. Douglas, - - Secretary of State. - - An Act to Incorporate the Nauvoo Agricultural and Manufacturing - Association in the County of Hancock. - - Sec. 1. Be it enacted by the people of the state of Illinois, - represented in the general assembly, that Sidney Rigdon, George - W. Robinson, Samuel James, Wilson Law, Daniel H. Wells, Hyrum - Smith, George Miller, William Marks, Peter Haws, Vinson Knight, - John Scott, Don Carlos Smith, William Huntington, Sen., Ebenezer - Robinson, Robert B. Thompson, William Law, James Allred, John T. - Barnett, Theodore Turley, John C. Bennett, Elias Higbee, Isaac - Higbee, Joseph Smith, Alpheus Cutler, Israel Barlow, R. D. Foster, - John F. Olney, John Snider, Leonard Soby, Orson Pratt, James - Kelley, Sidney A. Knowlton, John P. Greene, John F. Weld, and - their associates and successors, are hereby constituted a body - corporate and politic, by the name of "The Nauvoo Agricultural and - Manufacturing Association," and by that name shall be capable of - suing and being sued, pleading and being impleaded, answering and - being answered, in all courts and places, and may have a common - seal, and may alter the same at pleasure. - - Sec. 2. The sole object and purpose of said association shall be - for the promotion of agriculture and husbandry in all its branches, - and for the manufacture of flour, lumber, and such other useful - articles as are necessary for the ordinary purposes of life. - - Sec. 3. The capital stock of said association shall be one hundred - thousand dollars, with the privilege of increasing it to the sum - of three hundred thousand dollars, to be divided into shares of - fifty dollars, which shall be considered personal property, and - be assignable in such manner as the said corporation may, by its - by-laws, provide; which capital stock shall be exclusively devoted - to the object and purposes set forth in the second section of this - act, and to no other object and purposes, and to the same end the - said corporation shall have power to purchase, hold, and convey - real estate, and other property, to the amount of its capital. - - Sec. 4. Said corporation shall have power, by the trustees, or a - majority of them present at any regularly called meeting, to make - by-laws for its own government, for the purpose of carrying out - the objects {304} of this association, provided the same are not - repugnant to the laws and constitution of this state, or of the - United States. - - Sec. 5. Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, and William Law shall be - commissioners to receive subscriptions for, and distribute said - capital stock for said corporation; said commissioners, or a - majority of them, shall, within six months after the passage of - this act, either by themselves or their duly appointed agents, open - a subscription book for said stock at such times and places as they - shall appoint, and at the time of subscription for such stock, at - least ten per cent upon each share subscribed for, shall be paid - to said commissioners, or their duly appointed agents; and the - remainder of said stock, so subscribed for, shall be paid in such - sums, and at such times, as shall be provided for by the by-laws of - said corporation. - - Sec. 6. In case the stock of said corporation shall not all - be taken up within one year from the passage of this act, the - duties of said commissioners shall cease, and the trustees of - said corporation, or a quorum thereof, may thereafter receive - subscriptions to said stock, from time to time, until the whole - shall be subscribed. - - Sec. 7. The stock, property, and concerns of said corporation - shall be managed by twenty trustees, who shall be stockholders of - said corporation, any five of whom, to be designated by a majority - of the trustees, shall form a quorum for the transaction of all - ordinary business of said corporation, the election of which - trustees shall be annual. The first mentioned twenty persons, whose - names are recited in the first section of this act, shall be the - first trustees of said corporation, and shall hold their offices - until the first Monday in September, A. D. 1841, and until others - shall be elected in their places. - - Sec. 8. The trustees of said corporation for every subsequent year - shall be elected on the first Monday in September, in each and - every year, at such place as the trustees for the time being shall - appoint, and of which election they shall give at least fifteen - days previous notice by advertisement in some newspaper, in or near - the City of Nauvoo. At every election of trustees, each stockholder - shall be entitled to one vote on each share of stock owned by - him: provided that no stockholder shall be entitled to more than - twenty votes, and said stockholders, may vote either in person or - by proxy. The election for trustees shall be conducted in such - manner as shall be pointed out by the by-laws of said corporation, - and whenever a vacancy shall happen by death, resignation, or - otherwise, among the trustees, the remaining trustees shall have - power to fill such vacancy, until the next general election for - trustees. - - Sec. 9. The trustees of said corporation, as soon as may be, after - their appointment or election under this act, shall proceed to - elect, {305} out of their number, a president, treasurer, and - secretary, who shall respectively hold their offices during one - year, and until others shall be elected to fill their places, and - whose duties shall be defined and prescribed by the by-laws of the - corporation; and said trustees shall also appoint such agents and - other persons as may be necessary to conduct the proper business, - and accomplish the declared objects of said corporation, and shall - likewise have power to fill any vacancy occasioned by the death, - resignation, or removal of any officer of said corporation. - - Sec. 10. This act shall be construed as a public act, and continue - in force for the period of twenty years. And the trustees appointed - under the provisions of this act, shall hold their first meeting at - the City of Nauvoo, on the first Monday of April, A. D. 1841. - - Approved February 27, 1841. - - Thomas Carlin, - - Governor. - - W. L. D. Ewing, - - Speaker of the House of Representatives. - - S. H. Anderson. - - Speaker of the Senate. - - State of Illinois, Office of Secretary of State. - - I, Lyman Trumbull, Secretary of State, do hereby certify the - foregoing to be a true and perfect copy of the enrolled law on the - file in my office. - - Given Under My Hand And Seal Of State, Springfield, March 10, 1841. - - Lyman Trumbull, - - Secretary of State. - -_Wednesday, 24_.--Elder Brigham Young returned to Liverpool, and on the -25th attended a patriarchal blessing meeting at Brother Dumville's. -Father Melling officiated; Elder James Whitehead, scribe. - -_Saturday, 27_.--President Brigham Young went to Manchester, and -preached in Lombard Street room on Sunday, the 28th. - -[Sidenote: Division of Nauvoo into Municipal Wards.] - -_Monday, March 1_.--The City Council divided the city into four wards, -at my suggestion, to-wit: all the district of country within the city -limits, north of the center of Knight street, and west of the center of -Wells street, shall constitute the first ward. North of the center of -Knight street and east of the center of Wells street, the second ward. -South {306} of the center of Knight street, and east of the center of -Wells street, the third ward. South of the center of Knight street, and -west of the center of Wells street, the fourth ward. - -I attended the City Council, and presented a bill for "An ordinance in -relation to Religious Societies." - - _Ordinance on Religious Liberty in Nauvoo_. - - Sec. 1. Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of - Nauvoo, that the Catholics, Presbyterians, Methodists, Baptists, - Latter-day Saints, Quakers, Episcopals, Universalists, Unitarians, - Mohammedans, and all other religious sects and denominations - whatever, shall have free toleration, and equal privileges, in this - city; and should any person be guilty of ridiculing, and abusing - or otherwise depreciating another in consequence of his religion, - or of disturbing or interrupting any religious meeting within the - limits of this city, he shall, on conviction thereof before the - Mayor or Municipal Court, be considered a disturber of the public - peace, and fined in any sum not exceeding five hundred dollars, or - imprisoned not exceeding six months, or both, at the discretion of - said Mayor or Court. - - Sec. 2. It is hereby made the duty of all Municipal officers to - notice and report to the Mayor any breach or violation of this, - or any other ordinance of this city, that may come within their - knowledge, or of which they may be advised; and any officer - aforesaid, is hereby fully authorized to arrest all such violators - of rule, law and order, either with or without process. - - Passed March 1, 1841. - - John C. Bennett, Mayor. - - James Sloan, Recorder. - -I also presented a bill as follows: - - _An Ordinance in Relation to Public Meetings_. - - Sec. 1. Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Nauvoo, - that in order to guarantee the constitutional right of free - discussion upon all subjects, the citizens of this city, may - from time to time peaceably assemble themselves together for all - peaceable or lawful purposes whatever; and should any person - be guilty of disturbing or interrupting any such meeting or - assemblage, he shall on conviction thereof before the Mayor or - Municipal Court, be considered a disturber of the public peace, - and fined in any sum not exceeding five hundred {307} dollars, or - imprisoned not exceeding six months, or both, at the discretion of - said mayor or court. - - Sec. 2. Should any person be guilty of exciting the people to riot - or rebellion, or of participating in a mob, or any other unlawful - riotous or tumultuous assemblage of the people, or of refusing to - obey any civil officer, executing the ordinances of the city, or - the general laws of the state or United States, or of neglecting or - refusing to obey promptly, any military order for the due execution - of said law or ordinances, he shall, on conviction thereof as - aforesaid, be fined or imprisoned, or both, as aforesaid. - - Passed March 1, 1841. - - John C. Bennett, Mayor. - - James Sloan, Recorder. - -I also offered a bill for "An ordinance, creating certain additional -City Officers." - - Ordinance. - - Sec. 1. Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Nauvoo, - that in addition to the city officers heretofore elected, there - shall be elected by the City Council, one high constable for each - ward; one surveyor and engineer, one market master, one weigher - and sealer, and one collector for the city, whose duties shall - hereafter be defined by ordinance. - - Passed March 1, 1841. - - John C. Bennett, Mayor. - - James Sloan, Recorder. - -I presented the following report: - - Committee's Report. - - Your committee, to whom was referred that portion of the address - of his honor, the Mayor, which recommended the propriety of - vacating the town plats, Commerce, and the City of Commerce, and - incorporating them with the city plat of Nauvoo, would respectfully - report--That they consider the recommendation contained in the - address as one of great importance to the future welfare and - prosperity of this city, and if carried into effect would make the - streets regular and uniform, and materially tend to beautify this - city. We would therefore respectfully recommend that the survey of - the City of Nauvoo be carried through the town plats of Commerce - and the City of Commerce, as soon as it may be practicable. - - We would therefore recommend to the council the passage of the - following resolution--That the town plats of Commerce, and Commerce - City be vacated, and that the same stand vacated from this time - forth, {308} and forever; and that the same be incorporated with - the City of Nauvoo, from this time henceforth and forever. - - All of which is respectfully submitted. - - Joseph Smith, Chairman. - -The report was received and adopted, and an ordinance passed -accordingly. - -A vote of thanks, and the freedom of the city were conferred on the -Honorable Richard M. Young, United States Senator for Illinois. - -_Tuesday, 2_.--Elder Brigham Young visited Oldham, and returned on -Wednesday, 3rd, to Manchester. Elders Orson Hyde and George J. Adams -arrived in Liverpool. - -_Thursday, 4_.--Elder Willard Richards left Liverpool for Preston, and -was followed by Elders Hyde, Adams, and Fielding on the 5th. - -General William Henry Harrison was inaugurated President of the United -States. - -_Friday, 5_.--Elder Parley P. Pratt removed the _Star_ office to 47 -Oxford Road, Manchester. - -_Sunday, 7_.--Elders Young and Kimball preached at the Carpenter's -Hall, Manchester. - -[Sidenote: Appointment of City Officers.] - -_Monday, 8_.--I attended the City Council. The following appointments -were made, viz: Alanson Ripley, city surveyor; Theodore Turley, weigher -and sealer; James Robinson, assessor; Stephen Markham, market master; -James Allred was sworn supervisor of streets, and James Allred, Dimick -B. Huntington, and George Morey, high constables. - -I gave my views on several local measures proposed by the council. - -_Wednesday, 10_. - - _Letter of Brigham Young to the Editor of the Star--On Family - Prayer_. - - Liverpool, March 10, 1841. - - _To the Editor of the Star_: - - Dear Brother:--I feel anxious to address a few lines to you, on the - subject of family prayer (and shall feel obliged by your inserting - the {309} same in your next _Star_), for the purpose of imparting - instruction to the brethren in general. Having traveled through - many branches of the Church in England, I have found it to be a - general custom among the brethren I visited, that when any of the - Traveling Elders are present, they wait for the Elder to go forward - in family prayer, instead of attending to that duty themselves. - That is not right; and I would say to them that it would be - better for them to understand their duty on this subject. My dear - brethren, remember that the Lord holds all of us responsible for - our conduct here. He held our father Adam responsible for his - conduct, but no more than He does us, in proportion to the station - we hold. The kings of the earth will have to give an account to - God, for their conduct in a kingly capacity. Kings are heads of - nations, governors are heads of provinces; so are fathers or - husbands governors of their own houses, and should act accordingly. - Heads of families should always take the charge of family worship, - and call their family together at a seasonable hour, and not wait - for every person to get through with all they may have to say or - do. If it were my prerogative to adopt a plan for family prayer, - it would be the following: Call your family or household together - every morning and evening, previous to coming to the table, and - bow before the Lord to offer up your thanksgiving for His mercies - and providential care of you. Let the head of the family dictate; - I mean the man, not the woman. If an Elder should happen to be - present, the head of the house can call upon him, if he chooses so - to do, and not wait for a stranger to take the lead at such times; - by so doing we shall obtain the favor of our Heavenly Father, and - it will have a tendency to teach our children to walk in the way - they should go, which may God grant for Christ's sake. Amen. - - Brigham Young. - -Governor Carlin issued the following Commission-- - - Appointment of Joseph Smith Lieutenant-General of the Nauvoo Legion. - - _Thomas Carlin, Governor of the State of Illinois, to all to whom - these presents shall come: Greeting_-- - - Know ye that Joseph Smith, having been duly elected to the office - of lieutenant-general, Nauvoo Legion, of the militia of the - State of Illinois, I, Thomas Carlin, governor of said state, do - commission him lieutenant-general of the Nauvoo Legion, to take - rank from the fifth day of February, 1841. He is, therefore, - carefully and diligently to discharge the duties of said office, - by doing and performing all manner of things thereunto belonging; - and I do strictly require all officers and soldiers {310} under his - command to be obedient to his orders: and he is to obey such orders - and directions as he shall receive, from time to time, from the - commander-in-chief or his superior officer. - - In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the - great seal of state to be hereunto affixed. Done at Springfield, - this tenth day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight - hundred and forty-one, and of the independence of the United States - the sixty-fifth. - - By the Governor, - - [SEAL] - - Thomas Carlin. - - Lyman Trumball, - - Secretary of State. - -The commission was endorsed on the back as follows-- - - Headquarters, Nauvoo Legion, City of Nauvoo, Illinois, March 15, - 1841--Oath of office administered by me, the day and year above - written. - - John C. Bennett, - - Major-General of the Nauvoo Legion. - -_Thursday, 11_.--Elders Young, Kimball, Richards, and Taylor met in -Liverpool. - -_Monday, 15_.--I attended the City Council, and took part in the -discussion concerning Mr. Annis' mill, in the southwest part of the -city. - -Elder Wilford Woodruff attended a conference at Gadfield Elm; 408 -members in eighteen branches represented. - -_Thursday, 16_.--Elder George A. Smith attended a conference at -Macclesfield, which branch contains ninety one members, one Elder, six -Priests, five Teachers, and three Deacons. In consequence of incessant -preaching, his lungs are much affected. - -_Wednesday, 17_.--Ship _Alesto_ sailed from Liverpool for New Orleans, -with 54 Saints, led by Elders Thomas Smith and William Moss. - -Elders Heber C. Kimball, Willard Richards, and Father Melling went to -Preston; Elders Young and Hedlock to Hawarden, and George A. Smith to -Leek. - -_Thursday, 18_.--Elder George A. Smith attended a {311} council of -the officers and members of the Church at Leek, numbering sixty-three -members, one Elder, six Priests, two Teachers, and two Deacons. Stephen -Nixon was ordained an Elder; and John Hudson, Jacob Gibson, and Joseph -Knight Priests; and Frederick Rushton and Edwin Rushton, Teachers. - -_Saturday, 20_. - - _An Inquiry_. - - City Of Nauvoo, March 20, 1841. - - Brother William Allred, Bishop of the stake at Pleasant Vale, and - also Brother Henry W. Miller, president of the stake at Freedom, - desire President Joseph Smith to inquire of the Lord His will - concerning them. - -I inquired of the Lord concerning the foregoing question, and received -the following answer-- - - _Revelation_. - - Let my servants, William Allred and Henry W. Miller, have an agency - for the selling of stock for the Nauvoo House, and assist my - servants Lyman Wight, Peter Haws, George Miller, and John Snider, - in building said house; and let my servants William Allred and - Henry W. Miller take stock in the house, that the poor of my people - may have employment, and that accommodations may be made for the - strangers who shall come to visit this place, and for this purpose - let them devote all their properties, saith the Lord. - -About this time I received a revelation, given in the City of Nauvoo, -in answer to the following interrogatory--"What is the will of the -Lord, concerning the Saints in the Territory of Iowa?" [5] - - _Revelation_. - - "Verily, thus saith the Lord, I say unto you, if those who call - themselves by my name, and are essaying to be my Saints, if they - will do my will and keep my commandments concerning them; let them - gather themselves together, unto the place which I shall appoint - unto them by my servant Joseph, and build up cities unto my name, - that they may be prepared for that which is in store for a time to - come. Let them build up a city unto my name upon the land opposite - to the City of {312} Nauvoo, and let the name of Zarahemla be named - upon it. And let all those who come from the east, and the west, - and the north, and the south, that have desires to dwell therein, - take up their inheritances in the same, as well as in the City of - Nashville, or in the City of Nauvoo, and in all the stakes which I - have appointed, saith the Lord." - -_Sunday, 21_.--Elder George A. Smith preached at Leek, and confirmed -one. - -[Sidenote: Organization of the Lesser Priesthood at Nauvoo.] - -The Lesser Priesthood was organized in the City of Nauvoo, March 21, -1841, by Bishops Whitney, Miller, Higbee, and Knight. Samuel Rolf -was chosen president of the Priests' quorum, and Stephen Markham and -Hezekiah Peck, his counselors. Elisha Everett was chosen president -of Teachers, and James W. Huntsman and James Hendricks, counselors. -Phinehas R. Bird was chosen president of Deacons, and David Wood and -William W. Lane counselors. - -Footnotes: - -1. See Doctrine and Covenants, section cxxiv. - -2. The foregoing speech is not printed in the "History of Joseph -Smith" as published in the _Deseret News_ and _Millennial Star_, but -such is the prominence of John C. Bennett in the period of the history -now reached, and such the despicable part he later plays, that, as -affording an insight into his character, the speech becomes important, -hence given here _in extenso_, as it was published in the _Times and -Seasons_, Vol. II, No. 8. - -3. Following is the form of oath taken: - -We, Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, Don C. Smith, and Charles C. Rich, do -solemnly swear in the presence of Almighty God that we will support the -Constitution of the United States, and of the State of Illinois, and -that we will well and truly perform the duties of councilors of the -City of Nauvoo, according to law, and the best of our abilities. - -Joseph Smith, - -Hyrum Smith, - -Don C. Smith, - -Charles C. Rich. - -December 3, 1841. - -4. For a proper characterization of this document see Vol. III, this -History, p. 256. - -5. See Doctrine and Covenants, section cxxv. - -{313} - - - -Chapter XVI. - -The First Foreign Mission of the Church 1837-1841. - -_Tuesday, March 23, 1841_.--Elder Young returned to Liverpool, and -Elder Richards wrote the following history of the "Mission to England, -or the first foreign mission of the Latter-day Saints." - - _History of the British Mission_. - - About the first of June, 1837, Elder Heber C. Kimball was called by - the Spirit of Revelation, and set apart by the First Presidency of - the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, then at Kirtland, - Ohio, North America, to preside over a mission to England, - accompanied by Elder Orson Hyde, who was set apart for the same - work at the same time. In a few days Brother Joseph Fielding, - Priest, was set apart; and on the eve of the 12th, Elder Willard - Richards, (having been absent several months on a long journey, and - having returned the day previous) was called and set apart for the - same mission. - - The following morning, Tuesday, 13th, these brethren gave the - parting hand, bid farewell to home, and, without purse or scrip, - started for England. They were accompanied twelve miles to Fairport - on Lake Erie by Elders Brigham Young, John P. Greene and Brother - Levi Richards, and Sisters Kimball, Greene and Fielding (Brother - R. B. Thompson and wife accompanied the mission to Buffalo, and - Brother Fitch Brigham to Utica) and others with whom they parted in - the afternoon, and went on board a steamer for Buffalo; where they - arrived next day. - - At this place the brethren expected to receive some means - from Canada, to assist them on their journey, but they were - disappointed. In the evening they took passage on a canal boat, - and arrived in Albany on the 19th (Elder Hyde having gone forward - to New York from Rochester.) Brother Fielding proceeded to New - York, and on the 20th Elder Kimball accompanied Elder Richards to - his father's house in Richmond, Massachusetts, thirty miles east, - where they spent one day, and having received some assistance - from his friends, bade them {314} farewell for the last time (his - father and mother having since died, also a sister whom he had - left in Kirtland) and on the 21st returned to Albany, and arrived - in New York on the 22nd, where they found Brothers Orson Hyde and - Fielding, also Elders John Goodson and Isaac Russell, John Snider, - Priest,(who had come from Canada to join the mission) anxiously - awaiting their arrival, so that they might take passage on the - _United States_, which was to sail next day, but they arrived too - late. - - In New York Elder Richards received some further means, quite - providentially, and on the 23rd the brethren engaged passage to - Liverpool, on board the _Garrick_, which was to sail on the 1st of - July. - - In the meantime the brethren received every possible assistance - from Elder Elijah Fordham. At that time he was the only member of - the Church residing in the city [New York], and having no house of - his own, he procured his father's storehouse for the use of the - brethren, where they lodged on the floor, amid straw and blankets, - one week, eating their cold morsel, and conversing with the people - as they had opportunity; for no place could be procured to preach - in, and there was no one to receive them into their houses. - - Sunday, the 25th, the brethren held a council at their lodgings - (Mr. Fordham's store), and organized ready for taking their - departure. - - On the 29th the brethren sealed, superscribed, and forwarded one - hundred and eighty of Elder Orson Hyde's "Timely Warnings" to the - ministers of the different denominations in the city, and went - on board the _Garrick_, which hauled out into the river and cast - anchor. - - July 1st, the ship weighed anchor and was towed to Sandy Hook by - a steamer, where she spread sail, and in four hours and a half - was out of sight of land. With the exception of a strong wind on - the 12th, there was generally a gentle breeze from the northwest - during the voyage. On the 16th, Elder Orson Hyde preached on the - aft quarter deck. On the 18th Cape Clear was visible (eighteen days - out of sight of land;) and on the morning of the 20th, the brethren - landed in Liverpool twenty days from New York. Here Elders Kimball, - Hyde, and Richards found themselves on a foreign shore, surrounded - by strangers, without the first farthing in their possession; but - the brethren unitedly took lodgings in a private house in Union - Street, till after the inspection of the ship; and on Saturday, - the 22nd, took coach for Preston. When they had alighted from the - coach, and were standing by their trunks in front of the hotel in - Preston, a large flag was unfurled over their heads on which was - printed in golden letters, "_Truth will prevail_;" at the sight of - which their hearts rejoiced, and they cried aloud, "Amen, thanks be - unto God, Truth Will Prevail." - - {315} Brother Joseph Fielding lodged with his brother, Rev. - James Fielding, then a preacher in Vauxhall-road Chapel, and the - remainder of the brethren took lodgings in St. Wilford Street, Fox - Street. The same evening the Elders visited the Rev. Mr. Fielding, - by his request at his lodgings. He had previously been apprized of - the coming forth of this work in America, through the medium of - letters from his relatives and others and had requested his church - to pray that God would send them His servants, and exhorted his - people to receive their message when they should come. - - Sunday the 28th. As they had no place in which to preach, the seven - brethren went to Vauxhall Chapel to hear the Rev. Mr. Fielding; - and at the close of the morning service, Mr. Fielding gave public - notice that an Elder of the Latter-day Saints would preach in the - afternoon in his pulpit. This was voluntary with Mr. Fielding as no - one had requested the privilege; and in the afternoon, according to - the notice, Elder Kimball gave a brief history of the rise of the - Church and the first principles of the Gospel, and Elder Hyde bore - testimony; after which the Rev. Mr. Fielding requested the brethren - to give out an appointment for the evening, when Elder Goodson - preached, and Elder Joseph Fielding bore testimony. - - At the close Mr. Fielding again gave leave for preaching at the - same place on Wednesday evening, when Elder Hyde preached and Elder - Richards bore testimony; and from that time the Rev. Mr. Fielding - closed his doors against the Elders and began to oppose the work, - and stated that the Elders promised to say nothing about baptism - in their preaching before he ever consented to let them preach in - his pulpit; whereas the subject of the Elders preaching in his - chapel had not been named between the parties, before Mr. Fielding - gave out the public appointment before referred to: much less (if - possible) that they would "say nothing about baptism." - - Nine of Mr. Fielding's members offered themselves for baptism; and - Mr. Fielding presented himself before the Elders, and forbade their - baptizing them, but he received for answer, that "they were of - age and could act for themselves." On Sunday, the 30th, they were - baptized under the hands of Elder Kimball; Brother George D. Watt - being the first who offered himself for baptism in England, and is - now an Elder laboring in Edinburgh, Scotland. - - Elder Russell preached in the market place in the afternoon, and - from that day the doors of private houses were opened on almost - every hand for the Elders. - - July 31st, a council of the Elders decided that Elders Goodson and - Richards should go on a mission to Bedford, and Elder Russell and - Priest Snider on a mission to Alston, Cumberland; and after a night - {316} of prayer, praise and thanksgiving, the brethren took their - departure on the morning of the first of August for their several - stations. - - The Rev. Mr. Fielding continued to oppose the doctrine of baptism - for a season; but finding that he was likely to lose all his "best - members," he offered to baptize them himself; but they being aware - that he had no authority, declined his friendly offer, whereupon - he engaged the Rev. Mr. Giles, a Baptist minister in Preston, - of as little authority as himself, to do the baptizing for his - flock; but this iniquitous scheme succeeded little better than the - other--only one coming forward to his baptism, so far as we have - heard. Mr. Fielding's people also stated that he acted the part of - a hypocrite and deceived them, when he read the letters to them in - public, which he received from America, by keeping back that part - which treated on baptism, which, since the foregoing failure he has - opposed. - - Elders Kimball and Hyde, and Priest Fielding continued to preach - daily in different parts of Preston, and on Wednesday and Thursday - (August 2nd and 3rd), the meetings were attended by Miss Jeanetta - Richards who was visiting her friends in Preston, and on Friday she - requested baptism, which was attended to by Elder Kimball, after - which she was confirmed at the water side by Elders Kimball and - Hyde, it being the first confirmation in a foreign land in these - last days. - - The day following Sister Richards returned home to her friends, - and informed her father, the Rev. Joseph Richards, an Independent - minister at Walker-fold, Chaidgely, whom she had found at Preston, - what she had done, and requested him to send for Elder Kimball to - preach in his chapel. Mr. Richards complied with his daughter's - request. Elder Kimball arrived at Walker-fold Saturday eve, August - 12, and the day following preached three times in Mr. Richards' - pulpit, to crowded assemblies; also twice during the week, and - twice the Sunday following, being most kindly and cordially - entertained by Mr. and Mrs. Richard's for nine days, during which - time Elder Kimball baptized several in the neighborhood. - - After a short visit to Preston, where Elder Hyde continued to - preach and baptize, Elder Kimball returned to Walker-fold, and - continued to receive the hospitality of Mr. Richards' house for - some days, while the work spread in the neighborhood; and from - thence the work went forth to Clitheroe, Waddington, Downham, - Cathburn, Thornley, and Ribchester, through the labors of Brothers - Kimball and Fielding. - - Elders Goodson and Richards arrived in Bedford on the 2nd of - August, and having letters of introduction to the Rev. Timothy R. - Matthews from Brother Joseph Fielding (Mrs. Matthew's brother), - they immediately waited on Mr. Matthews, who expressed great joy at - their arrival, and manifested his sincerity by walking arm in arm - with the {317} Elders through the streets of Bedford, calling on - the members of his church, and inviting them to attend the lectures - of the Elders at his chapel vestry that evening. Mr. Matthews - had previously been apprized of the Saints in America through - the medium of the Rev. James Fielding of Preston and the letters - from America, before referred to. In the evening, his church - assembled in the vestry, and Elders Goodson and Richards continued - to lecture and testify of the work of God, on that and the three - following evenings in the same place, with the entire approbation - of Mr. Matthews, who, at the close of the lectures, publicly bore - testimony to the truths advanced, and called upon his people to - know why they did not come forward for baptism; while they in - return wished to know why he did not set them the example. - - After this Mr. Matthews engaged another house in the neighborhood - for the Elders to preach in, under the pretense that some of the - proprietors of the chapel might not be pleased with the Elders - occupying the vestry, and Mr. Matthews continued to attend the - preaching of the Elders, and also spent a great share of his time, - from day to day, in conversation with them. - - Mr. Matthews told the Elders that he had received two ordinations, - one from Bishop West, whom he had proved to be an impostor, and - another from the Church of England, which he acknowledged to be - descended from the Church of Rome, and he further acknowledged that - he had no authority from God for administering in the ordinances of - God's house. - - On the 10th Mrs. Braddock and four others were baptized by Elder - Goodson. Soon after this, Mr. Joseph Saville, member of Mr. - Matthews' church, being very desirous of receiving baptism at the - same time with Mr. Matthews, waited on him at his house, in company - with Elders Goodson and Richards and Mr. Matthews, and Mr. Saville - mutually agreed to meet the Elders on the bank of the river Ouse - at a specified hour in the afternoon, and attend to the ordinance - of baptism. At the hour appointed Mr. Saville met the Elders at - the place previously designated by Mr. Matthews; but as he (the - latter) did not make his appearance according to promise, after - waiting for him an hour, Mr. Saville was baptized, when the Elders - repaired to Mr. Matthews' to learn the cause of his not fulfilling - his engagement, and were informed by Mr. Matthews' family that he - had gone out into the country to preach. - - In a day or two it was currently rumored that Mr. Matthews had - baptized himself, and this rumor was afterwards confirmed by - Mrs. Matthews, who stated to Elder Kimball at Preston, that Mr. - Matthews had baptized himself, reasoning upon this principle within - himself: "If I {318} have authority to administer the sacrament - to my people, why not have authority to baptize myself," &c.--and - all this after Mr. Matthews had acknowledged to Elders Goodson and - Richards that he had no authority to administer in the ordinances - of God's house; and altogether regardless of the words of the - Apostles (Heb. v: 4), "No man taketh this honor unto himself but he - that is called of God as was Aaron." - - By the foregoing it is plainly to be seen, that Mr. Matthews has - attempted to take that upon himself which was never conferred upon - him by the spirit of revelation, either by God, His angels, or His - servants; viz., the holy Priesthood; and from that period, Mr. - Matthews began to preach baptism, and baptized those who felt it - their duty to be baptized, and then invited them to the penitent - form to get remission of their sins; but finding that would not - answer all the design which he intended, he afterwards began to - baptize for the remission of sins. - - Mr. Matthews appears to have well understood that counterfeit - coin is more current the nearer it approximates to the true, and - governed himself accordingly; for he continued to preach faith, - repentance, baptism for the remission of sins, the second coming - of Christ, &c., &c., adding one thing to another in imitation of - truth, as fast as it answered his purpose, from those doctrines - which he had heard from the Latter-day Saints; but it was some - time before he arrived at that heaven-daring conscience-seared - hardihood, to lay hands on those whom he had baptized for the - reception of the Holy Ghost, and at the same time he acknowledged - that he had not got the Holy Ghost himself, by praying that he - might receive it--(Query. How can a man communicate that which he - is not in possession of?) and he now calls his church "The Church - of Latter-day Saints." - - Thus has Mr. Matthews been running about from Bedford to Liverpool, - from Liverpool to Northampton, from Northampton to Bedford, - and other places, crying aloud in public and private, that the - Latter-day Saints and their doctrines came from hell; at the same - time he has been preaching the same doctrines, calls his church by - the same name, is administering in the same ordinances, just as - though he fully believed that the doctrines and sacraments of hell - would be sanctified and made holy and heavenly, when administered - by the tongue and hands of an impostor. - - About the time that Mr. Matthews rejected the truth in Bedford, his - son (as Mr. Matthews called him), the Rev. Robert Aitkin, commenced - his attack on the principles of righteousness in Preston; and while - furiously pounding his pulpit with the Book of Mormon, and warning - his people to beware of the Latter-day Saints and their doctrines, - saying, that they and their record came from hell; called upon his - people to use all their efforts to put down the work of God, or - stop the progress of the {319} Latter-day Saints; and, if it could - not be put down without, prayed that God would smite the leaders; - and from that time to the present, his prayer has been answered on - his own head. - - After Mr. Aitkin had preached against the corruptions of the Church - of England for years, and established many flourishing chapels in - Liverpool, Preston, Manchester, Burslem, London, &c.; after he had - been visited by the Elders of the Church of Latter-day Saints, - and acknowledged to them at one time that baptism was right, but - he could find no man who had authority to baptize; and at another - time, that he was afraid of them, and rejected their testimony; and - last of all would not receive the Elders into his house; after all - this, and deserted by a part of his flock, he has fled from the - remainder because he was an hireling, and cared not for the sheep; - yes, he has deserted his "Christian Society"--ceased to be an - Aitkenite, and dissolved his co-partnership with Father Matthews, - as may well be supposed, returned, and, taken "holy order" in - "Mother Church," against the corruptions of which he testified so - diligently from year to year, and is now about to enter on his - parochial duties in St. John the Evangelist's Church, Hope street, - Liverpool, for no other reason, that the writer knows of, only that - he could find no one who had authority to baptize for the remission - of sins, and not possessing the faith of his father, Matthews, to - believe that the doctrines of the pit would become holy and gospel - doctrines when taught by the tongue of wickedness and imposture, - he has concluded thus publicly to acknowledge himself a servant of - those very errors he has so long contended against, for the sake of - filthy lucre. - - About the 12th of September, Elder Goodson and Priest Snider - returned to Preston, and soon after sailed for America. - - Some years previously, the principles of the Temperance Society - (originally established in America), were introduced into England, - and Preston was the first town to receive them. Among the many - interesting and valuable items held forth by the Temperance people, - it was often remarked by them that Temperance was the fore-runner - of the Gospel, which prophecy proved true; for when the fullness - of the Gospel came from America to England, it was first preached - in Preston, and through the influence of the Temperance Society, - the Latter-day Saint, procured the use of the Temperance Hall - in Preston (a commodious building, originally erected for cock - fighting) for their chapel, and commenced meeting therein on the - 3rd of September, 1837, and continued until they were ejected - through the influence of others, the Temperance Society not having - it entirely at their control. Similar favors have been received - from several other Temperance Societies in England, for which the - Lord reward them. - - Elder Richards continued to labor against much opposition in {320} - Bedford, and the region round about, until the 7th of March, 1838, - when he returned to Preston, leaving about forty members in charge - of Elder James Lavender. Elder Russell continued to labor in - Alston, Brampton, &c, and returned to Preston near the same time, - leaving about sixty member in the care of Elder Jacob Peart. - - At Christmas, 1837, Priest Joseph Fielding was ordained Elder, and - several were ordained Teachers, &c., at Preston; and in March, - 1838, the Church had extended from Preston to Penwortham, Longton, - Southport, Eccleston Whittle, Hunter's Hill, Chorley, and the - intermediate region, through the labors of Elders Hyde, Kimball, - and Fielding, and the members amounted to several hundreds in the - regions of Preston and Clitheroe. During this month, Elders Kimball - and Hyde were diligently engaged in organizing the different - branches; and on the first of April a general conference was called - at Preston, when the organization of the churches was completed, - and many were ordained, among whom were Elders Joseph Fielding, - Willard Richards, and William Clayton to the High Priesthood, [_i. - e_. they were ordained High Priests], and set apart by Elders - Kimball and Hyde to preside over all the churches in England. - - On the 9th, Elders Kimball, Hyde and Russell took leave of the - Saints in Preston, and went to Liverpool, where they were visited - by Elders Fielding, Richards, Clayton, and others, and on the 20th - of April, sailed for New York, on board the _Garrick_, the same - ship they came out on to England. - - When Elders Fielding and Richards had returned to Longton, they - found a pamphlet, purporting to be written by the Rev. Richard - Livesey, a Methodist minister, who had spent some time on a mission - to the United States, as he says, and having nothing more important - to attend to during his mission, it appears that he spent his - time in gathering up a heap of lies and filth from the American - papers, and imported them to England on his return; and finding - that the work of God had commenced in his native land, and was - likely to destroy his craft, set himself at work to condense his - heterogeneous mass of trans-Atlantic lies, and form the wonderful - production of the Rev. Richard Livesey's tract against the - Latter-day Saints; it being the first thing of the kind that the - enemy of all righteousness had found means to export from America, - and circulate in England; but since which he has found servants in - abundance, to assist in this nefarious merchandise of his heart's - delight. - - The Church at this time was in its infancy, and needed much - instruction, which necessarily occupied the attention of the - presiding Elders to a great extent; and as there were few laborers - in the field, the spread of the work was not very rapid for some - time. - - {321} Sister Alice Hodgin died at Preston on the 2nd of September, - 1838; and it was such a wonderful thing for a Latter-day Saint - to die in England, that Elder Richards was arraigned before the - Mayor's Court at Preston, on the 3rd of October, charged with - "killing and slaying" the said Alice with a "black stick," &c., but - was discharged without being permitted to make his defense, as soon - as it was discovered that the iniquity of his accusers was about to - be made manifest. - - October 19, 1838, Elder Clayton gave himself wholly to the work, - and soon after commenced preaching and baptizing in Manchester, and - from thence the work spread into Stockport, and other places in - the neighborhood, through the labors of Elders Clayton, Fielding, - John Moon, and David Wilding. A small church had previously sprung - up in Bolton, through the labors of Elder David Wilding, and was - continued by Elder Amos Fielding. - - In the summer of 1839 Elders Clayton Richards, and John Moon, - labored in Burslem, with some success, and a small church was - planted in Burnley by Elder Thomas Richardson, besides many who - were added in the older branches, through the instrumentality of - the local Elders and Priests, who were generally very faithful. - - December 8, 1839, Elders Hiram Clark, Alexander Wright, and Samuel - Mulliner arrived in Preston from America; and on the 25th, Brothers - Wright and Mulliner started for Scotland and soon commenced - preaching and baptizing in Paisley and vicinity. - - January 13, 1840, Elders Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, and - Theodore Turley arrived in Preston, from America; and on the - 18th Brothers Woodruff and Turley started for the Potteries in - Staffordshire, passing through Manchester; and on the 22nd, Elder - Taylor left for Liverpool. - - April 6, 1840, just ten years from the organization of the Church, - Elders Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Parley P. Pratt, Orson - Pratt, George A. Smith, and Reuben Hedlock, landed in Liverpool - from New York; and on the 9th Elder Kimball arrived in Preston, - just two years from the day he left for America. - - The arrival of the Elders caused the Saints to rejoice exceedingly, - for it had been prophesied by many (not of the Church), that they - would never come, and that Elders Kimball and Hyde would never - return, but they are both now in England, Elder Orson Hyde having - arrived in Liverpool on the 3rd instant from New York. - - Heber C. Kimball, - - Orson Hyde, - - Willard Richards. - - Preston, March 24, 1841. - -{322} - - - -Chapter XVII. - -Celebration of the Twelfth Anniversary of the Organization of the -Church--Order of Laying Corner-Stones of Temples--Council Meetings of -the Twelve in England. - -_March, 25, 26 and 27, 1841_.--Elders Young and Richards were detained -at the Liverpool post office, as witnesses in the case of "The Queen -vs. Joseph Holloway," for detaining letters. - -_Saturday, 27_.--Elders Wilford Woodruff, and Geo. A. Smith attended -a council of the official members of the Staffordshire Conference, at -Hanley. - -[Sidenote: Staffordshire Conference.] - -_Sunday, 28_.--Elders Wilford Woodruff and George A. Smith attended -a general meeting of the Staffordshire Conference at Hanley, when 13 -branches were represented, containing 1 High Priest, 17 Elders, 55 -Priests, 25 Teachers, 14 Deacons, and 663 members. Thomas J. Filcher, -J. Taylor, Osmond Shaw, W. Ridge, and H. Ridge were ordained Elders, -also 8 Priests, 7 Teachers, and 2 Deacons, under the hands of Wilford -Woodruff, Geo. A. Smith, and Alfred Cordon. There have been 141 -baptized during the past three months. - -[Sidenote: Union of Commerce and Nauvoo Plats.] - -_Monday, 29_.--I attended city council, and moved that the city -surveyor be ordered to survey Commerce, and plat the same so as to -correspond with the city plat of Nauvoo, and make out a map to be -recorded, which was carried by the Council. Much was said in council -about fining the owners of dogs, and I contended that it was right to -fine individuals {323} who would keep unruly dogs, to worry cattle, -sheep, or the citizens, and an ordinance was passed to that effect. - -William Marks, president of the stake at Nauvoo, made choice of Charles -C. Rich and Austin Cowles as his counselors. - -Elders Young and Richards were at Liverpool packing Books of Mormon, to -pay off those who had loaned them money in order to carry forward the -printing and binding. - -The following are extracts from Elder Woodruff's letter. - - _Letter of Wilford Woodruff to Don C. Smith--Relating to Affairs in - England_. - - Burslem, March 29, 1841. - - Brother Don Carlos Smith:--The following is a brief sketch of my - journey from London to this place. Elder Kimball left London on - the 19th February. I left on the 26th, and arrived at Bristol on - the same day, where I found Elder Kington, who was busily engaged - in the work of the Lord in that city, and had established a small - branch of fourteen members. I tarried there a short time and - preached three times in a theatre, had large congregations, good - attention, and baptized one, and there appears a good prospect of - a work being done in that city. Population of Bristol, 200,000. - While there I visited the suspension bridge, now erecting across - the river Avon, at St. Vincent's Rocks, Clifton; which bridge is - one hundred feet in height above the river, and seven hundred in - length. I spent one evening in Monmouth, on the borders of Wales; - preached to a large congregation; several applied for baptism - after meeting. On the 8th of March I attended a conference in - Garway; Elder Levi Richards was chosen president, and James Morgan, - clerk; heard four branches represented, containing one hundred - and thirty-four members; three were ordained to the ministry. I - also preached at Lugwardine, Shucknall Hill, Ledbury, Dymock, and - Turkey Hall to large congregations, and find the work of the Lord - still progressing throughout that region. The excitement upon the - subject in the city of Hereford has been so great, that it has - assembled together in the market place three thousand persons at - a time to hear something upon the cause of the Latter-day Saints. - On the 15th of March I attended the Gadfield Elm conference, which - met at the Gadfield Elm Chapel. Elder Wilford Woodruff was chosen - president; John Hill, clerk; 18 branches represented, containing - 408 members, 8 Elders, 32 Priests, 11 Teachers {324} and 1 Deacon; - when such business was transacted as was deemed necessary. I also - met large congregations at Keysend Street, Coldville, Browcut; - Dunclose, Froom's Hill, and Stanley Hill, and left many churches - on the right and left, which time would not permit me to visit. - I also met with the Froom's Hill conference, on the 22nd March, - at Stanley Hill, Herefordshire, there being present one of the - traveling High Council, 2 High Priests, 20 Elders, 30 Priests, 9 - Teachers, two Deacons. Elder Levi Richards was chosen president, - and Elder Woodruff, clerk. On this occasion I heard represented - 30 branches, containing 997 members, 24 Elders, 66 Priests, 27 - Teachers, 7 Deacons, and 6 were ordained to the ministry. The - sum total represented at these conferences was 1,539 members, 36 - Elders, 103 Priests, 41 Teachers, 7 Deacons; all of whom have - embraced the work in that part of the vineyard in one year, besides - many members and officers who have emigrated to America; and I am - happy to say that the officers and members, have universally been - ready to hearken to counsel, and give heed to our instructions, and - it was with no ordinary feelings that I took my farewell of those - churches who have been so ready to receive and embrace the truth. I - called upon the Saints in Birmingham and Gret's Green, but had not - time to hold any meetings among them. I arrived in Hanley on the - 25th, where I had the privilege of again meeting with Elder Geo. A. - Smith, and was rejoiced to find the churches universally prospering - in Staffordshire. I spent one evening with the church at Longton, - and baptized seven. - -_Tuesday, 30_.--Elders Woodruff and Geo. A. Smith arrived in -Manchester, after a ride of forty miles. - -_Wednesday, 31_.--Elders Young and Richards attended conference in -Liverpool. - -_Thursday, April 1, 1841_.--Elders Young and Richards went to -Manchester, where they found Elders Kimball, Hyde, Woodruff and Smith, -and had a happy meeting. - -_Friday, 2_.--Elders Orson Pratt and John Taylor arrived at Manchester -and went into council. - - _Minutes of a Council Meeting of the Twelve_. - - Manchester, England, April 2, 1841. - - This day Elders Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Orson Hyde, Parley - P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, Willard Richards, Wilford Woodruff, John - Taylor and Geo. A. Smith, of the quorum of the Twelve, met together - at the house of Brother James Bushaw, coachman No. 4, Gray Street, - near Oxford road, in this city, in council, after having been {325} - separated and sent into various counties. To meet once more in - council after a long separation, and having passed through many - sore and grievous trials, exposing our lives and our characters - to the slanders and violence of wicked and murderous men, caused - our hearts to swell with gratitude to God for His providential - care over us. Elder Young opened the council by prayer. Elders - Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, and Parley P. Pratt, the committee - appointed about a year ago to secure a copyright for the Book of - Mormon, in the name of Joseph Smith, Jun., presented the following - certificate: - - "Feb. 8, 1841. Then entered for his copy--the property of Joseph - Smith, Jun.,--'The Book of Mormon; an account written by the hand - of Mormon, upon plates taken from the plates of Nephi; translated - by Joseph Smith, Jun. First European, from the second American - edition. Received five copies. - - "George Greenhill." - - "The above is a true copy of an entry in the register book of - the Company of Stationers kept, at the hall of the said company. - Witness my hand, this 17th day of February, 1841. - - "George Greenhill, - - Warehouse-keeper of the Company of Stationers." - - The quorum voted that they accepted the labors of said Committee. - - _Resolved_: That as the quorum of the Twelve have had nothing to - do with the printing of the Book of Mormon, they will not now - interfere with it, but that the said Committee settle the financial - or business matters thereof with Joseph Smith, Jun., to whom the - profits rightly belong. - - _Resolved_: That Elder Amos Fielding be appointed to superintend - fitting out the Saints from Liverpool to America, under the - instruction of Parley P. Pratt. - - _Resolved_: That Brother Geo. J. Adams go to Bedford and - Northampton and labor in that region. - - Adjourned till tomorrow at 10 o'clock, a. m.; Elder Kimball closed - by prayer. - - Orson Hyde, Clerk. - - _Council Meeting of the Twelve--Continued_. - - Manchester, April 3, 1841. - - This day the quorum of the Twelve met pursuant to adjournment. The - president called upon Elder Hyde to open by prayer. The quorum then - signed a letter of commendation to the churches in England for - Elder Hyde. - - The business of publishing the _Star_ and hymn-book was then taken - into consideration. Brother John Taylor moved that those who have - had the care and superintendence of publishing the _Star_ and - hymn-book, {326} should dispose of them according to their own - wishes, and dispose of the proceeds in the same way; seconded by - Elder Orson Pratt, and carried by unanimous vote. Moved by Elder - Young, and seconded by Elder Kimball, that Elder Parley P. Pratt - conduct the publication of the _Millennial Star_ as editor of the - same, after the close of the present volume. _Resolved_, that Elder - Parley P. Pratt reprint the hymn-book if he deem it expedient. - The hymn-book is not to be altered, except the typographical - errors. The above resolution was moved by Elder Geo. A. Smith, and - seconded by Elder Wilford Woodruff; carried unanimously. Conference - adjourned. - - Orson Hyde, Clerk. - -_Sunday, 4_.--The President of the United States, William Henry -Harrison died at Washington of the pleurisy. - -Nine of the Twelve at Manchester attended meeting at Carpenter's hall, -and individually bore testimony of the fulness of the everlasting -Gospel. - - _Council Meeting of the Twelve--Continued_. - - Manchester, April 5, 1841. - - Met pursuant to adjournment. Elder Orson Pratt opened the council - by prayer. It was resolved that the 17th day of April be the day - appointed for the Twelve who are going to America, to set sail from - Liverpool. Moved by Elder Kimball and seconded by Elder Woodruff - that the Twelve do business at the conference as a quorum, and call - upon the Church or conference to sanction it. Adjourned till the - 6th instant, to meet in general conference at Carpenter's Hall, at - 10 o'clock a. m. - - O. Hyde, Clerk. - -[Sidenote: Twelfth Anniversary of the Organization of the Church.] - -_April 6, 1841_.--The first day of the twelfth year of the Church -of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! At an early hour the several -companies comprising the "Nauvoo Legion," with two volunteer companies -from Iowa Territory, making sixteen companies in all, assembled at -their several places of rendezvous, and were conducted in due order -to the ground assigned for general review. The appearance, order and -movements of the Legion, were chaste, grand and imposing, and reflected -great credit upon the taste, skill and tact of the men comprising said -Legion. We doubt whether the like can be presented in {327} any other -city in the western country. At half-past seven o'clock a. m., the -fire of artillery announced the arrival of Brigadier-Generals Law and -Don Carlos Smith, at the front of their respective cohorts; and at 8 -o'clock Major-General Bennett was conducted to his post, under the -discharge of cannon, and took command of the Legion. - -At half-past nine o'clock a. m., Lieutenant-General Smith, with his -guard, staff and field officers arrived at the ground, and were -presented with a beautiful silk national flag by the ladies of Nauvoo, -which was respectfully received and hailed by the firing of cannon, and -borne off by Colonel Robinson, the cornet, to the appropriate position -in the line; after which the Lieutenant-General with his suite passed -the lines in review. - -At twelve m., the procession arrived upon the Temple ground, -enclosing the same in a hollow square, with Lieutenant-General -Smith, Major-General Bennett, Brigadier-Generals Wilson Law and -Don Carlos Smith, their respective staffs, guard, field officers, -distinguished visitors, choir, band, &c., in the centre, and the ladies -and gentlemen, citizens, surrounding in the interior. The superior -officers, together with the banner, architects, principal speaker, &c., -were duly conducted to the stand at the principal corner stone, and the -religious services were commenced by singing from page 65 of the new -hymn book. - -[Sidenote: Sidney Rigdon's Speech.] - -President Sidney Rigdon then addressed the assembly, and remarked the -circumstances under which he addressed the people were of no ordinary -character, but of peculiar and indescribable interest, that it was the -third occasion of a similar nature, wherein he had been called upon -to address the people, and to assist in laying the corner stones of -houses to be erected in honor of the God of the Saints. Various scenes -had transpired since the first was laid--he with some who were with -him on that occasion, had waded through scenes that no other people -had ever seen--not cursed, but blessed {328} with. They had seen the -blood of the innocent flow, and heard the groans of those dying for the -witness of Jesus; in all those scenes of tribulation, his confidence, -his courage and his joy had been increasing instead of diminishing. -Now the scene had changed; persecution had in a measure subsided; -peace and safety, friendship and joy crowned their assembling; and -their endeavors to serve God were respected and viewed with interest. -The Saints had assembled, not to violate law and trample upon equity -and good social order; not to devastate and destroy; but to lift up -the standard of liberty and law, to stand in defense of civil and -religious, rights, to protect the innocent, to save mankind, and -to obey the will and mandate of the Lord of glory; to call up to -remembrance the once crucified, but now exalted and glorified Savior; -to say that He is again revealed, that He speaks from the heavens, -that He reigns; in honor of Him to tell the world that He lives, and -speaks, and reigns and dictates--that not every people can build a -house to Him, but that people whom He Himself directs--that the present -military display is not to usurp authority, but to obey as they are -commanded and directed; to honor, not the world, but Him that is alive -and reigns, the all in all, the invisible, but beholding, and guiding -and directing--that the Saints boast of their King; of His wisdom, His -understanding, His power and His goodness--that they honor a God of -unbounded power and glory--that He is the chief corner stone in Zion, -also the top stone--that He cannot be conquered--that He is working -in the world to guide, to conquer, and to subdue--that as formerly, -so now He works by revelation--that this is the reason why we are -here, and why we are thus--that the Saints have sacrificed all things -for the testimony of Jesus Christ--that some from different parts of -Europe and from Canada, as well as the different parts of the United -States, are present, and among all, a unanimity of purpose and feeling -prevails--and why? Because the same God over all had spoken {329} from -the heavens and again revealed Himself. He remarked that he defied -the devil to collect such an assembly; none but Jesus would or could -accomplish such things as we are about to behold; the devil will not -build up, but tear down and destroy; the work of Jesus is like Himself -in all ages--that as light shines from the east, and spreads itself -to the west, so is the progress of spiritual light and truth--that -Jesus is a God of order, regularity and uniformity--that he works now -by revelation and by messengers as anciently--shows Himself--lifts -the veil; that such things are marvelous, but nevertheless true--that -the order of laying the corner stones was expressive of the order of -the kingdom--that the minutia were subject matter of revelation, and -all the scenery, acts of obedience are understood by the Saints--that -the ancient Prophets beheld and rejoiced at this scene, and are near -to witness the fulfillment of their predictions--that we are highly -favored of God, and brought near to the spirits of just men made -perfect. He then closed by exhortation, first to the multitude, and -lastly to the Church. The speaker then gave out a hymn, page 205, and -closed by prayer. - -The architects then, by the direction of the First Presidency, lowered -the first (the south-east corner) stone to its place, and President -Joseph Smith pronounced the benediction as follows: - - This principal corner stone in representation of the First - Presidency, is now duly laid in honor of the Great God; and may - it there remain until the whole fabric is completed; and may the - same be accomplished speedily; that the Saints may have a place to - worship God, and the Son of Man have where to lay His head. - -President Sidney Rigdon then pronounced the following: - - May the persons employed in the erection of this house be preserved - from all harm while engaged in its construction, till the whole is - completed, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the - Holy Ghost. Even so. Amen. - -Adjourned for one hour. - -{330} Assembled according to adjournment, and proceeded to lay the -remaining corner stones, according to previous order. - -The second (south-west corner) stone, by the direction of the president -of the High Priesthood, with his council and President Marks, was -lowered to its place, when the president of the High Priesthood -pronounced the following: - - The second corner stone of the Temple now building by the Church - of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in honor of the Great God, - is duly laid, and may the same unanimity, that has been manifested - on this occasion continue till the whole is completed; that peace - may rest upon it to the laying of the top stone thereof, and the - turning of the key thereof; that the Saints may participate in the - blessings of Israel's God, within its walls, and the glory of God - rest upon the same. Amen. - -The third (the north-west corner) stone, superintended by the High -Council, was then lowered to its place, with the benediction of Elias -Higbee, as follows: - - The third corner stone is now duly laid; may this stone be a firm - support to the building that the whole may be completed as before - proposed. - -The fourth (the north-east corner) stone, superintended by the Bishops, -was then lowered to its place, and Bishop Whitney pronounced the -following: - - The fourth and last corner stone, expressive of the Lesser - Priesthood, is now duly laid, and may the blessings before - pronounced, with all others desirable, rest upon the same forever. - Amen. - -The services were then declared closed, and the military retired to the -parade ground and were dismissed with the approbation and thanks of the -commanding officer. The military band, under the command of Captain -Duzette, made a conspicuous and dignified appearance, and performed -their part honorably. Their soul-stirring strains met harmoniously the -rising emotions that swelled each bosom, and stimulated us onward to -the arduous but pleasing and honorable duties of the day. The choir -also, under the direction of B. S. Wilber, deserve commendation. - -[Sidenote: Conduct of the People.] - -What added greatly to the happiness we experienced on this interesting -occasion, is the fact that we heard no {331} obscene or profane -language; neither saw we any one intoxicated. Can the same be said of -a similar assemblage in any other city in the Union? Thank God that -the intoxicating beverage, the bane of humanity in these last days, is -becoming a stranger in Nauvoo. - -In conclusion, we will say we never witnessed a more imposing spectacle -than was presented on this occasion, and during the sessions of -the conference. Such a multitude of people moving in harmony, in -friendship, in dignity, told in a voice not easily misunderstood, that -they were a people of intelligence, and virtue and order; in short, -that they were _Saints_; and that the God of love, purity and light, -was their God, their Examplar, and Director; and that they were blessed -and happy. - -[Sidenote: Order of Laying Corner Stones of Temples.] - -If the strict order of the Priesthood were carried out in the building -of Temples, the first stone would be laid at the south-east corner, by -the First Presidency of the Church. The south-west corner should be -laid next. The third, or north-west corner next; and the fourth, or -north-east corner last. The first Presidency should lay the south-east -corner stone and dictate who are the proper persons to lay the other -corner stones. - -If a Temple is built at a distance, and the First Presidency are not -present, then the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles are the persons to -dictate the order for that Temple; and in the absence of the Twelve -Apostles, then the Presidency of the Stake will lay the south-east -corner stone; the Melchisedec Priesthood laying the corner stones on -the east side of the Temple, and the Lesser Priesthood those on the -west side. - -[Sidenote: Conference at Philadelphia.] - -A Conference was held at Philadelphia; President Hyrum Smith presiding; -many branches were represented and the branch at Philadelphia was -organized by electing Benjamin Winchester, President, and Edson -Whipple, and William Wharnot, his Counselors. Jacob Syphret was elected -Bishop, and Jesse Prince and James Nicholson his Counselors. - - {332} _Meeting of the Council of the Twelve in Manchester_. - - The Council of the Twelve assembled at Manchester, in Carpenter's - Hall, on the 7th day of April, 1841, for the first time to transact - business as a quorum in the presence of the Church, in a foreign - land; being the first day of the 12th year of the rise of the - Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Nine of the quorum - were present; viz., Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Orson Hyde, - Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, Willard Richards, - John Taylor and Geo. A. Smith, President Young having called the - meeting to order, and organized, the conference then opened by - prayer. Elder Thomas Ward was chosen Clerk. The President then - made some introductory remarks relative to the organization of the - Church in the House of the Lord in America, in reference to the - different quorums in their respective orders and authorities in the - Church. - - The representation of the churches and conferences throughout the - kingdom was then called for. - - Location. By Whom Represented Members. Elders. Priests. Teachers. Deacons. - Manchester Parley P. Pratt 443 7 15 9 0 - Clitheroe Conference Heber C. Kimball 318 6 12 13 3 - Presten Conference Peter Melling 675 11 15 13 3 - Liverpool John Taylor 190 9 8 4 3 - Isle of Man John Taylor 90 2 4 2 0 - London Conference Lorenzo Snow 137 3 8 4 2 - Birmingham Conference Alfred Cordon 110 4 13 4 1 - Staffordshire Conference Alfred Cordon 574 19 49 28 16 - Garway Conference Wilford Woodruff 134 5 6 4 1 - Gadfield Elm Conference Wilford Woodruff 408 8 33 11 1 - Froom's Hill Conference Wilford Woodruff 1008 27 67 27 8 - Edingburgh Orson Pratt 203 6 9 6 2 - Glasgow, Paisley, Johnstone, Reuben Hedlock 368 12 15 13 11 - Bridge of Weir, and - Thorney Bank - Ireland Theodore Curtis 35 2 0 1 0 - Wales James Burnham 170 2 5 3 3 - Newcastle-upon-Tyne Amos Fielding 23 1 3 1 0 - Alston John Sanders 26 1 0 1 0 - Brampton John Sanders 46 0 1 0 0 - Carlisle John Sanders 43 1 0 0 0 - Bolton Robert Crooks 189 1 11 8 1 - Dukinfield John Albertson 120 2 4 3 2 - Northwich, Middlewich, &c Samuel Heath 112 2 6 6 6 - Oldham William Black 86 1 4 1 2 - Stockport Elder Magan 161 1 5 2 2 - Eccles Elder Magan 24 1 3 1 0 - Pendlebury Elder Magan 62 0 2 1 1 - Whitefield Elder Magan 41 1 2 3 0 - Radcliffe Bridge Elder Magan 18 1 3 0 0 - Total 5814 136 304 169 68 - - Nearly eight hundred Saints have emigrated to America during the - past season. These are not included in this representation. - - {333} Conference adjourned till 2 p. m. - - Conference met pursuant to adjournment; opened by prayer. - - Scattering members were then represented, consisting of nearly - fifty, not included in any of the above branches. - - President Young then proceeded to make some remarks on the office - of Patriarch, and concluded by moving that Elder John Albertson [1] - be ordained to that office. Seconded by Elder Kimball, and carried - unanimously. - - _Resolved_: That George D. Watt, George J. Adams, Amos Fielding, - William Kay, John Sanders, Thomas Richardson, James Whitehead, - Thomas Domville, James Galley and George Simpson be ordained High - Priests. - - _Resolved_: That the following persons be ordained Elders--William - Miller, William Leach, John Sands, William Moon, William Hardman, - William Black, John Goodfellow, Joseph Brotherton, Richard Benson, - Theophilus Brotherton, John McIlwick, and William Green. - - _Resolved_: That Manchester, Stockport, Dukinfield, Oldham, Bolton, - and all the neighboring branches be organized into one conference, - to be called the Manchester Conference. - - That the Church in Brampton, Alston, and Carlisle be included in - one conference. - - That the churches of Liverpool, Isles of Man, Wales, viz., Overton, - Harding and Ellsmere, be organized into one conference, to be - called the Liverpool conference. - - _Resolved_: That the Macclesfield Conference include Macclesfield, - Northwich, Middlewich, and Lostock. - - That Edinburgh Conference include Glasgow, Paisley, Bridge of Weir, - Johnstone and Thorney Bank. - - That George D. Watt preside over the Edinburgh Conference. - - That John Greenhow preside over the Liverpool Conference. - - That Thomas Ward preside over the Clitheroe Conference. - - That Lorenzo Snow preside over the London Conference. - - That James Galley preside over the Macclesfield Conference. - - That Alfred Cordon preside over the Staffordshire Conference. - - That James Riley be ordained a High Priest, and preside over the - Birmingham Conference. - - That James McAnley preside over the Glasgow Conference. - - That Thomas Richardson preside over the Gadfield Elm Conference. - - That William Kay preside over the Froom's Hill Conference. - - That Levi Richards have the superintendence of the Garway - Conference. - - {334} That Peter Melling preside over the Preston Conference. - - That John Sanders preside over the Brampton Conference. - - Adjourned till seven o'clock, p. m. - - Met pursuant to adjournment; commenced by singing, "When shall we - all meet again," and prayer. - - The Patriarch Peter Melling, was then called upon to pronounce a - patriarchal blessing upon the head of John Albertson, previous to - his being ordained to the office of Patriarch. Laying his hands - upon him he blessed him in the following words: - - "John, I lay my hands upon thy head, in the name of Jesus Christ; - and by the authority of the Holy Priesthood committed unto me, I - pronounce upon thy head the blessings of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; - and I say unto thee, that, inasmuch as it is in thy heart to do - the will of the Lord, thou shalt be blessed, and the desires of - thy heart shall be granted thee; and the Lord God will enlarge thy - heart; and, inasmuch as thou wilt be humble and faithful before - the Lord in thy calling, even that of a Patriarch, thou shalt be - blessed, strengthened, and have great wisdom and understanding; - thy bowels shall be filled with compassion for the widow and - fatherless; and I pray that our Father in Heaven will take thee - into His own care, and as He feels for thy welfare, thou shalt - be made strong in faith, and the Lord shall bless thee and open - thy understanding. Thou shalt know the doctrine of Jesus Christ, - and the mysteries of heaven shall be opened to thy mind. Thou - shalt also have the gift of prophecy and revelation, and thou - shalt predict those things that shall take place to the latest - generation. I pray that our Father in heaven may confer these - blessings upon thy head; yea, thou shalt be a mighty man, if thou - wilt be a faithful man, and a humble man, so that thou mayst be an - ornament to thy calling, and a blessing to thy posterity; yea, thy - posterity shall be blessed, and they shall become mighty upon the - earth, and become blessed inasmuch as thou wilt be faithful in all - things, and watch unto prayer. Thou shalt finally overcome, and - be lifted up on high, and inherit the mansions prepared for thee - in the kingdom of our God. Thou art of the blood of Ephraim; and - I seal these blessings upon thy head in the name of Jesus Christ. - Amen, and amen." - - The Apostles then laid hands on John Albertson, and ordained him to - the office of Patriarch. - - The ordinations of the High Priests then took place; but, from the - pressure of business, it was directed that the High Priests who - were present should retire to the vestry, with those who were to be - ordained Elders, and there ordain them at the same time that the - ordinations of the High Priests were proceeding. - - Several appropriate discourses were delivered by different - members {335} of the Twelve Apostles in relation to the duties - of the officers in their respective callings, and the duties and - privileges of the members; also of the prosperity of the work in - general. - - A very richly ornamented cake, a present from New York, from - Elder George J. Adams' wife to the Twelve, was then exhibited to - the meeting. This was blessed by them and distributed to all the - officers and members, and the whole congregation, consisting, - perhaps, of seven hundred people; a large fragment was still - preserved for some who were not present. During the distribution - several appropriate hymns were sung, and a powerful and general - feeling of delight universally pervaded the meeting. - - While this was proceeding, Elder Parley P. Pratt composed, and - handed over to the clerk, the following lines, which the clerk then - read to the meeting: - - When in far distant regions, - As strangers we roam, - Far away from our country, - Our friends and our home: - - When sinking in sorrow, - Fresh courage we'll take, - As we think of our friends, - And remember the _cake_. - - Elder Orson Hyde appealed powerfully to the meeting, and covenanted - with the Saints present, in a bond of mutual prayer, during his - mission to Jerusalem and the East, which was sustained on the part - of the hearers with a hearty amen. - - Elder Fielding remarked respecting the rich cake of which they had - been partaking, that he considered it a type of the good things of - that land from whence it came, and from which they had received the - fullness of the Gospel. - - The number of official members present at this conference was then - taken, viz., quorum of the Twelve Apostles, 9; Patriarchs, 2; High - Priests, 16; quorum of the Seventies, 2; Elders, 31; Priests, 28; - Teachers, 17; Deacons, 2. - - Elders Brigham Young and William Miller then sang the hymn - "Adieu, my dear brethren," &c., and President Young blessed the - congregation and dismissed them. - - Brigham Young, Chairman. - - Thomas Ward, Clerk. - -Footnotes: - -1. John Albertson was the second Patriarch ordained in England, Peter -Melling being the first, he was ordained the 17th of April, 1840. - -{336} - - - -CHAPTER XVIII. - -General Conference at Nauvoo--Epistle of the Twelve to the Saints in -England--Difference between Baptists and Latter-Day Saints. - - _Minutes of the General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ - of Latter-day Saints held in Nauvoo, Illinois, on the 7th day of - April, one thousand eight hundred and forty-one_. - - The names of the presidents of the several quorums were called, - and they took their seats on the stand, with their counselors in - front. The meeting was called to order. Choir sang a hymn; prayer - by William Law. - - The clerk then read the report of the First Presidency, as follows-- - - Report of the First Presidency. - - The Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, - feel great pleasure in assembling with the Saints at another - general conference, under circumstances so auspicious and cheering; - and with greatful hearts to Almighty God for His providential - regard, they cordially unite with the Saints, on this occasion, in - ascribing honor, glory, and blessing to His Holy name. - - It is with unfeigned pleasure that they have to make known the - steady and rapid increase of the Church in this state, the United - States, and Europe. The anxiety to become acquainted with the - principles of the Gospel, on every hand is intense, and the cry of - "come over and help us," is reaching the Elders on the wings of - every wind; while thousands who have heard the Gospel have become - obedient thereto, and are rejoicing in its gifts and blessings. - Prejudice, with its attendant train of evil, is giving way before - the force of truth, whose benign rays are penetrating the nations - afar off. - - The reports from the Twelve Apostles in Europe are very - satisfactory, and state that the work continues to progress with - unparalleled rapidity, and that the harvest is truly great. In the - Eastern States the faithful laborers are successful, and many are - flocking to the standard of truth {337} Nor is the South keeping - back. Churches have been raised up in the Southern and Western - States, and a very pressing invitation has been received from New - Orleans, for some of the Elders to visit that city; which has - been complied with. In our own state and immediate neighborhood, - many are avowing their attachment to the principles of our holy - religion, and have become obedient to the faith. - - Peace and prosperity attend us; and we have favor in the sight - of God and virtuous men. The time was, when we were looked upon - as deceivers, and that "Mormonism" would soon pass away, come to - nought, and be forgotten. But the time has gone by when it is - looked upon as a transient matter, or a bubble on the wave, and - it is now taking a deep hold in the hearts and affections of all - those who are noble-minded enough to lay aside the prejudice of - education, and investigate the subject with candor and honesty. The - truth, like the sturdy oak, has stood unhurt amid the contending - elements, which have beat upon it with tremendous force. The - floods have rolled, wave after wave, in quick succession, and have - not swallowed it up. "They have lifted up their voice, O Lord; - the floods have lifted up their voice; but the Lord of Hosts is - mightier than the mighty waves of the sea;" nor have the flames of - persecution, with all the influence of mobs, been able to destroy - it; but like Moses' bush, it has stood unconsumed, and now at this - moment presents an important spectacle both to men and angels. - Where can we turn our eyes to behold such another? We contemplate a - people who have embraced a system of religion, unpopular, and the - adherence to which has brought upon them repeated persecutions. - A people who, for their love to God, and attachment to His - cause, have suffered hunger, nakedness, perils, and almost every - privation. A people who, for the sake of their religion, have - had to mourn the premature death of parents, husbands, wives, - and children. A people, who have preferred death to slavery and - hypocrisy, and have honorably maintained their characters, and - stood firm and immovable, in times that have tried men's souls. - Stand fast, ye Saints of God, hold on a little while longer, and - the storm of life will be past, and you will be rewarded by that - God whose servants you are, and who will duly appreciate all - your toils and afflictions for Christ's sake and the Gospel's. - Your names will be handed down to posterity as Saints of God and - virtuous men. - - But we hope that those scenes of blood will never more occur, but - that many, very many, such scenes as the present will be witnessed - by the Saints, and that in the Temple, the foundation of which has - been so happily laid, will the Saints of the Most High continue to - congregate from year to year in peace and safety. - - From the kind and generous feelings, manifested by the citizens of - {338} this state, since our sojourn among them, we may continue - to expect the enjoyment of all the blessings of civil and - religious liberty, guaranteed by the Constitution. The citizens - of Illinois have done themselves honor, in throwing the mantle of - the Constitution over a persecuted and afflicted people: and have - given evident proof that they are not only in the enjoyment of the - privileges of freemen themselves, but also that they willingly and - cheerfully extend that invaluable blessing to others, and that they - freely award to faithfulness and virtue their due. - - The proceedings of the legislature, in regard to the citizens of - this place, have been marked with philanthropy and benevolence; and - they have laid us under great and lasting obligations, in granting - us the several liberal charters we now enjoy, and by which we hope - to prosper until our city becomes the most splendid, our University - the most learned, and our Legion the most effective of any in the - Union. In the language of one of our own poets, we would say-- - - In Illinois we've found a safe retreat, - A home, a shelter from oppression dire; - Where we can worship God as we think right, - And mobbers come not to disturb our peace; - Where we can live and hope for better days, - Enjoy again our liberty, our rights: - That social intercourse which freedom grants, - And charity requires of man to man. - And long may charity pervade each breast, - And long may Illinois remain the scene - Of rich prosperity, by _peace secured_. - - In consequence of the impoverished condition of the Saints, the - buildings which are in course of erection do not progress as fast - as could be desired; but from the interest which is generally - manifested by the Saints at large, we hope to accomplish much by a - combination of effort, and a concentration of action, and erect the - Temple and other public buildings, which we so much need for our - mutual instruction and the education of our children. - - From the reports which have been received, we may expect a large - emigration this season. The proclamation which was sent, some time - ago, to the churches abroad, has been responded to, and great - numbers are making preparations to come and locate themselves in - this city and vicinity. - - From what we now witness, we are led to look forward with pleasing - anticipation to the future, and soon expect to see the thousands - of Israel flocking to this region in obedience to the heavenly - command; numerous inhabitants--Saints--thickly studding the flowery - and {339} wide-spread prairies of Illinois; temples for the worship - of our God erecting in various parts, and great peace resting upon - Israel. - - We would call the attention of the Saints more particularly to the - building of the Temple, for on its speedy erection great blessings - depend. The zeal which is manifested by the Saints in this city is, - indeed, praiseworthy, and, we hope will be imitated by the Saints - in the various stakes and branches of the Church, and that those - who cannot contribute labor will bring their gold and their silver, - their brass and their iron, with the pine tree, and box tree, to - beautify the same. - - We are glad to hear of the organization of the different quorums in - this city, and hope that their organization will be attended to in - every stake and branch of the Church, for the Almighty is a lover - of order and good government. - - From the faith and enterprise of the Saints generally, we feel - greatly encouraged and cheerfully attend to the important duties - devolving upon us, knowing that we not only have the approval of - heaven, but also that our efforts for the establishment of Zion and - the spread of truth, are cheerfully seconded by the thousands of - Israel. - - In conclusion we would say, brethren, be faithful, let your love - and moderation be known unto all men; be patient, be mindful to - observe all the commandments of your Heavenly Father, and the God - of all grace shall bless you. Even so, Amen. - - Joseph Smith, President, - - Robert B. Thompson, Clerk. - - On motion, Resolved that the report be printed in the _Times and - Seasons_. - - President Rigdon arose and stated that, in consequence of weakness - from his labors of yesterday, he would call upon General John C. - Bennett to officiate in his place. - - General Bennett then read the revelations from "The Book of the - Law of the Lord," which had been received since the last general - conference, in relation to writing a proclamation to the kings of - the earth, building a temple in Nauvoo, the organization of the - Church, &c. [1] - - President Joseph Smith rose, and made some observations in - explanation of the same; and likewise of the necessity which - existed of building the Temple, that the Saints might have a - suitable place for worshiping the Almighty; and also the building - of the Nauvoo Boarding House, that suitable accommodations may be - afforded for the strangers who visit this city. - - The choir sung a hymn, and the meeting adjourned for one hour. - - {340} Conference met pursuant to adjournment, and was called to - order by William Law. - - Choir sung a hymn, and President William Marks addressed the throne - of grace. - - General Bennett read the charters granted by the legislature of - this state, for incorporating "the City of Nauvoo," "the Nauvoo - Legion," "the University of the City of Nauvoo," "the Agricultural - and Manufacturing Association," and "the Nauvoo House Association." - - On motion, Resolved that the charters now read be received by the - Church. - - President Don Carlos Smith arose, and gave an exhortation to the - assembly. - - General John C. Bennett then spoke at some length on the present - situation, prospects, and condition of the Church, and remarked - that the hand of God must indeed be visible, in accomplishing the - great blessings and prosperity of the Church, and called upon the - Saints to be faithful and obedient in all things, and likewise - forcibly and eloquently urged the necessity of being united in all - their movements; and before he sat down, he wished to know how many - of the Saints who were present felt disposed to continue to act - in concert and follow the instructions of the First Presidency; - and called upon all those who did so, to arise on their feet--when - immediately the Saints, almost without exception, arose. - - The choir sung a hymn, and the meeting, after prayer, adjourned - until tomorrow morning. - -_Thursday, 8th_. - - Thursday morning, April 8. At an early hour this morning the - different quorums, who had previously been organized, came to the - ground and took their seats as follows: The First Presidency, with - the presidents of the quorums on the stand, the High Council on the - front of the stand, the High Priests on the front to the right of - the stand, the Seventies immediately behind the High Priests, the - Elders in the front to the left, the Lesser Priesthood on the right. - - On motion, Resolved, that this conference continue until Sunday - evening. - - President Joseph Smith declared the rule of voting to be, a - majority in each quorum; exhorted them to deliberation, faith, - and prayer; and that they should be strict and impartial in - their examinations. He then told them that the presidents of - the different quorums would be presented before them for their - acceptance or rejection. - - Bishop Whitney then presented the First Presidency to the Lesser - {341} Priesthood. President John A. Hicks presented them to the - Elders' quorum. President Joseph Young presented them to the - quorums of the Seventies. President Don Carlos Smith presented - them to the High Priests' quorum. Counselor Elias Higbee presented - them to the High Council; and the clerk then presented them to - the presidents of all the quorums on the stand, and they were - unanimously accepted. John C. Bennett was presented, with the First - Presidency, as Assistant President until President Rigdon's health - should be restored. - - The presidents and counselors belonging to the several quorums - were then presented to each quorum separately, for approval or - rejection, when the following persons were objected to, viz., John - A. Hicks, president of the Elders' quorum; Alanson Ripley, Bishop; - Elder John E. Page, one of the Twelve Apostles; and Noah Packard, - High Priest. Bishop Newel K. Whitney moved their cases be laid - over, to be tried before the several quorums. - - President Joseph Smith presented the building committee of the - "House of the Lord," viz., Alpheus Cutler, Reynolds Cahoon, and - Elias Higbee, to the several quorums collectively, and they were - unanimously received. - - President Smith observed that it was necessary that someone should - be appointed to fill the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, in the - room of the late Elder David W. Patten; whereupon President Rigdon - nominated Elder Lyman Wight to that office; and he was unanimously - accepted. Elder Wight stated that it was an office of great honor - and responsibility, and he felt inadequate to the task; but, - inasmuch as it was the wish of the authorities of the Church that - he should take that office, he would endeavor to magnify it. - - _Resolved_: That James Allred be appointed to the office of High - Councilor, in the place of Charles C. Rich, who had been chosen a - counselor to the president of this stake, and that Leonard Soby - be appointed one of the High Council, in the room of David Dort, - deceased. - - The choir sung a hymn, and after prayer by President Rigdon, the - meeting adjourned for two hours. - - Conference met pursuant to adjournment. A hymn was sung by the - choir. - - President Rigdon delivered an interesting discourse on the subject - of "Baptism for the dead." - - President Joseph Smith followed on the same subject; and threw - considerable light on the doctrine which had been presented. - - The choir then sung a hymn; and after prayer by Elder William - Smith, conference adjourned until tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock. - - Friday morning, the 9th, conference met pursuant to adjournment. - - The quorums reported that they had investigated the conduct of the - {342} persons who had been objected to, and that they had rejected - Alanson Ripley and James Foster. Leave was given to James Foster to - make a few remarks respecting the charges preferred against him: - after which it was resolved that Elder James Foster continue his - standing in the Church. _Resolved_: That, as Alanson Ripley has - not appeared to answer the charges preferred against him, that his - Bishopric be taken from him. - - President Joseph Smith made some observations respecting the duty - of the several quorums, in sending their members into the vineyard, - and also stated that labor on the Temple would be as acceptable to - the Lord, as preaching in the world, and that it was necessary that - some agents should be appointed to collect funds for building the - Temple. - - _Resolved_: That John Murdock, Lyman Wight, William Smith, Henry - William Miller, Amasa Lyman, Leonard Soby, Gehiel Savage, and Zenos - H. Gurley be appointed to travel and collect funds for the same. - - A hymn was then sung by the choir. Prayer by President Don Carlos - Smith. - - President Joseph Smith then stated that he should resign the - meeting to the presidency of the stake, and the president of the - High Priests' quorum. - - The building committee were called upon to address the assembly. - Elder Cahoon spoke at length on the importance of building the - Temple, and called upon the Saints to assist them in their great - undertaking. Elder Alpheus Cutler made some very appropriate - remarks. - - Conference adjourned one hour. - - Conference met pursuant to adjournment. - - Elias Higbee spoke on the same subject [_i. e_. importance of - building the Temple]. Elder Lyman Wight then came forward and - addressed the meeting at considerable length. - - The clerk read a letter from Elder John Taylor in England, to - President Joseph Smith, which gave an account of the prosperity of - the work of the Lord in that land. - - On motion, adjourned until tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock. - - Saturday, 10th. The weather was unfavorable, consequently no - business was transacted. - - Sunday, 11th. The conference again met. - - Elder Zenos H. Gurley preached on the literal fulfillment of - prophecy. - - President Rigdon made some observations on baptism for the - remission of sins. - - Conference adjourned for one hour. - - Conference met, and was addressed by the Bishops of the stake, - who stated the situation of the poor who had to be supported, and - called upon the Saints to assist in relieving the necessities of - the widows and fatherless. - - {343} Elder Lyman Wight made some observations on the subject. - - President Joseph Smith then addressed the assembly, and stated that - in consequence of the severity of the weather the Saints had not - received as much instruction as he desired, and that some things - would have to be laid over until the next conference. As there were - many who wished to be baptized, they would now go to the water, and - give them opportunity. - - The procession was then organized, and proceeded to the Mississippi. - - After the baptisms were over, the conference adjourned to the first - of October next. - - Joseph Smith, President. - - R. B. Thompson, Clerk. - -On the 7th of April, 1841, the Twelve Apostles were in England and -were busy in council, visiting the Saints in Manchester, and in the -evening supped at "Mother Miller's." On the 9th, they visited the -Zoological Gardens, Manchester, England. Elder W. J. Barratt writes -from Australia, "he had arrived safe at Adelaide after a rough passage, -but had not baptized any persons. Obstacles to the introduction of the -work of the Lord are very great." - - _Letter of George A. Smith to the Star--Report of Labors_. - - Bolton, April 11, 1841. - - _Elder P. P. Pratt_: - - I thought good to give your readers (through the medium of the - _Star_) a short account of my labors in England. I landed in - Liverpool on the 6th of April, 1840; and, after attending the - Preston conference, I went to the Staffordshire Potteries, where - there were about 100 Saints; I remained there three months. The - work continued to prosper, and 80 were added to the church in that - time. I then left the church there to the care of Elder Alfred - Cordon, and, in company with Elders Kimball and Woodruff, visited - the churches in Herefordshire and vicinity. Hundreds received our - testimony, and were baptized. From thence we proceeded to London, - where we met with much difficulty in introducing the fullness of - the Gospel; the hearts of the people were barred against the truth, - but the Lord blessed our labors, and we succeeded in establishing a - branch of the Church there. My health being poor, I was counseled - by my brethren of the Twelve Apostles to return to the field of - my former labors in Staffordshire; which I did, leaving in London - {344} but eleven members. Since that time, my labors have been - chiefly confined to the limits of the Staffordshire conference, - which has, until lately, included Birmingham and Macclesfield, - containing eighteen branches of the Church, 580 members having - been added since the time I commenced laboring there. Many have - been called to the ministry, who are faithful men, and willing to - receive counsel. Although I have suffered much bodily affliction - during the past year, the Lord has blessed my labors abundantly, - and I can say I never enjoyed myself better in the discharge of my - duty, than I have on this mission. Among the greatest blessings - I have enjoyed, has been the privilege of attending four general - conferences, and meeting in council with the Twelve Apostles. I - can assure you that a meeting with those in whose company I have - suffered so much tribulation for the Gospel's sake, both at home - and abroad, by land and sea, is to me a privilege indeed. I am - now preparing to return home with my brethren, according to the - instructions of the First Presidency of the Church; and, as I take - my leave of the Saints in this land, my prayer to God is that He - will preserve His people from the hand of Satan, and prepare them - for the coming Redeemer, who is near at hand. - - I remain your servant for the Gospel's sake, - - George A. Smith. - -_Tuesday, 13_.--Elder Heber C. Kimball left Manchester for Preston. - -_Thursday 15_. - - _Conference in New York City_. - - A conference of the Church was held in New York City. Elder George - W. Harris, of Nauvoo, chairman. Lucien R. Foster was elected - president of the branch, and Addison Everett and George Holmes, - his counselors. John M. Bernhisel was elected Bishop, and Richard - Burge and William Acker his counselors. These six, having been - chosen, were ordained and set apart to the several offices under - the direction of Elder Harris, he having been specially appointed - and authorized by President Hyrum Smith, at the Philadelphia - conference, to organize more perfectly the branch in New York. - - Lucien R. Foster, Secretary. - - _An Epistle of the Twelve Apostles to the Church of Jesus Christ - of Latter-day Saints in England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and the - Isle of Man, Greeting_: - - Beloved Brethren:--Inasmuch as we have been laboring for some time - in this country, and most of us are about to depart for the land - of {345} our nativity; and, feeling anxious for your welfare and - happiness in time and in eternity, we cheerfully offer you our - counsel in the closing number of the first volume of the _Star_, - hoping you will peruse it when we are far away, and profit by the - same. - - First of all, we would express our joy and thanksgiving to Him who - rules, and knows the hearts of men, for the heed and diligence - with which the Saints in this county have hearkened to the counsel - of those whom God has seen fit to send among them, and who hold - the keys of this ministry. By this means a spirit of union, and, - consequently, of power, has been generally cultivated among you. - And now let the Saints remember that which we have ever taught - them, both by precept and example, viz., to beware of an aspiring - spirit, which would lift you up one above another, to seek to be - the greatest in the kingdom of God. This is that spirit which - hurled down the angels. It is that spirit which actuates all - the churches of the sectarian world, and most of the civil and - military movements of the men of the world. It is that spirit - which introduces rebellion, confusion, misrule, and disunion, and - would, if suffered to exist among us, destroy our union, and, - consequently, our power, which flows from the Spirit, through the - Priesthood; which Spirit, and power, and Priesthood, can only exist - with the humble and meek of the earth. Therefore, beware, O ye - Priests of the Most High! lest ye are overcome by that spirit which - would exalt you above your fellow-laborers, and thus hurl you down - to perdition, or do much injury to the cause of God. - - Be careful to respect, not the eloquence, not the smooth speeches, - not the multitude of words, not the talents of men, but the offices - which God has placed in the Church. Let the members hearken to - their officers, let the Priests, Teachers, and Deacons hearken to - the Elders, and let the Elders hearken to the presiding officers of - each church or conference, and let all the churches and conferences - hearken to the counsel of those who are still left in this country - to superintend the affairs of the Church; and, by so doing, a - spirit of union will be preserved, and peace and prosperity will - attend the people of God. - - We have seen fit to appoint our beloved brethren and - fellow-laborers, Levi Richards and Lorenzo Snow to travel from - conference to conference, and to assist Brother Pratt in the - general superintendency of the Church in this country. These are - men of experience and soundness of principle, in whose counsel the - Church may place entire confidence, as long as they uphold them by - the prayer of faith. - - The spirit of emigration has actuated the children of men, from - the time our first parents were expelled from the garden until - now. It was this spirit that first peopled the plains of Shinar, - and all other places; yes, it was emigration that first broke upon - the death-like silence and {346} loneliness of an empty earth, - and caused the desolate land to teem with life, and the desert to - smile with joy. It was emigration that first peopled England, once - a desolate island, on which the foot of man had never trod, but - now abounding in towns and cities. It was emigration that turned - the wilds of America into a fruitful field, and besprinkled the - wilderness with flourishing towns and cities, where a few years - since the war hoop of the savage, or the howl of the wild beasts - was heard in the distance. In short, it is emigration that is - the only effectual remedy for the evils which now afflict the - over-peopled countries of Europe. With this view of the subject, - the Saints, as well as thousands of others, seem to be actuated - with the spirit of enterprise and emigration, and as some of them - are calculating to emigrate to America, and settle in the colonies - of our brethren, we would here impart a few words of counsel on the - subject of emigration. - - It will be necessary, in the first place, for men of capital to - go on first and make large purchases of land, and erect mills, - machinery, manufactories, &c., so that the poor who go from this - country can find employment. Therefore, it is not wisdom for the - poor to flock to that place extensively, until the necessary - preparations are made. Neither is it wisdom for those who feel a - spirit of benevolence to expend all their means in helping others - to emigrate, and thus all arrive in a new country empty-handed. In - all settlements there must be capital and labor united, in order to - flourish. The brethren will recollect that they are not going to - enter upon cities already built up, but are going to "build cities - and inhabit them." Building cities cannot be done without means - and labor. On this subject we would call the particular attention - of the Saints to the Epistle, and also to the proclamation signed - by the First Presidency of the Church, published in the eleventh - number of this work (the _Star_), and would earnestly exhort them - to observe the order and instructions there given. - - We would also exhort the Saints not to go in haste, nor by flight, - but to prepare all things in a proper manner before they emigrate; - and especially in regard to their dealings with the world, let them - be careful to settle everything honestly, as becometh Saints, as - far as lies in their power, and not go away in debt, so far as they - have the means to pay. And if any go away in debt, because they - have not the means to pay, let it be with the design of paying as - industry shall put it in their power, so that the cause of truth be - not evil spoken of. - - We have found that there are so many "pick-pockets," and so many - that will take every possible advantage of strangers in Liverpool, - that we have appointed Elder Amos Fielding as the agent of the - Church to superintend the fitting out of the Saints from Liverpool - to America. - - Whatever information the Saints may want about the preparation - for {347} a voyage, they are advised to call on Elder Fielding - at Liverpool, as their first movement when they arrive there - as emigrants. There are some brethren who have felt themselves - competent to do their own business in these matters and, rather - despising the counsel of their friends, have been robbed and - cheated out of nearly all they had. A word of caution to the wise - is sufficient. It is also a great saving to go in companies, - instead of going individually. - - First, a company can charter a vessel, so as to make the passage - much cheaper than otherwise. - - Secondly, provisions can be purchased at wholesale, for a company, - much cheaper than otherwise. - - Thirdly, this will avoid bad company on the passage. - - Fourthly, when a company arrives at New Orleans they can charter a - steamboat, so as to reduce the passage near one-half. This measure - will save some hundreds of pounds on each ship load. - - Fifthly, a man of experience can go as leader of each company, who - will know how to avoid rogues and knaves. - - Sovereigns are more profitable than silver or any other money, in - emigrating to America; and the brethren are also cautioned against - the American money, when they arrive in that country. Let them not - venture to take paper money of that country, until they become well - informed in regard to the different banks, for very few of them - will pass current very far from the place where they are issued, - and banks are breaking almost daily. - - It is much cheaper going by New Orleans than by New York; but it - will never do for emigrants to go by New Orleans in the summer, on - account of the heat and sickness of the climate. It is, therefore, - advisable for the Saints to emigrate in autumn, winter, or spring. - - Let the Saints be careful also to obtain a letter of - recommendation, from the Elders where they are acquainted, to the - brethren where they are going, certifying their membership; and - let the Elders be careful not to recommend any who do not conduct - themselves as Saints; and especially those who would go with a - design to defraud their creditors. - - In regard to ordaining and licensing officers, each conference is - now organized under the care of their respective presidents, who, - with the voice of the Church, may ordain, according to the gifts - and callings of God, by the Holy Spirit, and under the general - superintendence of Elders Pratt, Richards, and Snow. Licenses - should be signed by the presiding officers. - - There are many other items of importance, which we would gladly - mention, had we time and space sufficient; but this must suffice - for the present; and may the God of our fathers bless you all with - wisdom and {348} grace to act each your part in the great work - which lies before you, that the world may be warned, and thousands - brought to the knowledge of the truth; and may He bless and - preserve you blameless until the day of His coming. Brethren and - sisters, pray for us. - - We remain, your brethren in the new and everlasting covenant, - - Brigham Young, - - Heber C. Kimball, - - Orson Hyde, - - Parley P. Pratt, - - Orson Pratt, - - Willard Richards, - - Wilford Woodruff, - - John Taylor, - - Geo. A. Smith. - - Manchester, April 15, 1841. - -Elders Brigham Young, Orson Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, George A. Smith, -and Levi Richards went from Manchester to Liverpool to attend a -tea-party at the Music Hall. - - Difference Between the Baptist and Latter-Day Saints, from the - "North Staffordshire Mercury." - - Sir:--In a late publication, you reported the case of some - persons who were taken before T. B. Ross, Esq., for disturbing a - congregation of Latter-day Saints, or believers in the "Book of - Mormon." A teacher of that sect, on being asked by the magistrate - wherein they differed from the Baptists, replied, "In the laying - on of hands;" but declined making an honest confession of those - peculiarities which separate them as widely from the Baptists, as - from every other denomination of the Christian church. This was - certainly prudent; but as the Baptists feel themselves dishonored - by such an alliance, they would be unjust to themselves were they - to leave unanswered such a libel upon their denomination. The - following very prominent marks of difference will enable your - readers to judge for themselves. - - 1. The Saints admit all persons indiscriminately to baptism, - encouraging them to pass through that rite, with the promise that - great spiritual improvement will follow. They baptize for remission - of sins, without waiting for creditable evidence of repentance - for sin. But the Baptists admit none to that ordinance who do not - exhibit this qualification in the most satisfactory manner; and if - they found a candidate looking to the water of baptism as having - virtue to cleanse him from sin, he would be put back until better - instructed. - - {349} 2. After baptism the Saints kneel down, and their Priest, - laying on his hands, professes to give them the Holy Ghost. If - effects similar to those produced by the laying on of the Apostles' - hands were seen to follow, skepticism must yield to the force of - such evidence; but in their case no such effects are produced; the - baptized sinner is a sinner still, though flattered and deluded - with the epithet "Latter-day Saint." The Baptists regard such - mummery with as much disgust as all Christians do. - - 3. Having, as they suppose, the extraordinary gifts of the Spirit, - the Saints consistently pretend to have the power of working - wonders, and process to heal the sick with holy oil; also to the - power of prophecy. As most moral evils bring with them their - own remedy, these lofty pretensions will ruin them in due time, - by opening the eyes of the most deluded, as in the case of the - countless sects of impostors who have appeared upon the stage - before them. It need not be added, that the Baptists stand far - removed from such conceits, and have no part in them. - - 4. Not satisfied with the Bible as a complete revelation from God, - the "Latter-day Saints" have adopted a romance, written in America, - as a fresh revelation, and have added a trashy volume of 600 pages - to that book, which we are forbidden to add to, or take from, - under the most awful penalties! But even this is not enough for - their impious resumption. They have published a monthly magazine, - in which "new revelations" are served up fresh, as they arrive, - for the use of all who can swallow them. The disgust with which - the Baptists regard such a melancholy exhibition of human folly - and wickedness, separates them to an impassable distance from such - people. - - 5. In order to carry on this order of things, the Latter-day Saints - have appointed two Priesthoods. "The Lesser, or Aaronic Priesthood, - is to hold the keys of the ministering of angels, and to administer - in outward ordinances. The power and authority of the higher, or - Melchisedek Priesthood, is to hold the keys of all the spiritual - blessings of the Church--to have the privilege of receiving the - mysteries of the Kingdom of heaven--to have the heavens opened - to them--to commune with the general assembly and Church of the - First-born; and to enjoy the communion and presence of God the - Father, and of Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant," (see page - 13). So that, in this wonderful Priesthood, they have provided for - an ample supply of new things, in endless variety, and without - end, from the hands of wretched men, who blasphemously aspire to a - dignity which belongs alone to Him who is the only "Priest forever - after the order of Melchisedek." - - The fear of trespassing upon your valuable columns, Mr. Editor, - prevents my enlarging upon these and very many other points of - {350} difference; but enough has been done to show your readers, - that no two sects can differ more widely from each other, than the - Baptists and the Latter-day Saints; and that to confound them in - any way together is not only unjust to the former, but involves - them in the disgrace of being partakers in a bold imposition, or - a pitiable delusion, which they regard with equal abhorrence and - disgust. - - A Baptist. - - Hanley, Feb. 16, 1841. - -The foregoing article attempts to show the difference between the -Baptists and Latter-day Saints. We will now attempt to show the -difference between the Baptists and Former-day Saints. - - The Difference Between the Baptists and the Former-Day Saints. - - 1st. The Former-day Saints baptized _for remission of sins, _Acts - ii: 38. The Baptists baptize those only who are supposed to have - their sins forgiven before they are baptized. - - 2nd. The Former-day Saints admitted all persons indiscriminately - to baptism, as soon as they professed faith and repentance, - encouraging them to pass through that rite, with the promise that - great spiritual improvement would follow, Acts ii: 38-41 inclusive. - But if the Baptists found the penitent believer looking for - remission of sins through that rite, they would be put back to "get - religion" where they could find it. - - 3rd. After baptism, the Former-day Saints prayed for, and laid - hands on the disciples in the name of Jesus, and professed to - give them the Holy Ghost, Acts viii: 17, also Acts xix: 6. The - Baptists say, "They regard such mummery with as much disgust as all - Christians do." - - 4th. Having, as they supposed, the extraordinary gifts of the - Spirit, the Former-day Saints consistently pretended to have the - power of working wonders, and professed to heal the sick with - holy oil; James v: 14, 15. Also to the power of prophecy; First - Corinthians from 12th to 14th chapter. It need not be added that - the Baptists stand far removed from "such conceits," and have no - part in them; nor in anything pertaining to the gifts and power - of God: or, to use the Apostle's own words, "they have a form of - godliness, denying the power." - - 5th. Not satisfied with the Bible as a complete revelation from - God, the Former-day Saints have added a volume of several hundred - pages (the New Testament), to that book, which (according to - Baptist logic) {351} Moses forbid them to add to, or take from; but - new revelations were served up almost daily, fresh as they arrived, - for all those who could swallow them. "The disgust with which the - Baptists regard such things, considering them but a melancholy - exhibition of human folly and wickedness," separates them to an - impassable distance from the Former-day Saints; and how, with all - these differences, the Baptists should ever have been thought, - by themselves, or anybody else, to be the Church of Christ, is - difficult to imagine! - - 6th. In order to carry on their strange work, or order of things, - the Former-day Saints had two Priesthoods. The Aaronic Priesthood - administered in outward ordinances, as in the case of John the - Baptist. The power and authority of the higher, or Melchisedek - Priesthood, was to hold the keys of all the spiritual blessing - of the Church, as Jesus said, "I give unto thee the keys of the - kingdom of heaven--whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be - bound in heaven," &c. They were to have the privilege of knowing - the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven. "To you it is given to know - the mysteries of the kingdom"--to have the heavens opened unto - them--to commune with the general assembly and Church of the First - born; and to enjoy the communion and presence of God the Father, - and of Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant: Heb. xii: 22, 23, - 24. So that in this wonderful Priesthood, they have provided for - an ample supply of new things, in endless variety, and without - end, from those who are and were counted the off-scouring of all - things; and who, as the Baptists would insinuate, "did aspire to - a dignity," which they say, "Belongs alone to Him who is the only - Priest forever after the order of Melchisedek." - - The fear of trespassing upon the time and patience of our readers, - prevents our enlarging upon these and many other points of - difference; but enough has been said to show, that no two sects can - possibly differ more widely from each other than do the Baptists - and Former-day Saints, and to amalgamate the two systems in any way - is not only an act of injustice--but would involve the Baptists, - who by the way are an honorable body, in the disgrace of that sect - which was "everywhere spoken against." See Acts 28:23. - -Footnotes: - -1. This is the revelation of 19th January, 1841, now section cxxi, -Doctrine and Covenants. - -{352} - - - -CHAPTER XIX. - -Organization of the Nauvoo Legion--Notable Persons at Nauvoo--The -Prophet's Sermon on Individual Responsibility for Sin and the Doctrine -of Election. - -[Sidenote: The Twelve Embark for Home.] - -_Tuesday, 20_.--Elders Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Orson Pratt, -Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, George A. Smith and Willard Richards -and family, went on board of the ship _Rochester_, at Liverpool, -Captain Woodhouse (who delayed his sailing two days, to accommodate the -Elders), bound for New York with a company of 130 Saints. - -Elder Parley P. Pratt tarried in England to preside over the Church, -and continue the publication of the _Millennial Star_, and Elder Hyde -to pursue his mission to Jerusalem. - -Mr. James Robinson, Assessor for the City of Nauvoo, died, aged 30. He -had resided in this county many years, and for his business habits and -kind disposition, he was highly respected. - -_Wednesday, 21_.--The _Rochester_ sailed. - -[Sidenote: Changes in the Iowa Stake.] - -_Saturday, 24_.--The High Council of Iowa selected David Pettigrew -and Moses Nickerson Counselors to President John Smith, in place -of Reynolds Cahoon and Lyman Wight, removed by appointment; James -Emmett in the place of David Pettigrew in the High Council, Joseph C. -Kingsbury in place of George W. Pitkin, removed to Nauvoo, and William -Clayton in place of Erastus Snow, absent. - -_Monday, 26_.--I attended the City Council. Several members being -absent, I moved that the Marshall be ordered to enforce the attendance -of Aldermen and {353} Councillors, at one o'clock on Saturday next, and -Council adjourned. - -_Wednesday, 28_.--The ship _Rochester_ encountered a tempest, shipped a -heavy sea, Wilford Woodruff got thoroughly drenched; Willard Richards -escaped under the bulwarks. - -_Saturday, May 1_.--Elder Robert B. Thompson became associate editor of -the _Times and Seasons_. - -[Sidenote: Organization of the Legion.] - -The first Regiment, first cohort of the Nauvoo Legion, consisting of -four companies, was organized, and Captain George Miller was elected -colonel; Captain Stephen Markham, lieutenant-colonel, and Captain -William Wightman, major. - -The first regiment, second cohort, consisting of four companies, was -also organized, and Captain Charles C. Rich was elected colonel, -Captain Titus Billings, lieutenant-colonel, and Captain John Scott, -major. - -Also the second regiment, second cohort, consisting of four companies, -was organized, and Captain Francis M. Higbee was elected colonel; -Captain Nelson Higgins, lieutenant-colonel, and Aaron H. Golden, major. - -I attended the City Council, and moved that the sympathies of the -Council be tendered to the relatives of James Robinson, deceased, the -late assessor and collector for the city, which was carried. - -[Sidenote: New Burying Ground for Nauvoo.] - -I also moved that a new burying ground be procured, outside the city -limits, and purchased at the expense of the corporation; which was -carried; and Alderman Daniel H. Wells, and councillors Wilson Law and -John T. Barnett were appointed a committee, and ten acres were ordered -to be purchased. - -I spoke at length on the rights and privileges of the owners of the -ferry, showing that the City Council has no right to take away ferry -privileges, once granted, without damages being paid to the proprietor; -and also moved that an ordinance be passed to protect citizens killing -{354} dogs running at large, which were set upon cattle or hogs, or -molest individuals. And also spoke on other subjects before the council. - -_Sunday, 2_.--The Teachers' quorum was organized in Nauvoo, Elisha -Averett, President, James Hendricks and James W. Huntsman, Counselors. - -_Tuesday, 4_.-- - - _Nauvoo Legion Affairs_. - - Headquarters, Nauvoo Legion, City of - - Nauvoo, Illinois, May 4, 1841. - - General Orders. Pursuant to an act of the Court Martial, the troops - attached or belonging to the Legion will parade at the place of - general rendezvous, in the City of Nauvoo, for drill, review and - inspection, on Saturday, the 3rd day of July, at half-past nine - o'clock a. m., armed and equipped according to law. At ten o'clock - the line will be formed and the general officers conducted to - their posts, under a fire of artillery. The commandants of the 1st - and 2nd companies, 2nd battalion, 1st regiment, 2nd cohort, are - directed to enroll every man residing within the bounds of their - respective commands, and not attached to any other company of the - Legion, between the ages of eighteen and forty-five years, and - notify them of their attachment to the service, and their legal - liabilities. - - As will be seen by the following legal opinion of Judge Douglas, - of the Supreme Court of the State of Illinois, than whom no man - stands more deservedly high in the public estimation, as an able - and profound jurist, politician and statesman; the officers and - privates, belonging to the Legion, are exempt from all military - duty, not required by the legally constituted authorities thereof. - They are, therefore, expressly inhibited from performing any - military services, not ordered by the general officers, or directed - by the court martial: - - City Of Nauvoo, Illinois, May 3, 1841. - - _General Bennett_: - - Dear Sir.--In reply to your request, I have examined so much of the - Nauvoo City Charter, and Legislative Acts, as relate to the "Nauvoo - Legion," and am clearly of opinion, that any citizen of Hancock - county, who may attach himself to the Nauvoo Legion, has all the - privileges that appertain to which independent military body, and - is exempt from all other military duty, as provided in the 25th - section of the City Charter; and cannot, therefore, be fined any - military or civil court, for neglecting or refusing to parade with - any other military body, or {355} under the command of any officers - who are not attached to said Legion. The language of the laws upon - this subject, is so plain and specific as to admit of no doubt as - to its true meaning and intent. I do not consider it necessary, - therefore, to enter into an argument to prove a position which is - evident from an inspection of the laws themselves. - - I am very respectfully, your friend, - - S. A. Douglas. - - The Legion is not, as has been falsely represented by its enemies, - exclusively a "Mormon" military association, but a body of citizen - soldiers, organized (without regard to political preferences or - religious sentiments) for the public defense, the general good, - and the preservation of law and order--to save the innocent, - unoffending citizens from the iron grasp of the oppressor and - perpetuate and sustain our free institutions against misrule, - anarchy, and mob violence; no other views are entertained or - tolerated. The general parades of the Legion will be in the City - of Nauvoo, but all other musters will be within the bounds of the - respective companies, battalions, regiments and cohorts. - - The 8th section of "An Act for the Organization and Government of - the Militia of this State," in force July 2, 1833, provides that - "when any person shall enroll himself in a volunteer company, he - shall forthwith give notice in writing to the commanding officer - of the company in which he was enrolled," &c., and that the - commanding officer of a regiment or battalion, may, in a certain - contingency, dissolve such company and some of the petty, ignorant, - and imprudent militia officers maintain that such is still the - law; but those blind leaders of the blind are informed that the - 11th section of "An Act Encouraging Volunteer Companies," approved - March 2, 1837, reads as follows: "So much of the 8th section of - an Act entitled, "An Act for the Organization and Government of - the Militia of this State," in force July 2, 1833, as requires a - volunteer to give notice in writing to the commanding officer of - the company in which he was enrolled, and authorizes commandants - of regiments to disband independent companies, be and the same is - hereby repealed." - - If officers act upon the obsolete laws of the "little book" which - have been repealed, years since, it will be sweet to the taste, but - "make the belly bitter;" and should any civil or military officer - attempt to enforce the collection of any military fines upon the - members of the Legion, excepting when such fines are assessed by - the court martial of the Legion, such persons are directed to apply - to the master in chancery, for Hancock county, for an injunction to - stay the illegal proceedings. - - The militia companies of Hancock county, and citizens generally, - are respectfully invited to unite with the Legion, and partake of - its privileges. - - {356} All officers are required to enforce the most rigid - discipline on all days of public parade. - - Persons holding enrolling orders are directed to act with energy; - consummate their trust, and make prompt returns to the office of - the Major-General. - - The Lieutenant-General desires that all his friends should attach - themselves to some company, either in the first or second cohort. - This will enable them to receive correct military instruction, - under the teachings of experienced officers, according to the drill - and discipline of the United States army--and qualify them for - efficient service in the cause of their beloved country and state, - in the hour of peril. - - The eleven companies of minute men will, at all times, hold - themselves in readiness to execute the laws, as originally - instructed by the general officers. - - The officers and troops of the Legion are directed to treat with - proper respect and decorum, all other officers and troops in the - service of this state, or of the United States. - - Officers are ordered to treat their troops with marked respect; - and, while they discharge their duties with promptitude and - boldness as officers, they must not forget or neglect to observe - the requisites of gentlemen. - - The second company (light infantry), 1st battalion, 1st regiment, - 2nd cohort; and the 1st company (lancers), 1st battalion, 3rd - regiment, 2nd cohort of the Legion, will act as an escort for the - reception of such visiting companies from Illinois and Iowa, as may - be present. Should the Governor be present, it will be announced by - a fire of artillery, by the 1st and 2nd companies, 1st battalion, - 1st regiment, 1st cohort, and the 1st company, 1st battalion, - 1st regiment, 2nd cohort, when he will be received by the entire - Legion, with the honors due so conspicuous a personage as the - Commander-in-Chief of the forces of the state. - - Officers, receiving copies of these orders, will promulgate the - same without delay, throughout the bounds of their respective - commands. - - Joseph Smith, Lieutenant-General. - - _Letter of the Prophet to the "Times and Seasons"--Visit of Notable - Persons to Nauvoo_. - - City Of Nauvoo, May 6, 1841. - - _To the Editors of the "Times and Seasons_:" - - Gentlemen:--I wish, through the medium of your paper, to make known - that, on Sunday last, I had the honor of receiving a visit from - the Hon. Stephen A. Douglas, Justice of the Supreme Court, and - Judge of the Fifth Judicial Circuit of the state of Illinois, and - Cyrus Walker {357} Esq., of Macomb, who expressed great pleasure in - visiting our city, and were astonished at the improvements which - were made. They were officially introduced to the congregation - who had assembled on the meeting ground, by the mayor; and they - severally addressed the assembly. - - Judge Douglas expressed his satisfaction of what he had seen and - heard respecting our people, and took that opportunity of returning - thanks to the citizens of Nauvoo, for conferring upon him the - freedom of the city; stating that he was not aware of rendering - us any service sufficiently important to deserve such marked - honor; and likewise spoke in high terms of our location and the - improvements we had made, and that our enterprise and industry were - highly creditable to us, indeed. - - Mr. Walker spoke much in favor of the place, the industry of the - citizens, &c., and hoped they would continue to enjoy all the - blessings and privileges of our free and glorious Constitution, - and, as a patriot and a freeman, he was willing, at all times, to - stand boldly in defense of liberty, and law. - - It must indeed be satisfactory to this community to know that kind - and generous feelings exist in the hearts of men of such high - reputation and moral and intellectual worth. - - Judge Douglas has ever proved himself friendly to this people, and - interested himself to obtain for us our several chartes, holding at - that time the office of Secretary of State. - - Mr. Walker also ranks high, and has long held a standing at the - bar, which few attain, and is considered one of the most able and - profound jurists in the state. - - The sentiments they expressed on the occasion were highly honorable - to them as American citizens, and as gentlemen. How different - their conduct from that of the official characters in the state - of Missouri, whose minds were prejudiced to such an extent that, - instead of mingling in our midst and ascertaining for themselves - our character, kept entirely aloof, but were ready, at all times, - to listen to those who had the "poison of adders under their - tongues," and who sought our overthrow. - - Let every person who may have imbibed sentiments prejudicial to - us, imitate the honorable example of our distinguished visitors - (Douglas and Walker), and I believe they will find much less to - condemn than they anticipated, and probably a great deal to commend. - - What makes the late visit more pleasing, is the fact that Messrs. - Douglas and Walker have long been held in high estimation as - politicians, being champions of the two great parties that exist - in the state; but laying aside all party strife, like brothers, - citizens, and friends, {358} they mingle with us, mutually disposed - to extend to us that courtesy, respect, and friendship, which I - hope we shall ever be proud to reciprocate. - - I am, very respectfully, yours, &c., - - Joseph Smith. - -_Saturday, 8_.--Brother William Smith is preaching in Pennsylvania. - -Accounts of the progress of the Gospel from the Elders abroad are very -encouraging. - -A magazine of 300 barrels of gunpowder, at Fort Moultrie, South -Carolina, exploded, blowing the fort, seven other buildings, and forty -persons to atoms. - -_Wednesday, 12_.--The _Rochester_, with the Elders, came in sight of -Cape Sable, Nova Scotia. - -_Saturday, 15_.--Good news has recently reached us from Tennessee, New -York, Upper Canada, and New Orleans. The Elders are baptizing in all -directions. - -_Sunday, 16_.--I addressed the Saints. The following is a sketch of my -sermon by the editor of the _Times and Seasons_: - - The Prophet's Discourse. - - At 10 o'clock a. m., a large concourse of the Saints assembled on - the meeting ground, and were addressed by President Joseph Smith, - who spoke at considerable length. - - He commenced his observations by remarking that the kindness of - our Heavenly Father called for our heartfelt gratitude. He then - observed that Satan was generally blamed for the evils which we - did, but if he was the cause of all our wickedness, men could - not be condemned. The devil could not compel mankind to do evil; - all was voluntary. Those who resisted the Spirit of God, would - be liable to be led into temptation, and then the association - of heaven would be withdrawn from those who refused to be made - partakers of such great glory. God would not exert any compulsory - means, and the devil could not; and such ideas as were entertained - [on these subjects] by many were absurd. The creature was made - subject to vanity, not willingly, but Christ subjected the same in - hope--all are subjected to vanity while they travel through the - crooked paths and difficulties which surround them. Where is the - man that is free from vanity? None ever were perfect but Jesus; - and why was He perfect? Because He was the Son of God, and had the - fullness of the Spirit, and greater power than any man. But {359} - notwithstanding their vanity, men look forward with hope (because - they are "subjected in hope") to the time of their deliverance. - - The speaker then made some observations on the first principles of - the Gospel, observing, that many of the Saints who had come from - different states and nations had only a very superficial knowledge - of these principles, not having heard them fully investigated. - - He then briefly stated the principles of faith, repentance, and - baptism for the remission of sins, these were believed by some of - the righteous societies of the day, but the doctrine of laying on - of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost was discarded by them. - - The speaker then referred to the 6th chapter of Hebrews, 1st - and 2nd verses. "Not laying again the foundation of repentance - from dead works," &c, but of the doctrines of baptisms, laying - on of hands, the resurrection, and eternal judgment, &c. That - the doctrine of eternal judgment was perfectly understood by the - Apostles, is evident from several passages of Scripture. Peter - preached repentance and baptism for the remission of sins to the - Jews who had been led to acts of violence and blood by their - leaders; but to the rulers he said, "I would that through ignorance - ye did it, as did also those ye ruled." "Repent, therefore, and be - converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of - refreshing (redemption) shall come from the presence of the Lord, - for He shall send Jesus Christ, who before was preached unto you," - &c. The time of redemption here had reference to the time when - Christ should come; then, and not till then, would their sins be - blotted out. Why? Because they were murderers, and no murderer hath - eternal life. Even David must wait for those times of refreshing, - before he can come forth and his sins be blotted out. For Peter, - speaking of him says, "David hath not yet ascended into heaven, for - his sepulchre is with us to this day." His remains were then in the - tomb. Now, we read that many bodies of the Saints arose at Christ's - resurrection, probably all the Saints, but it seems that David - did not. Why? Because he had been a murderer. If the ministers of - religion had a proper understanding of the doctrine of eternal - judgment, they would not be found attending the man who forfeited - his life to the injured laws of his country, by shedding innocent - blood; for such characters cannot be forgiven, until they have paid - the last farthing. The prayers of all the ministers in the world - can never close the gates of hell against a murderer. - - He then spoke on the subject of election, and read the 9th chapter - of Romans, from which it was evident that the election there - spoken of was pertaining to the flesh, and had reference to the - seed of Abraham, according to the promise God made to Abraham, - saying, "In thee, and in thy seed, all the families of the earth - shall be {360} blessed." To them belonged the adoption and the - covenants, &c. Paul said, when he saw their unbelief, "I wish - myself accursed"--according to the flesh--not according to the - spirit. Why did God say to Pharaoh, "For this cause have I raised - thee up"? Because Pharaoh was a fit instrument--a wicked man, and - had committed acts of cruelty of the most atrocious nature. The - election of the promised seed still continues, and in the last day, - they shall have the Priesthood restored unto them, and they shall - be the "saviors on Mount Zion," the ministers of our God; if it - were not for the remnant which was left, then might men now be as - Sodom and Gomorrah. The whole of the chapter had reference to the - Priesthood and the house of Israel; and unconditional election of - individuals to eternal life was not taught by the Apostles. God did - elect or predestinate, that all those who would be saved, should be - saved in Christ Jesus, and through obedience to the Gospel; but He - passes over no man's sins, but visits them with correction, and if - His children will not repent of their sins He will discard them. - - This is an imperfect sketch of a very interesting discourse, which - occupied more than two hours in delivery, and was listened to with - marked attention, by the vast assembly present. - - In the afternoon the assembly was addressed by President Hyrum - Smith. - - _Minutes of a Conference in London_. - - Conference met in London pursuant to adjournment. - - Elder Orson Hyde (of the Twelve Apostles) Lorenzo Snow, George J. - Adams (High Priest), two Elders, several Priests, Teachers, and - Deacons, with a respectable company of members present. - - Elder Snow represented the London branch, consisting of 74 members, - and good prospect for increase. The branch at Bedford, represented - by George J. Adams, consisted of 68 member, 8 Priests, 1 Teacher. - John Griffith, Priest, represented the branch at Woolwich, - consisted of 6 members. Elder John Bourne, who was sent to labor at - Ipswich, was obliged to leave, there being no prospect of success, - and the brethren refusing to entertain him, so that he had to sleep - on the ground. In consequence of this the conference passed a - resolution condemnatory of their conduct. - -[Sidenote: Arrival of _Rochester_ at New York.] - -_Wednesday, 19_.--The _Rochester_ arrived at quarantine ground, New -York, after a toilsome passage. At one time they were beset with head -winds and a tedious storm, when the Twelve Apostles united in prayer, -the storm abated, the sea became calm, and they went on their way -rejoicing. - -{361} The following is copied from the _Times and Seasons_: - - The Healing of one who was Deaf. - - Batavia, N. Y., May 19, 1841. - - _To the Saints scattered abroad, and to all whom it may concern, - greeting_: - - Be it known that on or about the first of December last, we, J. - Shamp and Margaret Shamp, of the town of Batavia, Gennesee county, - N. Y., had a daughter that had been deaf and dumb four and a half - years, and was restored to her hearing, the time aforesaid, by the - laying on of the hands of the Elders (Nathan R. Knight and Charles - Thompson) of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, - commonly called Mormons, through the power of Almighty God, and - faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, as believed and practiced by them - in these last days. - - [Signed] - - J. Shamp - - M. Shamp. - -Several other instances of healing are mentioned by Brother Shamp; and -such things are common in the Church at this day, according to the -faith of the Saints. - -[Sidenote: Rowdyism in New York Harbor.] - -_Thursday, 20_.--The Twelve Apostles arrived at the dock in New York -about four o'clock p. m., but were prevented from landing by the -carters and rowdies, until late in the evening. Such is the confusion -in New York on the arrival of a ship, steamboat, or coach, that -strangers may well suppose the city is without mayor, marshal, police, -or any other officer, to keep the peace. - -[Sidenote: Mob Violence in England.] - -Elder A. Cordon attempted to speak several times at Swan Village, near -Birmingham, England, but was interrupted by a mob. Several of the -Saints were struck with stones, but none of them seriously hurt. - -_Friday, 21_.--I attended City Council, and moved that Parley Street be -opened and improved to the state road. - -[Sidenote: Conference in Kirtland.] - -_Saturday, 22_.--A conference was held at Kirtland, Ohio, Elder Almon -W. Babbitt presiding. Elder Babbitt was elected president of that -stake, and Lester Brooks and Zebedee Coltrin his {362} counselors. -Thomas Burdick was elected Bishop of Kirtland, and Hiram Winters and -Reuben McBride his counselors. Hiram Kellogg was elected president of -the High Priests' quorum, and Amos Babcock, president of the Elders' -quorum. By-laws were adopted for the preservation of the Lord's House. - -_Sunday, 23_.--The Twelve addressed the Saints at the Columbian Hall, -Grand Street, New York. - -_Monday, 24_. - - Letter of the Presidency to the Saints--Concentration at Nauvoo. - - _To the Saints abroad_-- - - The First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day - Saints, anxious to promote the prosperity of said Church, feel it - their duty to call upon the Saints who reside out of this county - [Hancock], to make preparations to come in without delay. This is - important, and should be attended to by all who feel an interest in - the prosperity of this corner-stone of Zion. Here the Temple must - be raised, the University built, and other edifices erected which - are necessary for the great work of the last days, and which can - only be done by a concentration of energy and enterprise. Let it, - therefore, be understood, that all the stakes, excepting those in - this county, and in Lee county, Iowa, are discontinued, and the - Saints instructed to settle in this county as soon as circumstances - will permit. - - Joseph Smith, President. - - City of Nauvoo, Hancock county, - - Illinois, May 24, 1841. - -_Tuesday, 25_. - - _Legion Affairs_. - - Headquarters Nauvoo Legion, - - City Of Nauvoo, Illinois, May 25, 1841. - - General Orders--The 1st company (riflemen) 1st battalion, 2nd - regiment, 2nd cohort, will be attached to the escort, contemplated - in the general orders of the 4th inst., for the 3rd of July next. - See p. 354. - - In forming the Legion, the adjutant will observe the rank of - companies in the order they are named, to-wit--1st cohort; flying - artillery lancers, visiting companies of dragoons, cavalry, - lancers, riflemen. Second {363} cohort: artillery, lancers, - riflemen, light infantry, infantry. Visiting companies in their - appropriate places on the right of the troops of their own grade. - - The ranking company of the 1st cohort will be formed on the right - of said cohort; and the ranking company of the 2nd cohort will be - formed on the left of said cohort; the next on the left of the - right, the next on the right of the left, and so on to the center. - - The escort will be formed on the right of the forces. - - Joseph Smith, Lieutenant-General. - -_Wednesday, 26_.--Elder Lorenzo Snow writes from London, that the -Church there numbers 74 members, having baptized 18 since his return -from Manchester conference, and that Elder Orson Hyde was at the London -conference on the 16th instant. - -Elder Joseph Fielding was at the Isle of Man. - -_Thursday, 27_.--Elders Willard Richards, Wilford Woodruff, George -A. Smith, and John M. Bernhisel visited the shipping and principal -buildings in New York. - -Sir Hugh Gough being about to storm Canton with the British forces, the -Chinese agreed to pay a ransom of $6,000,000. - -_Monday, 31_.--Elder Brigham Young visited the Saints on Long Island. - -{364} - - - -CHAPTER XX. - -Arrest of the Prophet on Demand of Missouri--Trial at Monmouth--The -Acquittal. - -_Tuesday, June 1, 1841_.--I accompanied my brother Hyrum and William -Law, as far as Quincy, on their mission to the East. - -Elder Sidney Rigdon has been ordained a Prophet, Seer, and Revelator. - -Elder Brigham Young returned from Long Island to New York, Elder -Willard Richards started to Richmond, Massachusetts with his family and -Elder Wilford Woodruff to Portland, Maine. - -_Friday, 4_.--Elders Young, Kimball and Taylor left New York for -Nauvoo, by way of Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and St. Louis. Geo. A. -Smith, and Reuben Hedlock started at the same time, and went to New -Egypt, New Jersey. - -[Sidenote: The Prophet's Visit with Governor Carlin.] - -I called on Governor Carlin, at his residence in Quincy. During my -visit with the governor, I was treated with the greatest kindness and -respect; nothing was said about any requisition having come from the -Governor of Missouri for my arrest. In a very few hours after I had -left the Governor's residence he sent Thomas King, Sheriff of Adams -county, Thomas Jasper, a constable of Quincy, and some others as a -posse, with an officer from Missouri, to arrest me and deliver me up to -the authorities of Missouri. - -[Sidenote: The Arrest of the Prophet] - -_Saturday, 5_.--While I was staying at Heberlin's Hotel, {365} Bear -Creek, about twenty-eight miles south of Nauvoo, Sheriff King and posse -arrested me. Some of the posse on learning the spirit of the officer -from Missouri, left the company in disgust and returned to their -own homes. I accordingly returned to Quincy and obtained a writ of -_habeas corpus_ from Charles A. Warren, Esq., Master in Chancery; and -Judge Stephen A. Douglas happening to come to Quincy that evening, he -appointed to give a hearing on the writ on the Tuesday following, in -Monmouth, Warren county, where the court would then commence a regular -term. - -[Sidenote: Apostles in New Jersey.] - -Elders William Smith, and George A. Smith attended a meeting in the -woods near New Egypt, New Jersey, and preached to a large assembly; -also preached on Sunday 6th, and three were baptized; and after -preaching on the 7th four more were baptized. - -[Sidenote: News of the Prophet's Arrest Reaches Nauvoo.] - -_Sunday, 6_.--News of my arrest having arrived in Nauvoo last night, -and being circulated through the city, Hosea Stout, Tarleton Lewis, -William A. Hickman, John S. Higbee, Elijah Able, Uriel C. Nickerson, -and George W. Clyde started from the Nauvoo landing, in a skiff in -order to overtake me and rescue me, if necessary. They had a heavy head -wind, but arrived in Quincy at dusk; went up to Benjamin Jones's house, -and found that I had gone to Nauvoo in charge of two officers. - -I returned to Nauvoo in charge of the officers (Sheriff King had been -suddenly seized with sickness; I nursed and waited upon him in my -own house, so that he might be able to go to Monmouth), and notified -several of my friends to get ready and accompany me the next morning. - -_Monday, 7_.--I started very early for Monmouth, seventy-five miles -distant (taking Mr. King along with me and attending him during his -sickness), accompanied by Charles C. Rich, Amasa Lyman, Shadrack -Roundy, Reynolds Cahoon, Charles Hopkins, Alfred Randall, Elias {366} -Higbee, Morris Phelps, John P. Greene, Henry G. Sherwood, Joseph -Younger, Darwin Chase, Ira Miles, Joel S. Miles, Lucien Woodworth, -Vinson Knight, Robert B. Thompson, George Miller and others. We -traveled very late, camping about midnight in the road. - -[Sidenote: The Prophet at Monmouth.] - -_Tuesday, 8_.--Arrived at Monmouth and procured breakfast at the -tavern; found great excitement prevailing in the public mind, and great -curiosity was manifested by the citizens who were extremely anxious to -obtain a sight of the Prophet, expecting to see me in chains. Mr. King, -(whose health was now partly restored) had considerable difficulty -in protecting me from the mob that had gathered there. Mr. Sidney A. -Little, for the defense, moved "That the case of Mr. Smith should be -taken up," but was objected to by the States' Attorney, _pro tem_., on -account of his not being prepared, not having had sufficient notice -of the trial. By mutual consent it was accordingly postponed until -Wednesday morning. - -In the evening, great excitement prevailed, and the citizens employed -several attorneys to plead against me. - -I was requested to preach to the citizens of Monmouth; but as I was a -prisoner, I kept closeted in my room, for I could not even come down -stairs to my meals, but the people would be crowding the windows to get -a peep at me, and therefore appointed Elder Amasa Lyman to preach in -the Court House on Wednesday evening. - -[Sidenote: The Trial.] - -_Wednesday, 9_.--At an early hour the Court House was filled with -spectators desirous to hear the proceedings. - -Mr. Morrison, on behalf of the people, wished for time to send to -Springfield for the indictment, it not being found with the rest of the -papers. This course would have delayed the proceedings, and, as it was -not important to the issue, the attorneys for the defense admitted that -there was an indictment, so that the investigation might proceed. - -{367} Mr. Warren, for the defense, then read the petition, which stated -that I was unlawfully held in custody, and that the indictment, in -Missouri, was obtained by fraud, bribery and duress, all of which I was -prepared to prove. - -Mr. Little then called upon the following witnesses, viz.,--Morris -Phelps, Elias Higbee, Reynolds Cahoon and George W. Robinson, who were -sworn. The counsel on the opposite side objected to hearing evidence -on the merits of the case, as they could not go beyond the indictment. -Upon this a warm and long discussion occurred, which occupied the -attention of the court during the entire day. - -All the lawyers on the opposite side, excepting two, viz. Messrs. -Knowlton and Jennings, confined themselves to the merits of the case, -and conducted themselves as gentlemen; but it was plainly evident that -the design of Messrs. Knowlton and Jennings; was to excite the public -mind still more on the subject and inflame the passions of the people -against me and my religion. - -[Sidenote: Honorable Conduct of Counsel.] - -The counsel on behalf of the defense, Messrs. Charles A. Warren, -Sidney B. Little, O. H. Browning, James H. Ralston, Cyrus Walker, -and Archibald Williams, acted nobly and honorably, and stood up in -the defense of the persecuted, in a manner worthy of high-minded and -honorable gentlemen. - -Some had even been told that if they engaged on the side of the -defense, they need never look to the citizens of that county for any -political favors. But they were not to be overawed by the popular -clamor or deterred from an act of public duty by any insinuations or -threats whatever, and stated, that if they had not before determined -to take a part in the defense, they, after hearing the threats of the -community, were now fully determined to discharge their duty. The -counsel for the defense spoke well without exception; and strongly -urged the legality of the court examining the testimony to prove that -the whole {368} proceedings on the part of Missouri, were base and -illegal, and that the indictment was obtained through fraud, bribery -and corruption. - -The court, after hearing the counsel, adjourned about half past six p. -m. - -When I was at dinner, a man rushed in and said, "Which is Jo Smith? I -have got a five dollar Kirtland bill, and I'll be damned if he don't -take it back I'll sue him, for his name is to it." I replied, "I am -the man;" took the bill and paid him the specie, which he took very -reluctantly, being anxious to kick up a fuss. - -[Sidenote: Judge Douglas.] - -The crowd in the court was so intense that Judge Douglas ordered the -sheriff of Warren county to keep the spectators back, but he neglected -doing so when the judge fined him ten dollars. In a few minutes he -again ordered the sheriff to keep the men back from crowding the -prisoner and witnesses. He replied, "I have told a constable to do it," -when the judge immediately said, "Clerk, add ten dollars more to that -fine." The sheriff, finding neglect rather expensive, then attended to -his duty. - -A young lawyer from Missouri volunteered to plead against me; he tried -his utmost to convict me, but was so high with liquor, and chewed so -much tobacco, that he often called for cold water. Before he had spoken -many minutes, he turned sick, requested to be excused by the court and -went out of the court house, puking all the way down stairs. As the -Illinoians call the Missouri people "pukes," this circumstance caused -considerable amusement to the members of the bar. During his plea, his -language was so outrageous that the judge was twice under the necessity -of ordering him to be silent. - -Mr. O. H. Browning then commenced his plea, and in a short time the -puking lawyer returned, and requested the privilege of finishing his -plea, which was allowed. - -Afterwards Mr. Browning resumed his pleadings which were powerful; -and when he gave a recitation of what he {369} himself had seen at -Quincy, and on the banks of the Mississippi river' when the Saints were -"exterminated from Missouri," where he tracked the persecuted women and -children by their bloody footmarks in the snow, they were so affecting -that the spectators were often dissolved in tears. Judge Douglas -himself and most of the officers also wept. - -Elder Amasa Lyman during the evening, preached a brilliant discourse in -the Court House, on the first principles of the Gospel, which changed -the feelings of the people very materially. - - _A Letter from the Editor [1] of the "Times and Seasons" to that - Journal Giving an Account of the Trial at Monmouth_. - - American Hotel, Monmouth, Warren County, Illinois, - - June 9, 1841. Wednesday Evening. - - We have just returned from the Court House, where we have listened - to one of the most eloquent speeches ever uttered by mortal man, - in favor of justice and liberty, by O. H. Browning, Esq., who has - done himself immortal honor in the sight of all patriotic citizens - who listened to the same. He occupied the attention of the court - for more than two hours, and showed the falsity of the arguments - of the opposite counsel, and laid down principles in a lucid and - able manner which ought to guide the court in admitting testimony - for the defendant, Joseph Smith. We have heard Browning on former - occasions, when he has frequently delighted his audience by his - eloquence; but on this occasion he exceeded our most sanguine - expectations. The sentiments he advanced were just, generous and - exalted; he soared above the petty quibbles which the opposite - counsel urged, and triumphantly, in a manner and eloquence peculiar - to himself, avowed himself the friend of humanity, and boldly, - nobly and independently stood up for the rights of those who had - waded through seas of oppression and floods of injustice, and - had sought a shelter in the State of Illinois. It was an effort - worthy of a high-minded and honorable gentleman, such as we ever - considered him to be, since we have had the pleasure of his - acquaintance. Soon after we came out of Missouri, he sympathized - with us in our afflictions, and we are indeed rejoiced to know that - he {370} yet maintains the same principles of benevolence. His was - not an effort of a lawyer anxious to earn his fee, but the pure and - patriotic feelings of Christian benevolence, and a sense of justice - and of right. While he was answering the monstrous and ridiculous - arguments urged by the opposing counsel, that Joseph Smith might - go to Missouri and have his trial; he stated the circumstances of - our being driven from that State, and feelingly and emphatically - pointed out the impossibility of our obtaining justice there. There - we were forbidden to enter in consequence of the order of the - Executive, and that injustice and cruelties of the most barbarous - and atrocious character had been practiced upon us, until the - streams of Missouri had run with blood, and that he had seen women - and children, barefoot and houseless crossing the Mississippi - to seek refuge from ruthless mobs. He concluded his remarks by - saying that to tell us to go to Missouri for a trial was adding - insult to injury; and then he said: "_Great God! have I not seen - it? Yes, my eyes have beheld the blood-stained traces of innocent - women and children, in the drear winter, who had traveled hundreds - of miles barefoot, through frost and snow, to seek a refuge from - their savage pursuers. 'Twas a scene of horror sufficient to enlist - sympathy from an adamantine heart. And shall this unfortunate man, - whom their fury has seen proper to select for sacrifice, be driven - into such a savage land and none dare to enlist in the cause of - Justice? If there was no other voice under heaven ever to be heard - in this cause, gladly would I stand alone, and proudly spend my - latest breath in defense of an oppressed American citizen_." - -_Thursday, 10_.--The court was opened about 8 o'clock a. m. when Judge -Douglas delivered his opinion on the case. He said: - - That the writ being once returned to the Executive by the sheriff - of Hancock county was dead, and stood in the same relationship - as any other writ which might issue from the Circuit Court, and - consequently the defendant could not be held in custody on that - writ. The other point, whether evidence in the case was admissible - or not, he would not at that time decide, as it involved great - and important considerations relative to the future conduct of - the different states. There being no precedent, as far as they - had access to authorities to guide them, but he would endeavor - to examine the subject, and avail himself of all the authorities - which could be obtained on the subject, before he would decide that - point. But on the other, the defendant must be liberated. - -[Sidenote: The Prophet Set Free.] - -This decision was received with satisfaction by myself and the -brethren, and all those whose minds were free from {371} prejudice. It -is now decided that before another writ can issue, a new demand must be -made by the Governor of Missouri. Thus have I been once more delivered -from the fangs of my cruel persecutors, for which I thank God, my -Heavenly Father. - -I was discharged about 11 a. m., when I ordered dinner for my company -now increased to about sixty men; and when I called for the bill, the -unconscionable fellow replied, "Only one hundred and sixty dollars." - -About 2 p. m., the company commenced their return, traveled about -twenty miles, and camped by the wayside. - -_Friday, 11_.--Started very early, arrived at La Harpe for dinner -and returned safely to Nauvoo by 4 p. m., where I was met by the -acclamation of the Saints. - -Footnotes: - -1. Don Carlos Smith and Robert B. Thompson were at this time editors -and publishers of the _Times and Seasons_, and the above letter was -doubtless written by Thompson as he is named as among those who -accompanied the Prophet to Monmouth, while Don Carlos Smith is not -named as being in the company. - -{372} - - - -CHAPTER XXI. - -The Mission to Jerusalem--Progress of Orson Hyde in His Journey. - -[Sidenote: Elder John E. Page--a Laggard.] - -Elder George A. Smith met Elder John E. Page at Philadelphia, and -advised him to take up contributions to enable him to sail within -three days in the _Garrick_ for England, and overtake Elder Orson Hyde -and accompany him to Jerusalem, promising to use all the influence -and exertion in his power to assist him. Elder Page rejected the -proposition. Elder Smith subsequently learned that Elder Page had -sufficient money, without collections to have taken him through to -England. - -_Tuesday, 15_. - - _Letter from Elder Orson Hyde to President Joseph Smith--Recounting - Incidents of his Journey en Route for Jerusalem_. - - London, June 15, 1841. - - _President Smith_: - - Sir--With pleasure I take my pen to write you at this time, and - through you to the _Times and Seasons_, and through it to the - Saints at large, and to all whom it may concern. May grace, mercy, - and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, rest - upon you abundantly, and enable you to serve Him acceptably, secure - to yourself that honor which cometh from above, guide the counsels - of the Saints in wisdom, that peace and good will may reign - predominant in Zion, and joy and gladness swell every grateful - heart. Most gladly would I embrace an opportunity of a personal - interview with you, did one offer, but such a favor is beyond my - reach at this time. I have just seen the 12th number of the _Times - and Seasons_, containing the minutes of your conference, the report - of the Presidency, the celebration of the {373} anniversary of the - Church and the laying of the foundation of the Temple. This, to me - was a precious gem; it brought tidings from my own country, and - from the place rendered doubly endearing from the fact that there - is the home of my wife and children. - - I was sorry that Elder Page had been so tardy in his movements - that objections were made to him. Most gladly would I have hailed - him as a companion to the oriental continent; but my hopes of - that are fled. I shall go alone or find some other person, in all - probability, to go with me. - - I have written a book to publish in the German language, setting - forth our doctrine and principles in as clear and concise a manner - as I possibly could. After giving a history of the rise of the - Church, in something the manner that Brother Orson Pratt did, I - have written a snug little article on every point of doctrine - believed by the Saints; I began with the Priesthood and showed that - the Saints were not under the necessity of tracing back the dark - and bloody stream of papal superstition to find their authority; - neither were they compelled to seek for it among the floating and - transient notions of Protestant reformers; but God has sent His - holy angel directly from heaven with this seal and authority, and - conferred it upon men with His own hands--quoting the letter and - testimony of Oliver Cowdery; next was on the use and validity of - the holy scriptures in the Church; next on faith, set forth from - the scriptures and the Book of Covenants; then on repentance, - baptism; laying on of hands; then the different offices of the - Church; next the power and authority of each one; and, in fine, - the whole order, doctrine and government of the Church. I have - not written it as a law binding on the _German Saints_; but have - taken this course to illustrate and set forth the true principles - of our doctrine to them, fully believing that it would meet with - the cordial approbation of those whom I have the distinguished - honor to represent, could they but see it. I have written a lengthy - preface and introduction to it. I here copy an extract from the - introduction: "When in the course of divine Providence it becomes - our duty to record one of those remarkable events which gives - birth to a new era, and lays the foundation for the renovation of - the moral world, it fills the mind with wonder, astonishment and - admiration. How welcome are the rays of the morning light, after - the shades of darkness have clothed the earth in gloom! So after - a long and tedious night of moral darkness under which the earth - has rolled, and her inhabitants groaned for the last fourteen - hundred years, an angel commissioned from the Almighty, descended - and rolled back the curtains of night from the minds of some and - caused the sunbeams of truth to enlighten, cheer, and warm the - hearts of many. Welcome, welcome to our earth, thou messenger of - {374} the Most High! and thrice welcome the tidings which thou - hast borne! O Gracious Father! I ask Thee, in the name of Thy holy - child, Jesus, to bless with Thy royal favor, the weak exertions - of Thy humble servant, and make this production a blessing to all - people who may be favored with a perusal of its pages. Wherever it - shall go let it be a messenger of conviction to the wicked, and a - harbinger of peace to the righteous. Let its contents be borne upon - every breeze, and wafted to the remotest climes. Let the angel of - the covenant go before it, and prepare its way. Let its heavenly - influence be distilled upon the rich and fertile soil of humble - and honest hearts. Go forth, therefore, little volume to other - nations and tongues, and may the Almighty speed your way, and like - a sharp, two-edged sword cut the way through the prejudices of - this generation; encamp with all thy virtues in the hearts of the - people, and there let thy principles be enthroned." - - One thing I was pleased with, which I noticed in the _Times and - Seasons_--the remarks made on the use of intoxicating spirits. In - my heart they found a corresponding echo. I should not be willing - to indulge the thought for a moment that the Saints in Nauvoo would - quietly stand by and see a brother gorge himself with that strong - drink which makes a hell of his home, and rolls the fiery flood of - ruin over the affections of his once happy family. No! they will - dash from his lips the cup of wretchedness, and sharply rebuke - the homicide that sells to him the wine of wrath, and measures to - him his wife's tears. * * * May the lightnings of heaven forever - blast (I had almost said) those brewers of strong drink which send - forth their corrupt and poisonous streams to sweep down in their - filthy current men of sterling talents to an untimely grave. May - the Saints of God stand as far from them as Lot stood from Sodom in - its evil day. This dizzy flood has sometimes entered the house of - worship, invaded the sacred desk, and hushed in death forever the - voice that could plead like an angel, the cause of God and man. - - I have just received a note from Dr. S. Hirschell, President Rabbi - of the Hebrew community of this country, in reply to a very polite - note which I sent him, requesting the indulgence of a personal - interview with him. But in consequence of a very severe accident - which befell him he is confined to his room, and unable at this - time to grant the asked indulgence. (His leg is broken.) - - I have addressed to him a communication upon the subject of - my mission, a copy of which I transmit to you. It may not be - altogether uninteresting to the Saints and friends in America. - - _Elder Hyde's Letter to Rabbi Hirschell_. - - Rev. Sir:--I cannot but express my sorrow and regret at the {375} - misfortune under which you labor, in consequence of the severe - accident which befell you, and by which you are confined to your - room. Please accept, sir, the sincere wishes of a stranger, - that you may speedily recover from the injury you sustained in - consequence of the accident, and resume the labors which your high - and responsible station calls you to perform. - - Feeling that I may not enjoy the privilege and happiness of a - personal interview with you, I hope you will indulge the liberty - which I now presume to take, in addressing a written communication - to you, embracing some of those things which I had fondly hoped - would have been the foundation of a mutual interchange of thought - between us. But as Providence has laid an embargo upon that - distinguished privilege, I must forego, at this time, the pleasure - of a verbal relation of those things pertaining to your nation, - with which my mind is deeply affected. - - Since I have arrived to years of more mature reflection, and become - religiously inclined, the writings of the Jewish Prophets have won - my affections; and the scattered and oppressed condition of that - people has enlisted the finest sympathies of my heart. Believing, - therefore, that the words of Hosea, the Prophet, ii: 23, connected - with your magnanimity, will prohibit the indulgence of any - prejudices in your feelings against the author of this production, - in consequence of his not being able by any existing document or - record, to identify himself with your nation. - - "About nine years ago, a young man with whom I had had a short - acquaintance, and one, too, in whom dwelt much wisdom and - knowledge--in whose bosom the Almighty had deposited many secrets, - laid his hand upon my head and pronounced these remarkable - words--'in due time thou shalt go to Jerusalem, the land of thy - fathers, and be a watchman unto the house of Israel; and by thy - hands shall the Most High do a great work, which shall prepare the - way and greatly facilitate the gathering together of that people.' - Many other particulars were told me by him at that time, which I do - not write in this letter. But sufficient is written to show that - divine appointment is claimed as the mainspring that has sent me - forth from the embraces of an affectionate family and kind friends, - as well as from the land that gave me birth." - - My labors since that period have been bestowed upon the Gentiles - in various countries, and on both sides of the Atlantic, until - in the early part of March, 1840, I retired to my bed one night - as usual; and while meditating and contemplating the field of - my future labors, the vision of the Lord, like clouds of light, - burst into my view (see Joel ii:28). {376} The cities of London, - Amsterdam, Constantinople and Jerusalem, all appeared in succession - before me, and the Spirit said unto me, "Here are many of the - children of Abraham whom I will gather to the land that I gave to - their fathers; and here also is the field of your labors. Take, - therefore, proper credentials from my people, your brethren, and - also from the Governor of your state, with the seal of authority - thereon, and go ye forth to the cities which have been shown you, - and declare these words unto Judah, and say, blow ye the trumpet - in the land; cry, gather together, and say, assemble yourselves, - and let us go into the defensed cities. Set up the standard towards - Zion--retire, stay not, for I will bring evil from the north and a - great destruction. The lion is come up from his thicket, and the - destroyer of the Gentiles is on his way--he is gone forth from - his place to make thy land desolate, and thy cities shall be laid - waste, without an inhabitant. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, - and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished--that her - iniquity is pardoned, for she hath received of the Lord's hand - doubly for all her sins. Let your warning voice be heard among the - Gentiles as you pass; and call yet upon them in my name for aid - and for assistance. With you it mattereth not whether it be little - or much; but to me it belongeth to show favor unto them who show - favor unto you." The vision continued open about six hours, that I - did not close my eyes in sleep. In this time many things were shown - unto me which I have never written; neither shall I write them - until they are fulfilled in Jerusalem. - - It appears from the Prophets, that Jerusalem has none to - guide--none to take her by the hand among all the sons whom she - hath brought forth and reared. But these two sons are come unto - thee! the sons of strangers shall build up thy walls. - - Permit me now, Rev. Sir, to trouble you with the reflections of a - mind that feels completely untrammelled from every party interest, - and from every sectarian influence. - - When I look at the condition of your fathers in the days of David - and Solomon, and contrast that with the present condition of their - descendants, I am led to exclaim, "How are the mighty fallen." Then - they possessed a kingdom--a land flowing with milk and honey--then - the strong arm of Jehovah taught the surrounding nations to pay - tribute and homage to them--then their standard was raised high, - their banner floated on every breeze; and under its shade the - sons and daughters of Israel reposed in perfect safety; and the - golden letters of light and knowledge were inscribed on its folds. - But now, no kingdom--no country--no tribute of gain or honor--no - standard--no security: Their sceptre has departed! and instead of - that light and knowledge which once gave them a transient elevation - above other nations, the height of {377} their ambition is now - (with some honorable exceptions) the accumulation of sordid gain, - by buying and selling the stale refuse with which their fathers - would never have defiled their hands. - - Why this wonderful change? Is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob - a just God? Most certainly He is. If, then, He is a just God, of - course He will mete out and apportion the chastisement or penalty - to the magnitude of the offense or crime committed. Allowing, - then, the law of Moses to be the standard by which actions are - weighed: were not idolatry and the shedding of innocent blood - the greatest sins which your fathers committed? And was not the - penalty inflicted upon them for that transgression, captivity in - Babylon seventy years? Have they ever been guilty of idolatry at - all since their return from Babylon? No! Have they been guilty of - shedding innocent blood, to that extent since their return, that - they were before they were taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar? The - Jew says, No! Very well; there will none deny, with any claim upon - your credulity, but that the disaster and overthrow that befell - the Jewish nation in the days of Vespasian, very far exceeded in - severity, in almost every particular, the disaster and overthrow - that befell them in the days of Nebuchadnezzar. - - Now, then, if God be just and mete out and apportion the - chastisement or penalty to the magnitude of the offense or crime - committed, it follows, of course, that your fathers committed some - far greater crime subsequent to their return to Babylon, than ever - they before committed. Be that crime whatever it may; know ye that - for it, or because of it, the Roman armies were permitted to crowd - their conquests to the heart of your city--burn your temple--kill - your men, women and children, and disperse your remnant to the four - quarters of the earth. The fiery storm that burst upon your nation - at that time, and the traces of blood which they have ever since - left behind them in their flight and dispersion, together with the - recent cursed cruelties inflicted upon them in Damascus and Rhodes, - but too plainly declare that the strong imprecation which they - uttered on a certain occasion has been fulfilled upon them to the - letter. "Let his blood be on us and on our children." If condemning - and crucifying Jesus of Nazareth was not the cause of this great - evil, what was the cause of it? - - Aware that I have written very plainly upon these points, that have - come within my notice, you believe me, sir, when I assure you, - that my pen is pointed with friendship, and dipped in the fountain - of love and good will toward your nation. The thoughts which it - records have proceeded from a heart grateful to the Almighty, that - the time has arrived when the day-star of your freedom already - begins to dispel the dark and gloomy clouds which have separated - you from the favor of your God. Ere long it will be said to you, - "Arise, shine, for thy light has {378} come, and the glory of the - Lord has risen upon thee." - - The morning breaks, the shadows flee, - Lo! Zion's standard is unfurled; - The dawning of a brighter day - Majestic rises on the world. - - The Gentile fulness now comes in, - And Israel's blessings are at hand: - Lo! Judah's remnant, cleansed from sin, - Shall in their promised Canaan stand. - - Now, therefore, O ye children of the covenant, repent of all your - backslidings, and begin, as in days of old, to turn to the Lord - your God. Arise! arise! and go out from among the Gentiles; for - destruction is coming from the north to lay their cities waste. - Jerusalem is thy home. There the God of Abraham will deliver thee - (Joel ii: 32.) There the bending heavens shall reveal thy long - looked-for Messiah in fleecy clouds of light and glory, to execute - vengeance upon thine enemies; and lead thee and thy brethren of the - ten tribes to sure conquest and certain victory. Then shall thrones - be cast down, and the kingdoms of this world become the kingdoms of - our God. Then will they come from the east, west, north, south,, - and sit down in the kingdom of God with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. - But the children of the kingdom (Gentiles) shall be cast out, and - the kingdom restored to Israel. - - With sentiments of distinguished consideration, I have the honor, - sir, to subscribe myself, - - Your most obedient servant, - - Orson Hyde. - - Rev. Dr. Solomon Hirschell, President Rabbi of the Hebrew Society - in England. - - _Conclusion of Elder Hyde's Letter to the Prophet_. - - It is very hard times in England. Thousands have nothing to do, - and are literally starving. Trade of all sorts is at the lowest - ebb. Very cold and dry. No harvest unless rain come soon. You will - discover that the greater part of the English brethren have always - worked under masters; and they have not so much notion of planning - and shifting for themselves, particularly in a strange country, as - the Americans. They want some one to be a kind of father to them, - to give them plenty of work, and plenty to eat; and they will be - content. They are a very industrious people whenever they can get - employment: and by a little fatherly care, they will soon get - way-wised to the country, and be enabled to shift for themselves. I - trust that exertions are made to give {379} employment to as many - as possible. You know the reasons there better than I do, and you - have received a specimen of the English Saints. Now if you have - any counsel to give concerning the gathering, in addition to that - already given, I shall be happy to receive and execute it, as far - as opportunity offers. - - I shall not remain here long, it is true; but Brother Pratt is - here, and I shall return here some time if the Lord will. - - I must now close by saying for one and all, God bless Zion for ever - and ever. - - Your brother in Christ, - - Orson Hyde. - -{380} - - - -CHAPTER XXII. - -Sundry Events at Nauvoo and Throughout the World--The Mission of the -Twelve Noted by the Prophet. - -[Sidenote: Press Misrepresentations.] - -The newspapers of the United States are teeming with all manner of -lies, abusing the Saints of the Most High, and striving to call down -the wrath of the people upon His servants. - -_Wednesday, 16_.--Elder Brigham Young and company arrived at Wheeling -at 4 p. m., and Sunday, 29th, visited the brethren at Cincinnati. - -_Monday, 21_.--Hyrum Smith and William Law visited the Saints in -Chester county, Pennsylvania, on their mission east; and there met -Elder George A. Smith on his return home. - -[Sidenote: Imprisonment of Theodore Curtis.] - -_Tuesday, 22_.--Elder Theodore Curtis, having previously been arraigned -before a magistrate, and bound over in the sum of forty pounds, for -"blasphemy," _i. e_., preaching the Gospel, appeared at the court of -Sessions, at Gloucester, England, and after remaining five days [in -prison], was informed on inquiry, that no bill was found against him, -and he was suffered to go at large again after paying one pound and one -shilling cost. Thus we see that the same opposition to truth prevails -in other countries, as well as in this. - - _Extract from a Letter in the "Juliet Courier"--Describing the - Prophet's Trial at Monmouth, and Affairs at Nauvoo_. - - Monmouth, June, 1841. - - My Dear Sir:--Before this reaches you, I have no doubt you will - have heard of the trial of Joseph Smith, familiarly known as the - {381} Mormon Prophet. As some misrepresentations have already gone - abroad, in relation to Judge Douglas' decision, and the merits - of the question decided by the judge; permit me to say, the only - question decided, though many were debated, was the validity of the - executive writ which had once been sent out, I think in September, - 1840, and a return on it that Mr. Smith could not be found. The - same writ was issued in June, 1841. There can really be no great - difficulty about this matter, under this state of facts. - - The judge acquitted himself handsomely, and silenced clamors that - had been raised against the defendant. - - Since the trial I have been at Nauvoo, on the Mississippi, in - Hancock county, Illinois; and have seen the manner in which things - are conducted among the Mormons. In the first place, I cannot - help noticing the plain hospitality of the Prophet, Smith, to all - strangers visiting the town, aided as he is, in making the stranger - comfortable by his excellent wife, a woman of superior ability. The - people of the town appear to be honest and industrious, engaged - in their usual vocations of building up a town, and making all - things around them comfortable. On Sunday I attended one of their - meetings, in front of the Temple now building, and one of the - largest buildings in the state. There could not have been less - than 2,500 people present, and as well appearing as any number - that could be found in this or any state. Mr. Smith preached in - the morning, and one could have readily learned, then, the magic - by which he has built up this society, because, as we say in - Illinois, "they believe in him," and in his honesty. It has been - a matter of astonishment to me, after seeing the Prophet, as he - is called, Elder Rigdon, and many other gentlemanly men anyone - may see at Nauvoo, who will visit there--why it is, that so many - professing Christianity, and so many professing to reverence the - sacred principles of our Constitution (which gives free religious - toleration to all), have slandered, and persecuted this sect of - Christians. - -_Saturday, 26_.--Elder Young and company arrived on the steamer -_Mermaid_, at the mouth of the Ohio river. - -_Thursday, July 1_.--Elders Young, Kimball, and Taylor arrived at -Nauvoo, after an interesting mission to England. The accounts of their -missions are highly satisfactory. - -During a heavy thunderstorm at Derby, England, hundreds of small fish -and frogs descended, and were picked up alive by the people. - -{382} _Saturday, 3_.--The following is an extract from the - - _Legion Minutes_: - - The second regiment, first cohort, consisting of four companies, - was organized, and Captain George Coulson was elected colonel, - Josiah Ells lieutenant-colonel, and Hyrum Kimball major. On the - same day, the third regiment, second cohort, consisting of four - companies, was organized; Samuel Bent was elected colonel, George - Morey, lieutenant-colonel, and William Niswanger, major; and the - Legion was called out to celebrate our National Independence (the - 4th being Sunday), and was reviewed by Lieutenant-General Joseph - Smith, who made an eloquent and patriotic speech to the troops, and - strongly testified of his regard for our national welfare, and his - willingness to lay down his life in defense of his country, and - closed with these remarkable words, "I would ask no greater boon, - than to lay down my life for my country." - -An elaborate dinner was got up in the grove, of which I partook, in -company with the officers of the Legion, President Rigdon and many -others, with their ladies. - -Elder Willard Richards left his family with his sisters at Richmond, -Massachusetts, and started for Nauvoo. - -Elder Orson Pratt has published in New York an edition of his History -of the Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon, first printed in Edinburgh. - - _Revelation given to Joseph Smith, in the house of Brigham Young, - in Nauvoo City, July 9, 1841_. [1] - - Dear and well beloved Brother Brigham Young, verily thus saith the - Lord unto you, my servant Brigham, it is no more required at your - hands to leave your family as in times past, for your offering is - acceptable to me; I have seen your labor and toil in journeyings - for my name. I therefore command you to send my word abroad, and - take special care of your family from this time, henceforth and - forever. Amen. - -_Monday, 12_.--Elder William Clayton was appointed clerk of the High -Council of Iowa, and John Patton recorder of baptisms for the dead in -Iowa. - -At the urgent solicitations of the brethren at Zarahemla, {383} I had -consented, at a previous date, that they might baptize for the dead on -the Iowa side of the river. - -[Sidenote: Liquor Selling Licensed in Nauvoo.] - -I was in the City Council, and moved that any person in the City of -Nauvoo be at liberty to sell vinous liquors in any quantity, subject to -the city ordinances. - -_Tuesday, 13_.--Elder George A. Smith returned from his mission in -England. - -A treaty was signed between Turkey, Russia, England, France, Austria, -and Prussia, whereby the Dardanelles are closed to all foreign ships of -war, as long as the Ottoman Porte enjoys peace. - -[Sidenote: Manna Rain in Aleppo.] - -_Wednesday, 14_.--The following is translated from the Arabic, in the -_Malta Times_--"Aleppo, 3rd May. A great famine has happened in Aleppo, -Malitia, and Karbat, insomuch that many people died with hunger, and -others sold their sons and daughters to get bread to eat. But the -Almighty God rained upon them seed (manna), and fed them withal." "Of -the veracity of these words," adds the _Malta Times_, "extracted from -an Arabic letter, we are perfectly satisfied. The seed alluded to is -known in Malta, being nearly like 'hab' or 'dazz,' and which being kept -a little while becomes white, like 'semola' (very fine wheaten flour)." - -Immense quantities of locusts have appeared in Spain this year, -devouring everything in their way; and a shower of flesh and blood is -reported in the southern part of the United States. - -[Sidenote: Press Falsehoods.] - -_Thursday, 15_.--Many of the newspapers are publishing lies about me -by the wholesale; should I attempt to enumerate them, I could write -nothing else; suffice it to say, every falsehood wicked men can invent, -assisted by their father the devil, is trumpeted to the world as sound -doctrine, which proves the words of Jesus, "They have persecuted me, -they will persecute you also." - -{384} I spent considerable part of the day with several of the Twelve -Apostles. - - _Letter of Elder Orson Hyde to President Smith--Detailing Events - while en Route to Jerusalem_. - - Ratisbon On The Danube, July 17, 1841. - - Dear Brother Joseph, and all whom it may concern: With pleasure I - take my pen to write to you at this time, hoping this communication - may find you as it leaves me, in good health and enjoying a - comfortable measure of the Holy Spirit. - - On the twentieth of June last, I left London for Rotterdam in - Holland, after writing a lengthy epistle to you, and also the copy - of a letter addressed to the Rev. Dr. S. Hirschell, President Rabbi - of the Hebrews in London; which I hope you have received ere this; - the work of the Lord is steadily advancing in London under the - efficient and zealous labors of our worthy brother, Elder Lorenzo - Snow. - - The fine steamer _Batavier_ brought me safely over the billows of a - tremendous rough sea in about thirty hours. Never did I suffer more - from sea sickness, than during this short voyage; but it was soon - over, and we landed safely in Rotterdam. I took my lodgings at the - London Hotel, at two florins per diem, about three shillings and - five pence sterling, or seventy-five cents. Here I called on the - Hebrew Rabbi, and proposed certain questions to him; but as he did - not understand a word of English, it was hard for me to enter into - particulars with him; I asked, him, however, whether he expected - his Messiah to come directly from heaven, or whether he expected - Him to be born of a woman on earth? He replied that he expected Him - to be born of a woman of the seed and lineage of David. At what - period do you look for this event? Answer. "We have been looking - a long time, and are now living in constant expectation of His - coming." Do you believe in the restitution of your nation to the - land of your fathers, called the land of _promise_? "We hope it - will be so," was the reply. He then added, "We believe that many - Jews will return to Jerusalem and rebuild the city--rear a temple - to the name of the Most High, and restore our ancient worship; - Jerusalem shall be the capital of our nation--the centre of our - union and the standard and ensign of our national existence. But we - do not believe that all the Jews will go there, for the place is - not large enough to contain them. They are now gathering there," - continued he, "almost continually." I told him I had written an - address to the Hebrews, and was about procuring its publication - in his own language (Dutch), and when completed I would leave him - a copy. He thanked {385} me for this token of respect, and I bade - him adieu. I soon obtained the publication of five hundred copies - of the address, and left one at the house of the Rabbi--he being - absent from home, I did not see him. - - After remaining here about one week, I took the coach for - Amsterdam, distance seven hours or about thirty English miles. - Rotterdam is a fine town of about eighty thousand inhabitants. The - cleanliness of its streets, the antique order of its architecture, - the extreme height of its buildings, the numerous shade trees - with which it is beautified, and the great number of canals, - through almost every part of the town, filled with ships of - various sizes from different parts of the world; all these, with - many other things not mentioned, contributed to give this place a - peculiarity resembled no where else in the course of my travels, - except in Amsterdam. Most of the business men here speak a little - English--some speak it very well. - - In ascending the waters of the Rhine from the sea to Rotterdam, - the numerous windmills which I beheld in constant operation, led - me to think, almost, that all Europe came here for their grinding. - But I ascertained that they were grinding for distilleries, where - the floods of gin are made, which not only deluge our beloved - country, with fatal consequences, but many others. Gin is one of - the principal articles of exportation from this country. - - In going to Amsterdam, I passed through a very beautiful town - called "The Hague," the residence of the King of Holland. I saw - his palace, which was guarded by soldiers both horse and foot. For - grandeur it bore here a faint resemblance to Buckingham Palace, - in London. But the beautiful parks and picturesque scenery in and - about the Hague, I have never seen equalled in any country. - - I remained in Amsterdam only one night and a part of two days. I - called on the President Rabbi here, but he was gone from home. I - left at his house a large number of the addresses for himself and - his people, and took coach for Arnhem on the Rhine. Took boat the - same evening for Mainz. Traveling by coach and steam is rather - cheaper in this country than in the United States. We were three - days in going up the river to Mainz. - - Holland and the lower part of Prussia are very low, flat countries. - The French and German languages are spoken all along the Rhine; but - little or no English. The Rhine is about like the Ohio for size, - near its mouth where it empties into the Mississippi. Its waters - resemble the Mississippi waters, dark and muddy. The scenery and - landscapes along this river have been endowed with art and nature's - choicest gifts. - - I have been made acquainted with Europe in America, by books, to - a certain extent; yet now my eyes behold! It is impossible for - a written {386} description of a stranger's beauty to leave the - same impression upon the mind, as is made by an ocular view of - the lovely object. This is the difference between reading of and - seeing the countries of Europe. From Mainz I came to Frankfort - on the Maine by railroad--distance seven hours. From Frankfort I - came to this place--distance about thirty hours, where Napoleon - gained a celebrated victory over the Prussians and Austrians. The - very ground on which I now write this letter was covered by about - sixty thousand slain in that battle. It is called the battle of - Ackeynaeal. - - It was my intention to have gone directly down the Danube to - Constantinople, but having neglected to get my passport vised - by the Austrian Ambassador at Frankfort, I had to forward it to - the Austrian Ambassador at Munich and procure his permission, - signature and seal before I could enter the Austrian dominions. - This detained me five days, during which time I conceived the idea - of sitting down and learning the German language scientifically. - I became acquainted with a lady here who speaks French and German - to admiration, and she was very anxious to speak the English--she - proposed giving me instruction in the German, if I would instruct - her in English. I accepted her proposal. I have been engaged - eight days in this task. I have read one book through and part of - another, and translated and written considerable. I can speak and - write considerable German already, and the lady tells me that I - make astonishing progress. From the past experience I know that - the keen edge of any work translated by a stranger, in whose heart - the spirit of the matter does not dwell, is lost--the life and - animation thereof die away into a cold monotony, and it becomes - almost entirely another thing. This step is according to the best - light I can get, and hope and trust that it is according to the - mind of the Lord. The people will hardly believe but that I have - spoken German before; but I tell them _nein_ (no). The German is - spoken in Prussia, Bavaria, and all the states of Germany, Austria, - the south of Russia, and in fine, more or less all over Europe. - It appears to me, therefore, that some person of some little - experience ought to know this language so as to translate himself, - without being dependent on strangers. If I am wrong in my movement - pray that the Spirit of the Lord may direct me aright. If I am - right, pray that heaven may speedily give me this language. - - It is very sickly in Constantinople and Syria and Alexandria at - present. I would rather, therefore, wait until cool weather before - I go there. I might have written most of this letter in German, but - as you would more readily understand it in English, I have written - it in English. - - With pleasure I leave the historical part of my letter to touch - a softer note, and give vent to the feelings of my heart. I hope - and trust that {387} the cause which you so fearlessly advocate, - is rolling forth in America, with that firm and steady motion - which characterizes the work of Jehovah. The enemies which we are - forced to encounter are numerous, strong, shrewd and cunning. - Their leader transfuses into them his own spirit, and brings them - into close alliance with the numerous hosts of precious immortals - who have been earlier taken captives by the haughty tyrant, and - sacrificed upon the altar of iniquity, transgression and sin. May - it please our Father in heaven to throw around thee his protecting - arms, to place beneath thee almighty strength ever buoy thy head - above the raging waves of tribulation, through which the chart - of destiny has evidently marked thy course. I am happy in the - enjoyment of the distinguished consideration with which heaven's - favor alone has endowed me, of bearing with you some humble part - in laying the foundation of the glorious kingdom of Messiah, which - is destined in its onward course to break in pieces and destroy - all others, and stand for ever. The friendship and good will which - are breathed towards me through all your letters, are received as - the legacy which noble minds and generous hearts are ever anxious - to bequeath. They soften the hard and rugged path in which heaven - has directed my course. They are buoyancy in depression--joy in - sorrow; and when the dark clouds of despondency are gathering thick - around the mental horizon, like kind angels from the fountain of - mercy, they dispel the gloom, dry the tear of sorrow, and pour - humanity's healing balm into my grieved and sorrowful heart. Be - assured, therefore, Brother Joseph, that effusions from the altar - of a grateful heart, are smoking to heaven daily in thy behalf; and - not only in thine, but in behalf of all Zion's suffering sons and - daughters. Though now far separated from you, and also from her, - who, with me, has suffered the chilling blasts of adversity, yet - hope lingers in this bosom, brightened almost into certainty by the - implicit confidence reposed in the virtue of that call which was - born on the gentle breeze of the Spirit of God, through the dark - shades of midnight gloom, till it found a mansion in my anxious and - inquiring heart, that my feet shall once more press the American - soil; and under the shade of her streaming banner, embrace again - the friends I love. - - I never knew that I was in reality an American, until I walked out - one fine morning in Rotterdam along the wharf where many ships lay - in the waters of the Rhine. Suddenly my eye caught a broad pendant - floating in a gentle breeze over the stern of a fine ship at mizzen - half mast; and when I saw the wide spread eagle perched on her - banner with the stripes and stars under which our fathers were led - to conquest and victory, my heart leaped into my mouth, a flood - of tears burst from my eyes, and before reflection could mature a - sentence, my mouth involuntarily gave birth to these words, "I am - an American." To see the {388} flag of one's country in a strange - land, and floating upon strange waters, produces feelings which - none can know except those who experience them. I can now say that - I am an American. While at home the warmth and fire of the American - spirit lay in silent slumber in my bosom; but the winds of foreign - climes have fanned it into a flame. - - I have seen some of the finest specimens of painting and - sculpture of both ancient and modern times. The vast varieties of - curiosities, also, from every country on the globe, together with - every novelty that genius could invent or imagination conceive, - which I have been compelled to witness in the course of my travels, - would be too heavy a tax upon my time to describe, and upon your - patience to read. I have witnessed the wealth and splendor of - many of the towns in Europe--have gazed with admiration upon - the widely-extended plains, her lofty mountains, her mouldering - castles, and her extensive vineyards: for at this season nature is - clad in her bridal robes, and smiles under the benign jurisprudence - of her Author. I have also listened to the blandishments, gazed - upon the pride and fashion of a world grown old in luxury and - refinement, viewed the pageantry of kings, queens, lords, and - nobles; and am now where military honor, and princely dignity, - must bow at the shrine of clerical superiority. In fine, my mind - has become cloyed with novelty, pomp, and show; and turns with - disgust from the glare of fashion to commune with itself in retired - meditation. - - Were it consistent with the will of Deity, and consonant with the - convictions of my own bosom, most gladly would I retreat from - the oppressing heat of public life, and seek repose in the cool - and refreshing shades of domestic endearments, and bask in the - affections of my own little family circle. But the will of God be - done! Can the Messiah's kingdom but be advanced through my toil, - privation, and excessive labors, and at last sanctify my work - through the effusion of my blood! I yield, O Lord! I yield to thy - righteous mandate! Imploring help from thee in the hour of trial, - and strength in the day of weakness to faithfully endure until my - immortal spirit shall be driven from its earthly mansion to find a - refuge in the bosom of its God. - - If the friends in America shall be edified in reading this letter - from Brother Hyde, I hope they will remember one thing; and that is - this, that he hopes he has a wife and two children living there; - but the distance is so great between him and them, that his arm is - not long enough to administer to their wants. I have said enough. - Lord, bless my wife and children, and the hand that ministers good - to them, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. Adieu for the present. - - Good rest on all the Saints throughout the world. - - Orson Hyde. - -{389} A violent and destructive hurricane swept over portions of -France, Germany, and Switzerland. - -Death of Senator Little. - -_Sunday, 18_.--This day was observed as a day of fasting and prayer by -the Saints in Nauvoo, that they might mourn with them that mourn, "and -weep with them that weep," on account of the death of Honorable Sidney -H. Little of the Senate, who was killed by jumping from a wagon last -Sunday, while his horse was unmanageable. Mr. Little was a patriot, -statesman, and lawyer. - -Meeting was held in the grove, west of the Temple; Elders Sidney -Rigdon, John Taylor, and Geo. A. Smith preached. - -_Monday, 19_.--Council of the Twelve, viz.--Brigham Young, Heber C. -Kimball, John Taylor, Orson Pratt, and George A. Smith met at Elder -Young's house, conversing with Lyman E. Johnson, who formerly belonged -to the quorum. President Rigdon and myself were with them part of the -time. - -[Sidenote: General Funeral Sermon.] - -_Sunday, 25_.--Attended meeting in the grove. Elders Orson Pratt and -George A. Smith preached in the forenoon. In the afternoon Elder Sidney -Rigdon preached a general funeral sermon, designed to comfort and -instruct the Saints, especially those who had been called to mourn the -loss of relatives and friends. I followed him, illustrating the subject -of the resurrection by some familiar figures. - -Elder George A. Smith married Bathsheba W. Bigler. Don Carlos Smith -performed the ceremony, which was the last official act of his life, he -being very feeble at the time. - -Brother William Yokum had his leg amputated by Dr. John F. Weld, who -operated free of charge; he was wounded in the massacre at Haun's Mill, -October 30th, 1838, and had lain on his back ever since; and now it was -found the only chance to save his life was to have his leg {390} cut -off. He was also shot through the head at the same massacre. - -_Wednesday, 28_.--The Jewish quarter of Smyrna was burned. Three -thousand houses and eight synagogues were destroyed. - -[Sidenote: The Prophet's Account of the Mission of the Twelve.] - -_Sunday, August 1_.--All the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles who were -expected here this season, with the exception of Elders Willard -Richards and Wilford Woodruff, have arrived. We have listened to the -accounts which they give of their success, and the prosperity of -the work of the Lord In Great Britain with pleasure. They certainly -have been the instruments in the hands of God of accomplishing much, -and must have the satisfaction of knowing that they have done their -duty. Perhaps no men ever undertook such an important mission under -such peculiarly distressing and unpropitious circumstances. Most of -them when they left this place, nearly two years ago, were worn down -with sickness and disease, or were taken sick on the road. Several of -their families were also afflicted and needed their aid and support. -But knowing that they had been called by the God of Heaven to preach -the Gospel to other nations, they conferred not with flesh and blood, -but obedient to the heavenly mandate, without purse or scrip, they -commenced a journey of five thousand miles entirely dependent on the -providence of that God who had called them to such a holy calling. -While journeying to the sea board they were brought into many trying -circumstances; after a short recovery from severe sickness, they -would be taken with a relapse, and have to stop among strangers, -without money and without friends. Their lives were several times -despaired of, and they have taken each other by the hand, expecting it -would be the last time they should behold one another in the flesh. -However, notwithstanding their afflictions and trials, the Lord always -interposed in their behalf, and did not suffer them to sink {391} in -the arms of death. Some way or other was made for their escape--friends -rose up when they most needed them, and relieved their necessities; -and thus they were enabled to pursue their journey and rejoice in the -Holy One of Israel. They, truly, "went forth weeping, bearing precious -seed," but have "returned with rejoicing, bearing their sheaves with -them." - -The minds of thousands are already prepared to hear of the sacking -of cities--the marching and countermarching of armies--the burning -of towns and villages--the flight of citizens--the rising of the -Indians--the commotion in Illinois--the distress in Iowa--the -consternation and flight of the Missourians, the exploits of mighty -chieftains, &c.--on account of the fooleries and lies which have been -trumpeted forth from the press in the United States. - -_Thursday, 5_.--Letters from London, state that there are a -number--more or less--baptized every week. - -There was a general election of members of Parliament last month. -Serious riots occurred in different parts of the kingdom between the -Whigs and Tories. - - _Letter of William Smith to President Smith--Land Transactions_. - - Chester County, Pennsylvania, - - August 5th, 1841. - - Brother Joseph:--I expect to leave here for the Jersey country next - week. Doctor Galland left for Nauvoo last week. In the Hotchkiss - business, Hyrum requested me to do all I could. Brother James - Ivins has received orders on you from Doctor Galland to the amount - of twenty-five hundred dollars. The property that he has given - these orders for, is well worth the money. I expect Mr. Hotchkiss - in new Jersey in a few days to receive this property, which is - Cook's Mills Tavern stand, attached to six acres of ground with - all the appurtenances. Some of the Jersey people think it worth - three thousand dollars. Now the question is, shall I let Mr. - Hotchkiss have this property for less than twenty-five hundred, - since that is the price you will have to pay at Nauvoo. Why I ask - this {392} question is--I have understood that Hotchkiss has said - that he would not allow over twenty-two hundred dollars. I got - hold of another small piece of land, worth five hundred; and if - Hotchkiss will take all at a fair price, I shall be enabled to - settle the amount of three thousand dollars soon. Please write me - an answer to the above question. The cause in these eastern lands - is flourishing, and we want more laborers; fifty doors opened for - preaching where there is but one laborer. I wish you would send us - help. - - Yours in the bonds of the covenant, - - William Smith. - -Footnotes: - -1. Doctrine and Covenants, sec. cxxvi. - -{393} - - - -CHAPTER XXIII. - -The Death of Don Carlos Smith--His Life and Labors--Special Conference -at Nauvoo. - -[Sidenote: The Death of Don Carlos Smith.] - -_Saturday, August 7_.--My youngest brother, Don Carlos Smith, died -at his residence in Nauvoo this morning, at twenty minutes past two -o'clock, in the 26th year of his age. He was born 25th March, 1816, -was one of the first to receive my testimony, and was ordained to the -Priesthood when only 14 years of age. The evening after the plates of -the Book of Mormon were shown to the eight witnesses, a meeting was -held, when all the witnesses, as also Don Carlos bore testimony to -the truth of the latter-day dispensation. He accompanied father to -visit grandfather, Asael Smith, and relatives in St. Lawrence county, -New York, in August, 1830. During that mission he convinced Solomon -Humphrey, a licentiate of the Baptist order, of the truth of the work. -He was one of the 24 Elders who laid the corner stones of the Kirtland -Temple. In the fall of 1833, he entered the office of Oliver Cowdery -to learn the art of printing. On the 30th July, 1835, he married -Agnes Coolbrith, in Kirtland, Ohio. On the 15th January, 1836, he was -ordained President of the High Priests' quorum. He took a mission with -Wilber Denton in the spring and summer of 1836, in Pennsylvania and New -York. On the commencement of the publication of the _Elders' Journal_ -in Kirtland, he took the control of the establishment until the -office was destroyed by fire in December, 1837, when, in consequence -of persecution, he moved his family to {394} New Portage. Early in -the spring of 1838 he took a mission through the states of Virginia, -Pennsylvania and Ohio, and raised means to assist his father; and -immediately after his return he started to Missouri with his family, -in company with father and family, and purchased a farm in Daviess -county. On the 26th September he started on a mission to the states -of Tennessee and Kentucky, to collect means to buy out the claims -and property of the mobbers in Daviess county, Missouri. During his -absence, his wife and two little children were driven by the mob from -his habitation, and she was compelled to carry her children three -miles, through snow three inches deep, and wade through Grand river, -which was waist deep, during the inclement weather. He returned about -the 25th of December, after a very tedious mission, having traveled -1,500 miles, 650 of which were on foot. - -I extract the following from his journal-- - - On the 30th of September, 1838, in company with George A. Smith, - Lorenzo D. Barnes, and Harrison Sagers, I went on board the - _Kansas_ (which had one wheel broken); the Missouri river was - very low, and full of snags and sand bars. General Samuel Lucas - and Moses Wilson, of Jackson county, Colonel Thompson, from Platt - Purchase, and many others of the active mobbers were on board, - as also General David R. Atchison. On touching at De Witt, on - 1st October, for wood, we found about seventy of the brethren, - with their families, surrounded by an armed mob of upwards of - two hundred. The women and children there were much frightened, - expecting it was a boat loaded with mobbers. We would have stopped - and assisted them, but being unarmed, we thought it best to - fulfill our mission. From this onward the "Mormons" were the only - subject of conversation, and nothing was heard but the most bitter - imprecations against them. General Wilson related many of his deeds - of noble daring in the Jackson mob, one of which was the following: - "I went, in company with forty others, to the house of Hiram Page, - a Mormon, in Jackson county. We got logs and broke in every door - and window at the same instant; and pointing our rifles at the - family, we told them, we would be d--d if we didn't shoot every - one of them, if Page didn't come out. At that, a tall woman made - her appearance, with a child in her arms. I told the boys she was - too d--d tall. In a moment the boys stripped her, and found it was - Page. I told them {395} to give him a d--d good one. We gave him - sixty or seventy blows with hickory withes which we had prepared. - Then after pulling the roof off the house, we went to the next - d--d Mormon's house, and whipped him in like manner. We continued - until we whipped ten or fifteen of the d--d Mormons, and demolished - their houses that night. If the Carroll boys would do that way they - might conquer; but it is no use to think of driving them without - four or five to one. I wish I could stay, I would help drive the - d--d Mormons to hell, Old Joe, and all the rest." At this I looked - the General sternly in the face, and told him, that he was neither - a republican nor a gentleman, but a savage, without a single - principle of honor, or humanity. "If," said I, "the 'Mormons' have - broken the law, let it be strictly executed against them; but such - anti-republican, and unconstitutional acts as these, related by - you, are beneath the brutes." We were upon the hurricane deck, and - a large company present were listening to the conversation. While - I was speaking, Wilson placed his hand upon his pistol, which was - belted under the skirt of his coat; but Cousin George stood by - his side, watching every move of his hand, and would have knocked - him into the river instantly, had he attempted to draw a deadly - weapon. But General Atchison saved him the trouble, by saying, - "I'll be d--d to hell if Smith ain't right." At this, Wilson left - the company crest-fallen. In the course of the conversation, Wilson - said that the best plan was to rush into the Mormon settlements, - murder the men, make slaves of the children, take possession of the - property, and use the women as they pleased. - - A gentleman, present from Baltimore, Maryland, said he never was - among such a pack of d--d savages before: he had passed through - Far West, and saw nothing among the "Mormons" but good order. Then - drawing his pistols, he discharged them, and re-loading, said, "If - God spares my life till I get out of Upper Missouri, I will never - be found associating with such devils again." - - Shortly after this we were invited to preach on board, Elder Barnes - and I preached. The rest of the way we were treated more civilly; - but being deck passengers, and having very little money, we - suffered much for food. - - We continued our journey together through every species of hardship - and fatigue, until the 11th of October, when Elders Barnes and - Harrison Sagers left us at Paducah, after our giving them all the - money we had, they starting up the Ohio river, and we to visit the - churches in west Tennessee and Kentucky. Soon after this, Julian - Moses gave us a five-franc piece, and bade us farewell. - - We soon found that the mob spirit was in Kentucky, as well as in - Missouri; we preached in a small branch of the Church in Calloway - county, and stayed at the house of Sister Selah Parker, which was - {396} surrounded in the night by about twenty armed men, led by - John McCartney, a Campbellite priest, who had sworn to kill the - first "Mormon" Elder who should dare to preach in that place. - The family were very much terrified. After trying the doors, the - mobbers finally went away. We visited a number of small branches in - Tennessee; the brethren generally arranged to be on hand with their - money, or lands for exchange in the spring. Brother Samuel West - gave us twenty-eight dollars to help defray our traveling expenses. - We also received acts of kindness from others, which will never be - forgotten. - - About this time our minds were seized with an awful - foreboding--horror seemed to have laid his grasp upon us--we lay - awake night after night for we could not sleep. Our forebodings - increased, and we felt sure that all was not right; yet we - continued preaching until the Lord showed us that the Saints would - be driven from Missouri. We then started home, and, on arriving - at Wyatt's Mills, we were told that if we preached there it would - cost us our lives. We had given out an appointment at the house of - Mrs. Foster, a wealthy widow. She also advised us to give it up; - but, as she had no fears for herself, her property or family, we - concluded to fill our appointment. The hour of meeting came, and - many attended. George A. preached about an hour: during which time - Captain Fitch came in at the head of twelve other mobbers, who had - large hickory clubs, and they sat down with their hats on. When - George A. took his seat, I arose and addressed them for an hour and - a half, during which time, I told them that I was a patriot--that - I was free--that I loved my country--that I loved liberty--that I - despised both mobs and mobbers--that no gentleman, or Christian at - heart would ever be guilty of such things, or countenance them. - Whereupon the mob pulled off their hats, laid down their clubs, and - listened with almost breathless attention. - - After meeting Mr. Fitch came to us and said that he was ashamed of - his conduct, and would never do the like again; that he had been - misinformed about us by some religious bigots, and begged of us to - forgive him, which we did. - - We continued our journey to Columbus, Hickman county, Kentucky, and - put up with Captain Robinson, formerly an officer in the army, who - treated us very kindly, assuring us that we were welcome to stay - at his house until a boat should come, if it were three months. - We stayed nine days, during which a company of thirteen hundred - Cherokee Indians were ferried over the river. - - We went on board the steamer _Louisville_, and had to pay all our - money for a deck passage. About ninety miles from St. Louis our - boat got aground, where it lay three days. We had nothing to eat - but a little parched corn. We then went on board of a little boat, - _The Return_, {397} which landed us in St. Louis the next morning. - Here we found Elder Orson Pratt, and learned that Joseph was a - prisoner with many others, and that David Patten was killed, and of - the sufferings of the Saints, which filled our hearts with sorrow. - - The next morning we started on foot for home; at Huntsville, about - 200 miles, we stopped at the house of George Lyman to rest. George - A.'s feet had now become very sore from walking. - - We had not been long in Huntsville before the mob made a rally to - use us up, as they said, with the rest of the Smiths: and, at the - earnest request of our friends, we thought best to push on, and - started about ten at night. The wind was in our faces, the ground - slippery, and the night very dark; nevertheless we proceeded on - our journey. Traveling twenty-two miles, we came to the Chariton - river, which we found frozen over, but the ice too weak to bear us, - and the boat on the west side of the river. We went to the next - ferry, but finding there was no boat, and knowing that in the next - neighborhood a man's brains were beaten out for being a "Mormon," - we returned to the first ferry, and tried by hallowing to raise - the ferryman on the opposite side of the river, but were not able - to awake him. We were almost benumbed with the cold, and to warm - ourselves we commenced scuffling and jumping: we then beat our feet - upon the logs and stumps, in order to start a circulation of blood; - but at last George A. became so cold and sleepy, that he could - not stand it any longer, and lay down. I told him he was freezing - to death; I rolled him on the ground, pounded and thumped him; I - then cut a stick and said I would thrash him. At this he got up, - and undertook to thrash me; this stirred his blood a little, but - he soon lay down again. By this time the ferryman came over, and - set us across the river, where we warmed ourselves a little, and - pursued our journey until about breakfast time, when we stopped at - the house of a man, who we afterwards learned was a leader of the - mob at Haun's Mill massacre. The next morning we started without - breakfast. Our route lay through a wild prairie, where there was - but very little track, and only one house in forty miles. The - northwest wind blew fiercely in our faces, and the ground was so - slippery that we could scarcely keep our feet, and when the night - came on, to add to our perplexity, we lost our way; soon after - which, I became so cold that it was with great difficulty I could - keep from freezing. We also became extremely thirsty; however, we - found a remedy for this by cutting through ice three inches thick - with a penknife. While we were drinking, we heard a cowbell; this - caused our hearts to leap for joy, and we arose and steered our - coarse towards the sound. We soon entered Tenny's Grove, which - sheltered us from the wind, and we felt more comfortable. In a - short time we came to the house of Whitford G. Wilson, where we - were made {398} welcome and kindly entertained. We lay down to rest - about two o'clock in the morning, after having traveled one hundred - and ten miles in two days and two nights. After breakfast I set out - for Far West, leaving George A. sick, with our hospitable friends. - When I arrived on the evening of December 25th, I was fortunate - enough to find my family alive, and in tolerable health, which - was more than I could have expected, considering the scenes of - persecution through which they had passed. - -[Sidenote: The Visits of Don Carlos to Liberty Prison.] - -Don Carlos visited us several times while we were in Liberty jail, and -brought our wives to see us, and some money and articles to relieve -our necessities. He took charge of father's family in his flight from -Missouri, and saw them removed to Quincy, Illinois. - -[Sidenote: His Ministrations to the Sick.] - -In June, 1839, he commenced making preparations for printing the _Times -and Seasons_. The press and type had been resurrected by Elias Smith, -Hyrum Clark, and others, from its grave in Dawson's yard, Far West, -where it was buried for safety the night that General Lucas surrounded -the city with the mob militia. The form for a number of the _Elders' -Journal_ was buried with the ink on it. The types were considerably -injured by the damp; it was therefore necessary to get them into use -as soon as possible, and in order to do this, Don Carlos was under -the necessity of cleaning out a cellar through which a spring was -constantly flowing, as the only place where he could put up the press. -Ebenezer Robinson and wife being sick, threw the entire burden on him. - -As a great number of brethren lay sick in the town, on Tuesday, 23rd -July, 1839, I told Don Carlos and George A. Smith to go and visit all -the sick, exercise mighty faith, and administer to them in the name of -Jesus Christ, commanding the destroyer to depart, and the people to -arise and walk; and not leave a single person on the bed between my -house and Ebenezer Robinson's, two miles distant; they administered to -over sixty persons, many {399} of whom thought they would never sit up -again; but they were healed, arose from their beds, and gave glory to -God; some of them assisted in visiting and administering to others who -were sick. - -Working in the damp cellar, and administering to the sick impaired his -health so that the first number of the _Times and Seasons_ was not -issued until November. He edited thirty-one numbers. - -He was elected major in the Hancock county militia, and on the death of -Seymour Brunson, was made lieutenant-colonel. - -He was elected on 1st February, 1841, a member of the City Council of -Nauvoo, and took the necessary oath on 3rd February, and on the fourth -he was elected brigadier-general of the second cohort of the Nauvoo -Legion. - -[Sidenote: Personal Appearance of Don Carlos Smith.] - -He was six feet four inches high, was very straight and well made, had -light hair, and was very strong and active. His usual weight when in -health was 200 pounds. He was universally beloved by the Saints. - -He left three daughters, namely, Agnes C., Sophronia C., and Josephine -D. - -[Sidenote: The Iowa Stake of Zion.] - -President John Smith was unanimously acknowledged as the president of -the stake in Iowa, David Pettigrew, M. C. Nickerson, counselors. Elias -Smith was sustained as Bishop and Joseph B. Noble and Joseph Mecham as -his counselors. - -A conference of the Church was held at Zarahemla, and the branches in -Iowa, so far as represented, consisted of 750 members. - -Shocks of an earthquake felt at several places in Spain. - -_Sunday, 8_.--A water-spout destroyed twenty houses of Portpatrick, -Scotland. - -The funeral of Brother Don Carlos was attended by a vast concourse of -friends and relatives; he was buried with military honors. - -{400} The Zarahemla conference appointed George W. Gee, Church -Recorder, and was addressed by Elders John Taylor and George A. Smith, -on building the Temple, and on temperance. - -_Monday, 9_.--The steamboat _Erie_ was burned on Lake Erie, thirty -miles from Buffalo, and eight from the shore, two hundred persons on -board, of whom one hundred and seventy-five perished. - -[Sidenote: New Mission Movement Planned.] - -_Tuesday, 10_--I spent the day in council with Brigham Young, Heber -C. Kimball, John Taylor, Orson Pratt, and George A. Smith, and -appointed a special conference for the 16th instant. I directed them -to send missionaries to New Orleans; Charleston, South Carolina; -Salem, Massachusetts; Baltimore, Maryland; and Washington, District -of Columbia. I also requested the Twelve to take the burthen of the -business of the Church in Nauvoo, and especially as pertaining to the -selling of Church lands. - -The department of English literature and mathematics, of the University -of the City of Nauvoo, is in operation under the tuition of Professor -Orson Pratt. - - _General Orders, Nauvoo Legion_. - - Headquarters, Nauvoo Legion, - - City Of Nauvoo, Aug. 10, 1841. - - It becomes our painful duty to officially notify the troops - of our command of the untimely decease of that noble chief, - Brigadier-General Don Carlos Smith--he fell, but not in battle--he - perished, but not by the weapons of war--at his burial you paid him - honor, but he is gathered to his fathers to receive greater honor. - - In consequence of this afflicting dispensation of Divine - Providence, the commissioned officers of the staff and line will - wear crape on the left arm for thirty days. The commissioned - officers of the second cohort will convene at General Smith's - office, on Saturday, the 4th day of September, at 10 o'clock a. m., - for the purpose of electing a brigadier-general, at which time and - place the court of appeals will sit. - - The legion will assemble at the usual place of rendezvous, in - the city of Nauvoo, on Saturday, the 11th day of September, at - 10 o'clock a. m., for the purpose of general parade. The militia - officers of the county of {401} Hancock, Illinois; and the county - of Lee, Iowa, are respectfully invited to attend. The adjutants - of regiments will form their respective regiments at 9 o'clock - and at 10 o'clock; the adjutant of the Legion will form the line - by regiments, and not by companies as heretofore. A special - court-martial will convene at the usual place, on Saturday, the - 28th day of August, at 10 o'clock a. m., for the transaction of - business. - - Joseph Smith, Lieutenant-General. - -A shower of meteoric stones fell at Iwan in Hungary. - -[Sidenote: Depression of the Times.] - -Letters from various parts of England and Scotland show that numbers -are daily added to the Church; while shipwrecks, floods, houses -and workshops falling, great and destructive fires, sudden deaths, -banks breaking, men's hearts failing them for fear, shop-keepers and -manufacturers failing, because no man buyeth their merchandise, many -accidents on the railways, etc., betoken the coming of the Son of Man. - -[Sidenote: Visit of the Sac and Fox Indians to Nauvoo.] - -_Thursday, 12_.--A considerable number of the Sac and Fox Indians -have been for several days encamped in the neighborhood of Montrose. -The ferryman brought over a great number on the ferryboat and two -flat boats for the purpose of visiting me. The military band and a -detachment of Invincibles [part of the Legion] were on shore ready -to receive and escort them to the grove, but they refused to come on -shore until I went down. I accordingly went down, and met Keokuk, -Kis-ku-kosh, Appenoose, and about one hundred chiefs and braves of -those tribes, with their families. At the landing, I was introduced -by Brother Hyrum to them; and after salutations, I conducted them to -the meeting grounds in the grove, and instructed them in many things -which the Lord had revealed unto me concerning their fathers, and -the promises that were made concerning them in the Book of Mormon. I -advised them to cease killing each other and warring with other tribes; -also to keep peace with the whites; all of which was interpreted to -them. - -Keokuk replied that he had a Book of Mormon at his {402} wigwam which I -had given him some years before. "I believe," said he, "you are a great -and good man; I look rough, but I also am a son of the Great Spirit. I -have heard your advice--we intend to quit fighting, and follow the good -talk you have given us." - -After the conversation they were feasted on the green with good -food, dainties, and melons by the brethren; and they entertained the -spectators with a specimen of their dancing. - -_Saturday, 14_.--Sir J. M. Brunel, the engineer, with fifty ladies and -gentlemen, made the first passage under the river Thames, England. - -_Sunday, 15_.--My infant son, Don Carlos, died, aged 14 months, 2 days. - -Conference met in Zarahemla, and was addressed by Elders Brigham Young -and George Miller on building the Temple in Nauvoo. - -_Monday, 16_.--Elder Willard Richards arrived at Nauvoo this morning. - -Ebenezer Robinson succeeded Brother Don Carlos as editor of the _Times -and Seasons_, with Elder Robert B. Thompson assistant editor. - - _Minutes of a Special Conference at Nauvoo--Important Action in - Relation to the Twelve_. - - At a special conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day - Saints, held in the city of Nauvoo, August 16, 1841, Elder Brigham - Young was unanimously appointed to preside over the conference, and - Elias Smith and Lorenzo D. Barnes were appointed clerks. - - Singing by the choir; conference opened by prayer, by the president. - - The object of the conference was then presented by the president, - who stated that President Joseph Smith (who was then absent on - account of the death of his child) had called a special conference - to transact certain items of business necessary to be done previous - to the October conference--such as to select men of experience to - send forth into the vineyard, take measures to assist emigrants - who may arrive at the places of gathering, and prevent impositions - being practiced upon them by unprincipled speculators. The speaker - hoped that no one would view him and his brethren as aspiring, - because they had come forward {403} to take part in the proceedings - before the conference; he could assure the brethren that nothing - could be further from his wishes, and those of his quorum, than - to interfere with Church affairs in Zion and her stakes. He had - been in the vineyard so long, he had become attached to foreign - missions, and nothing could induce him to retire therefrom and - attend to the affairs of the Church at home but a sense of duty, - the requirements of heaven, or the revelations of God; to which - he would always submit, be the consequence what it might; and the - brethren of his quorum responded, Amen. - - A list of names of Elders and cities were read by the president, - and a few were selected by nomination, and designated as follows: - Voted that Elders Henry G. Sherwood go to New Orleans; Abraham O. - Smoot to Charleston, South Carolina; Erastus Snow and Benjamin - Winchester to Salem, Massachusetts; John Murdock to Baltimore, - Maryland; and Samuel James to Washington, D. C. - - On motion of Vinson Knight, seconded by Samuel Bent, resolved: that - the quorum of the Twelve select the individuals to go and preach in - such places as they may judge expedient, and present the same to - the conference, with a view of expediting the business of the day. - - The situation of the poor of Nauvoo City was then presented by - Bishops Knight and Miller, and a collection taken for their benefit. - - After singing, conference adjourned until 2 o'clock p. m. - - All of the Twelve present at the conference went and visited - President Joseph Smith to comfort him in his affliction. - - Conference assembled at 2 p. m., and was addressed by Elders - Lorenzo D. Barnes and Henry G. Sherwood, concerning the spread of - the Gospel and the building up of the kingdom of God in these last - days. - - President Joseph Smith now arriving, proceeded to state to the - conference at considerable length, the object of their present - meeting, and, in addition to what President Young had stated in - the morning, said that the time had come when the Twelve should be - called upon to stand in their place next to the First Presidency, - and attend to the settling of emigrants and the business of - the Church at the stakes, and assist to bear off the kingdom - victoriously to the nations, and as they had been faithful, and - had borne the burden in the heat of the day, that it was right - that they should have an opportunity of providing something for - themselves and families, and at the same time relieve him, so that - he might attend to the business of translating. - - Moved, seconded and carried, that the conference approve of the - instructions of President Smith in relation to the Twelve, and that - they proceed accordingly to attend to the duties of their office. - - Moved, seconded and carried unanimously, that every individual who - {404} shall hereafter be found trying to influence any emigrants - belonging to the Church, either to buy of them (except provisions) - or sell to them (except the Church agents), shall be immediately - tried for fellowship, and dealt with as offenders, and unless they - repent shall be cut off from the Church. - - President Rigdon then made some appropriate remarks on speculation. - - Moved, that the conference accept the doings of the Twelve, - in designating certain individuals to certain cities, &c.; - when President Smith remarked that the conference had already - sanctioned the doings of the Twelve; and it belonged to their - office to transact such business, with the approbation of the First - Presidency; and he would then state what cities should now be built - up--viz., Nauvoo, Zarahemla, Warren, Nashville, and Ramus. - - _Resolved_: That this conference adjourn to the general conference - in October next. - - Closed with prayer by President Young. - - Brigham Young, President. - - Elias Smith, - - Lorenzo Barnes, - - Clerks. - -{405} - - - -CHAPTER XXIV. - -Hotchkiss Land Purchase Troubles--Death's Harvest, Oliver Granger, -Robert B. Thompson--Important Action Relating to the Twelve--The -Mission in Fox Island. - -[Sidenote: The Founding of Warren.] - -_Thursday, July 19, 1841_.--Elders Young, Kimball and Richards went to -Warsaw, and examined the town plat of Warren which is situated about a -mile south of the village of Warsaw, and made some arrangements with -the proprietors for building up the place. - -The plat designed for the city of Warren is the school section, No. -16, and opposite the first permanent and good landing place on the -Mississippi River below the falls; which is about two miles below the -Warsaw landing, which is filling up with sand bars. - -The brethren returned about eleven p. m., quite exhausted. - -_Sunday, 22_.--I preached at the stand, on wars and desolations that -await the nations. - -_Wednesday, 25_.--I received the following letter: - - _Letter of Horace R. Hotchkiss to Joseph Smith--Land Affairs in - Nauvoo_. - - Fair Haven, 24th July, 1841. - - _Rev. Joseph Smith_: - - Dear Sir:--I have this moment received a letter from Dr. Galland, - dated yesterday, at New York, in which he states his intention of - leaving for the west. - - {406} It certainly was my expectation that I should again see him - before his departure, and be able to make some arrangement with him - respecting the interest due to myself, Mr. Tuttle and Mr. Gillet. - In this I am disappointed, and considering that a proposition for - effecting this object emanated from your brother Hyrum and the - doctor, [Isaac Galland] to which no allusion has since been made - by them or anybody else, I and Mr. Tuttle think that we have much - reason to be dissatisfied at this silence and apparent neglect. - - Now, all the transactions relating to Nauvoo have by me and my - friends been entered into in the most perfect good faith, and will - continue to be conducted on the most honorable principles. - - Permit me to ask whether this is a proper return for the confidence - we have bestowed, and for the indulgence we have extended? - - If you have not already requested your brother Hyrum to call on me - when he arrives east, will you write him immediately, and say that - it is my urgent wish? - - Relative to the Ivins note the Doctor has written me, and referred - to Mr. William Smith at New Egypt, on whom I shall call next week. - - Your obedient servant, - - Horace R. Hotchkiss. - -I wrote the following answer: - - _Letter of the Prophet to Horace R. Hotchkiss--Nauvoo Land - Transactions_. - - Nauvoo, August 25, 1841. - - _To Horace R. Hotchkiss, Esq., New Haven, Connecticut_: - - Dear Sir:--Yours of the 24th ultimo came to hand this day, the - contents of which I duly appreciate. I presume you are well aware - of the difficulties that occurred before, and at the execution - of the writings in regard to the land transaction between us, - touching the annual payment of interest: if you have forgotten, - I will here remind you, you verbally agreed on our refusal and - hesitancy to execute the notes for the payment of the land, that - you would not exact the payment of the interest that would accrue - on them under five years, and that you would not coerce the payment - even then; to all this you pledged your honor; and upon an after - arrangement you verbally agreed to take land in some one of the - Atlantic States, that would yield six per cent interest (to you) - both for the principal and interest, and in view of that matter, - I delegated my brother Hyrum and Dr. Isaac Galland to go east and - negotiate for lands with our friends, and pay you off for the - {407} whole purchase that we made of you; but upon an interview - with you, they learned that you were unwilling to enter into an - arrangement according to the powers that I had delegated to them; - that you would not receive any of the principal at all, but the - interest alone, which we never considered ourselves in honor or in - justice bound to pay under the expiration of five years. I presume - you are no stranger to the part of the city plat we bought of you - being a deathly sickly hole, and that we have not been able in - consequence to realize any valuable consideration from it, although - we have been keeping up appearances, and holding out inducements - to encourage immigration, that we scarcely think justifiable in - consequence of the mortality that almost invariably awaits those - who come from far distant parts (and that with a view to enable us - to meet our engagements), and now to be goaded by you, for a breach - of good faith, and neglect and dishonorable conduct, seems to me to - be almost beyond endurance. - - You are aware that we came from Missouri destitute of everything - but physical force, had nothing but our energies and perseverance - to rely upon to meet the payment of the extortionate sum that - you exacted for the land we had of you. Have you no feelings of - commiseration? Or is it your design to crush us with a ponderous - load before we are able to walk? Or can you better dispose of - the property than we are doing for your interest? If so, to the - alternative. - - I therefore propose, in order to avoid the perplexity and annoyance - that has hitherto attended the transaction, that you come and take - the premises, and make the best you can of it, or stand off and - give us an opportunity that we may manage the concern, and enable - ourselves by the management thereof to meet our engagements, as was - originally contemplated. - - We have taken a city plat at Warsaw (at the head of navigation - for vessels of heavy tonnage) on the most advantageous terms: the - proprietors waiting upon us for the payment of the plat, until we - can realize the money from the sales, leaving to ourselves a large - and liberal net profit. We have been making every exertion, and - used all the means at our command to lay a foundation that will now - begin to enable us to meet our pecuniary engagements, and no doubt - in our minds to the entire satisfaction of all those concerned, - if they will but exercise a small degree of patience, and stay a - resort to coercive measures which would kill us in the germ, even - before we can (by reason of the season) begin to bud and blossom in - order to bring forth a plentiful yield of fruit. - - I am, with considerations of high respect, - - Your obedient servant, - - Joseph Smith. - -{408} [Sidenote: Location and Character of the Hotchkiss Lands.] - -The Hotchkiss purchase, to which the foregoing letters relate includes -all the land lying north of the White purchase to the river and thence -on the river south, including the best steamboat landing, but is the -most sickly part of Nauvoo. - -[Sidenote: Death of Oliver Granger.] - -Elder Oliver Granger died at Kirtland, Lake county, Ohio, aged -forty-nine years. He was the son of Pierce and Clarissa Granger, born -in the town of Phelps, Ontario county, New York, 7th February, 1794; -received a common school education, was two years a member of the -Methodist Church and was a licensed exhorter. On the 8th September, -1813, he married Lydia Dibble; in the year 1827, he in a great measure -lost his sight by cold and exposure; he was sheriff of Ontario county, -and colonel of the militia. He received the Gospel on reading the Book -of Mormon, which he providentially obtained, and was baptized at Sodus, -Wayne county, and ordained an Elder by Brigham and Joseph Young, they -being the first Elders he saw, and immediately devoted his time to -preaching and warning the people. - -In the year 1833 he moved to Kirtland, and then took a mission to -the east with Elder Samuel Newcomb; returned and was ordained a High -Priest; took another mission in the spring of 1836 to New York with -John P. Greene; and after his return built up a branch at Huntsburg, -Geauga county, Ohio; also a branch at Perry, Richfield county, where he -baptized Bradley Wilson and his seven sons and their wives. When the -Church left Kirtland he was appointed to settle the Church business. - -In June, 1838, he went to Far West, and returned in August of same -year; in October he again started, taking his family; he went seventy -miles into Missouri, and was driven back by the mob; in the spring of -1839 he went to Nauvoo; in 1840 removed to Kirtland with his family, -where he remained until his death. - -{409} [Sidenote: Character.] - -He was a man of good business qualifications, but had been for many -years nearly blind. His funeral was attended by a vast concourse of -people from the neighboring towns, although there were but few Saints -in the country. - -_Thursday, 26_. - - _An Epistle of the Twelve Apostles to the Saints Scattered Abroad - Among the Nations, Greeting_. - - Nauvoo, August 26, 1841. - - Beloved Brethren:--You will perceive by the minutes of a - conference, held in this city, on the 16th instant, that we have - returned from a mission which was required of us by the Lord, and - have now been called upon to assist in building up the stakes of - Zion, and of planting the Saints upon the lot of their inheritance; - and feeling as we do a humble reliance upon divine aid at all - times, in our unremitting desire to be useful to our fellow men, - and especially to the household of faith, that they may be prepared - for the great things which God is about to reveal, and which - speedily await this generation, we feel anxious to improve the - earliest opportunity to make known unto you the mind of the Spirit - concerning those things which require your more immediate attention. - - It will be discovered, in the minutes before referred to, that we - have already begun to select such individuals as have been with the - Church and have had the opportunity of becoming acquainted with - the principles thereof to some extent; and to designate certain - towns and cities where they will locate themselves and build up - churches, inasmuch as the people are willing to receive them. These - generally will not take their departure from this to their several - stations, until after the October conference, previous to which - they will have the opportunity of receiving particular instructions - in relation to their mission, and of becoming more perfectly - acquainted with those principles which are necessary to be acted - upon in order that they may become highly useful in helping to roll - forth the kingdom of God in these last days. - - All those Elders and Priests who are now in the vineyard, will - communicate with us immediately, and inform us of their situations, - designs, and all things relating to their ministry, and improve the - earliest opportunity of repairing hither, where they will have the - privilege of instruction from the First Presidency, and thereby - understanding principle and doctrine, not to be learned elsewhere, - and which is necessary for them to know, that they may become wise - stewards in their Master's house. - - {410} We are engaged in a great work, and but little comparatively - can be known of the magnitude thereof, of the revelations of - heaven, and the order of the kingdom by the Saints, while they - are scattered to the four winds; and this being well understood - by the ancient prophets and apostles, was the reason why they so - often spoke of the gathering in the last days, and as this is - the place where the Elders are to receive instruction concerning - their ministry, so as to become successful ministers of the - dispensation of the fulness of times, so also this is the place - where the brethren may receive such instructions as are necessary - to constitute them a righteous and holy people, prepared for the - reception of the Lord Jesus; therefore, we say to all Saints who - desire to do the will of heaven, Arise, and tarry not, but come - up hither to the places of gathering as speedily as possible, for - the time is rapidly approaching when the Saints will have occasion - to regret that they have so long neglected to assemble themselves - together and stand in holy places, awaiting those tremendous events - which are so rapidly approaching the nations of the earth. - - It will be recollected that in a recent communication from the - First Presidency, all places of gathering are discontinued, - excepting Hancock county, Illinois, and Zarahemla, in Lee county, - Iowa territory, opposite Nauvoo, and we would suggest to those - coming up the Mississippi particularly, and all others who are - disposed, to look at Warsaw, a beautifully located village about - twenty miles below Nauvoo, consisting of about five hundred - inhabitants, a steam flour and lumber mill; one mile below is a - section already surveyed, on which the town of Warren is to be - built, and every facility is now offered to the brethren, for the - immediate erection of houses, the location being very desirable at - the lowest point of the DesMoines rapids. - - As we have been called upon to act as agents for the Church, it may - be expected that some one or more of our quorum may be found at - Nauvoo, Zarahemla, and Warren, ready to render every assistance in - our power, towards the location of immigrants; and that we shall - occasionally visit the other places of gathering, as necessity - requires. - - We recommend to the brethren in England to emigrate in the fall or - winter; by so doing they will be likely to spare themselves much - affliction in becoming accustomed to this climate. - - Further communications may be expected from the Twelve. - - Brigham Young, - - Heber C. Kimball, - - Orson Pratt, - - Willard Richards, - - John Taylor, - - Geo. A. Smith. - -{411} [Sidenote: Death of Robert B. Thompson.] - -_Friday, 27_.--Elder Robert Blashel Thompson died at his residence in -Nauvoo, in the 30th year of his age, in the full hope of a glorious -resurrection. He was associate editor of the _Times and Seasons_, -colonel in the Nauvoo Legion and had done much writing for myself and -the Church. - -The following synopsis of his life is from the pen of his widow: - - _Biography of Robert Blashel Thompson_. - - Robert Blashel Thompson was born October 1st, 1811, in Great - Driffield, Yorkshire, England, was educated at Dunnington, in the - same county. He united with the Methodists at an early age and - preached what he believed to be the Gospel in connection with that - sect for a number of years. Emigrated to Upper Canada in 1834. - Embraced the Gospel there; being baptized and confirmed by Elder - Parley P. Pratt in May, 1836. Was ordained an Elder by Elder John - Taylor, at a conference held in Upper Canada, July 22nd, 1836. - Removed to Kirtland in May, 1837, where he married Mercy Rachel - Fielding, June 4th, 1837, and being appointed to take a mission to - Upper Canada, he returned the same month, and commenced preaching - in Churchville and the villages adjacent, baptized a considerable - number, continued his labors there until he was called upon to - remove to Missouri. - - He arrived at Kirtland in March, and started from thence in company - with Hyrum Smith and family, arrived in Far West June 3rd, where - his daughter, Mary Jane, was born on the 14th of June. He remained - there until November, when he, with many of the brethren had to - flee into the wilderness to escape the fury of the mob, who swore - they would kill every man who had been engaged in the Crooked River - battle. - - He stood near to Brother Patten when he [Patten] fell. With the - rest of the brethren he suffered much from exposure and lack of - food, He arrived at Quincy, I believe, in December, where he - engaged as clerk in the court house, and remained there until the - liberation of Joseph and Hyrum from prison; when the Saints settled - in Commerce, he removed there, and was engaged as a scribe to - Brother Joseph; he was also Church clerk. - - When the Nauvoo Legion was formed, he received the office of - colonel and also aid-de-camp. In May, 1841, he became associated - with Don Carlos Smith in the editing of the _Times and Seasons_. - On the 16th of August he was seized with the same disease of which - Don Carlos had died on the 7th. The attachment between them was so - strong, it {412} seemed as though they could not long be separated. - He died on the 27th, leaving one child; was interred in the burying - ground on the 29th. By his special request no military procession - was formed at his funeral. - -_Saturday, 28_.--At a conference held at Attica, New York, six -branches, ten Elders, seven Priests, five Teachers, two Deacons and one -hundred and forty-six members were represented. - -_Tuesday, 21_. - - _Minutes of a Council Meeting of the Twelve Apostles at the House - of Brigham Young, Nauvoo_. - - At a council of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles at the house of - President Brigham Young, Nauvoo, August 31, 1841, for the purpose - of taking into consideration the situation of the Church, it was - resolved unanimously, that as we [the Twelve] have been called upon - by the voice of the conference to attend to the business of the - Church, assist the Trustee in Trust in his arduous duties, attend - to the settling of immigrants, &c.; we sensibly feel the great - responsibility that is resting upon us, and will do all in our - power to carry out the wishes of the Church, and prove ourselves - worthy of the trust imposed in us by the brethren. - - _Resolved_ unanimously, that, so far as may be practicable, we will - attend to the counseling and locating of immigrants in person, and - at present we will appoint no agents for that purpose out of our - own body. - - Voted, that Elder Willard Richards be requested to locate himself - for a season at Warsaw, or vicinity, for the purpose of selling - lots on the town plat of Warren, counseling the brethren, and - attending to such other business as may be necessary relating to - the Church. The foregoing vote was taken after hearing a favorable - report from Elders Young, Kimball, and Richards, of the quorum, for - building the town called Warren, they having visited the location, - accompanied by Mr. Mark Aldrich and other proprietors of the plat. - - _Resolved_, unanimously, that we deeply feel for our beloved - President Joseph Smith, and his father's family, on account of the - great losses they have sustained in property by the unparalleled - persecutions in Missouri, as well as the other many persecutions - they have sustained since the rise of the Church, which has brought - them to their present destitute situation. Therefore, voted - unanimously, that we for ourselves, and the Church we represent, - approve of the proceedings of President Smith, so far as he has - gone, in making over certain properties to his wife, children, and - friends for their support, and that he {413} continue to deed and - make over certain portions of Church property which now exist, or - which may be obtained by exchange, as in his wisdom he shall judge - expedient, till his own, and his father's household, shall have an - inheritance secured to them in our midst, agreeably to the vote of - the general conference of the Church held at Commerce in October, - 1839. - - _Resolved_: that on account of the peculiar situation of the Church - hitherto, it has been expedient and necessary, that the deeds, - bonds, and properties of the Church should be, and have been taken - and holden by committees of the Church, and private individuals; - but that we now have a trustee-in-trust, viz., President Joseph - Smith, appointed according to the laws of the land. Therefore, - voted unanimously, that we advise the trustee-in-trust to gather up - all deeds, bonds, and properties belonging to the Church, and which - are now held either by committees or individuals, and take the same - in his own name as trustee-in-trust for the Church of Jesus Christ - of Latter-day Saints, as soon as such arrangements can be made - consistently with his various and multiplied cares and business; - and that we individually and collectively will use all diligence to - render him every assistance possible to accomplish this desirable - object. - - Voted, that Elder Lorenzo D. Barnes proceed on his mission to - England without delay. - - Voted, that Elder Harrison Sagers proceed immediately on his - mission to Jamaica, West Indies; and Elder Joseph Ball to South - America, according to their appointment on the 16th, and that they - accompany each other to New Orleans. - - It was proposed, that Elder Simeon Carter go on a mission to - Germany; but the vote being taken, it was decided that his mission - be suspended for the present. - - After much deliberation on the situation of the Church at home and - abroad, temporarily and spiritually, and in view of the poverty - and distress of many who had been robbed of all by unrelenting - mobbers, and of others who have sacrificed all they possessed to - assist those who had thus been robbed, and others who had borne - the burden in the heat of the day; it was voted unanimously, that - President Smith, as trustee-in-trust, be requested and instructed - by this conference in behalf of the Church, to extend relief to - such indigent suffering brethren, either by land or goods, as - the properties of the Church will admit, and his wisdom shall - judge expedient; so that no one shall be denied the privilege of - remaining in our midst and enjoying the necessaries of life, who - has been faithful in his duties to God and the Church. - - Brigham Young, President. - - Willard Richards, Clerk. - -{414} _Wednesday, Sept. 1_.--The _New York Sun_ contains an account of -some singular phenomena; viz., a shower of flesh and blood, a pillar of -smoke, and a shower of manna. - -_Thursday, 2_.--The town of Cartago, on the isthmus of Darien, -containing 10,000 inhabitants, destroyed by an earthquake. - -[Sidenote: Changes of Officers in the Legion.] - -_Saturday, 4_.--Colonel Charles C. Rich was elected brigadier-general -of the second cohort, to fill the vacancy of General Don Carlos Smith, -deceased, and Lieutenant-Colonel Titus Billings was elected colonel in -the place of Colonel Rich, promoted, and Major John Scott was elected -lieutenant-colonel in his place, and Captain Hosea Stout was elected -major in his place. - -[Sidenote: Changes Among the Civil Officers of Nauvoo.] - -The City Council elected Brigham Young councilor in place of Don Carlos -Smith, deceased; and John Taylor and Heber C. Kimball were elected -regents of the University, in place of Don Carlos Smith and Robert B. -Thompson, deceased. - -Orson Pratt was elected professor of mathematics in the University of -the City of Nauvoo, and the degree of master of arts conferred on him -by the chancellor and board of regents. - -A committee was instructed to purchase two blocks for a burying -ground; and the city recorder was instructed to procure a seal for the -corporation. - -Elder Orson Spencer arrived in the city. - -[Sidenote: The Prophet on Medicine.] - -_Sunday, 5_.--I preached to a large congregation at the stand, on the -science and practice of medicine, desiring to persuade the Saints to -trust in God when sick, and not in an arm of flesh, and live by faith -and not by medicine, or poison; and when they were sick, and had called -for the Elders to pray for them, and they were not healed, to use herbs -and mild food. - -[Sidenote: A Shower of "Flesh."] - -_Tuesday, 7_.--Another shower of flesh and blood is reported in the -Boston papers to have fallen in {415} Kensington. "There had been a -drizzling rain during a great part of the day, until about 4 o'clock -in the afternoon, when the rain stopped and the dark clouds began -gradually to assume a brassy hue, until the whole heavens above seemed -a sea of fire. The sky continued to grow more bright until about -a quarter past five, when almost instantly it became of burnished -red, and in a few moments it rained moderately a thick liquid of -the appearance of blood, clothing fields and roads for two miles in -circumference in a blood-stained garment. The bloody rain continued for -about ten minutes, when it suddenly cleared away, and the atmosphere -became so intensely cold that overcoats were needed." - -Elder Willard Richards went to Warsaw, and located himself, for the -purpose of counseling the Saints, and settling the town of Warren, and -the day following made sale of three city lots. - -[Sidenote: British-Chinese War.] - -The war between England and China continues. The English have fitted -out a new expedition to proceed against China with the utmost rigor, -and his celestial majesty on the other hand has issued orders for the -raising of a "grand army," and the extermination of the English. - -_Wednesday, 8_.--Wars and rumors of wars, earthquakes, tempests, -pestilence, and great fires, connected with every kind of wickedness, -distress and destruction of property are heard in almost every land and -nation. - -_Sunday, 11_. - - _Extracts from Legion Minutes_. - - The Legion was out for general parade, in conformity with a special - act of the court martial, and was reviewed by Lieutenant-General - Joseph Smith, who delivered a military speech to the troops in his - usual energetic style. The official returns of the Legion show the - aggregate to be 1,490 men. - - Hosea Stout, Clerk. - -{416} [Sidenote: The Coming of Edward Hunter to Nauvoo.] - -_Monday, 13_.--Brother Edward Hunter, Sen, [1] of Chester county, -Pennsylvania, visited Nauvoo, and invested $4,500 in town lots and -farming land; paid me $2,000 in cash, and made arrangements to pay the -balance in two months. - -Received an invitation from Brigadier-General Ezekiel W. Swazey, and -Colonel Amos B. Fuller, of the militia of Lee county, Iowa, to attend -the military parade tomorrow, at Montrose, as visitor. Generals Hyrum -Smith and John C. Bennett received a similar invitation. - -_Tuesday, 14_.--Went over to Montrose, accompanied by Brothers Edward -Hunter and William A. Gheen. I was very courteously received by General -Swazey, the officers and militia. - -[Sidenote: Bitterness of D. W. Kilbourn.] - -Mr. D. W. Kilbourn attempted to get up an ill feeling by reading the -following proclamation at noon, during the recess of exercise, to a -considerable number of persons collected round his store, which I -insert verbatim-- - - {417} _Citizens of Iowa_:--The laws of Iowa do not require you to - muster under, or be _reviewed_ by _Joe Smith_ or _General Bennett_, - and should they have the impudence to attempt it, it is hoped that - every person having a proper respect for himself, will at once - leave the ranks. - -This, however, had no effect whatever on the people. - -Myself and brother were not in military uniform, but were treated with -every respect that visiting officers of our rank could be, through -the entire day. At the dismissal of the military, I went to Mr. -Kilbourn's store, and desired to have some conversation with him, but -was peremptorily ordered out of doors. This conduct greatly disgusted -his few friends, who upbraided Kilbourn with his ungentlemanly conduct, -and accompanied me to the ferry, where I left them, showing me every -manifestation of friendship. - -_Tuesday, 21_.--The ship _Tyrean_ sailed from Liverpool to New Orleans, -with 204 Saints, bound for Nauvoo. - -Her British Majesty's war steamer _Madagascar_, totally destroyed by -fire in the Chinese seas, and fifty-seven lives lost. - -_Wednesday, 22_.--The High Council of Nauvoo adopted the following -preamble and resolution-- - - _High Council Resolution_. - - Whereas this High Council in times past, had of necessity, and by - the advice and instruction of the First Presidency, to transact - business of a temporal nature for the Church, and thereby involve - itself with debts and other temporal burdens which, under other - circumstances would not have devolved upon it; and as the proper - authorities to which such temporalities belong are now organized - and acting in their proper places; therefore, be it - - _Resolved_, that this High Council is prepared to transfer all - debts and temporal business; and that all business of a temporal - nature, be, and the same is in readiness to be transferred to the - proper authorities. - - Alpheus Cutler stated [to the council] that he was going to the - pineries the ensuing winter, and nominated Elias Higbee, counselor_ - pro tem_. - -{418} [Sidenote: Lumber for the Temple.] - -A company of the brethren started for the pinery, some five or six -hundred miles north, on the river, for the purpose of procuring lumber -for the Temple and Nauvoo House. - -The Jews in Smyrna are suffering great persecutions on account of their -religion--"one was thrown into prison because a cat was missing"--say -the journals. - -_Saturday 25_.--Hyrum Smith, son of Hyrum and Jerusha Smith, died, aged -seven years, four months, and twenty-eight days. - -A conference was held at Vinal Haven, Fox Island; eight Elders, one -Priest, two Teachers, one Deacon, and one hundred and forty members -were represented, and the work is progressing. - -I extract the following from Elder Wilford Woodruff's journal-- - - _The Work on Fox Island_. - - We left Manitou Island, Lake Michigan, at 4 o'clock p. m., on the - steamer _Chesapeake_, which contained 300 passengers, six of whom - were members of the Church; a large quantity of freight and coal, - eighty cords of wood, eighty mules, besides pigs, chickens, geese, - ducks, &c. - - We continued our journey towards Chicago without any interruption, - until half-past eleven p. m., when we were overtaken by a - tremendous storm of wind and rain; it blew a hurricane, and the - lake became as rough as it could be by the force of wind, and such - a scene as quickly followed I never before witnessed in my travels, - either by land or sea. The captain, officers, hands, and most of - the passengers expected to go to the bottom of the lake. To have - judged from outward appearances I should think there were twenty - chances of being lost to one of being saved, yet I did not once - expect to be lost, for I believed the Lord would by some means save - me and my wife and child, who were with me, from a watery grave. - - We were some forty miles from land when the gale struck us, and I - was awakened from a sound sleep by the cry, "We are all lost." The - first thought that entered my mind was, "No, we shall not be lost." - - I immediately leaped out of my berth and went on to the upper deck. - I saw we were in imminent danger of being wrecked; the bow of the - boat was heavily laden, and frequently engulfed by the heavy waves - that washed over her; there were judged to be fifty tons of water - at a {419} time on her bow; at one time her bow ran under water, - and some thought she would never rise; the water set the mules - and all the livestock afloat; washed away the partition; and the - mules, pigs, chickens, ducks, and geese, were all hurled in one - mass down into the steerage cabin, mixed pell mell with sixty Irish - passengers, men, women, and children; at that moment the roaring of - the wind, the rush of the waters, the peals of thunder, the flashes - of lightning, the braying of asses, the squealing of pigs, the - quacking of ducks, geese and chickens, the praying, swearing and - screaming of men, women and children, created a confusion of sounds - which rent the air, and sent a gloomy thrill through the heart. - - We immediately went to work, and helped all the passengers out of - the water, and from among the beasts, upon the deck, so their lives - were preserved, while all the fowls, pigs, and part of the mules - were drowned or killed; many tons of water rushed through the boat, - until the water stood nearly to the boilers; it drove the firemen - from their places. - - About this time when the boat was laboring against wind and tide - one of the wheel chains broke, and the boat rolled over on to one - side. I again heard the cry that "all was lost," but about thirty - of us caught hold of the two detached pieces of chain, and held - them together until the engineer mended them with wire. - - It took three strong men to manage the wheel; while the boat lay - upon her side, it washed away a part of the state rooms; orders - were given to clear the boat of everything that was movable; all - the wood was fastened with stanchions, on the side that was down, - the stanchions were knocked out by the passengers, and forty cords - of wood tumbled into the sea at one surge; this caused the boat - to right up, and we expected every moment our state room would be - washed away. I left it three times with my wife and child, and - stepped upon the main deck, expecting to see it washed away; and to - add to the horror of the situation, we were wrapped in darkness, as - all the lanterns were dashed to pieces. - - The men at the wheel labored hard for five hours to turn the boat - round, before they accomplished it, so that they could run before - the storm. At length daylight appeared, and with it a cessation of - the storm in a measure. We returned to Manitou Island at 4 o'clock, - being twenty-fours hours out, mostly in the storm. - -_Thursday, 30_.--The following is a copy of a statement of expenses -consequent upon the arrest of Joseph Smith, upon demand from Governor -Boggs, and sent to the {420} deputy sheriff of Adams county, he having -officiated June, 1841. - - Nauvoo, September 30, 1841. - - _The Deputy Sheriff of Adams County_: - - The following is a statement of my expenses, costs, and - liabilities, consequent upon my arrest and trial while in your - custody, to-wit-- - - To amount of fees in Esquires Ralston, Warren, and Co.......$250.00 - - To Esquires Little, Williams, Walker, and Browning............100.00 - - To seven days for self, horse, and carriage, at - $5.00............35.00 - - To money expended during that time, consequent upon the - arrest...60.00 - - To twelve witnesses, to-wit: Elias Higbee, John P. Greene, Amasa - Lyman, Darwin Chase, Francis Higbee, Chauncy Higbee, Reynolds - Cahoon, George W. Robinson, J. Younger, L. Woodworth, Vinson - Knight, and Robert B. Thompson, four days each; their time, - carriages, horses and expenses, at $5.00 each day...240.00 - - $685.00 - - Dear Sir:--You will please take such measures as to put me in - possession of the above amount, which is justly due me as above - stated; to say nothing of false imprisonment and other expenses. - This would have been presented earlier, but for the sickness and - death of Robert B. Thompson, my clerk. - - Receive my respects, &c., - - Joseph Smith. - - Per John S. Fullmer. - -_Friday, October 1_.--Among the interesting relics of antiquity which -have been brought to light in these days, is the following sentence -from the _Courier des Etats Unis_: - - _Sentence Rendered by Pontius Pilate, Acting Governor of Lower - Galilee, Stating that Jesus of Nazareth shall Suffer Death on the - Cross_. - - In the year seventeen of the Emperor Tiberius Caesar, and the 25th - day of March, the city of the Holy Jerusalem, Anna and Caiaphas - being priests, sacrificators of the people of God, Pontius Pilate, - governor of Lower Galilee, sitting on the presidential chair of - the Praetory, condemns Jesus of Nazareth to die on the cross - between two thieves--the great and notorious evidence of the people - saying--1. Jesus is a {421} seducer. 2. He is seditious. 3. He is - an enemy of the law. 4. He calls himself falsely the Son of God. - 5. He calls himself falsely the King of Israel. 6. He entered into - the temple, followed by a multitude bearing palm branches in their - hands. Order the first centurion, Quills Cornelius, to lead him to - the place of execution. Forbid to any person whomsoever, either - poor or rich, to oppose the death of Jesus. - - The witnesses who signed the condemnation of Jesus are, viz.--1. - Daniel Robani. 2. Raphel Robani. 3. Capet, a citizen. Jesus shall - go out of the city of Jerusalem by the gate of Struenus. - - The above sentence is engraved on a copper plate; on one side are - written these words--"A similar plate is sent to each tribe." It - was found in an antique vase of white marble, while excavating - in the ancient city of Aquilla, in the kingdom of Naples, in the - year 1820, and was discovered by the Commissaries of Arts attached - to the French armies. At the expedition of Naples, it was found - enclosed in a box of ebony, in the Sacristy of the Chartrem. The - vase in the Chapel of Caserta. The French translation was made - by the members of the Commission of Arts. The original is in the - Hebrew language. The Chartrem requested earnestly that the plate - should not be taken away from them. The request was granted as a - reward for the sacrifice they had made for the army. M. Denon, - one of the Savans, caused a plate to be made of the same model, - on which he had engraved the above sentence. At the sale of his - collection of antiquities, &c., it was bought by Lord Howard for - 2,890 francs. Its intrinsic value and interest are much greater. - - A few years ago, there was found at Catskill, in New York, a - shekel of Israel, of the time of our Savior. On one side was the - representation of a palm leaf, on the other a picture of the - temple, with the words underneath, "Holy Jerusalem," in the Hebrew - tongue. - -Relics like these, properly authenticated, have about them an -inexpressible sacredness. [2] - -Footnotes: - -1. Edward Hunter was the second son and seventh child of Edward and -Hannah Hunter. He was born in Newtown Township, Delaware county, -Pennsylvania. June 22, 1793. His paternal ancestors were from the -north of England, and on his mother's side he was of Welsh extraction. -John Hunter, his great-grandfather, passed over to Ireland some time -in the seventeenth century and served as a lieutenant of cavalry -under William of Orange at the battle of the Boyne, where he was -wounded. He afterwards came to America and settled in Delaware county, -Pennsylvania, about twelve miles from Philadelphia. Edward Hunter, -Esq., the Bishop's father, was justice of the peace in Delaware county -for forty years. On his mother's side three generations back was Robert -Owen of North Wales, a man of wealth and character, a firm sympathizer -with Cromwell and the Protectorate, who on the restoration of Charles -the Second, refused to take the oath of allegiance, and was imprisoned -for five years. After his release he emigrated to America and purchased -property near the "City of Brotherly Love." Like the founder of that -city, Robert Owen was a Quaker. His son George sat in the state -legislature and held various positions of public trust (Whitney). - -Edward Hunter finally settled in Chester county, Pennsylvania, where -he purchased an extensive farm, and married Ann Standley, daughter of -Jacob and Martha Standley. Here Mormonism found him in 1839, through -the preaching of some of the Elders laboring in that vicinity, and Mr. -Hunter extended to them the hospitality of his home. En route from -Washington to Nauvoo, in the winter of 1839-40, the Prophet Joseph -visited him, and for several days preached in the vicinity of the -Hunter homestead. Other prominent Elders of the Church also visited the -Hunter home, among them the Prophet's brother, Hyrum. Finally on the -8th of October, 1841, Edward Hunter was baptized by Elder Orson Hyde, -then on his way to Jerusalem. This brings the biography of the future -Bishop of the Church up to the time of his first appearance in Nauvoo, -on the 13th of September, 1841, and henceforth the events of his life -will be closely interwoven in the history of the Church. - -2. To the sentiment here expressed by the Prophet, no one will withhold -his assent, but he will need to emphasize the phrase "properly -authenticated," because it is unquestionably the case that many -alleged early Christian documents of the character of the above are -spurious: and whether the above alleged formal sentence was really -rendered by Pontius Pilate or not, may not be determined. As remarked -by nearly all authorities upon this subject, it is probable that -Pilate made an official report to Tiberius of both the condemnation -and punishment of Jesus Christ. Rev. J. R. Beard, D. D., member of the -Historico-Theological society of Liepzig, and author of the article -"Pilate," in Kitto's Biblical Literature, says: "The voice of antiquity -intimates that Pilate did make such a report; the words of Justin -Martyr are: [second century] 'That these things were so done you may -know from the 'Acts' made in the time of Pontius Pilate.' A similar -passage is found a little further on in the same work [i. e. Justin's -apology]. Now when it is considered that Justin's Apology was a set -defense of Christianity, in the shape of an appeal to the heathen -world through the persons of its highest functionaries, it must seem -very unlikely that the words would have been used had no such document -existed; and nearly as improbable that these 'Acts' [of Pilate] would -have been referred to had they not been genuine." Dr. Lardner, who -has, perhaps, more fully discussed the subject than any other writer -upon it, decides that, "It must be allowed by all that Pontius Pilate -composed some memoirs concerning our Savior, and sent them to the -emperor." (See Lardner, Vol. vi, p. 610.) And yet this very author says -that the Acts of Pontius Pilate, "and his letter to Tiberius which we -now have, are not genuine, but manifestly spurious." - -In Smith's Dictionary of the Bible, it is stated that "We learn from -Justin Martyr, Tertullian, Eusebius and others, that Pilate made an -official report to Tiberius of our Lord's trial and condemnation, and -in a homily ascribed to, though marked as spurious by his Benedictine -editors, certain 'acts' or 'comments' of Pilate, are spoken of as well -known documents in common circulation." (Article Pilate.) Then the -author of this article on Pilate--Rev. Henry Wright Phillott, student -of Christ Church, Oxford, adds: "That he, (Pilate) made such a report -is highly probable, and it may have been in existence in Chrysostom's -time; but the 'Acts of Pilate,' (Acta Pilati,) now extant in Greek, and -two Latin epistles from him to the emperor, are certainly spurious;" -and it is further said, "The number of extant 'Acta Pilati,' in various -forms, is so large as to show that very early the demand created a -supply of documents manifestly spurious, and we have no reason for -looking on any one of those that remain as more authentic than the -others." - -Whether or not the above document in the text, purported to be Pilate's -formal sentence of death upon Jesus is among the early Christian -documents that are spurious, I am not able to determine by any works -at my command, and the modification in the sentence of the Prophet -above, which states, that "relics like these, _property authenticated_, -have about them an inexpressible sacredness," would rather indicate -the existence of doubt in his own mind as to the absolute certainty of -the above document being genuine; and I by no means consider that he -commits himself to the genuineness of the document by publishing it in -the annals of the Church. Such documents are only inexpressibly sacred -if the authentication is beyond question; and he does not here discuss -that question. - -{422} - -{423} - - - -CHAPTER XXV. - -The General Conference of the Church at Nauvoo--Doctrinal Sermon by the -Prophet--Baptism for the Dead--Angels and Ministering Spirits--Epistle -of the Twelve Reviewing Status of the Church. - -[Sidenote: Suit Against Geo. M. Hinckle.] - -George M. Hinckle, who robbed my house in Far West while I was in -prison, passing down the river with a flat boat, I commenced suit -against him before the District Court, now sitting at Burlington, Iowa. -I sent Elias Smith, and Geo. W. Gee to attend to the suit; but Hinckle -gave security, and got it put off till spring. - -Day stormy and cold, a few assembled, but conference did not organize. - -I received a letter from Benjamin Winchester, requesting to be -excused from accompanying Elder Erastus Snow on his mission to Salem, -Massachusetts, on account of ill health and pecuniary embarrassments, -and expressing his conviction that Elder John E. Page had means enough -to accompany Elder Orson Hyde to Jerusalem. - -_Saturday, October 2, 1841_. - - _Minutes of the General Conference of the Church Held at Nauvoo_. - - Conference met in the Grove. The Presidency being absent laying the - corner stone of the Nauvoo House, the meeting was called to order - by President Brigham Young; the several quorums were arranged and - seated in order. - - President Brigham Young opened conference by prayer. - - The conference then made choice of President Joseph Smith to - preside, and Elias Smith and Gustavus Hills, Clerks. Meeting - adjourned until 2 p. m. - - Prayer by Orson Pratt. - - {424} _2 p. m_., President Joseph Smith opened the meeting. Choir - sung the 18th hymn. - - The President then read a letter from Elder Orson Hyde, dated - Ratisbon, July 17, 1841, giving an account of his journey and - success in his mission, which was listened to with intense - interest; and the conference by vote, expressed their approbation - of the style and spirit of said letter. The President then made - remarks on the inclemency of the weather, and the uncomfortable - situation of the Saints with regard to a place of worship, and a - place of public entertainment. - - The conference was then called upon by the President, to elect a - general Church clerk, in place of Robert B. Thompson, deceased. - James Sloan was nominated and elected. - - Elder Lyman Wight nominated Bishop George Miller to preside over - the High Priests' quorum in place of Don Carlos Smith, deceased. He - was duly elected. - - President Brigham Young then presented the business commenced at - the late special conference of the 16th of August with regard - to the appointment of suitable and faithful men to the several - important stations of labor in this and other countries. - - Elder Lyman Wight addressed the conference on the importance of - order, uniformity of instruction, and unanimity of effort to spread - the work of the kingdom. - - President Joseph Smith made some corrections of doctrine, quoting - I Cor. xii: 28, showing the principle of order and unity in the - offices of the Priesthood. - - The Patriarch Hyrum Smith made remarks disapproving of the course - pursued by some Elders in counteracting the efforts of the - presidency to gather the Saints, and in enticing them to stop in - places not appointed for the gathering, particularly referring to - the conduct of Elder Almon W. Babbitt of Kirtland. - - Elders Lyman Wight, and Henry W. Miller testified that they had - traveled in places where Elder Babbitt had been, on his return - from his visit to Nauvoo, [he had] taught doctrine contrary to the - revelations of God, and detrimental to the interests of the Church. - - Moved and carried that Elder Almon W. Babbitt be disfellowshiped - until he shall make satisfaction. - - Choir sang Hymn 124. Prayer by Elder George A. Smith. - - Conference adjourned until tomorrow at nine o'clock. - - _Sunday, 3_. - - Conference assembled in Nauvoo according to adjournment; prayer by - Elder Heber C. Kimball. - - President Joseph Smith, by request of the Twelve Apostles gave - instructions on the doctrine of baptism for the dead, which were - listened {425} to with intense interest by the large assembly. He - presented baptism for the dead as the only way that men can appear - as saviors on Mount Zion. - - The proclamation of the first principles of the Gospel was a - means of salvation to men individually; and it was the truth, - not men, that saved them; but men, by actively engaging in rites - of salvation substitutionally became instrumental in bringing - multitudes of their kindred into the kingdom of God. - - He explained the difference between an angel and a ministering - spirit; the one a resurrected or translated body, with its spirit - ministering to embodied spirits--the other a disembodied spirit, - visiting and ministering to disembodied spirits. Jesus Christ - became a ministering spirit (while His body was lying in the - sepulchre) to the spirits in prison, to fulfill an important part - of His mission, without which He could not have perfected His work, - or entered into His rest. After His resurrection He appeared as an - angel to His disciples. - - Translated bodies cannot enter into rest until they have undergone - a change equivalent to death. Translated bodies are designed for - future missions. - - The angel that appeared to John on the Isle of Patmos was a - translated or resurrected body [i. e. personage], Jesus Christ went - in body after His resurrection, to minister to resurrected bodies. - There has been a chain of authority and power from Adam down to the - present time. - - The best way to obtain truth and wisdom is not to ask it from - books, but to go to God in prayer, and obtain divine teaching. It - is no more incredible that God should _save_ the dead, than that he - should _raise_ the dead. - - There is never a time when the spirit is too old to approach - God. All are within the reach of pardoning mercy, who have not - committed the unpardonable sin, which hath no forgiveness, neither - in this world, nor in the world to come. There is a way to release - the spirits of the dead; that is by the power and authority of - the Priesthood--by binding not loosing on earth. This doctrine - appears glorious, inasmuch as it exhibits the greatness of divine - compassion and benevolence in the extent of the plan of human - salvation. - - This glorious truth is well calculated to enlarge the - understanding, and to sustain the soul under troubles, difficulties - and distresses. For illustration, suppose the case of two men, - brothers, equally intelligent, learned, virtuous and lovely, - walking in uprightness and in all good conscience, so far as they - have been able to discern duty from the muddy stream of tradition, - or from the blotted page of the book of nature. - - One dies and is buried, having never heard the Gospel of - reconciliation; to the other the message of salvation is sent, - he hears and {426} embraces it, and is made the heir of eternal - life. Shall the one become the partaker of glory and the other be - consigned to hopeless perdition? Is there no chance for his escape? - Sectarianism answers "none." Such an idea is worse than atheism. - The truth shall break down and dash in pieces all such bigoted - Pharisaism; the sects shall be sifted, the honest in heart brought - out, and their priests left in the midst of their corruption. - - Many objections are urged against the Latter-day Saints for not - admitting the validity of sectarian baptism, and for withholding - fellowship from sectarian churches. Yet to do otherwise would - be like putting new wine into old bottles, and putting old wine - into new bottles. What! new revelations in the old churches? New - revelations would knock out the bottom of their bottomless pit. New - wine into old bottles! The bottles burst and the wine runs out! - What! Sadducees in the new church! Old wine in new leathern bottles - will leak through the pores and escape. So the Sadducee saints mock - at authority, kick out of the traces, and run to the mountains of - perdition, leaving the long echo of their braying behind them. - - He then referred to the [lack of] charity of the sects, in - denouncing all who disagree with them in opinion, and in joining in - persecuting the Saints, who believe that even such may be saved, - in this world and in the world to come (murderers and apostates - excepted). - - This doctrine presents in a clear light the wisdom and mercy of - God in preparing an ordinance for the salvation of the dead, - being baptized by proxy, their names recorded in heaven and they - judged according to the deeds done in the body. This doctrine - was the burden of the scriptures. Those Saints who neglect it - in behalf of their deceased relatives, do it at the peril of - their own salvation. The dispensation of the fullness of times - will bring to light the things that have been revealed in all - former dispensations; also other things that have not been before - revealed. He shall send Elijah, the Prophet, &c., and restore all - things in Christ. - - President Joseph Smith then announced: "There shall be no more - baptisms for the dead, until the ordinance can be attended to in - the Lord's House; and the Church shall not hold another General - Conference, until they can meet in said house. _For thus saith the - Lord_!" - - Prayer by President Hyrum Smith. - - Adjourned for one hour. - - Afternoon conference opened by the choir singing hymn 105, and - prayer by Elder Lyman Wight. - - President Brigham Young addressed the Elders at some length, on - the importance of teaching abroad the first principles of the - Gospel, leaving the mysteries of the kingdom to be taught among the - Saints, {427} also on the propriety of many of the Elders remaining - at home, and working on the Lord's House; and that their labors - will be as acceptable to the Lord as their going abroad, and more - profitable for the Church. That those who go abroad must take a - recommend from the proper authorities, without which they will not - be fellowshiped; and that those who go, and those who remain make - consecrations more abundantly than heretofore. - - Elder Lyman Wight followed with remarks of a similar purport; - resigning his mission of gathering means for the Temple and Nauvoo - House. - - The conference appointed Elias Higbee, John Taylor, and Elias - Smith, to petition Congress for redress of wrongs sustained in - Missouri; and Elder John Taylor to present the petition. - - Closed by the choir singing hymn 125, and prayer by President John - Smith. - - Conference assembled on the morning of Monday, the 4th. - - Prayer by Elder George A. Smith. - - President Joseph Smith made a lengthy exposition of the condition - of the temporal affairs of the Church, the agency of which had been - committed to him at a general conference in Quincy--explaining the - manner that he had discharged the duties involved in the agency, - and the conditions of the lands and other property of the Church. - - On motion, resolved: that Elder Reuben McBride be invested with - power of attorney to settle the business at Kirtland, left in an - uncertain condition by Elder Oliver Grange, deceased. - - Prayer by Elder Lyman Wight. - - Adjourned for one hour. - - Afternoon conference opened. Prayer by President John Smith. - - Elder Lyman Wight spoke at some length on the subject introduced in - the former part of the day, and on the old debts and obligations - that are frequently brought up from Kirtland and Missouri; one - of which, in the form of a $50 note, he held in his hand, and - proclaimed it as his text. - - On motion, voted unanimously, that the trustee-in-trust be - instructed not to appropriate Church property to liquidate old - claims that may be brought forward from Kirtland and Missouri. - - President Hyrum Smith presented to the notice of the conference - some embarrassment growing out of his signing as security, a - certain obligation in Kirtland in favor of Mr. Eaton. - - Voted, that Church property here shall not be appropriated to - liquidate said claim. - - President Brigham Young made some appropriate and weighty remarks - on the importance of more liberal consecrations and more {428} - energetic efforts to forward the work of building the Temple and - Nauvoo House; and after purchasing Elder Wight's text, by paying - him fifty cents, tore it in pieces and gave it to the winds, - saying, "Go ye and do likewise, with all old claims against the - Church." - - Choir sang hymn 104, and President Hyrum Smith closed by prayer. - - _Tuesday, 5th_. Conference opened by the choir singing hymn 274, - and prayer by Elder Orson Pratt. - - Elder Orson Pratt, by request of President Joseph Smith, read a - letter from Smith Tuttle, Esq., one of the proprietors of the - Hotchkiss purchase, in reference to some misunderstanding in the - adjustment of their claims, and conciliatory of any hard feelings - growing out of such misunderstanding. - - President Brigham Young spoke on the contents of the letter, and - expressed his earnest desire that the business might be speedily - adjusted, and a proper title obtained by the Church. - - Elders Lyman Wight and Hyrum Smith followed with appropriate - remarks. - - On motion, voted, That President Joseph Smith write to Mr. - Hotchkiss on the subject. - - On motion by President Joseph Smith, voted, that the Twelve write - an epistle to the Saints abroad, to use their influence and - exertions to secure by exchange, purchase, donation, &c., a title - to the Hotchkiss purchase. - - President Brigham Young presented an appeal from the decision of - the Elders' quorum on a charge made against Elder John A. Hicks by - Dimick B. Huntington for a breach of the ordinances of the city, - for falsehood and schismatical conversation. After hearing the - testimony in the case it was voted that Elder John A. Hicks be cut - off from the Church. - - Closed by the choir singing hymn 275; prayer by President Brigham - Young. - - Adjourned for one hour. - - Afternoon conference opened by the choir singing hymn 104, and - prayer by Elder Orson Pratt, who then read the minutes of a special - conference held in Nauvoo, August 16, 1841. - - President Joseph Smith made remarks explanatory of the importance - of the resolutions and votes passed at that time - - On motion, voted, that this conference sanction the doings of said - special conference. - - President Brigham Young proposed to the congregation, that those - who would take laborers on the Lord's House to board, while thus - laboring, should manifest their willingness by rising and giving - their names. About sixty persons arose. - - {429} Conference closed by the choir singing hymn 284, and prayer - by President Brigham Young. - - Conference adjourned _sine die_. - - Although the conference commenced under discouraging circumstances - owing to the inclemency of the weather, yet a vast number of the - brethren and visitors from abroad were present, and on Saturday and - Sunday, the weather having become favorable, the congregation was - immense. The greatest unanimity prevailed; business was conducted - with the most perfect harmony and good feelings, and the assembly - dispersed with new confidence in the great work of the last days. - - Joseph Smith, President. - - Elias Smith, - - Gustavus Hills, - - Clerks. - -An earthquake at Constantinople, occasioning extensive destruction of -property. - -Elder Joseph Beebee writes from New York that he has been preaching in -that city, and has baptized twenty-nine. - -_Wednesday, 6_.--Elder Woodruff arrived in Nauvoo. - -Elders Kimball, Richards, and Woodruff laid hands on President Young, -who was very sick, and he recovered. - -_Thursday, 7_. - - _Minutes of a Meeting of the Council of the Twelve_. - - Elders Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Orson Pratt, Lyman Wight, - John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, and Willard Richards, of the quorum - of the Twelve Apostles, assembled in council at the house of Elder - John Taylor. Voted, that - - Elder John D. Lee go on a mission to Jackson and Rutherford - counties, Tennessee. - - Elder David Evans, to Augusta, Iowa Territory. - - Elder Elisha H. Groves, to Iowa county, Wisconsin. - - Elder Hiram Clark, to Pike, Brown, and Adams counties, Illinois. - - Elder Joseph Ball, to South America. - - Elder Harrison Sagers, to Jamaica. - - Elder William Bosley, to Utica, New York. - - Elder Amasa Lyman, to New York City. - - Elder Arza Adams to Kingston, Canada. - - Elder Lyman Stoddard, to go with Elisha H. Groves to Wisconsin. - - {430} Elder Phinehas H. Young, to Cincinnati, Ohio. - - Elder Abraham Palmer, to Chicago, Illinois. - - Elder George W. Gee, to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. - - Elder James Blakesley, to Nauvoo, Illinois. - - Elder John D. Parker, to New Orleans, Louisiana. - - Voted, that Phinehas H. Young be ordained to a High Priest and - recommended accordingly. - - That Daniel Garns be nominated for president of the Elders' quorum. - - That a conference be held at Father Morley's, at Lima, on Saturday - and Sunday, the 23rd and 24th instant. - - That a committee of three, namely, Brigham Young, Willard Richards, - and John Taylor be a committee to draft an address to the eastern - churches, as directed by the general conference. - - Adjourned to Bishop Miller's tomorrow evening at 6 o'clock. - - Brigham Young, President. - - Willard Richards, Clerk. - -_Saturday, 9_. - - _Copy of a Letter to Smith Tuttle, Esq.--The Hotchkiss Land - Troubles_. - - Dear Sir:--Your kind letter of September was received during our - conference, which is just over, containing a full and particular - explanation of everything which gave rise to some feelings of - disappointment in relation to our business transactions; and I - will assure you it has allayed on our part every prejudice. It - breathes the spirit of kindness and truth. I will assure you that - we exceedingly regret that there has been any ground for hardness - and disappointment. But as far as I am concerned, I must plead - innocent, and you will consider me so, when you come to know all - the facts. I have done all that I could on my part. I will still do - all that I can. I will not leave one stone unturned. - - Now the facts are these: I sent my brother Hyrum, and Doctor - Galland with means in their hands--say not money--but with power to - obtain either property or money which was necessary to enable them - to fulfill the contract I made with Mr. Hotchkiss. My brother Hyrum - was under the necessity of returning to this place on account of - his ill health, leaving the business in the hands of Dr. Galland, - with the fullest expectation that he would make over the property - or money to Mr. Hotchkiss, and make everything square so far as the - interest is concerned, if not the principal. He was instructed to - pay the interest that had accrued, and should accrue up to the fall - of 1842, so as to be in advance of our indebtedness. - - {431} I had also made arrangements with the eastern churches, and - had it in my power to deed over lands for the whole debt, and had - expected that an arrangement of that kind would have been entered - into. - - I am well assured that Dr. Galland did not look for any means - whatever, to pay the interest at any rate, if not the principal; - and, why he has not done according to my instructions, God only - knows. I do not feel to charge him with having done wrong, until I - can investigate the matter, and ascertain to a certainty where the - fault lies. It may be through sickness or disaster, this strange - neglect has happened. I would to God the thing had not happened. - - When I read Mr. Hotchkiss' letter, I learned that he was - dissatisfied. I thought that he meant to oppress me, and felt - accordingly mortified and sorrowful in the midst of affliction, to - think that he should distrust me for a moment that I would not do - all that was within my power. - - But upon having an explanation of the whole matter, my feelings are - changed, and I think that you all have had cause for complaining. - But you will in the magnanimity of your good feelings, certainly - not blame me when you find that I have discharged an honorable duty - on my part. - - I regret exceedingly that I did not know some time since what I - now know, that I might have made another effort before it got so - late. Cold weather is now rolling in upon us. I have been confined - here this season by sickness, and various other things that were - beyond my control; such as having been demanded by the governor of - Missouri, of the governor of this state, and he did not have moral - courage enough to resist the demand, although it was founded in - injustice and cruelty. I accordingly was taken prisoner, and they - put me to some ten or eleven hundred dollars' expense and trouble, - such as lawyer's fees, witnesses, &c., &c., before I could be - redeemed from under the difficulty. But I am now clear of them once - more. - - And now in contemplating the face of the whole subject, I - find that I am under the necessity of asking a little further - indulgence--say, till next spring, so that I may be enabled to - recover myself, and then, if God spares my life, and gives me power - to do so, I will come in person to your country, and will never - cease my labors until the whole matter is completely adjusted to - the full satisfaction of all of you. The subject of your debt was - fairly presented before our general conference held on the first of - this month, consisting of ten thousand people for their decision on - the wisest and best course in relation to meeting your demands. - - The Twelve, as they are denominated in the _Times and Seasons_ - were ordered by the conference to make arrangements in the Eastern - branches of the Church, ordering them to go to you and turn over - their {432} property as you and they might agree, and take up our - obligations and bring them here, and receive property here for - them; and I have been ordered by the conference to write this - letter to you, informing you of the measures which are about to be - taken to make all things right. - - I would inform you that Dr. Galland has not returned to the western - country as yet. He has a considerable amount of money in his hands, - which was to have been paid to you, as we intended. He is on his - way, for aught we know, and is retarded in his journey by some - misfortune or other. He may return, however, as yet, and give a - just and honorable account of himself. We hope this may be the - case. I am sorrowful on account of your disappointments. It is a - great disappointment to me, as well as to yourselves. - - As to the growth of our place, it is very rapid, and it would be - more so, were it not for sickness and death. There have been many - deaths, which leaves a melancholy reflection, but we cannot help - it. When God speaks from the heavens to call us hence, we must - submit to His mandates. - - And as for your sincerity and friendship, gentlemen, we have not - the most distant doubt of it. We will not have any. We know it is - for your interest to do us good, and for our welfare and happiness - to be punctual in fulfillment of all our vows, and we think for the - future you will have no cause for complaint. We intend to struggle - with all our misfortunes in life, and shoulder them up handsomely, - like men. - - We ask nothing, therefore, but what ought to be required between - man and man, and by those principles which bind man to man, by - kindred blood, in bearing our own part in everything which duty - calls us to do, as not inferior to any of the human race; and we - will be treated as such, although we differ with some in matters - of opinion in things (viz., religious matters), for which we only - feel ourselves amenable to the Eternal God. And may God forbid that - pride, ambition, a want of humanity, in any degree of importance, - should have any unjust dominion in our bosoms. - - We are the sons of Adam. We are the free born sons of America, and - having been trampled upon, and our rights taken from us--even our - constitutional rights, by a good many who boast themselves of being - valiant in freedom's cause, while their hearts possess not a spark - of its benign and enlightening influence--will afford a sufficient - excuse, we hope, for any harsh remarks that may have been dropped - by us, when we thought there was an assumption of superiority - designed to gall our feelings. - - We are very sensitive as a people--we confess it: but we want to - be pardoned for our sins, if any we have committed. With regard to - the {433} time when the first payment of interest should be called - for, it appears we misunderstood each other, but suffice it to - say, that it shall not prevent our making arrangements concerning - the whole matter. It is still, however, my firm conviction that my - understanding concerning the interest was correct. - - I remain, gentlemen, with sentiments of respect, yours, &c., - - Joseph Smith. - -_Monday, 10_.--The Twelve met for the purpose of counsel, and spent -most of the day in visiting the sick. - -Elder Erastus Snow writes from Northbridge, Massachusetts. He had been -laboring in Salem and vicinity four weeks, organized a branch of thirty -members, and the prospects are flattering. - -_Tuesday, 12_. - - _An Epistle of the Twelve Apostles, to the Brethren Scattered - Abroad on the Continent of America, Greeting_: - - Beloved Brethren:--It seemeth good to us to write unto you at this - time concerning the great things of the kingdom of our God, and - more especially as we have been called upon by the late general - conference so to do, that the work may not be hindered, but that - all may understand their privilege and duty in this day of glorious - events, so that by exercising themselves therein, they may attain - unto those blessings which God has in store for His people in the - last days. - - We have abundant occasion, and we rejoice exceedingly at the - privilege we have had of beholding so many thousands of our - brethren and sisters as were assembled at the late conference; - and for the perfect harmony and good feeling which prevailed - throughout all their deliberations; for the great amount of - valuable instructions by President Joseph Smith and others; and - for the disposition which we have seen manifested, by all who were - present, to carry into effect all those noble plans and principles - which were derived from heaven, and have been handed down to earth - to carry forward the great and glorious work which is already - commenced, and which must be consummated to secure the salvation of - Israel. - - While the minutes of the general conference are before you, which - will be read with interest by every lover of Zion, we shall - recapitulate some items, and detail more particularly to the - understanding of those who had not the privilege of being present - on that interesting occasion, {434} the past, present and future - situation and prospects of the Church, and the stakes, and those - things which immediately concern their best interests. - - A short time since, and the Saints were fleeing from their enemies. - Whippings, imprisonments, tortures, and death stared them in the - face, and they were compelled to seek an asylum in a land of - strangers. They sought, they found it within the peaceful bosom - of Illinois--a state whose citizens are inspired with a love of - liberty, whose souls are endowed with those noble principles of - charity and benevolence which ever bid the stranger welcome, and - minister to his wants; in this state, whose soil is vieing with - its citizens in all that is good and lovely, the Saints have found - a resting place where, freed from tyranny and mobs, they are - beginning to realize the fulfillment of the ancient prophets--"They - shall build houses and inhabit them, plant vineyards and eat the - fruit thereof, having none to molest or make afraid." - - In this city, the Church has succeeded in securing several - extensive plats of land, which have been laid out in city lots, a - part of which have been sold, a part has been distributed to the - widow and orphan, and a part remains for sale. These lots are for - the inheritance of the Saints, a resting place for the Church, a - habitation for the God of Jacob; for here He has commanded a house - to be built unto His name where He may manifest Himself unto His - people as in former times, when He caused the ark, the tabernacle, - and the temple to be reared, and the cloud, and the fire to rest - down thereon; and not that the temple be built only, but that - it be completed quickly, and that no more general conference be - held, till it shall be held therein; and that the Nauvoo House be - finished for the accommodation of the brethren from afar, and the - stranger who shall come up hither to inquire after the work of the - Lord, and worship in His temple. - - Scores of brethren in this city have offered to board one and two - laborers each, till the temple is completed, many have volunteered - to labor continually, and the brethren generally are giving - one-tenth part of their time, or one-tenth part of their income, - according to circumstances; while those sisters who can do nothing - more, are knitting socks and mittens, and preparing garments for - the laborers, so that they may be made as comfortable as possible - during the coming winter. In view of these things we would invite - our brethren for many miles distant around us, to send in their - teams for drawing stone, lumber, and materials for the building; - and at the same time load their wagons with all kinds of grain - and meat, provisions, and clothing, and hay, and provender in - abundance, that the laborer faint not, and the teams be made - strong; also that journeymen stonecutters, &c., come, bringing - their tools with them, and enlist in the glorious enterprise. - - {435} Most of the plats in this city before referred to, as well - as several farms and large lots of land in this, and adjoining - counties are paid for, and secured to the Church by good and - sufficient titles; while the town plat for the town of Warren, - near Warsaw, is secured on such conditions that the brethren can - be accommodated with lots on very reasonable terms; but the large - plat in Nauvoo, purchased of Messrs. Hotchkiss, Tuttle & Co., of - New Haven, Connecticut, remains unpaid for, and the time has now - arrived, when it is very desirable on the part of the Church, as - well as on the part of the gentlemen of whom it was purchased, - that payment should be made, and a warrantee title secured; to - accomplish which we have been called upon by the united voice of - the general conference to address the churches in the eastern - states, to advise with the brethren in those regions, and devise - ways and means whereby this debt may be liquidated, Hotchkiss & Co. - satisfied, the plat secured to the Church, and the brethren in the - East at the same time transfer their real estate from the place - where it now is, to this city or region of country, according to - their desire. - - The contract for the "Hotchkiss purchase" in Nauvoo, consisting - of upwards of five hundred acres, was entered into on or about - the 9th of August, 1839, for the specified sum of fifty-three - thousand five hundred dollars, and security was given to Messrs. - Horace R. Hotchkiss, Smith Tuttle and John Gillet, for the amount - of the same, in two notes of equal amount, one payable in ten - years, and the other in twenty years from the date thereof; signed - by Messrs. Hyrum Smith, Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon. In August - last interest to the amount of six thousand dollars or upwards - had accumulated on said notes, which it has not been in the power - of the Church to pay up to the present time. The nature of this - purchase and the situation of the Church is such, that it is - necessary that the notes should be taken up, the interest stopped, - and a warrantee title secured immediately; a correspondence is now - in progress with Messrs. Hotchkiss and Co., to effect this thing, - and bring forward a final settlement. - - But, say you, what can we do to accomplish this great and desirable - object? Let the brethren in the eastern states who have lands which - they wish to dispose of, so that they may remove hither, and secure - to themselves an inheritance among the Saints either in the cities - or farms in the vicinity, and are willing to have their lands in - the East made over to Messrs. Hotchkiss and Co. towards the payment - of the foregoing notes, communicate with us immediately, at this - place, stating to us the extent and value of their property. - - Then, as soon as we shall have received communications concerning - property, sufficient to cancel the obligations, and the necessary - preliminaries are understood with Messrs. Hotchkiss and Co., - we will dispatch {436} an agent to New Haven to complete the - negotiation, transfer your property, take up the notes and secure - a deed; and those whose property is thus transferred can have the - value thereof here in city lots or lands in the vicinity; and thus - your property will prove to you as good as money, inasmuch as you - desire to emigrate; and you will no longer be obliged to tarry - afar off because that money is so scarce you cannot sell and get - your pay. If there are those among you to whom God has given in - abundance, and they desire to appropriate some portion thereof - for the benefit of His people, for the redemption of Zion, for a - blessing to the widows of those who have been slain for the word - of God,--and been buried in a well,--for a sustenance to their - fatherless children, and provide for them a habitation, they - cannot do it more effectually than by devoting a portion of their - sustenance toward liquidating this claim. - - To those brethren who live so far distant that they cannot send - in their loaded teams, and yet desire to assist in building the - Lord's house, we would say, gather yourselves together and bring - of your substance, your silver, and gold, and apparel, and of your - superabundance cast into the treasury of the Lord, and see if He - will not pour you out a blessing till there is not room enough to - receive it. - - Brethren, the blessings of the kingdom are for you, for the body of - Christ, for all the members, and God will help those who will help - themselves, and bless those who will bless each other, and do as - they would be done unto. The gold and the silver is the Lord's; all - the treasures of the earth, the flocks and the herds of the fields, - and the cattle on the thousand hills are His; if He were hungry, - would He crave thy food, or thirsty, would He ask thy drink? Nay! - He would only ask that which was His own, He would feast on His own - flocks and quench His thirst at His own springs. This God is the - God of the Saints, He is your God and He has made you stewards of - all that has been committed to you, and will require His own with - usury, and will you not be faithful in a little, that you may be - made rulers over many cities? Yes, you will, we know you will. - - The journeyings, and gatherings and buildings of the Saints are - nothing new, and as they are expecting, looking and praying for the - completion of the dispensation of the fullness of times, they must - also expect that their progress will be onward, or they will be - of no avail, for what is not of faith is sin, and can you believe - that God will hear your prayers and bring you on your journey, - gather you and build your houses, and you not put forth your hand - or make one exertion to help yourselves? No. Therefore, inasmuch - as the Saints believe that Father Abraham journed to a distant - land at the command of the Highest, where himself and household, - (whose household we are if we keep the commandments) might enjoy - the fruits of their labors unmolested, {437} and worship the God - of heaven according to the dictates of their own conscience and - His law; that his seed afterwards gathered to Canaan, the land of - promise; that the people of God were commanded to build a house - where the Son of Man might have a place to lay his head, and the - disciples be endowed with power from on high, and were with one - accord in one place; they must also believe that this dispensation - comprehends all the great works of all former dispensations; and - that the children must gather as did the fathers, must build a - house where they may be endowed, and be found together worshiping - and doing as their fathers did when Jehovah spake, and the angels - of heaven ministered unto them; and if these things are not in this - generation, then we have not arrived at the dispensation of the - fullness of times as we anticipate, and our faith and prayers are - vain. - - Is it possible that we labor in vain and toil for nought, and that - we shall be disappointed at the last? No! We know assuredly that - the set time to favor Zion has come, and her sons and daughters - shall rejoice in her glory. The time has come when the great - Jehovah would have a resting place on earth, a habitation for - His chosen where His law shall be revealed, and His servants be - endowed from on high, to bring together the honest in heart from - the four winds; where the Saints may enter the baptismal font for - their dead relatives, so that they may be judged according to men - in the flesh, and live according to God in the spirit, and come - forth in the celestial kingdom; a place over which the heavenly - messengers may watch and trouble the waters as in days of old, so - that when the sick are put therein, they shall be made whole; a - place wherein all the ordinances shall be made manifest, and the - Saints shall unite in the songs of Zion, even praise, thanksgiving - and hallelujahs to God and the Lamb, that He has wrought out their - deliverance, and bound Satan fast in chains. - - What then shall we do? Let us all arise, and with one united and - mighty exertion, by the strength of Israel's God, oppose the powers - of darkness, and every being and principle that may rise up against - us and complete the work already commenced. Let us not for a moment - lend an ear to evil and designing men who would subvert the truth - and blacken the character of the servant of the Most High God, by - publishing abroad that the Prophet is enriching himself on the - spoils of the brethren. - - When Brother Joseph stated to the general conference the amount - and situation of the property of the Church, of which he is - Trustee-in-Trust by the united voice of the Church, he also stated - the amount of his own possessions on earth; and what do you think - it was? We will tell you: his old Charley (a horse) given him in - Kirtland, two pet deer, two old turkeys and four young ones, the - old cow given him by a {438} brother in Missouri, his old Major, - (a dog) his wife, children and a little household furniture; and - this is the amount of the great possessions of that man whom God - has called to lead His people in these last days, this is the - sum total of the great estates, the splendid mansions and noble - living of him who has spent a life of toil and suffering, of - privation and hardships, of imprisonments and chains, of dungeons - and vexatious lawsuits, and every kind of contumely and contempt - ungodly men could heap upon him, and last of all report him as - rolling in wealth and luxury which he had plundered from the spoils - of those for whose good he had thus toiled and suffered. Who would - be willing to suffer what he has suffered, and labor near twenty - years, as he has done, for the wealth he is in possession of? - - Brethren, in view of all these things, let us be up and doing. Let - those in the eastern states use all diligence in communicating to - us their ability to assist in the Hotchkiss payment, being assured - that no exertion they can make will equal what has already been - made for them and the Church generally; and let all the Saints - come up to the places of gathering, and with their mites and their - abundance as God has given them in trust, help to build up the old - waste places which have been thrown down for many generations, - knowing that when they are completed they will belong unto the - people of the Most High God, even the meek, the honest in heart, - they shall possess all things, in the due time of the Lord. Be not - covetous, but deal in righteousness, for what the Saints shall not - possess by purchase and in righteousness they shall not possess, - for no unrighteous thing can enter into the kingdom; therefore - beloved brethren, deal gently, love mercy, walk humbly before God, - and whatever your hands find to do, do it with your might, keeping - all the commandments, and then, whether in life or in death, all - things will be yours, whether they be temples or lands, houses or - vineyards, baptisms or endowments, revelations or healings, all - things will be yours, for you will be Christ's and Christ is God's. - - Brigham Young, - - Heber C. Kimball, - - Orson Pratt, - - Lyman Wight, - - John Taylor, - - Wilford Woodruff, - - George A. Smith, - - Willard Richards. - - Nauvoo, October 12, 1841. - -{439} - - - -CHAPTER XXVI. - -Affairs in Kirtland and Nauvoo--Epistle of the Twelve to the Saints -in the British Islands--Orson Hyde's Prayer on the Mount of Olives, -Dedicating the Holy Land Preparatory to the Return of the Tribes of -Israel. - -_Wednesday, October 20, 1841_.--The following extract of a letter from -Elder Hyde, dated Jaffa, October 20, 1841, on his way to Jerusalem. - - _Extract from Orson Hyde's Letter_. - - On my passage from Beyrut to this place (Jaffa) night before last, - at one o'clock, as I was meditating on the deck of the vessel, - as she was beating down against a sultry wind, a very bright - glittering sword appeared in the heavens, about six feet in length, - with a beautiful hilt, as plain and complete as any cut you ever - saw; and what is still more remarkable, an arm with a perfect hand - stretched itself out, and took hold of the hilt of the sword. The - appearance really made my hair rise, and the flesh, as it were, - crawl on my bones. The Arabs made a wonderful outcry at the sight. - Allah! Allah! Allah! [O Lord, O Lord, O Lord] was their exclamation - all over the vessel. I mention this because you know there is a - commandment of God for me, which says, "Unto you it shall be given - to know the signs of the times, and the sign of the coming of the - Son of Man." - - Yours in Christ, - - Orson Hyde. - -_Saturday, 23_.--I attended the city council. - - _Minutes of Conference held at Lima_. - - Lima [Adams county, Illinois] conference convened pursuant to - previous appointment. Elders Brigham Young, John Taylor, and - Willard {440} Richards, of the Twelve Apostles, were in attendance. - Elder Brigham Young was unanimously chosen president, and James C. - Snow, clerk of the conference. - - President Young then made some preliminary remarks, setting forth - and explaining the object of the meeting; followed by President - Isaac Morley. Elder James C. Snow then represented the branch of - the Church at Lima, consisting of 424 members, including 9 High - Priests, 32 Elders, 4 Priests, 5 Teachers, and 4 Deacons, mostly in - good standing. - - President Young, Elders Taylor and Richards, then made some very - appropriate remarks, showing and proving the absolute necessity - of finishing and completing the House of the Lord now building in - Nauvoo, in preference to anything else that can be done, either by - mental or physical exertion, in spreading light, knowledge, and - intelligence among the nations of the earth. - - Conference adjourned till tomorrow, ten o'clock. - - In the evening President Morley met with his counselors together - with President Young, Elders Taylor, and Richards, and brethren - of the Lima branch, for the purpose of entering into certain - resolutions necessary, in order to become more active in forwarding - the work on the House of the Lord. - - After much deliberation, it was moved and seconded, that all those - who are willing to consecrate one tenth of their time and property - to the building of the temple at Nauvoo, under the superintendence - of President Morley and counselors, to signify it by the uplifted - hands; when the motion was carried unanimously. - - Sunday morning, at ten o'clock conference met pursuant to - adjournment. - - Elder John Taylor delivered an address, upon the object of Christ's - mission into this world, the resurrection and redemption of the - Saints, and pointed out very clearly the course to be pursued in - order to become the sons of God, through the ordinances of the - gospel, that the Saints may, at last, be exalted at the right hand - of God, to dwell with Him eternally in the heavens. - - After an intermission of one hour, the sacrament was administered - by President Young and Elder Richards. The minutes of the - conference were then read and accepted. - - President Young made some very just remarks on the priesthood, - authority, and calling. - - Conference adjourned _sine die_. - - Benediction by President Morley. - - Brigham Young, President, - - James C. Snow, Clerk. - - {441} _Extract of a Letter from Parley P. Pratt--Emigration of - Saints, and Status of the Work in England_. - - Manchester, England. - - On the 20th of September, the ship _Tyrean_ sailed from Liverpool - for New Orleans, under a charter of the Latter-day Saints; she had - upwards of two hundred Saints on board, with Elder Joseph Fielding - at their head. By chartering [the vessel] we saved the company [of - Saints] at least 500 or 600 dollars. The splendid new ship _Chaos_, - 1,200 tons burthen, will sail on the 5th of November, under our - charter. She will have from one to two hundred Saints on board, - with Patriarch Peter Melling at their head. - - The Saints in this country are generally rejoicing, and filled with - the testimony of Jesus. Great zeal is manifested by the officers in - general, of whom there are probably more than a thousand. We are - increasing in numbers, and in gifts and blessings. New branches of - the Church are rising in many places, and great additions made to - the old ones. Manchester and vicinity has poured forth a stream of - emigration for the last eighteen months, and still we numbered at - our conference, two weeks ago, nearly sixteen hundred members, and - between one and two hundred officers; all these within one hour's - journey of Manchester. - - There has been a general time of pruning; we have cut off upwards - of one hundred members from this conference in a few months; this - causes the young and tender branches to grow with double vigor. - -_Thursday, 28_. - - _Copy of a Letter of Attorney from Joseph Smith, "Sole Trustee in - Trust for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints," to - Reuben McBride, of Kirtland, Ohio_. - - Know all men by these presents, that I, Joseph Smith, of Nauvoo, - Hancock county, and State of Illinois, "sole trustee in trust - for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints," have - made, constituted and appointed, and by these presents do make, - constitute, and appoint, Reuben McBride, of Kirtland, Lake county, - and state of Ohio, my true and lawful attorney for me and in my - name, and for my use as "sole trustee in trust for the Church - of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints," to ask, demand, sue for, - recover, and receive all such sum or sums of money, debts, goods, - wares, and other demands which are or shall be due, owing, payable, - or belonging to me, as trustee in trust as aforesaid, by any manner - or means whatsoever; also, to dispose of in my name, to grant, - bargain, sell, release, and confirm all or any part of my real - estate as trustee in trust as aforesaid, in and about Kirtland, - Lake county, and state of Ohio, and throughout any of the northern - and {442} eastern states, and to receive all such sum or sums of - money accruing therefrom, for me and for my use as sole trustee - in trust for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and - to take up the power of attorney which I gave to Oliver Granger, - and all the papers and obligations of every description specified - therein, or in his possession by virtue thereof, and to settle the - same in my name, for me and for my use as above described; and I, - as trustee in trust as aforesaid, hereby give and grant unto the - said Reuben McBride, my attorney, full power and authority in and - about the premises, to have, use, and take all lawful ways and - means in my name for the purposes aforesaid, and upon the receipt - of any such debts, dues, or sums of money (as the case may be), - acquittances, or other sufficient discharges, for me and in my name - as aforesaid Trustee, to make and give, and generally to do all - other acts and things in the law whatsoever needful and necessary - to be done, in the before mentioned places, for me and in my name - as aforesaid Trustee, to do, execute, and perform, as fully and to - all intents and purposes, as I might or could do, if personally - present. Hereby ratifying all and whatsoever my said attorney - shall, in the place above specified, by virtue hereof. - - In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 28th - day of October, 1841. - - Joseph Smith, (L. S.) - - Witness: John Taylor, John S. Fullmer. - -_Friday, 29_.--Those of the Twelve Apostles who were in Nauvoo, met in -council. - -_Saturday, 30_.--I attended the city council, and spoke against the -council remitting a fine assessed against John Eagle by a jury of -twelve men, considering that the jury might be as sensible men as any -of the city council, and I asked the council not to remit the fine. - -Lyman Wight, Willard Richards, and Wilford Woodruff were elected -councilors, and Hiram Kimball and George W. Harris, Aldermen. - -In obedience to an order from the mayor, I called out two companies of -the Nauvoo Legion, and removed a grog shop kept by Pulaski S. Cahoon, -which had been declared a nuisance by the city council. - -_Sunday, 31_.--I was in council with the brethren at brother Hyrum's -office. - -{443} Attended a council with the Twelve Apostles. Benjamin Winchester -being present, complained that he had been neglected and misrepresented -by the Elders, and manifested a contentious spirit. I gave him a -severe reproof, telling him of his folly and vanity, and showing him -that the principles which he suffered to control him would lead him -to destruction. I counseled him to change his course, govern his -disposition, and quit his tale-bearing and slandering his brethren. - -I instructed the council on many principles pertaining to the gathering -of the nations, the wickedness and downfall of this generation, &c. - -After having received the following minutes--"A conference was held at -Kirtland, Ohio, Oct. 2, 1841. Almon W. Babbitt, president, and William -W. Phelps, clerk. Resolved, that Thomas Burdick, Bishop of Kirtland, -and his counselors, be constituted a company to establish a press in -Kirtland, and publish a religious paper, entitled _The Olive Leaf_, and -that the Saints adjacent be solicited to carry the above resolution -into effect"--my brother Hyrum wrote to the brethren in Kirtland, of -which the following is an extract-- - - _Excerpt of Hyrum Smith's Letter to the Saints in - Kirtland--Disapproving of Certain Plans for Building up Kirtland_. - - All the Saints that dwell in that land are commanded to come away, - for this is "Thus saith the Lord;" therefore pay out no moneys, - nor properties for houses, nor lands in that country, for if you - do you will lose them, for the time shall come, that you shall not - possess them in peace, but shall be scourged with a sore scourge; - yet your children may possess them, but not until many years shall - pass away; and as to the organization of that branch of the Church, - it is not according to the Spirit and will of God; and as to the - designs of the leading members of that branch relative to the - printing press, and the ordaining of Elders, and sending out Elders - to beg for the poor, are not according to the will of God; and in - these things they shall not prosper, for they have neglected the - House of the Lord, the baptismal font, in this place, wherein their - dead may be redeemed, and the key of knowledge that unfolds the - dispensation of the fullness of times may be turned, and the {444} - mysteries of God be unfolded, upon which their salvation, and the - salvation of the world, and the redemption of their dead depends; - for "thus saith the Lord," there shall not be a general assembly - for a general conference assembled together until the House of - the Lord and the baptismal font shall be finished; and if we are - not diligent the Church shall be rejected, and their dead also, - saith the Lord. "Therefore, dear brethren, any proceedings of the - Saints otherwise than to put forth their hands with their might to - do this work, is not according to the will of God, and shall not - prosper; therefore, tarry not in any place whatever, but come forth - unto this place from all the world, until it is filled up, and - polished, and sanctified according to my word, saith the Lord. Come - ye forth from the ends of the earth, that I may hide you from mine - indignation that shall scourge the wicked, and then I will send - forth and build up Kirtland, and it shall be polished and refined - according to my word; therefore your doings and your organizations - and designs in printing, or any of your councils, are not of me, - saith the Lord, even so. Amen." - - Hyrum Smith, - - Patriarch for the whole Church. - -_Monday, November 1_.--I attended the city council, spoke and acted -on many local matters, and contended at great length against paying -the owner of a city nuisance, damages sustained by the removal of that -nuisance. [1] - -{445} Sidney Rigdon resigned his seat in the city council, on account -of ill health. - -_Tuesday, 2_.--I executed letters today revoking the power of attorney -given to Almon W. Babbitt. - -_Saturday, 6_.--Wilford Woodruff took the oath as a councilor in the -city council. - -_Sunday, 7_.--Elder William O. Clark preached about two hours, -reproving the Saints for a lack of sanctity, and a want of holy living, -enjoining sanctity, solemnity, and temperance in the extreme, in the -rigid sectarian style. - -[Sidenote: Reproof of William O. Clark.] - -I reproved him as Pharisaical and hypocritical and not edifying the -people; and showed the Saints what temperance, faith, virtue, charity, -and truth were. I charged the Saints not to follow the example of the -adversary in accusing the brethren, and said, "If you do not accuse -each other, God will not accuse you. If you have no accuser you will -enter heaven, and if you will follow the revelations and instructions -which God gives you through me, I will take you into heaven as my back -load. If you will not accuse me, I will not accuse you. If you will -throw a cloak of charity over my sins, I will over yours--for charity -covereth a multitude of sins. What many people call sin is not sin; I -do many things to break down superstition, and I will break it down;" I -referred to the curse of Ham for laughing at Noah, while in his wine, -but doing no harm. Noah was a righteous man, and yet he drank wine -and became intoxicated; the Lord did not forsake him in consequence -thereof, for he retained all the power of his priesthood, and when he -was accused by Canaan, he cursed him by the priesthood which he held, -and the Lord had respect {446} to his word, and the priesthood which -he held, notwithstanding he was drunk, and the curse remains upon the -posterity of Canaan until the present day. - -In the p. m., I attended a council of the Elders at my council room, -relative to some affairs in which my brother William was interested. - -[Sidenote: Dedication of the Baptismal Font.] - -_Monday, 8_.--At five o'clock p. m., I attended the dedication of -the baptismal font in the Lord's House. President Brigham Young was -spokesman. - -The baptismal font is situated in the center of the basement room, -under the main hall of the Temple; it is constructed of pine timber, -and put together of staves tongued and grooved, oval shaped, sixteen -feet long east and west, and twelve feet wide, seven feet high from -the foundation, the basin four feet deep, the moulding of the cap and -base are formed of beautiful carved work in antique style. The sides -are finished with panel work. A flight of stairs in the north and south -sides lead up and down into the basin, guarded by side railing. - -The font stands upon twelve oxen, four on each side, and two at each -end, their heads, shoulders, and fore legs projecting out from under -the font; they are carved out of pine plank, glued together, and copied -after the most beautiful five-year-old steer that could be found in the -country, and they are an excellent striking likeness of the original; -the horns were formed after the most perfect horn that could be -procured. - -The oxen and ornamental mouldings of the font were carved by Elder -Elijah Fordham, from the city of New York, which occupied eight months -of time. The font was enclosed by a temporary frame building sided up -with split oak clapboards, with a roof of the same material, and was -so low that the timbers of the first story were laid above it. The -water was supplied from a well thirty feet deep in the east end of the -basement. - -This font was built for the baptisms for the dead until {447} the -Temple shall be finished, when a more durable one will supply its place. - -I received a letter from N. K. Whitney, stating that he had purchased -$5,000 worth of goods for me; and that he should visit Kirtland before -his return home. - -Up to this period a series of storms and earthquakes have desolated -parts of the two Sicilies. - -A second English edition of the Saints' hymn book has been issued by -Elder Parley P. Pratt. - -A great part of Vicksburg, Mississippi, has been consumed by fire. - -_Saturday, 13_.--I attended the city council, and moved that the mayor -and recorder of the city receive each one hundred dollars per annum for -their services, which became a law. - -I also presented a bill for "An ordinance concerning vagrants and -disorderly persons," which passed into an ordinance as follows-- - - _An Ordinance Concerning Vagrants and Disorderly Persons_. - - Be it ordained by the city council of the city of Nauvoo, that - all vagrants, idle, or disorderly persons; persons found drunk in - or about the streets; all suspicious persons; persons who have no - fixed place of residence, or visible means of support, or cannot - give a good account of themselves; persons guilty of profane and - indecent language or behavior; persons guilty of using indecent, - impertinent, or unbecoming language towards any city officer when - in the discharge of his duty, or of menacing, threatening or - otherwise obstructing said officer, shall on conviction thereof - before the mayor or municipal court, be required to enter into - security for good behavior for a reasonable time, and indemnify the - corporation against any charge, and in case of refusal or inability - to give security, they shall be confined to labor for a time not - exceeding ninety days, or be fined in any sum not exceeding five - hundred dollars, or be imprisoned not exceeding six months or all, - [i. e. or both imprisonment and fine] at the discretion of said - mayor or court. - -I also presented a bill for "An ordinance in relation to appeals," -which passed unanimously. - -I also argued before the council the right of taxation, but {448} that -the expense of the city did not require it at present. - -_Sunday, 14_.--I preached to a large congregation at the Temple. - -Nine of the Twelve Apostles met in council, to prepare an epistle to -the Saints in Europe. - -_Monday, 15_. - - _An Epistle of the Twelve Apostles to the Saints Scattered Abroad - in England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, the Isle of Man, and the - Eastern Continent, Greeting_: - - Beloved Brethren:--We rejoice and thank our Heavenly Father daily - in your behalf, that we hear of your faithfulness and diligence in - the great work unto which you have been called, by the Holy Spirit, - through the voice of the servants of the Most High, who have been, - and are now amongst you, for the purpose of instructing you in - those principles which are calculated to prepare the children of - men for the renovation of the earth, and the restitution of all - things spoken by the Prophets. - - Several months have passed away, since we bid adieu to our brethren - and sisters on the islands of the sea, and passed over the great - deep to our homes, our kindred, the bosom of the Church, and the - stakes of Zion: but neither time nor distance can efface from our - memories the many expressions of kindness which we have heard from - your lips and experienced from your hands, which have so often - ministered to our necessities, while we were wandering in your - midst, like our Master, having no place to lay our heads, only as - furnished by your liberality and benevolence; and it is a subject - of no small consolation to us that we have this testimony of so - many of you, that you are the disciples of the Lord Jesus; [2] and - we give you our warmest thanks, and our blessing, that you have not - only ministered unto us, but that you continue to minister to our - brethren who are still laboring amongst you, for which an hundred - fold shall be returned unto your bosoms. - - After parting with the Saints in Liverpool, and sailing thirty - days, much of the time against head winds, with rough seas, which - produced much sea sickness among the brethren and sisters who - accompanied us, we arrived in the city of New York, where we were - received by the brethren with open hearts, and by whom we were - entertained most cordially some days, till we were rested from the - fatigues of the ship: we were then assisted on our journey, and - taking different routes, and {449} visiting many of the churches in - different states, we have all safely arrived in this city. - - In our travels in this land, we have discovered a growing interest - among the people generally, in the great work of the Lord. - Prejudice is giving way to intelligence; darkness to light; and - multitudes are making the important discovery that error is abroad - in the earth, and that the signs of the times proclaim some mighty - revolution among the nations. The cry is from all quarters, send us - Elders to instruct us in the principles of your religion, that we - may know why it is that you are had in derision by the multitude, - more than other professors are. Teach us of your principles and - your doctrines, and if we find them true we will embrace them. - - The Saints are growing in faith, and the intelligence of heaven - is flowing into their understanding, for the Spirit of the Lord - is with them, and the Holy Ghost is instructing them in things to - come. The spirit of union is increasing, and they are exerting - themselves to come up to the gathering of the faithful, to build up - the waste places and establish the stakes of Zion. - - Since our arrival in this place there has been one special and one - general conference of the Church, and the Twelve have been called - to tarry at home for a season, and stand in their lot next to the - First Presidency, and assist in counseling the brethren, and in the - settling of immigrants, &c.; and the first great object before us, - and the Saints generally, is to help forward the completion of the - Temple and the Nauvoo House--buildings which are now in progress - according to the revelations, and which must be completed to secure - the salvation of the Church in the last days; for God requires - of His Saints to build Him a house wherein his servants may be - instructed, and endowed with power from on high, to prepare them to - go forth among the nations, and proclaim the fullness of the Gospel - for the last time, and bind up the law, and seal up the testimony, - leaving this generation without excuse, and the earth prepared for - the judgments which will follow. In this house all the ordinances - will be made manifest, and many things will be shown forth, which - have been hid from generation to generation. - - The set time to favor the stakes of Zion is at hand, and soon the - kings and the queens, the princes and the nobles, the rich and the - honorable of the earth will come up hither to visit the Temple of - our God, and to inquire concerning His strange work; and as kings - are to become nursing fathers, and queens nursing mothers in the - habitations of the righteous, it is right to render honor to whom - honor is due; and therefore expedient that such, as well as the - Saints, should have a comfortable house for boarding and lodging - when they come hither, and it is according to the revelations that - such a house should be built. - - {450} The foundations of this house, and also of the Temple, - are laid; and the walls of the basement stories of each nearly - completed; and the finishing of the whole is depending on the - exertions of the Saints. Every Saint on earth is equally interested - in these things, and all are under equal obligations to do all in - their power to complete the buildings by their faith, and by their - prayers, with their thousands and their mites, their gold and their - silver, their copper and their zinc, their goods and their labors, - until the top stone is laid with shoutings, and the place is - prepared to be filled with the glory of the Highest; and if there - are those among you who have more than they need for the gathering, - and for assisting the destitute who desire to gather with them, - they cannot make a more acceptable offering unto the Lord, than by - appropriating towards the building of His Temple. - - He that believeth shall not make haste, but let all the Saints who - desire to keep the commandments of heaven and work righteousness, - come to the place of gathering as soon as circumstances will - permit. It is by united efforts that great things are accomplished, - and while the Saints are scattered to the four winds, they cannot - be united in action, if they are in spirit; they cannot all build - at one city, or lift at one stone of the great Temple, though - their hearts may all desire the same thing. We would not press the - subject of the gathering upon you, for we know your hearts, and - your means; and so far as means fail, let patience have its perfect - work in your souls, for in due time you shall be delivered, if you - faint not. - - We are not altogether ignorant of the increase of difficulty among - the laboring classes in England since our departure through the - stoppage of factories and similar occurrences, and we would counsel - those who have, to impart unto those who have not, and cannot - obtain; remembering that he who giveth unto the poor lendeth unto - the Lord, and he shall receive in return four fold. - - The idler shall not eat the bread of the laborer; neither must he - starve who would [labor] but cannot find employment. Inasmuch as ye - desire the fullness of the earth, let not the cries of the widow, - the fatherless and the beggar ascend to heaven, or salute your ears - in vain, but follow the example we have set before you, and give - liberally of your abundance, even if it be but a penny, and it - shall be returned unto you. Good measure pressed down and running - over, shall the Lord return into your store house. - - Cultivate the spirit of patience, long-suffering, forbearance and - charity among yourselves, and ever be as unwilling to believe - an evil report about a brother or a sister as if it were about - yourself, and as you dislike to be accused, be slow to accuse the - brethren, for the measure you mete shall be measured to you again, - and the Judge condemneth no man who is not accused. - - {451} Keep all the commandments, nothing fearing, nothing doubting, - for this is virtue, this is wisdom, and the wise, the virtuous - and the meek shall inherit the earth and the fullness thereof. In - all things follow the counsel which you shall receive from the - president and council who are among you; and inasmuch as you uphold - Elders Pratt, Richards and Snow by the prayer of faith, you shall - receive right counsel. - - Remember that those whom John saw on Mount Zion were such as had - come up through great tribulation; and do not imagine that you can - ever constitute a part of that number without sharing a part of - their trials. You must necessarily pass through perils and trials, - and temptations and afflictions by sea and land in your journeyings - hither, and if you cannot settle it in your hearts to endure unto - the end as good soldiers, you may as well remain where you are - to be destroyed, as to suffer all the privations and hardships - you will be obliged to suffer before the walls of Zion shall be - built, no more to be thrown down, and after all to turn away and be - destroyed. - - The ancient prophet has said, they shall wear out the Saints of the - Most High. This has already been fulfilled to some extent, for many - through the abundance of their persecutions have become exhausted, - and laid their bodies down to rest, to rise no more till the morn - of the first resurrection; and although the people of these states - are at peace with us, yet there are those who would gladly wear - out and destroy the weak in faith, through the influence of their - foolish lies. When you arrive on our shores, and while sailing up - our rivers, you need not be surprised if your ears are saluted by - the false and filthy language of wicked and designing men who are - ever ready to speak evil of the things they understand not, and who - would gladly blast the character of the Prophet of the Most High - God, and all connected with him, with their foul anathemas, beyond - anything you ever thought of. We would not dishearten you, neither - would we have you ignorant of the worst that awaits the righteous. - - If the Saints are not prepared to rejoice and be glad when they - hear the name of the Prophet and their own name cast out as evil, - as gluttonous, wine-bibber, friend of publicans and sinners, - Beelzebub, thief, robber and murderer, they are not prepared for - the gathering. The wheat and tares must grow together till the - harvest; at the harvest the wheat is gathered together into the - threshing floor, so with the Saints--the stakes are the threshing - floor. Here they will be threshed with all sorts of difficulties, - trials, afflictions and everything to mar their peace, which they - can imagine, and thousands which they cannot imagine, but he that - endures the threshing till all the chaff, superstition, folly and - unbelief are pounded out of him, and does not suffer himself to - be blown away as chaff by the foul blast of slander, but endures - faithfully {452} to the end, shall be saved. If you are prepared - for all these things; if you choose rather to suffer afflictions - with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a - little moment, come up hither; come direct to New Orleans, and - up the Mississippi river, for the expense is so much less, and - the convenience of water navigation is so much greater than it is - by Montreal, New York or Philadelphia, that it is wisdom for the - Saints to make New Orleans their general established port, and - be sure to start at such times that they may arrive here during - the cold months, for the change from the cold climate of England - to this place in the hot season, is too great for the health of - immigrants, till there is more faith in the Church. - - In this region of country there are thousands and millions of - acres of beautiful prairie unoccupied, which can be procured on - reasonable terms, and we will hail the time with joy when these - unoccupied lands shall be turned into fruitful fields, and the - hands of those who are now idle for want of employment shall be - engaged in the cultivation of the soil. - - When the brethren arrive they will do well to call on some of the - Twelve, inasmuch as they desire counsel, for by so doing they may - escape the influence of designing men who have crept in unawares, - and would willingly subvert the truth by conniving to their own - advantage, if they have the opportunity. - - The Church has commenced a new city twenty miles below this, and - one mile below Warsaw, called Warren, where many city lots and - farms in the vicinity can be had on reasonable terms; and it will - be wisdom for many of the brethren to stop at that place, for the - opportunity for erecting temporary buildings will be greater than - at this place, also the chance for providing food will be superior - to those who wish to labor for it. - - Warsaw is at the foot of the Des Moines Rapids, and one of the best - locations for mercantile purposes there is in this western country. - - So far as the brethren have the means they will do well to come - prepared with a variety of mechanical tools according to their - professions, such as carpenters, joiners, cabinet-makers, hatters, - coopers, masons, printers, binders, tanners, curriers, &c., and - all sorts of manufactory and foundry implements convenient for - transportation, so that when they arrive they may be prepared to - establish themselves in business, and give employment to spinners, - weavers, moulders, smelters and journeymen of every description; - for all sorts of woollens, cottons, hardware, &c., will find a - ready market in new countries, and a great field is now open to the - capitalists in this vicinity, even though the capital be small, - and we would urge the importance of the immediate establishment of - all kinds of manufactories among us, as well for the {453} best - interests of the individuals concerned, as for the Church generally. - - Cities cannot be built without houses, houses cannot be built - without materials, or occupied without inhabitants, the inhabitants - cannot exist without food and clothing; food and clothing cannot - be had without planting, sowing, and manufacturing, so that Zion - and her stores cannot be built without means, without industry, - without manufacturing establishments unless the windows of heaven - were opened, and cities and their appendages were rained down among - us. But this we do not expect until the new Jerusalem descends, - and that will be some time hence; therefore it is necessary and - according to godliness and the plan of salvation in these last - days, that the brethren should see to all these things, and clothe - and adorn themselves with the labor of their own hands, build - houses and inhabit them, plant vineyards and eat the fruit thereof. - - Brethren, pray for us and the First Presidency, the leader of the - people, even Joseph, that his life and health may be precious in - the sight of heaven, till he has finished the work which he has - commenced: and for the Elders of Israel, that every man may be - faithful in his calling, the whole household of faith, and all - subjects of prayer. - - Brethren, farewell; may the blessings of heaven and earth be - multiplied unto you in spirit and in body, in basket and in store, - in the field and in the shop, on the land and on the sea, in the - house and by the way, and in all situations and circumstances, - until you shall stand on Mount Zion, and enter the celestial city; - in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. - - Brigham Young, - - Heber C. Kimball. - - Orson Pratt, - - William Smith, - - Lyman Wight, - - Wilford Woodruff, - - John Taylor, - - Geo. A. Smith, - - Willard Richards, - - Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, Nov. 15, 1841. - -The greater part of the city of St. John's, New Brunswick, and a large -quantity of shipping, destroyed by fire. - -_Wednesday, 17_.--Elders Brigham Young and Willard Richards went to La -Harpe. - -_Thursday, 18_. - - _Minutes of a Meeting at Ramus, Illinois--Alanson Brown, et al. - Disfellowshiped_. - - Proceedings of a meeting of the Church of Jesus Christ of - Latter-day {454} Saints, held at Ramus, November 18, 1841, opened - by singing and prayer by Elder Brigham Young. The object of the - meeting was then stated by the president, which was for the purpose - of taking into consideration the cases of Alanson Brown, James B. - T. Page and William H. Edwards, who stand indicted for larceny, &c. - - After the evidence was brought forward, it was unanimously - resolved, that said persons be expelled from the Church. - Appropriate remarks for the occasion were then made by Elders - Young, Richards, Savage, Gurley, and others. - - A charge was then preferred against Thomas S. Edwards for assault - and battery, with evidence that a warrant was issued for his - apprehension, and against William W. Edwards for being accessory - to the same. Unanimously resolved, that Thomas S. Edwards also be - expelled from the Church; and that the proceedings of this meeting - be published in the _Times and Seasons_. - - Joel H. Johnson, President. - - Joseph E. Johnson, Church Recorder. - -_Saturday, 20_.--Seven of the Twelve Apostles met in council at the -house of President Young, on the subject of the _Times and Seasons_; -they not being satisfied with the manner in which Gustavus Hills -had conducted the editorial department since the death of Robert B. -Thompson. - -_Sunday, 21_.--My brother Hyrum and Elder John Taylor preached. - -[Sidenote: Baptisms for the Dead.] - -The Twelve met in council at President Young's, and at four o'clock, -repaired to the baptismal font in the basement of the Temple. Elders -Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball and John Taylor baptized about forty -persons for the dead. Elder Willard Richards, Wilford Woodruff and -George A. Smith confirming. These were the first baptisms for the dead -in the font. - -_Monday, 22_.--The following letter from Elder Orson Hyde, is from the -_Millennial Star_. - - _Elder Orson Hyde's Letter--His Prayer of Dedication on the Mount - of Olives_. - - Alexandria, Nov. 22, 1841. - - Dear Brother Pratt:--A few minutes now offer for me to write, and I - improve them in writing to you. - - {455} I have only time to say that I have seen Jerusalem precisely - according to the vision which I had. I saw no one with me in the - vision; and although Elder Page was appointed to accompany me - there, yet I found myself there alone. - - The Lord knows that I have had a hard time, and suffered much, - but I have great reason to thank Him that I enjoy good health at - present, and have a prospect before me of soon going to a civilized - country, where I shall see no more turbans or camels. The heat is - most oppressive, and has been all through Syria. - - I have not time to tell you how many days I have been at sea, - without food, or how many snails I have eaten; but if I had had - plenty of them, I should have done very well. All this is contained - in a former letter to you written from Jaffa. - - I have been at Cairo, on the Nile, because I could not get - a passage direct. Syria is in a dreadful state--a war of - extermination is going on between the Druses and Catholics. At the - time I was at Beyroot, a battle was fought in the mountains of - Lebanon, near that place, and about 800 killed. Robberies, thefts - and murders are daily being committed. It is no uncommon thing to - find persons in the streets without heads. An English officer, in - going from St. Jean D'Acre to Beyroot, found ten persons murdered - in the street, and was himself taken prisoner, but was rescued by - the timely interference of the pasha. The particulars of all these - things are contained in a former letter. - - An American traveler, by the name of Gager, who was a licensed - minister of the Congregational or Presbyterian church, left - Jerusalem in company with me. He was very unwell with the jaundice - when we left, and at Damietta, we had to perform six days - quarantine before we ascended the Nile. On our passage up, he was - taken very ill with a fever, and became helpless. I waited and - tended upon him as well as our circumstances would allow; and when - we landed at Bulack, I got four men to take him to the American - consuls at Cairo, on a litter; I also took all his baggage there, - and assisted in putting him upon a good bed--employed a good - faithful Arabian nurse, and the English doctor. After the physician - had examined him, he told me that he was very low with a typhus - fever, and that it would be doubtful whether he recovered. Under - these circumstances I left him to obtain a passage to this place. - After I had gone on board a boat, and was just about pushing off, - a letter came from the doctor, stating that poor Mr. Gager died in - about two hours after I left him. He told me before we arrived at - Cairo that he was twenty-seven years of age, and his friends lived - in Norwich, Connecticut, near New London, I think. There are many - particulars concerning his death, which would be interesting to his - friends, but I have no time to write them now. - - {456} On Sunday morning, October 24, a good while before day, I - arose from sleep, and went out of the city as soon as the gates - were opened, crossed the brook Kedron, and went upon the Mount of - Olives, and there, in solemn silence, with pen, ink, and paper, - just as I saw in the vision, offered up the following prayer to Him - who lives forever and ever-- - - _Prayer of Orson Hyde on the Mount of Olives_. - - "O Thou! who art from everlasting to everlasting, eternally and - unchangeably the same, even the God who rules in the heavens - above, and controls the destinies of men on the earth, wilt Thou - not condescend, through thine infinite goodness and royal favor, - to listen to the prayer of Thy servant which he this day offers - up unto Thee in the name of Thy holy child Jesus, upon this land, - where the Son of Righteousness set in blood, and thine Anointed One - expired. - - "Be pleased, O Lord, to forgive all the follies, weaknesses, - vanities, and sins of Thy servant, and strengthen him to resist all - future temptations. Give him prudence and discernment that he may - avoid the evil, and a heart to choose the good; give him fortitude - to bear up under trying and adverse circumstances, and grace to - endure all things for Thy name's sake, until the end shall come, - when all the Saints shall rest in peace." - - Now, O Lord! Thy servant has been obedient to the heavenly - vision which Thou gavest him in his native land; and under the - shadow of Thine outstretched arm, he has safely arrived in this - place to dedicate and consecrate this land unto Thee, for the - gathering together of Judah's scattered remnants, according to the - predictions of the holy Prophets--for the building up of Jerusalem - again after it has been trodden down by the Gentiles so long, and - for rearing a Temple in honor of Thy name. Everlasting thanks be - ascribed unto Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that Thou - hast preserved Thy servant from the dangers of the seas, and from - the plague and pestilence which have caused the land to mourn. The - violence of man has also been restrained, and Thy providential care - by night and by day has been exercised over Thine unworthy servant. - Accept, therefore, O Lord, the tribute of a grateful heart for all - past favors, and be pleased to continue Thy kindness and mercy - towards a needy worm of the dust. - - "O Thou, Who didst covenant with Abraham, Thy friend, and Who didst - renew that covenant with Isaac, and confirm the same with Jacob - with an oath, that Thou wouldst not only give them this land for - an everlasting inheritance, but that Thou wouldst also remember - their seed forever. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob have long since - closed their eyes {457} in death, and made the grave their mansion. - Their children are scattered and dispersed abroad among the nations - of the Gentiles like sheep that have no shepherd, and are still - looking forward for the fulfillment of those promises which Thou - didst make concerning them; and even this land, which once poured - forth nature's richest bounty, and flowed, as it were, with milk - and honey, has, to a certain extent, been smitten with barrenness - and sterility since it drank from murderous hands the blood of Him - who never sinned. - - "Grant, therefore, O Lord, in the name of Thy well-beloved Son, - Jesus Christ, to remove the barrenness and sterility of this land, - and let springs of living water break forth to water its thirsty - soil. Let the vine and olive produce in their strength, and the - fig-tree bloom and flourish. Let the land become abundantly - fruitful when possessed by its rightful heirs; let it again flow - with plenty to feed the returning prodigals who come home with a - spirit of grace and supplication; upon it let the clouds distil - virtue and richness, and let the fields smile with plenty. Let - the flocks and the herds greatly increase and multiply upon the - mountains and the hills; and let Thy great kindness conquer and - subdue the unbelief of Thy people. Do Thou take from them their - stony heart, and give them a heart of flesh; and may the Sun of Thy - favor dispel the cold mists of darkness which have beclouded their - atmosphere. Incline them to gather in upon this land according - to Thy word. Let them come like clouds and like doves to their - windows. Let the large ships of the nations bring them from the - distant isles; and let kings become their nursing fathers, and - queens with motherly fondness wipe the tear of sorrow from their - eye. - - "Thou, O Lord, did once move upon the heart of Cyrus to show favor - unto Jerusalem and her children. Do Thou now also be pleased to - inspire the hearts of kings and the powers of the earth to look - with a friendly eye towards this place, and with a desire to see - Thy righteous purposes executed in relation thereto. Let them - know that it is Thy good pleasure to restore the kingdom unto - Israel--raise up Jerusalem as its capital, and constitute her - people a distinct nation and government, with David Thy servant, - even a descendant from the loins of ancient David to be their king. - - "Let that nation or that people who shall take an active part in - behalf of Abraham's children, and in the raising up of Jerusalem, - find favor in Thy sight. Let not their enemies prevail against - them, neither let pestilence or famine overcome them, but let the - glory of Israel overshadow them, and the power of the Highest - protect them; while that nation or kingdom that will not serve Thee - in this glorious work must perish, according to Thy word--Yea, - those nations shall be utterly wasted." - - {458} "Though Thy servant is now far from his home, and from the - land bedewed with his earliest tear, yet he remembers, O Lord, his - friends who are there, and family, whom for Thy sake he has left. - Though poverty and privation be our earthly lot, yet ah! do Thou - richly endow us with an inheritance where moth and rust do not - corrupt, and where thieves do not break through and steal. - - "The hands that have fed, clothed, or shown favor unto the family - of Thy servant in his absence, or that shall hereafter do so, let - them not lose their reward, but let a special blessing rest upon - them, and in Thy kingdom let them have an inheritance when Thou - shalt come to be glorified in this society. - - "Do Thou also look with favor upon all those through whose - liberality I have been enabled to come to this land; and in the - day when Thou shalt reward all people according to their works, - let these also not be passed by or forgotten, but in time let - them be in readiness to enjoy the glory of those mansions which - Jesus has gone to prepare. Particularly do Thou bless the stranger - in Philadelphia, whom I never saw, but who sent me gold, with a - request that I should pray for him in Jerusalem. Now, O Lord, let - blessings come upon him from an unexpected quarter, and let his - basket be filled, and his storehouse abound with plenty, and let - not the good things of the earth be his only portion, but let him - be found among those to whom it shall be said, 'Thou hast been - faithful over a few things, and I will make thee ruler over many.' - - "O my Father in heaven! I now ask Thee in the name of Jesus to - remember Zion, with all her Stakes, and with all her assemblies. - She has been grievously afflicted and smitten; she has mourned; - she has wept; her enemies have triumphed, and have said, 'Ah, - where is thy God?' Her Priests and Prophets have groaned in chains - and fetters within the gloomy walls of prisons, while many were - slain, and now sleep in the arms of death. How long, O Lord, shall - iniquity triumph, and sin go unpunished? - - "Do Thou arise in the majesty of Thy strength, and make bare Thine - arm in behalf of Thy people. Redress their wrongs, and turn their - sorrow into joy. Pour the spirit of light and knowledge, grace and - wisdom, into the hearts of her Prophets, and clothe her Priests - with salvation. Let light and knowledge march forth through the - empire of darkness, and may the honest in heart flow to their - standard, and join in the march to go forth to meet the Bridegroom." - - Let a peculiar blessing rest upon the Presidency of Thy Church, for - at them are the arrows of the enemy directed. Be Thou to them a sun - and a shield, their strong tower and hiding place; and in the time - of distress or danger be Thou near to deliver. Also the quorum of - the Twelve, do Thou be pleased to stand by them for Thou knowest - the {459} obstacles which they have to encounter, the temptations - to which they are exposed, and the privations which they must - suffer. Give us, [the Twelve] therefore, strength according to our - day, and help us to bear a faithful testimony of Jesus and His - Gospel, to finish with fidelity and honor the work which Thou hast - given us to do, and then give us a place in Thy glorious kingdom. - And let this blessing rest upon every faithful officer and member - in Thy Church. And all the glory and honor will we ascribe unto God - and the Lamb forever and ever. Amen. - - On the top of Mount Olives I erected a pile of stones as a witness - according to ancient custom. On what was anciently called Mount - Zion, [Moriah?] where the Temple stood, I erected another, and used - the rod according to the prediction upon my head. - - I have found many Jews who listened with intense interest. The idea - of the Jews being restored to Palestine is gaining ground in Europe - almost every day. Jerusalem is strongly fortified with many cannon - upon its walls. The wall is ten feet thick on the sides that would - be most exposed, and four or five feet where the descent from the - wall is almost perpendicular. The number of inhabitants within the - walls is about twenty thousand. About seven thousand of this number - are Jews, the balance being mostly Turks and Armenians. Many of the - Jews who are old go to this place to die, and many are coming from - Europe into this eastern world. The great wheel is unquestionably - in motion, and the word of the Almighty has declared that it shall - roll. - - I have not time to write particulars now, but suffice it to say - that my mission has been quite as prosperous as I could expect. - - I am now about to go on board a fine ship for Trieste, and from - thence I intend to proceed to Regensburg and there publish our - faith in the German language. There are those who are ready and - willing to assist me. - - I send you this letter by Captain Withers, an English gentleman, - who goes direct to England, on board the Oriental steamer. He has - come with me from Jerusalem. If I had money sufficient I should be - almost tempted to take passage on board of her to England, but this - I cannot do. - - On receipt of this, I wish you to write to me immediately, and - direct to Regensburg, on the Danube, Bayern, or Bavaria. If you - know anything of my family tell me. - - My best respects to yourself and your family, to Brothers Adams and - Snow, and to all the Saints in England. - - May grace, mercy and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord - Jesus Christ, rest upon you all from this time, henceforth and for - ever. Amen. - - Your brother in Christ, - - Orson Hyde. - -Footnotes: - -1. The circumstances of removing the nuisance here referred to, for -which damages were demanded, is related in an editorial note in the -_Times and Seasons_ as follows: The "Mr. Kilbourn," referred to in the -editorial, was very bitter anti-Mormon, and became one of the Prophet's -most deadly enemies. - -THE NUISANCE - -"It is known to many of our patrons, that a certain young man very -injudiciously, and contrary to the remonstrances of his friends, and -in violation of the ordinances of this city, not long since erected -a small building, near the Temple square avowedly for the purpose -of transacting the business of the grocer. Said building was for a -short time occupied for that purpose; but so heavy did the from of -public disapprobation rest upon it, that it was finally vacated, and -stood some time, a lonely wreck of folly. In the meantime, the very -sanctimonious and extremely unfortunate Mr. Kilbourn of Montrose, threw -out to the public, ungentlemanly and slanderous imputations concerning -the matter, saying that the Presidency of the Church abetted and -approbated the concern, etc., and the building having become a monument -for every fool to write upon and exhibit his folly, to the annoyance of -the citizens, the city council very judiciously ordered the building -removed as a nuisance. Some opposition to the execution of this order -was exhibited, and the authorities called out a few of the military and -demolished the building. The city authorities manifest a determination -to carry out strictly the temperance ordinances of the city, and in -this we wish them 'God speed.' We suppose, however, that Kilbourn and -his junto will bray worse than ever, and 'Mormonism' be adjudged by -'witch law.' 'Take the accused, bind him head and foot, and cast him -into the pool; if he sinks and drowns he is innocent, if he floats take -him out and hang him or burn in with fire.' We say, let the poor fools -judge till they themselves are overtaken by judgment, and let they bray -till they burst their wind chests." (_Times and Seasons_, Vol. III, pp. -559-560). - -2. "Whoso receiveth you receiveth me, and the same will clothe you -and give you money. And he who feeds you, or clothes you or gives you -money, shall in no wise lose his reward: and he who doeth not these -things is not my disciple; by this you may know my disciples." (Doc. & -Cov., sec. lxxxiv.) - -{460} - - - -CHAPTER XXVII. - -Official Denunciation of Thieves at Nauvoo--The Moral Law of the -Church--Abandonment of Ramus as a Stake of Zion--Baptism for the Dead, -an Epistle. - -_Wednesday, 24_.--Elder Joseph Fielding, who sailed from Liverpool, on -the _Tyrean_, with 204 Saints, arrived at Warsaw with his company; and -Elders Willard Richards and John Taylor went to meet them and to give -such counsel as their situation required. - -_Friday, 26_. - - _Affidavit of Hyrum Smith--Denouncing Theft_. - - Whereas it hath been intimated to me by persons of credibility - that there are persons in the surrounding country, who profess to - be members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, - who have been using their influence and endeavors to instil into - the minds of good and worthy citizens in the state of Illinois, - and the adjoining states, that the First Presidency, and others - in authority and high standing in said Church, do sanction and - approbate the members of said Church in stealing property from - those persons who do not belong to said Church, and thereby to - induce persons to aid and abet them in the act of stealing, and - other evil practices; I therefore, hereby disavow any sanction - or approbation by me, of the crime of theft, or any other evil - practice, in any person or persons whatever, whereby either the - lives or property of our fellow men may be unlawfully taken or - molested; neither are such things sanctioned or approbated by - the First Presidency, or any other person in authority or good - standing in said Church, but such acts are altogether in violation - of the rules, order, and regulations of the Church, contrary to - the teachings given in said Church, and the laws of both God and - man. I caution the unwary, who belong to the aforesaid Church, - and all other persons, against being duped or led into any act or - scheme which may endanger their character, lives, or property, or - bring reproach upon the Church; and I certify that I hold my person - {461} and property ready to support the laws of the land, in the - detection of any person or persons who may commit any breach of the - same. To which I subscribe my name, and testify, this 26th day of - November, 1841. - - Hyrum Smith. - - Sworn to and subscribed before me this 26th day of November, 1841. - - Ebenezer Robinson, J. P. - -I attended city council and presented a bill for "an ordinance in -relation to Hawkers, Pedlars, Public Shows, and Exhibitions, in order -to prevent any immoral or obscene exhibition," which passed the council -by unanimous vote. - -[Sidenote: The Prophet's Estimate of the Book of Mormon.] - -_Sunday, 28_.--I spent the day in the council with the Twelve Apostles -at the house of President Young, conversing with them upon a variety -of subjects. Brother Joseph Fielding was present, having been absent -four years on a mission to England. I told the brethren that the Book -of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone -of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its -precepts, than by any other book. - -_Monday, 29_.--I gave the following affidavit, and published it in the -_Times and Seasons_. - - _The Prophet's Denunciation of Thieves_. - - City Of Nauvoo, Illinois, November 29, A. D. 1841. - - To The Public. - - The occurrence of recent events makes it criminal for me to remain - longer silent. The tongue of the vile yet speaks, and sends forth - the poison of asps, the ears of the spoiler yet hear, and he - puts forth his hands to iniquity. It has been proclaimed upon - the house top and in the secret chamber, in the public walks and - private circle, throughout the length and breadth of this vast - continent, that stealing by the Latter-day Saints has received - my approval; nay, that I have taught the doctrine, encouraged - them in plunder, and led on the van--than which nothing is more - foreign from my heart. I disfellowship the perpetrators of all such - abominations--they are devils and not Saints, totally unfit for the - society of Christians or men. It is true that some {462} professing - to be Latter-day Saints have taught such vile heresies, but all - are not Israel that are of Israel; and I wish it to be distinctly - understood in all coming time, that the Church, over which I have - the honor of presiding, will ever set its brows like brass, and - its face like steel, against all such abominable acts of villainy - and crime; and to this end I append my affidavit of disavowal, - taken this day before General Bennet, that there may be no mistake - hereafter as to my real sentiments, or those of the leaders of the - Church, in relation to this important matter. - - State Of Illinois, Hancock County. - - Before me, John C. Bennett, Mayor of the City of Nauvoo, personally - came Joseph Smith, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of - Latter-day Saints (commonly called the Mormon Church), who being - duly sworn according to law, deposeth and saith, that he has never - directly or indirectly encouraged the purloining of property, - or taught the doctrine of stealing, or any other evil practice, - and that all such vile and unlawful acts will ever receive his - unreserved and unqualified disapproval, and the most vigorous - opposition of the Church over which he presides; and further this - deponent saith not. - - Joseph Smith, - - President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. - - Sworn to and subscribed before me, at my office, in the city of - Nauvoo, this 29th day of November, A. D. 1841. - - John C. Bennett, - - L. S. Mayor of the City of Nauvoo. - - Now it is to be hoped that none will hereafter be so reckless - as to state that I, or the Church to which I belong, approve of - thieving--but that all the friends of law and order will join in - ferreting out thieves wherever and whenever they may be found, - and assist in bringing them to that condign punishment which such - infamous crimes so richly merit. - - Joseph Smith, - - President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. - -[Sidenote: Conference in New York.] - -A conference was held in New York City, Elder John E. Page presiding; -in which were represented New York City, 17 Elders, 2 Priests, 1 -Teacher, 2 Deacons, 179 members. Five branches were {463} represented, -including 5 Elders, 6 Priests, 3 Teachers, 3 Deacons, 149 members. 3 -Elders, 2 Priests, 1 Teacher, were ordained. There were present at -the conference, 1 Apostle, 6 High Priests, 16 Elders, 3 Priests, 2 -Teachers, 2 Deacons. - -_Tuesday, 30_.--Attended a council of the Twelve Apostles at President -Brigham Young's home. President Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, -Willard Richards, Orson Pratt, Lyman Wight, John Taylor, and Wilford -Woodruff were present. - -It was voted that Ebenezer Robinson be solicited to give up the -department of printing the _Times and Seasons_ to Elder Willard -Richards. - -Voted, that if Brother Robinson does not comply with this solicitation, -Elder Richards be instructed to procure a press and type, and publish a -paper for the Church. - -Moved by Elder Young, and seconded by Elder Woodruff, that Lyman Wight -and John Taylor present these resolutions to Brother Robinson. - -_Wednesday, December 1_.--In view of the proceedings of the meeting of -the Church at Ramus, on the 18th November, when certain individuals -were cut off from the Church for stealing, the Twelve issued the -following epistle: - - _Warning of the Twelve Apostles Against Thieves_. - - We are glad that the perpetrators of the above crime have been - caught in their iniquitous practices; and we are only sorry that - anybody should be found who would bail them out of prison, for such - individuals, if the charges are true, ought to be made an example - of, and not be suffered to run at large. - - We have been informed that some of them have been talking of - moving into this place, but we would here inform them that persons - whose conduct has exposed them to the just censure of an indignant - public, can have no fellowship amongst us, as we cannot, and will - not countenance rogues, thieves, and scoundrels knowingly; and, - we hereby warn them that the law will be as rigorously enforced - against them in {464} this place as in any other, as we consider - such characters a curse to society, whose pestilential breath - withers the morals, and blasts the fame and reputation of any - people among whom they may sojourn. There is no person that is, - and ought to be despised more than the thief, by any respectable - community; yet more especially ought such persons to be abhorred - who have taken upon them the name of Christ, and thus with the - pretext of religion, and garb of sanctity, cloak their nefarious - practices. - - We have been told that some individual or individuals have, under - false pretenses, been wishing to palm their wicked and devilish - principles upon the authorities of the Church, stating that it was - part and parcel of the Gospel which God had revealed, and that it - is one of the mysteries which the initiated only are acquainted - with. We know not how to express our abhorrence at such an idea, - and can only say that it is engendered in hell, founded in - falsehood, and is the offspring of the devil; and it is at variance - with every principle of righteousness and truth, and will damn all - that are connected with it, for all mysteries are only such to the - ignorant, and vanish as soon as men have sufficient intelligence - to comprehend them; and there are no mysteries connected with - godliness and our holy religion, but what are pure, innocent, - virtuous, just, and righteous. If this [the foregoing practice of - thieving] is a mystery, it is the "mystery of iniquity." We are - at a loss to know who could be vile enough to propagate such base - and unfounded statements, and we would say to the Church, beware - of such men! Set them down as the worst of scoundrels, and reject - their foul insinuations with the indignation and disgust that such - unhallowed and vile insinuations deserve; for such men are either - avowed apostates, or on the eve of apostasy, or have only taken - the name of religion to cloak their hypocrisy; we fear the latter, - in some instances is the case, and that Mississippi scoundrels [1] - palm themselves upon us to cover their guilt. We {465} further - call upon the Church to bring all such characters before the - authorities, that they may be tried, and dealt with according to - the law of God, and delivered up unto the laws of the land. - - It is scarcely possible that any virtuous man could be made to - believe any such statements, however ignorant; yet lest through - false pretenses the innocent might be drawn into a snare, we would - quote the following from the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, - section 42, paragraph 84, 85, "And if any man or woman shall rob, - he or she shall be delivered up unto the law of the land. And if - he or she shall steal, he or she shall be delivered up unto the - law of the land." Again, section 42, paragraph 20, [2] "Thou shalt - not steal, and he that stealeth and will not repent shall be cast - out." The broad law of God is, "Thou shalt not steal," and thieves, - together with "liars and whoremongers," will eventually be found - without the city, with dogs and sorcerers. We need only say that - if we find such characters engaged in their nefarious practices, - whether in or out of the Church, we shall take them up, and deal - with them according to the law of God and man; and we wish the - Church to inform us of such delinquents, or the sin will lie at - their own door. - - As there are gangs of robbers up and down this river, from whom - we have suffered much, having had many horses, cattle and other - property stolen, we purpose instituting a police for the protection - of our property, and the rigorous enforcement of the laws of our - country; and should any, who call themselves Latter-day Saints, be - found in their midst, they will be cut off from the Church, and - handed over to the law of the land. - - We hope that what we have written may suffice, and take - this opportunity of expressing our decided and unqualified - disapprobation of anything like theft in all its bearings, as being - calculated to destroy the peace of society, to injure the Church - of Jesus Christ, to wound the character of the people of God, and - to stamp with eternal infamy all {466} who follow such diabolical - practices; to blast their character on earth, and to consign them - to eternal perdition. - - Brigham Young, - - Heber C. Kimball, - - Parley P. Pratt, - - Orson Hyde, - - William Smith, - - Orson Pratt, - - John E. Page, - - Willard Richards, - - Lyman Wight, - - Wilford Woodruff, - - John Taylor, - - George A. Smith. - - Nauvoo, Illinois, December 1, 1841. [3] - -{467} _Thursday, 2_.--I received the following revelation to Nancy -Marinda Hyde-- - - _Revelation_. - - Verily thus saith the Lord unto you my servant Joseph, that - inasmuch as you have called upon me to know my will concerning my - handmaid Nancy Marinda Hyde--behold it is my will that she should - have a better place prepared for her, than that in which she now - lives, in order that her life may be spared unto her; therefore - go and say unto my servant, Ebenezer Robinson, and to my handmaid - his wife--Let them open their doors and take her and her children - into their house and take care of them faithfully and kindly until - my servant Orson Hyde returns from his mission, or until some - other provision can be made for her welfare and safety. Let them - do these things and spare not, and I the Lord will bless them and - heal them if they do it not grudgingly, saith the Lord God; and she - shall be a blessing unto them; and let my handmaid Nancy Marinda - Hyde hearken to the counsel of my servant Joseph in all things - whatsoever he shall teach unto her, and it shall be a blessing upon - her and upon her children after her, unto her justification, saith - the Lord. - -_Saturday, 4_.--I attended the city council, and spoke in defense of -the marshal, in his not serving a warrant, when his life would have -been endangered. - -[Sidenote: Conference at Ramus.] - -A conference was held at Ramus on the 4th and 5th of December, 1841, -over which the Patriarch of the Church, Hyrum Smith, presided; Joseph -Johnson acted as clerk; Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Willard -Richards and John Taylor, of the {468} quorum of the Twelve Apostles -were present. It was unanimously resolved by the conference that the -organization of the Church at Ramus as a Stake be discontinued and that -John Lawson be presiding Elder over the branch at Ramus, and Joseph -Johnson, clerk; and that William Wightman, the Bishop, transfer all the -Church property in Ramus to the sole Trustee in Trust, Joseph Smith, -President of the whole Church. - -[Sidenote: Prophet Proof Reads Book of Mormon.] - -_Sunday, 5_.--I commenced to proof read the Book of Mormon, previous to -its being stereotyped; read sixty pages. - -In the evening Brother Wilford Woodruff and wife visited me. We -conversed about the Missouri troubles, and the death of David W. -Patten; also his last request. [4] - -_Tuesday, 7_.--The following is a copy of a letter to Lawyers Bushnell -and Browning of Quincy: - - _Letter of the Prophet to Esquires Browning and Bushnell--Payment - of Notes_. - - _Esquires Browning and Bushnell_: - - Gentlemen:--Your letter of the 23rd ultimo, concerning two notes - placed in your hands by Messrs. Halsted, Haines and Co., against - myself and thirty-one others, for collection, was duly received. - In reply, I must inform you, that I am not in possession of means, - belonging to me individually to liquidate those notes at present; - the reason is apparent to every one; I need not relate to you - the persecution I have suffered, and the loss and confiscation - of all my effects at various times as a reason of my inability; - you know it all, and so do the gentlemen whose notes you hold for - collection. But I wish you to say to them that if they will give - me my time (and no more than I must necessarily have), they shall - have their pay in some way or other. I have the means at command - in the East, which, with a sufficient indulgence, will enable me - to pay them every whit, but unless this is granted me, it will be - impossible for me to do so. All I ask of those gentlemen and this - generation is that they should not tie up my hands, nor thwart me - in my operations. If this is granted me, I pledge my word, yea, - my sacred honor, that all that can in fairness be demanded at my - hands, either now or at any time shall ultimately be adjusted to - the satisfaction of all concerned. This is all that I can say at - this time, or do, {469} hoping that you will communicate to Messrs. - Holsted, Haines and Co. the contents, or at all events the purport - of this letter, together with my sincere regard for their welfare, - and as regards you, gentlemen, - - I remain very respectfully, - - Your obedient servant, - - Joseph Smith. - -_Wednesday, 8_.--The Twelve who attended the Ramus conference on the -4th instant returned with nearly a thousand dollars worth of property, -consisting of horses, wagons, provisions, clothing, etc., for the -Temple, which had been donated by the Saints at Ramus. - -_Friday 10_.--I wrote to Horace R. Hotchkiss, Esq. - - _The Prophet's Letter to Mr. Hotchkiss--Commerce Lands_. - - Dear Sir:--Your letters, dated October, 11th and November 9th, - 1841, have both been received, and that of the 9th of November is - now before me. I am glad that you are pleased with the proceedings - of our last conference relative to "Mr. Hotchkiss purchase," - concerning which there had been some unpleasant feeling which had - originated partly from a misunderstanding between us, and partly - through the inefficiency, neglect or sickness of Dr. Galland. I - wrote a letter to your friend and partner, Esquire Tuttle, some - time since, which no doubt you have seen before now, and with which - I hope you are also satisfied. I have handed your request to the - editor of the _Times and Seasons_, who will forward you the desired - papers. I am glad that James Ivins settled with you the $2,500 - note, but sorry that you suffered yourself to lose in the sale of - the land you had of him. As regards the Cook's Mill Tavern stand, - and the one hundred and thirty-seven acres of pine land, which you - propose to allow the Church three thousand dollars for, I have to - say in reply, that I have consulted, not only my own feelings as - sole Trustee in Trust for the Church; but also the feelings of - those of the Church whose opinions I can always rely upon in such - matters, and the conclusion is that thirty-two hundred dollars is - the least the property ought to be sold for. You can, therefore, - have it for three thousand two hundred, which is considerably less - than it cost the Church; we are willing to make a partial sacrifice - in the property, but under the circumstances, think that you can - afford to give us two hundred dollars more than you proposed. The - health of our place is at this time pretty good, and we hope it may - continue to improve, with the improvements of the city. - - I remain very respectfully yours, &c., - - Joseph Smith. - -{470} _Saturday, 11_.--Late this evening, while sitting in council with -the Twelve in my new store on Water street, I directed Brigham Young, -President of the Twelve Apostles, to go immediately and instruct the -building committee in their duty, and forbid them receiving any more -property for the building of the Temple, until they received it from -the Trustee in Trust, and if the committee did not give heed to the -instruction, and attend to their duty, to put them in the way so to do. - -Elder Willard Richards has left Warsaw for Nauvoo, it being considered -unnecessary for him to tarry there any longer. - -[Sidenote: The Prophet's Difficulties in Writing the Annals of the -Church.] - -Since I have been engaged in laying the foundation of the Church of -Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I have been prevented in various -ways from continuing my journal and history in a manner satisfactory -to myself or in justice to the cause. Long imprisonments, vexatious -and long-continued law-suits, the treachery of some of my clerks, the -death of others, and the poverty of myself and brethren from continued -plunder and driving, have prevented my handing down to posterity a -connected memorandum of events desirable to all lovers of truth; yet I -have continued to keep up a journal in the best manner my circumstances -would allow, and dictate for my history from time to time, as I have -had opportunity so that the labors and suffering of the first Elders -and Saints of this last kingdom might not wholly be lost to the world. - -_Sunday, 12_.--I preached in the morning at Snyder's Hotel. - -In the evening, the Twelve met in council at Brother Heber C. Kimball's. - -_Monday, 13_.--I appointed Willard Richards recorder for the Temple, -and my private Secretary and general Clerk, and he commenced his labors -in my new office in the brick store. - -[Sidenote: Anti Mormonism at Warsaw.] - -Some time in the fall of 1839, Daniel S. Witter, of the {471} steam -mill at Warsaw, solicited the First Presidency of the Church to make -a settlement on the school section No. 16, one mile south of Warsaw, -and the solicitations were continued by Daniel S. Witter, Mark Aldrich -and others, from time to time, till the spring or summer of 1841, when -articles of agreement were entered into between Calvin A. Warren, Esq., -Witter, Aldrich and others, owners of the school section and the First -Presidency, giving the Saints the privilege of settling on the school -section, which had been surveyed and laid out in town lots, and called -_Warren_, on certain conditions, and Willard Richards went to Warsaw -on the 8th of September, and spent several weeks to prepare for the -reception of immigrants. In the meantime the inhabitants of Warsaw -attempted to form an anti-Mormon society, and were much enraged because -Esquire Davis (who had spoken favorably of the Saints) was appointed -clerk of the county by Judge Stephen A. Douglas. - -In November two hundred and four Saints arrived at Warsaw, from -England, led by Joseph Fielding, and were visited on the 24th of -November by Elders Willard Richards, and John Taylor of the Twelve, and -counseled to tarry at Warsaw according to the instruction of the First -Presidency. - -[Sidenote: Further Trouble at Warsaw.] - -_December 13_.--Isaac Decker, presiding Elder at Warsaw, stated to the -Presidency of Nauvoo, that Mr. Witter had raised one dollar per barrel -on flour, and sold the sweepings of his mill to the Saints at $2.25 per -hundred; and that Witter and Aldrich had forbidden the brethren the -privilege of getting the old wood on the school section, which they had -full liberty to get; that the price of wood on the wharf had fallen -twenty-five cents per cord since the arrival of the Saints; that the -citizens had raised their rent, &c.; and the First Presidency decided -that the Saints should remove from {472} Warsaw to Nauvoo immediately; -and that the proceedings at Warsaw be published in the _Times and -Seasons_. - -This morning President Young delivered the message I gave him on -Saturday evening to Reynolds Cahoon and Elias Higbee, the Temple -Committee, in presence of Elders Kimball, Woodruff, and Richards. - -Elder Richards by letter instructed the Saints at Warsaw to remove to -Nauvoo. - - Baptism For The Dead. - - _An Epistle of the Twelve Apostles to the Saints of the Last Days_. - - The building of the Temple of the Lord in the city of Nauvoo, is - occupying the first place in the exertions and prayers of many of - the Saints at the present time, knowing, as they do, that if this - building is not completed speedily, "we shall be rejected as a - Church with our dead;" for the Lord our God hath spoken it. - - But while many are thus engaged in laboring and watching and - praying for this all important object, there are many, very - many more, who do not thus come up to their privilege and their - duty in this thing, and in many instances we are confident that - their neglect arises from a want of proper understanding of the - principles upon which this building is founded, and by which it - must be completed. - - The children of Israel were commanded to build a house in the - land of promise; and so are the Saints of the last days, as you - will see in the Revelation given to Joseph the Seer, January 19, - 1841, wherein those ordinances may be revealed which have been hid - for ages, even their anointings and washings, and baptisms for - the dead; wherein they may meet in solemn assemblies for their - memorials, sacrifices, and oracles in their most holy places; and - wherein they may receive conversations and statutes, and judgments, - for the beginning of the revelations and foundations of Zion, and - the glory and honor and adornment of all her municipals through the - medium which God has ordained. - - In the same revelation the command is to "all the Saints from afar" - as well as those already gathered to this place: to arise with one - consent and build the Temple; to prepare a place where the Most - High may manifest Himself to His people. No one is excepted who - hath aught in his possession, for what have ye that ye have not - received? And I will require mine own with usury, saith the Lord; - so that those {473} who live thousands of miles from this place, - come under the same law, and are entitled to the same blessings and - privileges as those who have already gathered. But some may say, - how can this be, I am not there, therefore I cannot meet in the - Temple, cannot be baptized in the font? The command of heaven is - to you, to all, gather; and when you arrive here, if it is found - that you have previously sent of your gold, or your silver, or - your substance, the tithing and consecrations which are required - of you for this building, you will find your names, tithings and - consecrations written in the Book of the Law of the Lord, to be - kept in the Temple, as a witness in your favor, showing that you - are a proprietor in that building, and are entitled to your share - of the privileges thereunto belonging. - - One of those privileges which is particularly attracting the notice - of the Saints at the present moment, is baptism for the dead, in - the font which is so far completed as to be dedicated, and several - have already attended to this ordinance by which the sick have - been made whole, and the prisoner set free; but while we have been - called to administer this ordinance, we have been led to inquire - into the propriety of baptizing those who have not been obedient, - and assisted to build the place for baptism; and it seems to us - unreasonable to expect that the Great Jehovah will approbate - such administration; for if the Church must be brought under - condemnation, and rejected with her dead, if she fail to build the - house and its appurtenances, why should not individuals of the - Church, who thus neglect, come under the same condemnation? For - if they are to be rejected, they may as well be rejected without - baptism as with it; for their baptism can be of no avail before - God, and the time to baptize them may be appropriated to building - the walls of the house, and this is according to the understanding - which we have received from him who is our spokesman. - - Let it not be supposed that the sick and the destitute are to be - denied the blessings of the Lord's house; God forbid; His eye is - ever over them for good. He that hath not, and cannot obtain, but - saith in his heart, if I had, I would give freely, is accepted - as freely as he that gives of his abundance. The Temple is to be - built by tithing and consecration, and every one is at liberty to - consecrate all they find in their hearts so to do; but the tithings - required, is one-tenth of all anyone possessed at the commencement - of the building, and one-tenth part of all his increase from that - time until the completion of the same, whether it be money, or - whatever he may be blessed with. - - Many in this place are laboring every tenth day for the house, - and this is the tithing of their income, for they have nothing - else; others would labor the same, but they are sick, therefore - excusable; when they get well, let them begin; while there are - others who appear to {474} think their own business of more - importance than the Lord's. Of such we would ask, who gave you your - time, health, strength, and put you into business? And will you not - begin quickly to return with usury that which you have received? - Our God will not wait always. - - We would remind some two or three hundred Elders, who offered to go - on missions, some six months, others one year, and some two years, - and had their missions assigned them at the general conference to - labor on the Temple, that most of their names are still with us, - and we wish them to call and take their names away, and give them - up to the building committee. - - Brethren, you have as great an interest at stake in this thing as - we have, but as our Master, even the Master-builder of the Temple, - whose throne is on high, has seen fit to constitute us stewards in - some parts of His household; we feel it important for us to see - to it that our Master is not defrauded, and especially by those - who have pledged their word, their time, their talents, to His - services; and we hope this gentle hint will suffice, that we may - not be compelled to publish the names of those referred to. - - Probably some may think they could have gone on a mission, but - cannot labor, as they have no means of boarding themselves, but - let such remember that several score of brethren and sisters in - this city, offered at the general conference, to board one or more - laborers on the Temple till the same should be completed, and but - few of those as yet have had the opportunity of boarding any one. - To all such we would say, you are not forgotten, we have your names - also, and we expect soon to send someone to your table, therefore - put your houses in order and never be ready to refuse the first - offer of a guest. - - Large stores of provisions will be required to complete the work, - and now is the time for securing it, while meat is plenty and can - be had for one half the value that it can at other seasons of the - year, and the weather is cool and suitable for packing. Let the - brethren for two hundred miles around drive their fat cattle and - hogs to this place, where they may be preserved, and there will be - a supply till another favorable season rolls around, or till the - end of the labor. - - Now is the time to secure food, now is the time that the trustee - is ready to receive your droves. Not the maimed, the lean, the - halt, and the blind, and such that you cannot use; it is for the - Lord, and He wants no such offering; but if you want His blessing, - give Him the best, give Him as good as He has given you. Beds and - bedding, socks, mittens, shoes, clothing of every description, - and store goods are needed for the comfort of the laborers this - winter; journeymen, stone cutters, quarrymen, teams and teamsters - for drawing stone and all kinds of provision for men and beast, are - needed in abundance. - - {475} There are individuals who have given nothing as yet, either - as tithing or consecration, thinking that they shall be able to do - a great deal some time hence if they continue their present income - to their own use, but this is a mistaken idea. Suppose that all - should act upon this principle, no one would do ought at present, - consequently the building must cease, and this generation remain - without a house, and the Church be rejected; then suppose the next - generation labor upon the same principle, and the same in all - succeeding generations, the Son of God would never have a place on - the earth to lay His head. - - Let every individual remember that their tithings and consecrations - are required from what they have, and not what they expect to - have some time hence, and are wanted for immediate use. All money - and other property designed for tithing and consecrations to the - building of the Temple must hereafter be presented to the Trustee - in Trust, President Joseph Smith, and entered at the recorder's - office, in the book before referred to; and all receipts now holden - by individuals, which they have received of the building committee - for property delivered to them, must also be forwarded to the - recorder's office for entry, to secure the appropriation of said - property according to the original design. - - The Elders everywhere will instruct the brethren both in public - and in private, in the principles and doctrines set forth in this - Epistle, so that every individual in the Church may have a perfect - understanding of his duty and privileges. - - Brigham Young, - - Heber C. Kimball, - - Orson Pratt, - - William Smith, - - Lyman Wight, - - Wilford Woodruff, - - John Taylor, - - Geo. A. Smith, - - Willard Richards. - - Nauvoo, Illinois, December 13, 1841. - -Footnotes: - -1. This has reference to the blacklegs that infested the upper -Mississippi region, and who plied their trade in disposing of -counterfeit money and stolen goods along the river. The character of -the old inhabitants in Northern Illinois at this time, (1840-44), -Governor Ford describes in his "_History of Illinois_" as follows: -"Then, again, the northern part of the State was not destitute -of its organized bands of rogues, engaged in murders, robberies, -horse-stealing, and in making and passing counterfeit money. These -rogues were scattered all over the north; but the most of them were -located in the counties of Ogle, Winnebago, Lee, and DeKalb. In the -county of Ogle, they were so numerous, strong, and well-organized, that -they could not be convicted for their crimes. By getting some of their -numbers on the juries, by producing hosts of witnesses to sustain their -defense by perjured evidence, and by changing the venue from one county -to another, and by continuances from term to term, and by the inability -of witnesses to attend from time to time at a distant and foreign -county, they most generally managed to be acquitted." - -2. The above references are published to correspond in current editions -of the Doctrine and Covenants. The revelation quoted was given as a law -to the Church, February 9, 1831. It was given in the presence of twelve -Elders, at Kirtland, in fulfillment of the promise that the Lord made -to the church while yet located in New York, in a revelation commanding -them to move from the eastern countries to the Ohio; "And there," said -the Lord, "I will give unto you my law, and there you shall be endowed -with power from on high." (Doctrine and Covenants, section 38: 32.) As -introductory to the revelation the Prophet said under date of February -9: "According to the promise heretofore made, the Lord gave the -following revelation embracing the Law of the Church;" and indeed, it -is appropriately so called, for it embraces well nigh every moral law -of the Gospel, and is a most valuable chapter of divine instructions to -the Church. - -3. About this time there were gangs of robbers operating up and down -the Mississippi River, from which the Saints suffered, as many of their -horses and cattle were stolen, but more serious injury arose from the -fact that the acts of these robbers were attributed to the Saints -themselves, and did much to prejudice the minds of the public against -them. Governor Ford in his "History of Illinois," from 1814 to 1847 in -referring to these charges against the Saints, and speaking of events -taking place about this time in Nauvoo, said: "It was a fact also, -that some larcenies and robberies had been committed, and that Mormons -had been convicted of the crimes, and that other larcenies had been -committed by persons unknown, but suspected to be Mormons. Justice, -however, requires me here to say, that upon such investigation as I -then could make, the charge of promiscuous stealing appeared to be -exaggerated." (History of Illinois, Ford, p. 329.) - -The practice of charging these robberies upon members of the Church -continued through the next three or four years. Speaking of the time -somewhat later than the period with which our annals above deal, the -Governor said: "On my late visit to Hancock county, I was informed -by some of their violent enemies, that the larcenies of the Mormons -had become unusually numerous and insufferable. They indeed admitted -that but little had been done in this way in their immediate vicinity. -But they insisted that sixteen horses had been stolen by the Mormons -in one night, near Lima in the county of Adams. At the close of the -expedition, I called at this same town of Lima, and upon inquiry was -told that no horses had been stolen in that neighborhood, but that -sixteen horses had been stolen in one night in Hancock county. This -last informant being told of the Hancock story, again changed the venue -to another distant settlement in the northern edge of Adams." (History -of Illinois, p. 331.) - -And thus sensational reports of "Mormon stealings" were made the -shuttle-cock between the battle-doors of various neighborhoods. - -In addition to the very emphatic utterances of the Prophet Joseph, his -brother Hyrum, and the Twelve, the _Times and Seasons_ editorially said: - -"THIEVES. - -"We are highly pleased to see the very energetic measures taken by -our citizens to suppress thieving. It has been a source of grief unto -us that there were any in our midst who would wilfully take property -from any person which did not belong to them, knowing that if any -person, who does, or ever did belong to this Church, should steal, -the whole Church would have to bear the stigma, and the sound goes -abroad that the Mormons are a set of thieves and robbers, a charge -which we unequivocally deny, and pronounce a falsehood of the basest -kind. That there are some amongst us base enough to commit such acts -we do not pretend to deny, but whether they are all members of this -Church or not, we do not know; but some who are have been caught in -their iniquity, and one was among the missing after a warrant was -out for him; circumstantial proof is so strong against him, that his -guilt is established without a doubt. We have heard that some of those -characters have said that such things are sanctioned by the authorities -of the Church, this is the most base of all lies: and we would here -warn all well disposed persons, to be aware of such characters, and if -any such thing is ever intimated to them, to heed it not, unless it be -to report such persons to the proper authorities so that they can be -brought to condign punishment; for know assuredly that if you listen to -them, they will prove an adder in your path, and eventually lead you -down to destruction."--_Times and Seasons_, p. 615. - -4. See Vol. III., p. 171. - -{476} - - - -CHAPTER XXVIII. - -Kirtland _vs_. Nauvoo--Political Attitude of the People of Nauvoo -Declared--Publications Mormon and Anti-Mormon for 1841--Close of the -Year. - -_Tuesday, December 14, 1841_.--I commenced opening, unpacking, and -assorting a lot of dry goods in the second story of my new store, -situate on the northwest corner of block 155. [1] The joiners and -masons are yet at work in the lower part of the building. - -_Wednesday, 15_.--In reply to inquiries concerning Almon W. Babbitt, -and the printing press at Kirtland, contained in a letter written at -Kirtland, November 16, 1841, by Lester Brooks and Zebedee Coltrin, -acting presidents, and Thomas Burdick, Bishop and council, to President -Joseph Smith and Brigham Young, it was decided as follows: - - _Decision in the Case of Almon W. Babbitt and Kirtland_. - - It remains for Almon W. Babbitt to offer satisfaction, if he - wishes so to do, according to the minutes of the conference. You - are doubtless all well aware that all the stakes, except those in - Hancock county, Illinois, and Lee county, Iowa, were discontinued - some time since by the First Presidency, as published in the _Times - and Seasons_; but as it appears that there are many in Kirtland - who desire to remain there, and build up that place, and as you - have made great exertions according to your letter, to establish a - printing press, and take care of the poor, &c., since that period, - you may as well continue operations according to your designs, and - go on with your printing, and do what you can in righteousness to - build up Kirtland, but do not suffer yourselves to harbor the idea - that Kirtland will rise on the ruins of Nauvoo. It is the privilege - of brethren emigrating from any quarter to come to this place, and - it is not right to attempt to persuade those who desire it, to stop - short. - -The foregoing is an extract from my letter in reply. - -{477} The Twelve Apostles were in council at Elder Kimball's. - -[Sidenote: Affairs at Ramus.] - -_Tuesday, 16_.--William Wightman of Ramus, delivered to President -Joseph Smith, sole trustee-in-trust, the deed to the unsold and bonded -lots of land in the town of Ramus, bearing date December 8, 1841; also -the plat of the "first addition to Ramus," and the notes which have -been received of individuals who have purchased lots, and the bonds -of William Miller, September 21, 1840, and of Ute Perkins, November -26, 1840, and of William J. Perkins, November 7, 1840, and of John -F. Charles, November 16, 1841, for lots of land adjoining Ramus, and -which may hereafter be added to the town plats (a part of the land -included in William Miller's bond is included in the first addition to -Ramus, and the notes were transferred to the sole trustee-in-trust, for -the benefit of the whole Church, by a vote of the Ramus conference, -December 4 and 5, 1841), after applying sufficient of said property to -liquidate the claims of those from whom the town was purchased, and -also paying two notes given by William Wightman for money borrowed to -pay for the above property, viz., to Lyman Prentice $11.45, and James -Cummins $50.00, and some other small demands against said Wightman -which have been contracted for the benefit of the Church in Ramus. - -_Saturday, 18_.--I attended the city council, and stated circumstances -which I had heard concerning mobocracy, from a person late from -Macombe, and requested an ordinance passed, so that persons ordering -any person to leave their peaceful homes could be dealt with -rigorously; also presented the following-- - - _Expressions of Gratitude to James Gordon Bennett and the New York - Herald_. - - Resolved by the city council of the city of Nauvoo, that the - high-minded and honorable editor of the _New York Weekly Herald_, - James Gordon Bennett, Esq., is deserving of the lasting gratitude - of this {478} community, for his very liberal and unprejudiced - course towards us as a people, in giving us a fair hearing in his - paper, thus enabling us to reach the ears of a portion of the - community, who, otherwise would ever have remained ignorant of our - principles and practices. - - Resolved, That we recommend our fellow citizens to subscribe for - the _New York Weekly Herald_, and thus be found patronizing true - merit, industry, and enterprise. - -_Sunday, 19_.--The Twelve were in council at Elder Brigham -Young's--morning. - -Meeting at my house in the evening. - -The subjoined minutes are from Elder Wilford Woodruff's journal-- - - _Minutes of a Meeting of the Twelve in the House of the Prophet_. - - Elder Heber C. Kimball preached at the house of President Joseph - Smith, on the parable in the 18th chapter of Jeremiah, of the clay - in the hands of the potter, that when it marred in the hands of the - potter it was cut off the wheel and then thrown back again into - the mill, to go into the next batch, and was a vessel of dishonor; - but all clay that formed well in the hands of the potter, and was - pliable, was a vessel of honor; and thus it was with the human - family, and ever will be: all that are pliable in the hands of God - and are obedient to His commands, are vessels of honor, and God - will receive them. - - President Joseph arose and said--"Brother Kimball has given you a - true explanation of the parable," and then read the parable of the - vine and its branches, and explained it, and said, "if we keep the - commandments of God, we should bring forth fruit and be the friends - of God, and know what our Lord did. - - "Some people say I am a fallen Prophet, because I do not bring - forth more of the word of the Lord. Why do I not do it? Are we able - to receive it? No! not one in this room. He then chastened the - congregation for their wickedness and unbelief, 'for whom the Lord - loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son and daughter whom - he receiveth,' and if we do not receive chastisements then we are - bastards and not sons." - - On the subject of revelation, he said, a man would command his son - to dig potatoes and saddle his horse, but before he had done either - he would tell him to do something else. This is all considered - right; but as soon as the Lord gives a commandment and revokes that - decree and commands something else, then the Prophet is considered - fallen. Because we will not receive chastisement at the hand of the - Prophet and {479} Apostles, the Lord chastiseth us with sickness - and death. Let not any man publish his own righteousness, for - others can see that for him; sooner let him confess his sins, and - then he will be forgiven, and he will bring forth more fruit. When - a corrupt man is chastised he gets angry and will not endure it. - The reason we do not have the secrets of the Lord revealed unto us, - is because we do not keep them but reveal them; we do not keep our - own secrets, but reveal our difficulties to the world, even to our - enemies, then how would we keep the secrets of the Lord? I can keep - a secret till Doomsday. What greater love hath any man than that he - lay down his life for his friend; then why not fight for our friend - until we die? - - Elder Brigham Young said--one thing lay with weight on his mind; - that is, that we should be prepared to keep each commandment as it - came from the Lord by the mouth of the Prophet, and as the Lord had - commanded us to build a temple, we should do it speedily. - -_Monday, 20_.--I communicated to the _Times and Seasons_, as follows-- - - _The Prophet on the Attitude of the Saints in Politics_. - - To My Friends In Illinois--The Gubernatorial Convention of the - state of Illinois has nominated Colonel Adam W. Snyder [2] for - Governor, and Colonel John Moore for Lieutenant-Governor, of the - state of Illinois, election to take place in August next. - - Colonel Moore, like Judge Douglas and Esquire Warren, was an - intimate friend of General Bennett long before that gentleman - became a member of our community; and General Bennett informs us - that no men were {480} more efficient in assisting him to procure - our great chartered privileges, than were Colonel Snyder, and - Colonel Moore. They are sterling men, and friends of equal rights, - opposed to the oppressor's grasp, and the tyrant's rod. With - such men at the head of our State, government will have nothing - to fear. In the next canvass, we shall be influenced by no party - consideration, and no Carthagenian coalescence or collusion with - our people will be suffered to effect, or operate against General - Bennett, or any other of our tried friends, already semi-officially - in the field; so the partizans in this county, who expect to divide - the friends of humanity and equal rights, will find themselves - mistaken--we care not a fig for Whig or Democrat; they are both - alike to us, but we shall go for our friends, our tried friends, - and the cause of human liberty, which is the cause of God. We - are aware that "divide and conquer" is the watchword with many, - but with us it cannot be done--we love liberty too well--we have - suffered too much to be easily duped--we have no catspaws amongst - us. We voted for General Harrison because we loved him--he was a - gallant officer and a tried statesman; but this is no reason why - we should always be governed by his friends. He is now dead, and - all of his friends are not ours. We claim the privilege of freemen, - and shall act accordingly. Douglas is a master spirit, and his - friends are our friends--we are willing to cast our banners in - the air, and fight by his side in the cause of humanity and equal - rights--the cause of liberty and the law. Snyder and Moore are his - friends--they are ours. These men are free from the prejudices - and superstitions of the age, and such men we love, and such men - will ever receive our support, be their political predilections - what they may. Snyder and Moore are known to be our friends; their - friendship is vouched for by those whom we have tried. We will - never be justly charged with the sin of ingratitude--they have - served us, and we will serve them. [3] - - Joseph Smith. - - Lieutenant-General of the Nauvoo Legion. - -{481} _Tuesday, 21_.--I received from Edward Hunter a letter on -business, to which I wrote the following reply-- - - _The Prophet's Letter to Edward Hunter--Business Affairs at Nauvoo_. - - Nauvoo, Dec. 21, 1841. - - _Mr. Edward Hunter_, - - Beloved Brother:--Yours of the 27th of October came to hand at - a late date, but I am now able to say to you that the power of - attorney is executed and sent up to the clerk's office for the seal - of the state, and {482} will be forwarded direct from them; it is - now on the way most probably. - - Your letter did not arrive till after Mr. Potter returned with the - goods, which I received in safety; and Brother Potter has started - on a mission to the inhabitants of Jamaica, one of the West India - isles. - - I will accept the goods as you propose, on your debt, so far as it - goes, and answer the remainder on the payments which you mention, - as they become due. - - I have purchased ninety acres of timber land in the vicinity - of Nauvoo, a little up the river, and have made proposals to - McFall, but as yet, am waiting for him to receive answers from his - correspondent in the east. I shall be able to purchase all the wood - land you will want, in a little time. - - As respects steam engines and mills, my opinion is, we cannot have - too many of them. This place has suffered exceedingly from the want - of such mills in our midst, and neither one nor two can do the - business of this place another season. We have no good grain or - board mill in this place; and most of our flour and lumber has to - be brought twenty miles; which subjects us to great inconvenience. - - The city is rapidly advancing, many new buildings have been erected - since you left us, and many more would have arisen, if brick and - lumber could have been obtained. There is scarcely any limits which - can be imagined to the mills and machinery and manufacturing of all - kinds which might be put into profitable operation in this city, - and even if others should raise a mill before you get here, it need - be no discouragement either to you or Brother Buckwalter, for it - will be difficult for the mills to keep pace with the growth of - the place, and you will do well to bring the engine. If you can - persuade any of the brethren who are manufacturers of woollens or - cottons to come on and establish their business, do so. - - I have not ascertained definitely as yet how far the goods will go - towards liquidating Dr. Fosters's note, or finishing your house; - but this I can say, I will make the most of it, and benefit you - every possible way. - - Your message is delivered to Mrs. Smith, and she will be glad - to have returns on her letter of attorney, as speedily as - circumstances will permit, according to the understanding thereof. - - I am happy to hear of your welfare, and the health of your family; - and also to inform you that the health of Nauvoo has much improved - since last summer, and considering the very mild state of the - weather most of the time, it is excellent. - - Myself and family are in health, and our enemies are at peace with - us, as much as can be expected in this generation. Should anything - {483} new occur, which may be for our advantage, you will please - write, and I will do the same. I remain, yours in the Gospel of - Christ, - - Joseph Smith. - - P.S.--You will endeavor to have the money on your letter of - attorney from Mrs. Smith, ready to furnish a fresh supply of goods - early in the spring. J. S. - -_Wednesday, 22_. - - Nauvoo, December 22, 1841. - - _Revelation to John Snyder and Amos B. Fuller_. - - The word of the Lord came unto Joseph the Seer, verily thus saith - the Lord, let my servant John Snyder take a mission to the eastern - continent, unto all the conferences now sitting in that region; and - let him carry a package of epistles, that shall be written by my - servants the Twelve making known unto them their duties concerning - the building of my houses which I have appointed unto you, saith - the Lord, that they may bring their gold and their silver, and - their precious stones, and the box-tree, and the fir-tree, and all - fine wood to beautify the place of my sanctuary, saith the Lord; - and let him return speedily with all means which shall be put into - his hands, even so. Amen. - -Elder Amos B. Fuller, of Zarahemla, stated to me that he had settled -all his debts, made all necessary provision for his family, and desired -to know the will of God concerning him. - - _Revelation_. - - "Verily thus saith the Lord unto my servants the Twelve, let them - appoint unto my servant A. B. Fuller a mission to preach my Gospel - unto the children of men, as it shall be manifested unto them by my - Holy Spirit. Amen." - -This day I commenced receiving the first supply of groceries at the -new store. Thirteen wagons arrived from Warsaw, loaded with sugar, -molasses, glass, salt, tea, coffee, &c., purchased in St. Louis. The -original stock purchased in New Orleans having been detained at St. -Louis by one Holbrook, innkeeper, under false pretenses. - -[Sidenote: Work on the Proclamation to Kings of the Earth.] - -This evening I commenced giving instructions to the scribe concerning -writing the {484} proclamation to the kings of the earth, mentioned in -the revelation given January 19, 1841. - -[Sidenote: Immigration Agency in England.] - -_Friday, 24_.--This evening I had a consultation with President Young -and Bishop Whitney about establishing an agency in England for the -cheap and expeditious conveyance of the Saints to Nauvoo, and for our -convenience in merchandise; and I said, "in the name of the Lord we -will prosper, if we will go forward in this thing." - -Elder Truman Gillett, Jun., returned from a short mission to Van Buren -county, Iowa, where he baptized fourteen, bringing $20 as a donation to -the building of the Temple, from Samuel Moore. - -[Sidenote: Xmas at Nauvoo, 1841.] - -_Saturday, 25_.--Being Christmas, Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, -Orson Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, and their wives, and -Willard Richards spent the evening at Hiram Kimball's; and after -supper, Mr. Kimball gave each of the Twelve Apostles a fractional lot -of land lying on the west side of his second addition to Nauvoo. - -Alpheus Gifford, a member of the Church since 1831, and a faithful -Elder in the Church [it was he who baptized Heber C. Kimball] died at -his home some five miles above Nauvoo. [4] - - _Conference Minutes--New York and Maine_. - - At a conference held in Batavia, Genessee county, New York, 11 - branches, comprising 15 Elders, 7 Priests, 7 Teachers, 4 Deacons, - and 207 members were represented. - - A conference met in the Universalist Church, in Hope, Waldo {485} - county, Maine, when Fox Islands, with five Elders, 1 Priest, 2 - Teachers, 1 Deacon, and 100 members, also the Main Land, with - 6 Elders, 2 Priests, 3 Teachers, 1 Deacon, and 68 members were - represented; Otis Shaw, president, and Calvin C. Pendleton, clerk. - -[Sidenote: Purpose of the Gift of Tongues.] - -_Sunday, 26_.--The public meeting of the Saints was at my house this -evening, and after Patriarch Hyrum Smith and Elder Brigham Young had -spoken on the principles of faith, and the gifts of the Spirit, I read -the 13th chapter of First Corinthians, also a part of the 14th chapter, -and remarked that the gift of tongues was necessary in the Church; -but that if Satan could not speak in tongues, he could not tempt a -Dutchman, or any other nation, but the English, for he can tempt the -Englishman, for he has tempted me, and I am an Englishman; but the gift -of tongues by the power of the Holy Ghost in the Church, is for the -benefit of the servants of God to preach to unbelievers, as on the day -of Pentecost. When devout men from every nation {486} shall assemble -to hear the things of God, let the Elders preach to them in their own -mother tongue, whether it is German, French, Spanish or "Irish," or any -other, and let those interpret who understand the language spoken, in -their own mother tongue, and this is what the Apostle meant in First -Corinthians xiv: 27. [5] - -[Sidenote: Instructions to the Twelve.] - -_Monday, 27_.--I was in council with Brothers Brigham Young, Heber C. -Kimball, Willard Richards and John Taylor, at my office, instructing -them in the principles of the kingdom, and what the Twelve should do in -relation to the mission of John Snyder, and the European conferences, -so as to forward the gathering of means for building the Temple and -Nauvoo House; that Brigham might go with John Snyder on his mission if -he chose, but the object of the mission could be accomplished without. - -_Tuesday, 28_.--I baptized Sidney Rigdon in the font, for and in behalf -of his parents; also baptized Reynolds Cahoon and others. - -[Sidenote: Warren and Warsaw Affairs.] - -_Thursday and Friday, December 30th and 31st_--Calvin A. Warren, Esq., -Mark Aldrich and Daniel S. Witter, visited me at my office, and after -much explanation and conversation concerning Warren and Warsaw, In -which Esquire Warren manifested the kindest and most confidential -feelings and Aldrich and Witter expressed their entire approbation of -past proceedings of the Presidency, they all agreed that if I did not -succeed in the next attempt to establish and build up Warren, that -they would fully excuse me from all censure, and would feel satisfied -that I had done all that could reasonably be required of any man in a -like case, be the consequence what it might to themselves; and Esquire -Warren frankly acknowledged that his temporal salvation depended on -the success of the enterprise, and {487} made liberal proposals for -the benefit of the brethren, to help forward the undertaking. The -party retired manifesting the best of feeling, and expressing the most -perfect satisfaction with their visit, with me and all concerned. - -[Sidenote: A Prophecy Respecting Warsaw.] - -Thursday evening at the office, while conversing with Calvin A. Warren, -Esq., about the proceedings at Warsaw, I prophesied in the name of the -Lord, that the first thing toward building up Warsaw was to break it -down, to break down them that are there, that it never would be built -up till it was broken down, and after that keep them entirely in the -dark concerning our movements; and it is best to let Sharp [6] publish -what he pleases and go to the devil, and the more lies he prints the -sooner he will get through; not buy him out or hinder him; and after -they have been in the dark long enough, let a certain set of men go -there who will do as I tell them, a certain kind of men, some of those -capitalists from the Eastern States, say from Pennsylvania; wise men -who will take the lead of business, and go ahead of those that are -there before they know what we are about, and the place will prosper, -and not till then. - -The following list shows some of the books, pamphlets, letters, &c., -published for and against the Latter-day Saints in 1841. - - _Mormon Literature, (pro et con) 1841_. - - "A Proclamation to the Saints Scattered Abroad:" January 15, by - Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, Hyrum Smith. - - Twenty-three numbers of the "Times and Seasons," published at - Nauvoo. - - Twelve numbers of the "Millennial Star," published in England by - Parley P. Pratt. - - First European edition of the Book of Mormon, published in England, - 21st January, by Elders Brigham Young, and Willard Richards. - - {488} A third edition of the "Voice of Warning" was published in - Manchester, England, by Parley P. Pratt. - - "A Letter to Queen Victoria of England, Touching the Signs of the - Times, and the Political Destiny of the World:" in pamphlet form, - by Parley P. Pratt, Manchester, England. - - Five hundred copies of "An Address to the Hebrews," in the Dutch - language, by Orson Hyde. Published in Rotterdam, Holland, in July; - being the first pamphlet pertaining to the Church of Jesus Christ - of Latter-day Saints, written in a foreign language. - - A pamphlet containing 116 pages, 8vo., by Orson Hyde, containing "A - Synopsis of the Faith of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day - Saints:" addressed to the German nation in their own language. - - A Small Collection of Hymns, by Christopher Merkley. - - "Evidences in Proof of the Book of Mormon:" a work of 256 pages, 32 - mo. Published at Batavia, New York, by Charles Thompson. - - A lengthy "Address to the Citizens of Salem, Massachusetts, and - Vicinity," by Erastus Snow, and Benjamin Winchester, October. - - "Gospel Reflector," a monthly periodical, by Benjamin Winchester, - published in Philadelphia. - - "Proclamation and Warning to the Inhabitants of America," by - Charles Thompson. - - The editor of the "Times and Seasons" noticed the following "From - the 'Upper Mississippian,' a series of letters, entitled 'Nauvoo - Mormon Religion,' &c., the writer no doubt intended to give a fair - statement, and in the main did so; but respecting our faith (on - some points), the Book of Mormon, &c., he is wide of the mark." - - An article published in the "North Staffordshire Mercury," showing - the difference between the Baptists and Latter-day Saints. - Hanley, February, 16, signed "A Baptist." Replied to by Parley - P. Pratt, who showed the difference between the Baptists and - Former-day-Saints. - - A severe article against the Latter-day Saints, which filled - several columns of fine print, was published in "Edinburgh - Intelligencer" of April 7th, taken from the "Athenaeum" on the - subject of the "Book of Mormon and the Latter-day Saints." Replied - to by Parley P. Pratt. May. - - Mr. J. B. Rollo, of Edinburgh, Scotland, published a pamphlet - entitled "Mormonism Exposed." Replied to by Parley P. Pratt, July - 10. - - The "Preston Chronicle" of April 24, published a long article - against the Latter-day Saints, which was replied to by Parley P. - Pratt, in the "Millennial Star," July 10. - - A bitter article was published in the "Cheltenham Free Press" of - {489} August 23rd, headed "Latter-day Saints' Swindle," replied to - by Parley P. Pratt in the "Star" of October. - - "A Few Plain Facts, Showing the Folly, Wickedness and Imposition of - the Rev. Timothy R. Matthews." By George J. Adams, Bedford, England. - - The St. Louis, Missouri, "Atlas" published a favorable article - entitled, "The Latter-day Saints." - - The "Juliet Courier" published a favorable account of the late - trial of Joseph Smith. Monmouth, June. - - The "Philadelphia Saturday Courier" and the "Public Ledger" on July - 10, published several articles anathematizing the Latter-day Saints. - - A slanderous pamphlet entitled "Mormonism Unmasked," by A. Gardner, - of Rochdale, England. - - "The Mormons--Arrest of Joe Smith" was the heading of an article - published in the "New York Herald of Commerce," and copied in many - of the Eastern papers. - - "The Christian Messenger and Reformer" published an account of the - Latter-day Saints, collected from the book of Edward D. Howe, of - Painsville, Ohio. - - Thomas Sharp, editor of the "Warsaw Signal," devoted his entire - time to slandering, to lying against and misrepresenting the - Latter-day Saints. - -Footnotes: - -1. On the corner of Granger and Water streets, in the southwest part of -the city. - -2. Governor Ford, in his "History of Illinois," gives the following -biographical information about Adam W. Snyder, and as I can find -nothing concerning him elsewhere, I quote Ford:-- - -"In December, 1841, a state Democratic convention assembled at -Springfield, and nominated Adam W. Snyder as the Democratic candidate -for governor, to be elected in August, 1842. Mr. Snyder was a native -of Pennsylvania, and a distant relative of Gov. Snyder of that state. -In his early youth, he learned the trade of a fuller and woolcarder. -He came to Illinois when he was about eighteen years old; settled -in the French village of Cahokia: followed his trade for several -years: studied law; removed to the county seat, where he commenced -his profession, in which he was successful in getting practice. In -1830 he was elected to the State Senate, and was afterwards elected -to Congress, from his district; and was again elected to the State -Senate in 1840. Mr. Snyder was a very showy, plausible and agreeable -man in conversation, and was gifted with a popular eloquence, which was -considerably effective. He was a member of the Senate when the Mormon -charters were passed, and had taken an active part in furthering their -passage." In fact Mr. Snyder was chairman of the Judiciary committee, -to which the charters were referred, and he reported them to the Senate -with a recommendation that they pass. - -3. For some time there had been an agitation going on in respect -of the Saints and their relationship to the politics of the State; -and political capital was sought to be made by manifestations of -friendliness or of hostility towards them. Although, in the main, the -people of Nauvoo had sustained the Whig candidates, both locally and -nationally, in the preceding election, including the Whig candidate for -Congress, Mr. John J. Stuart, yet there were outbreaks against them -both among the Whig politicians and in the Whig press of Illinois. "The -Whig newspapers," writes Governor Ford, in his "History of Illinois," -"teemed with accounts of the wonders and enormities of Nauvoo, and of -the awful wickedness of a party which could consent to receive the -support of such miscreants. Governor Duncan, [nominated in opposition -to Snyder] who was really a brave, honest man, and who had nothing to -do with getting the Mormon charters passed through the legislature, -took the stump on this subject in good earnest, and expected to be -elected governor almost on this question alone" (History of Illinois, -Ford, p. 269.) - -The position of the Saints in their relation to the political parties -in the state of Illinois is tersely set forth by the late President -John Taylor in his review of affairs at Nauvoo, leading up to the -martyrdom of the Prophet; which document was prepared at the request of -the Historians of the Church, and filed in the archives of the Church -as the testimony of an eye witness and participant in those events. -The document, under the title of "The Martyrdom of Joseph Smith," was -published by permission of the author in Tyler's "History of the Mormon -Battalion." Of the political situation at Nauvoo--which was forming -at the period to which the political announcement of the text above -belongs--President Taylor says: - -"There were always two parties, the Whigs and Democrats, and we could -not vote for one without offending the other; and it not unfrequently -happened that candidates for office would place the issue of their -election upon opposition to the 'Mormons,' in order to gain political -influence from religious prejudice, in which case the 'Mormons' were -compelled, in self-defense, to vote against them, which resulted almost -invariably against our opponents. This made them angry; and although -it was of their own making, and the 'Mormons' could not be expected -to do otherwise, yet they raged on account of their discomfiture, and -sought to wreak their fury on the 'Mormons.' As an instance of the -above, when Joseph Duncan was candidate for the office of governor of -Illinois, [in the campaign to which the document in the body of the -text above relates] he pledged himself to his party that, if he could -be elected, he would exterminate or drive the 'Mormons' from the state. -The consequence was that Governor Ford was elected." (History of the -Mormon Battalion, Introduction, pp. 12 and 13.) - -It cannot in truth be claimed that any favor shown by the Democratic -party, as such, to the Mormon people was the cause of the announcement -of the above independent attitude in politics. For while Judge Douglas, -a leading Democrat, had recently rendered a decision favorable to the -Prophet, liberating him from the clutches of Missouri, it should be -remembered that the Judge had but pronounced upon the course of the -officers of the states of Missouri and Illinois and found that course -at variance with the law, and there was no alternative but to set -the Prophet free. But it was the law that vindicated Joseph Smith, -not the favor of Judge Douglas. And then, if a Democratic Judge had -decided a case in favor of the Prophet, it should be remembered that -it was the act, and I might say the unwarranted, the illegal act, of a -Democrat, Governor Carlin, which had put the life and liberty of the -Prophet in jeopardy by issuing an illegal requisition for his arrest -and deliverance to Missouri, This to show that it was not any favor -that had been shown by the Democratic party, as such, that prompted -the assumption of an independent attitude in politics by the Prophet; -but that for weal or woe, the attitude was taken as a measure of -self-defense, and for the protection of the people in whose interest it -was announced. - -4. Alpheus Gifford was born in Adams township, Berkshire county, -Massachusetts, August 25, 1793. At the age of eighteen, having scarcely -sufficient learning to enable him to read the Bible, he commenced -preaching the Gospel, not for hire, but for the salvation of souls. - -In 1817, he married Anna Nash, who bore him seven sons and three -daughters. In the spring of 1831, hearing of the doctrines taught by -Joseph Smith, he made diligent inquiry, and found they were scriptural, -and was baptized and ordained a priest; he brought home five Books of -Mormon which he distributed among his friends; he was then living in -Tioga county, Pennsylvania. Soon after he went to Kirtland, Ohio, to -see the Prophet Joseph Smith and the brethren, when he was ordained an -Elder; he was accompanied by his brother Levi Elial Strong, Eleazar -Miller, Enos Curtis and Abraham Brown, who were baptized. On returning -to Pennsylvania he preached and baptized many, among whom was Heber C. -Kimball. The gifts of the Gospel were enjoyed by many; signs following -those that believed, devils were cast out; the sick were healed; many -prophesied; some spake with new tongues; while others interpreted the -same. Mr. Calvin Gilmour, with whom Brother Gifford had previously been -associated in preaching, heard him speak in tongues and interpret. -Gilmour declared he understood the languages and that they were -interpreted correctly, but that he would rather be damned than believe -in Mormonism. - -In June, 1832, Brother Gifford started for Missouri; traveled to -Cincinnati and wintered there with a few Saints, who had been baptized -by Lyman Wight. He arrived in Jackson county, Mo., in March, 1833, -where he preached much. He was driven with the saints in the fall -of that year. He removed to Clay county, and subsequently went to -Kirtland, Ohio, and attended the dedication of the Temple and received -the ordinances there administered. He returned to Missouri, and removed -with the Saints to Far West, Caldwell county. In the winter of 1839 -he was driven from Missouri. He located in the Morley settlement near -Lima, Illinois, and subsequently removed five miles above Nauvoo, where -he died December 25, 1841. (The above is taken from a sketch of his -father's life by Samuel K. Gifford, furnished the Church Historian in -November, 1861, and filed in the History of the Church under date of -December, 1841.) - -5. "If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, at the -most by three, and that by course, and let one interpret. But if there -be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the Church; and let him -speak to himself and to God." - -6. This reference is to Thomas Sharp, editor of the Warsaw _Signal_, a -bitter anti-Mormon, and described by the late President John Taylor, as -"a violent and unprincipled man, who shrank not from any enormity." - -{490} - - - -CHAPTER XXIX. - -The Opening of the Year 1842--Whereabouts of the Twelve -Apostles--Correspondence of Elder Hyde from Trieste--Report of High -Council on Affairs in Nauvoo--Events and Conditions in British Mission. - -[Sidenote: Sundry Labors of the Prophet.] - -_Saturday, January 1, 1842_.--I again have the pleasure to report the -location of the Twelve Apostles. Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, -Orson Pratt, John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff and Willard Richards are in -Nauvoo. George A. Smith, in Zarahemla, Ohio. Orson Hyde in quarantine -at Trieste, Italy. Parley P. Pratt in Liverpool. Lyman Wight in Ohio. -William Smith in New Jersey. John E. Page somewhere in the Eastern -States. - -I commenced placing goods on the shelves of my new store, assisted by -Bishop Newel K. Whitney and others; and in the evening attended city -council. - -Five hundred and twelve Saints were reported at the Glasgow Conference -of this date. - -Several of the Twelve spent the day at Sylvester B. Stoddard's and in -the city council, which lasted from 6 p. m. until midnight, on the -trial of Gustavus Hills. - -_Sunday, 2_.--Meeting at my house, day and evening; Brother Hyrum and -Elder Woodruff preached. - -_Tuesday, 4_.--I wrote Dr. John M. Bernhisel, of New York, on business. - -Joseph Duncan, candidate for Governor of Illinois, made an inflammatory -speech against the Saints at Edwardsville, a mass of falsehoods. - -{491} _Wednesday, 5_.--William Wightman signed over and delivered the -town plat of Ramus to me, as sole Trustee in Trust for the Church of -Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. - -My new store was opened for business this day for the first time, it -was filled with customers, and I was almost continually behind the -counter, as clerk, waiting on my friends. - -I dictated a letter to Edward Hunter, West Nantmeal, Pennsylvania, as -follows: - - _The Prophet's Letter to Edward Hunter--Reports Opening of the New - Store_. - - Nauvoo, January 5, 1842. - - _Mr. Edward Hunter_. - - Beloved Brother:--I am happy that it is my privilege to say to you - that the large new building which I had commenced when you were - here is now completed, and the doors are opened this day for the - sale of goods for the first time. The foundation of the building is - somewhat spacious (as you will doubtless recollect) for a country - store. - - The principal part of the building below, which is ten feet high, - is devoted exclusively to shelves and drawers, except one door - opening back into the space, on the left of which are the cellar - and chamber stairs, and on the right the counting room; from the - space at the top of the chamber stairs opens a door into the large - front room of the same size with the one below, the walls lined - with counters, covered with reserved goods. - - In front of the stairs opens the door to my private office, or - where I keep the sacred writings, with a window to the south, - overlooking the river below, and the opposite shore for a great - distance, which, together with the passage of boats in the season - thereof, constitutes a peculiarly interesting situation, in - prospect, and no less interesting from its retirement from the - bustle and confusion of the neighborhood and city, and altogether - is a place the Lord is pleased to bless. - - The painting of the store has been executed by Edward Martin, one - of our English brethren; and the counters, drawers, and pillars - present a very respectable representation of oak, mahogany and - marble for a backwoods establishment. - - The Lord has blessed our exertions in a wonderful manner, and - although some individuals have succeeded in detaining goods to a - considerable amount for the time being, yet we have been enabled to - secure goods in the building sufficient to fill all the shelves as - soon as they were completed, and have some in reserve, both in loft - and cellar. - - {492} Our assortment is tolerably good--very good, considering the - different purchases made by different individuals at different - times, and under circumstances which controlled their choice to - some extent; but I rejoice that we have been enabled to do as well - as we have, for the hearts of many of the poor brethren and sisters - will be made glad with those comforts which are now within their - reach. - - The store has been filled to overflowing, and I have stood behind - the counter all day, dealing out goods as steady as any clerk you - ever saw, to oblige those who were compelled to go without their - usual Christmas and New Year's dinners, for the want of a little - sugar, molasses, raisins, &c., &c; and to please myself also, for I - love to wait upon the Saints, and be a servant to all, hoping that - I may be exalted in the due time of the Lord. - - With sentiments of high consideration, I remain your brother in - Christ. - - Joseph Smith. - -[Sidenote: Rejoicing of the Prophet.] - -_Thursday, 6_.--The new year has been ushered in and continued thus far -under the most favorable auspices, and the Saints seem to be influenced -by a kind and indulgent Providence in their dispositions and [blessed -with] means to rear the Temple of the Most High God, anxiously looking -forth to the completion thereof as an event of the greatest importance -to the Church and the world, making the Saints in Zion to rejoice, and -the hypocrite and sinner to tremble. Truly this is a day long to be -remembered by the Saints of the last days,--a day in which the God of -heaven has begun to restore the ancient order of His kingdom unto His -servants and His people,--a day in which all things are concurring to -bring about the completion of the fullness of the Gospel, a fullness -of the dispensation of dispensations, even the fullness of times; a -day in which God has begun to make manifest and set in order in His -Church those things which have been, and those things which the ancient -prophets and wise men desired to see but died without beholding them; -a day in which those things begin to be made manifest, which have -been hid from before the foundation of the world, and which {493} -Jehovah has promised should be made known in His own due time unto -His servants, to prepare the earth for the return of His glory, even -a celestial glory, and a kingdom of Priests and kings to God and the -Lamb, forever, on Mount Zion, and with him the hundred and forty and -four thousand whom John the Revelator saw, all of which is to come to -pass in the restitution of all things. - -Conference held at Zarahemla, at which that stake was discontinued; -a branch was organized in place thereof, and John Smith appointed -president. - -_Wednesday, 12_.--The ship _Tremont_ sailed from Liverpool for New -Orleans with the Saints, about this time. - -The following notice was published in the _Times and Seasons_: - - _Tithings and Consecrations for the Temple of the Lord_. - - From this time the Recorder's Office will be opened on the Saturday - of each week for the reception of the tithings and consecrations - of the brethren, and closed on every other day of the week. This - regulation is necessary, to give the Trustee and Recorder time to - arrange the Book of Mormon, translation of the Bible, Hymn Book, - and Doctrine and Covenants for the press, all of which the brethren - are anxious to see in their most perfect form, consequently the - Saints should be particular to bring their offerings on the day - specified, until further notice, but not relax their exertions to - carry on the work. - - The Elders will please give the above notice in all public meetings - until the plan is understood. - - Willard Richards, - - Recorder for the Temple. - - Nauvoo, January 12, 1842. - -I rode south about seven miles to my wood land, accompanied by Brother -John Sanders and Peter Maughan, [1] {494} and found a vein of coal -about eighteen inches thick, apparently of good quality for the western -country. - -Elder Benjamin Winchester was suspended by the quorum of the Twelve -until he made satisfaction for disobedience to the First Presidency. - -_Thursday, 13_.--My clerk, Willard Richards, commenced boarding with me. - -The British forces having evacuated Cabul, [2] they were attacked in -the Pass, a few miles from the city, and after three days' fighting; -they were nearly all slaughtered. - -[Sidenote: Book of Mormon Corrections.] - -_Saturday, 15_.--I commenced reading the Book of Mormon at page 54, -American stereotype edition (the previous pages having been corrected), -for the purpose of correcting the stereotype plates of some errors -which escaped notice in the first edition. - -Attended city council, and was appointed on committee of ways and means -and municipal laws. - -_Sunday, 16_.--I preached at my house, morning and evening, -illustrating the nature of sin, and showing that it is not right to sin -that grace may abound. - -_Monday, 17_.--Transacted a variety of business in the city. Myself and -Brother Willard Richards dined with Sister Agnes M. Smith. [3] - -[Sidenote: Meeting with the Twelve.] - -In the evening I attended a council of the Twelve at my office; -present, Elders Young, Kimball, Orson Pratt, Taylor, Woodruff, George -A. Smith and Richards--appointed Elder Amos B. Fuller a mission to -Chicago, according to the revelation of the 22nd of December, and Elder -Henry Jacobs to accompany him. The council were unanimously opposed to -{495} Robinson's son's publishing the Book of Mormon and other books. - -_Tuesday, 18_.--This day revoked my power of attorney given to Dr. -Isaac Galland to transact business for the Church. - -After transacting a variety of business, sleeping an hour from bodily -infirmities, I read for correction in the Book of Mormon, and debated -in the evening with the mayor [John C. Bennett] concerning the -Lamanites and Negroes. - -For an extract of a letter from Elder Orson Hyde, "Trieste, January 1 -and 18, 1842," see _Millennial Star_, vol. II, pages 166-169. [4] - - Highly Interesting from Jerusalem. - - We have lately received two lengthy and highly interesting - communications from Elder Orson Hyde, dated at Trieste, January - 1st, and 18th, containing a sketch of his voyages and travels in - the East, his visit to Jerusalem, a description of ancient Zion, - the pool of Siloam, and many other places famous in holy writ, - with several illustrations of the manners and customs of the - East, as applicable to Scripture texts, and several conversations - held between himself and some of the Jews, missionaries, etc., - in Jerusalem, together with a masterly description of a terrible - tempest and thunder storm at sea, with a variety of miscellaneous - reflections and remarks, all written in an easy, elegant, and - masterly style, partaking of the eloquent and sublime, and - breathing a tone of that deep feeling, tenderness, and affection so - characteristic of his mission and the spirit of his holy and sacred - office. - - Elder Hyde has by the grace of God been the first proclaimer of - the fullness of the Gospel both on the continent of Europe and in - far off Asia, among the nations of the East. In Germany, Turkey - (Constantinople), Egypt, and Jerusalem. He has reared as it were - the ensign of the latter-day glory, and sounded the trump of truth, - calling upon the people of those regions to awake from their - thousand years' slumber, and to make ready for their returning Lord. - - {496} In his travels he has suffered much, and has been exposed to - toils and dangers, to hunger, pestilence and war. He has been in - perils by land and sea, in perils among robbers, in perils among - heathens, Turks, Arabs, and Egyptians; but out of all these things - the Lord hath delivered him, and hath restored him in safety to the - shores of Europe, where he is tarrying for a little season, for - the purpose of publishing the Truth in the German language, having - already published it in French and English in the various countries - of the East, and we humbly trust that his labors will be a lasting - blessing to Jew and Gentile. - - We publish the following extract of his communication, and we shall - soon issue the whole from the press in pamphlet form. It will, no - doubt, meet with a ready sale; and we purpose devoting the profits - to his benefit, to assist him in his mission. - - _Excerpts from Elder Hyde's Letters_. - - "Summoning up, therefore, what little address I had, I procured - a _valet d'place_, or lackey, and proceeded to the house of Mr. - Simons, a very respectable Jew, who with some of his family had - lately been converted and joined the English Church. I entered - their dwelling. They had just sat down to enjoy a dish of coffee, - but immediately arose from the table to meet me. I spoke to them - in German and asked them if they spoke English. They immediately - replied 'Yes,' which was a very agreeable sound to my ear. They - asked me in German if I spoke English; I replied, 'Ya, mein Herr.' - I then introduced myself to them, and with a little apology it - passed off as well as though I had been introduced by the pasha. - With that glow of warmth and familiarity which is a peculiar trait - in the German character, they would have me sit down and take a - dish with them; and as I began to relate some things relative to - my mission, the smiles of joy which sat upon their countenances - bespoke hearts not altogether indifferent. There were two ministers - of the Church of England there. One was confined to his bed by - sickness, and the other, a German, and a Jew by birth, soon came - in. After an introduction, I took the liberty to lay open to him - some of our principles, and gave him a copy of the communication - to the Jews in Constantinople to read. After he had it, he said - that my motives were undoubtedly very good, but questioned the - propriety of my undertaking from the fact that I claimed God had - sent me. If, indeed, I had gone to Jerusalem under the direction of - some missionary board or society, and left God out of the question - altogether, I should have been received as a celestial messenger. - How truly did our Savior speak, when He said, 'I am come in my - Father's name, and ye receive me not; but if another were to come - in his own name, him ye would receive.' I replied, however, that - so far as I could know my own heart, {497} my motives were most - certainly good; yet, said I, no better than the cause which has - brought me here. But he, like all others who worship a God 'without - body or parts,' said that miracles, visions, and prophecy had - ceased. - - "The course which the popular clergy pursue at this time in - relation to the Divine economy looks to me as though they would - say, 'O Lord, we will worship Thee with all our hearts, serve - Thee with all our souls, and be very pious and holy; we will even - gather Israel, convert the heathen, and bring in the millennium, - if Thou wilt only let us alone that we may do it in our own way, - and according to our own will; but if Thou speakest from heaven to - interfere with our plan, or cause any to see visions or dreams, or - prophesy, whereby we are disturbed or interrupted in our worship, - we will exert all our strength and skill to deny what Thou sayest, - and charge it home upon the devil or some wild, fanatic spirit, as - being its author.' - - "That which was looked upon by the ancient saints as among the - greatest favors and blessings, viz., revelation from God and - communion with Him by dreams and by visions, is now looked upon by - the religious world as the height of presumption and folly. The - ancient saints considered their condition most deplorable when - Jehovah would not speak to them; but the most orthodox religionists - of this age deem it quite heterodox to even admit the probability - that He ever will speak again. O my soul! language fails to - paint the absurdity and abomination of such heaven-opposing and - truth-excluding dogmas; and were it possible for those bright - seraphs that surround the throne above, and bask in the sunbeams - of immortality, to weep over the inconsistency and irrationality - of mortals, the earth must be bedewed with celestial tears. My - humble advice to all such is, that they repent and cast far from - them these wicked traditions, and be baptized into the new and - everlasting covenant, lest the Lord speak to them in His wrath, and - vex them in His sore displeasure. - - "After some considerable conversation upon the priesthood and the - renewal of the covenant, I called upon him [i. e. the aforesaid - German-Jew church of England minister] to be baptized for the - remission of his sins, that he might receive the gift of the - Holy Ghost. 'What' said he, 'I be baptized?' 'Yes,' said I, 'you - be baptized.' 'Why,' saith he, 'I have been baptized already.' - I replied something after the following: You have probably been - sprinkled, but that has no more to do with baptism than any other - ordinance of man's device; and even if you had been immersed, you - would not have bettered your condition, for your priesthood is - without power. If, indeed, the Catholic church has power to give - you an ordination, and by that ordination confer the priesthood - upon you, they certainly had power to nullify that act, and take - the {498} priesthood from you; and this power they exercised when - you dissented from their communion, by excluding you from their - church. But, if the Catholic church possessed not the priesthood, - of course your claims to it are as groundless as the airy phantoms - of heathen mythology. So, view the question on which side you may, - there is no possible chance of admitting the validity of your - claims to it. Be it known, therefore, that ordinances performed - under the administration of such a priesthood, though they may - even be correct in form, will be found destitute of the seal of - that authority by which heaven will recognize His [own] in the day - when every man's work shall be tried. Though a priesthood may be - clothed with the wealth and honors of a great and powerful nation - and command the respect and veneration of multitudes whose eyes are - blinded by the thick veil of popular opinion, and whose powers of - reflection and deep thought are confused and lost in the general - cry of 'Great is Diana of the Ephesians,' yet all this does not - impart to it the Divine sanction, or animate it with the spirit of - life and power from the bosom of the living God; and there is a - period in future time when, in the smoking ruins of Babel's pride - and glory, it must fall and retire to the shades of forgetfulness, - to the grief and mortification of its unfortunate votaries.' - - "In consequence of his great volubility, I was under the - disagreeable necessity of tuning my voice to a pretty high key, - and of spacing short between words, determining that neither his - greatness or learning should shield him from the shafts of a - faithful testimony. But there is more hope of those Jews receiving - the fullness of the gospel, whose minds have never been poisoned by - the bane of modern sectarianism, which closes the mouth of Deity - and shuts up in heaven all the angels, visions, and prophesyings. - Mrs. Whiting told me that there had been four Jewish people in - Jerusalem converted and baptized by the English minister, and four - only; and that a part of the ground for an English church had been - purchased there. It was by political power and influence that the - Jewish nation was broken down, and her subjects dispersed abroad; - and I will here hazard the opinion, that by political power and - influence they will be gathered and built up; and further, that - England is destined in the wisdom and economy of heaven to stretch - forth the arm of political power, and advance in the front ranks - of this glorious enterprise. The Lord once raised up a Cyrus to - restore the Jews, but that was not evidence that He owned the - religion of the Persians. This opinion I submit, however, to your - superior wisdom to correct if you shall find it wrong. - - "There is an increasing anxiety in Europe for the restoration of - that people [the Jews]; and this anxiety is not confined to the - pale of any religious community, but it has found its way to the - courts of kings. Special {499} ambassadors have been sent, and - consuls and consular agents have been appointed. The rigorous - policy which has hitherto characterized the course of other nations - towards them now begins to be softened by the oil of friendship, - and modified by the balm of humanity. The sufferings and privations - under which they have groaned for so many centuries have at length - touched the main-springs of Gentile power and sympathy; and may the - God of their fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, fan the flame by - celestial breezes, until Israel's banner, sanctified by a Savior's - blood, shall float on the walls of old Jerusalem, and the mountains - and valleys of Judea reverberate with their songs of praise and - thanksgiving to the Lamb that was slain. - - "The imperial consul of Austria, at Galatz, near the mouth of the - Danube, to whom I had a letter of introduction from his cousin in - Vienna, told me that in consequence of so many of their Jewish - subjects being inclined, of late, to remove to Syria and Palestine, - his government had established a general consul at Beyroot for - their protection. There are many Jews who care nothing about - Jerusalem, and have no regard for God. Their money is the god they - worship, yet there are many of the most pious and devout among them - who look towards Jerusalem as the tender and affectionate mother - looks upon the home where she left her lovely little babe." - -_Wednesday, 19_.--I wrote Dr. Galland as follows: - - _The Prophet's Letter to Isaac Galland--On Settlement of Accounts_. - - Dear Sir:--By your reply of the 18th instant to my note of the - 17th, I am led to conclude that you received my communication in - a manner altogether unintended by me, and that there may be no - misunderstanding between us, and that you may be satisfied that I - did not intend, and that I do not now intend anything, only upon - the principles of the strictest integrity and uprightness before - God, and to do as I would be done unto, I will state I have become - embarrassed in my operations to a certain extent, and partly from a - presentation of notes, which you, as my agent, had given for lands - purchased in the eastern states, they having been sent to me. I - have been obliged to cash them, and having no returns from you to - meet those demands, or even the trifling expenses of your outfit, - it has placed me in rather an unpleasant situation, and having a - considerable amount of your scrip on hand, enough, as I suppose, to - counterbalance the debts due you, and leave a balance in my favor, - to some extent, even if it were small; and as I was pressed for - funds, from the causes above mentioned, as well as others, I had - hoped it would be convenient for you to lend me some assistance at - the present time, and this was the reason why I sent a messenger to - you as I did. - - {500} And now, sir, that we may have no misunderstanding in this - matter, I think we had better have a settlement, and if I am owing - you, I will pay you as soon as I can, and if you owe me, I shall - only expect the same in return, for it is an old and trite maxim, - that short reckonings make long friends. With this view of the - matter, I would request you to call as soon as you possibly can - make it convenient, and compare accounts, so that all things may - be understood most perfectly between us in future time, and that - all occasion for unpleasant feelings, if any such there be, may be - entirely obliterated. - - I remain, sir, most respectfully yours, &c., - - Joseph Smith. - -Read in the Book of Mormon, and in the evening visited Bishop Miller's -wife, who was very sick, and the Bishop absent, collecting the funds -for building the Temple and Nauvoo House. - -[Sidenote: Isaac Galland Affair.] - -_Thursday, 20_.--I attended a special conference of the Church at 10 -o'clock a. m., concerning Dr. Galland. The conference voted to sanction -the revocation of Dr. Galland's agency, dated the 18th of January, -as published in the _Times and Seasons_, and also instructed the -trustee-in-trust to proceed with Dr. Galland's affairs in relation to -the Church, as he shall judge most expedient. - -Six o'clock evening, attended a special council in the upper room of -the new store. - -George Washington Gee died today. [5] - -{501} _Friday, 21_.--I read the Book of Mormon, transacted a variety -of business in the store and city, and spent the evening in the office -with Elders Taylor and Richards, interpreting dreams, &c. - -The presidents of the different quorums met with the High Council -at Brother Hyrum's office, to receive instructions, according to -appointment of the council on the 18th. - -[Sidenote: Seventies' Quorum Affairs.] - -President Joseph Young stated the reasons why the quorum of Seventies -had granted licenses; that he applied to President Joseph Smith for -permission, on the solicitations of the quorums; that their reasons -for so doing were because licenses could not be obtained from the -Church clerk. President Joseph Butterfield testified to the same, and -the council was satisfied with the testimony. The council was then -addressed by President Hyrum Smith on the Word of Wisdom. - -_Saturday, 22_.--I was very busy in appraising tithing property, and in -the evening revised the rules of the city council, attended council, -and spoke on their adoption, and was elected mayor, _pro tem_. of the -city of Nauvoo. - -_Sunday, 23_.--Spent the day mostly at the office, and on the -presentation of charges by Elder William Draper, Jun., silenced Elder -Daniel Wood, of Pleasant Vale, for preaching that the Church ought -to unsheath the sword, and Elder A. Litz for preaching that the -authorities of the Church were done away, &c., and cited him to appear -before the High Council of Nauvoo for trial. - -_Monday, 24_.--Reckoned with William and Wilson Law in the counting -room, and examined the lots on which they are about to build a steam, -grain, and sawmill. - -_Tuesday, 25_.--Signed deeds for lots, to Law; transacted a variety -of business in the city and office. In the evening debated with John -C. Bennett and others to show that the Indians have greater cause to -complain of the treatment of the whites, than the negroes, or sons of -Cain. - - {502} Nauvoo Legion Headquarters, - - Nauvoo Legion, City Of Nauvoo, Illinois, - - January 23rd, 1842. - - General Orders. All the public arms will be required to be in the - best possible condition, at the general inspection and parade, - on the 7th of May proximo, and no deficiency whatever will be - countenanced, overlooked, or suffered to pass without fine, on that - occasion. All persons, therefore, holding said arms, will take - notice, and govern themselves accordingly; and in order that the - general inspection may pass off in a truly military style, alike - honorable to the Legion, and creditable to the citizen soldiers, - the brigadiers are required to attend the battalion parades within - their respective commands, and inspect said arms in _propria - personae_, prior to the general parade. Persons disregarding these - general orders, whether officers or privates, will find themselves - in the _vocative_. The invincibles (Captain Hunter's company of - light infantry), will be detailed for fatigue duty, on escorts and - special service, and will take post by assignment, and receive - their orders direct from the major general, through his herald - and armor bearer. His Excellency the Governor of Illinois, the - circuit judge of the judicial circuit, and the members of the - bar, the officers of Hancock county, Colonel Williams and Colonel - Deming, with their respective field and staff officers of the - Illinois militia, and General Swazey and Colonel Fuller, with their - respective field and staff officers, and Captain Davis and Avery's - companies of cavalry of Iowa militia, are respectfully invited to - attend and participate in the general parade on the 7th May. - - Joseph Smith, Lieutenant General. - -_Wednesday, 26_.--Rode out to borrow money, to refund for money -borrowed of John Benbow, as outfit for Dr. Galland in his agency. -Transacted a variety of business, explained scripture to Elder Orson -Spencer in my office, read in the Book of Mormon in the evening. Wrote -a long letter to Edward Hunter, West Nantmeal, on temporal business. - -The Church is in a prosperous condition, and the Saints are exerting -themselves to build the Temple. The health of the city is good. - -Upwards of twenty-three vessels wrecked on different parts of the -British coast. - -_Thursday, 27_.--Attended to baptism in general; in the afternoon, in -council with the recorder, and gave some {503} particular instructions -concerning the order of the kingdom, and the management of business; -placed the carpet given by Carlos Granger on the floor of my office; -and spent the evening in general council in the upper room. - -In the course of the day, Brigham Young, and James Ivins returned, and -gave a favorable report from Dr. Galland, with his letter of attorney, -letters and papers which he had received of me and the Church. - -_Friday, 28_.--While I was at my office, Emma and Sister Whitney came -in and spent an hour. - -I received the following revelation to the Twelve concerning the _Times -and Seasons_, given January 28, 1842-- - - _Revelation_. - - Verily thus saith the Lord unto you, my servant Joseph, go and say - unto the Twelve, that it is my will to have them take in hand the - editorial department of the _Times and Seasons_, according to that - manifestation which shall be given unto them by the power of my - Holy Spirit in the midst of their counsel, saith the Lord. Amen. - -I also decided that Elder John Snyder should go out on a mission, and -if necessary some one go with him and raise up a church, and get means -to go to England, and carry the epistle required in the revelation -of December 22nd; and instructed the Twelve, Brigham Young, Heber C. -Kimball, Wilford Woodruff and Willard Richards being present, to call -Elder Snyder into their council and instruct him in these things, and -if he will not do these things he shall be cut off from the Church, and -be damned. - -Elias Higbee, of the temple committee, came into my office, and I -said unto him; The Lord is not well pleased with you; and you must -straighten up your loins and do better, and your family also; for you -have not been as diligent as you ought to have been, and as spring is -approaching, you must arise and shake yourself, and be active, and make -your children industrious, and help build the Temple. - -{504} Elder Snyder had appeared very backward about fulfilling the -revelation concerning him, and felt that he could not do it unless -the Twelve would furnish him means, when he was more able to furnish -his own means, as all the Elders were obliged to do when they went on -missions, or go without. - -The High Council heard and accepted the report of their committee of -the 18th instant, as follows-- - - _Report of High Council Committee_. - - The High Council of the Church of Jesus Christ to the Saints of - Nauvoo, greeting-- - - Dear Brethren:--As watchmen upon the walls of Zion, we feel it to - be our duty to stir up your minds, by way of remembrance, of things - which we conceive to be of the utmost importance to the Saints. - - While we rejoice at the health and prosperity of the Saints, and - the good feeling which seems to prevail among them generally, and - their willingness to aid in the building of the "House of the - Lord," we are grieved at the conduct of some, who seem to have - forgotten the purpose for which they have gathered. - - Instead of promoting union, they have appeared to be engaged in - sowing strifes and animosities among their brethren, spreading evil - reports, brother going to law with brother for trivial causes, - which we consider a great evil, and altogether unjustifiable, - except in extreme cases, and then not before the world. - - We feel to advise taking the word of God for our guide, and exhort - you not to forget that you have come up as saviors upon Mount Zion, - consequently to seek each other's good--to become one, inasmuch as - the Lord has said, "Except ye become one, ye are not mine." - - Let us always remember the admonition of the Apostle--"Dare any of - you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, - and not before the Saints? Do ye not know the Saints shall judge - the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy - to judge the smallest matters? Know ye not that we shall judge - angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? If, then, - ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to - judge who are least esteemed in the Church. I speak to your shame. - Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that - shall be able to judge between his brethren. But brother goeth to - law with brother, and that before the unbelievers. Now therefore - there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with - another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? {505} why do ye not - rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded? Nay, ye do wrong, and - defraud, and that your brethren. Know ye not that the unrighteous - shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived; neither - fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor - abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, - nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the - kingdom of God" (I Cor. 6: 1-10). Who, observing these things, - would go to law distressing his brother, thereby giving rise to - hardness, evil speaking, strifes and animosities among those who - have covenanted to keep the commandments of God--who have taken - upon them the name of Saints, and if Saints are to judge angels, - and also to judge the world--why then are they not competent to - judge in temporal matters, especially in trivial cases, taking the - law of the Lord for their guide, brotherly kindness, charity, &c., - as well as the law of the land? Brethren, these are evils which - ought not to exist among us. We hope the time will speedily arrive - when these things will be done away, and everyone stand in the - office of his calling, as a faithful servant of God, building each - other up, bearing each other's infirmities, and so fulfill the law - of Christ. - - _William Marks, President; Samuel Bent, Lewis D. Wilson, David - Fullmer, Thomas Grover, Newel Knight, Leonard Soby, James Allred, - Elias Higbee, George W. Harris, Aaron Johnson, William Huntington, - Sen., Daniel Carrier, Austin Cowles, Charles C. Rich, Counselors_. - - _Attest: Hosea Stout, Clerk_. - -Sir Robert Sale [commander of the British forces in Afghanistan] -received a letter from Sha-Shoojah, requiring him to evacuate -Jellalabad, with which he refused to comply. - -_Saturday, 29_.--I was much engaged with the tithings; in the afternoon -in my office, counseling various individuals: and in the evening in -council with Brothers Young, Kimball, Richards and others, showing -forth the Kingdom and the order thereof concerning many things, and the -will of God concerning His servants. - - _Letter of G. Walker to Elder Brigham Young et al.--Affairs in - England since Departure of the Apostles_. - - Manchester, England, Jan. 29, 1842. - - _To President Young, Elders Kimball and Richards_. - - Beloved Brethren:--Soon after your departure, a clergyman of the - {506} church of England called upon my employer, to request that - he might have an interview with me, as he had a wish to propound - certain questions to me; upon his request being complied with, - we retired to a private room, when he produced a long list of - questions, written down, opposite to which he wrote my answers. - The rise of the Church, Priesthood, doctrines offices, sacraments, - &c., were the principal queries he advanced. When he demurred - to any of our principles I was proceeding to explain, he cut my - discourse short by saying he would not hold any controversy, his - object being only to obtain information. After the disposal of his - queries, he wished to be informed where he could obtain the whole - of the publications of the Latter-day Saints, as he wished to be in - possession of them; I informed him at 47 Oxford street, Manchester, - and he promised to send for them. - - Soon after the visit of this reverend gentleman, I had reason to - suspect that undermining operations were in progress against me, I - therefore tendered my resignation to the directors, but they would - not accept it; and very soon after a public accountant was employed - by them to investigate their accounts for several years back, and I - was happy to be able to answer satisfactorily every question that - was asked of me respecting them. - - After this another minister sent a lengthy article extracted from - an American paper, purporting to be the production of a Mr. Anthon, - with a request that I would "read, mark, learn, and inwardly - digest" the same. I replied to the statements of Mr. Anthon, and - after disposing of them paragraph for paragraph, I told him that I - was obliged by his favoring me with it, inasmuch as it satisfied - my mind, and was confirmatory of the prediction of Isaiah being - fulfilled, seeing that Mr. Anthon admitted that "the words of - the book were delivered to the learned," &c. I then proceeded to - contrast the church of England with churches established by the - Apostles; but he has not acknowledged the receipt of my letter as - yet. The clergy are building ten new churches in this town and - neighborhood, and are employing additional curates to go round to - the houses of their parishoners, to coerce or intimidate them into - an attendance upon their services in fulfillment of the words of - Paul, In the last days perilous times will come, &c., that they - would have a form of godliness, but deny the power, and would creep - into houses to lead captive silly women, &c. (See II Timothy, 1st - chapter, 1st to 8th verses.) These curates make repeated visits, - generally when the heads of families are from home, and take - special care to enquire where the family are employed, and what - place of worship they attend, &c., and leave tracts for the family - to read. - - One of the Rev. Hugh Stowell's curates has paid several visits to - my house, but always in my absence, although he was requested to - call {507} when I was at home, and informed of the time when he - might meet with me. - - The following discourse took place in our own neighborhood: Curate: - What religion may you be, my good woman? I am a churchwoman, sir. - What church do you usually attend? I never attend any, sir. - - After reprimanding the woman for pretending to be one of his flock, - while she absented herself from the fold, he went to the house of a - poor woman who had lately joined the Saints. I am a minister of the - Church of Jesus Christ in England, and have called to inquire what - school you send your children to, and what religion you profess? - The woman replied she was a "Latter-day Saint." "Oh! delusion, - delusion!" he rejoined, and began to rail against the Saints, - whereupon she handed him the Bible, and requested him to read the - place where she casually opened to, namely the third chapter of - Micah, and to preach a discourse from that part of the Bible; but - he retreated from before her and has not troubled her since. - - The Lord Bishop of Chester and the Protestant clergymen, have hired - a person of the name of Brindley to go about lecturing against - the Saints, and have commenced a monthly periodical in which the - foul slanders heaped upon the Saints in America and elsewhere are - retailed out to satisfy the malice of the enemies of truth. The - _Manchester Courier_ has had several articles against our society - and principles, and the old Spaulding romance has been resuscitated - for the occasion. The Rev. Charles Burton, Doctor of Laws, minister - of "All Saints," has been several times to see me lately, and upon - one occasion invited me to his house, where I went and discussed - our principles for several hours, until he was glad to withdraw - from the contest; I found him ignorant in a great measure of what - the Bible contains respecting the latter-days. He admitted that the - Saints would reign on earth. - - The great work of the Lord is still progressing in spite of all the - opposition of lying priests and their auxiliaries of the newspaper - press. I baptized Elizabeth Smith, who resided with us when you - were in England, and she purposes coming out to America along with - us. - - There is very great distress among the operatives and the poor - generally, and great excitement respecting the agitation of the - repeal of the corn laws. Great fires have frequently occurred at - the commencement of this year; a large carrier's warehouse was - consumed by fire, about from £200,000 to £300,000 ($1,000,000 to - $1,500,000) worth of cotton and grain, &c., destroyed. It was the - Union Company's carrying ware house, Piccadilly. There is great - depression in almost every branch of manufactures, and great - perplexity; and I am daily more and more convinced that the time - is not far distant when Babylon the great will be {508} fallen and - become a desolation, and the kings and the merchants of the earth - will weep and mourn over her, and she will be cast down, even as a - great mill-stone cast into the sea, and will be found no more at - all. - - I opened a place for preaching at Blakesley, about six week's ago; - and there were three baptized and confirmed there last week. I was - with Elder John Brotherton at Middleton on Sunday last, where he - and Elder Hardman had obtained a room to preach to the Chartists. - [6] We have also a place opened at Disbury and Heaton. - - About three weeks ago there was a letter inserted in the - _Manchester Courier_, by a writer who signs himself R. P., calling - upon the clergymen of the church of England, and the respectable - inhabitants, and the most respectable and intelligent of the - police, to attend our meetings at the Carpenters' Hall, as they had - fondly hoped that the system would have fallen to the ground by the - weight of its own absurdity; but they found that there was method - and consistency in the apparent madness of these deluded people, - and that experience had taught them that such expectations were - vain; as they had observed that there was considerable consistency - displayed, and method attending our arrangements, there being - an emigration office established in this town, &c. The writer - suspected there was a genuine American trick being practiced by the - interested parties at the head of the system, to decoy the ignorant - and unwary to perish in the swamps of New Orleans, and that they - were draining the country of their best artists; and it was high - time some steps were taken to put a stop to such practices. - - We have since discovered that the writer is no other than Robert - {509} Philips, Esq., an extensive manufacturer and merchant, - brother to Mark Philips, Esq., another great manufacturer and - member of parliament for the Borough of Manchester. The editor of - the _Courier_ has been playing upon the same string for several - weeks since, and feels satisfied that from the exposure he has - given the whole system, it must inevitably die away. He was - therefore satisfied with having done his duty, and could safely - leave them to the management of the proper parties, and recommend - the police to do their duty. It appears that the gallant officer at - the head of the police (Sir Charles Shaw), has too much discretion - and good sense to be set on like a dog to worry out a society of - Christians, because the editor of the Puseyite Oracle pointed - the finger of scorn at them, because they dared to worship God - according to the dictates of their own consciences. I should have - liked very well for the police to have been there on Sunday last, - for three persons had to be put out by the brethren for disturbing - the meeting in the sacrament services. - - I remain, beloved brethren, your brother and fellow laborer, - - G. Walker. - - P. S.--I omitted to say that the writer in the paper alluded to, - informed the public that he was endeavoring to obtain information - respecting the movements of the people. He had previously sent a - person to Elder Pratt to get him to state something in writing - respecting emigration, and after the publication of the letter - before referred to, he again sent to Elder Pratt for additional - information in writing. I happened to be at Elder Pratt's when he - made the second application, and I told Elder Pratt that he was the - individual who had published the letter in the _Courier_. Elder - Pratt sent him another letter containing the required information; - and also stated that he had no objection to submit to him, or to - the government of this country, or any of its departments, the - religious principles of our society, our place of emigration, and - indeed the whole of our movements in this and other countries, for - the strictest investigation. - - The manufacturers are evidently beginning to be jealous of the - mechanics and workmen emigrating with people having so systematic - an organization as the Latter-day Saints display in their - arrangements in this town. - - I remain yours, &c. G. W. - -Footnotes: - -1. Peter Maughan was born May 7, 1811, at Breckenridge, in the parish -of Parley, county of Cumberland, England. He married Miss Ruth Harrison -in 1829. He was baptized into the Church by Elder Isaac Russell -in 1838, and emigrated to Nauvoo with his family of six children, -now motherless, his wife having died in 1841. He came on the ship -_Rochester_, in company with Brigham Young and several other members -of the quorum of the Twelve on their return home. He was a man of keen -intelligence and commanding personal influence. - -2. Cabul is the capital of Afghanistan, situated on the river Kabul. -It is noted as a commercial and strategic center, and the event named -in the text above is an incident in what is usually called the first -Afghan War. While the British were compelled to evacuate the place, as -stated in the text, they re-took it in September following. - -3. Widow of the late Don Carlos Smith, the Prophet's brother. - -4. The article from the _Star_ here referred to is inserted _in -extenso_, and that for the reason that so many letters of Elder Hyde's -concerning his journey to Jerusalem have already appeared in this -volume, that this one seems necessary to the completion of the history -of that mission, which must be regarded as an important movement on the -part of the Church at this period. - -5. George W. Gee was the first son of Solomon and Sarah W. Gee, born -in Rome, Ashtabula county, Ohio, August 13, 1815. Was baptized at -Kirtland, Geauga county, Ohio, February 17, 1833. Married Mary Jane -Smith in Kirtland, February 5, 1838, by whom he had two sons named -Elias S. and George W. Went to Caldwell county, Missouri, 1838. Was -driven out by a mob in the spring of 1839. Went to Nauvoo, and was -ordained an Elder in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, -at the first conference held at Nauvoo, in October, 1839. Removed to -Ambrosa, Lee county, Iowa, where he was appointed postmaster and deputy -county surveyor; he surveyed the city plats of Nashville and Zarahemla, -under the direction of President Joseph Smith. Was sent by the fall -conference in 1841, to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he died, January -20, 1842, while in discharge of his duties, having won the affections -of all the Saints with whom he had become acquainted, by his integrity -and perseverance. His opportunity for schooling had been limited, -but by his own exertion he attained to an excellent education, and -collected quite a respectable library. - -6. "Chartism" and the "Chartists," may be said to have come into -existence early in the reign of Queen Victoria, in consequence of the -formal declarations of the leaders of the Liberal party in parliament -not to proceed further in the reforms to which it was generally -understood they were pledged. "Quietly studied now," says Justin -McCarthy (1878) "the people's charter does not seem a very formidable -document. There is so little smell of gun-powder about it. Its 'points' -as they were called were six:" Manhood suffrage; annual parliaments; -vote by ballot; abolition of the "property qualification" for -members of parliament; payment of the members of parliament; and the -division of the country into equal electoral districts. "There's your -charter," said Daniel O'Connel, to the secretary of the Workingmen's -Association--"There's your charter, agitate for it, and never be -content with anything less." It was this circumstance that gave the -movement and to its supporters the same "chartism" and "chartists." -"Nothing," to again quote McCarthy, "can be more unjust than to -represent the leaders and promoters of the movement as mere factions -and self-seeking demagogues. Some of them were impassioned young poets -drawn from the class whom Kingsley has described in 'Alton Locke;' some -were men of education; many were earnest and devoted fanatics; and so -far as we can judge, all, or nearly all, were sincere." _History of Our -Own Times_, Vol. I, Chapter V. This to show that the preaching of the -Elders of the Church to the "Chartists," was no effort to unite Church -work with any wild and disorderly political movement in England. - -{510} - - - -CHAPTER XXX. - -Emigration of the Saints from England to Nauvoo--The Book of Abraham. - -_Sunday, January 30, 1842_.--I preached at my house morning and -evening, concerning the different spirits, their operations, designs, -&c. - -_Monday, 31_.--Assisted in appraising the tithings of Saturday with -Emma. Received many calls. Read in the Book of Mormon. After dinner -visited Brother Chase who was very sick, and in the evening was in -council with Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Orson Pratt, Wilford -Woodruff, and Willard Richards concerning Brother Snyder and the -printing office; spent the evening very cheerfully, and retired about -ten o'clock. - -_Tuesday, February 1_.--Two large stones, for door sills, for the -Nauvoo House, were landed. - -The following article is from the _Millennial Star_ of this date: - - Emigration. - - In the midst of the general distress which prevails in this - country on account of the want of employment, the high price of - provisions, the oppression, priestcraft, and iniquity of the - land, it is pleasing to the household of faith to contemplate a - country reserved by the Almighty as a sure asylum for the poor - and oppressed,--a country every way adapted to their wants and - conditions--and still more pleasing to think that thousands of the - Saints have already made their escape from this country, and all - its abuses and distress, and that they have found a home, where, by - persevering industry, they may enjoy all the blessings of liberty, - peace and plenty. - - It is not yet two years since the Saints in England, in obedience - to the command of their heavenly Father, commenced a general plan - of emigration to the land of Zion. - - They were few in number, generally poor, and had every opposition - {511} to encounter, both from a want of means and from the enemies - of truth, who circulated every falsehood calculated to hinder or - discourage them. Newspapers and tracts were put in circulation, - sermons and public speeches were delivered in abundance, to warn - the people that Nauvoo was a barren waste on the sea shore--that - it was a wild and uninhabited swamp--that it was full of savages, - wild beasts and serpents--that all the English Saints who should - go there would be immediately sold for slaves by the leaders of - the Church--that there was nothing to eat, no water, and no way - possible to obtain a living; that all who went there would have - their money taken from them, and themselves imprisoned, &c. But - notwithstanding all these things, thousands have emigrated from - this country, and now find themselves comfortably situated, and in - the enjoyment of the comforts of life, and in the midst of society - where God is worshiped in the spirit of truth and union, and where - nearly all are agreed in religious principles. They all find plenty - of employment and good wages, while the expense of living is about - one-eighth of what it costs in this country. For instance--beef and - pork costs about one penny per pound, flour from 2s to 3s for forty - pounds, and Indian meal about one shilling for sixty pounds; butter - from 4d to 6d per pound, while milch cows are to be had in plenty - for about £3 per head, and other things in proportion. Millions on - millions of acres of land lie before them unoccupied, with a soil - as rich as Eden, and a surface as smooth, clear, and ready for the - plough as the park scenery of England. - - Instead of a lonely swamp or dense forest filled with savages, wild - beasts and serpents, large cities and villages are springing up - in their midst, with schools, colleges, and temples. The mingled - noise of mechanism, the bustle of trade, the song of devotion, are - heard in the distance, while thousands of flocks and herds are seen - grazing peacefully on the plains, and the fields and gardens smile - with plenty, and the wild red men of the forest are only seen as - they come on a friendly visit to the Saints and to learn the way of - the Lord. - - Several large ships have been chartered by the Saints during the - present fall and winter, and have been filled with emigrants, who - have gone forth with songs of joy; and some of them have already - arrived safely in the promised land, while others are, doubtless, - still tossing upon the ocean. - - The expense of passage and provisions to New Orleans has, at no - time this season, exceeded £4, and it is generally as low as three - pounds fifteen shillings. This is remarkable when we reflect that - each passenger has provisions and water provided in plenty for ten - weeks. But it is obtained at this low price by a union of effort - among the Saints, and by the faithful and persevering exertions - of their agents. For instance {512} they purchase provisions by - the quantity, and duty free, and the moment they bid farewell to - their native shores they hoist the _Flag of Liberty_--the Ensign of - Zion--the stars and stripes of the American Union; and under its - protection they completely and practically nullify the bread tax. - They eat free bread, free tea, free sugar, free everything, and - thus accomplish a journey of five thousand miles on the same money - that is would cost to feed them for the same length of time in - England. - - Who that has a heart to feel, or a soul to rejoice, will not be - glad at so glorious a plan of deliverance? Who will not hail the - messengers of the Latter-day Saints as the friends of humanity--the - benefactors of mankind. - - Thousands have gone, and millions more must go, - The Gentiles as a stream to Zion flow. - - Yes, friends, this glorious work has but just commenced; and we - now call upon the Saints to come forward with united effort, with - persevering exertion, and with union of action, and help yourselves - and one another to emigrate to the Land of Promise. - - In this way we shall not only bring about the deliverance of tens - of thousands, who must otherwise suffer in this country, but we - shall add to the strength of Zion, and help to rear her cities and - temples--"to make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the - garden of the Lord," while the young men and the middle aged will - serve to increase her legions--to strengthen her bulwarks--that the - enemies of law and order who have sought her destruction, may stand - afar off and tremble, and her banner become terrible to the wicked. - - Ye children of Zion, once more we say, in the name of Israel's God, - arise, break off your shackles, loose yourselves from the bands of - your neck, and go forth to inherit the earth, and to build up waste - places of many generations. - - All who would go before September next, should go in the early part - of March, as it is as late as is advisable to venture by way of - New Orleans, on account of the extreme heat of summer; and to go - by New York or Quebec, will be double the expense. Experience has - taught us that an emigrant can go from Liverpool to New Orleans, - and from thence 1,500 miles up the river to Nauvoo for something - like £5 per head, including all provisions and expenses; while by - way of New York or Quebec it will cost from ten to thirteen pounds; - and besides there is another consideration, and that is, goods will - cost but a trifle for freight up the Mississippi on a steamer, - while the expense would be immense the other way. - - Therefore the Saints will please take notice, that after the 10th - of March next, emigration had better entirely cease, till about the - 20th of {513} September following. If thousands should wish to go - between this time and the 10th of March, they have only to furnish - us with their names and about £4 per head (children under fourteen - years half price), and we will provide them passage and provisions, - for the voyage, and return the overplus, if any, at Liverpool. - - We would again urge upon emigrants the important fact that if - they make known to us their intentions, and send their money and - names some weeks beforehand, it will be a great convenience, and - save confusion, trouble and expense. All applications should - be addressed to Messrs. Pratt and Fielding, 36 Chapel street, - Liverpool, or to the _Star_ office, 47 Oxford street, Manchester. - - We do not wish to confine the benefit of our emigration plan to - the Saints, but are willing to grant all industrious, honest, and - well-disposed persons who may apply to us the same information and - assistance as emigrants to the western states, there being abundant - room for more than a hundred millions of inhabitants. - -[Sidenote: Death of Laura Phelps.] - -_Wednesday, 2_.--Sister Laura Phelps, wife of Morris Phelps, died, -aged 36 years. She was driven from Jackson county in 1833, was in the -persecution of Missouri, in 1838, and went from Iowa to Missouri to -assist in liberating her husband, and was left in the prison yard when -he made his escape, willing to suffer all the abuses a savage horde -could inflict upon her to set her companion free from the grasp of his -murderous enemies. Her rest is glorious. - -I spent the day in council with Dr. Isaac Galland and Calvin A. Warren, -Esq. - -_Thursday, 3_.--In council with Calvin A. Warren, Esq., concerning a -settlement with the estate of Oliver Granger, and delivered him the -necessary papers. - -Elder Woodruff took the superintendence of the printing office, and -Elder Taylor the editorial department of the _Times and Seasons_; and -he commenced by taking an inventory of the establishment this day. - -_Friday, 4_.--Instructed that an invoice of Dr. Galland's scrip be made. - -[Sidenote: Debates in Nauvoo.] - -Closed a contract with Ebenezer Robinson for the printing office on -the corner of Bain and Water streets, also {514} the paper fixtures, -bookbindery, and stereotype foundry, by proxy, namely, Willard -Richards, cost between 7,000 and 8,000 dollars. In the evening attended -a debate. At this time debates were held weekly, and entered into by -men of the first talents in the city, young and old, for the purpose of -eliciting truth, acquiring knowledge, and improving in public speaking. - -[Sidenote: Vindication of Daniel Wood.] - -_Saturday, 5_.--Elder Daniel Wood, who had been silenced by Presidents -Smith and Young, on a complaint for teaching false doctrine, came -before the High Council at Nauvoo, and proved that he had not taught -false doctrine, but had been complained of by those who had prejudice -and hardness against him, and was restored to his former standing in -the Church. - -This being Tithing Day, upwards of $1,000 worth of property was -received. - -The ship _Hope_ sailed from Liverpool for New Orleans with 270 Saints. - -_Sunday, 6_.--Elders Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball went to La -Harpe to hold a two-days meeting. - -From this time I was engaged in counseling the brethren and attending -to the common vocations of life and my calling, reading the Book of -Mormon, &c. - -_Thursday, 10_.--I was sick and kept my bed. - -The war continues to rage between England and China. - -_Friday, 11_.--I was convalescent, and walked twice to the store. - -_Saturday, 12_.--An ordinance regulating weights and measures was -passed, also an ordinance regulating auctions, by the city council -which I attended. During the sitting of the council the subject of our -chartered rights was discussed. - -In the afternoon, plead in an action of slander before the mayor, in -behalf of the city against Lyman O. {515} Littlefield, and obtained -judgment of $500 bonds to keep the peace. - -_Sunday, 13_--In council with the mayor, Brother Hyrum and Elder -Willard Richards, and visited Samuel Bennett (who was sick) in company -with William Law and wife. - -_Monday, 14_.--Spent the day at my office, transacting a variety of -business, and continued to do the same from day to day till the 17th. - -_Thursday, 17_.--I attended a special session of the city council, when -an ordinance was passed authorizing and regulating marriages in the -city of Nauvoo. - - _Letter of Alfred Cordon to Joseph Smith--Reporting Affairs in - England_. - - Hanley, Stafford County, England, February 17, 1842. - - President Joseph Smith:--The work in which we are engaged rolls - on in this lands and in spite of all its enemies, moves onward - in majesty and power; there are many who devote all their time - and talent in endeavoring to overthrow it; but I discover that - they can "do nothing against the truth but for the truth." Many - tracts have been published against us, containing all manner of - lies, but in the end good will be the result. "He that knoweth - God, heareth us." Some of the tools of Satan are doing more in - spreading the truth than we are able to do; one in particular, a - Mr. Brindley, is publishing a periodical showing the "errors and - blasphemies" of "Mormonism;" and in order to do this, he publishes - many of the revelations of God given to us, and through this means, - the testimony is visiting the mansions of the high and mighty - ones--the "reverends, right reverends" and all the noble champions - of sectarians receive them as a precious morsel; and they are - read with much interest; whereas, if we had sent them, they would - have been spurned from their dwellings, and would not have been - considered worth reading. - - The state of this country is very awful, and is, according to - prospects, on the eve of a mighty revolution; all confidence is - gone between master and man, and men are afraid of each other; - peace is fast removing from this land; in the course of the last - few days, in many parts of this isle, they have been burning - the effigy of the great men of this nation--poverty, distress - and starvation abound on every hand. The groans, and tears and - wretchedness of the thousands of people are enough to rend the - hearts of demons; many of the Saints are suffering much {516} - through hunger and nakedness; many with large families can scarcely - get bread and water enough to hold the spirit in the tabernacle; - many, very many, are out of employment, and cannot get work to do, - and others that do work hard fourteen or fifteen hours per day, can - scarcely earn enough to enable them to live upon the earth. Surely - there is need of deliverance in Zion, and I am ready to exclaim, - thanks be to Thy name, O Lord, for remembering Thy covenants! and - that the "set time to favor Zion has come," and that He has chosen - the west for a refuge for His people. - - Wishing you all success, I remain, yours in the new and everlasting - covenant. - - Alfred Cordon. - -[Sidenote: Confidence in the Nauvoo Charter.] - -_Friday, 18_.--I attended an adjourned city council, and spoke at -considerable length in committee of the whole on the great privileges -of the Nauvoo Charter, and especially on the registry of deeds for -Nauvoo, and prophesied in the name of the Lord God, that Judge Douglas -and no other judge of the Circuit Court will ever set aside a law of -the city council, establishing a registry of deeds in the city of -Nauvoo. - -_Saturday, 19_.--I was engaged in the Recorder's Office (in the first -story of the Brick Store), on the tithings, and in council in my office -with Elders Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball and others. - -A severe shock of an earthquake threw down all the parapets, bastions, -and guard houses constructed by Sir Robert Sale, and demolished a third -part of the town of Jellalabad, India. - -_Sunday, 20_.--I attended the meeting on the hill. About this time the -ship _John Cummins_ sailed from Liverpool for New Orleans with Saints. -The _Tremont_ sailed on the 12th of January with 143 passengers, mostly -Saints. The expenses of passage from Liverpool to New Orleans averages -from £3, 15s to £4, including provisions. - -_Monday, 21_.--I was visiting in the city in the morning, and -transacting a variety of business at the office in the afternoon and -evening. - - {517} _Announcement of the Trustee in Trust for the Church - Respecting Work on the Temple_. - - To The Brethren In Nauvoo City: Greeting--It is highly important - for the forwarding of the Temple, that an equal distribution of - labor should be made in relation to time; as a superabundance of - hands one week, and none the next, tends to retard the progress of - the work: therefore every brother is requested to be particular - to labor on the day set apart for the same, in his ward; and to - remember that he that sows sparingly, shall also reap sparingly, so - that if the brethren want a plentiful harvest, they will do well to - be at the place of labor in good season in the morning, bringing - all necessary tools, according to their occupation, and those who - have teams bring them also, unless otherwise advised by the Temple - Committee. Should any one be detained from his labor by unavoidable - circumstances on the day appointed, let him labor the next day, or - the first day possible. - - N. B--The captains of the respective wards are particularly - requested to be at the place of labor on their respective days, - and keep an accurate account of each man's work, and be ready to - exhibit a list of the same when called for. - - The heart of the Trustee is daily made to rejoice in the good - feelings of the brethren, made manifest in their exertion to carry - forward the work of the Lord, and rear His Temple; and it is hoped - that neither planting, sowing, or reaping will hereafter be made to - interfere with the regulations hinted at above. - - Joseph Smith, Trustee in Trust. - - _An Additional Word from the Twelve_. - - Recorders Office Febr. 21, 1842. - - We would also say to all the churches, that inasmuch as they want - the blessings of God and angels, as also of the Church of Jesus - Christ, and wish to see it spread and prosper through the world, - and Zion built up and truth and righteousness prevail,--let all - the different branches of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day - Saints in all the world, call meetings in their respective places - and tithe themselves and send up to this place to the Trustee in - Trust, so that his hands may be loosed, and the Temple go on, and - other works be done, such as the new translation of the Bible, and - the record of Father Abraham published to the world. - - Beloved brethren, we as the messengers of the Lord feel to call - upon you to help roll on the mighty work, it is our duty so to do, - and it is your reasonable service--and the Lord will bless you in - so doing. - - {518} We subscribe ourselves your humble servants, and standard - bearers to the world. Brigham Young, President, - - Willard Richards, Clerk of the Twelve. - -_Tuesday, 22_.--Attended to a variety of business as usual. - -_Wednesday, 23_.--Settled with and paid Brother Chase, and assisted -in the counting room in settling with Ebenezer Robinson, visiting the -printing office, and gave Reuben Hedlock instruction concerning the cut -for the altar and gods in the Records of Abraham, as designed for the -_Times and Seasons_. - -_Thursday, 24_.--Engaged in council with the brethren, attended to -business at the general office. In the afternoon explained the records -of Abraham to the recorder. Sisters Marinda, Mary, and others present -to hear the explanations. - - _Letter of the Prophet's to an Unknown Brother on Tithing_. - - Nauvoo, Feb. 24, 1842. - - Beloved Brother--Yours of the 24th ult. is received, in relation - to certain tithings of your neighborhood being transferred to your - account, which you hold against the Church to the amount of $305, - including $150 of your own. - - There are no receipts issued for property received on tithing; but - an entry is made in the Book of the Law of the Lord, and parties - living at a distance notified of the same. - - If the parties named will pay you the sum specified in your letter, - and you will endorse the same, i. e. $305, on the obligation you - hold against the Church, and give me notice accordingly, with a - schedule of individuals' names and payments, the same shall be - entered to their credit on tithing. Yours, &c. - - Joseph Smith, - - Willard Richards, Scribe. - -_Friday, 25_.--Engaged in counseling and general business. - -_Saturday, 26_.--At the recorder's office engaged in the tithing, and -at the court at the office of the Patriarch. - -_Sunday, 27_.--Engaged in counseling the Saints. - -_Monday, 28_.--I offered a settlement to Father Snow by {519} Jenkins' -notes, which he declined, choosing to take land in Ramus; paid Brother -Robert Pierce $2,700, the balance due him for a farm Dr. Galland bought -of Brother Pierce in Brandywine Township, Chester county, Pennsylvania, -for $5,000, namely a deed for lot 2, block 94, $1,100, and lot 1, -block 95, $800, and lot 4, block 78, $806, the remainder having been -previously paid. The bond was cancelled and given up, and Brother -Pierce expressed his satisfaction of the whole, in the _Times and -Seasons_, as follows-- - - _Note of Robert Pierce--Expressing Satisfaction at Financial - Settlement_. - - Nauvoo, Feb. 28, 1842. - - _President Joseph Smith_. - - Dear Sir--I feel anxious to express my feelings concerning the - business transactions between the Church and myself; as it is well - known to many, that Dr. Galland, as agent for the Church, purchased - my farm while I was living in Brandywine Township, Chester county, - Pennsylvania, and many supposed, or pretended to suppose, I would - get nothing in return; but I wish to say to all my old friends - and enemies in Pennsylvania, through the medium of the _Times and - Seasons_, that I have received my pay in full from the Church of - Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, through yourself, sir, as their - trustee in trust, according to the original contract; and that from - my acquaintance with yourself, and those brethren who are assisting - you in the great and increasing business of the Church, I have the - fullest confidence in all the transactions of the Church, and I - request those papers in Philadelphia, who published concerning my - sale and loss, with such bitter lamentations, to publish this also. - - I am, sir, your brother and well-wisher, - - Robert Pierce. - -_Thursday, March 1, 1842_.--During the forenoon I was at my office and -the printing office, correcting the first plate or cut of the records -of Father Abraham, prepared by Reuben Hedlock, for the _Times and -Seasons_, and in council in my office, in the afternoon; and in the -evening with the Twelve and their wives at Elder Woodruff's, at which -time I explained many important principles in relation to progressive -improvement in the scale of intelligent existence. - -{520} I commenced publishing my translations of the Book of Abraham in -the _Times and Seasons_ as follows-- - -Fac-Simile From the Book of Abraham--No. 1. - -Explanation of the Above Cut. - -Fig. 1. The Angel of the Lord. - -Fig. 2. Abraham fastened upon an altar. - -Fig. 3. The idolatrous priest of Elkenah attempting to offer up Abraham -as a sacrifice. - -Fig. 4. The altar for sacrifice by the idolatrous priests, standing -before the gods of Elkenah, Libnah, Mahmackrah, Korash, and Pharaoh. - -Fig. 5. The idolatrous god of Elkenah. - -Fig. 6. The idolatrous god of Libnah. - -Fig. 7. The idolatrous god of Mahmackrah. - -Fig. 8. The idolatrous god of Korash. - -Fig. 9. The idolatrous god of Pharaoh. - -Fig. 10. Abraham in Egypt. - -Fig. 11. Designed to represent the pillars of heaven, as understood by -the Egyptians. - -Fig. 12. Raukeeyang, signifying expanse, or the firmament over our -heads; but in this case, in relation to this subject, the Egyptians -meant it to signify Shaumau, to be high, or the heavens; answering to -the Hebrew word, Shaumahyeem. - -{521} - -Fac-Simile From the Book of Abraham--No. 2. - -Explanation of the Above Cut. - -Fig. 1. Kolob, signifying the first creation, nearest to the celestial, -or the residence of God. First in government, the last pertaining to -the measurement of time. The measurement according to celestial time; -which celestial time signifies one day to a cubit. One day in Kolob is -equal to a thousand years according to the measurement of this earth, -which is called by the Egyptians Jah-oh-eh. - -Fig. 2. Stands next to Kolob, called by the Egyptians Oliblish, which -is the next grand governing creation near to the celestial or the place -where God resides; holding the key of power also, pertaining to other -planets; as revealed from God to Abraham, as he offered sacrifice upon -an altar, which he had built unto the Lord. - -Fig. 3. Is made to represent God, sitting upon His throne, clothed -with power and authority; with a crown of eternal light upon his -head; representing, also, the grand key words of the Holy Priesthood, -as revealed to Adam in the Garden of Eden, as also to Seth, Noah, -Melchisedek, Abraham, and all to whom the Priesthood was revealed. - -Fig. 4. Answers to the Hebrew word Raukeeyang, signifying expanse or -the firmament of the heavens; also a numerical figure, in Egyptian -signifying one thousand; answering to the measuring of the time of -Oliblish, which is equal with Kolob in its revolution and in its -measuring of time. - -Fig. 5. Is called in Egyptian Enish-go-on-dosh; this is one of the -governing planets also, and is said by the Egyptians to be the -Sun, and to borrow its light {522} from Kolob, through the medium -of Kae-e-vanrash, which is the grand Key, or, in other words, the -governing power, which governs fifteen other fixed planets or stars, -as also Floeese or the Moon, the Earth and the Sun in their annual -revolutions. This planet receives its power through the medium of -Kli-flos-is-es, or Hah-ko-kau-beam, the stars represented by numbers -22, and 23, receiving light from the revolutions of Kolob. - -Fig. 6. Represents this earth in its four quarters. - -Fig. 7. Represents God sitting upon His throne, revealing through the -heavens the grand Key-words of the Priesthood; as also the sign of the -Holy Ghost unto Abraham, in the form of a dove. - -Fig. 8. Contains writings that cannot be revealed unto the world; but -is to be had in the Holy Temple of God. - -Fig. 9. Ought not to be revealed at the present time. - -Fig. 10. Also. - -Fig. 11. Also.--If the world can find out these numbers, so let it be. -Amen. - -Figures 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20, will be given in the -own due time of the Lord. - -The above translation is given as far as we have any right to give at -the present time. - -Explanation on Cut No. 3. - -Fig. 1. Abraham sitting upon Pharaoh's throne, by the politeness of -the king, with a crown upon his head, representing the Priesthood, as -emblematical of the grand Presidency in Heaven, with the scepter of -justice and judgment in his hand. - -Fig. 2. King Pharaoh, whose name is given in the characters above his -head. - -Fig. 3. Signifies Abraham in Egypt; referring to Abraham, as given also -in the ninth number of the Times and Seasons. (Also as given in the -first fac-simile of this book.) - -Fig. 4. Prince of Pharaoh, King of Egypt, as written above the hand. - -Fig. 5. Shulem, one of the king's principal waiters, as represented by -the characters above his hand. - -Fig. 6. Olimlah, a slave belonging to the prince. - -Abraham is reasoning upon the principles of Astronomy, in the king's -court. - -{523} Fac-Simile From The Book of Abraham--No 3. - -{524} - -The Book Of Abraham. [1] - -Translated from the Papyrus, by Joseph Smith. [2] - - _A Translation of some Ancient Records that have fallen into our - hands, from the Catacombs of Egypt, purporting to be the writings - of Abraham, while he was in Egypt, called the Book of Abraham, - written by his own hand upon papyrus_. - - In the land of the Chaldeans, at the residence of my father, I - Abraham, saw that it was needful for me to obtain another place - of residence, and finding there was greater happiness, and peace - and rest for me, I sought for the blessings of the fathers, and - the right whereunto I should be ordained to administer the same; - having been myself a follower of righteousness, desiring also to - be one who possessed great knowledge, and to be a greater follower - of righteousness, and to possess a greater knowledge, and to be a - father of many nations, a prince of peace; and desiring to receive - instructions and to keep the commandments of God, I became a - rightful heir, a High Priest, holding the right belonging to the - fathers; it was conferred upon me from the fathers; it came down - from the fathers, from the beginning of time, yea, even from the - beginning, or before the foundations of the earth, to the present - time, even the right of the first born, or the first man, who is - Adam, our first Father, through the fathers, unto me. - - 2. I sought for mine appointment unto the Priesthood according to - the appointment of God unto the fathers, concerning the seed. My - {525} fathers having turned from their righteousness, and from the - holy commandments which the Lord their God had given unto them, - unto the worshiping of the gods of the heathen, utterly refused to - hearken to my voice; for their hearts were set to do evil, and were - wholly turned to the god of Elkenah, and the god of Libnah, and the - god of Mahmackrah, and the god of Korash, and the god of Pharaoh, - king of Egypt, therefore they turned their hearts to the sacrifice - of the heathen in offering up their children unto their dumb idols, - and hearkened not unto my voice, but endeavored to take away my - life by the hand of the priest of Elkenah--the priest of Elkenah - was also the priest of Pharaoh. - - 3. Now at this time it was the custom of the priest of Pharaoh, - the king of Egypt, to offer up upon the altar which was built in - the land of Chaldea, for the offering unto these strange gods, - men, women and children. And it came to pass that the priest - made an offering unto the god of Pharaoh, and also unto the god - of Shagreel, even after the manner of the Egyptians. Now the god - of Shagreel was the Sun. Even the thank-offering of a child did - the priest of Pharaoh offer upon this altar, which stood by the - hill called Potiphar's hill, at the head of the plain of Olishem. - Now, this priest had offered upon the altar three virgins at one - time, who were the daughters of Onitah, one of the royal descent, - directly from the loins of Ham. These virgins were offered up - because of their virtue; they would not bow down to worship gods of - wood, or of stone, therefore they were killed upon this altar, and - it was done after the manner of the Egyptians. - - 4. And it came to pass that the priests laid violence upon me, - that they might slay me also, as they did those virgins, upon this - altar; and that you may have a knowledge of this altar, I will - refer you to the representation at the commencement of this record. - It was made after the form of a bedstead, such as was had among - the Chaldeans, and it stood before the gods of Elkenah, Libna, - Mahmackrah, Korash, and also a god like unto that of Pharaoh, king - of Egypt. That you may have an understanding of these gods, I have - given you the fashion of them in the figures at the beginning, - which manner of the figures is called by the Chaldeans Rahleenos, - which signifies hieroglyphics. - - 5. And as they lifted up their hands upon me, that they might offer - me up and take away my life, behold I lifted up my voice unto the - Lord my God; and the Lord hearkened and heard, and he filled me - with a vision of the Almighty, and the angel of his presence stood - by me, and immediately unloosed my bands, and his voice was unto - me, Abraham! Abraham! behold my name is JEHOVAH, and I have heard - thee, and have come down to deliver thee, and to take thee away - from thy father's house, and from all thy kinsfolk, into a strange - land that thou knowest {526} not of, and this because they have - turned their hearts away from me, to worship the god of Elkenah, - and the god of Libnah, and the god of Mahmackrah, and the god of - Korash, and the god of Pharaoh, king of Egypt; therefore I have - come down to visit them, and to destroy him who hath lifted up his - hand against thee, Abraham my son, to take away thy life. Behold I - will lead thee by my hand, and I will take thee to put upon thee my - name, even the Priesthood of thy father; and my power shall be over - thee; as it was with Noah so shall it be with thee, but through thy - ministry my name shall be known in the earth for ever, for I am thy - God. - - 6. Behold Potiphar's Hill was in the land of Ur, of Chaldea; and - the Lord broke down the altar of Elkenah, and of the gods of the - land, and utterly destroyed them, and smote the priest that he - died; and there was great mourning in Chaldea, and also in the - court of Pharaoh, which Pharaoh signifies king by royal blood. - Now this king of Egypt was a descendant from the loins of Ham, - and was a partaker of the blood of the Canaanites by birth. From - this descent sprang all the Egyptians, and thus the blood of the - Canaanites was preserved in the land. - - 7. The land of Egypt being first discovered by a woman, who - was the daughter of Ham, and the daughter of Egyptus, which, - in the Chaldean, signifies Egypt, which signifies, that which - is forbidden. When this woman discovered the land it was under - water, who afterwards settled her sons in it: and thus from Ham, - sprang that race which preserved the curse in the land. Now the - first government of Egypt was established by Pharaoh, the eldest - son of Egyptus, the daughter of Ham, and it was after the manner - of the government of Ham, which was patriarchal. Pharaoh being a - righteous man, established his kingdom and judged his people wisely - and justly all his days, seeking earnestly to imitate that order - established by the fathers in the first generations, in the days of - the first patriarchal reign, even in the reign of Adam, and also of - Noah, his father, who blessed him with the blessings of the earth, - and with the blessings of wisdom, but cursed him as pertaining to - the Priesthood. - - 8. Now Pharaoh being of that lineage by which he could not have - the right of Priesthood, notwithstanding the Pharaohs would fain - claim it from Noah, through Ham, therefore my father was led away - by their idolatry; but I shall endeavor hereafter to delineate - the chronology, running back from myself to the beginning of the - creation, for the records have come into my hands which I hold unto - this present time. - - 9. Now, after the priest of Elkenah was smitten, that he died, - there came a fulfillment of those things which were said unto me - concerning the land of Chaldea, that there should be a famine in - the land. Accordingly a famine prevailed throughout all the land of - Chaldea, and my {527} father was sorely tormented because of the - famine, and he repented of the evil which he had determined against - me, to take away my life. But the records of the fathers, even the - patriarchs, concerning the right of Priesthood, the Lord my God - preserved in mine own hands, therefore a knowledge of the beginning - of the creation, and also of the planets, and of the stars, as - they were made known unto the fathers, have I kept even unto this - day, and I shall endeavor to write some of these things upon this - record, for the benefit of my posterity that shall come after me. - - 10. Now, the Lord God caused the famine to wax sore in the land of - Ur, insomuch that Haran, my brother died, but Terah, my father, - yet lived in the land of Ur of the Chaldees. And it came to pass - that I, Abraham, took Sarai to wife, and Nehor, my brother, took - Milcah to wife, who were the daughters of Haran. Now the Lord said - unto me, Abraham, get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred - and from thy father's house unto a land that I will show thee. - Therefore I left the land of Ur, of the Chaldees, to go into the - land of Canaan; and I took Lot, my brother's son, and his wife, and - Sarai, my wife, and also my father followed after me, unto the land - which we denominated Haran. And the famine abated; and my father - tarried in Haran and dwelt there, as there were many flocks in - Haran; and my father turned again unto his idolatry, therefore he - continued in Haran. - - 11. But I, Abraham, and Lot, my brother's son, prayed unto the - Lord, and the Lord appeared unto me, and said unto me, arise, and - take Lot with thee, for I have purposed to take thee away out of - Haran, and to make of thee a minister, to bear my name in a strange - land which I will give unto thy seed after thee for an everlasting - possession, when they hearken to my voice, for I am the Lord thy - God; I dwell in heaven, the earth is my footstool; I stretch my - hand over the sea, and it obeys my voice; I cause the wind and the - fire to be my chariot; I say to the mountains depart hence, and - behold they are taken away by a whirlwind, in an instant, suddenly. - My name is Jehovah, and I know the end from the beginning, - therefore, my hand shall be over thee, and I will make of thee a - great nation, and I will bless thee above measure; and make thy - name great among all nations, and thou shalt be a blessing unto thy - seed after thee, that in their hands they shall bear this ministry - and Priesthood unto all nations; and I will bless them through thy - name; for as many as receive this Gospel shall be called after - thy name, and shall be accounted thy seed, and shall rise up and - bless thee, as their father, and I will bless them that bless - thee, and curse them that curse thee, and in thee (that is, in thy - Priesthood), and in thy seed (that is thy Priesthood), for I give - unto thee a promise that this right shall continue in thee, and in - thy seed after thee (that is to say, the {528} literal seed, or the - seed of the body) shall all the families of the earth be blessed, - even with the blessings of the Gospel, which are the blessings of - salvation, even of life eternal. - - 12. Now, after the Lord had withdrawn from speaking to me, and - withdrawn his face from me, I said in my heart, thy servant has - sought thee earnestly, now I have found thee. Thou didst send thine - angel to deliver me from the gods of Elkenah, and I will do well - to hearken unto thy voice, therefore let thy servant rise up and - depart in peace. So I, Abraham, departed as the Lord had said unto - me, and Lot with me, and I, Abraham, was sixty and two years old - when I departed out of Haran. And I took Sarai, whom I took to - wife when I was in Ur in Chaldea, and Lot, my brother's son, and - all our substance that we had gathered, and the souls that we had - won in Haran, and came forth in the way to the land of Canaan, and - dwelt in tents, as we came on our way; therefore, eternity was our - covering, and our rock, and our salvation, as we journeyed from - Haran by the way of Jershon, to come to the land of Canaan. - - 13. Now I, Abraham, built an altar in the land of Jershon, and - made an offering unto the Lord, and prayed that the famine might - be turned away from my father's house, that they might not perish; - and then we passed from Jershon through the land, unto the place - of Sechem. It was situated in the plains of Moreh, and we had - already come into the borders of the land of the Canaanites, and I - offered sacrifice there in the plains of Moreh, and called on the - Lord devoutly, because we had already come into the land of this - idolatrous nation. - - 14. And the Lord appeared unto me in answer to my prayers, and - said unto me, unto thy seed will I give this land. And I, Abraham - arose from the place of the altar which I had built unto the Lord, - and removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Bethel, and - pitched my tent there; Bethel on the west, and Hai on the east; and - there I built another altar unto the Lord, and called again upon - the name of the Lord. - - 15. And I, Abraham, journeyed, going on still towards the south; - and there was a continuation of a famine in the land, and I, - Abraham, concluded to go down into Egypt, to sojourn there, for the - famine became very grievous. And it came to pass when I was come - near to enter into Egypt, the Lord said unto me, behold Sarai, thy - wife, is a very fair woman to look upon, therefore it shall come - to pass, when the Egyptians shall see her they will say, she is - his wife; and they will kill you, but they will save her alive: - therefore, see that ye do on this wise, let her say unto the - Egyptians she is thy sister, and thy soul shall live. And it came - to pass that I, Abraham, told Sarai, my wife, all that the Lord had - said unto me; therefore, say unto them, I pray thee, thou art {529} - my sister, that it may be well with me for thy sake, and my soul - shall live because of thee. - - 16. And I, Abraham, had the Urim and Thummim, which the Lord my - God had given unto me, in Ur of the Chaldees; and I saw the stars, - that they were very great, and that one of them was nearest unto - the throne of God: and there were many great ones which were near - unto it: and the Lord said unto me, these are the governing ones; - and the name of the great one is Kolob, because it is near unto me; - for I am the Lord thy God. I have set this one to govern all those - which belong to the same order as that upon which thou standest. - And the Lord said unto me, by the Urim and Thummim, that Kolob was - after the manner of the Lord, according to its times and seasons - in the revolutions thereof, that one revolution was a day unto the - Lord, after His manner of reckoning, it being one thousand years - according to the time appointed unto that whereon thou standest; - this is the reckoning of the Lord's time, according to the - reckoning of Kolob. - - 17. And the Lord said unto me, the planet which is the lesser - light, lesser than that which is to rule the day, even the night, - is above, or greater than that upon which thou standest in point - of reckoning, for it moveth in order more slow; this is in order, - because it standeth above the earth upon which thou standest, - therefore the reckoning of its time is not so many as to its number - of days, and of months and of years. And the Lord said unto me, Now - Abraham, these two facts exist, behold thine eyes see it; it is - given unto thee to know the times of reckoning, and the set time, - yea, the set time of the earth upon which thou standest, and the - set time of the greater light, which is set to rule the day, and - the set time of the lesser light, which is set to rule the night. - - 18. Now the set time of the lesser light, is a longer time as to - its reckoning than the reckoning of the time of the earth upon - which thou standest; and where these two facts exist, there shall - be another fact above them; that is, there shall be another planet - whose reckoning of time shall be longer still; and thus there shall - be the reckoning of the time of one planet above another, until - thou come nigh unto Kolob, which Kolob is after the reckoning of - the Lord's time; which Kolob is set nigh unto the throne of God, - to govern all those planets which belong to the same order as that - upon which thou standest. And it is given unto thee to know the set - time of all the stars, that are set to give light, until thou come - near unto the throne of God. - - 19. Thus I, Abraham, talked with the Lord face to face, as one man - talketh with another; and He told me of the works which His hands - had made; and He said unto me, My son, my son, (and His hand was - stretched out,) behold, I will show you all these. And He put His - hand upon mine eyes, and I saw those things which His hands had - made, {530} which were many; and they multiplied before mine eyes, - and I could not see the end thereof; and He said unto me this is - Shinehah which is the sun. And He said unto me, Kokob, which is - star. And He said unto me, Olea, which is the moon. And He said - unto me, Kokaubeam, which signifies stars, or all the great lights - which were in the firmament of heaven. And it was in the night time - when the Lord spake these words unto me: I will multiply thee and - thy seed after thee, like unto these; and if thou canst count the - number of sands so shall be the number of thy seeds. - - 20. And the Lord said unto me, Abraham, I show these things unto - thee, before ye go into Egypt, that ye may declare all these words. - If two things exist, and there be one above the other, there shall - be greater things above them; therefore Kolob is the greatest of - all the Kokaubeam that thou hast seen, because it is nearest unto - me; now if there be two things, one above the other, and the moon - be above the earth, then it may be that a planet, or a star may - exist above it, (and there is nothing that the Lord thy God shall - take in His heart to do, but what He will do it;) howbeit that He - made the greater star; as, also, if there be two spirits, and one - shall be more intelligent than the other, yet these two spirits, - notwithstanding one is more intelligent than the other, have no - beginning, they existed before; they shall have no end, they shall - exist after, for they are gnolaum or eternal. - - 21. And the Lord said unto me, these two facts do exist, that there - are two spirits, one being more intelligent than the other, there - shall be another more intelligent than they: I am the Lord thy God, - I am more intelligent than they all. The Lord thy God sent His - angel to deliver thee from the hands of the priest of Elkenah. I - dwell in the midst of them all; I, now, therefore, have come down - unto thee, to deliver unto thee the works which my hands have made, - wherein my wisdom excelleth them all, for I rule in the heavens - above, and in the earth beneath, in all wisdom and prudence, over - all the intelligences thine eyes have seen from the beginning; I - came down in the beginning in the midst of all the intelligences - thou hast seen. - - 22. Now the Lord had shown unto me, Abraham, the intelligences that - were organized before the world was; and among all these there were - many of the noble and great ones, and God saw these souls that they - were good, and He stood in the midst of them, and He said, These I - will make my rulers; for He stood among those that were spirits, - and he saw that they were good; and He said unto me, Abraham, thou - art one of them, thou wast chosen before thou wast born. And there - stood one among them that was like unto God, and he said unto those - who were with Him, We will go down, for there is space there, and - we will take of these materials, and we will make an earth whereon - these may {531} dwell; and we will prove them herewith, to see if - they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command - them; and they who keep their first estate, shall be added upon; - and they who keep not their first estate shall not have glory in - the same kingdom with those who keep their first estate; and they - who keep their second estate, shall have glory added upon their - heads for ever and ever. - - 23. And the Lord said: Whom shall I send? And one answered like - unto the Son of Man: Here am I, send me and another answered and - said: Here am I, send me. And the Lord said: I will send the first. - And the second was angry, and kept not his first estate, and at - that day many followed after him. And then the Lord said: Let us - go down; and they went down at the beginning, and they (that is, - the Gods), organized and formed the heavens and the earth. And the - earth, after it was formed, was empty and desolate; because they - had not formed anything but the earth; and darkness reigned upon - the face of the deep, and the Spirit of the Gods was brooding upon - the face of the waters. - - 24. And they (the Gods), said; Let there be light, and there was - light. And they, the Gods, comprehended the light for it was - bright; and they divided the light, or caused it to be divided from - the darkness, and the Gods called the light day, and the darkness - they called night. And it came to pass that from the evening until - morning they called night; and from the morning until the evening - they called day; and this was the first, or the beginning of that - which they called day and night. - - 25. And the Gods also said: Let there be an expanse in the midst of - the waters and it shall divide the waters from the waters. And the - Gods ordered the expanse, so that it divided the waters which were - under the expanse, from the waters which were above the expanse, - and it was so, even as they ordered. And the Gods called the - expanse heaven. And it came to pass that it was from evening until - morning that they called night; and it came to pass that it was - from morning until evening that they called day; and this was the - second time that they called night and day. - - 26. And the Gods ordered, saying: Let the waters under the heaven - be gathered together unto one place, and let the earth come up dry, - and it was so, as they ordered; and the Gods pronounced the dry - land earth and the gathering together of the waters, pronounced - they great waters: and the Gods saw that they were obeyed. And the - Gods said: Let us prepare the earth to bring forth grass; the herb - yielding seed; the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose - seed in itself yieldeth its own likeness upon the earth; and it - was so, even as they ordered. And the Gods organized the earth to - bring forth grass from its own seed, and the herb to bring forth - herb from its own seed, yielding seed {532} after his kind, and the - earth to bring forth the tree from its own seed, yielding fruit, - whose seed could only bring forth the same, in itself after his - kind; and the Gods saw that they were obeyed. And it came to pass - that they numbered the days: from the evening until the morning - they called night. And it came to pass from the morning until the - evening they called day; and it was the third time. - - 27. And the Gods organized the lights in the expanse of the - heavens, and caused them to divide the day from the night; and - organized them to be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and - for years and organized them to be for lights in the expanse of the - heaven, to give light upon the earth; and it was so. And the Gods - organized the two great lights, the greater light to rule the day, - and the lesser light to rule the night, with the lesser light they - set the stars, also; and the Gods set them in the expanse of the - heavens, to give light upon the earth, and to rule over the day and - over the night, and to cause to divide the light from the darkness. - And the Gods watched those things which they had ordered, until - they obeyed. And it came to pass that it was from evening until - morning that it was night; and it came to pass that it was from - morning until evening that it was day; and it was the fourth time. - - 28. And the Gods said, Let us prepare the waters to bring forth - abundantly the moving creatures that have life; and the fowl that - they may fly above the earth, in the open expanse of heaven, And - the Gods prepared the waters that they might bring forth great - whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters - were to bring forth abundantly after their kind; and every winged - fowl after their kind; and the Gods saw that they would be obeyed, - and that their plan was good. And the Gods said, We will bless them - and cause them to be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in - the seas, or great waters; and cause the fowl to multiply in the - earth. And it came to pass that it was from evening until morning - that they called night; and it came to pass that it was from - morning until evening that they called day; and it was the fifth - time. - - 29. And the Gods prepared the earth to bring forth the living - creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping things, and beasts - of the earth after their kind; and it was so as they had said. And - the Gods organized the earth to bring forth the beasts after their - kind, and cattle after their kind, and everything that creepeth - upon the earth after its kind; and the Gods saw they would obey. - And the Gods took counsel among themselves, and said: Let us go - down, and form man in our image, after our likeness, and we will - give them dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of - the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over - every creeping thing, that creepeth upon the earth. So the Gods - went down {533} to organize man in their own image, in the image - of the Gods, to form they him male and female, to form they them; - and the Gods said We will bless them. And the Gods said, We will - cause them to be fruitful, and multiply and replenish the earth, - and subdue it, and to have dominion over the fish of the sea, and - over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth - upon the earth. And the Gods said, Behold, we will give them every - herb bearing seed that shall come upon the face of all the earth, - and every tree which shall have fruit upon it, yea the fruit of - the tree, yielding seed to them we will give it, it shall be for - their meat; and to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of - the air, and to everything that creepeth upon the earth, behold we - will give them life, and also we will give to them every green herb - for meat, and all these things shall be thus organized. And the - Gods said, We will do everything that we have said, and organize - them; and behold, they shall be very obedient. And it came to pass - that it was from evening until morning that they called night; and - it came to pass that it was from morning until evening that they - called day, and they numbered the sixth time. - - 30. And thus we will finish the heavens and the earth, and all the - hosts of them. And the Gods said among themselves, On the seventh - time, we will end our work, which we have counseled; and we will - rest on the seventh time from all our work which we have counseled. - And the Gods concluded upon the seventh time, because that on the - seventh time they would rest from all their works, which they, the - Gods, counseled among themselves to form, and sanctified it. And - thus were their decisions, at the time that they counseled among - themselves to form the heavens and the earth. And the Gods came - down and formed these, the generations of the heavens and of the - earth, when they were formed, in the day that the Gods formed the - earth and the heavens, according to all that which they had said, - concerning every plant of the field, before it was in the earth, - and every herb of the field, before it grew; for the Gods had not - caused it to rain upon the earth, when they counseled to do them; - and had not formed a man to till the ground; but there went up a - mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground. - And the Gods formed man from the dust of the ground, and took his - spirit, that is the man's spirit, and put it into him, and breathed - into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul. - - 31. And the Gods planted a garden, eastward in Eden, and there they - put the man, whose spirit they had put into the body, which they - had formed. And out of the ground made the Gods to grow every tree - that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life - also, in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good - {534} and evil. There was a river running out of Eden, to water the - garden, and from thence it was parted and became into four heads. - And the Gods took the man and put him in the garden of Eden, to - dress it and to keep it; and the Gods commanded the man, saying: Of - every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat, but of the tree - of knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it; for in - the time that thou eatest thereof, thou shalt surely die. Now I, - Abraham, saw that it was after the Lord's time, which was after the - time of Kolob; for as yet, the Gods had not appointed unto Adam his - reckoning. - - 32. And the Gods said, Let us make an helpmeet for the man, for it - is not good that the man should be alone, therefore we will form - an helpmeet for him. And the Gods caused a deep sleep to fall upon - Adam; and he slept, and they took one of his ribs, and closed up - the flesh in the stead thereof, and of the rib which the Gods had - taken from man, formed they a woman, and brought her unto the man. - And Adam said this was bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh, - now she shall be called woman, because she was taken out of man; - therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother and shall - cleave unto his wife, and they shall be one flesh. And they were - both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed. And out of - the ground the Gods formed every beast of the field, and every fowl - of the air, and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call - them, and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that should - be the name thereof. And Adam gave names to all cattle, to the fowl - of the air, to every beast of the field; and for Adam, there was - found an helpmeet for him. - -Footnotes: - -1. For an account of how the Prophet came into possession of the Book -of Abraham see this History Vol. II, pp. 235, 6, 8; also 286, and more -especially pp. 349-50, and _note_ p. 350. - -2. The Book of Abraham was first published in the _Times and Seasons_ -in two numbers, Vol. III, Nos. 9 and 10, March 1 and March 15, 1842, -respectively. In this form it was copied into the Prophet's history -with the several historical items which occurred between the dates of -the publication of the two parts, and in this form is found in the -_Millennial Star_, Vol. XIX, pp. 100-103 and 164-168; but it is now -thought proper to publish the Book of Abraham entire without dividing -it into two articles, as in the above named periodicals. - -It is important to note also that the Book of Abraham was published in -the _Times and Seasons_ when the Prophet was responsible editor of the -periodical (he announces his editorial responsibility in No. 9 of Vol. -III, p. 710). Attention is called to this fact, in passing, because it -is contended on the part of some, that the doctrine of the plurality -of divine personages, as now understood by the Church, was not a -doctrine taught by Joseph Smith; whereas it is a doctrine of the Book -of Abraham, as will be seen by reference to it, published by him in a -periodical of which he was the responsible editor; and, moreover, the -Book of Abraham was often referred to by the Prophet in approving terms. - -{535} - - - -CHAPTER XXXI. - -The Wentworth Letter. [1] - -_March 1, 1842_.--At the request of Mr. John Wentworth, Editor and -Proprietor of the _Chicago Democrat_, I have written the following -sketch of the rise, progress, persecution, and faith of the Latter-day -Saints, of which I have the honor, under God, of being the founder. Mr. -Wentworth says that he wishes to furnish Mr. Bastow, a friend of his, -who is writing the history of New Hampshire, with this document. As Mr. -Bastow has {536} taken the proper steps to obtain correct information, -all that I shall ask at his hands, is, that he publish the account -entire, ungarnished, and without misrepresentation. - - I was born in the town of Sharon, Windsor County, Vermont, on - the 23rd of December, A. D. 1805. When ten years old, my parents - removed to Palmyra, New York, where we resided about four years, - and from thence we removed to the town of Manchester. My father was - a farmer and taught me the art of husbandry. When about fourteen - years of age, I began to reflect upon the importance of being - prepared for a future state, and upon inquiring [about] the plan - of salvation, I find that there was a great clash in religious - sentiment; if I went to one society they referred me to one plan, - and another to another; each one pointing to his own particular - creed as the _summum bonum_ of perfection. Considering that all - could not be right, and that God could not be the author of so much - confusion, I determined to investigate the subject more fully, - believing that if God had a Church it would not be split up into - factions, and that if He taught one society to worship one way, and - administer in one set of ordinances, He would not teach another, - principles which were diametrically opposed. - - Believing the word of God, I had confidence in the declaration of - James--"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth - to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given - him." I retired to a secret place in a grove, and began to call - upon the Lord; while fervently engaged in supplication, my mind was - taken away from the objects with which I was surrounded, and I was - enwrapped in a heavenly vision, and saw two glorious personages, - who exactly resembled each other in features and likeness, - surrounded with a brilliant light which eclipsed the sun at noon - day. They told me that all religious denominations were believing - in incorrect doctrines, and that none of them was acknowledged of - God as His Church and kingdom: and was expressly commanded "to go - not after them," at the same time receiving a promise that the - fullness of the Gospel should at some future time be made known - unto me. - - On the evening on the 21st of September, A. D. 1823, while I was - praying unto God, and endeavoring to exercise faith in the precious - promises of Scripture, on a sudden a light like that of day, only - of a far purer and more glorious appearance and brightness, burst - into the room, indeed the first sight was as though the house was - filled with consuming fire; the appearance produced a shock that - affected the whole body; in a moment a personage stood before me - surrounded with a glory yet greater than that with which I was - already surrounded. This messenger {537} proclaimed himself to be - an angel of God, sent to bring the joyful tidings that the covenant - which God made with ancient Israel was at hand to be fulfilled, - that the preparatory work for the second coming of the Messiah was - speedily to commence; that the time was at hand for the Gospel in - all its fullness to be preached in power, unto all nations that a - people might be prepared for the Millennial reign. I was informed - that I was chosen to be an instrument in the hands of God to bring - about some of His purposes in this glorious dispensation. - - I was also informed concerning the aboriginal inhabitants of this - country and shown who they were, and from whence they came; a brief - sketch of their origin, progress, civilization, laws, governments, - of their righteousness and iniquity, and the blessings of God being - finally withdrawn from them as a people, was made known unto me; - I was also told where were deposited some plates on which were - engraven an abridgment of the records of the ancient Prophets that - had existed on this continent. The angel appeared to me three times - the same night and unfolded the same things. After having received - many visits from the angels of God unfolding the majesty and glory - of the events that should transpire in the last days, on the - morning of the 22nd of September, A. D. 1827, the angel of the Lord - delivered the records into my hands. - - These records were engraven on plates which had the appearance of - gold, each plate was six inches wide and eight inches long, and not - quite so thick as common tin. They were filled with engravings, - in Egyptian characters, and bound together in a volume as the - leaves of a book, with three rings running through the whole. - The volume was something near six inches in thickness, a part of - which was sealed. The characters on the unsealed part were small, - and beautifully engraved. The whole book exhibited many marks - of antiquity in its construction, and much skill in the art of - engraving. With the records was found a curious instrument, which - the ancients called "Urim and Thummim," which consisted of two - transparent stones set in the rim of a bow fastened to a breast - plate. Through the medium of the Urim and Thummim I translated the - record by the gift and power of God. - - In this important and interesting book the history of ancient - America is unfolded, from its first settlement by a colony that - came from the Tower of Babel, at the confusion of languages to - the beginning of the fifth century of the Christian Era. We are - informed by these records that America in ancient times has been - inhabited by two distinct races of people. The first were called - Jaredites, and came directly from the Tower of Babel. The second - race came directly from the city of Jerusalem, about six hundred - years before Christ. They were principally Israelites, of the - descendants of Joseph. The Jaredites were destroyed about the time - that the Israelites came from Jerusalem, who succeeded {538} them - in the inheritance of the country. The principal nation of the - second race fell in battle towards the close of the fourth century. - The remnant are the Indians that now inhabit this country. This - book also tells us that our Savior made His appearance upon this - continent after His resurrection; that He planted the Gospel here - in all its fulness, and richness, and power, and blessing; that - they had Apostles, Prophets, Pastors, Teachers, and Evangelists; - the same order, the same priesthood, the same ordinances, - gifts, powers, and blessings, as were enjoyed on the eastern - continent, that the people were cut off in consequence of their - transgressions, that the last of their prophets who existed among - them was commanded to write an abridgment of their prophecies, - history, &c, and to hide it up in the earth, and that it should - come forth and be united with the Bible for the accomplishment of - the purposes of God in the last days. For a more particular account - I would refer to the Book of Mormon, which can be purchased at - Nauvoo, or from any of our Traveling Elders. - - As soon as the news of this discovery was made known, false - reports, misrepresentation and slander flew, as on the wings of - the wind, in every direction; the house was frequently beset by - mobs and evil designing persons. Several times I was shot at, and - very narrowly escaped, and every device was made use of to get the - plates away from me; but the power and blessing of God attended me, - and several began to believe my testimony. - - On the 6th of April, 1830, the "Church of Jesus Christ of - Latter-day Saints" was first organized in the town of Fayette, - Seneca county, state of New York. Some few were called and - ordained by the Spirit of revelation and prophecy, and began to - preach as the Spirit gave them utterance, and though weak, yet - were they strengthened by the power of God, and many were brought - to repentance, were immersed in the water, and were filled with - the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands. They saw visions and - prophesied, devils were cast out, and the sick healed by the laying - on of hands. From that time the work rolled forth with astonishing - rapidity, and churches were soon formed in the states of New York, - Pennsylvania Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri; in the last - named state a considerable settlement was formed in Jackson county: - numbers joined the Church and we were increasing rapidly; we made - large purchases of land, our farms teemed with plenty, and peace - and happiness were enjoyed in our domestic circle, and throughout - our neighborhood; but as we could not associate with our neighbors - (who were, many of them, of the basest of men, and had fled from - the face of civilized society, to the frontier country to escape - the hand of justice,) in their midnight revels, their Sabbath - breaking, horse racing and gambling; they commenced at first to - ridicule, then to persecute, {539} and finally an organized mob - assembled and burned our houses, tarred and feathered and whipped - many of our brethren, and finally, contrary to law, justice and - humanity, drove them from their habitations; who, houseless and - homeless, had to wander on the bleak prairies till the children - left the tracks of their blood on the prairie. This took place - in the month of November, and they had no other covering but the - canopy of heaven, in this inclement season of the year; this - proceeding was winked at by the government, and although we had - warrantee deeds for our land, and had violated no law, we could - obtain no redress. - - There were many sick, who were thus inhumanly driven from their - houses, and had to endure all this abuse and to seek homes - where they could be found. The result was, that a great many of - them being deprived of the comforts of life, and the necessary - attendances, died; many children were left orphans, wives, widows - and husbands, widowers; our farms were taken possession of by the - mob, many thousands of cattle, sheep, horses and hogs were taken, - and our household goods, store goods, and printing press and type - were broken, taken, or otherwise destroyed. - - Many of our brethren removed to Clay county, where they continued - until 1836, three years; there was no violence offered, but there - were threatenings of violence. But in the summer of 1836 these - threatenings began to assume a more serious form, from threats, - public meetings were called, resolutions were passed, vengeance and - destruction were threatened, and affairs again assumed a fearful - attitude, Jackson county was a sufficient precedent, and as the - authorities in that county did not interfere they boasted that they - would not in this; which on application to the authorities we found - to be too true, and after much privation and loss of property, we - were again driven from our homes. - - We next settled in Caldwell and Daviess counties, where we made - large and extensive settlements, thinking to free ourselves from - the power of oppression, by settling in new counties, with very - few inhabitants in them; but here we were not allowed to live in - peace, but in 1838 we were again attacked by mobs, an exterminating - order was issued by Governor Boggs, and under the sanction of - law, an organized banditti ranged through the country, robbed us - of our cattle, sheep, hogs, &c., many of our people were murdered - in cold blood, the chastity of our women was violated, and we - were forced to sign away our property at the point of the sword; - and after enduring every indignity that could be heaped upon us - by an inhuman, ungodly band of marauders, from twelve to fifteen - thousand souls, men, women, and children were driven from their - own firesides, and from lands to which they had warrantee deeds, - houseless, friendless, and homeless (in the depths of winter) to - wander as exiles on the earth, or to seek an asylum in a more {540} - genial clime, and among a less barbarous people. Many sickened and - died in consequence of the cold and hardships they had to endure; - many wives were left widows, and children, orphans, and destitute. - It would take more time than is allotted me here to describe the - injustice, the wrongs, the murders the bloodshed, the theft, misery - and woe that have been caused by the barbarous, inhuman, and - lawless proceedings of the state of Missouri. - - In the situation before alluded to, we arrived in the state of - Illinois in 1839, where we found a hospitable people and a friendly - home; a people who were willing to be governed by the principles - of law and humanity. We have commenced to build a city called - "Nauvoo," in Hancock county. We number from six to eight thousand - here, besides vast numbers in the county around, and in almost - every county of the state. We have a city charter granted us, - and charter for a Legion, the troops of which now number 1,500. - We have also a charter for a University, for an Agricultural and - Manufacturing Society, have our own laws and administrators, and - possess all the privileges that other free and enlightened citizens - enjoy. - - Persecution has not stopped the progress of truth, but has only - added fuel to the flame, it has spread with increasing rapidity. - Proud of the cause which they have espoused, and conscious of our - innocence, and of the truth of their system, amidst calumny and - reproach, have the Elders of this Church gone forth, and planted - the Gospel in almost every state in the Union; it has penetrated - our cities, it has spread over our villages, and has caused - thousands of our intelligent, noble, and patriotic citizens to - obey its divine mandates, and be governed by its sacred truths. It - has also spread into England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, where, - in the year 1840, a few of our missionaries were sent, and over - five thousand joined the Standard of Truth; there are numbers now - joining in every land. - - Our missionaries are going forth to different nations, and in - Germany, Palestine, New Holland, Australia, the East Indies, and - other places, the Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed - hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, - mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the - truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it - has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every - country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall - be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done. - - We believe in God the eternal Father, and in His Son Jesus Christ, - and in the Holy Ghost. - - We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not - for Adam's transgression. - - {541} We believe that through the atonement of Christ all mankind - may be saved by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel. - - We believe that the first principle and ordinances of the Gospel - are: (1) Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; (2) Repentance; (3) - Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; (4) Laying on of - hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. - - We believe that a man must be called of God by prophecy and by - the laying on hands, by those who are in authority, to preach the - Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof. - - We believe in the same organization that existed in the primitive - Church, viz.: apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, - etc. - - We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, - healing, interpretation of tongues, etc. - - We believe the Bible to be the word of God, as far as it is - translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the - word of God. - - We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, - and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important - things pertaining to the kingdom of God. - - We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the - restoration of the Ten Tribes: that Zion will be built upon this - [the American] continent; that Christ will reign personally upon - the earth; and that the earth will be renewed and receive its - paradisiacal glory. - - We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to - the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same - privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may. - - We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers and - magistrates, in obeying honoring and sustaining the law. - - We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, - and in doing good to _all men_; indeed we may say that we follow - the admonition of Paul, "We believe all thing, we hope all things, - we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all - things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report, - or praiseworthy, we seek after these things." - - Respectfully, &c., - - Joseph Smith. - -Footnotes: - -1. The "Wentworth Letter" is one of the choicest documents in our -Church literature; as also it is the earliest published document by the -Prophet making any pretension to consecutive narrative of those events -in which the great latter-day work had its origin. It was published in -number 9 of Volume III of the "Times and Seasons," March 1st, 1841; -while the publication of that more pretentious History of the Church -under the title "History of Joseph Smith," of which these volumes are -but a reproduction, was not commenced until number 10, Volume III, of -the "Times and Seasons," March 15th, 1841. Introducing this "History -of Joseph Smith," in the "Times and Seasons" (Vol. III, p. 726) is -the following note referring to the Wentworth Letter and the more -pretentious "History." - -"In the last number I gave a brief history of the rise and progress -of the Church, I now enter more particularly into that history, and -extract from my journal." - -Referring again to this Wentworth Letter, I may say that for combining -conciseness of statement with comprehensiveness of treatment of the -subject with which it deals, it has few equals among historical -documents, and certainly none that excel it in our Church literature. -In it one has in a few pages (less than six of these pages) a -remarkably full history of the leading events in the Church, and -an epitome of her doctrines, from the beginning (the birth of the -Prophet, 1805) up to the date of publication, March, 1841, a period of -thirty-six years. The epitome of the doctrines of the Church, since -called "The Articles of Faith," and published by millions, has been -carried to all the nations of the earth and tribes of men where the -gospel has been preached. These Articles of Faith were not produced -by the labored efforts and harmonized contentions of scholastics, but -were struck off by one inspired mind at a single effort to make a -declaration of that which is most assuredly believed by the Church, for -one making earnest inquiry about the truth. The combined directness, -perspicuity, simplicity and comprehensiveness of this statement of the -principles of our religion may be relied upon as strong evidence of a -divine inspiration resting upon the Prophet, Joseph Smith. - -{542} - - - -CHAPTER XXXII. - -The Bennett-Dyer Correspondence--The Prophet's Discourse on the Subject -of the Resurrection, and the Salvation of Children--Epistle of the -Twelve to the Saints in England Concerning Their Emigration to America. - -[Sidenote: Tax Controversy.] - -_Wednesday, March 2_.--I read the proof of the _Times and Seasons_, -as editor for the first time, No. 9, Vol. III, in which is the -commencement of the Book of Abraham; [1] paid taxes to Mr. Bagby, in -the general business office for county and state purposes, but refused -to pay the taxes in the city and town of Commerce, as the demand was -illegal, there being no such place known in law, the city and town of -Commerce having been included in the city plat of Nauvoo, but continued -by our enemies on the tax list for the purpose of getting more money -from the Saints; I commenced a settlement with Gilbert Granger on the -estate [Kirtland] of his father, Oliver Granger; and continued in my -office till nine in the evening, having received a visit from General -Dudley of Connecticut. - -_Thursday, 3_.--I attended council in the general business office (over -the store) at nine o'clock a. m. - -[Sidenote: Attempted Settlement with Gilbert Granger.] - -In the afternoon, continued the settlement with Gilbert Granger, but -finally failed to effect anything, except to get Newel's note. [2] -Granger refused to give up the papers to me, which he had received -of his father, the same being Church property, although I presented -him deeds, {543} mortgages and paper to the amount of some thousands -against his father, more than he had against the Church. - -I also wrote Hiram Barney, Esq., of New York, in reply to his letter -of the 24th of January, offering him one hundred dollars per acre, for -his twenty acres of land in this city, lying somewhere between the -Hotchkiss purchase on the north, and Galland's purchase on the south, -or to take an agency to sell the same. - -[Sidenote: Book of Abraham Fac-simile.] - -_Friday, 4_.--At my office exhibiting the Book of Abraham in the -original to Brother Reuben Hedlock, so that he might take the size of -the several plates or cuts, and prepare the blocks for the _Times and -Seasons_; and also gave instruction concerning the arrangement of the -writing on the large cut, [3] illustrating the principles of astronomy, -with other general business. - -Attended city council, and moved "that when property is sold at -sheriff's, marshal's or constable's sale under ordinance of this city, -the persons having their property sold shall have the privilege of -redeeming the same, by paying the principal and fifteen per cent on -principal, with cost and charges, within thirty days after sale." - -_Saturday, 5_.--Attended the city council, and spoke at considerable -length on the powers and privileges of our city charter; among -other business of importance, the office of registrar of deeds was -established in the city of Nauvoo, and I was chosen registrar by the -city council. - -_Sunday 6_.--I preached at Elder Orson Spencer's near the Temple. - -_Monday, 7_.--At the general business office. Peter Melling, the -Patriarch from England, brought to the office cash $13.47 1/2, and -clothing $65 from Parley P. Pratt and Amos Fielding, of England; I -transacted much general business and wrote the mayor as follows: - - {544} _Letter of the Prophet to John C. Bennett--on Bennett's - Correspondence Anent Slavery_. - - Editor's Office, Nauvoo, Illinois, March 7, 1842. - - _General Bennett_: - - Respected Brother:--I have just been perusing your correspondence - with Doctor Dyer, on the subject of American slavery, and the - students of the Quincy Mission Institute, and it makes my blood - boil within me to reflect upon the injustice, cruelty, and - oppression of the rulers of the people. When will these things - cease to be, and the Constitution and the laws again bear rule? I - fear for my beloved country--mob violence, injustice and cruelty - appear to be the darling attributes of Missouri, and no man taketh - it to heart! _O tempora! O mores_! What think you should be done? - - Your friend, - - Joseph Smith. - - _Correspondence between Dr. C. V. Dyer and General J. C. Bennett_. - [4] - - Chicago, January 3, 1842. - - Dear Sir:--I am not sure that I am not indebted to you for your - last letter, not having answered it, as I remember. But as I - have been very sick during the long interval of my silence, you - will readily excuse any apparent neglect on my part. I thank you - for your paper sent me, the _Times and Seasons_, and have got - much information from it, and since that, from other sources, in - relation to the outrages committed upon the Latter-day Saints by - the authorities as well as the people of the state of Missouri; - and my blood boiled with indignation to see the whole Christian - world--and the whole political world, too, look tamely on, and - never raise a warning voice--a voice of expostulation, nor even - giving the facts in the case! O what outrages will not be allowed - or winked at by those in authority, and the people generally, if - they happen to be inflicted upon those who bear an {545} unpopular - name, espouse an unpopular cause, and are poor and obscure! It - seems as if we had again fallen upon the middle ages, when the - privileged classes could pour out their sympathies by the hour, - and the very circumstantial and minute details of the loss of - the life, or any other serious evil that befell one of their own - number; but they could write [of] of hear without emotion, and - even with satisfaction and joy, the history of the massacre of a - thousand defenseless women and children, if they belonged to the - common sort of people. Just read, for example, Madame de Sevigne's - account in a letter to her daughter, dated "Aux Rochers," 30 - Oct., 1675, in the second volume of De Toquerville's Democracy in - America. What, my dear sir, do you think of the treatment which the - subject of American slavery receives at the hands of the American - press--amongst the people generally, and especially in the halls - of Congress? What think you of the sentencing of three men from - the Quincy Mission Institute in this state, a short time since, - to twelve years confinement in the penitentiary of Missouri, for - no crime at all, or only such as God would regard as a virtue? - Please look into this matter, and see if you cannot join with the - benevolent and fearless, and call the attention of the nation or - the state, to these outrages of Missouri, I send you a paper, and - mark one of the pieces for your perusal. Read it. I do not know - whether you have examined the whole subject of American slavery; - but if you have not, I beseech you to do so, and let me hear from - you. Is it not sin? Yes. Then is it not right to repent of it? Yes. - When? God allows not a moment. Is not repentance and abandonment - of sin safe, so long as God commands, and stands ready to look - after the consequences? Certainly so. Well, can any court, either - state or national, rob me of liberty for twelve years (even against - their own state laws), for acting precisely in accordance with the - letter and spirit of the Constitution of the United States, and the - precepts of Jesus Christ? Is it to be submitted to tamely, that - three men shall be immured in a dungeon for twelve years, torn from - their families and friends, and from society and usefulness, for - barely teaching a fellow being how to go to a place where he may - learn the sciences--have his own wages, aye, and his own person? - Let me hear from you. Have we not a right to sympathize with each - other? - - I am, very sincerely, your friend and obedient servant, - - Charles V. Dyer. - - _Gen. John C. Bennett_. - - Nauvoo, Hancock county, Illinois. - - Nauvoo, Ill., January 20th, A. D. 1842. - - Dear Sir:--Yours of the 3rd inst., accompanied by the _Genius - of Liberty_, containing the address of Alvin Stewart, Esq., is - before me, {546} and I seize upon this, the first, opportunity to - reply. You refer me to Madame de Sevigne's letter to her daughter, - dated "Aux Rochers," 30th Oct., A. D. 1675, in the second volume - of De Toquerville's Democracy in America; and ask me to examine - the subject of American slavery. I have done so: I gave it a full - and fair investigation years ago--I swore in my youth that my - hands should never be bound nor my feet fettered, nor my tongue - palsied--I am the friend of liberty, "Universal liberty," both - civil and religious. I ever detested servile bondage. I wish to see - the shackles fall from the feet of the oppressed, and the chains of - slavery broken. I hate the oppressor's grasp, and the tyrant's rod; - against them I set my brows like brass, and my face like steel; and - my arm is nerved for the conflict. Let the sons of thunder speak, - achieve victories before the cannon's mouth, and beard the lion in - his den; till then the cry of the oppressed will not be heard; till - then the wicked will not cease to trouble, nor the weary bondman be - at rest. Great God, has it come to this--that the free citizens of - the sovereign state of Illinois can be taken and immured within the - walls of a Missouri penitentiary for twelve long years, for such a - crime as God would regard as a virtue! simply for pointing bondsmen - to a state of liberty and law! and no man take it to heart? Never, - no never, no never! Let the friends of freedom arise and utter - their voice, like the voice of ten thousand thunders--let them take - every constitutional means to procure a redress of grievances--let - there be a concerted effort, and the victory is ours. Let the broad - banners of freedom be unfurled, and soon the prison doors will be - opened, the captive set at liberty, and the oppressed go free. - Missouri will then remember the unoffending Mormons in the days - of their captivity and bondage--when murder and rapine were her - darling attribute,--why, my heart is filled with indignation, and - my blood boils within me, when I contemplate the vast injustice and - cruelty which Missouri has meted out to that great philanthropist - and devout Christian, General Joseph Smith, and his honest and - faithful adherents--the Latter-day Saints, or Mormons; but the - time has passed, and God will avenge their wrongs in His own good - time. Dr. Dyer, put your hand upon your heart, and remember Zion. - Just investigate the wrongs which our people have suffered in their - unprecedented privations, the confiscation of their property, and - the murder of their friends--the persecutions of the Waldenses in - former ages were not to be compared to it, and history affords - not a parallel. Now let us make a strong, concerted, and vigorous - effort, for Universal Liberty, to every soul of man--civil, - religious and political. With high considerations of respect and - esteem, suffer me to subscribe myself, - - Yours respectfully, - - _Charles V. Dyer, M. D_. John C. Bennett. - - {547} P. S. Gen. Smith informs me that there are white slaves in - Missouri [5] (Mormons) in as abject servitude as the blacks, and - we have, as yet, no means of redress! God grant that the day of - righteous retribution may not be procrastinated. - - J. C. B. - - _Letter of John C. Bennett to Joseph Smith--Anent the Dyer-Bennett - Correspondence_. [6] - - Mayor's Office, City of Nauvoo, Illinois, - - March 8, A. D., 1842. - - _Esteemed Friend_: - - Yours of the 7th inst. has been received, and I proceed to reply, - without undue emotion or perturbation. You ask, "When will these - things cease to be, and the Constitution and the laws again - bear rule?" I reply--once that noble bird of Jove, our grand - national emblem, soared aloft, bearing in her proud beak the - words "Liberty and Law," and that man that had the temerity to - ruffle her feathers, was made to feel the power of her talons; but - a wily archer came, and with his venomed arrow dipped in Upas' - richest sap, shot the flowing label from the eagle's bill--it - fell inverted, and the bird was sick, and is--the label soon was - trampled in the dust--the eagle bound and caged. The picture is - now before you in bold relief. What think you should be done? The - master spirits of the age must rise and break the cage, restore - the label, unbind the bird, and let her tower unfettered in the - air--then will the nation have repose, and the present minions of - power hide their faces in the dust. Many of Missouri's noble sons - detest her acts of cruelty and crime, and gladly would they wipe - them from the escutcheon of her fame, and will; yes they will lend - a helping hand--and all must help, for the time is at hand--and if - man, rebellious, cowardly, faltering man, will not do the work, - the thunderings of Sinai will wind up the scene--the blood of the - murdered Mormons cries aloud for help, and the restoration of the - inheritances of the Saints; and God has {548} heard the cry--and - the moral battle must be fought, and the victory won, he who - answers by fire will cause sword and flame to do their office, - and again make the Constitution and the laws paramount to every - other consideration--and I swear by the Lord God of Israel, that - the sword shall not depart from my thigh, nor the buckler from my - arm, until the trust is consummated, and the hydra-headed, fiery - dragon slain. This done the proud southron will no longer boast of - ill-gotten gain, or wash his hands in the blood of the innocent, or - immure the freemen of the prairie State within Missouri's sullied, - poisoned, deathly prison walls. Let us always take refuge under the - broad folds of the Constitution and the laws, and fear no danger, - for the day of vengeance will assuredly come when the Omnipotent - hand of the Great God will effect the restitution of the trophies - of the brigand victories of Missouri, and again place the Saints on - high. - - Yours respectfully, - - John C. Bennett. - - _General Joseph Smith_. - -_Tuesday, 8_.--Recommenced translating from the Records of Abraham for -the tenth number of the _Times and Seasons_, and was engaged at my -office day and evening. - -_Wednesday, 9_.--Examining copy for the _Times and Seasons_, presented -by Messrs. Taylor and Bennett, and a variety of other business in my -office, in the morning; in the afternoon continued the translation of -the Book of Abraham, called at Bishop Knight's and Mr. Davis', with the -recorder, and continued translating and revising, and reading letters -in the evening, Sister Emma being present in the office. - -I also wrote Edward Hunter, as follows-- - - _Letter of the Prophet to Edward Hunter--Business Transactions_. - - Dear Sir:--I yesterday had the pleasure of receiving your letter of - February 10. Am much pleased that you have effected a sale, and are - so soon to be with us, &c. - - I have purchased the lands you desired, and will use my influence - to have the improvements made which you wish. Brother Weiler - received your letter and says he will do what he can to have all - done. - - The eight hundred dollars for the Temple and Nauvoo House, I wish - you to bring in goods, for which I will give you stock and credit - as soon as received. - - I wish you to invest as much money as you possibly can in goods, to - {549} bring here, and I will purchase them of you when you come, if - we can agree on terms; or you can have my new brick store to rent. - I wish the business kept up by some one in the building, as it is - a very fine house, and cost me a handsome amount to build it. Some - eight or ten thousand dollars worth of goods would be an advantage - to this place; therefore, if you or some of the brethren, would - bring them on, I have no doubt but that I can arrange for them in - some way to your or their advantage. - - As to money matters here, the State Bank is down, and we cannot - tell you what bank would be safe a month hence. I would say that - gold and silver is the only safe money a man can keep these times, - you can sell specie here for more premium than you have to give; - therefore there would be no loss and it would be safe. The bank you - deposit in might fail before you had time to draw out again. - - I am now very busily engaged in translating, and therefore cannot - give as much time to public matters as I could wish, but will - nevertheless do what I can to forward your affairs. I will send you - a memorandum of such goods as will suit this market. - - Yours affectionately, - - Joseph Smith. - -_Thursday, 10_.--Gave instructions concerning a deed to Stephen -Markham, Shadrack Roundy, and Hiram Clark, and letter of attorney from -Miss Smith to Edward Hunter, and did a great variety of business; rode -out; and in the evening attended trial at Brother Hyrum's office, the -City of Nauvoo _versus_ Amos Davis, for indecent and abusive language -about me while at Mr. Davis' the day previous. The charges were clearly -substantiated by the testimony of Dr. Foster, Mr. and Mrs. Hibbard, and -others. Mr. Davis was found guilty by the jury, and by the municipal -court, bound over to keep the peace six months, under $100 bond; after -which I retired to the printing office with Emma, and supped with the -Twelve and their wives, who were spending the evening with Sister Hyde. - -_Friday, 11_. - - _Extract from the Legion Minutes_. - - The Nauvoo Legion was on parade, commanded by Lieutenant-General - Joseph Smith in person. Several of the Twelve Apostles rode in - {550} the general staff as Chaplains. The line was formed at ten - o'clock, a. m., and soon the Legion marched from their usual place - of parade, below the Temple, to Water-street, in front of General - Smith's house, where the troops were inspected, and after a recess - marched west on the bank of the river, and taking a circuitous - route, resumed their usual post on the parade ground, and closed - the day in good order and with good feelings, and to the full - satisfaction of the Commander-in-Chief. - - _Extract of High Council Minutes_. - - In the evening President Smith attended the trial of Elder Francis - Gladden Bishop, at his (the president's) house. Elder Bishop - appeared before the High Council of Nauvoo on complaint of having - received, written, and published or taught certain "revelations" - and doctrines not consistent with the Doctrine and Covenants of the - Church. Mr. Bishop refusing to present the written "revelation" the - Mayor, (John C. Bennett) issued his warrant and brought them before - the council, when parts of the same were read by Mr. Bishop himself - to council, the whole mass of which appeared to be the extreme of - folly, nonsense, absurdity, falsehood and bombastic egotism--so - much so as to keep the Saints laughing, when not overcome by sorrow - and shame. President Joseph explained the nature of the case and - gave a very clear elucidation of the tendency of such prophets and - prophesyings, and gave Mr. Bishop over to the buffetings of Satan - until he shall learn wisdom. After a few appropriate observations - from Patriarch Hyrum and some of the council, the council voted - unanimously that Francis Gladden Bishop be removed from the - fellowship of the Church; President Joseph having previously - committed the "revelation" above referred to, to the flames. - -_Saturday, 12_.--I presided over a court-martial of the officers of -the Nauvoo Legion at my own house, for the purpose of deciding upon -the rank and station of the several officers, and the more perfect -organization of the Legion. - -_Sunday, 13_.--I was with my family. - -_Monday, 14_.--Transacted a great variety of business at the office. - -_Tuesday, 15_.--I officiated as grand chaplain at the installation of -the Nauvoo Lodge of Free Masons, at the Grove near the Temple. Grand -Master Jonas, of Columbus, being present, a large number of people -assembled {551} on the occasion. The day was exceedingly fine; all -things were done in order, and universal satisfaction was manifested. -In the evening I received the first degree in Free Masonry in the -Nauvoo Lodge, assembled in my general business office. - -Some time previous to this [March 15th] Sister Elizabeth Morgan died at -London without medical aid, after calling for the Elders, &c., which -created much excitement, and a coroner's inquest was called by Mr. -Baker, who brought in a verdict of "natural death." - - _The Prophet Becomes Editor of the Times and Seasons_. - - This paper commences my editorial career: I alone stand responsible - for it, and shall do for all papers [i. e. Nos. of the _Times and - Seasons_,] having my signature henceforward. I am not responsible - for the publication or arrangement of the former paper; the matter - did not come under my supervision. - - Joseph Smith. - -We extract the following from the New York _Tribune_: - - _Honor Among Thieves_. - - "The paymaster of the Missouri Militia, called out to put down the - Mormons some two years since, was supplied with money some time - since, and started for Western Missouri, but has not yet arrived - there. It is feared he has taken the Saline slope." - - We are not surprised that persons who could wantonly, barbarously, - and without shadow of law, drive fifteen thousand men, women and - children from their homes, should have among them a man who was so - lost to every sense of justice, as to run away with the wages for - this infamous deed; it is not very difficult for men who can blow - out the brains of children; who can shoot down and hew to pieces - our ancient veterans who fought in defense of our country, and - delivered it from the oppressor's grasp; who could deliberately and - in cold blood, murder men and rob them of their boots, watches, - &c., and whilst their victims were yet weltering in their blood, - and grappling with death, proceed to rob the widows' houses. Men - who can deliberately do this, and steal nearly all the horses, - cattle, sheep, hogs, and property of a whole community, and drive - them from their homes _en masse_, in an {552} inclement season of - the year, will not find many qualms of conscience in stealing the - pay of his brother thieves, and taking the "Saline slope." The very - idea of Government paying these men for their bloody deeds, must - cause the sons of liberty to blush, and to hang their harps upon - the willow, and make the blood of every patriot run chill. - - The proceedings of that state have been so barbarous and inhuman - that our indignation is aroused when we reflect upon the scene. We - are here reminded of one of the patriotic deeds of the government - of that state, who after they had robbed us of everything we had in - the world, and taken from us many hundred thousand dollars' worth - of property, had their sympathies so far touched (_alias_ their - good name) that they voted two thousand dollars to the relief of - the "_suffering Mormons_," and choosing two or three of her noblest - sons, to carry their heavenly boon, these angels of salvation - came in the plentitude of their mercy and in the dignity of their - office to Far West. To do what? To feed its hungry and clothe its - naked with the $2,000? Verily nay! but to go into Daviess county - and steal the Mormons' hogs (which they were prohibited themselves - from obtaining under penalty of death) to distribute among the - destitute, and to sell where they could obtain the money. These - hogs thus obtained were shot down in their blood and not otherwise - bled; they were filthy to a degree. These, the Mormons' own - hogs, and a few goods, the sweepings of an old store in Liberty, - were what these patriotic and noble-minded men gave to the "poor - Mormons," and then circulated to the world how sympathetic, - benevolent, kind and merciful the Legislature of the State of - Missouri was, in giving two thousand dollars to the "suffering - Mormons." Surely "the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel." - -_Wednesday, March 16_.--I was with the Masonic Lodge and rose to the -sublime degree. - -_Thursday, 17_.--The High Council withdrew the hand of fellowship from -Elder Oliver Olney for setting himself up as a prophet, and took his -license. - -[Sidenote: Origin of the Female Relief Society.] - -I assisted in commencing the organization of "The Female Relief Society -of Nauvoo" in the Lodge Room. Sister Emma Smith, President, and Sister -Elizabeth Ann Whitney and Sarah M. Cleveland, Counselors. I gave much -instruction, read in the New Testament, and Book of Doctrine and -Covenants, concerning the Elect Lady, and showed that the elect meant -to be elected to a certain work, &c., and {553} that the revelation -was then fulfilled by Sister Emma's election to the Presidency of the -Society, she having previously been ordained to expound the Scriptures. -Emma was blessed, and her counselors were ordained by Elder John Taylor. - -_Friday, 18 and Saturday 19_.--At home and at my office engaged in -business, temporal and spiritual. - -_Sunday, 20_.--I preached to a large assembly in the grove, near the -Temple on the west. The body of a deceased child of Mr. Windsor P. Lyon -being before the assembly, changed my design in the order of my remarks. - - [The following is a brief synopsis of the Prophet's remarks, by - Elder Wilford Woodruff:] - - _The Prophet's Sermon on Life and Death; the Resurrection and the - Salvation of Children_. - - President Smith read the 14th chapter of Revelation, and said--We - have again the warning voice sounded in our midst, which shows - the uncertainty of human life; and in my leisure moments I have - meditated upon the subject, and asked the question, why it is that - infants, innocent children, are taken away from us, especially - those that seem to be the most intelligent and interesting. The - strongest reasons that present themselves to my mind are these: - This world is a very wicked world; and it is a proverb that the - "world grows weaker and wiser;" if that is the case, the world - grows more wicked and corrupt. In the earlier ages of the world a - righteous man, and a man of God and of intelligence, had a better - chance to do good, to be believed and received than at the present - day: but in these days such a man is much opposed and persecuted - by most of the inhabitants of the earth, and he has much sorrow to - pass through here. The Lord takes many away, even in infancy, that - they may escape the envy of man, and the sorrows and evils of this - present world; they were too pure, too lovely, to live on earth; - therefore, if rightly considered, instead of mourning we have - reason to rejoice as they are delivered from evil, and we shall - soon have them again. - - What chance is there for infidelity when we are parting with - our friends almost daily? None at all. The infidel will grasp - at every straw for help until death stares him in the face, and - then his infidelity takes its flight, for the realities of the - eternal world are resting upon him in mighty power; and when every - earthly support and prop fails him, he {554} then sensibly feels - the eternal truths of the immortality of the soul. We should take - warning and not wait for the death-bed to repent, as we see the - infant taken away by death, so may the youth and middle aged, as - well as the infant be suddenly called into eternity. Let this, - then, prove as a warning to all not to procrastinate repentance, - or wait till a deathbed for it is the will of God that man should - repent and serve Him in health, and in the strength and power of - his mind, in order to secure His blessing, and not wait until he is - called to die. - - The doctrine of baptizing children, or sprinkling them, or they - must welter in hell, is a doctrine not true, not supported in Holy - Writ, and is not consistent with the character of God. All children - are redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ, and the moment that - children leave this world, they are taken to the bosom of Abraham. - The only difference between the old and young dying is, one lives - longer in heaven and eternal light and glory than the other, - and is freed a little sooner from this miserable, wicked world. - Notwithstanding all this glory, we for a moment lose sight of it, - and mourn the loss, but we do not mourn as those without hope. - - My intention was to have spoken on the subject of baptism, but - having a case of death before us, I thought proper to refer to that - subject. I will now, however say a few words upon baptism, as I - intended. - - God has made certain decrees which are fixed and immovable: for - instance,--God set the sun, the moon, and the stars in the heavens, - and gave them their laws, conditions and bounds, which they cannot - pass, except by His commandments; they all move in perfect harmony - in their sphere and order, and are as lights, wonders and signs - unto us. The sea also has its bounds which it cannot pass. God - has set many signs on the earth, as well as in the heavens; for - instance, the oak of the forest, the fruit of the tree, the herb - of the field--all bear a sign that seed hath been planted there; - for it is a decree of the Lord that every tree, plant, and herb - bearing seed should bring forth of its kind, and cannot come forth - after any other law or principle. Upon the same principle do I - contend that baptism is a sign ordained of God, for the believer in - Christ to take upon himself in order to enter into the kingdom of - God, "for except ye are born of water and of the Spirit ye cannot - enter into the kingdom of God," said the Savior. It is a sign and - a commandment which God has set for man to enter into His kingdom. - Those who seek to enter in any other way will seek in vain; for God - will not receive them, neither will the angels acknowledge their - works as accepted, for they have not obeyed the ordinances, nor - attended to the signs which God ordained for the salvation of man, - to prepare him for, and give him a title to, a celestial glory; and - God had decreed that all who will not {555} obey His voice shall - not escape the damnation of hell. What is the damnation of hell? To - go with that society who have not obeyed His commands. - - Baptism is a sign to God, to angels, and to heaven that we do the - will of God, and there is no other way beneath the heavens whereby - God hath ordained for man to come to Him to be saved, and enter - into the kingdom of God, except faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, - and baptism for the remission of sins, and any other course is in - vain; then you have the promise of the gift of the Holy Ghost. - - What is the sign of the healing of the sick? The laying on of hands - is the sign or way marked out by James, and the custom of the - ancient Saints as ordered by the Lord, and we cannot obtain the - blessing by pursuing any other course except the way marked out by - the Lord. What if we should attempt to get the gift of the Holy - Ghost through any other means except the signs or way which God - hath appointed--would we obtain it? Certainly not; all other means - would fail. The Lord says do so and so, and I will bless you. - - There are certain key words and signs belonging to the Priesthood - which must be observed in order to obtain the blessing. The sign of - Peter was to repent and be baptized for the remission of sins, with - the promise of the gift of the Holy Ghost; and in no other way is - the gift of the Holy Ghost obtained. - - There is a difference between the Holy Ghost and the gift of - the Holy Ghost. Cornelius received the Holy Ghost before he was - baptized, which was the convincing power of God unto him of the - truth of the Gospel, but he could not receive the gift of the Holy - Ghost until after he was baptized. Had he not taken this sign or - ordinance upon him, the Holy Ghost which convinced him of the truth - of God, would have left him. Until he obeyed these ordinances and - received the gift of the Holy Ghost, by the laying on of hands, - according to the order of God, he could not have healed the sick or - commanded an evil spirit to come out of a man, and it obey him; for - the spirits might say unto him, as they did to the sons of Sceva: - "Paul we know and Jesus we know, but who are ye?" It mattereth - not whether we live long or short on the earth after we come to a - knowledge of these principles and obey them unto the end. I know - that all men will be damned if they do not come in the way which He - hath opened, and this is the way marked out by the word of the Lord. - - As concerning the resurrection, I will merely say that all men will - come from the grave as they lie down, whether old or young; there - will not be "added unto their stature one cubit," neither taken - from it; all will be raised by the power of God, having spirit in - their bodies, and not blood. Children will be enthroned in the - presence of God and the {556} Lamb with bodies of the same stature - [7] that they had on earth, having been redeemed by the blood of - the Lamb; they will there enjoy the fullness of that light, glory - and intelligence, which is prepared in the celestial kingdom. - "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord, for they rest from their - labors and their works do follow them." - - The speaker, before closing, called upon the assembly before him - to humble themselves in faith before God, and in mighty prayer and - {557} fasting to call upon the name of the Lord, until the elements - were purified over our heads, and the earth sanctified under our - feet, that the inhabitants of this city may escape the power of - disease and pestilence, and the destroyer that rideth upon the face - of the earth, and that the Holy Spirit of God may rest upon this - vast multitude. - - At the close of the meeting, President Smith said he should attend - to the ordinance of baptism in the river, near his house, at two - o'clock, and at the appointed hour, the bank of the Mississippi - was lined with a multitude of people, and President Joseph Smith - went into the river and baptized eighty persons for the remission - of their sins, and what added joy to the scene was, that the - first person baptized was M. L. D. Wasson, a nephew of Mrs. Emma - Smith--the first of her kindred that has embraced the fullness of - the Gospel. - - At the close of this interesting scene, the administrator lifted - up his hands towards heaven, and implored the blessing of God to - rest upon the people; and truly the Spirit of God did rest upon the - multitude, to the joy and consolation of our hearts. - - After baptism, the congregation again repaired to the grove, near - the Temple, to attend to the ordinance of confirmation, and, - notwithstanding President Smith had spoken in the open air to the - people, and stood in the water and baptized about eighty persons, - about fifty of those baptized received their confirmation under his - hands in the after part of the day. - - While this was progressing, great numbers were being baptized in - the font. - -{558} After this, I baptized a large number in the font myself. - - _An Epistle of the Twelve to the Church of Jesus Christ of - Latter-day Saints in its Various Branches and Conferences in - Europe. Greeting_: - - Beloved Brethren.--We feel it our privilege and a duty we owe - to the great and glorious cause in which we have enlisted, to - communicate to you at this time, some principles which if carried - into effect, will facilitate the gathering of the Saints, and - tend to ameliorate the condition of those who are struggling - with poverty and distress, in this day when the usual means of - support seem to be cut short to the laboring classes, through the - depression that everywhere prevails in the general business mart - of the civilized world. Our situation is such in these last days, - and our salvation spiritually is so connected with our salvation - temporally, that if one fail, the other necessarily must be - seriously affected, if not wholly destroyed. God has made us social - beings; He has endowed us with capacities for enjoying each other's - society, and it is our duty to bring those powers and privileges - into exercise, so far as we can, and for this it is our duty to - strive by all lawful and expedient measures within our reach. - - While we remain in this state of existence, we need food and - raiment, habitations and society, and without these our enjoyments - must be greatly limited, and the real object of our existence - diminished, if not wholly destroyed. Though the Saints should - possess all the common gifts of the Spirit of God, and yet remain - destitute of those comforts so much needed for the sustenance of - their bodies, they would be comparatively miserable; but when they - arrive at that state of perfection, and are clothed upon with the - more special gifts and power of increasing the widow's oil and - meal, or if receiving their food from the ravens, like Elijah, - they will not need to bestow so much attention on every trifle of - the passing moments, as they now do; and until that period arrives - they will recollect that to be in the exercise of the fullness of - spiritual blessings they must be watchful and careful to provide - things honest in the sight of all men for the sustenance and - comfort of all these frail, perishable bodies. That we may be - instruments in the hands of God of thus promoting your present and - future temporal and spiritual welfare, we write you at the present - time. - - Many of you are desirous of emigrating to this country, and many - have not the means to accomplish their wishes, and if we can assist - you by our prayers and our counsels to accomplish the desires of - your hearts in this thing, so far we will rejoice and be satisfied. - You not only wish to emigrate to this section of the earth, but you - desire also to have some laudable means of comfortable subsistence - after you arrive {559} here, and this also is important. How then, - shall these things be accomplished and your souls be satisfied? We - answer, by united understanding and concert of action. - - You all, or most of you, have trades or different kinds of - business, with which you have been long familiarized, and in - which you would like to continue for the purpose of procuring a - subsistence; and a great proportion of your occupation is such that - no employment can be had in this city or vicinity; for instance: - there are no cotton manufactories established here, and many of you - know no other business. You want to come here, and when here, want - to continue your labors in your accustomed branches of business; - but you have no means to get here, and when here there are no - factories, and yet factories are needed here, and there would be a - ready market for all the fabrics which could be manufactured. - - Now comes the concert of action; if the Church will arise unitedly; - if the brethren will individually feel that the great work of - the Lord is depending on themselves as instruments to assist in - carrying it forward; and will unite all their means, faith and - energy, in one grand mass, all that you desire can speedily be - accomplished. A short time only will elapse before you yourselves - will be astonished at the result, and you will feel that your - desires are more than realized. - - While the Saints are united, no power on the earth, or under - the earth can prevail against them; but while each one acts for - himself, many, very many, are in danger of being overthrown. - God has promised all things to those who love Him and keep His - commandments; then why be afraid that one should get a little more - than another, or that one should gain, for a little moment, what - another might lose; when Jesus has promised that the faithful shall - be one with Him, as He is one with the Father, and shall possess - all things in the due time of the Lord; not by stealth, not by - force, not by the sword, but by the gift of the Father, through - faithfulness to His commands; and the more they shall suffer, while - they work in righteousness on the earth, the greater will be their - reward, the more glorious their kingdom, the more extended their - power, when they shall arrive in the celestial paradise. - - Knowing and feeling these things as we do, and having respect unto - the recompense of reward to be revealed hereafter, regardless of - all necessary privation and labor to accomplish what our Master has - given us to do, and desiring not to possess the kingdom alone, but - that all the honest in heart should be united with us in the great - and glorious work of building up Zion and her stakes, we will call - upon you, dear brethren, to unite with us, all with one accord, to - do what? To do the very things you desire should be done; to convey - you to the place where you are, and then put you in possession of - all the means {560} you may need for your support; so that you - may enjoy the fullness of the blessings belonging to the sons and - daughters of Zion's King. - - Had we means we would not ask your aid; we would gladly send the - ships of Tarshish to bear you across the great waters, we would - bring you to our homes, to our firesides; we would provide you - habitations, lands and food, when you arrive among us. Our hearts - are large enough to do all this, and a great deal more; but we have - not the means; we have to labor for our own subsistence, as well - as attend to those things which are laid upon us of the Lord, and - which concern the whole Church as much as ourselves. - - It is not the will of heaven that any one should be put in - possession of all things without striving for them. Where much is - given, much is required; and he who has but one talent, must be as - diligent in the use thereof as he that has ten, or he will lose his - talent and his blessing; and it becometh him who hath but one, five - or ten, to use them in the most economical manner possible, or he - will not have enough to bring him hither; and that he who hath five - pounds may have enough and to spare to him who hath but one, or in - other words to help the brethren to accomplish with a little what - otherwise would require much more than they can command, is the - object of this Epistle. - - Had we the means we would send vessels of our own, laden with - flour, meats, fruits, and all sea stores necessary for the comfort - of the brethren on the water, so that they would have nothing more - to do than go on shipboard, and land at New Orleans; from thence we - would take them on our steamers, and bring them to this place, for - this is the best place for the Saints to stop at for the present. - - There may be other places where individuals might have the prospect - of adding at once, more rapidly to their pecuniary interest, - than they could here; but we can only say, it is the will of the - Lord that the Saints build Nauvoo, and settle therein or in the - vicinity; and we know assuredly that those who give heed to every - word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord, will be richer - eventually--and not far distant--than those who may seem to prosper - more by following their own inclinations. - - Brethren, we wish not to control you or your means; it is not - for our peace or interest; nay, rather, it is a source of labor, - trouble and anxiety to have ought to do with the pecuniary business - of the Church, which we would gladly avoid, could we do it, and do - our duty--could we do it, and the things desired be accomplished, - and we stand guiltless where God hath placed us--and for this - reason we desire to make such arrangements as will most tend to - leave the business in your own hands, or in the hands of those - whom you shall select; men of your own acquaintance, in whom you - can repose confidence that they will execute {561} their trust - in righteousness. And that our plans may be understood by you, - and carried into execution, we have sent unto you our beloved - brother, Elder John Snyder, the bearer of this Epistle, and other - Epistles also, previously written by us to you; and we beseech you, - brethren, to receive him as a servant of the Most High, authorized - according to the order of the kingdom of heaven, and assist him by - all lawful means in your power, to execute the mission entrusted - to him; for great events depend upon his success; but to none will - they be greater than to yourselves. - - Our authority for thus sending Brother Snyder to you, is found in - the "Book of the Law of the Lord," page 36, as follows-- - - "Nauvoo, December 22, 1841. The word of the Lord came unto Joseph - the Seer; verily thus saith the Lord--Let my servant John Snyder - take a mission to the Eastern continent, unto all the conferences - now sitting in that region, and let him carry a package of epistles - that shall be written by my servants the Twelve, making known unto - the Saints their duties concerning the building of my houses, which - I have appointed unto you, saith the Lord, that they may bring - their gold, and their silver, and their precious stones, and the - box tree, and the fir tree, and all fine wood to beautify the place - of my sanctuary, saith the Lord, and let him return speedily, with - all means which shall be put into his hands: even so. Amen." - - In this revelation, the brethren will discover their duty in - relation to the building of the Temple of the Lord in Nauvoo, and - the Nauvoo House; and we call upon them with united cry to give - heed unto the things written, and help to build the houses which - God has commanded, so that Brother Snyder may speedily return - with means to strengthen the hands of the laborers, and adorn and - beautify the Tabernacle of Jehovah. - - Brethren, while you are thus preparing to send up your offerings - to this place, if you will act in concert with our well beloved - brother, Elder Parley P. Pratt, and the regularly constituted - authorities of the Church in England; and collect as great an - amount of cotton, linen, and woollen goods, silks, cutlery, and - hardware, &c., even all the varieties of goods which might be - useful in this country, and which can be obtained by the brethren - in this time of monied scarcity, and forward the same to us - by Brother Snyder, or your own agent, in company with him, or - otherwise, and at other times, we will pay you for those goods, in - lands, in or out of the city, in houses, cattle, and such kind of - property as you may need; and with those goods we will purchase - lands, &c., flour, meat, and all things necessary for a sea voyage, - which can be had cheaper here than in England, and charter ships, - and forward the same to England, or such places as emigration may - require, and bring back {562} in return a ship load of emigrants, - at a cheaper rate than they can now emigrate; while, at the - same time, those who remain can continue to collect and forward - merchandize as before, which will give us the means of continuing - our purchases here, of keeping ships passing and repassing, and of - building manufacturing establishments ready for the brethren when - they arrive in our midst. - - While the great depression of the moneyed institutions continues - as it now is, the people are compelled to resort to all laudable - measures to effect those exchanges of property which are necessary - to accomplish their designs in removing from one place to another, - and from one kingdom to another; and by a faithful execution of - the plans proposed above, much, very much, may be effected in - emigration without the aid of cash, or with very little, at the - most; and goods may be obtained to advantage for houses and lands - which the brethren may have to dispose of, and in payment of debts - due them, when it would be impossible for them to sell for cash - at any price, or get their pay for debts due them even at a great - discount, and thus thousands and tens of thousands may be made to - rejoice in this land of plenty, while, were it not for a concert - of action, they might remain where they are for years, or never - have the opportunity of appearing among us on this side the great - waters, until the morning of the first resurrection. - - But, brethren, we want to see you here. We long to see all here who - want to be here, and none others, for we desire the increase of - those who love God and work righteousness, that Zion's cords may be - lengthened, and her stakes strengthened; though the country is free - to all who will abide her laws, and we have no disposition to cast - out any from our midst who will submit thereto. - - For many particulars in relation to the times and course of - emigration, and many other important items connected with the - general and particular interest of the Church, we would refer - you to our former epistles, as to enter into a particular and - minute detail of all items referred to in this epistle, would - be impossible. Brother Snyder will enter into the subject more - minutely, and with the assistance of the presidency among you, will - unfold the same, so that no one need misunderstand. - - The brethren need not suppose that this thing is of our own - imagination, simply; or that the result thereof, if fully carried - into execution, will be of doubtful character. We have been - guided by the Spirit of the Lord in our deliberations concerning - the matter; and have been instructed by the Prophet of the Most - High, even Joseph, the Seer and Revelator, for the Church, whose - instructions to us are as the voice of the Lord, and whose - admonitions we ever regard as true and faithful, and worthy the - confidence of al who profess the Gospel of Jesus Christ. - - {563} We have been with him in prosperity and adversity, in - sickness and health, in public and private, in all situations - where men may reasonably associate with each other, and know that - his words are true, his teachings sacred, his character unsullied - among men of truth, and that he is what the Church acknowledge him - to be, a man of God, and the spokesman of the Most High unto His - people; and we bear this testimony unto the world, calling on all - the honest in heart to uphold him by their faith and prayers, that - he may live long, enjoy much, and accomplish great things for the - kingdom which he has been the honored instrument of establishing - on the earth in these last days, even that he may lead a great - multitude into the celestial kingdom. - - That the Saints may enjoy the teachings of the Prophet; those - teachings which can be had only at this place, so that they may - go on from knowledge to knowledge even to perfection, they want - to come up hither; and that the plans before suggested may by - facilitated, let some individuals with capital come immediately and - build factories--individuals who have the means, understand the - business, and are capable of superintending the concerns thereof. - - There is every natural advantage at this place for facilitating - such an order of things; water, wood, and coal in abundance, and - it only wants the hand of the laborer to bring them forth in form - suited to their several uses; and, while the gold and the silver - are secreted by the hands of unprincipled speculators, let us go - forward and accomplish without gold or silver, that which might be - more easily and expeditiously done with it. - - Let the brethren ever remember the admonitions we have so often - given, that Zion is not to be built up without labor, fatigue, and - trial of the faith of many; that when John saw the great company on - Mount Zion, he saw those who had come up through great tribulation; - he also saw those who had endured great tribulation after they had - arrived, and before the kingdom was completed. - - The Saints of this day are of the number John saw, and those--and - those only who are willing to endure tribulation, as good soldiers, - without murmuring--will eventually find their names enrolled in the - Lamb's Book of Life, and obtain an inheritance in the holy city. - - To all those who are desirous of sharing in the poverty and - sufferings incident to new countries and the children of the - kingdom, we would say, come up hither, and help us to bear the - burden, and you shall share the riches, glory and honors of the - kingdom. And those who are not willing to suffer afflictions, - losses, crosses, and disappointments with the people of God, may as - well stay away and be destroyed, as to come here and perish, for - perish they must who cannot abide a celestial law, and endure to - the end in all meekness, patience, and faithfulness. - - {564} Inasmuch as Elder Levi Richards has asked for counsel, we - would recommend him to return to Nauvoo, as soon as circumstances - shall permit. - - Praying that you may be blessed with wisdom, intelligence, and - perseverance, in every good word and work, so that you may - accomplish your desires, and help to roll on the great work in - which you have enlisted, we subscribe ourselves your brethren and - fellow laborers in the kingdom of patience. Amen. - - Brigham Young, President. - - Heber C. Kimball, - - William Smith, - - Orson Pratt, - - John E. Page, - - Lyman Wight, - - Wilford Woodruff, - - John Taylor, - - Geo. A. Smith. - - Willard Richards, Clerk. - - City of Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, March 20, 1842. - -Footnotes: - -1. No. 9 of the _Times and Seasons_ was evidently not published on -time, since it is supposed to have been published on March the first, -and here is an account of the proofs being read on the second of March. - -2. This refers doubtless to Bishop Newel K. Whitney. - -3. This refers to Fac-simile No. 2, p. 521, which was published in the -_Times and Seasons_ in double page size. - -4. The correspondence between Dr. Dyer, Chicago, and Dr. John C. -Bennett, referred to in the Prophet's letter above, is thought to be -of sufficient importance to be inserted in the body of the History, -though heretofore, when the history of the Prophet has been published, -it has been omitted. The case of the three men from the Quincy -Mission Institute being imprisoned for twelve years; in the Missouri -penitentiary "for no crime at all, or only as such us God would regard -as a virtue"--"for barely teaching a fellow being," as Dr. Dyer naively -put it, "how to go to a place where he may learn the sciences, have his -own wages, aye, and his own person." This case was one in which the -three men had violated some local law of the state of Missouri against -encouraging slaves to leave their masters for the purpose of going -into free states as the national fugitive slave law was not then in -existence, and was not enacted until 1850. - -5. The "slaves" here referred to are explained in an editorial note -in the _Times and Seasons_ in which the above correspondence appears -(Vol. III, No. 10) to mean children of Mormon parentage still in -Missouri--"the children of murdered parents; others of Mormon parents -now in this city"--Nauvoo. The charge of their being "slaves" is -far-fetched and was made only because of the severe stress of feeling -experienced by the Saints when contemplating things that related to -Missouri, and some allowance must be made for the bombast, bragadocio -and hypocrisy of John C. Bennett. - -6. Because of its bearing upon the character of John C. Bennett, as -also to complete this Dyer-Bennett correspondence, the letter of -John C. Bennett to the Prophet in answer to the note of the latter, -introducing this whole correspondence, the following communication is -inserted. - -7. It must be remembered that the above report of the Prophet's -remarks, as also the report of the King Follett sermon (preached in -April, 1844, and which will appear in Volume V of this history), where -the same matter of infants being enthroned in power while remaining of -the same stature as when on earth, and at the time of their death, is -mentioned--were reported in long hand and from memory, so that they -are very likely to contain inaccuracies and convey wrong impressions. -This matter of children after the resurrection remaining of the same -stature as at their death is well known to be such an error. The writer -of this note distinctly remembers to have heard the late President -Wilford Woodruff, who reported the above sermon, say, that the Prophet -corrected the impression that had been made by his King Follett sermon, -that children and infants would remain fixed in the stature of their -infancy and childhood in and after the resurrection. President Woodruff -very emphatically said on the occasion of the subject being agitated -about 1888-9, that the prophet taught subsequently to his King Follett -sermon that children while resurrected in the stature at which they -died would develope to the full stature of men and women after the -resurrection; and that the contrary impression created by the report -of the Prophet's King Follett sermon was due to a misunderstanding -of his remarks and erroneous reporting. In addition to this personal -recollection of the writer as to the testimony of the late President -Wilford Woodruff, the following testimony of Elder Joseph Horne and -his wife, M. Isabella Horne, on the same subject is important. The -statements here copied were delivered in the presence of President -Angus M. Cannon, of the Salt Lake Stake of Zion, and Elder Arthur -Winter, at the residence of Brother Horne, in Salt Lake City, on -November 19, 1896, and were reported stenographically by Arthur Winter, -the Church official reporter. - -_Sister M. Isabella Horne said_: - -"In conversation with the Prophet Joseph Smith once in Nauvoo, the -subject of children in the resurrection was broached. I believe it was -in Sister Leonora Cannon Taylor's house. She had just lost one of her -children, and I had also lost one previously. The Prophet wanted to -comfort us, and he told us that we should receive those children in the -morning of the resurrection just as we laid them down, in purity and -innocence, and we should nourish and care for them as their mothers. -He said that children would be raised in the resurrection just as -they were laid down, and that they would obtain all the intelligence -necessary to occupy thrones, principalities and powers. The idea that -I got from what he said was that the children would grow and develop -in the Millennium, and that the mothers would have the pleasure of -training and caring for them, which they had been deprived of in this -life. - -"This was sometime after the King Follett funeral, at which I was -present." - -_Brother Joseph Horne_ said: - -"I heard the Prophet Joseph Smith say that mothers should receive their -children just as they laid them down, and that they would have the -privilege of doing for them what they could not do here, the Prophet -remarked: "How would you know them if you did not receive them as you -laid them down?" I also got the idea that children would grow and -develop after the resurrection, and that the mothers would care for -them and train them." - -"We hereby certify that the foregoing is a full, true and correct -account of the statements made by Joseph and M. Isabella Horne on the -subject mentioned." - -Angus M. Cannon. - -Arthur Winter. - -We have read the foregoing, and certify that it is correct. - -Joseph Horne. - -M. Isabella Horne. - -In the Improvement Era for June, 1904, President Joseph F. Smith in an -editorial on the Resurrection said: - -"The body will come forth as it is laid to rest, for there is no growth -or development in the grave. As it is laid down, so will it arise, and -changes to perfection will come by the law of restitution. But the -spirit will continue to expand and develop, and the body, after the -resurrection will develop to the full stature of man." - -This may be accepted as the doctrine of the Church in respect to the -resurrection of children and their future development to the full -stature of men and women; and it is alike conformable to that which -will be regarded as both reasonable and desirable. - -{565} - - - -CHAPTER XXXIII. - -A Mason's Estimate of Nauvoo and the Prophet--Organization of the -Female Relief Society--"Try the Spirits"--The Prophet's Editorial. - -_Monday, March 21, 1842_.--I commenced a settlement with William Marks, -who had loaned money and property to the Church at various times. - -_Tuesday, 22_.--I was at the general business office through the day, -and at home in the evening. - -The following is from the _Advocate_, printed at Columbus, the -residence of Grand Master [i. e. grand master mason] Jonas: - - Nauvoo and the Mormons. - - Mr. Editor.--Having recently had occasion to visit the city of - Nauvoo, I cannot permit the opportunity to pass without expressing - the agreeable disappointment that awaited me there. I had - supposed, from what I had previously heard, that I should witness - an impoverished, ignorant and bigotted population, completely - priest-ridden, and tyrannized over by Joseph Smith, the great - prophet of these people. - - On the contrary, to my surprise, I saw a people apparently happy, - prosperous and intelligent. Every man appeared to be employed in - some business or occupation. I saw no idleness, no intemperance, - no noise, no riot--all appeared to be contented, with no desire to - trouble themselves with anything except their own affairs. With - the religion of these people I have nothing to do; if they can be - satisfied with the doctrines of their new revelation, they have a - right to be so. The Constitution of the country guarantees to them - the right of worshiping God according to the dictates of their own - conscience, and if that can be so easily satisfied, why should we - who differ from them complain? - - But I protest against the slanders and persecutions that are - continually heaped upon these people. I could see no disposition on - their part to be otherwise than a peaceable and law-abiding people, - and all they ask of the country is to permit them to live under the - protection of the {566} laws, and to be made amenable for their - violations. They may have among them bad and desperate characters, - and what community has not? But I am satisfied the Mormon people, - as a body, will never be the aggressors or violators of the law. - - While at Nauvoo I had a fine opportunity of seeing the people in - a body. There was a Masonic celebration, and the Grand Master of - the state was present for the purpose of publicly installing the - officers of a new lodge. An immense number of persons assembled - on the occasion, variously estimated from five to ten thousand - persons, and never in my life did I witness a better-dressed or - a more orderly and well-behaved assemblage; not a drunken or - disorderly person to be seen, and the display of taste and beauty - among the females could not well be surpassed anywhere. - - During my stay of three days, I became well acquainted with - their principal men, and more particularly with their Prophet, - the celebrated "Old Joe Smith." I found them hospitable, polite, - well-informed and liberal. With Joseph Smith, the hospitality of - whose house I kindly received, I was well pleased; of course on - the subject of religion, we widely differed, but he appeared to - be quite as willing to permit me to enjoy my right of opinion, - as I think we all ought to be to let the Mormons enjoy theirs; - but instead of the ignorant and tyrannical upstart, judge my - surprise at finding him a sensible, intelligent, companionable and - gentlemanly man. In frequent conversations with him he gave me - every information that I desired, and appeared to be only pleased - at being able to do so. He appears to be much respected by all the - people about him, and has their entire confidence. He is a fine - looking man about thirty-six years of age, and has an interesting - family. - - The incorporated limits of Nauvoo contains, it is said, about - seven thousand persons; the buildings are generally small and - much scattered. The Temple and Nauvoo House, now building, will - probably, in beauty of design, extent and durability, excel any - public building in the state, and will both be enclosed before - winter. - - From all I saw and heard, I am led to believe that, before many - years, the city of Nauvoo will be the largest and most beautiful - city of the west, provided the Mormons are unmolested in the - peaceable enjoyment of their rights and privileges, and why - they should be troubled while acting as good citizens, I cannot - imagine; and I hope and trust that the people of Illinois have no - disposition to disturb unoffending people who have no disposition - but to live peaceably under the laws of the country, and to worship - God under their own vine and fig tree.--An Observer, Adams County. - - _Extract from a Letter from Elder E. P. Maginn, Salem, - Massachusetts_. - - I am on a visit to assist Elder Erastus Snow in his successful - and {567} extended field of labor in this branch. Sixty-five have - been obedient to the faith of the Gospel, and hundreds of others - almost persuaded. In Boston near forty have obeyed through the - faithful labors of Elder Freeman Nickerson. I have been absent - from Peterborough two weeks; have preached three or four times in - Boston, Salem, Marblehead, Chelsea, &c., and purpose returning to - Peterborough next Sunday, where I have been laboring with good - success, thirty-six have obeyed since last fall; at New Salem, - Massachusetts, thirty-five to forty have obeyed since August last; - Leverett, eighteen or twenty; Gilsum, New Hampshire, twenty to - thirty. I have preached from one to three times every day, and - cannot fill one in twenty of the calls for preaching; there is the - greatest excitement in this country that I ever beheld during my - travels since I left Nauvoo--a period of near three years, in which - I have traveled through eighteen states and British provinces. - -_Wednesday, 23_.--In council with Heber C. Kimball, Willard Richards -and others at my office. - -[Sidenote: Organization of the Relief Society.] - -_Thursday, 24_.--I attended by request, the Female Relief Society, -whose object is the relief of the poor, the destitute, the widow -and the orphan, and for the exercise of all benevolent purposes. -Its organization was completed this day. Mrs. Emma Smith takes the -presidential chair; Mrs. Elizabeth Ann Whitney and Sarah M. Cleveland -are her counselors; Mrs. Elvira Cole is treasurer, and our well-known -and talented poetess, Miss Eliza R. Snow, secretary. There was a -very numerous attendance at the organization of the society, and -also at the subsequent meetings, of some of our most intelligent, -humane, philanthropic and respectable ladies; and we are well assured -from a knowledge of those pure principles of benevolence that flow -spontaneously from their humane and philanthropic bosoms, that with the -resources they will have at command, they will fly to the relief of -the stranger; they will pour in oil and wine to the wounded heart of -the distressed; they will dry up the tears of the orphan and make the -widow's heart to rejoice. - -[Sidenote: Character of the Mormon Women.] - -Our women have always been signalized for their acts of benevolence -and kindness; but the cruel usage that they {568} received from the -barbarians of Missouri, has hitherto prevented their extending the -hand of charity in a conspicuous manner; yet in the midst of their -persecution, when the bread has been torn from their helpless offspring -by their cruel oppressors, they have always been ready to open their -doors to the weary traveler, to divide their scant pittance with the -hungry, and from their robbed and impoverished wardrobes, to divide -with the more needy and destitute; and now that they are living upon -a more genial soil, and among a less barbarous people, and possess -facilities that they have not heretofore enjoyed, we feel convinced -that with their concentrated efforts, the condition of the suffering -poor, of the stranger and the fatherless will be ameliorated. - -We had the privilege of being present at their organization, and were -much pleased with their _modus operandi_, and the good order that -prevailed. They are strictly parliamentary in their proceedings. - -An earthquake at Falmouth this morning. - -_Friday, 25_.--Attending to a variety of business; counseling, &c. - -[Sidenote: Mission of John Snyder.] - -_Saturday, 26_.--Elder John Snyder received his final instructions from -the President, and received his blessing from Elder Brigham Young, with -the laying on of the hands of President Joseph Smith, John E. Page and -Willard Richards, and started for England this day. - -_Sunday, 27_.--After speaking to the Saints for some time on the -subject of baptism for the dead, I baptized one hundred and seven -individuals. - - [The following brief extract is from Elder Woodruff's journal.] - - _Synopsis of the Prophet's Sermon on Baptism for the Dead_. - - This was an interesting day. A large assembly met in the grove near - the Temple. Brother Amasa Lyman addressed the people in a very - {569} interesting manner. He was followed by Joseph, the Seer, - who made some highly edifying and instructive remarks concerning - baptism for the dead. He said the Bible supported the doctrine, - quoting 1 Cor., xv: 29: "Else what shall they do which are baptized - for the dead, if the dead rise not at all, why are they then - baptized for the dead?" If there is one word of the Lord that - supports the doctrine of baptism for the dead, it is enough to - establish it as a true doctrine. Again; if we can, by the authority - of the Priesthood of the Son of God, baptize a man in the name of - the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, for the remission of - sins, it is just as much our privilege to act as an agent, and be - baptized for the remission of sins for and in behalf of our dead - kindred, who have not heard the Gospel, or the fullness of it. - - After meeting closed, the congregation again assembled upon the - banks of the river, and Joseph, the Seer, went into the river, and - baptized all that came unto him. - -I also witnessed the landing of 170 English brethren from the steamer -_Ariel_, under the presidency of Elder Lyman Wight; also about $3,000 -worth of goods for the Temple and Nauvoo House. - -_Monday, 28_.--I was at the office. Received Parley P. Pratt's -donations from England, and attended to a variety of business; as also -on the 29th and 30th. - -The following extract is from a letter received from Elder Lorenzo D. -Barnes-- - - Bristol, March 28, 1842. - - _Letter of Lorenzo D. Barnes to Parley P. Pratt--Reporting Labors_. - - _Elder Pratt_. - - Much Esteemed Brother:--I am happy to be able to state to you - that I arrived here in safety and in health on Saturday, the 26th - instant, after making a tour through a number of churches on my - way from Cheltenham, which place I left in the evening of the - 14th; visited the church at Lea; in the neighborhood of which I - preached twice. I then went to Garway, where I preached five times - to overflowing congregations; from thence visited Abergavenny, and - preached three times. The work appears to be upon the onward march - in all these places. Many are inquiring after truth and embracing - it. The brethren and friends appeared very anxious for me to tarry - longer, but being desirous to commence my labors in this city, I - took my leave on Saturday, the 26th, and came _via_ Newport, by - the packet to this city, and preached {570} three times yesterday. - There appears to be a good feeling manifested here at present. - In the evening our hall was quite full, and the people listened - very attentively; persons of respectable appearance were present. - We intend getting a large hall, and putting out bills shortly. - Enclosed is an order for ten shillings, it being a donation for the - building of the Temple at Nauvoo, mostly from the branch of the - Church at Frogmarsh. - - Yours in the bonds of the new covenant, - - Lorenzo D. Barnes. - -_Wednesday, 30_.--I met with the Female Relief Society, and gave them -some instructions, of which the following brief sketch was reported by -Miss Eliza R. Snow-- - - _Synopsis of the Prophet's Remarks to the Female Relief Society_. - - President Joseph Smith arose. Spoke of the organization of the - Female Relief Society; said he was deeply interested, that it - might be built up to the Most High in an acceptable manner; that - its rules must be observed; that none should be received into - it but those who were worthy; proposed a close examination of - every candidate; that the society was growing too fast. It should - grow up by degrees, should commence with a few individuals, thus - have a select society of the virtuous, and those who would walk - circumspectly; commended them for their zeal, but said sometimes - their zeal was not according to knowledge. One principal object - of the institution was to purge out iniquity; said they must be - extremely careful in all their examinations, or the consequences - would be serious. - - All difficulties which might and would cross our way must be - surmounted. Though the soul be tried, the heart faint, and the - hands hang down, we must not retrace our steps; there must be - decision of character, aside from sympathy. When instructed, we - must obey that voice, deserve the laws of the kingdom of God, that - the blessing of heaven may rest down upon us. All must act in - concert, or nothing can be done, and should move according to the - ancient Priesthood; hence the Saints should be a select people, - separate from all the evils of the world--choice, virtuous, and - holy. The Lord was going to make of the Church of Jesus Christ - a kingdom of Priests, a holy people, a chosen generation, as in - Enoch's day, having all the gifts as illustrated to the Church in - Paul's epistles and teachings to the churches in his day--that it - is the privilege of each member to live long and enjoy health. He - then blessed the Saints. - -_Monday, 31_.--In council at my office with Elders {571} Brigham Young, -John Taylor, Willard Richards, &c., and wrote an epistle to the Female -Relief Society, and spoke to the society in the afternoon. - -_Friday, April 1, 1842_.--I was engaged in the general business office. - - "_Try the Spirits"--The Prophet's Editorial in the Times and - Seasons_. - - Recent occurrences that have transpired amongst us render it an - imperative duty devolving upon me to say something in relation to - the spirits by which men are actuated. - - It is evident from the Apostles' writings, that many false spirits - existed in their day, and had "gone forth into the world," and - that it needed intelligence which God alone could impart to detect - false spirits, and to prove what spirits were of God. The world in - general have been grossly ignorant in regard to this one thing, and - why should they be otherwise--"for no man knows the things of God, - but by the Spirit of God." - - The Egyptians were not able to discover the difference between the - miracles of Moses and those of the magicians until they came to - be tested together; and if Moses had not appeared in their midst, - they would unquestionably have thought that the miracles of the - magicians were performed through the mighty power of God, for they - were great miracles that were performed by them--a supernatural - agency was developed, and great power manifested. - - The witch of Endor is a no less singular personage; clothed with a - powerful agency she raised the Prophet Samuel from his grave, and - he appeared before the astonished king, and revealed unto him his - future destiny. Who is to tell whether this woman is of God, and - a righteous woman--or whether the power she possessed was of the - devil, and she a witch as represented by the Bible? It is easy for - us to say now, but if we had lived in her day, which of us could - have unravelled the mystery? - - It would have been equally as difficult for us to tell by what - spirit the Apostles prophesied, or by what power the Apostles spoke - and worked miracles. Who could have told whether the power of - Simon, the sorcerer, was of God or of the devil? - - There always did, in every age, seem to be a lack of intelligence - pertaining to this subject. Spirits of all kinds have been - manifested, in every age, and almost amongst all people. If we go - among the pagans, they have their spirits; the Mohammedans, the - Jews, the Christians, the Indians--all have their spirits, all have - a supernatural agency, and all contend that their spirits are of - God. Who shall solve the mystery? "Try the spirits," says John, but - who is to do it? The learned, the {572} eloquent, the philosopher, - the sage, the divine--all are ignorant. The heathens will boast - of their gods, and of the great things that have been unfolded by - their oracles. The Mussulman will boast of his Koran, and of the - divine communications that his progenitors have received. The Jews - have had numerous instances, both ancient and modern, among them - of men who have professed to be inspired, and sent to bring about - great events, and the Christian world has not been slow in making - up the number. - - "Try the spirits," but what by? Are we to try them by the creeds of - men? What preposterous folly--what sheer ignorance--what madness! - Try the motions and actions of an eternal being (for I contend that - all spirits are such) by a thing that was conceived in ignorance, - and brought forth in folly--a cobweb of yesterday! Angels would - hide their faces, and devils would be ashamed and insulted, and - would say, "Paul we know, and Jesus we know, but who are ye?" Let - each man of society make a creed and try evil spirits by it, and - the devil would shake his sides; it is all that he would ask--all - that he would desire. Yet many of them do this, and hence "many - spirits are abroad in the world." - - One great evil is, that men are ignorant of the nature of - spirits; their power, laws, government, intelligence, &c., and - imagine that when there is anything like power, revelation, or - vision manifested, that it must be of God. Hence the Methodists, - Presbyterians, and others frequently possess a spirit that will - cause them to lie down, and during its operation, animation is - frequently entirely suspended; they consider it to be the power - of God, and a glorious manifestation from God--a manifestation of - what? Is there any intelligence communicated? Are the curtains - of heaven withdrawn, or the purposes of God developed? Have they - seen and conversed with an angel--or have the glories of futurity - burst upon their view? No! but their body has been inanimate, the - operation of their spirit suspended, and all the intelligence that - can be obtained from them when they arise, is a shout of "glory," - or "hallelujah," or some incoherent expression; but they have had - "the power." - - The Shaker will whirl around on his heel, impelled by a - supernatural agency or spirit, and think that he is governed by the - Spirit of God; and the Jumper will jump and enter into all kinds of - extravagances. A Primitive Methodist will shout under the influence - of that spirit, until he will rend the heavens with his cries; - while the Quakers (or Friends) moved as they think, by the Spirit - of God, will sit still and say nothing. Is God the author of all - this? If not of all of it, which does He recognize? Surely, such a - heterogeneous mass of confusion never can enter into the kingdom of - heaven. - - {573} Every one of these professes to be competent to try his - neighbor's spirit, but no one can try his own, and what is the - reason? Because they have not a key to unlock, no rule wherewith - to measure, and no criterion whereby they can test it. Could any - one tell the length, breadth or height of a building without a - rule? test the quality of metals without a criterion, or point - out the movements of the planetary systems, without a knowledge - of astronomy? Certainly not; and if such ignorance as this is - manifested about a spirit of this kind, who can describe an angel - of light? If Satan should appear as one in glory, who can tell his - color, his signs, his appearance, his glory?--or what is the manner - of his manifestation? Who can detect the spirit of the French - prophets with their revelations and their visions, and power of - manifestations? Or who can point out the spirit of the Irvingites, - with their apostles and prophets, and visions and tongues, and - interpretations, &c., &c. Or who can drag into daylight and develop - the hidden mysteries of the false spirits that so frequently are - made manifest among the Latter-day Saints? We answer that no man - can do this without the Priesthood, and having a knowledge of - the laws by which spirits are governed; for as "no man knows the - things of God, but by the Spirit of God," so no man knows the - spirit of the devil, and his power and influence, but by possessing - intelligence which is more than human, and having unfolded through - the medium of the Priesthood the mysterious operations of his - devices; without knowing the angelic form, the sanctified look and - gesture, and the zeal that is frequently manifested by him for the - glory of God, together with the prophetic spirit, the gracious - influence, the godly appearance, and the holy garb, which are so - characteristic of his proceedings and his mysterious windings. - - A man must have the discerning of spirits before he can drag into - daylight this hellish influence and unfold it unto the world in all - its soul-destroying, diabolical, and horrid colors; for nothing - is a greater injury to the children of men than to be under the - influence of a false spirit when they think they have the Spirit of - God. Thousands have felt the influence of its terrible power and - baneful effects. Long pilgrimages have been undertaken, penances - endured, and pain, misery and ruin have followed in their train; - nations have been convulsed, kingdoms overthrown, provinces laid - waste, and blood, carnage and desolation are habiliments in which - it has been clothed. - - The Turks, the Hindoos, the Jews, the Christians, the Indian; in - fact all nations have been deceived, imposed upon and injured - through the mischievous effects of false spirits. - - As we have noticed before, the great difficulty lies in the - ignorance of the nature of spirits, of the laws by which they are - governed, and the signs by which they may be known; if it requires - the Spirit of God {574} to know the things of God; and the spirit - of the devil can only be unmasked through that medium, then it - follows as a natural consequence that unless some person or persons - have a communication, or revelation from God, unfolding to them the - operation of the spirit, they must eternally remain ignorant of - these principles; for I contend that if one man cannot understand - these things but by the Spirit of God, ten thousand men cannot; it - is alike out of the reach of the wisdom of the learned, the tongue - of the eloquent, the power of the mighty. And we shall at last have - to come to this conclusion, whatever we may think of revelation, - that without it we can neither know nor understand anything of God, - or the devil; and however unwilling the world may be to acknowledge - this principle, it is evident from the multifarious creeds and - notions concerning this matter that they understand nothing of - this principle, and it is equally as plain that without a divine - communication they must remain in ignorance. The world always - mistook false prophets for true ones, and those that were sent of - God, they considered to be false prophets, and hence they killed, - stoned, punished and imprisoned the true prophets, and these had - to hide themselves "in deserts and dens, and caves of the earth," - and though the most honorable men of the earth, they banished them - from their society as vagabonds, whilst they cherished, honored and - supported knaves, vagabonds, hypocrites, impostors, and the basest - of men. - - A man must have the discerning of spirits, as we before stated, - to understand these things, and how is he to obtain this gift - if there are no gifts of the Spirit? And how can these gifts be - obtained without revelation? Christ ascended into heaven, and - gave gifts to men; and He gave some Apostles, and some Prophets, - and some Evangelists, and some Pastors and Teachers. And how were - Apostles, Prophets, Pastors, Teachers and Evangelists chosen? By - prophecy (revelation) and by laying on of hands:--by a divine - communication, and a divinely appointed ordinance--through the - medium of the Priesthood, organized according to the order of God, - by divine appointment. The Apostles in ancient times held the - keys of this Priesthood--of the mysteries of the kingdom of God, - and consequently were enabled to unlock and unravel all things - pertaining to the government of the Church, the welfare of society, - the future destiny of men, and the agency, power and influence of - spirits; for they could control them at pleasure, bid them depart - in the name of Jesus, and detect their mischievous and mysterious - operations when trying to palm themselves upon the Church in a - religious garb, and militate against the interest of the Church and - spread of truth. We read that they "cast out devils in the name of - Jesus," and when a woman possessing the spirit of divination, cried - before Paul and Silas, "these are the servants of the Most High God - that show unto us the way of salvation," they detected the {575} - spirit. And although she spake favorably of them, Paul commanded - the spirit to come out of her, and saved themselves from the - opprobrium that might have been heaped upon their heads, through - an alliance with her, in the development of her wicked principles, - which they certainly would have been charged with, if they had not - rebuked the evil spirit. - - A power similar to this existed through the medium of the - Priesthood in different ages. Moses could detect the magician's - power, and show that he [himself] was God's servant--he knew when - he was upon the mountain (through revelation) that Israel was - engaged in idolatry; he could develop the sin of Korah, Dathan and - Abiram, detect witches and wizards in their proceedings, and point - out the true prophets of the Lord. Joshua knew how to detect the - man who had stolen the wedge of gold and the Babylonish garment. - Michaiah could point out the false spirit by which the four hundred - prophets were governed; and if his advice had been taken, many - lives would have been spared, (II Chronicles xviii) Elijah, Elisha, - Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and many other prophets possessed this - power. Our Savior, the Apostles, and even the members of the - Church were endowed with this gift, for, says Paul, (I Corinthians - xii), "To one is given the gift of tongues, to another the - interpretation of tongues, to another the working of miracles, to - another prophecy, to another the discerning of spirits." All these - proceeded from the same Spirit of God, and were the gifts of God. - The Ephesian church were enabled by this principle, "to try those - that said they were apostles, and were not, and found them liars," - (Revelation ii: 2.) - - In tracing the thing to the foundation, and looking at it - philosophically, we shall find a very material difference between - the body and the spirit; the body is supposed to be organized - matter, and the spirit, by many, is thought to be immaterial, - without substance. With this latter statement we should beg leave - to differ, and state that spirit is a substance; that it is - material, but that it is more pure, elastic and refined matter - than the body; that it existed before the body, can exist in the - body; and will exist separate from the body, when the body will - be mouldering in the dust; and will in the resurrection, be again - united with it. - - Without attempting to describe this mysterious connection, and - the laws that govern the body and the spirit of man, their - relationship to each other, and the design of God in relation to - the human body and spirit, I would just remark, that the spirits - of men are eternal, that they are governed by the same Priesthood - that Abraham, Melchizedek, and the Apostles were: that they are - organized according to that Priesthood which is everlasting, - "without beginning of days or end of years,"--that they all move in - their respective spheres, and are governed by the law of God; that - when they appear upon the earth they are in a {576} probationary - state, and are preparing, if righteous, for a future and greater - glory; that the spirits of good men cannot interfere with the - wicked beyond their prescribed bounds, for Michael, the Archangel, - dared not bring a railing accusation against the devil, but said, - "The Lord rebuke thee, Satan." - - It would seem also, that wicked spirits have their bounds, limits, - and laws by which they are governed or controlled, and know their - future destiny; hence, those that were in the maniac said to our - Savior, "Art thou come to torment us before the time," and when - Satan presented himself before the Lord, among the sons of God, he - said that he came "from going to and fro in the earth, and from - wandering up and down in it;" and he is emphatically called the - prince of the power of the air; and, it is very evident that they - possess a power that none but those who have the Priesthood can - control, as we have before adverted to, in the case of the sons of - Sceva. - - Having said so much upon general principles, without referring to - the peculiar situation, power, and influence of the magicians of - Egypt, the wizards and witches of the Jews, the oracles of the - heathen, their necromancers, soothsayers, and astrologers, the - maniacs or those possessed of devils in the Apostles' days, we will - notice, and try to detect (so far as we have the Scriptures for our - aid) some few instances of the development of false spirits in more - modern times, and in this our day. - - The "French Prophets" were possessed of a spirit that deceived; - they existed in Vivaris and Dauphany, in great numbers in the year - 1688; there were many boys and girls from seven to twenty-five; - they had strange fits, as in tremblings and faintings, which made - them stretch out their legs and arms, as in a swoon; they remained - awhile in trances, and coming out of them, uttered all that came in - their mouths [see Buck's Theological Dictionary]. - - Now God never had any prophets that acted in this way; there was - nothing indecorous in the proceeding of the Lord's prophets in any - age; neither had the apostles, nor prophets in the apostles's day - anything of this kind. Paul says, "Ye may all prophesy, one by - one; and if anything be revealed to another let the first hold his - peace, for the spirit of the prophets is subject to the prophets;" - but here we find that the prophets are subject to the spirit, and - falling down, have twitchings, tumblings, and faintings through the - influence of that spirit, being entirely under its control. Paul - says, "Let everything be done decently and in order," but here we - find the greatest disorder and indecency in the conduct of both men - and women, as above described. The same rule would apply to the - fallings, twitchings, swoonings, shaking, and trances of many of - our modern revivalists. - - {577} Johanna Southcott professed to be a prophetess, and wrote a - book of prophecies in 1804, she became the founder of a people that - are still extant. She was to bring forth, in a place appointed, - a son, that was to be the Messiah, which thing has failed. - Independent of this, however, where do we read of a woman that was - the founder of a church, in the word of God? Paul told the women in - his day, "To keep silence in the church, and that if they wished to - know anything to ask their husbands at home;" he would not suffer a - woman "to rule, or to usurp authority in the church;" but here we - find a woman the founder of a church, the revelator and guide, the - Alpha and Omega, contrary to all acknowledged rule, principle, and - order. - - Jemimah Wilkinson was another prophetess that figured largely - in America, in the last century. She stated that she was taken - sick and died, and that her soul went to heaven, where it still - continues. Soon after, her body was reanimated with the spirit and - power of Christ, upon which she set up as a public teacher, and - declared that she had an immediate revelation. Now the Scriptures - positively assert that "Christ is the first fruit, afterwards - those that are Christ's at His coming, then cometh the end." But - Jemimah, according to her testimony, died, and rose again before - the time mentioned in the Scriptures. The idea of her soul being in - heaven while her body was [living] on earth, is also preposterous. - When God breathed into man's nostrils, he became a living soul, - before that he did not live, and when that was taken away his body - died; and so did our Savior when the spirit left the body, nor - did His body live until His spirit returned in the power of His - resurrection. But Mrs. Wilkinson's soul [life] was in heaven, and - her body without the soul [or life] on earth, living [without the - soul, or] without life! - - The Irvingites, are a people that have counterfeited the truth, - perhaps the nearest of any of our modern sectarians. They commenced - about ten years ago in the city of London, in England; they have - churches formed in various parts of England and Scotland, and some - few in Upper Canada. Mr. Irving, their founder, was a learned - and talented minister of the Church of Scotland, he was a great - logician, and a powerful orator, but withal wild and enthusiastic - in his views. Moving in the higher circles, and possessing talent - and zeal, placed him in a situation to become a conspicuous - character, and to raise up a society similar to that which is - called after his name. - - The Irvingites have apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, - evangelists, and angels. They profess to have the gift of tongues, - and the interpretation of tongues, and, in some few instances, to - have the gift of healing. - - The first prophetic spirit that was manifested was in some Misses - {578} Campbell that Mr. Irving met with, while on a journey in - Scotland; they had [what is termed among their sect] "utterances," - which were evidently of a supernatural agency. Mr. Irving, - falling into the common error of considering all supernatural - manifestations to be of God, took them to London with him, and - introduced them into his church. - - They were there honored as the prophetesses of God, and when they - spoke, Mr. Irving or any of his ministers had to keep silence. - They were peculiarly wrought upon before the congregation, and - had strange utterances, uttered with an unnatural, shrill voice, - and with thrilling intonations they frequently made use of a few - broken, unconnected sentences, that were ambiguous, incoherent, and - incomprehensible; at other times they were more clearly understood. - They would frequently cry out, "There is iniquity! There is - iniquity!" And Mr. Irving has been led, under the influence of this - charge, to fall down upon his knees before the public congregation, - and to confess his sin, not knowing whether he had sinned, nor - wherein, nor whether the thing referred to him, or somebody else. - During these operations, the bodies of the persons speaking were - powerfully wrought upon, their countenances were distorted, they - had frequent twitchings in their hands, and the whole system was - powerfully convulsed at intervals: they sometimes, however, (it is - supposed) spoke in correct tongues, and had true interpretations. - - Under the influence of this spirit the church was organized by - these women; apostles, prophets, &c. were soon called, and a - systematic order of things introduced, as above mentioned. A Mr. - Baxter (afterwards one of their principal prophets) upon going - into one of their meetings, says, "I saw a power manifested, and - thought that was the power of God, and asked that it might fall - upon me, and it did so, and I began to prophesy." Eight or nine - years ago they had about sixty preachers going through the streets - of London, testifying that London was to be the place where the - "two witnesses" spoken of by John, were to prophesy; that (they) - "the church and the spirit were the witnesses, and that at the - end of three years and a half there was to be an earthquake and - great destruction, and our Savior was to come. Their apostles were - collected together at the appointed time watching the event, but - Jesus did not come, and the prophecy was then ambiguously explained - away. They frequently had signs given them by the spirit to prove - to them that what was manifested to them should take place. Mr. - Baxter related an impression that he had concerning a child. It was - manifested to him that he should visit the child, and lay hands - upon it, and that it should be healed; and to prove to him that - this was of God, he should meet his brother in a certain place, - who should speak unto him certain words. His brother addressed - him precisely in the way {579} and manner that the manifestation - designated. The sign took place, but when he laid his hands upon - the child it did not recover. I cannot vouch for the authority - of the last statement, as Mr. Baxter at that time had left the - Irvingites, but it is in accordance with many of their proceedings, - and the thing never has been attempted to be denied." - - It may be asked, where is there anything in all this that is wrong? - - 1st. The church was organized by women, and God placed in the - Church (first apostles, secondarily prophets), and not first women; - but Mr. Irving placed in his church first women (secondarily - apostles), and the church was founded and organized by them. A - woman has no right to found or organize a church--God never sent - them to do it. - - 2nd. Those women would speak in the midst of a meeting, and rebuke - Mr. Irving or any of the church. Now the Scripture positively says, - "Thou shalt not rebuke an Elder, but entreat him as a father:" not - only this, but they frequently accused the brethren, thus placing - themselves in the seat of Satan, who is emphatically called "the - accuser of the brethren." - - 3rd. Mr. Baxter received the spirit on asking for it, without - attending to the ordinances, and began to prophesy, whereas the - scriptural way of attaining the gift of the Holy Ghost is by - baptism, and by laying on of hands. - - 4th. As we have stated in regard to others, the spirit of the - prophets is subject to the prophets; but those prophets were - subject to the spirits, the spirits controlling their bodies at - pleasure. - - But it may be asked how Mr. Baxter could get a sign from a second - person? To this we would answer, that Mr. Baxter's brother was - under the influence of the same spirit as himself, and being - subject to that spirit he could be easily made to speak to Mr. - Baxter whatever the spirit should dictate; but there was not power - in the spirit to heal the child. - - Again it may be asked, how it was that they could speak in tongues - if they were of the devil! We would answer that they could be made - to speak in another tongue, as well as their own, as they were - under the control of that spirit, and the devil can tempt the - Hottentot, the Turk, the Jew, or any other nation; and if these men - were under the influence of his spirit, they of course could speak - Hebrew, Latin, Greek, Italian, Dutch, or any other language that - the devil knew. - - Some will say, "try the spirits" by the word. "Every spirit that - confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God, and - every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the - flesh is not of God." John 4: 2, 3. One of the Irvingites once - quoted this passage whilst under the influence of a spirit, and - then said, "I confess that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh." And - yet these prophecies failed, {580} their Messiah did not come; and - the great things spoken of by them have fallen to the ground. What - is the matter here? Did not the Apostle speak the truth? Certainly - he did--but he spoke to a people who were under the penalty of - death, the moment they embraced Christianity; and no one without - a knowledge of the fact would confess it, and expose themselves - to death, and this was consequently given as a criterion to the - church or churches to which John wrote. But the devil on a certain - occasion cried out, "I know thee, who thou art, the Holy One of - God!" Here was a frank acknowledgment under other circumstances - that "Jesus had come in the flesh." On another occasion the devil - said, "Paul we know, and Jesus we know"--of course, "come in the - flesh." No man nor set of men without the regular constituted - authorities, the Priesthood and discerning of spirits, can tell - true from false spirits. This power they possessed in the Apostles' - day, but it has departed from the world for ages. - - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has also had its - false spirits; and as it is made up of all those different sects - professing every variety of opinion, and having been under the - influence of so many kinds of spirits, it is not to be wondered at - if there should be found among us false spirits. - - Soon after the Gospel was established in Kirtland, and during the - absence of the authorities of the Church, many false spirits were - introduced, many strange visions were seen, and wild, enthusiastic - notions were entertained; men ran out of doors under the influence - of this spirit, and some of them got upon the stumps of trees and - shouted, and all kinds of extravagances were entered into by them; - one man pursued a ball that he said he saw flying in the air, until - he came to a precipice, when he jumped into the top of a tree, - which saved his life; and many ridiculous things were entered into, - calculated to bring disgrace upon the Church of God, to cause the - Spirit of God to be withdrawn, and to uproot and destroy those - glorious principles which had been developed for the salvation of - the human family. But when the authorities returned, the spirit was - made manifest, those members that were exercised with it were tried - for their fellowship, and those that would not repent and forsake - it were cut off. - - At a subsequent period a Shaker spirit was on the point of being - introduced, and at another time the Methodist and Presbyterian - falling down power, but the spirit was rebuked and put down, - and those who would not submit to rule and good order were - disfellowshiped. We have also had brethren and sisters who have - had the gift of tongues falsely; they would speak in a muttering - unnatural voice, and their bodies be distorted like the Irvingites - before alluded to; whereas, there is nothing unnatural in the - Spirit of God. A circumstance of this kind {581} took place in - Upper Canada, but was rebuked by the presiding Elder; another, a - woman near the same place, professed to have the discerning of - spirits, and began to _accuse_ another sister of things that she - was not guilty of, which she said she knew was so by the spirit, - but was afterwards proven to be false; she placed herself in the - capacity of the "_accuser_ of the brethren," and no person through - the discerning of spirits can bring a charge against another, they - must be proven guilty by positive evidence, or they stand clear. - - There have also been ministering angels in the Church which were - of Satan appearing as an angel of light. A sister in the state - of New York had a vision, who said it was told her that if she - would go to a certain place in the woods, an angel would appear to - her. She went at the appointed time, and saw a glorious personage - descending, arrayed in white, with sandy colored hair; he commenced - and told her to fear God, and said that her husband was called to - do great things, but that he must not go more than one hundred - miles from home, or he would not return; whereas God had called him - to go to the ends of the earth, and he has since been more than one - thousand miles from home, and is yet alive. Many true things were - spoken by this personage, and many things that were false. How, it - may be asked, was this known to be a bad angel? By the color of his - hair; that is one of the signs that he can be known by, and by his - contradicting a former revelation. - - We have also had brethren and sisters who have written revelations, - and who have started forward to lead this Church. Such was a young - boy in Kirtland, Isaac Russel, of Missouri, and Gladden Bishop, and - Oliver Olney of Nauvoo. The boy is now living with his parents who - have submitted to the laws of the Church. Mr. Russell stayed in Far - West, from whence he was to go to the Rocky Mountains, led by three - Nephites; but the Nephites never came, and his friends forsook him, - all but some of the blood relations, who have since been nearly - destroyed by the mob. Mr. Bishop was tried by the High Council, his - papers examined, condemned and burned, and he cut off the Church. - He acknowledged the justice of the decision, and said "that he now - saw his error, for if he had been governed by the revelations given - before, he might have known that no man was to write revelations - for the Church, but Joseph Smith," and begged to be prayed for, and - forgiven by the brethren. Mr. Olney has also been tried by the High - Council and disfellowshiped, because he would not have his writings - tested by the word of God; evidently proving that he loves darkness - rather than light, because his deeds are evil. - -{582} - - - -CHAPTER XXXIV. - -Special Conference of the Church at Nauvoo--The Prophet's Reproof of -the Wicked--Epistle of the Twelve to the Saints in Kirtland--Status of -the Church. - -_Saturday, April 2_.--I paid Hugh Rhodes $1,150 for a farm. - -The fourth regiment of the second cohort of the Nauvoo Legion, -consisting of four companies, was organized, Jonathan Dunham was -elected colonel, James Brown, lieutenant-colonel, and Jesse P. Harmon, -major of the same. - -_Monday, 4_.--Transacted business at my house with Josiah Butterfield, -concerning the Lawrence estates; and closed a settlement with William -Marks in the counting room, and paid him off, principal and interest to -the last farthing, for all that myself or the Church had had of him. - -_Tuesday, 5_.--Settled with Brother Niswanger. - -[Sidenote: The Thirteenth Anniversary of the Organization of the -Church.] - -_Wednesday, 6_.--The first day of the thirteenth year of the rise of -the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A special conference -had been appointed at the city of Nauvoo, but it was so wet and cold, -that it was not prudent for me to go out, as my health was not good, -and I spent the day with my family. Brother Hyrum and Elders Brigham -Young, Heber C. Kimball, and Willard Richards called on me in the -morning, and I gave them instructions how to organize and adjourn the -conference. Before they left, Brother Hyrum and the Twelve present bore -testimony {583} that they had never heard me teach any principles but -those of the strictest virtue, either in public or private. - - Conference Minutes. - - _Special Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day - Saints_. - - _City of Nauvoo, April 6, 1842_. - - The day being wet, the First Presidency did not attend, and Elder - Page addressed those present upon the subject of the charges - against him, and said he "would be happy to have an opportunity - of laying his statement before the conference at a convenient - time. President William Law, General Bennett, president _pro tem_, - and President Hyrum Smith all spoke upon the subject of military - affairs, showing the necessity of a well organized and efficient - force; that as we were bound to serve our country, if required, in - common with all good citizens, we ought not to be behind any of our - neighbors in point of good order, neat uniforms and equipments, and - a well organized and thoroughly disciplined legion." - - _Thursday, April 7_.--Conference met. President Joseph Smith had - the several quorums put in order and seated. He then made some - very appropriate remarks concerning the duties of the Church, the - necessity of unity of purpose in regard to the building of the - houses, and the blessings connected with doing the will of God, - and the inconsistency, folly, and danger of murmuring against the - dispensations of Jehovah. - - He said that the principal object of the meeting was, to bring the - case of Elder Page before them; and that another object was, to - choose young men and ordain them, and send them out to preach, that - they may have an opportunity of proving themselves, and of enduring - the tarring and feathering, and such things as those of us who have - gone before them have had to endure. - - Elder Page, having arrived, was called upon, and addressed the - congregation in relation to the non-performance of his mission - to Jerusalem. He said that when he started with Elder Hyde, joy - filled their hearts, and they were aware of the responsibility - of their mission. Elder Hyde's vision was that he should be in - Jerusalem alone, Elder Page considered Elder Hyde to be his father - and guide in the mission, and felt it his duty to submit to Elder - Hyde's opinion in all things; no Elders ever were more in concert - on a mission than they were while together. They made a covenant - in Quincy to stand by each other while on the mission, and if they - were insulted or imposed upon they would stand by each other, even - unto death, and not separate unless to go a few miles to preach a - sermon, that all moneys should go into one purse, and it did so. - - {584} Elder Hyde, in Indiana, first said he would go to visit - Brother Knight, and that Elder Page should stay and preach; he - assented, and went and returned to Indianapolis. Elder Page had a - mare given him on account of both. Elder Hyde then took the mare, - went on, left his luggage with Elder Page; while away he sold the - mare for $40, and received $60 more as a donation from the man to - whom he had sold the mare; he returned, they preached at Dayton and - received a handsome contribution. Elder Page preached sixteen miles - off, and raised a branch. Elder Hyde went to Cincinnati, revised - the "Missouri Persecutions," got 2,000 copies printed, paid for - them, and took part of them with him, and left a large box full, - and about 150 loose copies with Elder Page. Elder Hyde started - for Philadelphia, purposing to visit churches on the way; he left - Elder Page $23.31. Elder Page returned to Dayton and Milton, and - sold books, with the intention of following Elder Hyde as soon as - practicable; but he stayed a day or two too long, and the river - closed by the frost, from one to two weeks earlier than usual. - Elder Hyde told him that it was possible they might be from one to - two years before they would leave America, as it would take upwards - of $1,000 each to take them to Jerusalem and back, that it would - be slow gleaning in England, and assigned this as a reason for not - immediately following Elder Hyde, thinking that he would be sure of - seeing him in the spring. Elder Page accused himself of not using - better economy in proceeding on his journey. - - There came out a piece in the paper, stating the displeasure of - the Lord respecting Elder Hyde and Elder Page, he sat down and - wrote a piece to put in the paper, acknowledging the justice of the - charge, but wisdom prevented its being published; preached about - Washington, &c., gathered funds for the mission in Westchester and - in Philadelphia. - - Elder Hyde raised funds on behalf of the mission, by applauding - Elder Page's talents, wisdom, &c., but they were disappointed in - him when they saw him; he raised funds for the mission, the most - liberal was in Philadelphia. He intended to sail on the 25th of - July, but the brethren said that if he would remain two weeks, they - would raise funds for him; they found that it would take longer, - and he decided to stay a month, he then received a command through - a letter from President Hyrum Smith to an official character in - Philadelphia, requesting him to return; he wrote to ascertain - the reason but did not get an answer, he was then called in by - President Joseph Smith and Elder Brigham Young. - - Elder Hyde would often renew the covenant between them to never - part with each other in that mission. Elder Page had no blame to - attach to Elder Hyde; he supposed he had done right, but if he - had been in {585} his place, he would have tarried for him until - the spring. The reports of his having apostatized, &c., returned - even from this place to New York. Many reproved him for leaving - Cincinnati for Dayton. - - President Joseph Smith then arose and stated that it was wrong to - make the covenant referred to by him; that it created a lack of - confidence for two men to covenant to reveal all acts of secrecy or - otherwise, to each other, and Elder Page showed a little grannyism. - He said that no two men, when they agreed to go together ought - to separate, that the Prophets of old would not, and quoted the - circumstance of Elijah and Elisha, 2 Kings ii., when about to go - to Gilgal, also when about to go to Jericho, and to Jordan, that - Elisha could not get clear of Elijah, that he clung to his garment - until he was taken to heaven; and that Elder Page should have stuck - by Elder Hyde, and he might have gone to Jerusalem, that there is - nothing very bad in it, but by the experience let us profit; again - the Lord made use of Elder Page as a scapegoat to procure funds for - Elder Hyde. When Elder Hyde returns, we will reconsider the matter, - and perhaps send them back to Jerusalem; we will fellowship Elder - Page until Elder Hyde comes, and we will then weld them together - and make them one. A vote was then put and carried that we hold - Elder Page in full fellowship. - - Voted that Elder Page be sent to Pittsburgh. - - Sung a hymn--adjourned for one hour and a half, at one o'clock. - - Met agreeable to adjournment--choir sung a hymn--prayer by Elder H. - C. Kimball. - - Elder Lyman Wight called to know if there were any present of - the rough and weak things, who wished to be ordained, and go and - preach, who have not been before ordained. Elder Lyman Wight then - addressed those who intended to be ordained, on the subject of - their duty and requirements to go and preach. - - President Hyrum Smith spoke concerning the Elders who went forth to - preach from Kirtland, and were afterwards called in for the washing - and anointing at the dedication of the House, and those who go now - will be called in also, when this Temple is about to be dedicated, - and will then be endowed to go forth with mighty power, having the - same anointing, that all may go forth and have the same power, the - first, second, and so on, of the Seventies, and all those formerly - ordained. This will be an important and beneficial mission, and - not many years until those now sent will be called in again. He - then spoke in contradiction of a report in circulation about Elders - Heber C. Kimball, Brigham Young, himself, and others of the Twelve, - alleging that a sister had been shut in a room for several days, - and that they had endeavored to induce her to believe in having two - wives. Also cautioned the sisters against going to the steamboats. - - {586} President Joseph Smith spoke upon the subject of the - stories respecting Elders Kimball and others, showing the folly - and inconsistency of spending any time in conversing about such - stories, or hearkening to them, for there is no person that is - acquainted with our principles who would believe such lies, except - Sharp, the editor of the _Warsaw Signal_. - - Baptisms for the dead, and for the healing of the body must be in - the font, those coming into the Church, and those re-baptized may - be baptized in the river. A box should be prepared for the use of - the font, that the clerk may be paid, and a book procured by the - moneys to be put therein, by those baptized, the remainder to go to - the use of the Temple. - - Sung a hymn. - - Ordinations to take place tomorrow morning. Baptisms in the font - also. - - There were 275 ordained to the office of Elder, under the hands of - the Twelve, during the Conference. - - _Friday 8_. Conference assembled. Sung a hymn. Prayer by Elder - Heber C. Kimball. - - Elder Page then addressed the assembly upon several subjects; made - many interesting remarks concerning being called to the ministry, - labor in the vineyard, &c. Spoke of his own travels and the fruits - of his labors as an encouragement to the young Elders who were - going into the vineyard. - - President Joseph Smith said the baptisms would be attended to, also - the ordinations. - - Sung a hymn. - - Elder John Taylor preached a sermon while the ordinations and - baptisms were going on, on the subject of infidelity, showing - that the arguments used against the Bible were rationally, - scientifically, and philosophically false. - - The stand was occupied in the afternoon by Elder Amasa M. Lyman, - who was followed by Elder William Smith; then the Conference closed - by the benediction of President Joseph Smith. - - James Sloan, Clerk. - -_Saturday, 9_.--In the morning I attended the funeral of Brother -Ephraim Marks, and in the evening attended city council. - - [The following brief synopsis of President Smith's remarks is from - Elder Wilford Woodruff's journal:] - - {587} _Remarks of the Prophet at the Funeral of Ephraim Marks_. - - The Saints in Nauvoo assembled at the house of President Marks, - at an early hour in the morning, to pay their last respects to - the body of Ephraim Marks, son of President William Marks, who - died on the evening of the 7th. A large procession formed and - walked to the Grove, where a numerous congregation had assembled. - President Joseph Smith spoke upon the occasion with much feeling - and interest. Among his remarks he said, "It is a very solemn and - awful time. I never felt more solemn; it calls to mind the death - of my oldest brother, Alvin, who died in New York, and my youngest - brother, Don Carlos Smith, who died in Nauvoo. It has been hard - for me to live on earth and see these young men upon whom we have - leaned for support and comfort taken from us in the midst of their - youth. Yes, it has been hard to be reconciled to these things. I - have sometimes thought that I should have felt more reconciled to - have been called away myself if it had been the will of God; yet I - know we ought to be still and know it is of God, and be reconciled - to His will; all is right. It will be but a short time before we - shall all in like manner be called: it may be the case with me as - well as you. Some have supposed that Brother Joseph could not die; - but this is a mistake: it is true there have been times when I have - had the promise of my life to accomplish such and such things, but, - having now accomplished those things, I have not at present any - lease of my life, I am as liable to die as other men." - - I can say in my heart, that I have not done anything against - Ephraim Marks that I am sorry for, and I would ask any of his - companions if they have done anything against him that they are - sorry for, or that they would not like to meet and answer for at - the bar of God, if so, let it prove as a warning to all to deal - justly before God, and with all mankind, then we shall be clear in - the day of judgment. - - When we lose a near and dear friend, upon whom we have set our - hearts, it should be a caution unto us not to set our affections - too firmly upon others; knowing that they may in like manner be - taken from us. Our affections should be placed upon God and His - work, more intensely than upon our fellow beings. - -_Sunday, April 10_.--I preached in the Grove, and pronounced a curse -upon all adulterers, and fornicators, and unvirtuous persons, and those -who have made use of my name to carry on their iniquitous designs. - - [The following brief synopsis of the Prophet's remarks is from the - journal of Elder Wilford Woodruff:] - - {588} _Synopsis of Remarks of the Prophet--Reproof of all - Wickedness_. - - Joseph the Seer arose in the power of God; reproved and rebuked - wickedness before the people, in the name of the Lord God. He - wished to say a few words to suit the condition of the general - mass, and then said: I shall speak with authority of the Priesthood - in the name of the Lord God, which shall prove a savor of life unto - life, or of death unto death. Notwithstanding this congregation - profess to be Saints, yet I stand in the midst of all [kinds of] - characters and classes of men. If you wish to go where God is, you - must be like God, or possess the principles which God possesses, - for if we are not drawing towards God in principle, we are going - from Him and drawing towards the devil. Yes, I am standing in the - midst of all kinds of people. - - Search your hearts, and see if you are like God. I have searched - mine, and feel to repent of all my sins. - - We have thieves among us, adulterers, liars, hypocrites. If God - should speak from heaven, he would command you not to steal, not to - commit adultery, not to covet, nor deceive, but be faithful over - a few things. As far as we degenerate from God, we descend to the - devil and lose knowledge, and without knowledge we cannot be saved, - and while our hearts are filled with evil, and we are studying - evil, there is no room in our hearts for good, or studying good. - Is not God good? Then you be good; if He is faithful, then you be - faithful. Add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, and seek - for every good thing. - - The Church must be cleansed, and I proclaim against all iniquity. A - man is saved no faster than he gets knowledge, for if he does not - get knowledge, he will be brought into captivity by some evil power - in the other world, as evil spirits will have more knowledge, and - consequently more power than many men who are on the earth. Hence - it needs revelation to assist us, and give us knowledge of the - things of God. - - What is the reason that the Priests of the day do not get - revelation? They ask only to consume it upon their lust. Their - hearts are corrupt, and they cloak their iniquity by saying there - are no more revelations. But if any revelations are given of God, - they are universally opposed by the priests and Christendom at - large; for they reveal their wickedness and abominations. - - Many other remarks of interest were made. - -_Monday, 11_.--I was at the lodge and at home. - -The following is from the _West Messenger_. - - A Meteor Falls. - - Mr. Horace Palmer who was on his way from Dunkirk to Westfield, - about three o'clock this morning, states that when about three - miles {589} from Dunkirk, he was suddenly surrounded by a painful - vivid light proceeding from a quantity of jelly-like substance, - which fell on and about him, producing a sulphurous smell, a - difficulty of breathing and a severe sensation of heat. As soon as - he could so far recover from his astonishment as to look up, he saw - the body of a terrific meteor passing above him, and appearing to - be about a mile high. Its size appeared to be three or four feet in - diameter, and nearly a mile in length. Its dimensions soon varied, - becoming at first broader, and then diminishing to one fourth less - than its former size, when it apparently separated in pieces, and - fell to the earth; and immediately after he heard the explosion, - which he says was tremendous. - - When Mr. Palmer arrived at Westfield, his face had the appearance - of being severely scorched, and his eyes were much affected, and - he did not recover for two or three days. Mr. Palmer is reputed to - be a man of integrity and temperate habits; and his story, though - marvelous, is generally believed. - - The meteor was seen by several other people, who speak of luminous - bodies being detached from it. Its progress was attended by a noise - similar to that of a train of cars on a railroad. - - A man who saw it from Salem represents it to have been of - dimensions much larger than described by Mr. Palmer. The report of - the explosion was heard also at Buffalo. - -[Sidenote: Council Meeting with the Twelve.] - -_Tuesday, 12_.--I attended the meeting of the lodge. The Twelve, -namely Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Orson Pratt, William Smith, -Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, John E. Page, and Willard Richards, -clerk, assembled in the lodge room at four o'clock p. m., and appointed -John Taylor, Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball a committee to make -arrangements for the payments due from President Smith as Trustee -in Trust, to Mr. Wilkie, and voted that Randolph Alexander go on a -mission south to preach the Gospel. Also voted that the Twelve unite -their influence to persuade the brethren to consecrate all the old -notes, deeds, and obligations which they hold against each other to the -building of the Temple in Nauvoo, and that Willard Richards write an -epistle in the name of the Twelve on that subject, and publish it in -the _Times and Seasons_, which he did as follows: - - {590} _An Epistle of the Twelve to the Saints in America, Greeting_. - - Beloved Brethren: We have whereof to congratulate you at the - present time, as we have the opportunity from day to day to witness - the progress of the building of the Temple of the Lord in this - city, and which is and must be accomplished by the united exertions - of the labors of the brethren who reside here, and the tithings and - contributions of those who are scattered abroad in the different - states. - - In this glorious object the hearts of all the faithful are united, - the hands of the laborer are made strong continually, and the purse - strings of the more opulent are unloosed from time to time, to - supply those things which are necessary for upraising the stones of - this noble edifice; and it may truly be said that the blessing of - the Lord is upon His people; we have peace without and love within - the borders of our beautiful city; beautiful, indeed, for situation - is Nauvoo: the crown of the great valley of the Mississippi, the - joy of every honest heart. - - Although all things are more prosperous concerning the Temple than - at any former period, yet the Saints must not suppose that all - is done, or that they can relax their exertions and the work go - on. It is a great work that God has required of His people, and - it will require long and unwearied diligence to accomplish it; - and redoubled diligence will be necessary with all, to get the - building enclosed before another winter, so that the joiner can be - employed during the cold weather; and we would again call upon all - the Saints abroad to unite in making their deposits in banks known - to be good and safe, and forward their certificate to the Trustee - in Trust, as speedily as possible; when trusty men are not coming - immediately to this place who can bring your offerings. All will - want the privileges and blessings of the sanctuary, when it is - completed; and all can have their wishes; but they can obtain them - only by faithfulness and diligence in striving to build. - - We praise our God for the liberality that has hitherto been - manifested; many have given more than was required of them, many - have given their all, but they have done it cheerfully; they have - done it voluntarily; and they shall have a great reward; for the - blessings of heaven and earth shall be multiplied unto such; even - the blessings of that Priesthood which hath neither beginning of - days nor end of life. - - While there are those who of their abundance have built unto - themselves fine houses, and who ride in fine carriages and on - horseback, and regale themselves with the good things of the land, - and at the same time they have left the Lord's house untouched, or, - if touched at all, have touched it so lightly as scarce to leave - the print of their little finger: their reward will be according - to their deeds, and unless they speedily repent, and come up with - their abundance to the help of the Lord, they will find in the end - that they have no part nor lot in this {591} matter; their gold and - silver will become cankered, their garments moth eaten, and they - will perish in their own slothfulness and idolatry, leaving none to - mourn their absence. - - But, brethren, the Temple will be built. There are hundreds and - thousands who stand ready to sacrifice the last farthing they - possess on the earth rather than have the building of the Lord's - house delayed, all while this spirit prevails no power beneath the - heavens can hinder its progress: but we desire you all to help - with the ability which God has given you; that you may all share - the blessings which will distil from heaven to earth through this - consecrated channel. - - This is not all. It will be in vain for us to build a place where - the Son of Man may lay his head, and leave the cries of the widow - and the fatherless, unheard by us, ascending up to the orphan's - God and widow's Friend. It is in vain, we cry Lord, Lord, and do - not the things our Lord hath commanded; to visit the widow, the - fatherless, the sick, the lame, the blind, the destitute, and - minister to their necessities; and it is but reasonable that such - cases should be found among a people who have but recently escaped - the fury of a relentless mob on the one hand, and gathered from the - half-starved population of the scattered nations on the other. - - Neither is this all. It is not sufficient that the poor be fed and - clothed, the sick ministered unto, the Temple built--no, when all - this is accomplished, there must be a year of Jubilee: there must - be a day of rejoicing, there must be a time of release to Zion's - sons, or our offerings, our exertions, our hopes, and our prayers - will be in vain, and God will not accept of the doings of His - people. - - On these days of darkness which overspread our horizon; when the - Wolf was howling for his prey around the streets of Kirtland; when - the burglar was committing his midnight and midday depredations - in Jackson county; when the heartless politician was thrusting - his envious darts in Clay county--and when the savage war whoop, - echoed and re-echoed through Far West, and Zion's noblest sons - were chained in dungeons, and her defenseless daughters driven - by a horde of savages, from their once peaceful homes, to seek a - shelter in a far distant land--many of the brethren stepped forward - to their rescue, and not only expended all they possessed for the - relief of suffering innocence, but gave their notes and bonds to - "obtain more means, with which to help those who could not escape - the overwhelming surge of banishment from all that they possessed - on earth." - - Death, wounds, and sickness, from the mob, and the cold and - shelterless situation of the brethren, followed in quick - succession; and all the means which could possibly be obtained from - each other, in addition to the noble charities of the citizens of - Illinois, were brought into {592} requisition to sustain a remnant - of the Saints, who now mostly inhabit this place. - - To accomplish this, the President and Bishops loaned money and such - things as could be obtained, and gave their obligations in good - faith for the payment of the same; and many of the brethren signed - with them at different times and in different places, to strengthen - their hands and help them carry out their designs; fully expecting, - that, at some future day, they would be enabled to liquidate all - such claims, to the satisfaction of all parties. - - Many of these claims have already been settled; many have been - given up as cancelled by those who held them, and many yet remain - unsettled. The Saints have had many difficulties to encounter - since they arrived at this place. In a new country, destitute of - houses, food, clothing, and nearly all the necessaries of life, - which were rent from them by an unfeeling mob--having to encounter - disease and difficulties unnumbered, it is not surprising that the - Church has not been able to liquidate all such claims, or that - many individuals should yet remain involved, from the foregoing - circumstances; and while things remain as they are, and men - remain subject to the temptations of evil as they now are, the - day of release, and year of jubilee cannot be; and we write you - especially at this time, brethren, for the purpose of making a - final settlement of all such claims, of brother against brother; of - the brethren against the Presidency and Bishops, &c.; claims which - have originated out of the difficulties and calamities the Church - has had to encounter, and which are of long standing, so that when - the Temple is completed, there will be nothing from this source - to produce jars, and discords, strifes and animosities, so as to - prevent the blessings of heaven descending upon us as a people. - - To accomplish this most desirable object, we call on all the - brethren who hold such claims, to bring them forward for a final - settlement; and also those brethren who have individual claims - against each other, of long standing, and the property of the - debtor has been wrested from him by violence, or he has been - unfortunate, and languished on a bed of sickness till his means are - exhausted; and all claims whatsoever between brother and brother, - where there is no reasonable prospect of a just and equitable - settlement possible, that they also by some means, either by - giving up their obligations, or destroying them, see that all such - old affairs be adjusted, so that it shall not give occasion for - difficulties to arise hereafter. Yes, brethren, bring all such - old accounts, notes, bonds, etc., and make a consecration of them - to the building of the Temple, and if anything can be obtained on - them, it will be obtained; and if nothing can be obtained, when the - Temple is completed, we will make a burnt-offering of them, even a - peace-offering, which shall bind {593} the brethren together in the - bonds of eternal peace, and love and union; and joy and salvation - shall flow forth into your souls, and you shall rejoice and say it - is good that we have harkened unto counsel, and set our brethren - free, for God hath blessed us. - - How can we prosper while the Church, while the Presidency, while - the Bishops, while those who have sacrificed everything but life, - in this thing, for our salvation, are thus encumbered? It cannot - be. Arise, then, brethren, set them free, and set each other free, - and we will all be free together, we will be free indeed. - - Let nothing in this epistle be so construed as to destroy the - validity of contracts, or give any one license not to pay his - debts. The commandment is to pay every man his dues, and no man can - get to heaven who justly owes his brother or his neighbor, who has - or can get the means and will not pay it; it is dishonest, and no - dishonest man can enter where God is. - - We remain, your brethren in the Gospel of Peace, - - Brigham Young, President, - - Heber C. Kimball, - - Orson Pratt, - - William Smith, - - John E. Page, - - Lyman Wight, - - Wilford Woodruff, - - John Taylor, - - Geo. A. Smith, - - Willard Richards, Clerk. - - _Military Appointments_. - - James Arlington Bennett, of Arlington House, Long Island, is hereby - appointed Inspector-General of the Nauvoo-Legion, with the rank and - title of Major-General; his place to be supplied when absent, by - the Major-General of the Legion. - - Joseph Smith, Lieutenant-General. - - City of Nauvoo, Illinois, April 12th, A. D. 1842. - -{594} - - - -CHAPTER XXXV. - -The General Bankrupt Law--The Doctrine of Baptism for the Dead--The -Prophet's Address to the Female Relief Society--The Keys of the -Priesthood and the Nauvoo Temple. - -_Wednesday, April 13_.--I introduced Messrs. Backenstos, Stiles, and -Robinson into the Lodge Room in the morning, and Samuel H. Smith, -William Smith, and Vinson Knight in the evening. - -About 150 Saints, from England landed in Nauvoo from the steamer -_Louisa_, and about 60 from the _Amaranth_. - -[Sidenote: The Bankrupt Law.] - -_Thursday, 14_.--Calvin A. Warren, Esq., lawyer, from Quincy, arrived, -and commenced an investigation of the principles of general insolvency -in my behalf according to the statutes; for the United States Congress -had previously instituted a general bankrupt law, by which any -individual who was owing to a certain amount more than he was able -to pay, could make out a schedule of his property, and of debts due -from himself, and by a specified process, pass the same in the hands -of a commissioner, government agent, or "assignee," who could make a -dividend of all his effects, and pay his creditors whatever percentage -his property amounted to, and then the individual was at liberty to -start anew in the world, and was not subject to liquidate any claims -which were held against him previous to his insolvency, although his -property might not have paid but the least percentage, or none at all. - -[Sidenote: The Prophet Forced into Bankruptcy.] - -The justice or injustice of such a principle in law, I leave for them -who made it, the United States. Suffice it {595} to say, the law was as -good for the Saints as for the Gentiles, and whether I would or not, I -was forced into the measure by having been robbed, mobbed, plundered, -and wasted of all my property, time after time, in various places, by -the very ones who made the law, namely, the people of the United State, -thereby having been obliged to contract heavy debts to prevent the -utter destruction of myself, family and friends, and by those who were -justly and legally owing me, taking the advantage of the same act of -bankruptcy, so that I could not collect my just dues, thus leaving me -no alternative but to become subject again to stripping, wasting, and -destitution, by vexatious writs, and law suits, and imprisonments, or -take that course to extricate myself, which the law had pointed out. - -_Friday, 15_.--Editorial from the _Times and Seasons_: - - Baptism For The Dead. - - The great designs of God in relation to the salvation of the human - family, are very little understood by the professedly wise and - intelligent generation in which we live. Various and conflicting - are the opinions of men concerning the plan of salvation, the - requisitions of the Almighty, the necessary preparations for - heaven, the state and condition of departed spirits, and the - happiness or misery that is consequent upon the practice of - righteousness and iniquity according to their several notions of - virtue and vice. - - The Mussulman condemns the heathen, the Jew, and the Christian, - and the whole world of mankind that reject his Koran, as infidels, - and consigns the whole of them to perdition. The Jew believes that - the whole world that rejects his faith and are not circumcised, - are Gentile dogs, all will be damned. The heathen is equally as - tenacious about his principles, and the Christian consigns all to - perdition who cannot bow to his creed, and submit to his _ipse - dixit_. - - But while one portion of the human race is judging and condemning - the other without mercy, the Great Parent of the universe looks - upon the whole of the human family with a fatherly care and - paternal regard; He views them as His offspring, and without any - of those contracted feelings that influence the children of men, - causes "His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth - rain on the just and on the unjust." He holds the reins of judgment - in His hands; He is a wise Lawgiver, and {596} will judge all - men, not according to the narrow, contracted notions of men, but, - "according to the deeds done in the body whether they be good or - evil," or whether these deeds were done in England, America, Spain, - Turkey, or India. He will judge them, "not according to what they - have not, but according to what they have," those who have lived - without law, will be judged without law, and those who have a - law, will by judged by that law. We need not doubt the wisdom and - intelligence of the Great Jehovah; He will award judgment or mercy - to all nations according to their several deserts, their means of - obtaining intelligence, the laws by which they are governed, the - facilities afforded them of obtaining correct information, and His - inscrutable designs in relation to the human family; and when the - designs of God shall be made manifest, and the curtain of futurity - be withdrawn, we shall all of us eventually have to confess that - the Judge of all the earth has done right. - - The situation of the Christian nations after death, is a subject - that has called forth all the wisdom and talent of the philosopher - and the divine, and it is an opinion which is generally received, - that the destiny of man is irretrievably fixed at his death, and - that he is made either eternally happy, or eternally miserable; - that if a man dies without a knowledge of God, he must be eternally - damned, without any mitigation of his punishment, alleviation of - his pain, or the most latent hope of a deliverance while endless - ages shall roll along. However orthodox this principle may be, - we shall find that it is at variance with the testimony of Holy - Writ, for our Savior says, that all manner of sin and blasphemy - shall be forgiven men wherewith they shall blaspheme; but the - blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven, neither - in this world, nor in the world to come, evidently showing that - there are sins which may be forgiven in the world to come, although - the sin of blasphemy [against the Holy Ghost] cannot be forgiven. - Peter, also, in speaking concerning our Savior, says, that "He - went and preached unto the spirits in prison, which sometimes were - disobedient, when once the long suffering of God waited in the - days of Noah," (I Peter iii: 19, 20). Here then we have an account - of our Savior preaching to the spirits in prison, to spirits that - had been imprisoned from the days of Noah; and what did He preach - to them? That they were to stay there? Certainly not! Let His own - declaration testify. "He hath sent me to heal the broken hearted, - to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to - the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised." (Luke iv: 18. - Isaiah has it--"To bring out the prisoners from the prison, and - them that sit in darkness from the prison house.") (Isaiah xlii: - 7.) It is very evident from this that He not only went to preach - to them, but to deliver, or bring them out of the prison house. - Isaiah, in {597} testifying concerning the calamities that will - overtake the inhabitants of the earth, says, "The earth shall reel - to and fro like a drunkard, and shall be removed like a cottage; - and the transgression thereof shall be heavy upon it; and it shall - fall and not rise again. And it shall come to pass in that day, - that the Lord shall punish the host of the high ones that are on - high, and the kings of the earth upon the earth. And they shall - be gathered together, as prisoners are gathered in the pit, and - shall be shut up in the prison, and after many days shall they be - visited." Thus we find that God will deal with all the human family - equally, and that as the antediluvians had their day of visitation, - so will those characters referred to by Isaiah, have their time of - visitation and deliverance, after having been many days in prison. - - The great Jehovah contemplated the whole of the events connected - with the earth, pertaining to the plan of salvation, before it - rolled into existence, or ever "the morning stars sang together" - for joy; the past, the present, and the future were and are, with - Him, one eternal "now;" he knew of the fall of Adam, the iniquities - of the antediluvians, of the depth of iniquity that would be - connected with the human family, their weakness and strength, their - power and glory, apostasies, their crimes, their righteousness and - iniquity; He comprehended the fall of man, and his redemption; He - knew the plan of salvation and pointed it out; He was acquainted - with the situation of all nations and with their destiny; He - ordered all things according to the council of His own will; He - knows the situation of both the living and the dead, and has made - ample provision for their redemption, according to their several - circumstances, and the laws of the kingdom of God, whether in this - world, or in the world to come. - - The idea that some men form of the justice, judgment, and mercy - of God, is too foolish for an intelligent man to think of: for - instance, it is common for many of our orthodox preachers to - suppose that if a man is not what they call converted, if he dies - in that state he must remain eternally in hell without any hope. - Infinite years in torment must he spend, and never, never, never - have an end; and yet this eternal misery is made frequently to - rest upon the merest casualty. The breaking of a shoe-string, the - tearing of a coat of those officiating, or the peculiar location - in which a person lives, may be the means, indirectly of his - damnation, or the cause of his not being saved. I will suppose a - case which is not extraordinary: Two men, who have been equally - wicked, who have neglected religion, are both of them taken sick - at the same time; one of them has the good fortune to be visited - by a praying man, and he gets converted a few minutes before he - dies; the other sends for three different praying men, a tailor, - a shoemaker, and a tinman; the tinman has a handle to solder to a - can, the tailor has a {598} buttonhole to work on some coat that - he needed in a hurry, and the shoemaker has a patch to put on - somebody's boot; they none of them can go in time, the man dies, - and goes to hell: one of these is exalted to Abraham's bosom, he - sits down in the presence of God and enjoys eternal, uninterrupted - happiness, while the other, equally as good as he, sinks to eternal - damnation, irretrievable misery and hopeless despair, because a man - had a boot to mend, the button-hole of a coat to work, or a handle - to solder on to a saucepan. - - The plans of Jehovah are not so unjust, the statements of holy writ - so visionary, nor the plan of salvation for the human family so - incompatible with common sense; at such proceedings God would frown - with indignance, angels would hide their heads in shame, and every - virtuous, intelligent man would recoil. - - If human laws award to each man his deserts, and punish all - delinquents according to their several crimes, surely the Lord - will not be more cruel than man, for He is a wise legislator, and - His laws are more equitable, His enactments more just, and His - decisions more perfect than those of man; and as man judges his - fellow man by law, and punishes him according to the penalty of the - law, so does God of heaven judge "according to the deeds done in - the body." To say that the heathens would be damned because they - did not believe the Gospel would be preposterous, and to say that - the Jews would all be damned that do not believe in Jesus would be - equally absurd; for "how can they believe on him of whom they have - not heard, and how can they hear without a preacher, and how can he - preach except he be sent;" consequently neither Jew nor heathen can - be culpable for rejecting the conflicting opinions of sectarianism, - nor for rejecting any testimony but that which is sent of God, for - as the preacher cannot preach except he be sent, so the hearer - cannot believe without he hear a "sent" preacher, and cannot be - condemned for what he has not heard, and being without law, will - have to be judged without law. - - When speaking about the blessings pertaining to the Gospel, and - the consequences connected with disobedience to the requirements, - we are frequently asked the question, what has become of our - fathers? Will they all be damned for not obeying the Gospel, - when they never heard it? Certainly not. But they will possess - the same privilege that we here enjoy, through the medium of the - everlasting priesthood, which not only administers on earth, but - also in heaven, and the wise dispensations of the great Jehovah; - hence those characters referred to by Isaiah will be visited by the - Priesthood, and come out of their prison upon the same principle - as those who were disobedient in the days of Noah were visited by - our Savior [who possessed the everlasting Melchisedek Priesthood] - and had the Gospel preached to them, by Him in prison; {599} and in - order that they might fulfill all the requisitions of God, living - friends were baptized for their dead friends, and thus fulfilled - the requirement of God, which says, "Except a man be born of water - and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God," they - were baptized of course, not for themselves, but for their dead. - - Chrysostum says that the Marchionites practiced baptism for their - dead. "After a catechumen was dead, they had a living man under - the bed of the deceased; then coming to the dead man, they asked - him whether he would receive baptism, and he making no answer, the - other answered for him, and said that he would be baptized in his - stead; and so they baptized the living for the dead." The church - of course at that time was degenerate, and the particular form - might be incorrect, but the thing is sufficiently plain in the - Scriptures, hence Paul, in speaking of the doctrine, says, "Else - what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead - rise not at all? Why are they then baptized for the dead?" (1 Cor. - xv: 29). Hence it was that so great a responsibility rested upon - the generation in which our Savior lived, for, says he, "That upon - you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from - the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, son of - Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar. Verily I - say unto you, all these things shall come upon this generation." - (Matthew xxiii: 35, 36). Hence as they possessed greater privileges - than any other generation, not only pertaining to themselves, but - to their dead, their sin was greater, as they not only neglected - their own salvation but that of their progenitors, and hence their - blood was required at their hands. - - And now as the great purposes of God are hastening to their - accomplishment, and the things spoken of in the Prophets are - fulfilling, as the kingdom of God is established on the earth, and - the ancient order of things restored, the Lord has manifested to us - this day and privilege, and we are commanded to be baptized for our - dead, thus fulfilling the words of Obadiah, when speaking of the - glory of the latter-day: "And saviors shall come upon Mount Zion to - judge the remnant of Esau, and the kingdom shall be the Lord's." A - view of these things reconciles the Scriptures of truth, justifies - the ways of God to man, places the human family upon an equal - footing, and harmonizes with every principle of righteousness, - justice and truth. We will conclude with the words of Peter: "For - the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will - of the Gentiles." "For, for this cause was the Gospel preached also - to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men - in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit." - -I continued busily engaged in making out a list of {600} debtors and -an invoice of my property to be passed into the hands of the assignee, -until-- - -_Saturday evening the 16th_.--On this day the first number of _The -Wasp_, a miscellaneous weekly newspaper was first published at -my office, William Smith, editor, devoted to the arts, sciences, -literature, agriculture, manufacture, trade, commerce, and the general -news of the day, on a small sheet, at $1.50 per annum. - -_Sunday, 17_.--Spent the day with my family at home. - -[Sidenote: Causes of the Prophet's Insolvency.] - -_Monday, 18_.--In consequence of the utter annihilation of our -property by mob violence in the state of Missouri, and the immense -expenses which we were compelled to incur, to defend ourselves from -the cruel persecutions of that state, we were reduced to the necessity -of availing ourselves of the privileges of the general bankrupt law; -therefore I went to Carthage with my brothers Hyrum and Samuel H. -Smith, and severally testified to our list of insolvency before the -clerk of the county commissioners' court. Sidney Rigdon and many more -brethren were at Carthage the same day on business. My clerk, Dr. -Richards, went with us. - -About this time a disturbance broke out in Rhode Island by a part of -the inhabitants, wishing to change their Constitution, and make it like -those of other states in the Union, which created much confusion and -angry feeling in that state, and excitement in other states. - -_Tuesday, 19_.--Rode out and examined some land near the northern -limits of the city, &c. - -_Wednesday, 20_.--Assisted in surveying some land in section 25, which -I sold to William Cross. - -_Thursday, 21_.--Friday and Saturday was engaged in temporal and -spiritual affairs at home, the office, &c. - -_Friday, 22_.-- - - _James Arlington Bennett Honored_. - - Honorary Degree. Ordered by the chancellor and regents of the - University of the City of Nauvoo, that the honorary degree of L. - L. {601} D. be, and the same hereby is, conferred on General James - Arlington Bennett, of Arlington House, New York. - - Passed April 22, 1842. - - John C. Bennett, Chancellor, - - William Law, Registrar. - -_Sunday, 24_.--Preached on the hill near the Temple, concerning the -building of the Temple, and reproved the merchants and the rich who -would not assist in building it. - -_Monday, 25, Tuesday, 26 and Wednesday, 27_.--I was engaged in reading, -meditation, &c., mostly with my family. - -_Thursday, 28_.-- - - "_Repast Militaire_." - - General Joseph Smith and lady, present their compliments to - the officers (and their respective ladies) of the consolidated - General Staff of the Nauvoo Legion, that is to say, his personal - staff, Major-General Bennett's staff, including the band, - Brigadier-General Law's staff, and Brigadier-General Rich's staff, - and respectfully solicit their company at a _Repast Militaire_, at - his quarters on the 7th day of May _proximo_, at one o'clock p. m. - - General Bennett has been ordered to issue a programme of the - operations and field exercises of the day, which will appear in - ample form, and due season. - - April 28, A. D. 1842. - - Headquarters, Nauvoo Legion, - - City Of Nauvoo, Illinois, April 28, 1842. - - _General Orders_-- - - The Lieutenant-General directs that a _programme militaire_ issue - from the office of his commanding general for the 7th of May - _proximo_, which I now proceed to consummate. - - 1st. The Adjutants will form the lines of their respective - regiments, and the Colonels of the line assume command at nine - o-clock, a. m. - - 2nd. The Adjutant-General will form the line of the Legion, and the - Brigadier-Generals assume the command of their respective cohorts - at half-past nine o'clock a. m. - - 3rd. The Major-General will assume the command of the Legion at ten - o'clock a. m. - - 4th. At a quarter past ten o'clock a. m., the Lieutenant-General - will be escorted to the field at the review station. - - {602} 5th. General review and inspection will follow, accompanied - by such evolutions and exercises as the time will admit of. - - 6th. At half-past twelve o'clock p. m. the forces will be dismissed - until a quarter before two o'clock p. m. - - 7th. At two o'clock p. m. the Major-General will resume the command - and perform such military movements and field exercises as the - Lieutenant-General may direct. - - 8th. At three o'clock p. m. the cohorts will separate and form the - line of battle, the Brigadiers assume their respective commands - and General Law's command will make a descent upon that of General - Rich's in order of sham battle. - - 9th. At half-past three o'clock p. m. the cohorts will resume their - positions in the line of the Legion, and a sham battle will be - fought between the mounted riflemen under the immediate command of - Lieutenant General Smith and the Invincibles under the immediate - command of Major-General Bennett. - - 10th. At half-past four o'clock p. m. the forces will be dismissed - for the day. - - 11. Every officer, musician and private will be required to be at - their respective posts at the hours specified throughout the day, - under the most severe penalties of the law. - - John C. Bennett - - Major-General. - -[Sidenote: The Rights and Privileges of the Women in the Church.] - -At two o'clock I met the members of the "Female Relief Society," and -after presiding at the admission of many new members, gave a lecture on -the Priesthood, showing how the sisters would come in possession of the -privileges, blessings and gifts of the Priesthood, and that the signs -should follow them, such as healing the sick, casting out devils, &c., -and that they might attain unto these blessings by a virtuous life, and -conversation, and diligence in keeping all the commandments; a synopsis -of which was reported by Miss Eliza R. Snow, as follows: - - _Remarks of the Prophet to the Relief Society_. - - President Smith arose and called the attention of the meeting to - the 12th chapter 1st Corinthians--"Now concerning spiritual gifts, - I would not have you ignorant." Said that the passage in the third - verse, which reads, "No man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but - by the Holy Ghost," {603} should be translated "no man can _know_ - that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost." He continued to - read the chapter, and give instructions respecting the different - offices, and the necessity of every individual acting in the sphere - allotted him or her, and filling the several offices to which they - are appointed. He spoke of the disposition of many men to consider - the lower offices in the Church dishonorable, and to look with - jealous eyes upon the standing of others who are called to preside - over them; that it was the folly and nonsense of the human heart - for a person to be aspiring to other stations than those to which - they are appointed of God for them to occupy; that it was better - for individuals to magnify their respective callings, and wait - patiently till God shall say to them, "Come up higher." - - He said the reason of these remarks being made was, that some - little foolish things were circulating in the society, against some - sisters not doing right in laying hands on the sick. Said that - if the people had common sympathies they would rejoice that the - sick could be healed; that the time had not been before that these - things could be in their proper order; that the Church is not fully - organized, in its proper order, and cannot be, until the Temple is - completed, where places will be provided for the administration of - the ordinances of the Priesthood. - - President Smith continued the subject, by quoting the commission - given to the ancient Apostles in Mark, 16th chapter, 15th, 16th, - 17th, 18th verses, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the - Gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall - be saved; but he that believed not shall be damned. And these - signs shall follow them that believe: In my name shall they cast - out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up - serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt - them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." - - No matter who believeth, these signs, such as healing the sick, - casting out devils, &c., should follow all that believe, whether - male or female. He asked the Society if they could not see by - this sweeping promise, that wherein they are ordained, it is the - privilege of those set apart to administer in that authority, which - is conferred on them; and if the sisters should have faith to heal - the sick, let all hold their tongues, and let everything roll on. - - He said, if God has appointed him, and chosen him as an instrument - to lead the Church, why not let him lead it through? Why stand in - the way when he is appointed to do a thing? Who knows the mind of - God? Does He not reveal things differently from what we expect? - He remarked that he was continually rising, although he had - everything bearing him down, standing in his way, and opposing; - notwithstanding all this opposition, he always comes out right in - the end. - - {604} Respecting females administering for the healing of the sick, - he further remarked, there could be no devil in it, if God gave His - sanction by healing; that there could be no more sin in any female - laying hands on and praying for the sick, than in wetting the face - with water; it is no sin for anybody to administer that has faith, - or if the sick have faith to be healed by their administration. - - He reproved those that were disposed to find fault with the - management of the concerns of the Church, saying God had called - him to lead the Church, and he would lead it right; those that - undertake to interfere will be ashamed when their own folly is made - manifest; that he calculates to organize the Church in its proper - order as soon as the Temple is completed. - - President Smith continued by speaking of the difficulties he had to - surmount ever since the commencement of the work, in consequence of - aspiring men. "Great big Elders," as he called them, who had caused - him much trouble; to whom he had taught the things of the kingdom - in private councils, they would then go forth into the world and - proclaim the things he had taught them, as their own revelations; - said the same aspiring disposition will be in this Society, and - must be guarded against; that every person should stand, and act - in the place appointed, and thus sanctify the Society and get it - pure. He said he had been trampled under foot by aspiring Elders, - for all were infected with that spirit; for instance, John E. Page - and others had been aspiring; they could not be exalted, but must - run away as though the care and authority of the Church were vested - with them. He said he had a subtle devil to deal with, and could - only curb him by being humble. - - As he had this opportunity, he was going to instruct the ladies of - this Society, and point out the way for them to conduct themselves, - that they might act according to the will of God; that he did not - know that he should have many opportunities of teaching them, as - they were going to be left to themselves; they would not long - have him to instruct them; that the Church would not have his - instructions long, and the world would not be troubled with him a - great while, and would not have his teachings [in person]. - - He spoke of delivering the keys of the Priesthood to the Church, - and said that the faithful members of the Relief Society should - receive them in connection with their husbands, that the Saints - whose integrity has been tried and proved faithful, might know - how to ask the Lord and receive an answer; for according to his - prayers, God had appointed him elsewhere. - - He exhorted the sisters always to concentrate their faith and - prayers for, and place confidence in their husbands, whom God has - appointed for them to honor, and in those faithful men whom God has - placed at {605} the head of the Church to lead His people; that - we should arm and sustain them with our prayers; for the keys of - the kingdom are about to be given to them, that they may be able - to detect everything false; as well as to all the Elders who shall - prove their integrity in due season. - - He said if one member becomes corrupt, and you know it, you must - immediately put it away, or it will either injure or destroy the - whole body. The sympathies of the heads of the Church have induced - them to bear a long time with those who were corrupt until they are - obliged to cut them off, lest all become contaminated; you must put - down iniquity, and by your good examples, stimulate the Elders to - good works; if you do right, there is no danger of your going too - fast. - - He said he did not care how fast we run in the path of virtue: - resist evil, and there is no danger; God, men, and angels will - not condemn those that resist everything that is evil, and devils - cannot; as well might the devil seek to dethrone Jehovah, as - overthrow an innocent soul that resists everything which is evil. - - This is a charitable Society, and according to your natures; it is - natural for females to have feelings of charity and benevolence. - You are now placed in a situation in which you can act according to - those sympathies which God has planted in your bosoms. - - If you live up to these principles, how great and glorious will - be your reward in the celestial kingdom! If you live up to your - privileges, the angels cannot be restrained from being your - associates. Females, if they are pure and innocent, can come in the - presence of God; for what is more pleasing to God than innocence; - you must be innocent, or you cannot come up before God: if we would - come before God, we must keep ourselves pure, as He is pure. - - The devil has great power to deceive; he will so transform things - as to make one gape at those who are doing the will of God. You - need not be teazing your husbands because of their deeds, but let - the weight of your innocence, kindness and affection be felt, which - is more mighty than a millstone hung about the neck; not war, - not jangle, not contradiction, or dispute, but meekness, love, - purity--these are the things that should magnify you in the eyes - of all good men. Achan [see Joshua vii.] must be brought to light, - iniquity must be purged out from the midst of the Saints; then the - veil will be rent, and the blessings of heaven will flow down--they - will roll down like the Mississippi river. - - If this Society listen to the counsel of the Almighty, through the - heads of the Church, they shall have power to command queens in - their midst. - - I now deliver it as a prophecy, if the inhabitants of this state, - with the people of the surrounding country, will turn unto the Lord - {606} with all their hearts, ten years will not roll round before - the kings and queens of the earth will come unto Zion, and pay - their respects to the leaders of this people; they shall come with - their millions, and shall contribute of their abundance for the - relief of the poor, and the building up and beautifying of Zion. - - After this instruction, you will be responsible for your own sins; - it is a desirable honor that you should so walk before our heavenly - Father as to save yourselves; we are all responsible to God for the - manner we improve the light and wisdom given by our Lord to enable - us to save ourselves. - - President Smith continued reading from the above-mentioned - chapter, and to give instructions respecting the order of God, as - established in the Church, saving everyone should aspire only to - magnify his own office and calling. - - He then commenced reading the 13th chapter--"Though I speak with - the tongues of men and angels, and have no charity, I am become as - sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal;" and said, don't be limited - in your views with regard to your neighbor's virtue, but beware - of self-righteousness, and be limited in the estimate of your own - virtues, and not think yourselves more righteous than others; you - must enlarge your souls towards each other, if you would do like - Jesus, and carry your fellow-creatures to Abraham's bosom. He said - he had manifested long-suffering, forbearance and patience towards - the Church, and also to his enemies; and we must bear with each - other's failings, as an indulgent parent bears with the foibles of - his children. - - President Smith then read the 2nd verse--"Though I have the gift - of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and - though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and - have not charity, I am nothing." He then said, though a man should - become mighty, do great things, overturn mountains, perform mighty - works, and should then turn from his high station to do evil, to - eat and drink with the drunken, all his former deeds would not save - him, but he would go to destruction! As you increase in innocence - and virtue, as you increase in goodness, let your hearts expand, - let them be enlarged towards others; you must be long-suffering, - and bear with the faults and errors of mankind. - - How precious are the souls of men! The female part of the - community are apt to be contracted in their views. You must not - be contracted, but you must be liberal in your feelings. Let this - Society teach women how to behave towards their husbands, to treat - them with mildness and affection. When a man is borne down with - trouble, when he is perplexed with care and difficulty, if he can - meet a smile instead of an argument or a murmur--if he can meet - with mildness, {607} it will calm down his soul and soothe his - feelings; when the mind is going to despair, it needs a solace of - affection and kindness. - - You will receive instructions through the order of the Priesthood - which God has established, through the medium of those appointed - to lead, guide and direct the affairs of the Church in this last - dispensation; and I now turn the key in your behalf in the name - of the Lord, and this Society shall rejoice, and knowledge and - intelligence shall flow down from this time henceforth; this is the - beginning of better days to the poor and needy, who shall be made - to rejoice and pour forth blessings on your heads. - - When you go home, never give a cross or unkind word to your - husbands, but let kindness, charity and love crown your works - henceforward; don't envy the finery and fleeting show of sinners, - for they are in a miserable situation; but as far as you can, have - mercy on them, for in a short time God will destroy them, if they - will not repent and turn unto him. - - Let your labors be mostly confined to those around you, in the - circle of your own acquaintance, as far as knowledge is concerned, - it may extend to all the world; but your administering should be - confined to the circle of your immediate acquaintance, and more - especially to the members of the Relief Society. Those ordained to - preside over and lead you, are authorized to appoint the different - officers, as the circumstances shall require. - - If you have a matter to reveal, let it be in your own tongue; do - not indulge too much in the exercise of the gift of tongues, or the - devil will take advantage of the innocent and unwary. You may speak - in tongues for your own comfort, but I lay this down for a rule, - that if anything is taught by the gift of tongues, it is not to be - received for doctrine. - - President Smith then gave instruction respecting the propriety - of females administering to the sick by the prayer of faith, - the laying on hands, or the anointing with oil; and said it was - according to revelation that the sick should be nursed with - herbs and mild food, and not by the hand of an enemy. Who are - better qualified to administer than our faithful and zealous - sisters, whose hearts are full of faith, tenderness, sympathy - and compassion. No one. Said he was never placed in similar - circumstances before, and never had given the same instruction; and - closed his instructions by expressing his heart-felt satisfaction - in improving this opportunity. - - The Spirit of the Lord was poured out in a very powerful manner, - never to be forgotten by those present on this interesting occasion. - -_Friday, 29_.--A conspiracy against the peace of my household was made -manifest, and it gave me some trouble {608} to counteract the design of -certain base individuals, and restore peace. The Lord makes manifest -to me many things, which it is not wisdom for me to make public, until -others can witness the proof of them. - -_Saturday, 30_.--I received a visit from Judge James Adams, of -Springfield, and spent most of the day with him and my family. Signed -deeds to James and Charles Ivins, and many others. - -_Sunday, May 1, 1842_.--I preached in the grove, on the keys of the -kingdom, charity, &c. The keys are certain signs and words by which -false spirits and personages may be detected from true, which cannot be -revealed to the Elders till the Temple is completed. The rich can only -get them in the Temple, the poor may get them on the mountain top as -did Moses. The rich cannot be saved without charity, giving to feed the -poor when and how God requires, as well as building. There are signs in -heaven, earth and hell; the Elders must know them all, to be endowed -with power, to finish their work and prevent imposition. The devil -knows many signs, but does not know the sign of the Son of Man, or -Jesus. No one can truly say he knows God until he has handled something -and this can only be in the holiest of holies. - -_Monday, 2_.--The following Editorial appeared in the _Times and -Seasons_: - - The Temple. - - This noble edifice is progressing with great rapidity; strenuous - exertions are being made on every hand to facilitate its erection, - and materials of all kinds are in a great state of forwardness, and - by next fall we expect to see the building enclosed; if not the top - stone raised with "shouting of grace--grace unto it." There have - been frequently, during the winter, as many as one hundred hands - quarrying rock, while at the same time multitudes of others have - been engaged in hauling, and in other kinds of labor. - - A company was formed last fall to go up to the pine country to - purchase mills, and prepare and saw lumber for the Temple and - the Nauvoo House, and the reports from them are very favorable: - another {609} company has started, this last week, to take their - place and to relieve those that are already there: on their return - they are to bring a very large raft of lumber, for the use of the - above-named houses. - - While the busy multitudes have thus been engaged in their several - vocations performing their daily labor, and working one-tenth of - their time, others have not been less forward in bringing in their - tithings and consecrations for the same great object. Never since - the foundation of this Church was laid, have we seen manifested a - greater willingness to comply with the requisitions of Jehovah, a - more ardent desire to do the will of God, more strenuous exertions - used, or greater sacrifices made than there have been since the - Lord said, "Let the Temple be built by the tithing of my people." - It seemed as though the spirit of enterprise, philanthropy and - obedience rested simultaneously upon old and young, and brethren - and sisters, boys and girls, and even strangers, who were not - in the Church, united with an unprecedented liberality in the - accomplishment of this great work; nor could the widow, in many - instances, be prevented, out of her scanty pittance from throwing - in her two mites. - - We feel at this time to tender to all, old and young, both in the - Church and out of it, our unfeigned thanks for their unprecedented - liberality, kindness, diligence, and obedience which they have so - opportunely manifested on the present occasion. Not that we are - personally or individually benefitted in a pecuniary point of view, - but when the brethren, as in this instance, show a unity of purpose - and design, and all put their shoulder to the wheel, our care, - labor, toil and anxiety is materially diminished, our yoke is made - easy and our burden is light. - - The cause of God is one common cause, in which the Saints are alike - all interested; we are all members of the one common body, and all - partake of the same spirit, and are baptized into one baptism and - possess alike the same glorious hope. The advancement of the cause - of God and the building up of Zion is as much one man's business as - another's. The only difference is, that one is called to fulfill - one duty, and another, another duty; "but if one member suffers, - all the members suffer with it, and if one member is honored all - the rest rejoice with it, and the eye cannot say to the ear, I have - no need of thee, nor the head to the foot, I have no need of thee;" - party feelings, separate interests, exclusive designs should be - lost sight of in the one common cause, in the interest of the whole. - - The building up of Zion is a cause that has interested the people - of God in every age; it is a theme upon which prophets, priests - and kings have dwelt with peculiar delight; they have looked - forward with joyful anticipation to the day in which we live; - and fired with heavenly and joyful anticipations they have sung - and written and prophesied of this {610} our day; but they died - without the sight; we are the favored people that God has made - choice of to bring about the Latter-day glory; it is left for us - to see, participate in and help to roll forward the Latter-day - glory, the dispensation of the fullness of times, when God will - gather together all things that are in heaven, and all things that - are upon the earth, "even in one," when the Saints of God will - be gathered in one from every nation, and kindred, and people, - and tongue, when the Jews will be gathered together into one, - the wicked will also be gathered together to be destroyed, as - spoken of by the prophets; the Spirit of God will also dwell with - His people, and be withdrawn from the rest of the nations, and - all things whether in heaven or on earth will be in one, even in - Christ. The heavenly Priesthood will unite with the earthly, to - bring about those great purposes; and whilst we are thus united - in the one common cause, to roll forth the kingdom of God, the - heavenly Priesthood are not idle spectators, the Spirit of God will - be showered down from above, and it will dwell in our midst. The - blessings of the Most High will rest upon our tabernacles, and our - name will be handed down to future ages; our children will rise up - and call us blessed; and generations yet unborn will dwell with - peculiar delight upon the scenes that we have passed through, the - privations that we have endured; the untiring zeal that we have - manifested; the all but insurmountable difficulties that we have - overcome in laying the foundation of a work that brought about the - glory and blessing which they will realize; a work that God and - angels have contemplated with delight for generations past; that - fired the souls of the ancient patriarchs and prophets; a work - that is destined to bring about the destruction of the powers of - darkness, the renovation of the earth, the glory of God, and the - salvation of the human family. - - End Of Volume IV. - -{611} - - - -INDEX TO VOLUME IV. - -Abraham, Book of--520 and note. - -Adams, James--friendship for the Prophet, 20 and note. - -Address, by First Presidency to Saints scattered abroad, 184 _et seq_. - -Affidavits, on suffering of Saints in Missouri, 49-53, also 56-73 and -note, 60; of Hyrum Smith denouncing thieves, 460-61. - -Alvord T., affidavit of, 57. - -Allred, James--statement of on kidnapping, 156-7. - -Apostles, The Twelve--farewell addresses of, 1-2; Apostles engaged -in selecting hymns, 3; trials of en route for England, 15; meeting -of at Cleveland, 19-20; granted permission to publish certain books -in England, 161-2; whereabouts of, January 1, 1841, 256; minutes of -meeting of in England, 324; ditto, 325-26; council of at Manchester, -332-335; epistle of to the Church in the British Isles, 344-348; -departure of from England, 352; arrival of at New York, 360-61; return -of to Nauvoo, 390; to share in labor of the Prophet, 400 and 403-404; -epistle of to Saints scattered abroad, 409-10; council meeting of, -412; minutes of council meeting of 429-30; epistles of to brethren -in America, 433-38; case of Benjamin Winchester before, 443; epistle -of, to Saints in England, 448-53; warning against thieves, 463-66 and -notes; epistle of on baptism for the dead, 472-5; minutes of a meeting -of, 478-79; gift of Hiram Kimball to, 484; whereabouts of, January -1, 1842, 490; epistle of to Saints in Europe, 558 _et seq_.; meeting -of with the Prophet in Masonic lodge, 589; epistles of to Saints in -America, 590 _et seq_. - -Australia--report of work in, 343. - -B - -Babbitt, Elder Almon W.--preaches in Indiana, 17; permitted to build up -Kirtland, 476. - -Baglev, Mr.--tax difficulty with the Prophet, 542. - -Barlow, Israel--assists Brigham Young on Journey, 9. - -Barnes, Lorenzo D.--report of to Elder Parley P. Pratt, 569. - -Baptists--difference between and former day Saints, 350-51. - -Baptisms--in Temple font, 558; for the dead, 568-9; for the dead, -editorial in _Times and Seasons_ on, 595 _et seq_. - -Benbow, Elder John--liberality of, 188. - -Bennett, Caleb--conference at House of, 6. - -Bennett, James Arlington--honored, 600. - -Bennett, John C.--first letters of to the Prophet, 169-72; biography, -169; elected mayor Nauvoo, 287; inaugural address of, 288-92. - -Bennett, James Gordon--editor New York _Herald_, course of approved, -477. - -Bennett, Samuel--sent on mission, 161; credentials of, 164. - -Bishop, Gladden--disfellowshiped by High Council, 550. - -{612} Books--list of for and against the Latter-day Saints, 253-6. - -Book of Mormon--first English edition of, 274-286: Nauvoo edition, -proofs of read by Prophet, 494; ditto 500-501. - -Boyee, Benjamin--kidnapping of, 154-6; 180. - -British, Mission--history of, 313-321. - -Brown, Alanson--kidnapping of, 154-56; 180. - -Browning, O. H.--lawyer, counsel for the Prophet at Monmouth trial, 367 -_et seq_. - -Brunson, Col. Seymour--death of, 179. - -Burke, John M.--affidavit of, 56. - -C - -Cahoon, William F.--affidavit of, 52. - -Carpenter's Hall--Manchester, England, leased by the Saints, 141. - -Carter, Samuel--affidavit of, 49 Prophet's instructions to, 153. - -Carlin, Governor of Illinois--issues order for arrest of Prophet, 198-9. - -Casper, Thomas D.--Affidavit of, 63. - -Church, The--Admonished by the Prophet, 5; anniversary of organization -of celebrated, 326-31: thirteenth anniversary of, 582. - -Clayton, William--preaches in Staffordshire; appointed clerk, Iowa High -Council, 382. - -Clark, Hyrum--starts on mission to England, 7. - -Clark, Joseph--affidavit of, 63. - -Clark, Timothy B.--affidavit of, 58. - -Clark, William O.--reproved by the Prophet, 445. - -Cock Pit, Preston, England--preaching of Twelve in, 114. - -Cole, Owen--Affidavit of, 64. - -Commerce, Illinois, (afterwards Nauvoo)---appointed a stake of Zion, -12; boundary lines to be changed, 39; name of changed to Nauvoo, 21; -merged into Nauvoo plat, 322. - -Committee, Senate Judiciary--case of the Missouri Saints before, 81-88, -adverse report of, 90-92; of Nauvoo citizens resolutions by, 157-9. - -Conferences--minutes of at Commerce, 12; minutes of general, at Nauvoo, -105 _et seq_.; at Gadfield Elm, England, 131; ditto, 134 _et seq_.; -minutes at Stanley Hall, 138; of Church in England at Manchester, 146 -_et seq_.; general at Nauvoo, minutes of, 204-7; general in England, -minutes of, 214-18 at Walnut Grove, Illinois, 387; London, minutes of, -298; at Philadelphia, 331; general of the Church at Nauvoo, minutes of, -336-343; in New York City, 344; minutes of London, 360; at Kirtland, -361; Attica, New York, 412; at Nauvoo, minutes of, general, 423-29; at -Lima, minutes of, 439-40; New York, 462; minutes of special at Nauvoo, -583 _et seq_. - -Conner, Henry--converted, 184. - -Council, High at Commerce. (Nauvoo)--names of counselors, 12; Advice -of to Saints west of Kirtland, 45 and note; authorizes publication of -hymn book, 49; appoints committee to collect testimony on case before -courts, 49; votes among for poor, 75, 76; votes to return consecrations -to the people, 88; memorial of Joseph Smith before, 136-138, 141, 143; -Elijah Fordham before, 180; minutes, 187-8; minutes of 219-20; account -of inspecting temporal concerns, 417; report of to the Saints, 504-5; -trial of Gladden Bishop before, 550. - -Council, High at Iowa--appointed for Stake in Iowa, 16; minutes of, -16; order of speaking in, 16 and note; organization of completed, 21; -action of on {613} Missouri debts, 42, 54; minutes of, 94; changes in -352. - -Council, of the Twelve--see _Apostles_. - -Council, special--Liverpool, England, 296-7; at Nauvoo, 402. - -Curtis, Simon P.--affidavit of, 67. - -Curtis, Elder Theodore--before the Court of Sessions, Gloucester, -England, 380. - -D - -Davis, Amos--abuse of the Prophet, 549. - -Davis, Matthew S.--reports Prophet's Washington discourse, 78. - -Decker, Brother--assists Elders Young and Kimball en route for England, -11. - -Discourse--the Prophet's at Nauvoo, 358-360. - -_Dispatch_, England weekly newspaper--article against the Saints, 236. - -Donaldson, Elder Wm.--goes to East India, 168. - -Draper, Father--assists Elders Young and Kimball et al. en route for -England, 14. - -Duel, Osmon M.--assists Elders Young and Kimball on mission, 9-10. - -Duel, Sister O. M.--cares for Elders Young and Kimball, 10. - -Duncan, Joseph--politician, speech against the Saints, 490, also note -480. - -E - -Election and Reprobation, Elders Brigham Young and Willard Richards, -256. - -Emigration--arrangements of for English Saints, 510-13. - -England--arrival of Apostles in, 76; labors of Elders in, 76; -emigration agency in, 484. - -Epistles--see _Letters_. - -F - -Freedom, Adams County, Illinois--Stake organized at, 233. - -Female Relief Society--organization of, 552; ditto, 567-8; remarks of -the Prophet to, 570; remarks of the Prophet to, 602-7. - -Fielding, Joseph--preaches in England, 7. - -Font--baptismal of Temple described, 446. - -Fordham, Elijah--healed by the Prophet, 4, and note; before High -Council at Nauvoo, 180. - -Foster, Dr. Robert D.--attends on Sidney Rigdon, 19-21; on trial for -slandering, 239-250. - -Foutz, Jacob--affidavit of, 68. - -Fulmer, David--prefers charges, 219. - -G - -Galland, Isaac--letter of Prophet to; his power of attorney for the -Prophet cancelled, 495-500. - -Gates, Gibson--affidavit of, 71. - -Gee, George Washington--death of and biography, 500 and note. - -Geneva, Morgan County, Illinois--stake organized at, 236. - -Gifford, Alpheus--biography of, 109-110 and note; death of, 184. - -Granger, Gilbert--difficulty in settlement of father's estate, 542. - -Granger, Elder Oliver--to provide funds for publication, 18; death of, -408-9. - -Green, A.--affidavit of, 65. - -Greene, John P.--affidavit of, 65. - -Groves, Elisha H.--affidavit of, 68. - -H - -Harris, George W.--sent on special mission, 161: credentials of, 164. - -Hawk, William--affidavit of, 58. - -Hayes, Elder Ezra--license taken from, 14. - -{614} Hedlock, Elder Reuben--starts on mission for England, 10; -prepares cuts for Book of Abraham, 543. - -Haight, Isaac--entertains Elders, 35; assists Elder Brigham Young et -al. on journey, 44. - -Higbee, Judge Elias--appointed to go to Washington, 13; attends Prophet -to Washington, 19; letters of concerning case of Saints before United -States Senate, 81, 88, 94, 95; course at Washington approved, 96 _et -seq_.; presides at mass meeting, Nauvoo, 157-60; writes petition to -committee, 237; reproved by the Prophet, 503. - -Hinckle, George M.--suit of Prophet against, 423. - -Hotchkiss land purchase, 405-408. - -Hotchkiss, Horace R.--letter to Prophet, 505-8. - -Hunter, Edward--visits Nauvoo, biography of, 416-17 and note. - -Hyde Marinda--revelation to, 467. - -Hyde, Elder Orson--his allusion to his fall, 2; restored, 12; appointed -on Mission to Jerusalem, 106; credentials of, 112-113; departure of -from Nauvoo for Jerusalem, 114; at conference in Philadelphia, 224; -ditto, New York, 237; reproved, 274; his arrival in Palestine and -dedication of the land for the return of Jews, 454-59; incidents en -route from Palestine to Europe, 496-99. - -J - -Jews--memorial of to Protestant Powers of Europe and America, 167 and -note; circular of to Israelites of Europe and America, 173-5. - -Johnston, Jesse W.--affidavit of, 64. - -Johnson, Lyman E.--at Nauvoo, 389. - -Jonas, Grand Master Mason--on Nauvoo and the Mormons, 565 _et seq_. - -K - -Keokuk, Indian chief--visits the Prophet, 401. - -Kilbourn, D. W., anti-Mormon--attempts disturbance in Iowa, 416-17; -ditto, 444 and note. - -Kimball, Heber C.--departs on mission to England, 9 and note; morphine -given to, 15-16; reports of from England, 182 _et seq_.; dreams of, -203; arrives at Nauvoo from England, 381. - -Kiskukosh, Indian chief--visits the Prophet, 401-2. - -Knight, Bishop Vinson--appointed Bishop of lower ward, Commerce, 12. - -Lathrop, Asahel A.--affidavit of, 65-67. - -Latter-day Saints--difference between and Baptists, 348, 350. - -Law, William--en route for Nauvoo, 20, and note; appointed member First -Presidency, 284-6. - -Legion, Nauvoo--character of, 269; minutes of organization of, 295; -general review of, 236; officers of, 253; general orders to, 354; -defended by the Prophet, 355-6; general orders to, 362; minutes of, -382; general orders, 400; minutes of, 415; general order to, 502; -extract from minutes of, 549; fourth regiment of second cohort of, 582; -_Repast Militaire_ of, 601; general orders to, 601. - -Letters--James Mulholland to Isaac Russell, 5-6; Joseph Smith to Isaac -Galland, 8-9; Parley P. Pratt to Prophet, 22; the Prophet to Hyrum -Smith, 29; the Prophet et al. to High Council, Nauvoo, 43-44; Hyrum -Smith to Parley P. Pratt; Hyrum Smith to the Prophet et al., 52: -Charles Adams to Joseph Smith, 53; Orson Pratt to his wife, 54; John B. -Webber to the Prophet, 55; Matthew S. Davis on Prophet's sermon; Elias -Higbee to the Prophet reporting progress {615} in Saints' appeal to -United States Senate, 81; ditto, 83; ditto, 85; ditto, 88; John Taylor, -to the Prophet, 96; R. B. Thompson to Elias Higbee, 96; Horace R. -Hotchkiss to Sidney Rigdon et al., 98; Elias Higbee to the Prophet, 98; -Horace R. Hotchkiss to Joseph Smith, 100; Sidney Rigdon to the Prophet, -102; Hon. Richard W. Young to Elias Higbee, 111; Heber C. Kimball to -the Saints in the United States, 114 _et seq_.; Brigham Young to the -Prophet, 119; Robert Johnson to Senator Young, 121; Senator Young to -Judge Elias Higbee, 121; Wilford Woodruff to Don Carlos Smith, 122; -Elders Hyde and Page to the Prophet, 123; Brigham Young to the Prophet, -125; the Prophet to Elders Hyde and Page, 128; Willard Roberts to the -_Star_, 130; Heber C. Kimball et al. to Bishop at Nauvoo, 132; William -W. Phelps to the Prophet, 141, 142; Hyde and Page to Joseph Smith 142; -Elder Woodruff to the _Star_, 150 _et seq_.; William Barratt to Saints -in England, 161; Prophet to William W. Phelps, 162 _et seq_.; Prophet -to Oliver Granger, 164-7; John C. Bennett to Joseph Smith et al., -168; ditto, 169; ditto, 172; Prophet to Horace R. Hotchkiss, 170-1; -Wilford Woodruff to the _Star_, 176; the Prophet to John C. Bennett, -177-8; John C. Bennett to Messrs, Smith and Rigdon, 179; Samuel Bent -and George W. Harris to Presidency of Church, 199; John E. Page to -the Presidency, 201; Orson Hyde to Saints in Nauvoo, 202; Heber C. -Kimball et al. to Robinson et al., 220-224; Joseph and Hyrum Smith to -the Saints in Kirtland, 225; the Prophet to the Twelve, 226; Heber -C. Kimball et al. to _Times and Seasons_, 234; a staunch Wesleyan to -the _Manx Liberal_, 234-6; Brigham Young to Presidency, 237; John C. -Bennett to _Times and Seasons_, 248-9; Brigham Young to the Prophet, -251-2; Parley P. Pratt to Sidney Rigdon, 266; Joseph Smith to County -Recorder, 287; Levi Richards to the _Star_, 296; Brigham Young to the -_Star_, 308-9; Wilford Woodruff to Don Carlos Smith, 323-4; George -A. Smith to the _Star_, 343; the Prophet to the _Times and Seasons_, -356-58; R. B. Thompson to _Times and Seasons_, 369-70; Orson Hyde to -Joseph Smith, 372-4; Orson Hyde to Rabbi Hirschel, 374-8; extract -from a letter to the _Juliet Courier_, 380-1; Orson Hyde to President -Smith, 384-88; William Smith, to the Prophet, 391; Horace R. Hotchkiss -to Joseph Smith, 405; the Prophet to Hotchkiss, 406-7; Joseph Smith -to Smith Tuttle, Esq., 430-33; extract from Orson Hyde, 439; Parley -P. Pratt, extract of, 441; Joseph Smith to Reuben McBride, 441; Hyrum -Smith to Saints in Kirtland, 443; Orson Hyde to Parley P. Pratt, 454-9; -the Prophet, to Esq. Browning et al., 468; ditto to Mr. Hotchkiss, 469; -Joseph Smith to Edward Hunter, 481-3; Joseph Smith to Edward Hunter, -491; Orson Hyde to the _Star_, 495-99; Joseph Smith to Isaac Galland, -499; G. Walker to Brigham Young et al., 505-509; Alfred Cordon to -Joseph Smith, 515-16; Joseph Smith to the Church, 517; from the Twelve -to all the churches, 517-18; Joseph Smith on tithing, 518; Robert -Pierce to Joseph Smith, 519; Joseph Smith to John Wentworth, 535 _et -seq_.; Joseph Smith to John C. Bennett, 544; Dr. C. V. Dyer to John C. -Bennett, 544; John C. Bennett to Dr. C. V. Dyer, 545; John C. Bennett -to Joseph {616} Smith, 547; Joseph Smith to Edward Hunter, 548; the -Twelve to the Saints in Europe, 558 _et seq_.; extract from Elder E. P. -Maginn, 566; Lorenzo D. Barlow to Parley P. Pratt, 569. - -L - -Liberty--religious in Nauvoo, 306, Lima, Adams Co., Illinois--Stake -organized at, 233. - -Little, Sidney H., Senator--death of, 389. - -Littlefield, Lyman O.--action against for slander, 514. - -Litz, Elder A.--suspended from preaching, 501. - -Lowry, John--affidavit of, 56. - -M - -Maginn, Ezekiel--affidavit of, 64. - -Marks, Ephraim--funeral of, 586-587. - -Marks, William--appointed President of Stake at Commerce, 12; President -of Stake at Nauvoo, 323; financial settlement of Prophet with, 582. - -Maughan, Peter--493 and note. - -Melling, Peter--ordained a patriarch, first in England, 120 and note; -reports to the Prophet at Nauvoo, 543. - -Memorials--of Saints to Senate and House of Representatives, 24 _et -seq_.; to Joseph Smith and High Council at Nauvoo, 136; answer to -foregoing, 138, 141 and note, 144, 145; to Governor Garlin of Illinois -on kidnapping, 159-60. - -_Millennial Star_--Latter-day Saints, 119; prospectus of, 122; 133 and -note. - -Missouri--action of Legislature on Mormon difficulties, 299 and note. - -Modisett, Dr.--gives morphine to Heber C. Kimball, 15; aids Elders -Young and Kimball on journey, 17. - -Monmouth, Warren Co., Illinois--the Prophet's trial at, 365 _et seq_. - -Moon, Elder John--arrival of with Saints in America, 162. - -Morgan, Elizabeth--death of, 551. - -Mormon Literature--_pro et con_, 487-489. - -Mormons--Nauvoo and the, 565. - -Mulholland, James--Prophet's Secretary, writes Isaac Russell, appointed -clerk for land contracts, 16; salary of, 17; death of, 88-9 and note. - -N - -Nashville, city of--meetings at, 182 and note. - -Nauvoo--Agricultural and Manufacturing Association incorporated, 303. - -Nauvoo--burying ground for, 353. - -Nauvoo, City of--made Post Office at, 121; charters of, 239-249; first -election in, 287; City Council organized, 288; officers of, 292, 308; -divided into wards, 305; concentration at, 362. - -Nauvoo--House Association incorporated, 301. - -_News_--the prospectus of, 112. - -Noble, Joseph Bates--healed by the Prophet, 4 and note. - -O - -Olney, Elder Oliver--license taken from, 552. - -Owen, Ephraim--confession of accepted, 12. - -Owen, Jedediah--affidavit of, 56. - -P - -Page, John E.--one of the Twelve, Address on the Book of Mormon, 2; -appointed on mission to Palestine, 109; reproved, 274, disregards -advice, 372; presides at New York conference, 462-3. - -Partridge, Bishop Edward--appointed Bishop upper ward {617} Commerce, -12; instructs Saints on removal to the West, 39. - -Perry, Ashael--received into fellowship, 14. - -Pettigrew, David--affidavit of, 71-73. - -Petition--Elias Higbee, Robert B. Thompson to Congress, 237; presented -to the House, 250-51. - -Phelps, Laura, wife of Morris--death of, 513. - -Pierce, Robert--business settlement of with the Prophet, 519. - -Powell, James--affidavit of, 61. - -Pratt, Orson--one of the Twelve, addresses Saints at Nauvoo, 4; starts -on mission for England, 7; opens mission in Edinburg, 120; publishes -_Remarkable Visions_, 224; success in Edinburg, 251; elected Professor -of Mathematics, Nauvoo University, 414. - -Pratt, Elder Parley P., one of the Twelve--preaches at Nauvoo, 4; -ditto, 6; starts on mission for England, 7; errors in writings of, 7; -letter to the Prophet, 22; his article on eternal duration of matter, -54, 55 and notes; appointed editor of the _Millennial Star_, 133; -returns to America for family, 177; returns to England, 224. - -Presidency, First of Church--report of, 212-14; proclamation of to -the Church scattered abroad, 267-73; report of at General Conference, -336-339. - -Priesthood--article on prepared by the Prophet, 207-212; lesser -organized in Nauvoo, 312. - -Proclamation--preparation of to Kings, 383. - -Q - -Quincy, Illinois--a Stake organized at, 233. - -R - -Ramus, Illinois--minutes of a meeting at, 453; conferences at, 467; -deeds to certain lands of, transferred to the Prophet, 477. - -Redfield, Harlow--suspended from office, 12; restored, 16. - -Resurrection in general and of children, 553 _et seq_.; and note. - -Revelations--to Joseph Smith at Nauvoo, January 19, 1841, 274, _et -seq_.; to William Allred _et al_. 311; to the Saints in Iowa, 311; to -Brigham Young in Nauvoo, July 9, 1841, 382; concerning Nancy Marinda -Hyde, 467; to John Snyder _et al_., 483; to the Twelve, 483; respecting -the _Times and Seasons_, 503. - -Rich, Charles C.--elected Brigadier General, 414. - -Richards, Levi--affidavit of, 70-71. - -Richards, Elder Willard, one of the Twelve--visits Staffordshire, -7; son of dies, 48; on Election and Reprobation, 256-66; assists in -indexing Book of Mormon, 274, 286; writes history of British mission, -313-321; appointed private secretary to the Prophet and Temple -Recorder, 470. - -Rigdon, Elder Sidney, counselor to Joseph Smith--address of to Twelve, -2, 3; appointed to accompany Prophet to Washington, 13; starts with -Prophet to Washington, 19; sickness of, left at Columbus, Ohio, 21; in -Washington, 48; in Philadelphia, 76; speech of at laying corner stone -of Nauvoo Temple, 327-29; baptized for in behalf of his parents, 486. - -Riggs, Burr--affidavit of, 67. - -Roberts, Sidney--excommunicated, 237. - -Robinson, Ebenezer--publisher of _Times and Seasons_, 23; -co-partnership with Don Carlos Smith dissolved, 239; editor _Times and -Seasons_, 402. - -Rockwell, Orrin P.--starts with Prophet for Washington, 19. - -{618} Rogers, D. W.--his hymn-book discarded, 14. - -Root, Henry--affidavit of, 62. - -Russell, Isaac--reproved, 5, 6; and note. - -S - -Saints, Latter-day--sickness among at Nauvoo, 3; healing of the, 3, -4 and notes; admonished to set houses in order, 4-5; petition of to -Congress, 24-38. - -Sharp, Thomas--editor _Warsaw Signal_, anti-Mormon, the Prophet on, 487 -and note. - -Sherwood, Henry G.--healed by the Prophet, 4 and note. - -Shoemaker, David--affidavit of, 69. - -Sloan, James--statement of, 69. - -Smith, Don Carlos, brother of the Prophet--President of the High -Priests at Commerce, 12; publisher _Times and Seasons_, 23; dissolves -partnership with Robinson, 239; death of, 393; career of, 393-399. - -Smith, Elias--ordained a Bishop, 161. - -Smith, Emma, wife of the Prophet appointed to compile hymnbook, 17; -assists husband in labors, 510; appointed President of Female Relief -Society, 552. - -Smith, George Albert--one of the Twelve, starts on mission for England, -10; preaches at Richmond, New York, 75: begins out-door preaching in -England, 182 _et seq_.; injures his health at, 236; arrives at Nauvoo -from England, 383; marriage of, 389. - -Smith, Hyrum, brother of the Prophet--appointed on committee to -establish Nauvoo. 39; testimony of to Book of Mormon, 46 and note; is -appointed Patriarch of the Church, 229 and note and 282; appointed -Prophet and Revelator, 286. - -Smith, Humphery--affidavit of, 62. - -Smith, John--affidavit of, 62. - -Smith, John--affidavit of, 59. - -Smith, Joseph, the Prophet--literary methods of, 1; heals the sick -at Commerce, Nauvoo, 3-5 and notes; ditto, 7; preaches on the "other -Comforter," 10 and note; ditto "Judgments," 11; attends general -conference, Commerce, 11-12 _et seq_.; appointed to represent cause of -the Saints at Washington, 13; starts for Washington, 19; adventure of, -by the way, 23; arrives at Washington, 24; meets President Van Buren, -39 _et seq_.; preaches at Philadelphia, 47; in New Jersey, 49; comment -on Missouri affidavits, 73-4; returns to Washington, 77; description -of by a Congressman, 78 _et seq_.; interview with Martin Van Buren, -80; ditto. John C. Calhoun, 80; returns to Nauvoo, 88-9; reflection of -on actions of Congress, 145; plans charter of Nauvoo, 349; made sole -Trustee-in-trust, of the Church, 287; elected member of the Nauvoo -City Council, 287; introduces several bills in City Council, 293 _et -seq_.; appointed Lieutenant-General of Nauvoo Legion, 309; assists in -laying corner stone Nauvoo Temple, 329-331; arrest of by officers from -Missouri, 364 _et seq_.; visited by Indians at Nauvoo, 401; views on -use of medicine, 414; his experience at Monmouth trial, 419-20; views -on relics of antiquity, 420-21 note; reproves sanctimoniousness, 445; -denunciation of thieves, 461-2; his estimate of the Book of Mormon, -461; proof-reads Book of Mormon, 468; difficulties in keeping daily -journal, 470; proclaims political attitude of the Saints, 479-80 and -notes; his views on the gift of tongues, 485; reflections on opening -of the year, 1842, 492; debates race question, 501; purpose of debates -in Nauvoo, 514; views on privileges of Nauvoo {619} charter, 516; -settlement of with Robert Pierce, 519; settlement of taxes with Mr. -Bagley, 542; becomes editor of _Times and Seasons_, 551; sermon on -"Life, Death, and Resurrection," 553 _et seq_. and note 556; remarks -of at funeral of Edward Marks, 587; reproof of unvirtuous persons by -587-88; insolvency of, 594; cause of Prophet's insolvency, 600; remarks -respecting: signs and key words received in the Temple, 608. - -Smith, Joseph, Sen.--death of, 189; biography of, 189 _et seq_.; -funeral services of, 191-97; benediction of, on Hyrum Smith, 229 and -note. - -Smith, Samuel--affidavit of, 60. - -Smith, William, brother of the Prophet--allowed to retain standing in -quorum of the Twelve, 12. - -Snow, Erastus, labors of in Salem, 433. - -Snow, Lorenzo--sent to England, 161-2 and note; arrives at Manchester, -233; in public discussion with Mr. Barker, 234. - -Snyder, Elder John--appointed a mission, 503-504; set apart and -instructed, 568. - -Spirits, try the, 571-581. - -Springfield, Illinois--a Stake organized at, 236. - -T - -Taylor, Elder John, one of the Twelve Apostles--testimony of to Book -of Mormon, 2; preaches at Kirtland, 21; sails for England, 46; arrives -at Preston, England, 76; leaves Liverpool for Ireland, 170 and note; -in the Isle of Man, 234-6 and note; discussion with Rev. Robert Hayes, -238; reports baptisms, 288; arrives at Nauvoo from England, 381; -appointed editor _Times and Seasons_, 513. - -Temple, Nauvoo--corner stones of laid, 327-331; announcement of -Trust-in-trust respecting, 517; word of the Twelve respecting, 517; -progress of building the, 608 _et seq_. - -Thompson, Elder Robert B.--delivers discourse at the funeral of Joseph -Smith, Sen., 191-197; writes petition to Congress, 237; Associate -editor _Times and Seasons_, 353: death of and biography of, 411-412. - -Times and Seasons--first number of, 23. - -Tithing, arrangements for reception of, 493; record of, 518. - -_Tribune_, New York--criticism of on the course of Missouri, 551. - -Trustee-in-trust--sole for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day -Saints, see Joseph Smith. - -Turley, Elder Theodore--starts for England on mission, 10; imprisonment -of, 127. - -U - -University of City of Nauvoo, 243, and 301. - -V - -Van Buren, President of the United States--Joseph Smith's interview -with, 40, 80, 89 and note. - -W - -Walker, Cyrus--lawyer, counselor for the Prophet, at Monmouth trial, -367 _et seq_. - -Walker, Oliver--before High Council, Nauvoo, 219-20. - -Warren, city of, 405; consultation respecting, 486. - -_Wasp_, The--first number, 600. - -Wentworth, John--letter of Prophet to, 535 _et seq_. - -Wells, Squire Daniel H.--biography, 154-55. - -{620} Whitney, Bishop Newel K.--appointed Bishop middle ward, Commerce. - -Wight, Lyman--addresses conference, 13. - -Wilber, Brother--assists Elder Young _et al_., 11. - -Williams; Frederick G.--affidavit of, 69. - -Witter, Daniel S.--course of respecting settlement at Warren, 470-1. - -Wood, Elder Daniel--suspended from preaching, 501; vindication of, 514. - -Woodruff, Elder Wilford, one of the Twelve--his account of miraculous -healings at Commerce by the Prophet, 3-5; notes; sent by the Prophet to -heal the sick, 5; departure of for England, 46; arrives in England, 76; -labors of in England, 182 _et seq_.; mission on Fox Island, 418-19. - -Women, The character of Mormon, 568. - -World, The--commotions in, 125, 189, 252-3, and 383, 401, 415. - -Yokum, William, Haun's Mill victim, 389. - -Y - -Young, Elder Brigham, one of the Twelve Apostles--remarks of at Nauvoo, -2; starts for England, 9; arrival of at Cleveland, Ohio, 20; rebukes -storm, 23; preaches at Richmond, New York, 75; arrival in New York, 77; -embarks with four others of the Twelve for England, 94; arrival of in -England, 102; farewell of the Saints to, 103; sustained as President -of the Twelve, 115 and notes; also 146, and note; on Election and -Reprobation, 256-66; assists in indexing Book of Mormon, 274 and 286; -arrives at Nauvoo from England, 381; elected to Nauvoo Council, 414. - -Young, John, Sen.--father of Brigham, dies, 14. - -Young, Joseph, President of the Seventies, grants licenses, 501. - -Young, Lorenzo, assists Young and Kimball _en route_ for England, 11. - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of History of the Church of Jesus Christ -of Latter-day Saints (Vol. 4), by Joseph Smith - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HISTORY OF CHURCH LATTER-DAY SAINTS, VOL 4 *** - -***** This file should be named 60708-8.txt or 60708-8.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/6/0/7/0/60708/ - -Produced by the Mormon Texts Project (http://mormontextsproject.org) -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Vol. 4) - -Author: Joseph Smith - -Editor: B. H. Roberts - -Release Date: November 16, 2019 [EBook #60708] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HISTORY OF CHURCH LATTER-DAY SAINTS, VOL 4 *** - - - - -Produced by the Mormon Texts Project (http://mormontextsproject.org) - - - - - -</pre> - - - -<h1>HISTORY -<br> -<small>OF THE</small> -<br> -CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST -<br> -<small>OF</small> -<br> -LATTER-DAY SAINTS<br> -</h1> -<p class="centered">PERIOD I. -</p> -<p class="centered">History of Joseph Smith, the Prophet, -</p> -<p class="centered">By Himself. -</p> -<p class="centered">Volume IV. -</p> -<p class="centered">An Introduction and Notes -</p> -<p class="centered">By -</p> -<p class="centered">B. H. Roberts -</p> -<p class="centered">Published by the Church. -</p> -<p class="centered">Salt Lake City, Utah, -</p> -<p class="centered">1908. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="III"></a>{III}</span> -</p> - - -<h2>Table of Contents. -</h2> -<h3>Volume IV. -</h3> -<p class="centered"><a href="#CHAPTERI">CHAPTER I. -</a></p> -<p>The Departure of the Twelve for England—Manifestation of God's Power -in Healing the Sick at Commerce. -</p> -<p>The Prophet's Literary Methods. -</p> -<p>Farewell to the Twelve. -</p> -<p>The L. D. S. Hymn Book. -</p> -<p>Administration to the Sick. -</p> -<p>Discourses by the Brothers Pratt. -</p> -<p>Prayer Meeting for the Sick. -</p> -<p>Letter to Isaac Russell, reproving him for issuing Pretended -Revelations to the Saints. -</p> -<p>Conference in New Jersey. -</p> -<p>Progress of the Work in England. -</p> -<p>The Prophet's Letter to Isaac Galland—Nauvoo Affairs. -</p> -<p>Brigham Young Starts on his Mission. -</p> -<p>Departure of Elders Young and Kimball from Nauvoo. -</p> -<p>Items of Doctrine, The Prophet. -</p> -<p>Minutes of Conference at Commerce, Illinois, October 6th, 7th and 8th, -1839. -</p> -<p>Death of John Young, Brigham Young's Father. -</p> -<p>Hardships of the Elders of the British Mission. -</p> -<p class="centered"><a href="#CHAPTERII">CHAPTER II. -</a></p> -<p>The Prophet's Journey To Washington—The Petition Of The Saints To The -Congress Of The United States For Redress Of The Wrongs Inflicted Upon -Them In Missouri. -</p> -<p>Departure of the Prophet for Washington. -</p> -<p>Progress of the Twelve towards England. -</p> -<p>Canadian Saints En Route for Nauvoo. -</p> -<p>Elder Taylor Anointed in the Kirtland Temple. -</p> -<p>Excerpt from Parley P. Pratt's Letter to the Prophet. -</p> -<p>First Issue of the <em>Times and Seasons</em>. -</p> -<p>The Elements Obey. -</p> -<p>The Prophet's Adventure En Route to Washington. -</p> -<p>The Saints' Petition to Congress. <span class="pagenum"><a name="IV"></a>{IV}</span> -</p> -<p class="centered"><a href="#CHAPTERIII">CHAPTER III.</a></p> - -<p>The Prophet's Efforts at Washington to Obtain Redress of Grievances for the -Saints--Affidavits on Missouri Affairs.</p> - -<p>The Prophet's Letter to Hyrum Smith--Reporting State of Affairs at Washington.</p> - -<p>Letter of the Prophet and Elias Higbee to the High Council at Nauvoo--Preliminary -Hearing of Grievances.</p> - -<p>Brigham Young in New York.</p> - -<p>Letter of Hyrum Smith to Parley P. Pratt--On Printing the Book of Mormon in New -York.</p> - -<p>The Prophet in New Jersey.</p> - -<p>Affidavit of Simon Carter on his Sufferings in Missouri.</p> - -<p>Letter of Hyrum Smith to the Prophet and Judge Higbee.</p> - -<p>Affidavit of William F. Cahoon--Missouri Wrongs.</p> - -<p>Letter of C. Adams to the Prophet--Cause of the Saints before the Illinois -Legislature.</p> - -<p>Law Suits to be Abandoned.</p> - -<p>Extract from Elder Orson Pratt's Letter to his wife--Reporting Movements of the -Brethren in the Eastern States.</p> - -<p>Letter from John B. Weber to the Prophet--On Supplementing the Latter's Effort to -Obtain Redress from Congress.</p> - -<p>Affidavit of John M. Burke--Missouri Outrages.</p> - -<p>Affidavit of John Lowry--Ditto.</p> - -<p>Affidavit of Jedediah Owen--Ditto.</p> - -<p>Affidavit of T. Alvord--Ditto.</p> - -<p>Affidavit of William Hawk--Missouri Affairs.</p> - -<p>Affidavit of Timothy B. Clark--Ditto.</p> - -<p>Affidavit of Urban V. Stewart--Ditto.</p> - -<p>Affidavit of John Smith--Ditto.</p> - -<p>Affidavit of Samuel Smith--Ditto.</p> - -<p>Affidavit of Daniel Avery--Ditto.</p> - -<p>Affidavit of James Powell--Ditto.</p> - -<p>Affidavit of John Smith--Ditto.</p> - -<p>Affidavit of Smith Humphrey--Ditto.</p> - -<p>Affidavit of Henry Root--Ditto.</p> - -<p>Affidavit of Joseph Clark--Ditto.</p> - -<p>Affidavit of Thomas D. Casper--Ditto.</p> - -<p>Affidavit of Jesse W. Johnston--Ditto.</p> - -<p>Affidavit of Owen Cole--Ditto.</p> - -<p>Affidavit of Ezekiel Maginn--Ditto.</p> - -<p>Affidavit of Addison Green--Ditto.</p> - -<p>Affidavit of John P. Greene--Ditto.</p> - -<p>Affidavit of Asahel A. Lathrop--Ditto.</p> - -<p>Affidavit of Burr Riggs.</p> - -<p>Affidavit of Simon P. Curtis.</p> - -<p>Affidavit of Elisha H. Groves.</p> - -<p>Affidavit of Jacob Foutz.</p> - -<p>Affidavit of Frederick G. Williams.</p> - -<p>Statement of James Sloan.</p> - -<p>Affidavit of David Shumaker.</p> - -<p>Affidavit of Levi Richards.</p> - -<p>Affidavit of Gibson Gates.</p> - -<p>Affidavit of David Pettigrew.<span class="pagenum"><a name="V"></a>{V}</span> </p> - -<p class="centered"><a href="#CHAPTERIV">CHAPTER IV.</a></p> -<p>Departure of the Prophet from Washington--Labors of Elias Higbee Before the -Senate Judiciary Committee--Report of the Committee.</p> - -<p>Ministry of Brigham Young and George A. Smith at Richmond, New York.</p> - -<p>Appointments in the British Mission.</p> - -<p>Matthew S. Davis' Description of the Prophet, and a Report of his Washington -Discourse.</p> - -<p>The Prophet's Interview with Van Buren and Calhoun.</p> - -<p>Elias Higbee's Letter to the Prophet, Reporting Progress in the Cause of the Saints -before the Senate Committee.</p> - -<p>Second Letter of Elias Higbee to the Prophet--Cause of the Saints before the Senate -Committee.</p> - -<p>Third Letter of Elias Higbee to the Prophet--Cause of the Saints before the Senate -Committee.</p> - -<p>The Fourth Letter of Elias Higbee to the Prophet--Announces that the Senate Committee's -Report will be Adverse to the Saints.</p> - -<p>The Prophet En Route for Nauvoo.</p> - -<p>Death of James Mulholland.</p> - -<p>Report of the Senate Judiciary Committee on the Case of the Saints vs. Missouri.</p> - -<p class="centered"><a href="#CHAPTERV">CHAPTER V.</a></p> - -<p>Affairs of the Saints before United States Senate--General Conference of the Church at -Nauvoo--Action of the Church with Reference to Senate Committee's Report--Mission to -Palestine.</p> - -<p>Extract from the Minutes of the Iowa High Council.</p> - -<p>Fifth Letter of Elias Higbee to the Prophet--The Affairs of the Saints at Washington.</p> - -<p>Extract from Elder John Taylor's Letter--Affairs in British Mission.</p> - -<p>Judge Elias Higbee's Course at Washington Approved.</p> - -<p>Letter R. B. Thompson to Elias Higbee, Announcing Approval of the Church Authorities of the -Latter's Course at Washington.</p> - -<p>Letter of Horace R. Hotchkiss to Sidney Rigdon and Joseph Smith, Jun.,--Inquiring Concerning -the Progress made before Congress.</p> - -<p>Sixth Letter of Elias Higbee to the Prophet--Affairs of the Saints at Washington--Papers -Withdrawn.</p> - -<p>Letter of Horace R. Hotchkiss to Joseph Smith, Jun.,--Offering Tract of Land for Sale.</p> - -<p>Letter of Sidney Rigdon to the Prophet.</p> - -<p>Arrival of Brigham Young and Associates in England.</p> - -<p>Minutes of the General Conference of the Church.<span class="pagenum"><a name="VI"></a>{VI}</span> </p> -<p class="centered"><a href="#CHAPTERVI">CHAPTER VI. -</a></p> -<p>Development Of The Work In England—The Palestine Mission—Postoffice -Name Changed From Commerce To Nauvoo. -</p> -<p>Letter of Hon. Richard M. Young to Elias Higbee. -</p> -<p>Orson Hyde's Credentials as a Missionary to Palestine. -</p> -<p>Ordination of Willard Richards to the Apostleship. -</p> -<p>Letter of Heber C. Kimball to the Saints of the United States—Affairs -of the British Mission. -</p> -<p>Council Meeting of the Twelve in England—Hymn Book and the <em>Millennial -Star</em> Projected. -</p> -<p>Letter of Brigham Young to the Prophet. -</p> -<p>Mission opened in Scotland—Orson Pratt. -</p> -<p>Letter of Robert Johnstone to Senator Young—Postoffice Name Changed -from Commerce to Nauvoo. -</p> -<p>Letter of Senator Young to Judge Elias Higbee—Postoffice Name, etc. -</p> -<p>Letter of Wilford Woodruff to Don Carlos Smith—Success of Woodruff's -Ministry. -</p> -<p>Letter of Elders Hyde and Page to the Prophet—Plans for the Palestine -Mission. -</p> -<p>Letter of Brigham Young to the Prophet—Affairs of the British Mission. -</p> -<p>Release of Elder Turley from Prison. -</p> -<p>Letter of the Prophet to Elders Hyde and Page—Palestine Mission -Considered. -</p> -<p>Letter of Willard Richards to the Editor of the <em>Millenial -Star</em>—Reporting Labors. -</p> -<p class="centered"><a href="#CHAPTERVII">CHAPTER VII. -</a></p> -<p>First Foreign Periodical Of The Church—The "Millennial Star"—The -Prophet Seeks Release From Secular Responsibilities. -</p> -<p>The Beacon Hill Conference. -</p> -<p>A Letter of Heber C. Kimball, <em>et al</em>., Recommending English Saints to -the Bishop of the Church. -</p> -<p>Death of Bishop Partridge. -</p> -<p>First Number of the <em>Millennial Star</em>. -</p> -<p>The First Company of Saints from England. -</p> -<p>Brigham Young's Dream. -</p> -<p>Minutes of the Conference Held at Gadfield Elm Chapel, in -Worcestershire, England, June 14th, 1840. -</p> -<p>Memorial of Joseph Smith, Jun., to the High Council of the Church of -Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, June 18th, 1840. -</p> -<p>Proceedings of the High Council on the Foregoing Memorial, June 20th, -1840. -</p> -<p>Minutes of the Conference Held at Stanley Hill, Castle Froome, -Herefordshire, England, June 21st, 1840. -</p> -<p>Carpenter's Hall. -</p> -<p>Minutes of the High Council. -</p> -<p>Letter of William W. Phelps—Confessing Errors Committed in Missouri. -</p> -<p>Letter of Elders Orson Hyde and John E. Page to Presidents Joseph -Smith, Hyrum Smith, Sidney Rigdon, Pleading for William W. Phelps. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="VII"></a>{VII}</span> Minutes of a Meeting of the Crooked Creek Branch of the Church. -</p> -<p>Minutes of High Council at Nauvoo. -</p> -<p>Reflections of the Prophet on the Action of Congress. -</p> -<p class="centered"><a href="#CHAPTERVIII">CHAPTER VIII. -</a></p> -<p>Important Conference of the Church in England—Kidnapping of Brown and -Boyce by Missourians—Action of the Citizens of Nauvoo. -</p> -<p>Conference of the Church in England. -</p> -<p>A Council of Church Officers, Held at Manchester, England. -</p> -<p>Extract from Elder Woodruff's Letter to the Editor of the <em>Millennial -Star</em>—Detailing Incidents of his Ministry. -</p> -<p>Special Instruction for High Councils. -</p> -<p>The First Missionary for Australia. -</p> -<p>Kidnapping of Alanson Brown and Benjamin Boyce—Affidavit of Daniel H. -Wells. -</p> -<p>Statement of James Allred. -</p> -<p>Action of the Citizens of Nauvoo in the Matter of the Kidnapping of -Brown and Boyce by the Missourians. -</p> -<p>Report of the Committee on Resolutions. -</p> -<p>Memorial to Governor Carlin. -</p> -<p class="centered"><a href="#CHAPTERIX">CHAPTER IX. -</a></p> -<p>The Return of a Prodigal—Conditions in Kirtland—Progress of the Work -in Great Britain—The Coming of John C. Bennett—Australian Mission. -</p> -<p>Extract of a Letter from Elder William Barratt. -</p> -<p>The Prophet's Letter to William W. Phelps—Welcoming him back into the -Church. -</p> -<p>Credentials of Elders Samuel Bent and George W. Harris. -</p> -<p>The Prophet's Letter to Oliver Granger—Dealing Chiefly with affairs at -Kirtland. -</p> -<p>Letter of John C. Bennett to Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon—Announcing -his Intention to Join the Saints. -</p> -<p>Letter of John C. Bennett to Messrs. Smith and Rigdon—Making Further -Tender of his Services to the Church. -</p> -<p>Letter of the Prophet to Horace R. Hotchkiss—Rock River Lands and the -White Purchase. -</p> -<p>Letter of John C. Bennett to Messrs. Smith and Rigdon—Expressing -Anxiety to be with the Saints. -</p> -<p>A Voice from the Holy City—Rebuilding the Temple of Solomon—Recall of -the People of God to the Land of Judah. -</p> -<p>Circular. -</p> -<p>Extract of a Letter from Wilford Woodruff to the Editor of the -<em>Millennial Star</em>—Reporting Labors. -</p> -<p>The Prophet's Letter to John C. Bennett—Bidding him Welcome to Nauvoo, -to partake of—Poverty. -</p> -<p>Letter of John C. Bennett to Messrs. Smith and Rigdon—Announcing that -he will soon be in Nauvoo. <span class="pagenum"><a name="VIII"></a>{VIII}</span> -</p> -<p class="centered"><a href="#CHAPTERX">CHAPTER X. -</a></p> -<p>A Missouri Kidnapping—Continued Development of the Work in Great -Britain—The Death of Joseph Smith, Sen., First Patriarch of the Church. -</p> -<p>Settlement of a Difficulty. -</p> -<p>The Kidnapping of Benjamin Boyce, Mr. Brown, <em>et al</em>. -</p> -<p>The Beginning of Open-air Meetings. -</p> -<p>The Electric Telegraph. -</p> -<p>An Address by the First Presidency to the Church. -</p> -<p>Minutes of the High Council Meeting, at the Office of Joseph Smith, -Jun., Nauvoo, September 5th, 1840. -</p> -<p>The Generosity of John Benbow. -</p> -<p>Earthquake at Mount Ararat. -</p> -<p>The Death of Joseph Smith, Sen. -</p> -<p>Biography of Joseph Smith, Sen., Presiding Patriarch of the Church, by -the Prophet, his Son. -</p> -<p>The Discourse of Elder Thompson at the Funeral of Joseph Smith, Sen. -</p> -<p class="centered"><a href="#CHAPTERXI">CHAPTER XI. -</a></p> -<p>Threatening Portents in the Actions of Missouri—General Conferences in -Nauvoo and England—The Doctrine of Priesthood. -</p> -<p>Letter of Samuel Bent and George W. Harris to the Presidency—Reporting -Labors. -</p> -<p>Letter of John E. Page to the Presidency, Reporting Progress of -Palestine Mission. -</p> -<p>Extracts from Orson Hyde's Letter—Signs in the Heavens. -</p> -<p>Elder Heber C. Kimball's Dream. -</p> -<p>Minutes of the General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of -Latter-day Saints, held in Nauvoo, October 3d, 1840. -</p> -<p>Report of the Presidency. -</p> -<p>Minutes of a General Conference in England. -</p> -<p>Minutes of a Council of the Twelve in England. -</p> -<p class="centered"><a href="#CHAPTERXII">CHAPTER XII. -</a></p> -<p>Progress of the Work in Great Britain—The Saints at Kirtland Reproved -for Their Course During the Missouri Persecutions—The Prophet's -Address to the Twelve and Saints in Great Britain. -</p> -<p>Charge against Oliver Walker. -</p> -<p>Minutes of the High Council. -</p> -<p>Letter of Heber C. Kimball et al. to Messrs. Ebenezer <span class="pagenum"><a name="IX"></a>{IX}</span> Robinson and -Don Carlos Smith—Reporting Affairs in the British Mission. -</p> -<p>"Remarkable Visions" by Orson Pratt. -</p> -<p>Letter of Joseph and Hyrum Smith to the Saints in Kirtland—Reproving -the Saints for Neglect of their Brethren and Sisters During the -Missouri Persecutions. -</p> -<p>An Epistle of the Prophet to the Twelve. -</p> -<p class="centered"><a href="#CHAPTERXIII">CHAPTER XIII. -</a></p> -<p>Introduction of the Gospel in the Isle of Man—The Nauvoo Charter. -</p> -<p>Mormonism in the Isle of Man. -</p> -<p>Opposition to the Work in England. -</p> -<p>Excommunication of Sidney Roberts. -</p> -<p>Letter of Brigham Young to the Presidency, Detailing Movements of the -Mission in England. -</p> -<p>Elder Taylor's Defense of the Work. -</p> -<p>An Act to Incorporate the City of Nauvoo. -</p> -<p>Of the Legislative Powers of the City Council. -</p> -<p>Letter of John C. Bennett to the <em>Times and Seasons</em>—Announcing the -Passage of the Act Incorporating Nauvoo. -</p> -<p class="centered"><a href="#CHAPTERXIV">CHAPTER XIV. -</a></p> -<p>Vale 1840—Enter 1841—List of Publications for and Against -the Church—Whereabouts of the Twelve Apostles—"Election and -Reprobation"—Proclamation to the Saints. -</p> -<p>The Acquittal of R. D. Foster. -</p> -<p>An Objector Put Down. -</p> -<p>Brigham Young's Letter to the Prophet—Reporting Labors in England. -</p> -<p>Election and Reprobation—by Brigham Young and Willard Richards. -</p> -<p>A Proclamation of the First Presidency of the Church to the Saints -Scattered Abroad, Greeting. -</p> -<p class="centered"><a href="#CHAPTERXV">CHAPTER XV. -</a></p> -<p>Reconstruction of Church Affairs at Nauvoo—Revelation—Municipal -Organization of Nauvoo—Installation of Civic and Military Officers. -</p> -<p>Reproof of John E. Page and Orson Hyde. -</p> -<p>Revelation given to Joseph Smith at Nauvoo, January 19th, 1841. -</p> -<p>Hyrum Smith Installed as Patriarch. -</p> -<p>First Election of Municipal Officers in Nauvoo. -</p> -<p>Joseph Smith made Sole Trustee of the Church. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="X"></a>{X}</span> Nauvoo City Council Organized. -</p> -<p>The Mayor's Inaugural Address. -</p> -<p>Minutes of the Meeting which Organized the Nauvoo Legion. -</p> -<p>Nauvoo Council Opened by Prayer. -</p> -<p>The Echo Company. -</p> -<p>Minutes of the London Conference. -</p> -<p>Ordinance. -</p> -<p>Missouri's "White-washing." -</p> -<p>Legion Resolutions. -</p> -<p>Resolution. -</p> -<p>Ordinance. -</p> -<p>An Act to Incorporate the Nauvoo House Association. -</p> -<p>An Act to Incorporate the Nauvoo Agricultural and Manufacturing -Association in the County of Hancock. -</p> -<p>Division of Nauvoo into Municipal Wards. -</p> -<p>Ordinance on Religious Liberty in Nauvoo. -</p> -<p>An Ordinance in Relation to Public Meetings. -</p> -<p>Committee Report. -</p> -<p>Appointment of City Officers. -</p> -<p>Letter of Brigham Young to the Editor of the <em>Star</em>—On Family Prayer. -</p> -<p>Appointment of Joseph Smith Lieutenant-General of the Nauvoo Legion. -</p> -<p>Organization of the Lesser Priesthood at Nauvoo. -</p> -<p class="centered"><a href="#CHAPTERXVI">CHAPTER XVI. -</a></p> -<p>The First Foreign Mission of the Church, 1837-1841. -</p> -<p>History of the British Mission. -</p> -<p class="centered"><a href="#CHAPTERXVII">CHAPTER XVII. -</a></p> -<p>Celebration of the Twelfth Anniversary of the Organization of the -Church—Order of Laying Corner-Stones of Temples—Council Meetings of -the Twelve in England. -</p> -<p>Staffordshire Conference. -</p> -<p>Union of Commerce and Nauvoo Plats. -</p> -<p>Letter of Wilford Woodruff to Don C. Smith—Relating to Affairs in -England. -</p> -<p>Minutes of a Council Meeting of the Twelve. -</p> -<p>Council Meeting of the Twelve—Continued. -</p> -<p>Council Meeting of the Twelve—Continued. -</p> -<p>Twelfth Anniversary of the Organization of the Church. -</p> -<p>Sidney Rigdon's Speech. -</p> -<p>Conduct of the People. -</p> -<p>Order of Laying Corner-stones of Temples. -</p> -<p>Conference at Philadelphia. -</p> -<p>Meeting of the Council of the Twelve in Manchester. -</p> -<p class="centered"><a href="#CHAPTERXVIII">CHAPTER XVIII. -</a></p> -<p>General Conference at Nauvoo—Epistle of the Twelve to the Saints in -England—Difference Between Baptists and Latter-Day Saints. -</p> -<p>Minutes of the General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of -Latter-day Saints, held in Nauvoo, Illinois, on the 7th day of April, -One Thousand Eight Hundred and Forty-one. -</p> -<p>Report of the First Presidency. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="XI"></a>{XI}</span> Letter of George A. Smith to the <em>Star</em>—Report of Labors. -</p> -<p>Conference in New York City. -</p> -<p>An Epistle of the Twelve Apostles to the Church of Jesus Christ of -Latter-day Saints in England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and the Isle of -Man, Greeting. -</p> -<p>Difference Between the Baptists and Latter-day Saints, from the <em>North -Staffordshire Mercury</em>. -</p> -<p>The Difference Between the Baptists and the Former-day Saints. -</p> -<p class="centered"><a href="#CHAPTERXIX">CHAPTER XIX. -</a></p> -<p>Organization of the Nauvoo Legion—Notable Persons at Nauvoo—The -Prophet's Sermon on Individual Responsibility for Sin and the Doctrine -of Election. -</p> -<p>The Twelve Embark for Home. -</p> -<p>Changes in the Iowa Stake. -</p> -<p>Organization of the Legion. -</p> -<p>New Burying Ground for Nauvoo. -</p> -<p>Nauvoo Legion Affairs. -</p> -<p>Letter of the Prophet to the <em>Times and Seasons</em>—Visit of Notable -Persons to Nauvoo. -</p> -<p>The Prophet's Discourse. -</p> -<p>Minutes of a Conference in London. -</p> -<p>Arrival of <em>Rochester</em> at New York. -</p> -<p>The Healing of one who was Deaf. -</p> -<p>Rowdyism in New York Harbor. -</p> -<p>Mob Violence in England. -</p> -<p>Conference in Kirtland. -</p> -<p>Letter of the Presidency to the Saints—Concentration at Nauvoo. -</p> -<p>Legion Affairs. -</p> -<p class="centered"><a href="#CHAPTERXX">CHAPTER XX. -</a></p> -<p>Arrest of the Prophet on Demand of Missouri—Trial at Monmouth—The -Acquittal. -</p> -<p>The Prophet's Visit with Governor Carlin. -</p> -<p>The Arrest of the Prophet. -</p> -<p>Apostles in New Jersey. -</p> -<p>News of the Prophet's Arrest Reaches Nauvoo. -</p> -<p>The Prophet at Monmouth. -</p> -<p>The Trial. -</p> -<p>Honorable Conduct of Counsel. -</p> -<p>Judge Douglas—Ditto. -</p> -<p>A Letter from the Editor of the <em>Times and Seasons</em> to that Journal, -Giving an Account of the Trial at Monmouth. -</p> -<p>The Prophet Set Free. -</p> -<p class="centered"><a href="#CHAPTERXXI">CHAPTER XXI. -</a></p> -<p>The Mission to Jerusalem—Progress of Orson Hyde in His Journey. -</p> -<p>Elder John E. Page—a Laggard. -</p> -<p>Letter from Elder Orson Hyde to Presidency Joseph Smith—Recounting -Incidents of his Journey en route for Jerusalem. -</p> -<p>Elder Hyde's Letter to Rabbi Hirschell. -</p> -<p>Conclusion of Elder Hyde's Letter to the Prophet. <span class="pagenum"><a name="XII"></a>{XII}</span> -</p> -<p class="centered"><a href="#CHAPTERXXII">CHAPTER XXII. -</a></p> -<p>Sundry Events at Nauvoo and Throughout the World—The Mission of the -Twelve Noted by the Prophet. -</p> -<p>Press Misrepresentations. -</p> -<p>Imprisonment of Theodore Curtis. -</p> -<p>Extract from a Letter in the <em>Juliet Courier</em>—Describing the Prophet's -Trial at Monmouth, and Affairs at Nauvoo. -</p> -<p>Revelation given to Joseph Smith, in the House of Brigham Young, in -Nauvoo City, July 9th, 1841. -</p> -<p>Liquor Selling Licensed in Nauvoo. -</p> -<p>Manna Rain in Aleppo. -</p> -<p>Press Falsehoods. -</p> -<p>Letter of Elder Orson Hyde to President Smith—Detailing Events while -en route to Jerusalem. -</p> -<p>Death of Senator Little. -</p> -<p>General Funeral Sermon. -</p> -<p>The Prophet's Account of the Mission of the Twelve. -</p> -<p>Letter of William Smith to President Smith—Land Transactions. -</p> -<p class="centered"><a href="#CHAPTERXXIII">CHAPTER XXIII. -</a></p> -<p>The Death of Don Carlos Smith—His Life and Labors—Special Conference -at Nauvoo. -</p> -<p>The Death of Don Carlos Smith. -</p> -<p>The Visits of Don Carlos to Liberty Prison. -</p> -<p>His Ministrations to the Sick. -</p> -<p>Personal Appearance of Don Carlos Smith. -</p> -<p>The Iowa Stake of Zion. -</p> -<p>New Mission Movement Planned. -</p> -<p>General Orders, Nauvoo Legion. -</p> -<p>Depression of the Times. -</p> -<p>Visit of the Sac and Fox Indians to Nauvoo. -</p> -<p>Minutes of a Special Conference at Nauvoo—Important Action in Relation -to the Twelve. -</p> -<p class="centered"><a href="#CHAPTERXXIV">CHAPTER XXIV. -</a></p> -<p>Hotchkiss Land Purchase Trouble—Death's Harvest, Oliver Granger, -Robert B. Thompson—Important Action Relating to the Twelve—The -Mission in Fox Island. -</p> -<p>The Founding of Warren. -</p> -<p>Letter of Horace R. Hotchkiss to Joseph Smith—Land Affairs in Nauvoo. -</p> -<p>Letter of the Prophet to Horace R. Hotchkiss—Nauvoo Land Transactions. -</p> -<p>Location and Character of the Hotchkiss Lands. -</p> -<p>Death of Oliver Granger. -</p> -<p>An Epistle of the Twelve Apostles to the Saints Scattered Abroad Among -the Nations, Greeting. -</p> -<p>Death of Robert B. Thompson. -</p> -<p>Biography of Robert Blashel Thompson. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="XIII"></a>{XIII}</span> Minutes of a Council Meeting of the Twelve Apostles at the House -of Brigham Young, Nauvoo. -</p> -<p>Changes of Officers in the Legion. -</p> -<p>Changes Among the Civil Officers of Nauvoo. -</p> -<p>The Prophet on Medicine. -</p> -<p>A Shower of "Flesh." -</p> -<p>British-Chinese War. -</p> -<p>Extract from Legion Minutes. -</p> -<p>The Coming of Edward Hunter to Nauvoo. -</p> -<p>Bitterness of D. W. Kilbourn. -</p> -<p>Hitch Council Resolution. -</p> -<p>Lumber for the Temple. -</p> -<p>The Work on Fox Island. -</p> -<p>Sentence Rendered by Pontius Pilate, Acting Governor of Lower Galilee, -Stating that Jesus of Nazareth shall Suffer Death on the Cross. -</p> -<p class="centered"><a href="#CHAPTERXXV">CHAPTER XXV. -</a></p> -<p>The General Conference of the Church at Nauvoo—Doctrinal Sermon by the -Prophet—Baptism for the Dead—Angels and Ministering Spirits—Epistle -of the Twelve Reviewing Status of the Church. -</p> -<p>Suit against Geo. M. Hinkle. -</p> -<p>Minutes of the General Conference of the Church held at Nauvoo. -</p> -<p>Minutes of a Meeting of the Council of the Twelve. -</p> -<p>Copy of a Letter to Smith Tuttle, Esq.,—The Hotchkiss. -</p> -<p>Land Troubles. -</p> -<p>An Epistle of the Twelve Apostles, to the Brethren Scattered Abroad on -the Continent of America, Greeting. -</p> -<p class="centered"><a href="#CHAPTERXXVI">CHAPTER XXVI. -</a></p> -<p>Affairs in Kirtland and Nauvoo—Epistle of the Twelve to the Saints -in the British Islands—Orson Hyde's Prayer on the Mount of Olives, -Dedicating the Holy Land Preparatory to the Return of the Tribes of -Israel. -</p> -<p>Extract from Orson Hyde's Letter. -</p> -<p>Minutes of Conference held at Lima. -</p> -<p>Extract of a Letter from Parley P. Pratt—Emigration of Saints, and -Status of the Work in England. -</p> -<p>Copy of a Letter of Attorney from Joseph Smith, "Sole Trustee-in-Trust -for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints," to Reuben -McBride, of Kirtland, Ohio. -</p> -<p>Excerpt of Hyrum Smith's Letter to the Saints in Kirtland—Disapproving -of Certain Plans for Building up Kirtland. -</p> -<p>The Nuisance. -</p> -<p>Reproof of William O. Clark. -</p> -<p>Dedication of the Baptismal Font. -</p> -<p>An Ordinance Concerning Vagrants and Disorderly Persons. -</p> -<p>An Epistle of the Twelve Apostles to the Saints Scattered Abroad in -England, <span class="pagenum"><a name="XIV"></a>{XIV}</span> Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and the Isle of Man, and the -Eastern Continent, Greeting. -</p> -<p>Minutes of a Meeting at Ramus, Illinois—Alanson Brown et al., -Disfellowshiped. -</p> -<p>Baptisms for the Dead. -</p> -<p>Elder Orson Hyde's Letter—His Prayer of Dedication on the Mount of -Olives. -</p> -<p>Prayer of Orson Hyde on the Mount of Olives. -</p> -<p class="centered"><a href="#CHAPTERXXVII">CHAPTER XXVII. -</a></p> -<p>Official Denunciation of Thieves at Nauvoo—The Moral Law of the -Church—Abandonment of Ramus as a Stake of Zion—Baptism for the Dead, -an Epistle. -</p> -<p>Affidavit of Hyrum Smith—Denouncing Theft. -</p> -<p>The Prophet's Estimate of the Book of Mormon. -</p> -<p>The Prophet's Denunciation of Thieves. -</p> -<p>Conference in New York. -</p> -<p>Warning of the Twelve Apostles against Thieves. -</p> -<p>Thieves. -</p> -<p>Revelation. -</p> -<p>Conference at Ramus. -</p> -<p>The Prophet Proof Reads Book of Mormon. -</p> -<p>Letter of the Prophet to Esquires Browning and Bushness—Payment of -Notes. -</p> -<p>The Prophet's Letter to Mr. Hotchkiss—Commerce Lands. -</p> -<p>The Prophet's Difficulties in Writing the Annals of the Church. -</p> -<p>Anti-Mormonism at Warsaw. -</p> -<p>Further Trouble at Warsaw. -</p> -<p>Baptism for the Dead. An Epistle of the Twelve Apostles to the Saints -of the Last Days. -</p> -<p class="centered"><a href="#CHAPTERXXVIII">CHAPTER XXVIII. -</a></p> -<p>Kirtland vs. Nauvoo—Political Attitude of the People of Nauvoo -Declared—Publications Mormon and Anti-Mormon For 1841—Close of the -Year. -</p> -<p>Decision in the Case of Almon W. Babbitt and Kirtland. -</p> -<p>Affairs at Ramus. -</p> -<p>Expressions of Gratitude to James Gordon Bennett and the <em>New York -Herald</em>. -</p> -<p>Minutes of a Meeting of the Twelve in the House of the Prophet. -</p> -<p>The Prophet on the Attitude of the Saints in Politics. -</p> -<p>The Prophet's Letter to Edward Hunter—Business Affairs at Nauvoo. -</p> -<p>Revelation to John Snyder and Amos B. Fuller. -</p> -<p>Revelation. -</p> -<p>Work on Proclamation to Kings of the Earth. -</p> -<p>Emigration Agency to England. -</p> -<p>Xmas at Nauvoo, 1841. -</p> -<p>Conference Minutes—New York and Maine. -</p> -<p>Purpose of the Gift of Tongues. -</p> -<p>Instructions to the Twelve. -</p> -<p>Warren and Warsaw Affairs. -</p> -<p>A Prophecy Respecting Warsaw. -</p> -<p>Mormon Literature (<em>pro et con</em>) 1841. -</p> -<p class="centered"><a href="#CHAPTERXXIX">CHAPTER XXIX. -</a></p> -<p>The Opening of the Year 1842—Whereabouts of the Twelve -Apostles—Correspondence of Elder Hyde From Trieste—Report of High -Council on Affairs in Nauvoo—Events and Conditions in the British -Mission. -</p> -<p>Sundry Labors of the Prophet. -</p> -<p>The Prophet's Letter to Edward Hunter—Reports Opening of the New Store. -</p> -<p>Rejoicing of the Prophet. -</p> -<p>Tithing and Consecrations for the Temple of the Lord. -</p> -<p>Book of Mormon Corrections. -</p> -<p>Meeting with the Twelve. -</p> -<p>Highly Interesting from Jerusalem. -</p> -<p>Excerpts from Elder Hyde's Letters. -</p> -<p>The Prophet's Letter to Isaac Galland—On Settlement of Accounts. -</p> -<p>Isaac Galland Affair. -</p> -<p>Seventies' Quorum Affairs. -</p> -<p>Revelation. -</p> -<p>Report of High Council Committee. -</p> -<p>Letter of G. Walker to Elder Brigham Young et al.—Affairs in England -Since Departure of the Apostles. -</p> -<p class="centered"><a href="#CHAPTERXXX">CHAPTER XXX. -</a></p> -<p>Emigration of the Saints From England to Nauvoo—The Book of Abraham -</p> -<p>Emigration. -</p> -<p>Death of Laura Phelps. -</p> -<p>Debates in Nauvoo. -</p> -<p>Vindication of Daniel Wood. -</p> -<p>Letter of Alfred Cordon to Joseph Smith—Reporting Affairs in England. -</p> -<p>Confidence in the Nauvoo Charter. -</p> -<p>Announcement of the Trustee-in-Trust for the Church Respecting Work on -the Temple. -</p> -<p>An Additional Word from the Twelve. -</p> -<p>Letter of the Prophet to an Unknown Brother on Tithing. -</p> -<p>Note of Robert Pierce—Expressing Satisfaction at Financial Settlement. -</p> -<p>The Book of Abraham. -</p> -<p class="centered"><a href="#CHAPTERXXXI">CHAPTER XXXI. -</a></p> -<p>The Wentworth Letter. -</p> -<p class="centered"><a href="#CHAPTERXXXII">CHAPTER XXXII. -</a></p> -<p>The Bennett-Dyer Correspondence—The Prophet's Discourse on the Subject -of the Resurrection, and the Salvation of Children—Epistle of the -Twelve to the Saints in England Concerning Their Emigration to America. -</p> -<p>Tax Controversy. -</p> -<p>Attempted Settlement with Gilbert Granger, -</p> -<p>Book of Abraham Fac-similes. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="XVI"></a>{XVI}</span> Letter of the Prophet to John C. Bennett—on Bennett's -Correspondence Anent Slavery. -</p> -<p>Correspondence Between Dr. C. V. Dyer and General J. C. Bennett. -</p> -<p>Letter of John C. Bennett to Joseph Smith—Anent the Dyer-Bennett -Correspondence. -</p> -<p>Letter of the Prophet to Edward Hunter—Business Transactions. -</p> -<p>Extract from the Legion Minutes. -</p> -<p>Extract from High Council Minutes. -</p> -<p>The Prophet Becomes Editor of the <em>Times and Seasons</em>. -</p> -<p>Honor Among Thieves. -</p> -<p>Origin of the Female Relief Society. -</p> -<p>The Prophet's Sermon on Life and Death; the Resurrection and the -Salvation of Children. -</p> -<p>An Epistle of the Twelve to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day -Saints in its Various Branches and Conferences in Europe, Greeting. -</p> -<p class="centered"><a href="#CHAPTERXXXIII">CHAPTER XXXIII. -</a></p> -<p>A Mason's Estimate of Nauvoo and the Prophet—Organization of the -Female Relief Society—"Try the Spirits"—The Prophet's Editorial. -</p> -<p>Nauvoo and the Mormons. -</p> -<p>Extract from a Letter from Elder E. P. Maginn, Salem, Massachusetts. -</p> -<p>Organization of the Relief Society. -</p> -<p>Character of the Mormon Women. -</p> -<p>Mission of John Snyder. -</p> -<p>Synopsis of the Prophet's Sermon on Baptism for the Dead. -</p> -<p>Letter of Lorenzo D. Barnes to Parley P. Pratt—Reporting Labors. -</p> -<p>Synopsis of the Prophet's Remarks to the Female Relief Society. -</p> -<p>"Try the Spirits"—The Prophet's Editorial in the <em>Times and Seasons</em>. -</p> -<p class="centered"><a href="#CHAPTERXXXIV">CHAPTER XXXIV. -</a></p> -<p>Special Conference of the Church at Nauvoo—The Prophet's Reproof of -the Wicked—Epistle of the Twelve to the Saints in Kirtland—Status of -the Church. -</p> -<p>The Thirteenth Anniversary of the Organization of the Church. -</p> -<p>Conference Minutes. Special Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of -Latter-day Saints, City of Nauvoo, April 6th, 1842. -</p> -<p>Remarks of the Prophet at the Funeral of Ephraim Marks. -</p> -<p>Synopsis of Remarks of the Prophet—Reproof of all Wickedness. -</p> -<p>A Meteor Fall. -</p> -<p>Council Meeting with the Twelve. -</p> -<p>Council Meeting with the Twelve. -</p> -<p>An Epistle of the Twelve to the Saints in America, Greeting. -</p> -<p>Military Appointments. -</p> -<p class="centered"><a href="#CHAPTERXXXV">CHAPTER XXXV. -</a></p> -<p>The General Bankrupt Law—The Doctrine of Baptism for the Dead—The -Prophet's Address to the Female Relief Society—The Keys of the -Priesthood and the Nauvoo Temple. -</p> -<p>The Bankrupt Law. -</p> -<p>The Prophet Forced into Bankruptcy. -</p> -<p>Baptism for the Dead. -</p> -<p>Cause of the Prophet's Insolvency. -</p> -<p>James Arlington Bennett Honored. -</p> -<p>Repast Militaire. -</p> -<p>The Rights and Privileges of Women in the Church Remarks of the Prophet -to the Relief Society. -</p> -<p>The Temple. -</p> - - -<h2><a name="INTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIV"></a>Introduction to Volume IV. -</h2> -<p>Five subjects may be said to form the outline of the chief events -detailed in this volume of the History of the Church <em>the Founding of -Nauvoo; the Appeal of the Church to the National Government for redress -of wrongs suffered in Missouri; the Mission of the Twelve Apostles to -the British Isles; the Mission of Orson Hyde to Palestine; and the -Doctrinal Development of the Church</em>. -</p> -<p><em>Preliminary Considerations</em>. -</p> -<p>Preliminary to a brief consideration of these several subjects, I -desire to say a word as to the reception of the Latter-day Saints by -the people of Illinois, and the conditions prevailing in that state at -the time of their arrival. A knowledge of these conditions is necessary -to the understanding of this whole Illinois period of the History of -the Church. -</p> -<p>Much has been made of the hospitality which the people of Illinois -extended to the Latter-day Saints at the time of their expulsion from -Missouri. A writer in the <em>American Historical Magazine</em> for July, -1906, says: "To the latter state [Illinois] they [the Saints] went -in 1839, and were received with such open-armed hospitality as only -a very generous and liberty-loving people can extend to those whom -they honestly believe to be suffering from a wrongful oppression. -The conduct of the Saints in five years turned this feeling of -extraordinarily deep-seated sympathy, inducing great practical -charities, into a feeling of very bitter hatred, threatening to break -into mob violence." Far be it from me to depreciate the kindness of -those who extended a helping hand to the Saints in the hour of their -distress. Stripped and sorely wounded they fled from the violence -of Missouri militia-mobs, and found for a time a peaceful asylum in -Illinois. Many were the acts of disinterested kindness extended to -them by the people in the western part of that state; and every such -act I am sure was and is remembered, both by those who were the direct -recipients of such acts of kindness and by their grateful descendants. -But is responding to the calls of humanity so rare a thing in a -Christian state, that it must needs be regarded as so exceptional in -this case? Such was the condition of the Saints as they fled from -Missouri, such the injustice to which they had been subjected in that -state, that their situation would have appealed to the generosity of -savages, how much more, then, to a civilized and Christian community! -And then, speaking of this reception of the Saints <em>en masse</em>, by -Illinois, and leaving out of consideration <span class="pagenum"><a name="XX"></a>{XX}</span> for the moment—since -they have already been acknowledged—the individual acts of kindness -bestowed upon the exiles, was this reception of the Saints by Illinois -wholly disinterested? Were there not benefits which the Saints could -bestow upon the state in return for the heartiness of the reception -given? Would it not have been, under all the circumstances, the gravest -of blunders for Illinois to have refused asylum to these exiles? Is it -to be presumed that the public men of western Illinois were so blind to -their own interests as not to see in these twelve or fifteen thousand -people a mighty advantage to the state? It is true they were poor -in this world's goods; but they were rich in labor-power, and their -reputation for habits of sobriety and of industry had preceded them. -Here were thousands of husbandmen seeking lands. Illinois had thousands -of acres of unoccupied lands awaiting husbandmen. How shortsighted and -unstatesman-like it would have been for the men of Illinois not to have -welcomed these settlers into their state? With half an eye it is easy -to see that the benefits of this reception of the exiled Mormons by -Illinois is not by any means a one-sided affair; and it would be doing -an injustice to the intelligence of the people of that state to suppose -they were blind to these advantages. This will more fully appear when -other conditions are taken into account. Illinois has an area of 56,650 -square miles; and at the time of the advent of the Saints in that state -a white population of less than four hundred thousand,<sup>[<a name="INTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn1"></a><a href="#txtINTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn1">1</a>]</sup> as against -a present population of five and a half millions.<sup>[<a name="INTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn2"></a><a href="#txtINTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn2">2</a>]</sup> It will be seen, -then, that in 1839, the year of the advent of the Saints into that -state, Illinois was very sparsely settled, and needed above all things -for her development and prosperity, people to subdue her wilderness -and cultivate her rich lands, especially people desirous of making -homes, and becoming permanent citizens. Moreover, Illinois had recently -launched an extensive system of internal improvements by state aid. -This system included the construction of 1,300 miles of railroads in -the state, besides provisions for the improvement of the navigation of -the Kaskaskia, Illinois, Great and Little Wabash, and Rock rivers. Also -the construction of a canal from Lake Michigan to the navigable waters -of the Illinois river, a distance of more than one hundred miles (from -Chicago to Peru). To carry out this system of internal improvements the -state legislature of 1836-7 had appropriated the sum of $12,000,000; -and to raise the money state bonds were placed on the stock markets of -the eastern states and in England. It is not my province here even to -note the wisdom or unwisdom of this policy of wholesale state aid for -these internal improvements; let the wisdom <span class="pagenum"><a name="XXI"></a>{XXI}</span> or unwisdom be what -it may, these conditions emphasized Illinois' demand for population, -and again makes it evident that it would have been the height of folly -for the people of that state to do other than give hearty welcome to -this body of population so rich in labor-power; so potent in wealth -producing energy. -</p> -<p>Another thing to be noted is the fact that about the time of the advent -of the Saints into Illinois, political parties were just taking form in -that state, and it is within the record of facts in the case, as well -as of great likelihood, that a desire for obtaining political advantage -was at least in the background of motives prompting the heartiness of -the reception given to the Saints. -</p> -<p>Illinois was admitted into the Union in 1818, but it is a matter of -common knowledge that in the early years of her history as a state, -her officers were elected not on any well defined political party -principles, but chiefly on the strength of the personality of the -candidates and the special things for which they individually stood. -Indeed, it was not until 1830 that anything like party lines were -drawn in the state, and that it became a battle ground for the two -great national parties, Whigs and Democrats. It was a committee from -a Democratic party organization in Quincy, Illinois, that took the -initiative in welcoming the Saints into the state, and strive how one -may, it is difficult to think there was not some political advantage -sought through this action. On the other hand, the Whigs were not slow -to urge upon the incoming exiles that it was a Democratic state and a -Democratic administration in that state which had not only permitted, -but had really ordered their expulsion from Missouri, and that -doubtless the injustice they had suffered was owing to Democratic ideas -of the administration of government. Nor were there wanting those among -the Saints who were willing to believe that such was the case. Indeed, -Joseph Smith, the Prophet, found it necessary to gently reprove some of -his people who were rapidly making the question of their expulsion from -Missouri a political party question in Illinois. This effort to win the -Saints to one political party or the other, continued to be a factor -in their affairs so long as they remained at Nauvoo. It was owing to -this rivalry for their support that doubtless made it possible for the -Saints to obtain larger grants of power for their city government, and -greater political privileges and influence in the State than otherwise -could have been obtained by them. It also was this rivalry for their -favor, as the events in this, but more especially in the succeeding -volume will prove, that made them alternately fulsomely flattered and -heartily disliked; fawningly courted, and viciously betrayed. -</p> -<p>A knowledge of these circumstances, I say, is essential to the right -understanding of the Nauvoo period of the Church's history. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="XXII"></a>{XXII}</span> <em>The Founding of Nauvoo</em>. -</p> -<p>The founding of the city of Nauvoo was an event, the interest of which -extends beyond the people immediately concerned in it. It was a unique -movement in its way, and may yet suggest a policy in reference to the -government of large cities from which great benefits may arise. Very -naturally after the experiences of the Mormon people in Missouri, the -Prophet was anxious to environ them with conditions that would insure -protection to the community, hence for Nauvoo he secured as large -concessions of political power as it was possible to obtain, and an -examination of the Nauvoo charter proper with its attendant charters -providing as they did for an independent educational system, from -common schools to a University; an independent military organization -with a lieutenant-general as its commander;<sup>[<a name="INTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn3"></a><a href="#txtINTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn3">3</a>]</sup> a large grant of -commercial as well as municipal power, demonstrates how well he -succeeded. Commenting upon the charter immediately after its passage -by the state legislature had been formally announced, he said: "The -City Charter of Nauvoo is of my own plan and device. I concocted it for -the salvation of the Church, and on principles so broad, that every -honest man might dwell secure under its protective influence without -distinction of sect or party."<sup>[<a name="INTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn4"></a><a href="#txtINTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn4">4</a>]</sup> On another occasion when defending -the right of the city to issue writs of habeas corpus, even against -processes of the state, he held: "If there is not power in our charter -and courts, then there is not power in the State of Illinois nor in -the Congress or Constitution of the United States; for the United -States gave unto Illinois her Constitution or Charter, and Illinois -gave unto Nauvoo her charters conceding unto us our vested rights -which she has no right or power to take from us. All the power there -was in Illinois she gave to Nauvoo. * * * The municipal court has all -the power to issue and determine writs of habeas corpus within the -limits of this state that the <span class="pagenum"><a name="XXIII"></a>{XXIII}</span> Legislature can confer. This city -has all the power that the State courts have, and was given by the -same authority—the legislature. * * * The charter says that the City -Council shall have power and authority to make, ordain, establish, and -execute such ordinances not repugnant to the Constitution of the United -States, or of this State, as they may deem necessary for the peace, -benefit and safety of the inhabitants of said city.<sup>[<a name="INTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn5"></a><a href="#txtINTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn5">5</a>]</sup> And also that -the Municipal Court shall have power to grant writs of habeas corpus in -all cases arising under the ordinances of the City Council. The City -Council have passed an ordinance 'that no citizen of this city shall be -taken out of this city by any writ without the privilege of a writ of -habeas corpus.' There is nothing but what we have power over, except -where restricted by the Constitution of the United States. 'But,' says -the mob, 'what dangerous powers!' Yes—dangerous, because they will -protect the innocent and put down mobocrats. There is nothing but -what we have power over, except where restricted by the Constitution -of the United States. * * * If these powers are dangerous, then the -Constitution of the United States, and of this State are dangerous; but -they are not dangerous to good men; they are only so to bad men who are -breakers of the laws. * * * The lawyers themselves acknowledge that we -have all power granted us in our charters, that we could ask for—that -we had more power than any other court in the State; for all other -courts were restricted while ours was not." -</p> -<p>Such views in relation to an ordinary municipal government would -unquestionably be stamped as preposterous. No such powers as are here -claimed are accorded to ordinary city governments in Illinois or any -other of the states of the American Union. What then may be said of -the Prophet's claims in respect to the municipal powers of Nauvoo? -Nothing in way of defense, except that Nauvoo was <em>not</em> an ordinary -municipality; that Joseph Smith had sought for extraordinary grants of -power for the city of Nauvoo and had obtained them; that his personal -experiences and the experiences of his people, both in Ohio and -Missouri, had taught him the necessity of having officers charged with -the duty of administering government wherein his people were concerned, -who were friendly disposed and whose interests were largely identical -with those of the Saints: that the things which both the Prophet and -his people had suffered justified both him and them in seeking for -and obtaining such power as had been conferred by charters upon the -city of Nauvoo; that the Prophet was wholly within the lines of right -conduct when he invoked the municipal powers in his own protection -<span class="pagenum"><a name="XXIV"></a>{XXIV}</span> against the aggressions of his old enemies in Missouri and his -new betrayers in Illinois. But whether the legislature of Illinois was -fully aware of the extraordinary powers they were conferring upon the -city of Nauvoo, or being aware of the import of their action the party -in control of the legislature was willing to grant the extraordinary -powers in the hope of currying political favor with the Saints, may not -now be determined; but in any event these extraordinary powers were -granted; and wittingly or unwittingly a "city-state" had practically -been established within the state of Illinois. Nothing short of this -descriptive term can adequately set forth the municipal government -of Nauvoo. It seems to be an unconscious reversion. In an incipient -way, to the "city-states" or "city-republics" of the old Greek -confederations; or the "free-towns" of medieval times, when the cities -were more potent than nations in commerce and even in politics. Whether -or not the state courts of Illinois and United States courts would have -sustained the Nauvoo charters if the matter of their validity had been -referred to them for adjudication, may not be determined; but one can -scarcely suppress the thought that the likelihood is that they would -not have been sustained; on the contrary they would have been most -likely declared anomalous to our system of government as it then stood, -and now stands. But certainly if the experiment of such a municipal -government had not been interrupted in its progress, it might have been -an instructive object lesson in the government of cities; and even as -it is, the founding of Nauvoo, the "city-state," suggests an important -idea which may work out great practical reforms in municipal government -in our country. -</p> -<p>The founders of our Government dealt with conditions that were very -simple in comparison with the complexity of the conditions which -government in its various forms, municipal, state and national, is -confronted with today. The Municipal problems which now vex the -people had not then arisen above the horizon of their experience. The -American commonwealths of the early decades of the nineteenth century -were practically rural commonwealths. At the time of Washington's -inauguration (1789) the population of New York was but thirty-three -thousand; Philadelphia forty-two thousand; Boston but eighteen -thousand; Baltimore thirteen thousand; Brooklyn one thousand six -hundred, and more village than town. Now compare these cities with -their present population. New York has a population of over four -millions;<sup>[<a name="INTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn6"></a><a href="#txtINTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn6">6</a>]</sup> Philadelphia a population of one and a half millions;<sup>[<a name="INTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn7"></a><a href="#txtINTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn7">7</a>]</sup> -Boston more than half <span class="pagenum"><a name="XXV"></a>{XXV}</span> a million;<sup>[<a name="INTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn8"></a><a href="#txtINTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn8">8</a>]</sup> Baltimore over five hundred -thousand;<sup>[<a name="INTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn9"></a><a href="#txtINTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn9">9</a>]</sup> Brooklyn is absorbed in New York, but as a borough of -the larger city it has a population of nearly one and a half millions;<sup>[<a name="INTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn10"></a><a href="#txtINTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn10">10</a>]</sup> Chicago, which in 1840 had but four thousand inhabitants, much -smaller than Nauvoo, has now a population of more than two millions;<sup>[<a name="INTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn11"></a><a href="#txtINTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn11">11</a>]</sup> St. Louis which in 1840 had a population of but 16,469, has now a -population of three quarters of a million.<sup>[<a name="INTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn12"></a><a href="#txtINTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn12">12</a>]</sup> Nothing like the growth -of urban population within the United States during the last fifty -years has been known in the history of the world, and it has brought to -the inhabitants of these cities problems undreamed of by the founders -of our government. Every year discloses more and more distinctly the -fact that between these condensed communities and the town, village, -and rural population of the states in which they are located, there are -very distinct interests and governmental problems of widely differing -character. The differences which justify distinct local governments -in the state of New York and the peninsula of Florida are not more -insistent than the differences between the great commercial city of New -York and the state of the same name. Without entering upon elaborate -discussion of these questions (a discussion which is foreign to the -character of this writing) I venture the suggestion that separate and -complete state governments for our large cities, or the elevation of -them into what I have called "city-states," such as Nauvoo was, in -an incipient way, will be the solution to most of the problems of -municipal government in our very large cities. It would greatly enlarge -in them the governmental powers essential to their more perfect peace, -security, and prosperity. Also it would separate them from embroilment -in those questions of the state governments under which they are now -located, and in which they have so little interest—often indeed, -there is even sharp conflict of interests, engendering bitterness -and strife which hinders progress for both city and state. Besides, -granting complete statehood to our larger cities would be but a proper -recognition of the right of those great aggregations of citizens with -their varied industries, their immense wealth and distinct interests, -to that measure of influence in our national affairs which their -numbers and intelligence and interests justly demand. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="XXVI"></a>{XXVI}</span> <em>The Appeal of the Church to the National government for Redress -of Wrongs Suffered in Missouri</em>. -</p> -<p>The Prophet Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, and Judge Elias Higbee were -chosen as the committee to present to the National Congress the -petition of the Saints for a redress of their grievances, suffered in -Missouri. This journey to the nation's Capital was of importance quite -apart from the immediate purpose for which it was undertaken; namely, -it brought the Prophet in contact with the leading statesmen of the -United States. While in Washington, he was brought in contact with -and interviewed such men as Henry Clay, John C. Calhoun, President -Martin Van Buren, different members of the Cabinet, Senators, and -Representatives. Such contact enabled him to take new measurements, -not only of a different class of men from those with whom he had been -accustomed to associate, but new measurements of himself by comparison -and contrast of himself with those leading spirits of the nation. -Comparisons which could not result otherwise than in advantage to -him; and I think it must be conceded by all students of the Prophet's -character, especially to those who have been at all close observers of -its development, that after this trip to Washington, which afforded the -above noted opportunities of comparison and contrast, the Prophet's -growth was immeasurably greater than at any time before that journey. -</p> -<p>In some respects however it was unfortunate that the Prophet was not -more cosmopolitan in his training and in his views of life on the -occasion of this visit to the nation's capital; for lack of such -training and views of life led him to the formation of rather hasty -judgments as to the character of our nation's public men at that time. -He undoubtedly had sticking to him as yet, some of the prejudices of -his New England and New York sectional training; and at the time of -his visit the spirit of the public men of the nation at Washington -was largely influenced by the Southern character and spirit. Bourbon -Democracy was at its height. The gentlemen of the South with their -extreme notions of chivalry and polite deportment, predominated. In -those days men were held to strict account for their manner of address -one to another. An improper word, a slight, magnified into an insult, -meant a challenge to mortal combat on "the field of honor," and this -sense of personal responsibility for utterances begot, no doubt, an -extreme politeness in personal deportment which seemed puerile to -those reared in another atmosphere and influenced by other sentiments -than those which resulted from education in the South. Joseph Smith's -judgment upon manners and customs in Washington, was doubtless New -England's judgment upon Southern customs with which it had no patience, -much less sympathy. It is only from these considerations that the -rather harsh <span class="pagenum"><a name="XXVII"></a>{XXVII}</span> judgment of the Prophet in relation to conditions -in Washington can be properly understood. -</p> -<p>Relative to the business upon which this committee visited Washington, -it should be said that Sidney Rigdon failed to participate in it at -all, in consequence of an illness which befell him on his journey, -and hindered him from reaching Washington until the business was -practically settled. A short stay in Washington convinced the Prophet -that nothing was to be expected in the way of obtaining a redress of -grievances for his people from the very cautious politicians then -in control of the government, all of whom were anxious, apparently, -to palliate the actions of Missouri with reference to the Saints, -for the sake of retaining her political influence on their side; and -also because of a prevailing inclination to a strict construction of -the powers of the general government in its relations to the states. -The Prophet therefore left Washington to preach the Gospel for a -short time in New Jersey and Philadelphia, after which he returned -to Nauvoo, leaving Judge Elias Higbee to urge consideration of the -petition of the Saints which had been referred to the Senate committee -on Judiciary, with what result is made known in detail in the body of -this volume of the history. It is sufficient here to say that the net -result of the Committee's deliberations was simply to recommend that -the Saints appeal for a redress of their wrongs to the United States -District Court having jurisdiction in Missouri, or they could, if they -saw proper, "apply to the justice and magnanimity of the State of -Missouri—an appeal which the committee feel justified in believing -will never be made in vain by the injured or oppressed."—(Sic!) -</p> -<p>This suggestion to take their case to the United States Courts was -never acted upon by the Saints, nor does it appear in what manner it -would have been practicable for them to do so. True it is expressly -provided in the Constitution that "The Judicial power of the United -States shall extend to all cases in law and equity, arising under this -Constitution, the laws of the United States, and treaties made, or -which shall be made, under their authority; to controversies between -two or more states; between a state and citizens of another state; -between citizens of different states; between citizens of the same -state," etc.<sup>[<a name="INTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn13"></a><a href="#txtINTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn13">13</a>]</sup> The case of the Saints would fall either under the -clauses in the above quotation respecting controversies arising between -a state (Missouri) and citizens of another state (the Saints, now -citizens, of Illinois); or "between citizens of different states," the -Saints, citizens of Illinois, and their former persecutors, citizens of -Missouri. In considering the question under the first clause it must be -remembered that the eleventh amendment to the Constitution (declared in -force 1798) provides that <span class="pagenum"><a name="XXVIII"></a>{XXVIII}</span> "The Judicial power of the United -States shall not be construed to extend to any suit in law or equity, -commenced or prosecuted against one of the United States by citizens of -another state, or by citizens or subjects of any foreign state." It is -held that "the power as well as the dignity of a state would be gone if -it could be dragged into court by a private plaintiff."<sup>[<a name="INTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn14"></a><a href="#txtINTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn14">14</a>]</sup> -</p> -<p>The Supreme Court in the case Chisholm <em>vs</em>. the State of Georgia, had -decided (1793) that an action did lie against the State of Georgia at -a suit of a private plaintiff. The state however refused to appear, -whereupon the Supreme Court proceeded, a year later, to give judgment -against her by default in case she should not appear and plead before -a day; whereupon there arose such a storm of protest, not only in -Georgia, but in the other states as well, that the eleventh amendment -was adopted exempting a state from being sued in the courts of the -United States by citizens of another state, or by citizens subjects -of any foreign state. Moreover, states are not suable in any event -except with their consent;<sup>[<a name="INTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn15"></a><a href="#txtINTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn15">15</a>]</sup> and if a state waive its immunity, it -may attach any conditions it pleases to its consent.<sup>[<a name="INTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn16"></a><a href="#txtINTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn16">16</a>]</sup> Under these -circumstances it is not surprising that the Saints never attempted to -bring Missouri before the United States courts. They could only have -planted suit against the state by its consent, and if she consented, -then under such conditions as she might be pleased to attach to that -consent. Moreover, the Saints had the best of reasons for believing -that Missouri would never consent. -</p> -<p>As to suing their persecutors as individuals before the United States -courts, as citizens of one state suing citizens of another, it is -only necessary to remind the reader of the insuperable difficulties -attending upon that procedure to convince him of the futility of such -action. The expensiveness of the undertaking, and the extreme poverty -of the exiles alone would be sufficient to bar such an undertaking; -for every one knows how bitterly hard it is for the poor to set the -judicial machinery of organized society in motion in their favor. Then -there was the evident conspiracy entered into by the mobs of Missouri -to defeat the ends of justice in respect of the Saints: mobs which an -unfriendly governor had converted into a state militia; to which that -same governor gave an order to expel from the state or exterminate the -entire people; under which order said mob-militia did expel from the -state some twelve thousand citizens, depriving them of their property -and liberty without due process of law; and afterwards the state -through its legislature sanctioned and applauded the actions of this -mob-militia for the part it had taken in causing said expulsion—though -attended by acts of <span class="pagenum"><a name="XXIX"></a>{XXIX}</span> unspeakable atrocity—by appropriating -200,000 dollars to meet the expenses of the mob-militia in carrying -out the governor's illegal orders. After these crimes against the -Constitution and laws of the state, against American institutions and -the civilization of the age—after all this, I say, it is not difficult -to understand how farcical would be any procedure before either the -state or the federal courts in Missouri. By acts of perjury, in order -to still further defeat the ends of justice and protect each other -from the penalties due to their crimes, it would have been easy for -the people of Missouri to defeat the ends of justice. And after having -committed the crimes of murder and robbery; after having unlawfully -expelled a whole people, numbering thousands, from their homes—of -which the despoilers were then possessed—it is not to be believed that -such characters would hesitate to suborn witnesses, commit perjury, or -hesitate to do any other thing, however criminal, in order to escape -the just punishment for their crimes. -</p> -<p>The offense of the State of Missouri against the Saints was a denial -of political as well as of civil rights. She had in her treatment of -the Saints abdicated republican government. Her officers, including the -chief executive of the state had violated the Constitution of the state -in that they had entered into a wide-spread conspiracy to deprive the -Saints of their liberty and property without due process of law; and in -fact had deprived them of those rights by expelling them by force of -arms from the state. -</p> -<p>These were the wrongs the Saints had endured; this the nature of the -crime of the state of Missouri against them, and it seems that for -these things which they suffered there could be found no remedy; -for, as already explained, a state could not be made party to a suit -before the courts, either state or federal, without her consent; and -it is a well settled principle of American law that "a suit nominally -against an officer but really against a state to enforce performance -of its obligation in its political capacity, will not lie." A state, -therefore, could not be directly arraigned before the courts or any -kind of tribunal for failure to enforce its political obligations; nor -could it be indirectly so arraigned through its officers since such -an arraignment would undoubtedly have been held to be but "nominally -against the officers and really against the state;" hence void.<sup>[<a name="INTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn17"></a><a href="#txtINTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn17">17</a>]</sup> -The only arraignment of the state that could be made was evidently -at the bar of public opinion and sentiment, and this sentiment, -unfortunately viciated by misrepresentations, was against the Saints. -All things considered, then, there was little wisdom behind the -recommendation of the Senate Judiciary Committee for the Saints to -prosecute their case before the Federal courts having jurisdiction -in Missouri; and <span class="pagenum"><a name="XXX"></a>{XXX}</span> the suggestion that they apply to the justice -and magnanimity of the state of the Missouri, borders upon mockery. -However, Missouri did not escape the chastisement due to her many -acts of predatory injustice upon the Saints; there was measured out -to her more than four fold of that sorrow and affliction which she -had perpetrated upon the Saints. She sowed to the wind in her conduct -towards the Mormon people, she reaped the whirl-wind in the terrible -experiences of more then ten years of border warfare, banditti rule, -and her enormous sacrifice of blood and treasure in the Civil War; all -of which is abundantly set forth in the Introduction to Volume III of -this work. -</p> -<p><em>The Mission of the Twelve to England</em>. -</p> -<p>The mission of the Twelve to England marks an epoch in the missionary -experience of the Church. They undertook this mission in fulfillment -of a commandment received of the Lord on the 8th of July, 1838, at Far -West, Missouri, which revelation was given in answer to the question -of the Prophet: "Show us thy will, O Lord, concerning the Twelve." In -answer to that question the Lord directed that the several vacancies -then existing in the quorum should be filled by the appointment of John -Taylor, John E. Page, Wilford Woodruff, and Willard Richards. "And next -spring," said the revelation, "let them [the Twelve] depart to go over -the great waters and there promulgate my gospel, the fullness thereof, -and bear record of my name. Let them take leave of my Saints in the -City Far West on the 26th day of April next, on the building spot of my -house saith the Lord."<sup>[<a name="INTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn18"></a><a href="#txtINTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn18">18</a>]</sup> -</p> -<p>Notwithstanding the fact that the Church had been expelled from the -state of Missouri before the 26th day of April, 1839, a number of the -Twelve accompanied by several of those who had been appointed to fill -vacancies in the quorum, returned to Far West, held a meeting on the -site of the Lord's house in the public square of that place, on the -date appointed, sung some hymns, ordained those present who had been -appointed to fill vacancies in the quorum, laid a corner stone of the -Lord's house, took leave of a few of the brethren who were there, and -thence started for foreign lands, stopping for a time <em>en route</em> at -Nauvoo. Late in the summer of 1839 the Twelve began their departure, -usually in pairs, for foreign lands. The work had already been -introduced into England by the labors of Elder Heber C. Kimball and -associates, Elder Orson Hyde of the quorum of the Twelve; also Elders -Willard Richards, Isaac Russell, John Goodson, John Snyder; and Joseph -Fielding, a priest. The mission of the Twelve to England as a quorum, -however, established the work in the British Isles on a broader and -more <span class="pagenum"><a name="XXXI"></a>{XXXI}</span> permanent basis, and thence forward the body religious was -strengthened from this mission; and as much from the character as from -the numbers of the British Saints. -</p> -<p><em>The Mission of Orson Hyde to Palestine</em>. -</p> -<p>The mission appointed to Elders Orson Hyde and John E. Page, of the -quorum of the Twelve, to Jerusalem, was second in importance only to -that appointed to the rest of the Twelve to Great Britain. John E. -Page utterly failed to fulfill his appointment, notwithstanding the -frequent urging and reproofs of the Prophet. He never left the shores -of America, and finally returned to Nauvoo to be severely censured for -his lack of faith and energy. Orson Hyde, on the contrary, in the midst -of many hardships, persevered in his journey to the Holy Land, until -he succeeded in accomplishing that which had been appointed unto him. -Elder Hyde it appears, was a descendant of the tribe of Judah;<sup>[<a name="INTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn19"></a><a href="#txtINTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn19">19</a>]</sup> -and sometime after the Prophet had become acquainted with him, most -probably in the year 1832, in the course of pronouncing a blessing upon -him, said: "In due time thou shalt go to Jerusalem, the land of thy -fathers, and be a watchman unto the house of Israel; and by thy hand -shall the Most High do a great work, which shall prepare the way and -greatly facilitate the gathering together of that people."<sup>[<a name="INTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn20"></a><a href="#txtINTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn20">20</a>]</sup> It was -in fulfillment of this prediction upon his head that he had been called -upon this mission to Jerusalem, to dedicate the land of Palestine by -apostolic authority, preparatory to the return of the Jews and other -of the tribes of Israel to that land of promise. This mission he fully -accomplished. An account of his journey and of his beautiful and -powerful prayer of dedication will be found in his letters published in -this volume.<sup>[<a name="INTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn21"></a><a href="#txtINTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn21">21</a>]</sup> -</p> -<p>The question will be asked, Has anything resulted from this mission -to dedicate the land of Palestine to the return of the Jews and other -tribes of Israel? The only answer is an appeal to facts, to events -that have taken place since that prayer of consecration was offered up -by this Apostle of the new dispensation of the Gospel, on the 24th of -October, 1841. -</p> -<p>At the time of Elder Hyde's visit and the ceremonies of dedication he -performed on the Mount of Olives, there were comparatively but few -Jews at Jerusalem. As late as 1876 the British Consul Reports show -that there were but from fifteen to twenty thousand Jews in Judea. -But twenty years later the same authority declared the number of Jews -at sixty to seventy thousand; and, what was of more importance than -<span class="pagenum"><a name="XXXII"></a>{XXXII}</span> the numbers announced, these reports represented that the new -Jewish population was turning its attention to the cultivation of the -soil, which but requires the blessings of God upon it to restore it to -its ancient fruitfulness, and which will make it possible for it to -sustain once more a numerous population. The St. Louis <em>Globe-Democrat</em> -commenting on these Consular Reports of 1896, said: -</p> -<p>"Only two decades ago there were not more than fifteen or twenty -thousand Jews in Jerusalem. At that time no houses were to be found -outside the walls of the city. Since then many changes have taken place -and the Hebrew population—mainly on account of the increase of the -Jewish immigration from Russia—now stands at between sixty and seventy -thousand. Whole streets of houses have been built outside the walls -on the site of the ancient suburban districts, which for hundreds of -years have remained deserted. It is not, however, only in Jerusalem -itself that the Jews abound, but throughout Palestine they are buying -farms and establishing themselves in a surprisingly rapid manner. In -Jerusalem they form at present a larger community than either the -Christian or the Mohammedan." -</p> -<p>Also in 1896 that racial movement among the Jews known as "Zionism" -took definite form. This movement was really the federation of all -the Jewish societies that have cherished the hope of seeing Israel -restored to his promised possessions in Palestine. That year the first -international conference of Zionists was held in Basel, Switzerland, -and since then under the leadership of the late Dr. Herzel of Austria, -and since his death under the leadership of Israel Zangwill, and by -reason of its annual conferences constantly increasing in interest -and attendance, "Zionism" has taken on all the aspects of one of the -world's great movements. It is not so much a religious movement as a -racial one; for prominent Jews of all shades of both political and -religious opinions have participated in it. -</p> -<p>After saying through so many centuries at the feast of the Passover, -"May we celebrate the next Passover in Jerusalem," the thought seems -to have occurred to some Jewish minds that if that hope is ever to -be realized some practical steps must be taken looking to the actual -achievement of the possibility—hence the "Zionite Movement." The -keynotes of that movement are heard in the following utterances of some -of the Jewish leaders in explanation of it: "We want to resume the -broken thread of our national existence; we want to show to the world -the moral strength, the intellectual power of the Jewish people. We -want a place where the race can be centralized."—(Leon Zoltokoff). "It -is for these Jews (of Russia, Roumania and Galicia) that the name of -their country (Palestine) spells 'Hope.' I should not be a man if I did -not realize that for these persecuted Jews, Jerusalem spells reason, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="XXXIII"></a>{XXXIII}</span> justice, manhood and liberty."—(Rabbi Emil G. Hirsch). -"Jewish nationalism on a modern basis in Palestine, the old home of -the people."—(Max Nordau). "Palestine needs a people, Israel needs -a country. Give the country without a people to the people without a -country."—(Israel Zangwill). In a word it is the purpose of "Zionism" -to redeem Palestine, and give it back to Jewish control, create, in -fact, a Jewish state in the land promised to their fathers. -</p> -<p>The age has come when the promises of the Lord to Israel must be -fulfilled; and hence an apostle of the new dispensation of the -Gospel is sent by divine authority to dedicate the land of Palestine -preparatory to the return of Israel to his promised inheritance. -After which follows this strange and world-wide movement among the -Jews looking to the re-establishment of "Jewish nationalism on a -modern basis in Palestine." What other relationship can exist between -the mission of the Apostle Orson Hyde and this world-wide movement -among the Jews for the re-establishment of Israel in Palestine, but -the relationship of cause to effect—under, of course, the larger -fact that the set time for the restoration of Israel has come? The -apostle's mission to Jerusalem for the purpose of dedicating that land, -preparatory to the return of Israel, was without doubt part of the -general program for the restoration of Israel to their lands and to the -favor and blessing of God. -</p> -<p><em>The Doctrinal Development of the Church</em>. -</p> -<p>The doctrinal development in this period of the dispensation of the -fullness of times, namely, between July, 1839, and the month of May, -1842, about three years, was chiefly in relation to salvation for -the dead, and the sacred ritual of the Temple. The foundation for -this doctrinal development in relation to salvation for the dead, was -laid in the very inception of the work. On the occasion of the first -visit of the angel Moroni to the Prophet, on the night of the 21st of -September, 1823, among other ancient prophecies quoted by him, and -which he declared was soon to be fulfilled, was the prophecy in the -fourth chapter of Malachi in relation to the future coming of Elijah -the prophet, "before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the -Lord." As quoted by the angel there was a slight variation in the -language from King James' version, as follows: "Behold, I will reveal -unto you the Priesthood by the hand of Elijah the prophet, before the -coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. And he shall plant in -the hearts of the children the promises made to the fathers, and the -hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers; if it were not so, -the whole world would be wasted at his coming."<sup>[<a name="INTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn22"></a><a href="#txtINTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn22">22</a>]</sup> -</p> -<p>Here the promise is made, that in consequence of the restoration of -a certain Priesthood, or special keys of authority held by Elijah, -the promises made to the fathers shall be planted in the hearts of -the children, "and the hearts of the children shall turn to their -fathers." Why? For a complete answer to that question the Church -waited some years. Again, and still early in the history of the -work, namely, March, 1830, the Lord in a revelation to Martin Harris -through the Prophet Joseph, added another line or two of knowledge -to this doctrine; knowledge which pushed out of the horizon of men's -conceptions the terrible and unjust doctrine respecting the eternal -punishment which God is supposed to inflict upon those who fail to obey -the Gospel in this life, and also those who died in ignorance of it. -In explanation of the terms, "eternal punishment," and "everlasting -punishment," sometimes found in Holy Writ, the Lord said to the -Prophet: "Behold, I am endless, and the punishment which is given from -my hand is endless, for endless is my name. Wherefore— -</p> -<p>"Eternal punishment is God's punishment. -</p> -<p>"Endless punishment is God's punishment." -</p> -<p>That is to say, the punishment takes the name of Him in whose name -it is inflicted; as if it were written, "Eternal's punishment," -"Endless's punishment." And also, it must be understood, that the -punishment itself is endless. That is, penalties always attend upon -law, and follow its violation. That is an eternal principle. Law is -inconceivable without accompanying penalties. But it does not follow -that those who fall into the transgression of law, and therefore under -sentence of Eternal's justice, will have to endure affliction of the -penalty eternally. Justice can be satisfied. Mercy must be accorded her -claims, and the culprit having been brought to repentance and taught -obedience to law through the things which he has suffered, must go -free. But only to suffer again the penalties of the law, if he again -violates it; for laws and their penalties are eternal. Hence eternal -punishment, hence endless punishment administered to the violator of -the law, until he learns to live in harmony with law. For, on the one -hand, as "that which is governed by law is also preserved by law, and -perfected and sanctified by the same;"<sup>[<a name="INTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn23"></a><a href="#txtINTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn23">23</a>]</sup> so "that which breaketh -a law and abideth not by the law, but seeketh to become a law unto -itself, and willeth to abide in sin and altogether abideth in sin, -cannot be sanctified by law, neither by mercy, justice, nor judgment. -Therefore they must remain filthy still."<sup>[<a name="INTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn24"></a><a href="#txtINTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn24">24</a>]</sup> Thus obedience to law -becomes a savor of life unto life; while disobedience to law equally -becomes a savor of death unto death. -</p> -<p>In February, 1832, still further light was shed upon the subject of -<span class="pagenum"><a name="XXXV"></a>{XXXV}</span> the different states or degrees of glory in which men will live -in the future, by the revelation known as "The Vision." This revelation -is one of the sublimest ever given to man. It utterly discredits and -displaces the dogmas about the future of man held by Christendom, or -at least by Protestant Christendom. The orthodox, Protestant view -of man's future is that there are two states in one or the other of -which man will spend eternity—in heaven or in hell. If one shall gain -heaven, even by ever so small a margin, he will enter immediately upon -a complete possession of all its unspeakable joys, equally with the -angels and the holiest of Saints. Not only in the "Shorter Catechisms," -but in nearly all orthodox creeds the accepted doctrine was: "The souls -of believers are at their death made perfect in holiness." On the -other hand, if one shall miss heaven, even by ever so small a margin, -he is doomed to everlasting torment equally with the wickedest of men -and vilest of devils, and there is no deliverance for him through -all the countless ages of eternity! It will be noted that I have -excepted out of participating in the above view of man's future, the -Catholic church, by ascribing these views only to orthodox Protestant -Christendom. This is because the Catholic church doctrine slightly -differs from the doctrine of the Protestants on this subject. That is -Catholics do not believe that all Christians at death go immediately -into heaven, but on the contrary "believe that a Christian who dies -after the guilt and everlasting punishment of mortal sins have been -forgiven him, but who, either from want of opportunity, or through -his negligence has not discharged the debt of temporal punishment due -to his sin, will have to discharge that debt to the justice of God -in purgatory." "Purgatory is a state of suffering after this life, -in which those souls are for a time detained, which depart this life -after their deadly sins have been remitted as to the stain and guilt, -and as to the everlasting pain that was due to them, but which souls -have on account of those sins still some temporal punishment to pay; as -also those souls which leave this world guilty only of venial (that is -pardonable) sins. In purgatory these souls are purified and rendered -fit to enter into heaven, where nothing defiled enters."<sup>[<a name="INTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn25"></a><a href="#txtINTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn25">25</a>]</sup> As all -works of the Catholic church accessible to me have nothing on the -different degrees of glory in which men shall subsist in eternity, I -conclude that Catholic teaching is that they who finally attain unto -heaven are all equal in glory. So that in the last analysis of the -matter, Catholic doctrine falls as far below the great truth that God -has revealed upon the subject of the future estate of man, as the -doctrine of orthodox Protestant Christendom. -</p> -<p>Here is not the place for an extended exposition of the doctrine in -<span class="pagenum"><a name="XXXVI"></a>{XXXVI}</span> relation to the future state of man as revealed to Joseph Smith -in the revelation called "The Vision."<sup>[<a name="INTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn26"></a><a href="#txtINTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn26">26</a>]</sup> It must suffice here to say -that its central principle is resident in the justice and the mercy -of God, that requires that every man shall be judged according to his -works, considered in the light of his intelligence, his consciousness -of right and wrong, and the moral law under which he lived. If he lived -in the earth when the Gospel of Jesus Christ was not in the world, or -if he lived at places or in circumstances where he did not learn of -its existence, much less come to a knowledge of its truths, then the -plain dictates of justice demand that some means must exist by which -its sanctifying powers may be applied to him in the future; so also as -to those who have even once rejected the truth (as in the case of the -antediluvians who rejected the teaching of righteous Noah, and were -disobedient,<sup>[<a name="INTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn27"></a><a href="#txtINTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn27">27</a>]</sup> when once the long suffering of God waited in vain -in those days for their repentance); having paid the just penalty of -their disobedience, then justice would demand that some means must -exist by which the saving principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ may -be applied to them; for only by the acceptance of the principles of the -Gospel, and by the application of its laws and ordinances as the means -by which the grace of God is applied to man, can the sons of men hope -for salvation. Then as men differ in degree of intelligence; in the -intensity of their faith; in the hartiness of their obedience; in the -steadiness of their fidelity; and in as much as there is the stern fact -of human freedom and responsibility, and the possibility of a short -or long resistance to the will of God, even up to eternal resistance -to that will, there is an infinitude of states of glory, of so called -rewards and punishments, in which man will live in the future. There -is one glory of which the sun in heaven is spoken of as being typical; -another of which the inferior light of the moon is typical; and another -of which the varying light of the stars is typical. And even as one -star differs from another star in glory, in light, so differ those -states of existence in which men will live in the future, but each -assigned to a place, to an environment, that corresponds to the status -of his development; which is only the modern way of saying he shall -be judged according to his works. These, in brief, are the underlying -principles of this remarkable revelation; a revelation which in every -way is worthy the encomium that the Prophet Joseph himself bestowed -upon it at the time of its inception: "Nothing could be more pleasing -to the Saints upon the order of the Kingdom of the Lord, than the light -which burst upon the world through the foregoing Vision. Every law, -every commandment, every promise, every truth, and every point touching -the destiny of man, from Genesis to Revelation, where the purity of -the <span class="pagenum"><a name="XXXVII"></a>{XXXVII}</span> Scriptures remains unsullied by the folly of men, go to -show the perfection of the theory [of different degrees of glory in the -future life] and witnesses the fact that <em>that document is a transcript -from the records of the eternal world</em>." -</p> -<p>In June, 1836, while attending to washings and anointings in the -Kirtland Temple, previous to its dedication, the Prophet received still -further knowledge as to the future state of man. This also was by means -of a vision. He says: "The heavens were opened upon us, and I beheld -the celestial kingdom of God, and the glory thereof, whether in the -body or out, I cannot tell. I saw the transcendent beauty of the gate -through which the heirs of that kingdom will enter, which was like -unto circling flames of fire; also the blazing throne of God, whereon -was seated the Father and the Son. I saw the beautiful streets of that -kingdom, which had the appearance of being paved with gold. I saw -Fathers Adam and Abraham, and my father and mother, my brother, Alvin, -that has long since slept, and marveled how it was that he had obtained -an inheritance in that kingdom, seeing that he had departed this life -before the Lord had set His hand to gather Israel the second time, and -had not been baptized for the remission of sins. Thus came the voice of -the Lord unto me saying— -</p> -<p>"<em>All who have died without a knowledge of this Gospel, who would have -received it if they had been permitted to tarry, shall be heirs of the -celestial kingdom of God; also all that shall die henceforth without -a knowledge of it, who would have received it with all their hearts, -shall be heirs of that kingdom, for I, the Lord, will judge all men -according to their works, according to the desire of their hearts</em>." -</p> -<p>"And I also beheld that all children who die before they arrive at the -years of accountability, are saved in the celestial kingdom of heaven." -</p> -<p>The next step in the development of this doctrine of salvation for the -dead was the coming of Elijah to "turn the heart of the fathers to the -children, and the heart of the children to the fathers," according to -Malachi; to restore the priesthood and "plant in the hearts of the -children the promises made to the fathers," by which "the hearts of -the children shall be turned to the fathers," according to Moroni. And -Elijah committed the keys of this dispensation of turning the hearts -of the fathers and children towards each other to Joseph Smith and to -Oliver Cowdery. This took place in the Kirtland Temple on the 3rd of -April, 1836.<sup>[<a name="INTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn28"></a><a href="#txtINTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn28">28</a>]</sup> -</p> -<p>It was not, however, until the Nauvoo period that the doctrine of -salvation for the dead was fully developed and active steps taken -looking to the actual performance of ordinances in their behalf. In -the revelation that was given on the 19th of January, 1841, the Saints -<span class="pagenum"><a name="XXXVIII"></a>{XXXVIII}</span> were commanded to build a house unto the Lord, a Holy Temple -unto the Most High. "For," said this revelation, "there is not a place -found on earth that He may come to and restore again that which was -lost unto you, or which He hath taken away, even the fullness of the -Priesthood; for a baptismal font there is not upon the earth, that -they, my Saints, may be baptized for those who are dead; for this -ordinance belongeth to my house, and cannot be acceptable to me, only -in the days of your poverty, wherein ye are not able to build a house -unto me. But I command you, all ye my Saints, to build a house unto me; -and I grant unto you a sufficient time to build a house unto me, and -during this time your baptisms shall be acceptable unto me." That is, -the baptisms for the dead should be acceptable unto the Lord in other -places than the temple, until the temple should be prepared for that -ordinance, if the Saints would be diligent and build it according to -the Lord's appointment. Moreover, the information is imparted in the -revelation that, it is "in Zion, and in her stakes, and in Jerusalem, -those places which I [the Lord] have appointed for refuge, shall be the -places for your baptisms for your dead." -</p> -<p>After this revelation was given to the Church baptism for the dead -was a subject frequently expounded in Nauvoo, both by the Prophet and -other leading elders. It was a theme upon which the Twelve Apostles -dwelt in their Epistles to the Church both in America and in Great -Britain. Baptisms for the dead were performed for some time in the -Mississippi river, and later, in the latter part of November, 1841, in -the baptismal font erected in the basement of the Temple, and dedicated -for that sacred purpose. For a time some irregularities obtained in -relation to this ordinance owing to the fact that the perfect knowledge -of the order of it had not then been obtained, but was developed later -in this Nauvoo period of the History of the Church, as will appear in -Volume V of this work. -</p> -<p>It was a mighty stride forward in the doctrinal development of the -Church, this idea of the possibility of salvation for the dead through -the administration of the ordinances of the Gospel for and in their -behalf by their kindred on earth; and greatly enlarged the views of -the Saints in relation to the importance and wide spread effects of -their work. The ends of the earth indeed converged in the labors of -the Saints henceforth, for their activities in the administrations of -the holy ordinances of the Gospel would affect all past generations as -well as affect all generations to come. It was a bringing into view the -full half of the work which up to this time had lain hidden behind the -horizon of men's conceptions of that "great and marvelous work" which -God from the beginning declared was about to be brought forth among the -children of men.<sup>[<a name="INTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn29"></a><a href="#txtINTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn29">29</a>]</sup> -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="XXXIX"></a>{XXXIX}</span> <em>Other Doctrines of the Prophet's Teaching</em>. -</p> -<p>Other doctrines taught by the Prophet within the period covered by this -volume, relate to the Priesthood; to the Status of Translated Persons; -to Man's Personal Responsibility for his own conduct, to Election and -Reprobation. A word in relation to each of these doctrines must suffice -here since they do not reach their full development in the teachings -of the Prophet until the last two years of his eventful life, and must -therefore receive fuller treatment in the Introduction of Volume V. -</p> -<p>Relative to the Priesthood, the most important items advanced by the -Prophet in this volume, are, first, the unity of all Priesthood, and -second, the place and power assigned to Adam in the order of the -dispensations of the Gospel granted to our earth. Treating on the -unity of the Priesthood, the Prophet said: "There are two Priesthoods -spoken of in the Scriptures, viz., the Melchisedek and the Aaronic or -Levitical. Although there are two Priesthoods, yet the Melchisedek -Priesthood comprehends the Aaronic or Levitical Priesthood, and is -the grand head, and holds the highest authority which pertains to -the Priesthood, and the keys of the kingdom of God in all ages of -the world to the latest posterity on the earth, and is the channel -through which all knowledge, doctrine, the plan of salvation, and -every important matter is revealed from heaven. Its institution was -prior to 'the foundation of this earth, or the morning stars sang -together, or the Sons of God shouted for joy,' and is the highest and -holiest Priesthood, and is after the order of the Son of God, and all -other Priesthoods are only parts, ramifications, powers and blessings -belonging to the same, and are held, controlled, and directed by it. It -is the channel through which the Almighty commenced revealing His glory -at the beginning of the creation of this earth, and through which He -has continued to reveal Himself to the children of men to the present -time, and through which He will make known His purposes to the end of -time." -</p> -<p>Respecting the place of Adam in the Priesthood and his relationship to -the dispensations of that Priesthood to our earth, the Prophet said: -"Commencing with Adam, who was the first man, who is spoken of in -Daniel as being the 'Ancient of Days,' or in other words, the first -and oldest of all, the great, grand progenitor of whom it is said -in another place he is Michael, because he was the first and father -of all, not only by progeny, but the first to hold the spiritual -blessings, to whom was made known the plan of ordinances for the -salvation of his posterity unto the end, and to whom Christ was first -revealed, and through whom Christ has been revealed from heaven, and -will continue to be revealed from henceforth. Adam holds the keys of -the dispensation of the fullness of times; i. e., the dispensation -of all the times have been and will <span class="pagenum"><a name="XL"></a>{XL}</span> be revealed through him -from the beginning to Christ, and from Christ to the end of all the -dispensations that are to be revealed. 'Having made known unto us the -mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath -purposed in Himself: that in the dispensation of the fullness of times -He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are -in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him (Ephesians, 1st chap., -9th and 10th verses). Now the purpose in Himself in the winding up -scene of the last dispensation is that all things pertaining to that -dispensation should be conducted precisely in accordance with the -preceding dispensations. And again. God purposed in Himself that there -should not be an eternal fullness until every dispensation should be -fulfilled and gathered together in one, and that all things whatsoever, -that should be gathered together in one in those dispensations unto the -same fullness and eternal glory, should be in Christ Jesus; therefore -He set the ordinances to be the same forever and ever, and set Adam to -watch over them, to reveal them from heaven to man, or to send angels -to reveal them. * * * * These angels are under the direction of Michael -or Adam, who acts under the direction of the Lord. * * * * There are -many things which belong to the powers of the Priesthood and the keys -thereof, that have been kept hid from before the foundation of the -world; they are hid from the wise and prudent to be revealed in the -last times." -</p> -<p>That it was the design of the Lord in building the Temple at Nauvoo, -that there should be other ordinances revealed besides "baptism for -the dead," is clearly manifested in the revelation itself, for it -says: "And again, verily I say unto you, how shall your washings be -acceptable unto me, except ye perform them in a house which you have -built to my name. * * * * Therefore, verily I say unto you, that -your anointings, and your washings, and your baptisms for the dead, -and your solemn assemblies, and your memorials for your sacrifices, -by the sons of Levi and for your oracles in your most holy places -wherein you receive conversations, and your statutes and judgments, -for the beginning of the revelations and foundation of Zion, and for -the glory, honor, and endowment of all her municipals, are ordained by -the ordinance of my holy house which my people are always commanded to -build unto my holy name. And verily I say unto you, let this house be -built unto my name, that I may reveal mine ordinances therein, unto my -people; for I deign to reveal unto my Church things which have been -kept hid from before the foundation of the word, things that pertain to -the dispensation of the fullness of times." -</p> -<p>The ordinances here mentioned in addition to baptism for the dead are -chiefly connected with the Priesthood of the Church, and were fully -developed in the teachings of the Prophet before the close of his -eventful career. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="XLI"></a>{XLI}</span> As to the status of translated personages, he said: "Many have -supposed that the doctrine of translation was a doctrine whereby men -were taken immediately into the presence of God, and into an eternal -fulness, but this is a mistaken idea. Their place of habitation is that -of the terrestrial order, and a place prepared for such characters -He held in reserve to be ministering angels unto many planets, and -who as yet have not entered into as great a fullness as those who are -resurrected from the dead." -</p> -<p>Of man being personally responsible for his own conduct, he is reported -by the Editor of the <em>Times and Seasons</em> as saying: "He [the Prophet] -then observed that Satan was generally blamed for the evils which we -did, but if he was the cause of all our wickedness, men could not be -condemned. The devil could not compel mankind to do evil; all was -voluntary. Those who resisted the Spirit of God, would be liable to -be led into temptation, and then the association of heaven would be -withdrawn from those who refused to be made partakers of such great -glory. God <em>would not</em> exert any compulsory means, and the devil <em>could -not</em>; and such ideas as were entertained [on these subjects] by many -were absurd." What beautiful harmony between the Prophet's doctrine -here and that of the Apostle James: "Let no man say when he is tempted, -I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither -tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of -his own lusts, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringing -forth sin: and sin when it is finished, bringeth forth death."<sup>[<a name="INTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn30"></a><a href="#txtINTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn30">30</a>]</sup> -</p> -<p>Of election, a term used generally in connection with reprobation, when -commenting on the 9th Chapter of Romans,—wherein Paul is supposed to -teach the doctrine of election,—the Prophet is represented as saying: -"He then spoke on the subject of election, and read the 9th chapter of -Romans, from which it was evident that the election there spoken of -was pertaining to the flesh, and had reference to the seed of Abraham, -according to the promise God made to Abraham, saying, 'In thee, and in -thy seed, all the families of the earth shall be blessed.' * * * The -whole of the chapter had reference to the Priesthood and the house of -Israel: and unconditional election of individuals to eternal life was -not taught by the Apostles. God did elect or predestinate, that all -those who would be saved, should be saved in Christ Jesus, and through -obedience to the Gospel, but He passes over no man's sins, but visits -them with correction, and if His children will not repent of their sins -He will discard them." -</p> -<p>These several doctrines mark rapid development in the Prophet's work -as an instructor in sacred things, and clearly indicate his increasing -capacity and power as Prophet, Seer and Teacher. -</p> -<h3>Footnotes -</h3> -<p><a name="txtINTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn1"></a><a href="#INTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn1">1</a>. The population in 1830 was but 155,061; and in 1840, 472,254. -</p> -<p><a name="txtINTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn2"></a><a href="#INTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn2">2</a>. The population of Illinois in 1900 was 4,821,550—nearly five -millions: the estimated population for 1908 is 5,590,000. -</p> -<p><a name="txtINTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn3"></a><a href="#INTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn3">3</a>. Commenting once in a half humorous way upon his "exalted" military -rank, the Prophet said to Josiah Quincy, who remarks that the Prophet -at the time of his visit to Nauvoo (May, 1843), was at the head of -3,000 men equipped by the state of Illinois, represents him as having -said: -</p> -<p>"I decided that the commander of my troops ought to be a -lieutenant-general, and I was, of course, chosen to that position. -I sent my certificate of election to Governor Ford, and received in -return a commission of lieutenant-general of the Nauvoo Legion of the -militia of the State of Illinois. Now, on examining the constitution -of the United States, I find that an officer must be tried by a -court martial composed of his equals in rank; and as I am the only -lieutenant-general in the country, I think they will find it pretty -hard to try me." <em>Figures of the Past</em>, p. 383. -</p> -<p><a name="txtINTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn4"></a><a href="#INTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn4">4</a>. This volume, p. 249. -</p> -<p><a name="txtINTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn5"></a><a href="#INTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn5">5</a>. Section 11, this volume, p. 241. The Prophet quoted from memory, and -is not exact; the exact language is—"As they deem necessary for the -peace, benefit, good order, regulation, convenience and cleanliness of -said city." -</p> -<p><a name="txtINTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn6"></a><a href="#INTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn6">6</a>. The official census of 1905 give the population of New York at -4,014,304. The estimated population on January 1, 1908, is 4,285,435. -</p> -<p><a name="txtINTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn7"></a><a href="#INTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn7">7</a>. Official returns for 1900 give Philadelphia a population of -1,293,697. The estimated population for Jan. 1, 1908, is 1,491,161. -</p> -<p><a name="txtINTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn8"></a><a href="#INTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn8">8</a>. Official statistics for 1905 give Boston a population of 595,083. -The estimated population for Jan. 1, 1908, is 607,340. -</p> -<p><a name="txtINTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn9"></a><a href="#INTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn9">9</a>. Official returns for 1900 give Baltimore a population of 508,957. -The estimated population for Jan. 1, 1908, is 567,000. -</p> -<p><a name="txtINTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn10"></a><a href="#INTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn10">10</a>. The estimated population of Brooklyn as a borough of greater New -York is given on Jan. 1, 1908, as 1,448,095. -</p> -<p><a name="txtINTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn11"></a><a href="#INTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn11">11</a>. Official statistics for 1900 give Chicago a population of -1,698,575. The estimated population for Jan. 1, 1908 is 2,483,641. -</p> -<p><a name="txtINTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn12"></a><a href="#INTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn12">12</a>. Official statistics for 1900 give St. Louis a population of -575,238. The estimated population on Jan. 1, 1908, is 50,000. -</p> -<p><a name="txtINTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn13"></a><a href="#INTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn13">13</a>. Art. III Const. U.S., Sec. ii. -</p> -<p><a name="txtINTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn14"></a><a href="#INTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn14">14</a>. Am. Commonwealth (Bryce) Vol. I p. 231. -</p> -<p><a name="txtINTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn15"></a><a href="#INTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn15">15</a>. Railroad Co. v. Tennessee, U.S. Reports 101, 337. -</p> -<p><a name="txtINTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn16"></a><a href="#INTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn16">16</a>. Clark v. Barnard U.S. 108, 436, and Green v. State 73 Cal. 29 et -seq. -</p> -<p><a name="txtINTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn17"></a><a href="#INTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn17">17</a>. See Cooler's Constitutional Limitations, chapter ii, also Louisiana -v. Jumel 107 U.S. Reports, p. 711, 2 sup. et. rep. 128. -</p> -<p><a name="txtINTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn18"></a><a href="#INTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn18">18</a>. History of the Church, Vol. III, p. 46. -</p> -<p><a name="txtINTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn19"></a><a href="#INTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn19">19</a>. See this Volume, p. 375. -</p> -<p><a name="txtINTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn20"></a><a href="#INTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn20">20</a>. <em>Ibid</em>. -</p> -<p><a name="txtINTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn21"></a><a href="#INTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn21">21</a>. The prayer of Dedication will be found at pp. 456-459. -</p> -<p><a name="txtINTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn22"></a><a href="#INTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn22">22</a>. History of the Church, Vol. I, p. 12. -</p> -<p><a name="txtINTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn23"></a><a href="#INTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn23">23</a>. Doctrine and Covenants, Sec. lxxxviii:34. -</p> -<p><a name="txtINTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn24"></a><a href="#INTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn24">24</a>. <em>Ibid</em>, verse 35. -</p> -<p><a name="txtINTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn25"></a><a href="#INTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn25">25</a>. The quotations in the above are from "Catholic Belief," by Bruno, -D. D. of the Catholic church. -</p> -<p><a name="txtINTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn26"></a><a href="#INTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn26">26</a>. Doctrine and Covenants, Sec. lxxvi, and History of the Church Vol. -I, 245 <em>et seq</em>. -</p> -<p><a name="txtINTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn27"></a><a href="#INTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn27">27</a>. 1 Peter iii, 18-22. -</p> -<p><a name="txtINTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn28"></a><a href="#INTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn28">28</a>. See History of the Church, Vol. II, p. 435-436. Also Doc. and Cov. -Sec. cx. -</p> -<p><a name="txtINTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn29"></a><a href="#INTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn29">29</a>. See Doc. And Cov. the opening paragraph of Sections iv, vi, xi, -xii, xiv, all given in the year 1829. -</p> -<p><a name="txtINTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn30"></a><a href="#INTRODUCTIONTOVOLUMEIVfn30">30</a>. James 1, 13-15 -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="1"></a>{1}</span> -</p> - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTERI"></a>CHAPTER I. -</h2> -<p class="chapterHeading">The Departure of the Twelve for England—Manifestation of God's Power -in Healing the Sick at Commerce. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">The Prophet's Literary Methods. -</p> -<p><em>Friday, July 5, 1839.</em>—I was dictating history, I say dictating, for -I seldom use the pen myself. I always dictate all my communications, -but employ a scribe to write them. -</p> -<p><em>Saturday, 6.</em>—I was at home reviewing the Church records. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Farewell to the Twelve. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 7.</em>—I was at the meeting held in the open air, at which a -large assemblage was expected to listen to the farewell address of the -Twelve, who were then about to take their departure on a most important -mission, namely to the nations of the earth and the islands of the sea. -</p> -<p>Elder John E. Page being the first of the Twelve present, opened the -meeting by addressing a few words of an introductory nature; after -singing and prayer, Elder Page <span class="pagenum"><a name="2"></a>{2}</span> delivered a very interesting -discourse on the subject of the Book of Mormon, recapitulating, -in short terms, the principles of a former discourse on the same -subject, and afterwards proceeded to read portions from the Bible and -Book of Mormon concerning the best criterions whereby to judge of -the authenticity of the latter; and then went on to show in a very -satisfactory manner, that no impostor would ever attempt to make such -promises as are contained on pages five hundred forty-one,<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERIfn1"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERIfn1">1</a>]</sup> and five -hundred and thirty-four.<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERIfn2"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERIfn2">2</a>]</sup> He then bore testimony. -</p> -<p>After noon the meeting was again opened by prayer. Elder John Taylor -spoke on the subject of this dispensation; the other angel which John -saw, having the everlasting Gospel to preach, he then bore testimony of -the truth of the Book of Mormon. -</p> -<p>Elder Woodruff's address went chiefly to exhortation to the Saints; -after which he also bore his testimony. -</p> -<p>Elder Orson Hyde next came forward, and having alluded to his own late -fall,<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERIfn3"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERIfn3">3</a>]</sup> exhorted all to perseverance in the things of God, expressed -himself one with his brethren, and bore testimony to his knowledge of -the truth, and the misery of falling from it. -</p> -<p>Elder Brigham Young made some very appropriate remarks, and also bore -testimony to the truth of these things, and gave an invitation to come -forward and be baptized, when three manifested their determination to -renounce the world and take upon themselves the name of Jesus Christ. -One brother was then confirmed; after which President Sidney Rigdon -addressed the meeting in a very feeling manner. He showed that it must -be no small matter which could induce men to leave their families -and their homes to travel over all the earth amidst persecutions and -trials, such as always followed the preaching of this Gospel. He then -addressed himself to <span class="pagenum"><a name="3"></a>{3}</span> the Twelve and gave them some counsel and -consolation as far as lay in his power; after which I requested their -prayers, and promised to pray for them. -</p> -<p>The meeting was large and respectable; a great number were present -who did not belong to the Church. The most perfect order prevailed -throughout. The meeting was dismissed about half-past five, when we -repaired to the water, and the three candidates were baptized and -confirmed. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">The L. D. S. Hymn Book. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 8th, 9th and 10th of July</em>.—I was with -the Twelve selecting hymns, for the purpose of compiling a hymn book. -</p> -<p>About this time much sickness began to manifest itself among the -brethren, as well as among the inhabitants of the place, so that this -week and the following were generally spent in visiting the sick and -administering to them; some had faith enough and were healed; others -had not. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Administration to the sick. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 21</em>.—There was no meeting on account of much rain and much -sickness; however many of the sick were this day raised up by the power -of God, through the instrumentality of the Elders of Israel ministering -unto them in the name of Jesus Christ. -</p> -<p><em>Monday and Tuesday, 22nd and 23rd</em>.—The sick were administered -unto with great success,<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERIfn4"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERIfn4">4</a>]</sup> but many remain sick, and new cases are -occurring daily. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="4"></a>{4}</span> <em>Discourses by the Brothers Pratt</em>. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday 28</em>.—Meeting was held as usual. Elder Parley P. Pratt preached -on the gathering of Israel. In the afternoon Orson Pratt addressed the -Church on the necessity of keeping the commandments of God. I spoke, -and admonished the members of the Church individually to set their -houses in order, to make clean the inside of the platter, and to <span class="pagenum"><a name="5"></a>{5}</span> -meet on the next Sabbath to partake of the Sacrament, in order that by -our obedience to the ordinances, we might be enabled to prevail with -God against the destroyer, and that the sick might be healed. -</p> -<p>All this week chiefly spent among the sick, who in general are gaining -strength, and recovering health. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Prayer Meeting for the Sick. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, August 4.</em>—The Church came together for prayer meeting and -Sacrament. I exhorted the Church at length, concerning the necessity of -being righteous, and clean at heart before the Lord. Many others also -spoke; especially some of the Twelve, who were present, professed their -willingness to proceed on their mission to Europe, without either purse -or scrip. The Sacrament was administered; a spirit of humility and -harmony prevailed, and the Church passed a resolution that the Twelve -proceed on their mission as soon as possible, and that the Saints -provide for their families during their absence. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Letter to Isaac Russell, reproving him for issuing pretended - revelations to the Saints</em>. -</p> -<p> Commerce, Hancock County, Illinois, 5th August, 1839. -</p> -<p> Dear Sir:—I have been requested to write you on behalf of the - Twelve, who are just on the eve of their departure for England, and - <span class="pagenum"><a name="6"></a>{6}</span> inform you, that "this thing" which you have thought proper to - write as a revelation "to the Church in Alston and the branches - round about," to which you yourself administered, has "already come - to the knowledge of the Churches" both here and elsewhere, and lest - you should have any doubt concerning the fact, we send you a copy - of your revelation to that Church. -</p> -<p> I am sir, with all respect, -</p> -<p> Yours truly, -</p> -<p> James Mulholland. -</p> -<p> P. S.—Isaiah chap. L, 10th and 11th verses.<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERIfn5"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERIfn5">5</a>]</sup> In my own behalf I - wish to state that I sincerely wish that it may soon come to pass - that you, sir, and all our friends at Far West may perceive that - you are walking in the light of a fire, and sparks that you have - yourselves kindled; and that you may turn around and fear the Lord, - obey the voice of His servant, and thereby escape the sentence, "Ye - shall lie down in sorrow." -</p> -<p> J. M. -</p> -<p> <em>To Mr. Isaac Russell, Far West, Missouri</em>. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Conference in New Jersey</em>. -</p> -<p><em>Friday, 9</em>.—A Conference was held at Brother Caleb Bennett's Monmouth -County, New Jersey, Elder John P. Greene presiding. The New York and -Brooklyn branches were represented by the President as being in good -fellowship. There were represented at this conference the following -branches, by Elder Ball, Shrewsbury, New Jersey, numbering twenty -members; Montage, three; Minissink, New Hampshire, two; Albany, eight; -Holliston, Massachusetts, sixteen; Elder Dunham represented Hamilton, -Madison County, forty-six; Samuel James, Leechburg, Pennsylvania, forty. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 11</em>.—I attended meeting in the forenoon and heard a sermon -by Parley P. Pratt. In the afternoon there was one baptized, and four -were confirmed, namely, <span class="pagenum"><a name="7"></a>{7}</span> Brother Hibbard, his wife, little son, and -daughter. The Sacrament was administered. -</p> -<p>This week I spent chiefly in visiting the sick; sickness much decreased. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 18</em>.—Rode out in the forenoon. Orson Pratt preached upon the -order and plan of creation. Three were baptized. -</p> -<p>Afternoon: Three confirmed and one ordained an Elder. -</p> -<p>This week I spent chiefly among the sick. The Church made a purchase -of eighty acres from William White for four thousand dollars, lying -directly north of the Hugh White purchase. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 25</em>.—I attended meeting. Sickness decreasing. -</p> -<p><em>Thursday, 29</em>.—Elders Parley P. Pratt and family, Orson Pratt -and Hiram Clark, started on their mission to England, in their own -two-horse carriage—their route lying through Illinois, Indiana, and to -Detroit, the capital of Michigan, situated near the head of Lake Erie, -about five hundred and eighty miles distant. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Progress of the Work in England. -</p> -<p><em>Saturday, 31</em>.—The work is spreading in England. Elder Richards -went to the Staffordshire potteries this day, and Presidents Joseph -Fielding and William Clayton were visiting and setting in order many of -the branches, and ordaining many to the ministry who are diligent in -preaching as they have opportunity on the Sabbath in the surrounding -villages. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, September 1</em>.—I attended meeting, and spoke concerning some -errors in Parley P. Pratt's writings. This week sickness much decreased. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, 9</em>, and the greater part of the week.—I spent in visiting the -sick, and attending to the settlement of our new town.<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERIfn6"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERIfn6">6</a>]</sup> -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="8"></a>{8}</span> -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>The Prophet's Letter to Isaac Galland.—Nauvoo Affairs</em>. -</p> -<p> Commerce, Illinois, 11th September, 1839. -</p> -<p> Dear Brother Galland:—We have had the great pleasure of receiving - your favor of the 24th July; and learning thereby that you and - your family had arrived at Chillicothe in safety and in health. We - perceive that you have had a rather narrow escape from a serious - accident; and doubtless the hand of the Lord is to be acknowledged - in the matter, although unperceived by mortal eye. Time and - experience will teach us more and more how easily falsehood gains - credence with mankind in general, rather than the truth; but - especially in taking into consideration the plan of salvation. The - plain simple order of the Gospel of Jesus Christ never has been - discerned or acknowledged as the truth, except by a few—among whom - were "not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many - noble;" whilst the majority have contented themselves with their - own private opinions, or have adopted those of others, according - to their address, their philosophy, their formula, their policy, - or their fineness may have attracted their attention, or pleased - their taste. But, sir, of all the other criterions whereby we may - judge of the vanity of these things, one will be always found true, - namely, that we will always find such characters glorying in their - own wisdom and their own works; whilst the humble Saint gives all - the glory to God the Father, and to His Son Jesus Christ, whose - yoke is easy and whose burden is light, and who told His disciples - that unless they became like little children they could not enter - the Kingdom of Heaven. -</p> -<p> As to the situation of the Church here, matters go with us as well - as can reasonably be expected; we have had considerable sickness - amongst us, but very few deaths; and as the greater part are now - recovering we yet hope to have shelters provided before the winter - shall set in. -</p> -<p> Since you left here, we have purchased out all Mr. Hotchkiss' - interest hereabouts. His farm we have laid out as an addition to - our town, Nauvoo, and the town of Commerce we also hope to build up. -</p> -<p> Some of the Twelve and others have already started for Europe, and - the remainder of that mission we expect will go now in a few days. - According to intelligence received since you left, the work of - the Lord rolls on in a very pleasing manner, both in this and in - the old country. In England many hundreds have of late been added - to our numbers; but so, even so, it must be, for "Ephraim he hath - mixed himself among the people." And the Savior He hath said, "My - sheep hear my voice;" and also, "He that heareth you, heareth me;" - and, "Behold I will bring them again from the north country, and - gather them from the coasts of the earth." And as John heard the - voice saying, "Come out of her, <span class="pagenum"><a name="9"></a>{9}</span> my people," even so must all be - fulfilled; that the people of the Lord may live when "Babylon the - great is fallen, is fallen." -</p> -<p> There has quite a number of families gathered up here already; and - we anticipate a continuance, especially as upon inquiry we have - found that we have not had more than [the usual] ratio of sickness - here, notwithstanding the trials we have had, and the hardships to - which we have been exposed. Calculating as we do, upon the mercy - and power of God in our behalf, we hope to persevere on in every - good and useful work, even unto the end, that when we come to be - tried in the balance we may not be found wanting. -</p> -<p> With all good wishes and prayers for the temporal and eternal - salvation of yourself and your family, as well as of all the honest - in heart over the face of the earth, -</p> -<p> We remain, sir, with sincerity, -</p> -<p> Your friend and brother, -</p> -<p> Joseph Smith, Jun. -</p> -<p> <em>Addressed to Isaac Galland, Esq., Kirtland, Geauga, County, Ohio</em>. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Friday, 13</em>.—I left home for Brother William Smith's place. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Brigham Young Starts on his Mission. -</p> -<p><em>Saturday, 14</em>.—President Brigham Young started from his home at -Montrose, for England. His health was very poor; he was unable to go -thirty rods to the river without assistance. After he had crossed the -ferry he got Brother Israel Barlow to carry him on his horse behind him -to Heber C. Kimball's where he remained sick until the 18th. He left -his wife sick with a babe only ten days old, and all his children sick, -unable to wait upon each other. I returned home this evening. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 15</em>.—I was visiting the sick. -</p> -<p><em>Monday and Tuesday, 16 and 17</em>.—Was engaged in arranging the town -lots. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Departure of Elders Young and Kimball from Nauvoo. -</p> -<p><em>Wednesday, 18</em>.—Went to Burlington, Iowa Territory. Elders Young and -Kimball left Sister Kimball and all her children sick, except little -Heber;<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERIfn7"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERIfn7">7</a>]</sup> went thirteen miles on their journey towards England, and -were left at Brother Osmon M. Duel's, who <span class="pagenum"><a name="10"></a>{10}</span> lived in a small cabin -near the railway between Commerce and Warsaw. They were so feeble as to -be unable to carry their trunks into the house without the assistance -of Sister Duel, who received them kindly, prepared a bed for them to -lie on, and made them a cup of tea. -</p> -<p><em>Thursday, 19</em>.—I Returned this evening from Burlington. -</p> -<p>Brother Duel carried Elders Young and Kimball in his wagon to Lima, -sixteen miles, where another brother received them and carried them to -Father Mikesell's near Quincy, about twenty miles; the fatigue of this -day was too much for their feeble health; they were prostrated, and -obliged to tarry a few days to recruit. -</p> -<p><em>Friday and Saturday, 20 and 21</em>.—At home attending to domestic and -Church business. -</p> -<p>Elders George A. Smith, Reuben Hedlock, and Theodore Turley started -for England, and upset their wagon on the bank of the river, before -they got out of sight of Commerce. Elders Smith and Turley were so weak -they could not get up, and Brother Hedlock had to lift them in again. -Soon after, some gentlemen met them and asked who had been robbing the -burying ground—so miserable was their appearance through sickness. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 22</em>.—I presided at the meeting, and spoke concerning the -"other Comforter," as I had previously taught the Twelve.<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERIfn8"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERIfn8">8</a>]</sup> -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="11"></a>{11}</span> This week I spent in transacting various business at home, except -when visiting the sick, who are in general recovering, though some of -them but slowly. -</p> -<p><em>Wednesday, 25</em>.—President Young went to Charles C. Rich's; 26th, to -Brother Wilber's; 27th, Brother Wilber carried Elders Young and Kimball -to Pittsfield. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Items of Doctrine—the Prophet. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 29</em>.—Held meeting at my own house. After others had spoken -I spoke and explained concerning the uselessness of preaching to the -world about great judgments, but rather to preach the simple Gospel. -Explained concerning the coming of the Son of Man; also that it is a -false idea that the Saints will escape all the judgments, whilst the -wicked suffer; for all flesh is subject to suffer, and "the righteous -shall hardly escape;" still many of the Saints will escape, for the -just shall live by faith; yet many of the righteous shall fall a -prey to disease, to pestilence, etc., by reason of the weakness of -the flesh, and yet be saved in the Kingdom of God. So that it is an -unhallowed principle to say that such and such have transgressed -because they have been preyed upon by disease or death, for all flesh -is subject to death; and the Savior has said, "Judge not, lest ye be -judged." -</p> -<p><em>Monday, 30</em>.—The fore part of this week I was at home preparing for -Conference. Elders Young and Kimball went to Brother Decker's and Mr. -Murray's, Sister Kimball's father. -</p> -<p><em>Tuesday, October 1</em>.—Elders Young and Kimball went to Brother Lorenzo -Young's. -</p> -<p><em>Thursday, 3</em>.—I was in counsel with the brethren. -</p> -<p><em>Friday, 4</em>.—Lorenzo Young carried Elders Young and Kimball to -Jacksonville. -</p> -<p><em>Saturday, 5</em>.—The friends and brethren conveyed the Elders of the -British Mission to Springfield, where they were kindly treated and -nursed, for they were yet very feeble. -</p> -<p>I attended a general conference of the Church of Jesus <span class="pagenum"><a name="12"></a>{12}</span> Christ of -Latter-day Saints at Commerce, Hancock County, Illinois, of which the -following are the minutes: -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Minutes of Conference at Commerce, Illinois, October 6th, 7th and - 8th, 1839</em>. -</p> -<p> The meeting was opened by prayer by President Joseph Smith, Jun., - after which he was appointed President, and James Sloan Clerk of - the conference, by a unanimous voice of the meeting. The President - then spoke at some length upon the situation of the Church; the - difficulties they have had to contend with; and the manner in which - they had been led to this place; and wanted to know the views of - the brethren, whether they wished to appoint this a stake of Zion - or not; stating that he believed it to be a good place, and suited - for the Saints. It was then unanimously agreed upon that it should - be appointed a stake and a place of gathering for the Saints. -</p> -<p> The following officers were then appointed—namely, William Marks - to be President; Bishop Whitney to be Bishop of middle ward; Bishop - Partridge to be Bishop of upper ward; Bishop Knight to be Bishop of - lower ward; George W. Harris, Samuel Bent, Henry G. Sherwood, David - Fullmer, Alpheus Cutler, William Huntington, Thomas Grover, Newel - Knight, Charles C. Rich, David Dort, Seymour Brunson, Lewis D. - Wilson, to be the High Council; who being respectfully called upon - accepted their appointment. -</p> -<p> It was then voted that a stake of the Church be established on the - west side of the river, in Iowa Territory; over which Elder John - Smith was appointed President; Alanson Ripley, Bishop; and Asahel - Smith, John M. Burk, Abraham O. Smoot, Richard Howard, Willard - Snow, Erastus Snow, David Pettigrew, Elijah Fordham, Edward Fisher, - Elias Smith, John Patten, Stephen Chase, were elected High Council. - Don C. Smith was elected to be continued as President of the High - Priesthood [High Priest's quorum]. Orson Hyde to stand in his - former office, [an Apostle] and William Smith to be continued in - his standing, [in the quorum of the Twelve.] -</p> -<p> Letters were then read respecting the absence of members on account - of ill health. It was voted that Harlow Redfield be suspended until - he can have a trial; and in the meantime that he should not act as - president of a branch, or preach. -</p> -<p> Voted that John Daley, James Daley, and Milo Andrus retain their - station in the Church. Voted that Ephraim Owen's confession for - disobeying the Word of Wisdom be accepted. -</p> -<p> Brothers Edward Johnston, Benjamin Johnston, Samuel Musick, John - S. Fullmer, Jabez Lake, Benjamin Jones, Henry Our Bough, Reddin - A. Allred, George W. Gee, Jesse McIntyre, James <span class="pagenum"><a name="13"></a>{13}</span> Brown, Henry - Miller, Artemas Johnson, Joseph G. Hovey, Robert D. Foster, Fields - B. Jacaway, Zadok Bethers, William Allred, William B. Simmons, - William W. Edwards, Sen., William H. Edwards, Jun., Hosea Stout, - Thomas Rich, Allen J. Stout, Esaias Edwards, John Adams, Daniel - Miller, Simeon J. Comfort, Graham Coltrin, William Hyde, Andrew - Henry, Reddick N. Allred, Eli Lee, Hiram W. Mikesell and Thomas S. - Edwards were appointed Elders of the Church, who all accepted of - their appointment, with the exception of Thomas S. Edwards. -</p> -<p> John Gaylord was admitted into the Church upon his confession. Abel - Casto was confirmed by the laying on of hands. -</p> -<p> The meeting then adjourned until Sunday morning; after which six - were baptized by Joseph Smith, Jun. The assembly was very large. -</p> -<p> The conference met on Sunday morning, the 6th, pursuant to - adjournment at eight o'clock a. m., when Samuel Williams, Reuben - Foot, Orlando D. Hovey, Tunis Rappleyee, Sheffield Daniels, Albert - Milner, David B. Smith, Ebenezer Richardson, Pleasant Ewell, and - William Helm were appointed Elders of the Church, and were ordained - under the hands of Reynolds Cahoon, Seymour Brunson, Samuel Bent - and Alpheus Cutler. -</p> -<p> After some remarks from the President respecting order, and decorum - during conference, Elder Lyman Wight spoke concerning the duties of - Priests and Teachers. President Joseph Smith, Jun., then addressed - the conference, in relation to appointing a Patriarch, and other - matters connected with the well being of the Church. -</p> -<p> Having now got through the business matters, the President - proceeded to give instruction to the Elders respecting preaching - the Gospel, and pressed upon them the necessity of getting the - Spirit, so that they might preach with the Holy Ghost sent down - from heaven; to be careful in speaking on those subjects which - are not clearly pointed out in the word of God, which lead to - speculation and strife. -</p> -<p> Those persons who had been baptized, were then confirmed, and - several children received blessings by Elders Cutler, Bent, and - Brunson. Elder Lyman Wight then addressed the meeting on the - subject of raising funds by contribution, towards paying for the - lands which had been contracted for as a settlement for the Church, - after which contributions were received for that purpose. -</p> -<p> Judge Elias Higbee was appointed to accompany Presidents Joseph - Smith, Jun., and Sidney Rigdon to the city of Washington. -</p> -<p> The meeting then adjourned until Monday morning. -</p> -<p> Conference met on Monday morning, October 7th, pursuant to - adjournment. -</p> -<p> The President spoke at some length to the Elders, and explained - <span class="pagenum"><a name="14"></a>{14}</span> many passages of Scripture. Elder Lyman Wight spoke on the - subject of the resurrection, and other important subjects; when he - offered the following resolution, which passed unanimously; -</p> -<p> Resolved: That a new edition of Hymn Books be printed immediately, - and that the one published by D. W. Rogers be utterly discarded by - the Church. -</p> -<p> Elder Ezra Hayes was then put upon trial for teaching doctrine - injurious to the Church, and for falsehoods, which were proven - against him; his license was taken from him, and he required to - give satisfaction to those whom he had offended. -</p> -<p> Charges having been preferred against Brother Rogers, it was agreed - that the case be handed over to the High Council. -</p> -<p> Asahel Perry made application to be received into fellowship, and - was voted into his former standing. -</p> -<p> After having referred the business not gone into, to the High - Council, the President then returned thanks to the conference for - their good attention and liberality, and having blessed them in the - name of the Lord, the conference was dismissed. -</p> -<p> The next conference was appointed to be held on the sixth day of - April next. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Tuesday, 8</em>.—After conference, this week I was mostly engaged in -attending to the general affairs of the Church, and principally about -home. -</p> -<p><em>Friday, 11</em>.—This evening, Elders Young, Kimball, George A. Smith, -Hedlock, and Turley started from Springfield, traveled eight miles on -their journey, and stayed with Father Draper. -</p> -<p><em>Saturday, 12</em>.—The Elders of the British Mission left Father Draper's -and pursued their journey toward Terre Haute. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Death of John Young, Brigham Young's Father. -</p> -<p>This day President Brigham Young's father, John Young, Sen., died at -Quincy, Adams County, Illinois. He was in his seventy-seventh year, -and a soldier of the Revolution. He was also a firm believer in the -everlasting Gospel of Jesus Christ; and fell asleep under the influence -of that faith that buoyed up his soul, in the pangs of death, to -a glorious hope of immortality; fully testifying to all, that the -religion he enjoyed in life was able to <span class="pagenum"><a name="15"></a>{15}</span> support him in death. He -was driven from Missouri with the Saints in the latter part of last -year. He died a martyr to the religion of Jesus, for his death was -caused by his sufferings in the cruel persecution. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 13</em>.—I attended meeting in the grove. The assembly was small -on account of the cold weather. -</p> -<p><em>Tuesday, 15</em>.—In the afternoon I went to Quincy in company with -Brother Hyrum Smith, John S. Fullmer, and Bishop Knight. Quite a number -of families moving into Commerce. -</p> -<p><em>Thursday, 17</em>.—The brethren arrived at Terre Haute. Brothers Smith, -Hedlock, and Turley stopped at Brother Nahum Milton Stow's. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Hardships of the Elders of the British Mission. -</p> -<p>In the evening Doctor Modisett went down to see the brethren, and -appeared to be very much affected to see them so sick, and having to -lie upon the floor on a straw bed that had been put into the wagon at -Springfield, by the brethren, for Elder Young to lie on, as he was -not able to sit up when he left there. When the doctor returned home, -he told Elders Young and Kimball, he could not refrain from shedding -tears to see the brethren going upon such a long mission, and in such -suffering circumstances. Elders Young and Kimball said they thought -the doctor might have relieved them from "their suffering and indigent -circumstances upon their long mission," for he told them in the course -of the evening, that his taxes in that place amounted to over four -hundred dollars, besides having other property to a great amount. -</p> -<p>Elder Kimball was very sick; he stopped with Brother Young at Doctor -Modisett's. In the evening Doctor Modisett gave Elder Kimball about -forty drops of morphine, saying it would relieve him of his distress, -and probably he would get a nap. In about fifteen minutes Brother -Kimball complained of feeling very strange; he rose from his seat and -would have fallen, but Brother Young caught him and gently eased him -to the floor, where he <span class="pagenum"><a name="16"></a>{16}</span> lay for some time; and it was by faith and -the close attention of Brother Young and the family that his life was -preserved through the night. -</p> -<p><em>Friday, 18</em>.—Brothers Smith, Hedlock, and Turley went on their -journey. -</p> -<p><em>Saturday, 19</em>.—The High Council appointed for the Stake of the Church -in Iowa, met at Asahel Smith's, Nashville, and organized; John Smith, -President; Elias Smith, Clerk; Reynolds Cahoon and Lyman Wight were -chosen Counselors to President John Smith, and approved by the Council. -Council organized according to number.<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERIfn9"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERIfn9">9</a>]</sup> -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Minutes of the Nauvoo High Council, 20th October, 1839</em>. -</p> -<p> The members of the High Council elected at the October conference, - met and organized at W. D. Huntington's, where Harlow Redfield - was restored to fellowship; and voted that this High Council - disfellowship any and all persons that shall hereafter carry over - or ferry across the river, any people or freight to the injury of - said ferry from Commerce to Montrose. -</p> -<p> <em>Voted</em> that the Horse Boat be repaired from the moneys received - on sale of lots in Nauvoo, and that D. C. Davis be master of said - ferry boat for the ensuing year. -</p> -<p> <em>Voted</em> that Joseph Smith, Jun., and his family be exempt from - receiving in future such crowds of visitors as have formerly - thronged his house; and that the same be published in the <em>Times - and Seasons</em>. -</p> -<p> <em>Voted</em>, that this Council disfellowship any and all persons who - shall knowingly suffer and allow any animal (subject to their - control) to destroy the crops, fruit, or plants of the earth - belonging to any other person or persons, and to their injury, and - that this resolution be published in the <em>Times and Seasons</em>. -</p> -<p> Adjourned until tomorrow evening. -</p> -<p> High Council met pursuant to adjournment, and voted that President - Joseph Smith, Jun., go as a delegate to Washington; and that if he - went he should have a recommend from the Council. -</p> -<p> <em>Voted</em> that James Mulholland be Clerk for the land contracts, when - needed by President Smith; that Joseph Smith, Jun., be treasurer of - said Church, and James Mulholland sub-treasurer. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="17"></a>{17}</span> <em>Voted</em> that Henry G. Sherwood should set the price upon, - exhibit, contract and sell town lots in Nauvoo, when needed, and - report his doings to Presidents Joseph Smith and Hyrum Smith, for - their approval, and that five hundred dollars be the average price - of lots, i. e., none less than two hundred dollars, nor more than - eight hundred dollars. -</p> -<p> <em>Voted</em> that the High Council meet every Sunday evening at Dimick - Huntington's; that D. C. Davis have thirty dollars per month for - his services as ferryman; and that these proceedings be published - in the <em>Times and Seasons</em>. -</p> -<p> [Signed] Henry G. Sherwood, Clerk. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Tuesday, 22</em>.—Brother James Modisett took Elders Young and Kimball -in his father's carriage and carried them twenty miles to the house of -Brother Addison Pratt; from thence they were carried by Elder Almon W. -Babbitt to Pleasant Garden, and put up with Brother Jonathan Crosby. -Elder Almon Babbitt was preaching in that region with good success; he -had baptized five. -</p> -<p><em>Saturday, 26</em>.—Brother Babbitt took Elders Young and Kimball ten -miles on their way to Father Scott's. -</p> -<p>King Follett, the last of the brethren in bonds in Missouri, had his -trial and was set free some time previous to this day. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 27</em>.—John Scott took Elders Young and Kimball on their way -fifteen miles, some part of it in the rain; they were yet very feeble, -and put up at a tavern in Belville, and when the stage coach came -along, took passage, and rode night and day to Willowby, near Kirtland. -</p> -<p>The High Council of Nauvoo voted that the Clerk's fees of James -Mulholland be thirty dollars per month; that the treasurer pay Vinson -Knight one hundred and fifty dollars, for the Iowa side of the ferry at -Montrose as per charter. -</p> -<p><em>Voted</em>, that Sister Emma Smith select and publish a hymn-book for the -use of the Church, and that Brigham Young be informed of this action -and he not publish the hymns taken by him from Commerce; and that -the <span class="pagenum"><a name="18"></a>{18}</span> Council assist in publishing a hymn-book and the <em>Times and -Seasons</em>. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, 28</em>.—The High Council voted to build a stone house at Upper -Commerce, to be used for boarding; that Elder Oliver Granger be -requested to assist with funds to print the hymn-book; that Samuel -Dent, Davison Hibbard, and David Dort be trustees for building the -stone schoolhouse in contemplation; and that Alpheus Cutler and Jabez -Durphy be the architects and building committee for said house. -</p> -<p><em>Voted</em>, to finish the office of President Joseph Smith, Jun. -</p> -<p><em>Voted</em>, that the recommends drawn by Elder Sherwood, recommending, -constituting, and appointing Joseph Smith, Jun., Sidney Rigdon, and -Elias Higbee, delegates for the Church, to importune the President and -Congress of the United States for redress of grievances, be signed by -this Council. -</p> -<h3>Footnotes. -</h3> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERIfn1"></a><a href="#CHAPTERIfn1">1</a>. See pp. 573-4, current edition. -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERIfn2"></a><a href="#CHAPTERIfn2">2</a>. See pp. 565-567, current edition. -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERIfn3"></a><a href="#CHAPTERIfn3">3</a>. See History of the Church, Vol. III, pp. 167-8. -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERIfn4"></a><a href="#CHAPTERIfn4">4</a>. "In consequence of the persecutions of the Saints in Missouri, and -the exposures to which they were subjected, many of them were taken -sick soon after their arrival at Commerce, afterwards called Nauvoo; -and as there was but a small number of dwellings for them to occupy, -Joseph had filled his house and tent with them, and through constantly -attending to their wants, he soon fell sick himself. After being -confined to his house several days, and while meditating upon his -situation, he had a great desire to attend to the duties of his office. -On the morning of the 22nd of July, 1839, he arose from his bed and -commenced to administer to the sick in his own house and door-yard, and -he commanded them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to arise and be -made whole; and the sick were healed upon every side of him. -</p> -<p>"Many lay sick along the bank of the river; Joseph walked along up to -the lower stone house, occupied by Sidney Rigdon, and he healed all the -sick that lay in his path. Among the number was Henry G. Sherwood, who -was nigh unto death. Joseph stood in the door of his tent and commanded -him in the name of Jesus Christ to arise and come out of his tent, and -he obeyed him and was healed. Brother Benjamin Brown and his family -also lay sick, the former appearing to be in a dying condition. Joseph -healed them in the name of the Lord. After healing all that lay sick -upon the bank of the river as far as the stone house, he called upon -Elder Kimball and some others to accompany him across the river to -visit the sick at Montrose. Many of the saints were living at the old -military barracks. Among the number were several of the Twelve. On his -arrival the first house he visited was that occupied by Elder Brigham -Young, the President of the Quorum of the Twelve, who lay sick. Joseph -healed him, then he arose and accompanied the Prophet on his visit -to others who were in the same condition. They visited Elder Wilford -Woodruff, also Elders Orson Pratt, and John Taylor, all of whom were -living in Montrose. They also accompanied him. -</p> -<p>"The next place they visited was the home of Elijah Fordham, who was -supposed to be about breathing his last. When the company entered the -room, the Prophet of God walked up to the dying man and took hold of -his right hand and spoke to him; but Brother Fordham was unable to -speak, his eyes were set in his head like glass, and he seemed entirely -unconscious of all around him. Joseph held his hand and looked into -his eyes in silence for a length of time. A change in the countenance -of Brother Fordham was soon perceptible to all present. His sight -returned, and upon Joseph asking him if he knew him, he, in a low -whisper, answered 'Yes.' Joseph asked him if he had faith to be healed. -He answered, 'I fear it is too late; if you had come sooner I think -I would have been healed.' The Prophet said 'Do you believe in Jesus -Christ?' He answered in a feeble voice, 'I do.' Joseph then stood -erect, still holding his hand in silence several moments; Then he spoke -in a very loud voice, saying, 'Brother Fordham, I command you, in the -name of Jesus Christ, to arise from this bed and be made whole.' His -voice was like the voice of God, and not of man. It seemed as though -the house shook to its very foundations. Brother Fordham arose from his -bed, and was immediately made whole. His feet were bound in poultices -which he kicked off; then putting on his clothes he ate a bowl of bread -and milk and followed the Prophet into the street. -</p> -<p>"The company next visited Brother Joseph Bates Noble, who lay very -sick. He also was healed by the Prophet. By this time the wicked -became alarmed and followed the company into Brother Noble's house. -After Noble was healed, all kneeled down to pray. Brother Fordham was -mouth, and while praying he fell to the floor. The Prophet arose, and -on looking around he saw quite a number of unbelievers in the house, -whom he ordered out. When the room was cleared of the wicked, Brother -Fordham came to and finished his prayer. -</p> -<p>"After healing the sick in Montrose, all the company followed Joseph to -the bank of the river, where he was going to take the boat to return -home. While waiting for the boat, a man from the West, who had seen -that the sick and dying were healed, asked Joseph if he would not go to -his house and heal two of his children who were very sick. They were -twins and were three months old. Joseph told the man he could not go, -but he would send some one to heal them. He told Elder Woodruff to go -with the man and heal his children. At the same time he took from his -pocket a silk bandanna handkerchief, and gave to Brother Woodruff, -telling him to wipe the faces of the children with it, and they should -be healed; and remarked at the same time: 'As long as you keep that -handkerchief it shall remain a league between you and me.' Elder -Woodruff did as he was commanded, and the children were healed, and he -keeps the handkerchief to this day. -</p> -<p>"There were many sick whom Joseph could not visit, so he counseled the -Twelve to go and visit and heal them, and many were healed under their -hands. On the day following that upon which the above-described events -took place, Joseph sent Elders George A. and Don Carlos Smith up the -river to heal the sick. They went up as far as Ebenezer Robinson's—one -or two miles—and did as they were commanded, and the sick were -healed." <em>Leaves from my Journal</em>, (Wilford Woodruff) Ch. XIX. -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERIfn5"></a><a href="#CHAPTERIfn5">5</a>. "Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of -His servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? Let him trust -in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God. -</p> -<p>"Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with -sparks. Walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have -kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow." -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERIfn6"></a><a href="#CHAPTERIfn6">6</a>. This has reference to the Hotchkiss purchase which had just recently -been laid out as part of the rapidly growing town of Nauvoo. It -constituted the north west part of the city, extending some distance -along the river front, and back on to the height of land overlooking -the river bottom. -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERIfn7"></a><a href="#CHAPTERIfn7">7</a>. The departure of these two Elders upon their mission to England is -worthy of a more extended notice. A brother by the name of Charles -Hubbard sent a boy with a team to take them a day's journey on their -way. Elder Kimball left his wife in bed shaking with ague, and all his -children sick. It was only by the assistance of some of the brethren -that Heber himself could climb into the wagon. "It seemed to me," he -remarked afterwards in relating the circumstance, "as though my very -inmost parts would melt within me at the thought of leaving my family -in such a condition, as it were, almost in the arms of death. I felt as -though I could scarcely endure it." "Hold up!" said he to the teamster, -who had just started, "Brother Brigham, this is pretty tough, but let -us rise and give them a cheer." Brigham, with much difficulty, rose to -his feet, and joined Elder Kimball in swinging his hat and shouting, -"Hurrah, hurrah, hurrah, for Israel!" The two sisters, hearing the -cheer came to the door—sister Kimball with great difficulty—and waved -a farewell; and the two apostles continued their journey, without -purse, without scrip, for England. -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERIfn8"></a><a href="#CHAPTERIfn8">8</a>. See vol. III, pp. 379-381. -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERIfn9"></a><a href="#CHAPTERIfn9">9</a>. That is to say, to quote from the revelation establishing the -High Council—"Whenever an High Council of the church is regularly -organized, * * * it shall be the duty of the Twelve Counselors to cast -lots by numbers and thereby ascertain, who of the Twelve shall speak -first, commencing with number one, and so in succession to number -twelve."—<em>Doctrine and Covenants, Section cii</em>. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="19"></a>{19}</span> -</p> - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTERII"></a>CHAPTER II. -</h2> -<p class="chapterHeading">The Prophet's Journey to Washington—The Petition of the Saints to the -Congress of the United States for Redress of the Wrongs Inflicted upon -Them in Missouri. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Departure of the Prophet for Washington. -</p> -<p><em>Tuesday, 29</em>.—I left Nauvoo accompanied by Sidney Rigdon, Elias -Higbee, and Orrin P. Rockwell, in a two-horse carriage for the city -of Washington, to lay before the Congress of the United States, the -grievances of the Saints while in Missouri. We passed through Carthage, -and stayed at Judge Higbee's over night, and the next day we arrived at -Quincy. -</p> -<p><em>Thursday, 31</em>.—We tarried at Quincy to complete the necessary papers -for our mission. Elder Rigdon was sick. -</p> -<p><em>Friday, November 1</em>.—We pursued our journey towards Springfield, -Illinois, and put up with Brother Wilber, where we found Doctor Robert -D. Foster, who administered to Elder Rigdon. -</p> -<p><em>Saturday, 2</em>.—Continued our journey, and during the day put up with -a friend on the bank of the Illinois river, so that Dr. Foster, who -accompanied us so far for that purpose, might administer medicine to -Elder Rigdon again. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 3</em>.—Continued our journey and staid with a friend over night. -Dr. Foster continued to accompany us. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Progress of the Twelve towards England. -</p> -<p>Elders Young and Kimball arrived at Cleveland, Ohio, <span class="pagenum"><a name="20"></a>{20}</span> about 1 -o'clock in the morning; and while waiting for the stage until about -noon, Elders Smith, Turley, and Hedlock, who left them at Terre Haute, -drove up, having picked up Elder Taylor by the way, he having been -left sick by his company in the east part of Indiana. They were in -good health, compared with what they had been, and in fine spirits. -George A. Smith tarried in Cleveland till the next day, to visit his -relatives. Brothers Young, Kimball, Taylor, and Turley rode in the -stage, and Brother Hedlock and Mr. Murray in their wagon to Willoughby, -and from thence they all rode into Kirtland together. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Canadian Saints En Route for Nauvoo. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, 4</em>.—We arrived at Springfield, and put up with Brother -John Snider. When within one mile of the city, we met William Law<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERIIfn1"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERIIfn1">1</a>]</sup> and company with seven wagons from Canada, who returned with us -to Springfield, and tarried while we did, until the 8th. I preached -several times while here. General James Adams,<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERIIfn2"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERIIfn2">2</a>]</sup> judge of probate, -heard of me, sought me out, and took me home with him, and treated me -like a father. -</p> -<p>President Brigham Young and his brother John visited their sister, Mrs. -Kent. -</p> -<p>There was some division of sentiment among the Kirtland brethren. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="21"></a>{21}</span> <em>Thursday, 7</em>.—The High Council of Iowa completed their -organization at Elijah Fordham's, at Montrose. -</p> -<p><em>Friday, 8</em>.—We started from Springfield. Dr. Foster having concluded -to continue on the journey on account of Elder Rigdon's health, which -was still quite poor. We pursued our journey through Indiana towards -Columbus, Ohio. The traveling was bad, and our progress slow. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 10</em>.—Elder Taylor preached in the forenoon, and Elder Kimball -in the afternoon, in the House of the Lord at Kirtland. -</p> -<p><em>Thursday, 14</em>.—Elder Orson Hyde left Commerce, Illinois, intending -to go east as far as Philadelphia. He had just begun to recover from a -four months' illness of fever and ague. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Elder Taylor Anointed in the Kirtland Temple. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 17</em>.—President Young preached in the House of the Lord in the -forenoon, and John Taylor in the afternoon. In the evening, President -Brigham Young anointed Elder John Taylor in the House of the Lord, and -Elder Daniel S. Miles anointed Theodore Turley, all of which was sealed -with the shout of Hosanna. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, 18</em>.—President Young visited Brother R. Potter at Newbury, -and returned on Tuesday to Kirtland. -</p> -<p>About this time we had arrived near Columbus, where the roads were so -bad, Elder Rigdon's health so poor, and the time so fast approaching -when it was necessary for the committee to be in Washington, that I -started in the stage with Judge Higbee on the most expeditious route to -Washington City, leaving Brothers Rockwell, Rigdon, and Foster, to come -on at their leisure in the carriage. -</p> -<p>Elder Brigham Young and company went to Fairport, where they waited for -a steamboat until Tuesday. -</p> -<p>Elder Parley P. Pratt and company sold their horses and carriage at -Detroit, and went on to New York City by steamboats, the canal and -railway. -</p> -<p>From New York, Elder Parley P. Pratt wrote me on <span class="pagenum"><a name="22"></a>{22}</span> the 22nd, -directed to Commerce, from which I quote the following: -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Excerpt from Parley P. Pratt's Letter to the Prophet</em>. -</p> -<p> The churches in these parts are prospering greatly, and are firm - in the faith, and increasing in numbers continually. The Church in - New York and Brooklyn now numbers from one hundred and fifty to - two hundred members, and additions are being made every week. A - general conference was held in this city on Tuesday and Wednesday - of this week. Elders present: Orson Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, Samuel - James, Benjamin Winchester, Elders Foster, Layne, Jenks, Brown, - Benedict, and myself. Priests present: Addison Everett, Birge, and - Vanvelver. Many branches of the Church in the region round about - were represented; several hundred members in all, and the numbers - still increasing. Great opportunities are open for preaching, and - crowded houses are the order of the day. -</p> -<p> I have also received letters from Maine and from Michigan, with - joyful accounts of the spread of the work of the Lord. You would - now find churches of the Saints in Philadelphia, in Albany, in - Brooklyn, in New York, in Jersey, in Pennsylvania, on Long Island, - and in various other places all around us. Our New York meetings - are now held three times every Sabbath in Columbia Hall, Grand - Street, a few doors east of the Bowery; it is very central, - and one of the best places in the city; it will hold nearly a - thousand people, and is well filled with attentive hearers. - Brother Winchester has a good hall well fitted up in Philadelphia, - where stated meetings are held—several every week, with crowded - audiences. -</p> -<p> In short the truth is spreading more rapidly than ever before, - in every direction, far and near. There is a great call for our - books. I am now reprinting the Voice of Warning, The History of - the Missouri Persecution, and my Poems. There is a great call for - hymn-books, but none to be had. I wish Sister Smith would add to - the old collection such new ones as is best, and republish them - immediately. If means and facilities are lacking in the west, - send it here, and it shall be nicely done for her; and at least - one thousand would immediately sell in these parts wholesale and - retail. The Book of Mormon is not to be had in this part of the - vineyard for love or money; hundreds are wanting in various parts - hereabouts, but there is truly a famine in that respect. -</p> -<p> The conference took into consideration the pressing calls for - this book, and have appointed a committee to raise means for the - publication of the same, and also to publish it if we can obtain - leave from you, who hold the copyright. Any hymn-book which Sister - Smith or the Church will favor us with, shall also be published on - similar conditions. -</p> -<p> Parley P. Pratt. -</p></blockquote> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="23"></a>{23}</span> [Sidenote: First Issue of the "Times and Seasons."] -</p> -<p>Some time this month the first number of the <em>Times and Seasons</em>, a -monthly religious paper, in pamphlet form, was published at Commerce, -Hancock County, Illinois, by my brother Don Carlos Smith and Ebenezer -Robinson, under the firm name of Robinson & Smith, Publishers. -</p> -<p><em>Tuesday, 26</em>.—At one in the afternoon, Elder Brigham Young and -company went on board the steamer <em>Columbus</em>, at Fairport, and went on -towards Buffalo. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">The Elements Obey. -</p> -<p><em>Wednesday, 27.</em>—About 1 o'clock this morning the wind arose, when -Elder Brigham Young went on deck, prayed to the Father in the name of -Jesus, when he felt to command the wind and the waves to cease, and -permit them to proceed on their journey in safety. The winds abated, -and he gave glory, honor, and praise to the God who rules all things. -Arriving in Buffalo in the morning, they took the stage for Batavia. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">The Prophet's Adventure En Route to Washington. -</p> -<p>While on the mountains some distance from Washington, our coachman -stepped into a public house to take his grog, when the horses took -fright and ran down the hill at full speed. I persuaded my fellow -travelers to be quiet and retain their seats, but had to hold one woman -to prevent her throwing her infant out of the coach. The passengers -were exceedingly agitated, but I used every persuasion to calm their -feelings; and opening the door, I secured my hold on the side of the -coach the best way I could, and succeeded in placing myself in the -coachman's seat, and reining up the horses, after they had run some two -or three miles, and neither coach, horses, or passengers received any -injury. My course was spoken of in the highest terms of commendation, -as being one of the most daring and heroic deeds, and no language could -express the gratitude of the passengers, when they found themselves -safe, and the horses quiet. There were some members of Congress with -us, who proposed naming the incident to that body, believing they would -reward such <span class="pagenum"><a name="24"></a>{24}</span> conduct by some public act; but on inquiring my name, -to mention as the author of their safety, and finding it to be Joseph -Smith the "Mormon Prophet," as they called me, I heard no more of their -praise, gratitude, or reward. -</p> -<p><em>Thursday, 28</em>.—I arrived in Washington City this morning, and put up -at the corner of Missouri and Third streets. -</p> -<p>This evening, Elder Brigham Young and company (except Elder Kimball, -who stopped at Byron to visit his sister) rode to Rochester in the -steam cars, and from thence rode all night in a horse coach, and -arrived at ten in the morning on Friday, 29th, at Auburn, New York. -Elders Taylor and Turley proceeded on their way to New York. -</p> -<p>The following is a copy of our petition to Congress for redress of our -Missouri grievances: -</p><blockquote> -<p> The Saint's Petition to Congress. -</p> -<p> <em>To the Honorable the Senate and House of Representatives of the - United States of America, in Congress assembled</em>: -</p> -<p> Your petitioners, Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, and Elias Higbee, - would most respectfully represent, that they have been delegated, - by their brethren and fellow-citizens, known as "Latter-day - Saints" (commonly called Mormons), to prepare and present to you - a statement of their wrongs, and a prayer for their relief, which - they now have the honor to submit to the consideration of your - Honorable Body. -</p> -<p> In the summer of 1831, a portion of the society above-named - commenced a settlement in the county of Jackson, in the state of - Missouri. The individuals making that settlement had emigrated from - almost every state in the Union to the lovely spot in the Far West, - with the hope of improving their condition, of building houses - for themselves and posterity, and of erecting temples, where they - and theirs might worship their Creator according to the dictates - of their conscience. Though they had wandered far from the homes - of their childhood, still they had been taught to believe, that a - citizen born in any one state in this great Republic, might remove - to another and enjoy all the rights and immunities of citizens of - the state of his adoption—that wherever waved the American flag, - beneath its stars and stripes an American citizen might look for - protection and justice, for liberty in person and in conscience. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="25"></a>{25}</span> They bought farms, built houses, and erected churches. Some - tilled the earth, others bought and sold merchandise, and others - again toiled as mechanics. They were industrious and moral, and - they prospered, and though often persecuted and vilified for their - difference in religious opinion from their fellow citizens, they - were happy; they saw their society increasing in numbers, their - farms teemed with plenty, and they fondly looked forward to a - future, big with hope. That there was prejudice against them, they - knew; that slanders were propagated against them, they deplored; - yet they felt that these were unjust; and hoped that time, and - uprightness of life, would enable them to outlive them. While - the summer of peace, happiness, and hope shone over the infant - settlement of the Saints, the cloud was gathering, unseen by them, - that bore in its bosom the thunderbolt of destruction. -</p> -<p> On the 20th of July, 1833, around their peaceful village a mob - gathered, to the surprise and terror of the quiet "Mormons"—why, - they knew not; they had broken no law, they had harmed no man, in - deed or thought. Why they were thus threatened, they knew not. - Soon a committee from the mob called upon the leading "Mormons" - of the place; they announced that the store, the printing office, - and the shops must be closed, and that forthwith every "Mormon" - must leave the county. The message was so terrible, so unexpected, - that the "Mormons" asked time for deliberation and consultation, - which being refused, the brethren were severally asked, "Are you - willing to abandon your home?" The reply was, "We will not go;" - which determination being reported to the committee of the mob, - one of them replied that he was sorry, for said he, "The work of - destruction must now begin." No sooner said than it was done. The - printing office, a two story brick building, was assailed by the - mob and torn down, and, with its valuable appurtenances, destroyed. - They next proceeded to the store with a like purpose. Its owner - in part, Mr. Gilbert, agreed to close it, and they delayed their - purpose. -</p> -<p> They then proceeded to the dwelling of Mr. Partridge, the beloved - Bishop of the Church there, dragged him and his family to the - public square, where, surrounded by hundreds, they partly stripped - him of his clothing, and tarred and feathered him from head to - foot. A man by the name of Allen was at the same time treated in a - similar manner. The mob then dispersed with an agreement to meet - again on the next Tuesday, the above outrages having been committed - on Saturday. -</p> -<p> Tuesday came, and with it came the mob, bearing a red flag, in - token of <em>blood</em>. They proceeded to the houses of Isaac Morley, - and others of the leading men, and seized them, telling them to - bid their families farewell, that they would never see them again. - They were then driven at the point of the bayonet to the jail, and - there, amid the jeers and <span class="pagenum"><a name="26"></a>{26}</span> insults of the crowd, they were - thrust into prison, to be kept as hostages; in case any of the mob - should be killed, they were to die to pay for it. Here some two or - three of the "Mormons" offered to surrender up their lives, if that - would satisfy the fury of the mob, and purchase peace and security - for their unoffending brethren, their helpless wives and children. - The reply of the mob was, that the "Mormons" must leave the county - <em>en masse</em>, or that every man should be put to death. -</p> -<p> The "Mormons," terrified and defenseless, then entered into an - agreement to leave the county—one half by the first of January, - the other half by the first of April next ensuing. This treaty - being made and ratified, the mob dispersed. Again, for a time, the - persecuted "Mormons" enjoyed a respite from their persecutions; but - not long was the repose permitted them. -</p> -<p> Some time in the month of October, a meeting was held at - Independence, at which it was determined to remove the "Mormons" or - die. Inflammatory speeches were made, and one of the speakers swore - he would remove the "Mormons" from the county if he had to wade up - to his neck in blood. -</p> -<p> Be it remarked that up to this time, the "Mormons" had faithfully - observed the treaty, and were guilty of no offense against the - laws of the land, or of society, but were peaceably following the - routine of their daily duties. -</p> -<p> Shortly after the meeting above referred to, another persecution - commenced; some of the "Mormons" were shot at, others were whipped, - their houses were assailed with brickbats, broken open, and thrown - down; their women and children were insulted; and thus for many - weeks, without offense, without resistance, by night and by day, - were they harassed, insulted, and oppressed. -</p> -<p> There is a point beyond which endurance ceases to be a virtue. The - worm when trampled upon will turn upon its oppressor. A company - of about thirty "Mormons" fell in with twice that number of the - mob engaged in the destruction of "Mormon" property, when a battle - ensued, in which one "Mormon" was killed, and two or three of - the mob; acting in concert with the officer who commanded the - mob, was Lilburn W. Boggs, Lieutenant-Governor of the state of - Missouri. When the noise of the battle was spread abroad, the - public mind became much inflamed. The militia collected in arms - from all quarters, and in great numbers, inflamed to fury. They - demanded that the "Mormons" should surrender up all their arms, and - immediately quit the county. Compelled by overpowering numbers, the - "Mormons" submitted. They surrendered up fifty-one guns, which have - never been returned, or paid for. -</p> -<p> The next day, parties of the mob went from house to house, <span class="pagenum"><a name="27"></a>{27}</span> - threatening women and children with death, if they did not - immediately leave their homes. Imagination cannot paint the - terror which now pervaded the "Mormon" community. The weather was - intensely cold, and women and children abandoned their homes and - fled in every direction without sufficient clothing to protect them - from the piercing cold. Women gave birth to children in the woods - and on the prairies. One hundred and twenty women and children, for - the space of ten days, with only three or four men in the company, - concealed themselves in the woods in hourly expectation and fear of - massacre, until they finally escaped into Clay county. The society - of "Mormons" after the above disturbances, removed to the county of - Clay, where they were kindly received by the inhabitants, and their - wants administered to by their charity. -</p> -<p> In the meantime the houses of the "Mormons" in the county of - Jackson, amounting to about two hundred, were burned down or - otherwise destroyed by the mob, as well as much of their crops, - furniture, and stock. -</p> -<p> The damage done to the property of the "Mormons" by the mob in the - county of Jackson as above related, as near as they can ascertain, - would amount to the sum of one hundred and seventy-five thousand - dollars. The number of "Mormons" thus driven from the county of - Jackson amounted to about twelve hundred souls. For the property - thus destroyed they have never been paid. -</p> -<p> After the expulsion of the "Mormons" from the county of Jackson - as above related, they removed to and settled in the county of - Clay. They there purchased out some of the former inhabitants, - and entered at the land office wild lands offered for sale by the - General Government. The most of them became freeholders, owning - each an eighty or more of land. -</p> -<p> The "Mormons" lived peaceably in the county of Clay for about - three years, and all that time increased rapidly in numbers, by - emigration, and also in wealth by their industry. After they - had resided in that county about three years, the citizens not - connected with them began to look upon them with jealousy and - alarm. Reports were again put in circulation against them: public - meetings were held in the counties of Clay and Jackson, at which - violent resolutions were passed against the "Mormons," and rumors - of mobs began again to spread alarm among the "Mormons." At this - juncture the "Mormons" desirous of avoiding all conflict with their - fellow-citizens, and anxious to preserve the peace and harmony - of the society around them, as well as their own, deputized a - committee of their leading men to make terms of peace with their - fellow-citizens of Clay county. An interview took place between - them and a committee of citizens, at which it was agreed that - <span class="pagenum"><a name="28"></a>{28}</span> the "Mormons" should leave the county of Clay, and that the - citizens of Clay county should buy their lands. -</p> -<p> These terms were complied with. The "Mormons" removed to and - settled in the county of Caldwell, and the citizens never paid them - value for their lands. Many received nothing at all for their land. - The "Mormons," by this removal, sacrificed much both of money and - feeling, but the sacrifice was made upon the altar of duty, for the - peace of the community. -</p> -<p> Your Memorialists would beg here to give what they believe a just - explanation of the causes of the prejudice and persecution against - the "Mormons" related above, and which will follow. That there - might have been some unworthy members among them, cannot be denied; - but many aver that as a community they were as moral, as upright, - and as observant of the laws of the land as any body of people in - the world. Why then this prejudice and persecution? An answer they - trust will be found in the fact that they were a body of people - distinct from their fellow-citizens, in religious opinions, in - their habits, and in their associations. They were numerous enough - to make the power of their numerical and moral force a matter of - anxiety and dread to the political and religious parties by which - they were surrounded; which arose not from what the "Mormons" had - done, but from the fear of what they might do. -</p> -<p> In addition, the "Mormons" have purchased of the settlers, or of - the Government, or obtained by pre-emption, the best lands in all - those regions of the state; and at the times of speculation, the - cupidity of many was aroused to possess those lands by driving off - the "Mormons," and taking forcible possession, or constraining them - to sell, through fear and coercion, at a price merely nominal. -</p> -<p> After the "Mormons" removed from Clay county, they settled in the - county of Caldwell as aforesaid. -</p> -<p> Your Memorialists do not deem it necessary for their purpose, to - detail the history of the progress, the cares, and anxieties of the - "Mormons," from the time they settled in Caldwell in the year 1836 - until the fall of the year 1838. They would, however, state, that - during all that time they deported themselves as good citizens, - obeying the laws of the land, and the moral and religious duties - enjoined by their faith. That there might have been some faithless - among the faithful is possible. They would not deny that there - might have been some who were a scandal to their brethren; and what - society, they would ask, has not some unworthy members? Where is - the sect, where the community, in which there cannot be found some - who trample under foot the laws of God and man? They believe the - "Mormon" community to have as few such as any other association, - religious or political. Within <span class="pagenum"><a name="29"></a>{29}</span> the above period the "Mormons" - continued to increase in wealth and numbers, until in the fall of - the year 1838 they numbered about fifteen thousand souls. -</p> -<p> They purchased of the Government, or of the citizens, or held - by pre-emption, almost all the lands in the county of Caldwell, - and a portion of the lands in Daviess and Carroll. The county of - Caldwell was settled almost entirely by "Mormons," and "Mormons" - were rapidly filling up the counties of Daviess and Caldwell. When - they first commenced settling in those counties, there were but - few settlements made there; the lands were wild and uncultivated. - In the fall of 1838 large farms had been made, well improved and - stocked. Lands had risen in value, and sold for from ten dollars to - twenty-five dollars [per acre]. The improvement and settlement had - been such that it was a common remark that the county of Caldwell - would soon be the wealthiest in the state. -</p> -<p> Thus stood their affairs in the fall of 1838, when the storm of - persecution again raged over the heads of the "Mormons," and the - fierce demon of the mob drove them forth houseless and homeless, - and penniless, upon the charities of the world, which to them, - thank God! have been like angels' visits, but not few, or far - between. This last persecution began at an election, which was held - in Daviess county on the first Monday of August, 1838. A "Mormon" - went to the polls to vote. One of the mob standing by, opposed his - voting, contending that a "Mormon" had no more right to vote than - a negro; one angry word brought on another, and blows followed. - They are, however, happy to state that the "Mormon" was not the - aggressor, but was on the defensive: others interfered, not one - alone, but many assailed the "Mormon." His brethren, seeing him - thus assailed by numbers, rushed to the rescue; then came others - of the mob, until finally a general row commenced. The "Mormons" - were victorious. The next day, a rumor reached the "Mormons" of - Caldwell, that two of their brethren had been killed in this fight, - and a refusal had been made to surrender their bodies for burial. - Not knowing at the time that this rumor was false, they became much - excited, and several of them started for Daviess county, where - they arrived next morning, with a view of giving the brethren, - whom they supposed to have been killed, a decent interment. Among - the citizens this fight produced a great excitement. They held a - public meeting and resolved to drive the "Mormons" from the county. - Individuals began also to threaten the "Mormons" as a body, and - swear that they should leave the county in three days. When the - "Mormons" who had gone from Caldwell to Daviess, aforesaid, arrived - there, they found this state of excitement to exist. They also - heard that a large mob was collecting against them, headed by Adam - Black one of the judges of the county court of Daviess county. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="30"></a>{30}</span> Under these circumstances, and with a view to allay the - excitement, they called on Mr. Black, and inquired of him whether - the reports they had heard in relation to him were true. Upon - his denying them to be true, they then requested him to give - that denial in writing, which he freely did. This writing they - published with a view of calming the public mind, and allaying - the excitement. Having done this, they rested in quiet for some - time after, hoping that their efforts would produce the desired - effect. Their surprise can, under these circumstances, be easily - imagined, when a short time after, they learned that said Black had - gone before Judge King, and made oath that he was forced to sign - the instrument, by armed "Mormons," and procured a warrant for the - arrest of Joseph Smith, Jun., and Lyman Wight, which was placed - in the hands of the sheriff. It was also reported that the said - individuals had refused to surrender themselves, and that an armed - force was collecting to come and take them. -</p> -<p> Your Memoralists aver that the sheriff had never made any efforts - to serve the writ, and that the said Smith and Wight, so far from - making any resistance, did not know that such a writ had been - issued, until they learned it first by report as above related. In - the meantime the rumor had run over the whole country, that the - "Mormons" were compelling individuals to sign certain instruments - in writing, and that they were resisting the process of the - law. The public mind became much inflamed, and the mob began to - collect from all quarters and in large numbers, with pretensions - of assisting the sheriff to serve the process; and here let it - be observed in passing, that Adam Black had sold the improvement - and pre-emption claim on which he then resided, to the "Mormons," - received his pay for the same, and that through his instrumentality - the "Mormons" were driven off, and he now retains both their money - and the improvement. -</p> -<p> As soon as the above reports reached the ears of the said Smith - and Wight, they determined immediately upon the course they ought - to pursue, which was to submit to the laws. They both surrendered - themselves up to Judge King, underwent a trial, and in the absence - of all sufficient testimony they were discharged. They hoped - that this voluntary submission of theirs to the law, and their - triumphant vindication of the charge, would allay the excitement - of the community. But not so; the long-desired opportunity had - arrived when the oppression and extermination of the "Mormons" - might be made to assume the form of legal proceeding. The mob that - had assembled for the pretended purpose of assisting the officers - in the execution of process, did not disperse upon the acquittal - of Smith and Wight, but continued embodied with the encampments - and forms of a military force, and committing depredations upon - "Mormon" property. The "Mormons" in this extremity <span class="pagenum"><a name="31"></a>{31}</span> called upon - the laws of the land, and the officers of the law, for protection. - After much delay, the militia under Generals Atchison, Doniphan, - and Parks, were sent to their relief. They arrived on the 13th of - September, and encamped between the "Mormons" and the mob. -</p> -<p> The above officers made no attempt to disperse the mob, excusing - themselves by saying, "that their own men had sympathies with - the mob." After remaining there for several days, those officers - adopted the following expedient of settling the difficulties—they - mustered the mob, and enrolled them with their own troops, and - then disbanded the whole, with orders to seek their several homes. - The officers went home, excepting Parks, who remained for their - protection, with his men. -</p> -<p> The "Mormons" made an agreement with the citizens of Daviess, - to buy out their lands and pre-emption rights, and appointed a - committee to make the purchase, and to go on buying till they had - purchased to the amount of twenty-five thousand dollars. While - these purchases were going on, the citizens were heard to say, that - as soon as they had sold out to the "Mormons" and received their - pay, they would drive the "Mormons" off, and keep both their lands - and the money. -</p> -<p> The mob, when disbanded in Daviess by the generals as aforesaid, - instead of repairing to their homes as commanded, proceeded in - a body to the adjoining county of Carroll, and encamped around - Dewitt, a village built and inhabited by "Mormons;" while thus - encamped around Dewitt, they sent to the county of Jackson, and - procured a cannon. They invested the place so closely, that no - person could leave the town in safety; when they did so, they were - fired upon by the mob. The horses of the "Mormons" were stolen, - and their cattle killed. The citizens of Dewitt, amounting to - about seventy families, were in great extremity, and worn out by - want and sickness. In their extremity they made application to - Governor Boggs for protection and relief; but no protection, no - relief was granted them. When reduced to the last extremity, no - alternative was left them, but to seek protection by flight, and - the abandonment of their homes. Accordingly, on the evening of the - 11th of October, 1838, they retreated from Dewitt, and made their - way to the counties of Daviess and Caldwell, leaving many of their - effects in the possession of the mob. -</p> -<p> Your Memorialists will not detail the horrors and sufferings of - such a flight, when shared with women and children. They might - detail many. One lady, who had given birth to a child just before - the flight commenced, died on the road and was buried without a - coffin. Many others, sick, worn out, starved, deprived of medical - aid, died upon the road. The remnant of "Mormons" from Dewitt - arrived in Daviess and Caldwell, and found a short relief and - supply of their wants from their friends and brethren there. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="32"></a>{32}</span> After the abandonment of Dewitt, and the flight of the - "Mormons" from Carroll, one Sashiel Woods addressed the mob, - advising them to take their cannon and march to the county of - Daviess, and drive the "Mormons" from that county, and seize upon - their lands and other property, saying that the "Mormons" could - get no benefit of the law, as they had recently seen. They then - commenced their march from Carroll to Daviess, carrying with them - the cannon which they had received from Jackson. On their way they - captured two "Mormons," made them ride on the cannon, and taunted - them as they went along, telling them that they were going to drive - the "Mormons" from Daviess to Caldwell, and from Caldwell to hell; - and that they should find no quarters but at the cannon's mouth. - The mob at this time was reported to number about four hundred - strong. -</p> -<p> The "Mormons" in these distresses, in pursuance of the laws of - Missouri, made application to Judge King, the circuit judge of that - circuit, for protection, and for the aid of the officers of the - law to protect them. Judge King, as they have been informed, and - believe, gave an order to Major General David R. Atchison to call - out the militia to protect the "Mormons" against the fury of the - mob. General Atchison thereupon gave orders to Brigadiers Parks - and Doniphan. In pursuance of these orders issued as aforesaid, on - the 18th of October, 1838, General Doniphan arrived at Far West, a - "Mormon" village in the county of Caldwell, with a small company of - militia. After he had been at Far West two days, General Doniphan - disbanded his company, alleging to the "Mormons," as his reason for - so doing, that his company had the same feelings as the mob, and - that he could not rely upon them. In a short time General Parks - arrived at Far West, and also disbanded his company. At this time - the mob was marching from Carroll to Daviess. General Doniphan, - while at Far West, directed the "Mormons" to raise a company to - protect themselves, telling them that one Cornelius Gilliam was - raising a mob to destroy their town, and also advising them to - place out guards to watch the motions of the mob. He also directed - them to raise a company and send them to Daviess, to aid their - brethren there against the mob which was marching down upon them - from Carroll. This the "Mormons" did; they mustered a company of - about sixty men, who proceeded to Diahman. When General Parks - arrived at Far West as aforesaid, and learned that General Doniphan - had disbanded his men he expressed great dissatisfaction. The same - evening on which General Parks disbanded his company as aforesaid, - he proceeded to Diahman, in order to learn what the mob were doing - there, and if possible to protect the "Mormons." -</p> -<p> When General Parks had arrived in Daviess, he found that the mob - had commenced its operations there, which was on the 20th of - October, 1838. <span class="pagenum"><a name="33"></a>{33}</span> They commenced by burning the house of a man - [Don Carlos Smith] who had gone to Tennessee on business, and - left his wife at home with two small children. When the house was - burned down, the wife and two small children were left in the snow, - and she had to walk three miles before she could find a shelter, - carrying her two children all that distance, and had to wade Grand - River, which was three feet deep. The mob on the same evening - burned seven other houses, burning and destroying all the property - that they thought proper. The next morning, Colonel Lyman Wight, an - officer in the militia, inquired of General Parks, what was to be - done, as he now saw the course the mob was determined to pursue. - General Parks replied that he (Wight) should take a company of men - and give the mob battle, and that he would be responsible for the - act, saying that they could have no peace with the mob, until they - had given them a scourging. -</p> -<p> On the next morning, in obedience to this order, David W. Patten - was despatched with one hundred men under his command to meet the - mob as they were advancing from Carroll, with directions to protect - the citizens, and collect and bring into Far West such of the - "Mormons" as were scattered through the county, and unprotected, - and if the mob interfered, he must fight them. The company under - the command of Patten was the same, in part, that had gone from - Far West by the order of General Doniphan to protect the citizens - of Daviess. As Patten went in the direction of the mob, they fled - before him, leaving their cannon, which Patten took possession of. - The mob dispersed. Patten with his men then returned to Daviess - county. Patten in a few days after returned to Far West. It was - now supposed that the difficulties were at an end. But contrary - to expectation, on the evening of the 23rd of October, messengers - arrived at Far West and informed the citizens that a body of armed - men had made their appearance in the south part of the county, and - that they were burning houses, destroying property, and threatening - the "Mormon" citizens with death, unless they left the county the - next morning by 10 o'clock, or renounced their religion. -</p> -<p> About midnight another messenger arrived with news of the like - tenor. Patten collected about sixty men and proceeded to the scene - of the disturbance, to protect if possible the lives and property - of the "Mormon" citizens. On his arrival at the neighborhood where - the first disturbance had commenced, he found that the mob had - gone to another neighborhood to prosecute their acts of plunder - and outrage. He marched a short distance and unexpectedly came - upon the encampment of the mob. The guards of the mob fired upon - him and killed one of his men. Patten then charged the mob, and - after a few fires, the mob dispersed and fled, but Patten was - killed and another of his <span class="pagenum"><a name="34"></a>{34}</span> men. After the fight and dispersion - of the mob, Patten's company returned to Far West. The report of - the proceedings created much excitement. The community was made - to believe that the "Mormons" were in rebellion against the law; - whereas the above facts show they were an injured people, standing - up in the defense of their persons and their property. -</p> -<p> At this time the governor of the state issued an order to General - Clark to raise several thousand men and march against the - "Mormons," and drive them from the state, or "exterminate them." - Major-General Lucas and Brigadier-General Wilson collected three or - four thousand men; and with this formidable force, commenced their - march and arrived at Far West. In their rear marched General Clark - with another formidable force. -</p> -<p> In the meantime the "Mormons" had not heard of these immense - preparations, and so far from expecting an armed force under the - orders of the state to war against them, were daily expecting a - force from the governor to protect their lives and their property - from the mob. -</p> -<p> When this formidable array first made its appearance, intent upon - peace, the "Mormons" sent a white flag several miles to meet them, - to ascertain the reason why an armed force was marching against - them, and what we might expect at their hands. They gave us no - satisfaction, but continued marching towards Far West. Immediately - on their arrival, a man came bearing a white flag from their - camp. He was interrogated about his business; he answered the - interrogations, saying they wanted three persons out of Far West, - before they massacred the rest. Those persons refused to go, and - he returned back to the camp. He was closely followed by General - Doniphan and his whole brigade marching to the city of Far West - in line of battle. The citizens also of Far West formed a line of - battle in full front of Doniphan's army: upon this Doniphan ordered - a halt, and then a retreat. Night closed upon both parties without - any collision. -</p> -<p> On the next day, towards evening, the "Mormons" were officially - informed that the governor of the state had sent this immense force - against them to massacre them, or drive them from the state. As - soon as the "Mormons" learned that this order had the sanction of - the governor of the state, they determined to make no resistance; - to submit themselves to the authorities of the state, how - tyrannical and unjust soever the exercise of that authority might - be. -</p> -<p> The commanders of the Missouri militia before Far West sent a - messenger into the town, requesting an interview in their camp - with five of the principal citizens among the "Mormons," pledging - their faith for their safe return on the following morning at eight - o'clock. Invited, as they <span class="pagenum"><a name="35"></a>{35}</span> supposed, to propose and receive - terms of peace, and under the pledge of a safe conduct, Lyman - Wight, George W. Robinson, Joseph Smith, Jun., Parley P. Pratt, and - Sidney Rigdon, went towards the camp of the militia. Before they - arrived at the camp, they were surrounded by the whole army; and by - order of General Lucas put under guard, and marched to the camp, - and were told that they were prisoners of war. A court martial was - held that night, and they, without being heard, and in the absence - of all proof, were condemned to be shot next morning. -</p> -<p> The execution of this bloody order, was prevented by the manly - protest of General Doniphan. He denounced the act as cold blooded - murder, and withdrew his brigade. This noble stand taken by General - Doniphan, prevented the murder of the prisoners. It is here worthy - of note, that seventeen preachers of the gospel were on this court - martial, and were in favor of the sentence. -</p> -<p> The next morning the prisoners were marched under a strong guard - to Independence, in Jackson county, and after being detained there - for a week, they were marched to Richmond, where General Clark then - was with his troops. Here a court of inquiry was held before Judge - King; this continued from the 11th until the 28th of November; - while the five prisoners were kept in chains, and about fifty other - "Mormons," taken at Far West, were penned up in an open, unfinished - court house. In this mock court of inquiry the defendants were - prevented from giving any testimony on their part, by an armed - force at the court house; they were advised by their lawyers not to - bring any [witnesses], as they would be in danger of their lives, - or be driven out of the county; so there was no testimony examined - only against them. -</p> -<p> In this inquiry a great many questions were asked relative to - religious opinions.<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERIIfn3"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERIIfn3">3</a>]</sup> The conclusion of the court of inquiry was - to send the prisoners to jail upon a charge of treason. -</p> -<p> They do not deem it necessary to detail their sufferings while in - prison, the horrors of a prison for four long months, in darkness, - in want, alone, and during the cold of winter, can better be - conceived than expressed. In the following April the prisoners were - sent to the county of Daviess for trial: they were then indicted - for treason, and a change of venue was taken to Boone county. The - prisoners were sent to the county of Boone, and while on their way - made their escape, and fled to the state of Illinois. -</p> -<p> That they were suffered to escape admits of no doubt. The truth - is, the state of Missouri had become ashamed of their proceedings - against the "Mormons," and as the best means of getting out of the - scrape, gave the prisoners an opportunity to escape. In proof of - this, the prisoners have ever since been living publicly in the - state of Illinois, <span class="pagenum"><a name="36"></a>{36}</span> and the executive of Missouri has made no - demand upon the executive of Illinois. Can it be supposed that - the people of Missouri would thus tamely submit to the commission - of treason by a portion of their citizens, and make no effort - to punish the guilty, when they were thus publicly living in an - adjoining state? Is not this passiveness evidence? They knew the - "Mormons" were innocent, and the citizens of Missouri wrong? -</p> -<p> But to return to the operations of General Lucas before Far West: - We need only say that the exterminating order of Governor Boggs was - carried into full effect. After the above-named individuals were - taken prisoners, all the "Mormons" in Far West, about five hundred - in number, surrendered up their arms to the militia without any - resistance. The "Mormons" now fled in every direction—women and - children, through the dead of winter, marked their footsteps with - blood, as they fled from the state of Missouri. -</p> -<p> The orders of the governor were, that they should be driven from - the state or destroyed. About fifteen thousand souls, between - the sacking of Far West and spring, abandoned their homes, their - property, their all, hurried by the terrors of their armed - pursuers, in want of every necessary of life, with bleeding hearts - sought refuge in the state of Illinois, where they now reside. -</p> -<p> We cannot trespass upon your time by the relation of cases of - individual suffering; they would fill a volume. We forbear for our - regard to humanity, to detail the particulars of the conduct of - the Missouri militia. We could relate instances of house-burnings, - destruction of property, robbings, rapes, and murder, that would - shame humanity. One instance as a sample of many scenes which - they enacted: Two hundred of the militia came suddenly upon some - "Mormon" families emigrating to the state, and then encamped at - Haun's mill in Caldwell county. The "Mormon" men and children took - refuge in an old log house which had been used as a blacksmith's - shop. On seeing the militia approach, the "Mormons" cried for - quarters, but in vain; they were instantly fired upon; eighteen - fell dead; and their murderers, putting the muzzle of their guns - between the logs, fired indiscriminately upon children, upon the - dead and dying. One little boy, whose father (Warren Smith) had - just been shot dead, cried piteously to the militia to spare his - life. The reply was, "Kill him, kill him (with an oath), he is a - son of a damned Mormon." At this they shot his head all open, and - left him dead by the side of his father. About the same time an old - man by the name of McBride, a soldier of the Revolution, came up to - them and begged his life; but they hewed him to pieces with an old - corn cutter. They then loaded themselves with plunder and departed. -</p> -<p> Your petitioners have thus given a brief outline of the history - of the <span class="pagenum"><a name="37"></a>{37}</span> "Mormon" persecutions in Missouri—all which they can - prove to be true, if an opportunity be given them. It will be seen - from this their brief statement, that neither the "Mormons" as a - body, nor individuals of that body, have been guilty of any offense - against the laws of Missouri, or of the United States; but their - only offense has been their religious opinion. -</p> -<p> The above statement will also show, that the "Mormons" on all - occasions submitted to the law of the land, and yielded to its - authority in every extremity, and at every hazard, at the risk of - life and property. The above statement will illustrate another - truth; that wherever the "Mormons" made any resistance to the mob, - it was in self defense; and for these acts of self defense they - always had the authority and sanction of the officers of the law - for so doing. Yet they, to the number of about fifteen thousand - souls, have been driven from their homes in Missouri. Their - property, to the amount of two millions of dollars, has been taken - from them, or destroyed. Some of them have been murdered, beaten, - bruised, or lamed and have all been driven forth, wandering over - the world without homes, without property. -</p> -<p> But the loss of property does not comprise half their sufferings. - They were human beings, possessed of human feelings and human - sympathies. Their agony of soul was the bitterest drop in the cup - of their sorrows. -</p> -<p> For these wrongs, the "Mormons" ought to have some redress; yet - how and where shall they seek and obtain it? Your constitution - guarantees to every citizen, even the humblest, the enjoyment of - life, liberty, and property. It promises to all, religious freedom, - the right to all to worship God beneath their own vine and fig - tree, according to the dictates of their conscience. It guarantees - to all the citizens of the several states the right to become - citizens of any one of the states, and to enjoy all the rights and - immunities of the citizens of the state of his adoption. Yet of all - these rights have the "Mormons" been deprived. They have, without - a cause, without a trial, been deprived of life, liberty and - property. They have been persecuted for their religious opinions. - They have been driven from the state of Missouri, at the point of - the bayonet, and prevented from enjoying and exercising the rights - of citizens of the state of Missouri. It is the theory of our laws, - that for the protection of every legal right, there is provided a - legal remedy. What, then, we would respectfully ask, is the remedy - of the "Mormons?" Shall they apply to the legislature of the state - of Missouri for redress? They have done so. They have petitioned, - and these petitions have been treated with silence and contempt. - Shall they apply to the federal courts? They were, at the time of - the injury, citizens of the state of Missouri. Shall they apply - to the court of the state of Missouri? Whom <span class="pagenum"><a name="38"></a>{38}</span> shall they sue? - The order for their destruction, then extermination, was granted - by the executive of the state of Missouri. Is not this a plea of - justification for the loss of individuals, done in pursuance of - that order? If not, before whom shall the "Mormons" institute a - trial? Shall they summon a jury of the individuals who composed the - mob? An appeal to them were in vain. They dare not go to Missouri - to institute a suit; their lives would be in danger. -</p> -<p> For ourselves we see no redress, unless it is awarded by the - Congress of the United States. And here we make our appeal as - <em>American Citizens</em>, as <em>Christians</em>, and as <em>Men</em>—believing that - the high sense of justice which exists in your honorable body, - will not allow such oppression to be practiced upon any portion of - the citizens of this vast republic with impunity; but that some - measures which your wisdom may dictate, may be taken, so that the - great body of people who have been thus abused, may have redress - for the wrongs which they have suffered. And to your decision they - look with confidence; hoping it may be such as shall tend to dry up - the tear of the widow and orphan, and again place in situations of - peace, those who have been driven from their homes, and have had to - wade through scenes of sorrow and distress. -</p> -<p> And your Memoralists, as in duty bound, will ever pray. -</p></blockquote> -<h3>Footnotes: -</h3> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERIIfn1"></a><a href="#CHAPTERIIfn1">1</a>. William Law was born September 8th, 1809, and was converted to the -gospel through the preaching of Elder John Taylor and Almon W. Babbitt. -He lived in Canada some twenty-five miles south of Toronto, and was now -leading a company of saints from Canada to Nauvoo. -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERIIfn2"></a><a href="#CHAPTERIIfn2">2</a>. Concerning the antecedent of James Adams nothing can be learned -from our church annals. This is unfortunate, since he was truly a -noble character, and remained until his death (1843) a most faithful -friend of the Prophet's. In a book of Patriarchal blessings, given by -Hyrum Smith, is recorded a blessing upon the head of a James Adams, -who in every way would be such a man as the James Adams mentioned in -the text—I mean as to age, and character indicated in the blessing. -This James Adams of the blessing, and who I am personally convinced was -the Prophet's friend of the text, was the son of Parmenio and Chloe -Adams, born at Limsbury Township, Hartford county, Connecticut, 24th of -January, 1783. He is declared by the Patriarch to be of the tribe of -Judah. The blessing was given the 2nd October, 1841. -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERIIfn3"></a><a href="#CHAPTERIIfn3">3</a>. See Vol. III., page 212. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="39"></a>{39}</span> -</p> - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTERIII"></a>CHAPTER III. -</h2> -<p class="chapterHeading">The Prophet's Efforts at Washington to Obtain Redress of Grievances for -the Saints—Affidavits on Missouri Affairs. -</p> -<p><em>Saturday, November 30, 1839</em>.—Elders Young and George A. Smith went -to Brother Isaac Haight's at Moravia. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, December 1, 1839</em>.—The High Council at Nauvoo met at Oliver -Granger's and voted that Hyrum Smith, George W. Harris, and Oliver -Granger, be a committee to send a petition to the legislature to define -new boundary lines of the city of Nauvoo, and also of Commerce, and -do all other needful acts relative to those cities; that Hyrum Smith -furnish the maps and plats for the alteration, and that Seymour Brunson -circulate the petition for signatures. -</p> -<p>Voted that Bishop Edward Partridge publish a piece in the <em>Times and -Seasons</em>, informing the brethren in the west, that it is improper to -remove from the west for the purpose of locating in Kirtland, Ohio, and -that those who do thus remove, will be disfellowshiped by the council. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>The Prophet's Letter to Hyrum Smith—Reporting State of Affairs at - Washington</em>. -</p> -<p> Washington City, Corner Missouri And 3rd Sts. -</p> -<p> December 5th, 1839. -</p> -<p> Dear Brother Hyrum, President, and to the Honorable High Council - of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—to whom be - fellowship, love, and the peace of Almighty God extended, and the - prayer of faith forever and ever. Amen. -</p> -<p> Your fellow laborers, Joseph Smith, Jun., Elias Higbee, and agents - as well as the servants that are sent by you, to perform one of - the most <span class="pagenum"><a name="40"></a>{40}</span> arduous and responsible duties, and also to labor - in the most honorable cause that ever graced the pages of human - existence, respectfully show by these lines, that we have taken up - our cross thus far, and that we arrived in this city on the morning - of the 28th November, and spent the most of that day in looking up - a boarding house, which we succeeded in finding. We found as cheap - boarding as can be had in this city. -</p> -<p> On Friday morning, 29th, we proceeded to the house of the - President. We found a very large and splendid palace, surrounded - with a splendid enclosure, decorated with all the fineries and - elegancies of this world. We went to the door and requested to see - the President, when we were immediately introduced into an upper - apartment, where we met the President, and were introduced into his - parlor, where we presented him with our letters of introduction. - As soon as he had read one of them, he looked upon us with a half - frown, and said, "What can I do? I can do nothing for you! If I do - anything, I shall come in contact with the whole state of Missouri." -</p> -<p> But we were not to be intimidated; and demanded a hearing, and - constitutional rights. Before we left him he promised to reconsider - what he had said, and observed that he felt to sympathize with us, - on account of our sufferings. -</p> -<p> We have spent the remainder of our time in hunting up the - Representatives in order to get our case brought before the House; - in giving them letters of introduction, etc., and in getting - acquainted. A meeting of the delegation of the state of Illinois - was appointed today, to consult for bringing our case before - Congress. The gentlemen from Illinois are worthy men, and have - treated us with the greatest kindness, and are ready to do all that - is in their power; but you are aware, brethren, that they with us - have all the prejudices, superstition, and bigotry of an ignorant - generation to contend with; nevertheless we believe our case will - be brought before the House, and we will leave the event with God; - He is our Judge, and the Avenger of our wrongs. -</p> -<p> For a general thing there is but little solidity and honorable - deportment among those who are sent here to represent the people; - but a great deal of pomposity and show. -</p> -<p> We left President Rigdon and others on the road, and received a - letter from them this day. They were, at the date of the letter, on - the 20th of November, near Washington, in Pennsylvania, expecting - to stop a day or two at his brother's on account of his ill health. - He has occasionally a chill yet, but his illness is not dangerous. - We expect him here soon. -</p> -<p> We have already commenced forming some very honorable - acquaintances, and have thus far been prospered as much as we had - anticipated, if not more. We have had a pleasing interview with - Judge Young, who <span class="pagenum"><a name="41"></a>{41}</span> proposed to furnish us with expense money. - We can draw on him for funds to publish our book, and we want you - to raise some more money for us, and deposit it in the Branch Bank - in Quincy, to be drawn to the order of Judge Young. Send us the - amount of your deposit, taking a receipt of the same. You need not - be afraid to do this. We think from the proceeds of the sale of - books, we can make it all straight. Do therefore be punctual, as - much depends upon it. We cannot accomplish the things for which - we were sent without some funds. You very well know, brethren, we - were contented to start, trusting in God, with little or nothing. - We have met with but one accident since we started. The lock of - our trunk was broken off, and Brother Lyman Wight's petition is - missing; but we trust there is a copy of it preserved; if there is, - you will please forward it immediately, with the name and affidavit - to it. -</p> -<p> For God's sake, brethren, be wide awake, and arm us with all the - power possible, for now is the time or never. We want you should - get all the influential men you can of that section of country, of - Iowa, and of every other quarter, to write letters to the members - of Congress, using their influence in our behalf, and to keep their - minds constantly upon the subject. -</p> -<p> Please to forward this to our wives. -</p> -<p> Yours in the bonds of the Everlasting Covenant, -</p> -<p> Joseph Smith, Jun., -</p> -<p> Elias Higbee. -</p> -<p> P. S.—Congress has been in session for four days, and the House - of Representatives is not yet organized, in consequence of some - seats being contested in the New Jersey delegation. They have this - day succeeded in electing John Q. Adams to the chair <em>pro tem</em>.; - but whether they will get their Speaker and Clerk chosen is yet - unknown, as there is a great deal of wind blown off on the occasion - on each day. There is such an itching disposition to display their - oratory on the most trivial occasions, and so much etiquette, - bowing and scraping, twisting and turning, to make a display of - their witticism, that it seems to us rather a display of folly and - show, more than substance and gravity, such as becomes a great - nation like ours. (However there are some exceptions). -</p> -<p> A warm feeling has been manifested in the discussion of the House - today, and it seems as much confusion as though the nation had - already began to be vexed. We came with one of the Missouri members - from Wheeling to this place, who was drunk but once, and that - however was most of the time; there was but one day but what he - could navigate, and that day he was keeled over, so he could eat no - dinner. The horses ran away with the stage; they ran about three - miles; <span class="pagenum"><a name="42"></a>{42}</span> Brother Joseph climbed out of the stage, got the lines, - and stopped the horses, and also saved the life of a lady and - child. He was highly commended by the whole company for his great - exertions and presence of mind through the whole affair. Elias - Higbee jumped out of the stage at a favorable moment, just before - they stopped, with a view to assist in stopping them, and was but - slightly injured. We were not known to the state company until - after our arrival. -</p> -<p> In our interview with the President, he interrogated us wherein - we differed in our religion from the other religions of the day. - Brother Joseph said we differed in mode of baptism, and the gift of - the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands. We considered that all - other considerations were contained in the gift of the Holy Ghost, - and we deemed it unnecessary to make many words in preaching the - Gospel to him. Suffice it to say he has got our testimony. We watch - the post office, but have received no letters from our sections of - the country. Write instantly. -</p> -<p> Yours with respect, -</p> -<p> J. S. Jun., -</p> -<p> E. H. -</p></blockquote> -<p class="sidenote">Affairs in Iowa. -</p> -<p><em>Tuesday, 3</em>.—High Council of Iowa met at Elijah Fordham's and voted -to come up to the law of tithing, so far as circumstances would permit, -for the benefit of the poor, and that Alanson Ripley remove to Iowa; -and he was ordained Bishop by the Presidency of the Council. -</p> -<p>Elder Daniel Avery was instructed to call the Elders together and -organize the Elder's Quorum. -</p> -<p><em>Saturday, 7</em>.—The President of the High Council of Iowa proposed the -following questions—Have the brethren a right to exact the payment -of debts which were due them from others, and were consecrated to the -Bishop in the state of Missouri? Six counselors spoke. The President -decided that all such debts ought not to be called for, and that -persons making such demands shall be disfellowshiped by the Church; -which was approved by the Council. Also that all those who sold goods -in Missouri, and were calling for their pay, should be considered as -acting in unrighteousness, and ought to be disfellowshiped; <span class="pagenum"><a name="43"></a>{43}</span> as the -property of the Saints had been confiscated by Missouri. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Letter of the Prophet and Elias Higbee to the High Council at - Nauvoo—Preliminary Hearing of Grievances</em>. -</p> -<p> Washington City, Corner Of Missouri And 3rd Sts., -</p> -<p> December 7th, 1839. -</p> -<p> <em>To Seymour Brunson and the Honorable High Council of the Church of - Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</em>: -</p> -<p> Your humble servants, Joseph Smith, Jun., and Elias Higbee, again - address you for the purpose of informing you of our proceedings - here in relation to our business and prospects of success. We deem - it unimportant to say anything in relation to our journey, arrival, - and interview with his Excellency, the President of these United - States; as they were mentioned in a letter lately addressed to - President Hyrum Smith and the High Council. We mentioned in that - letter the appointment of a meeting to be held by the Illinois - delegation, to consult upon the best measures of getting our - business brought before Congress. They met yesterday in one of the - committee rooms of the Capitol. All the delegation were present - except ex-Governor Reynolds—who is now one of the Representatives - in Congress—and on account of whose absence, the meeting was - adjourned until today at eleven o'clock; however the subject was - partially introduced, and Mr. Robinson took a stand against us, - so far as concerned our presenting claims to be liquidated by the - United States. -</p> -<p> We took a stand against him, asserting our constitutional rights. - Brother Joseph maintained the ground in argument against him firmly - and respectfully, setting forth the injuries that we have received, - and the appeals that we have made to the judiciary of Missouri, - and also the governor; their refusals from time to time to do - us justice; also the impracticability of doing anything in the - judiciary courts of Missouri—which tribunal Mr. Robinson thought - was the only proper place for our claims; but he finally said it - was his first impression on the subject, not having considered the - matter, but would take it into further consideration. -</p> -<p> Judge Young of the Senate made some remarks in our favor, saying - he would get the opinion of some of the prominent members of - the Senate, who were also lawyers, and would report to us the - next meeting. We met this day according to appointment, and very - friendly feelings were manifested on the occasion. Our business was - taken up, and <span class="pagenum"><a name="44"></a>{44}</span> Judge Young stated that he had asked the opinion - of Judge White of Tennessee, of Mr. Wright, and several other - members whose names we do not recollect, but were prominent members - of the Senate. They all declined giving an opinion at present, as - it was a matter that they had not considered sufficiently to decide - upon at this time. The meeting, then, after some deliberations, - decided in our favor, which decision was that a Memorial and - Petition be drawn up in a concise manner, (our Representatives - promising so to do), and Judge Young present them to the Senate, - that they might thereby refer it to the proper committee, with all - the accompanying documents, and order the same to be printed. -</p> -<p> We want you to assist us now; and also to forward us your - certificates, that you hold for your lands in Missouri: your claims - to preemption rights, and affidavits to prove that soldiers were - quartered on us and in our houses without our consent, or any - special act of law for that purpose; contrary to the Constitution - of the United States. We think Brother Ripley and others will - recollect the circumstances and facts relative to this matter. You - will also recollect the circumstances of Brother Joseph and others - being refused the privilege of <em>habeas corpus</em> by the authorities - of Missouri. -</p> -<p> These facts must be authenticated by affidavits. Let any particular - transaction of the outrages in Missouri that can be sworn to by the - sufferers, or those who were eye-witnesses to the facts, be sent, - specifying the particulars. Have the evidence <em>bona fide</em> to the - point. -</p> -<p> The House of Representatives is not organized. Much feeling and - confusion have prevailed in the House for a few days past. The - House succeeded in electing John Q. Adams chairman <em>pro tem</em>. - on the 5th instant. They have not yet elected their Speaker or - Clerk. The Senate can do nothing of consequence until the House - is organized; neither can the President's message until then be - received. We design taking a paper and forwarding it to you. -</p> -<p> Your brethren in the bonds of the everlasting covenant, -</p> -<p> Joseph Smith, Jun., -</p> -<p> Elias Higbee. -</p></blockquote> -<p class="sidenote">Brigham Young in New York. -</p> -<p>Brother Isaac Haight took Elders Young and George A. Smith to Brother -Joseph Murdock's, Hamilton, Madison county, New York, where Elder Young -preached on Sunday, 8th, and spent the week in preaching, and visiting -the brethren. Elder George A. Smith was confined to his room, sick. -</p> -<p>This day, the High Council of Nauvoo issued an Epistle <span class="pagenum"><a name="45"></a>{45}</span> to the -Saints west of Kirtland not to return thither. (See <em>Times and -Seasons</em>, page 29).<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERIIIfn1"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERIIIfn1">1</a>]</sup> -</p> -<p>Elders Hiram Clark, Alexander Wright, and Samuel Mulliner arrived in -Preston from America. Their licenses were mislaid on their journey, and -they had some difficulty in making themselves known. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="46"></a>{46}</span> Some time this month, Brother Hyrum Smith wrote a long Epistle "To -the Saints scattered abroad, Greeting," setting forth his sufferings, -etc., in the State of Missouri, and published the same in the <em>Times -and Seasons</em>, on page 20 and onward.<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERIIIfn2"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERIIIfn2">2</a>]</sup> -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 15</em>.—President Young preached at Brother Gifford's, in -Waterville. -</p> -<p>The High Council at Nauvoo voted that Bishop Knight provide for the -families of Joseph Smith, Jun., Sidney Rigdon, and Orrin Porter -Rockwell, during their absence at Washington. -</p> -<p>Elder James Mulholland, my scribe, having died, it was voted that debts -contracted for building his house be settled. Also approved of Brothers -Annis, Bozier, and Edmunds building a water mill adjoining the city. -</p> -<p><em>Monday 16</em>.—President Young returned to Hamilton. -</p> -<p><em>Wednesday, 18</em>.—Elders Woodruff, John Taylor, and Theodore Turley -sailed from New York for England. -</p> -<p><em>Friday, 20</em>.—President Young went to Eaton, to see his cousins Fitch, -Salmon, and Phinehas Brigham. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="47"></a>{47}</span> For particulars of our proceedings while at Washington, see my -letters and Judge Higbee's to friends at Commerce, or Nauvoo, as the -place is now frequently called. -</p> -<p><em>Saturday, 21</em>.—I arrived in Philadelphia, direct from Washington -City, by the railroad, where I spent several days preaching and -visiting from house to house, among the brethren and others. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Letter of Hyrum Smith to Parley P. Pratt—On Printing the Book of - Mormon in New York</em>. -</p> -<p> Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, -</p> -<p> December 22nd, 1839. -</p> -<p> Dear Brother Parley:—In consequence of the absence of my brother - Joseph, your letter has come into my hands, to which I intend to - reply, and give such instructions, and advise you respecting the - matters and things of which you write, as I feel led by the Spirit - of the Lord [to give]. -</p> -<p> I was truly glad to hear of the prosperity of the churches in and - about the vicinity of New York. Truly these things are pleasing - to the Saints, and I presume to none more so than yourself, who - was the instrument in the hands of God in planting the standard of - truth in those regions, around which so many are now rallying. -</p> -<p> You express a desire to have the Book of Mormon, etc., printed - in New York, etc., etc., and have taken some steps towards - accomplishing that object. As respects this matter I would say, - that it is one of great importance, and should be properly - considered. Not only is the city of New York destitute of this - book, but there is truly a famine throughout the Union, and another - large edition is certainly required. But at the same time I cannot - give any encouragement for the publication of the same, other - than at this place, or where it can come out under the immediate - inspection of Joseph and his Counselors, so that no one may be - chargeable with any mistakes that may occur. I want the books we - print here should be a standard to all nations in which they may be - printed, and to all tongues into which the same may be translated. -</p> -<p> Again, as this place is appointed a Stake and a place of gathering - for the Saints, I think that every facility should be rendered it, - in order that the Saints may be able to accomplish the great works - which have to be performed in this generation. I should therefore - strongly advise, yea, urge you and all the Elders of Israel, when - they meet with those who have means, and a disposition to forward - this work, to send them to this place, where they may receive - counsel from time to time. -</p> -<p> If when Brothers Joseph and Rigdon return, we should deem it - <span class="pagenum"><a name="48"></a>{48}</span> prudent to avail ourselves of the facilities offered in New - York for re-printing the Book of Mormon, it is probable that a - delegation will be sent to accomplish that object. In the meantime - you will be at liberty to go to Europe, for thereunto are you sent. -</p> -<p> The above observations will apply to the book of Doctrine and - Covenants, Hymn Book, etc., which publications I long to see - flowing through the land like a stream, imparting knowledge, - intelligence, and joy to all who shall drink at the stream. As to - publishing the Book of Mormon in Europe and other nations, I should - entirely acquiesce to your proposition. I do not know of any more - suitable persons for attending to that business than the Twelve. If - it should be deemed wisdom to have the same published in England - or elsewhere soon, you will be further advised on the subject, and - full powers given you immediately on the return of Joseph, who - is at present in the city of Washington, in company with Elder - Rigdon and Judge Higbee, endeavoring to get the subject of our late - persecutions brought before the councils of the nation. -</p> -<p> The families of the Twelve are generally well, but not altogether - so comfortably situated as I could wish, owing to the poverty of - the Church. I think it would be well for those who have means to - spare, to forward the same to their families. -</p> -<p> My love to all the brethren. I am your affectionate brother in the - bonds of the covenant, -</p> -<p> Hyrum Smith. -</p> -<p> Addressed to Elder P. P. Pratt, New York City. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Monday, 23</em>.—President Young went to Waterville with Brother Gifford. -About this time Brothers Rockwell and Higbee arrived at Philadelphia -with my carriage from Washington, where they had been some time, -leaving Elder Rigdon there sick, and Dr. Robert E. Foster to take care -of him. -</p> -<p><em>Wednesday, 25</em>.—Elders Wright and Mulliner left Preston for Scotland, -and soon commenced preaching and baptising in Paisley and vicinity. -</p> -<p>President Young went six miles north of Rome [New York] to see Brother -Blakesly; returned on the 27th to Waterville, and on the 28th went to -Hamilton. -</p> -<p><em>Saturday, 28</em>.—Heber John, son of Willard and Jennetta Richards, died -at Preston, England, aged five months and nine days. He had been sick -nine days with the smallpox, and was buried in Elswick Chapel yard. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="49"></a>{49}</span> <em>Sunday, 29</em>.—The High Council of Nauvoo voted to print ten -thousand copies of the hymn-books, and an edition of the Book of -Mormon, under the inspection of the First Presidency at Nauvoo, so soon -as means can be obtained. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">The Prophet in New Jersey. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, 30</em>.—About this time I left Philadelphia with Brother Orson -Pratt, and visited a branch of the Church in Monmouth county, New -Jersey, where I spent several days, and returned to Philadelphia. -</p> -<p>The High Council of Nauvoo voted that a committee be appointed to -transact the business relating to the request of the brethren at -Washington as follows—Alanson Ripley, in Iowa; Seymour Brunson and -Charles C. Rich, at Quincy; Zenas H. Gurley, at Macomb; and that -President Hyrum Smith, and Bishops Edward Partridge and Vinson Knight -give the committee their instructions. -</p> -<p><em>Wednesday, January 1, 1840</em>.—George A. Smith (who had partially -recovered from his illness) and Elder Brigham Young left Hamilton. The -brethren helped them on their way, and gave them considerable clothing. -</p> -<p><em>Thursday, 2</em>.—Brother James Gifford brought them to Utica. -</p> -<p>As more positive and official testimony was wanted by the authorities -at Washington, many of the brethren made affidavits concerning their -sufferings in, and expulsion from, Missouri, a few of which I will -insert in my history: -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Affidavit of Simeon Carter on his Sufferings in Missouri</em>. -</p> -<p> I, Simeon Carter, certify that I have been a resident of the state - of Missouri for six years and upwards, and that I have suffered - many things by a lawless mob; both myself and my family have been - driven from place to place, and suffered the loss of much property, - and finally were expelled from the state. I further certify, that - I belong to the Church of the Latter-day Saints, commonly called - "Mormons." And I certify that in the year eighteen hundred and - thirty-eight, both I and my people suffered much, by the people of - the state of Missouri. And I further certify, that in this same - year, in the month of November, between the first and sixth, we - were surrounded by a soldiery of the state of <span class="pagenum"><a name="50"></a>{50}</span> Missouri, in the - city of Far West, in Caldwell county, both myself and many of my - "Mormon" brethren, and were compelled by the soldiery—which were - armed with all the implements of war to shed blood—under a public - declaration for our entire extermination, to sign away our all, - our property, personal and real estate, and to leave the state of - Missouri immediately. -</p> -<p> I certify that I had at that time one hundred and sixty-two acres - of land, the same which I held the certificate for. I further - certify that I was obliged to give up my duplicates to help me to a - small sum to carry me out of the state. I further certify not. -</p> -<p> Simeon Carter. -</p> -<p> Territory of Iowa, Lee County. -</p> -<p> Sworn to and subscribed before me, a justice of the peace for said - county, this and day of January, 1840. -</p> -<p> D. W. Kilbourn, J. P. -</p> -<p> <em>Letter of Hyrum Smith to the Prophet and Judge Higbee</em>. -</p> -<p> Nauvoo. Hancock County, Illinois, -</p> -<p> January 3rd, 1840. -</p> -<p> <em>To President Joseph Smith, Jun., and Judge Higbee</em>: -</p> -<p> Dear Brethren:—It is with feelings of no ordinary kind, that I - write you at this time, in answer to the letters with which we were - favored. Your letters were truly interesting, and were read with - great interest by the brethren here, as well as myself. -</p> -<p> We were truly glad to hear of your safe arrival in the city of - Washington, your interview with His Excellency the President, and - the steps you have since taken for the furtherance of the object - you have undertaken to accomplish, and for which you have left the - endearments of home, and the society of your friends. The mission - on which you are engaged is certainly an important one, and one - which every Saint of God, as well as everyone whose breast beats - high with those patriotic feelings which purchased our national - freedom, must take a deep interest in. And although there may be - many who do not value your labors—their sectarian prejudices - being greater than their love for truth and the Constitution of - our country; yet there are many who will undoubtedly appreciate - your services, and will feel it a pleasure to assist you all - that they possibly can. Conscious of the righteousness of your - cause—having the prayer of the Saints, (amongst whom are many who - have shared with you the trials, persecutions, and imprisonments - which have been heaped upon the Saints in Missouri), and having - the approval of heaven, I would say, go on, dear brethren, in the - name of the Lord; and while you are pleading the cause of the - widow and the fatherless, may <span class="pagenum"><a name="51"></a>{51}</span> He who has promised to be a - father to the fatherless and a husband to the widow, bless you in - your undertakings, and arm you with sufficient strength for the - herculean task in which you are engaged. Your exertions will be - seconded by the brethren in this region, who are disposed to do all - they possibly can. -</p> -<p> I had just got ready to start for Springfield when I received your - letter. I no sooner read it than I abandoned the idea of going - there. I then made exertion to obtain funds for you in this place; - but not being able to get any, and hearing that there were brethren - in Quincy lately from New York, I started off the following day - and succeeded in obtaining from Brother Herringshaw three hundred - dollars, which I deposited with Messrs. Holmes & Co., merchants - in Quincy, subject to the order of Judge Young. The reason why I - deposited it with them was in consequence of the banks not doing - any business and refusing to take deposits, etc. I hope that we - shall be able to raise you some more soon. Brother William Law has - promised to let us have one hundred dollars as soon as he gets a - remittance from the east, which he expects daily. -</p> -<p> We have not been able to get much on the city lots since you left; - not more than enough to pay some wages for surveying, and a few - debts. Brother Lyman Wight returned the subscription paper a few - days ago, stating that he had not collected anything since you - left. In consequence of my health, which has been poor, and the - coldness of the weather, I have not been able to attend to it - myself. I hardly think we shall be able to raise the one thousand - dollars for Mr. William White by the time he will expect it. Elder - Granger is yet in Commerce, not being able to move in consequence - of the low stage of water in the Ohio river. -</p> -<p> I received a letter lately from Parley P. Pratt, stating that he - was in the City of New York, and had published another edition of - his book, and wanted permission to print an edition of the Book of - Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants, with a periodical similar to the - <em>Times and Seasons</em>, stating that there were men who had means, - that would assist in these things. He likewise wanted to get the - privilege for the Twelve to print the Book of Mormon in Europe. I - wrote in reply, that if there were any of the brethren disposed - to aid, and had means to spare for such purposes, to send them to - this place, so that not only this place might be benefitted, but - that the books might come out under your immediate inspection. I - am afraid some have been induced to tarry and assist Parley in - these undertakings; and had made arrangements with Elder Granger to - assist in liquidating the New York debts. -</p> -<p> I want a letter from you, Brother Joseph, as soon as possible, - giving me all the instructions you think necessary. I feel the - burden in your absence is great. Father expresses a great desire to - go to Kirtland, <span class="pagenum"><a name="52"></a>{52}</span> along with Brother Granger, who has promised - to pay his and mother's expenses; would you think it advisable for - them to go or not? -</p> -<p> The High Council met a few days ago, and took your second letter - into consideration, and passed some resolutions on the subject; - appointed committees to get certificates for land, and to get - all other information they could. Some have gone to Quincy, and - others to different places. We shall forward from time to time the - information you desire. -</p> -<p> You will receive enclosed in this a number of duplicates for land - from Bishop Partridge and others. The Mississippi is frozen up. - The weather is very cold, and a great quantity of snow is on the - ground, and has been for some time. Your family is in tolerable - good health, excepting one or two having the chills occasionally. -</p> -<p> Bishop Knight desires me to inform you, that Brothers Granger and - Haws have driven into Commerce a large number of hogs. They are now - engaged in slaughtering them. I think there will be a good deal of - trade carried on in this line another year. -</p> -<p> You may expect to hear from us soon again. I sent you a copy of the - deposit I made in Holmes & Co., which I hope you will receive safe. -</p> -<p> I am very affectionately, -</p> -<p> Hyrum Smith. -</p> -<p> P. S.—We have concluded not to send any duplicates in this letter. - The packages of duplicates will be directed to Judge Higbee, - thinking they will come more safe to his address. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Friday, 3</em>.—Elders Brigham Young and George A. Smith went from Utica -to Albany, on the railway, and put up at the Railroad House. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Affidavit of William F. Cahoon—Missouri Wrongs</em>. -</p> -<p> I hereby certify that in the year 1838 I was residing in Daviess - county, Missouri, and while from home I was taken prisoner in Far - West by the militia, and kept under guard for six or eight days, in - which time I was forced to sign a deed of trust, after which I was - permitted to return home to my family in Daviess county, and found - them surrounded by an armed force, with the rest of my neighbors, - who were much frightened. The order from the militia was to leave - the county within ten days, in which time my house was broken open, - and many goods taken out by the militia. We were not permitted to - go from place to place without a pass from the general, and on - leaving the county, I received a pass as follows: -</p> -<p> "I permit William F. Cahoon to pass from Daviess to Caldwell - county, <span class="pagenum"><a name="53"></a>{53}</span> and there remain during the winter, and thence to pass - out of the state of Missouri. -</p> -<p> "Signed November 10th, 1838. -</p> -<p> "Reeves, a Brigadier-General." -</p> -<p> During this time both myself and my family suffered much on account - of cold and hunger because we were not permitted to go outside of - the guard to obtain wood and provision; and according to orders of - the militia, in the spring following, I took my family and left the - state with the loss of much property. -</p> -<p> William F. Cahoon. -</p> -<p> Territory of Iowa, Lee county, subscribed and sworn before -</p> -<p> D. W. Kilbourn, J. P. -</p> -<p> <em>Letter of C. Adams to the Prophet—Cause of the Saints before the - Illinois Legislature</em>. -</p> -<p> Springfield, 4th January, 1840. -</p> -<p> Respected Sir.—I had the gratification of the receipt of yours of - the 16th of December, which gave me pleasure to learn that your - prospects were, at that early period, in a measure flattering. - I also saw yours of the 19th December to Mr. Weber. We are now - consulting and feeling the pulsations relative to your case being - brought before the legislature, now in session, by a series - of resolutions, instructing our senators, and requesting our - representatives to urge relief in your case. -</p> -<p> What will be done, remains yet uncertain; still it is my strongest - impression, it will be found prudent to get the matter before our - legislature, for their action thereon. I am happy to learn that all - our delegation are friendly to your intended application for relief - in some shape; and it strikes me that the views of the President at - this period may be the best, and perhaps the only way that relief - could at this time be obtained; and in that event, be no injury - to a future application to be restored to all your rights, when - prejudice shall in a measure have subsided and the true state of - the matter be more readily received, even by those whose prejudices - may have closed the avenues to reason and justice in a matter - identified with the odium so commonly attached to the sound of - "Mormons." This odium will naturally wear off when they have time - to learn that "Mormons" are neither anthropophagi or cannibals. -</p> -<p> Your friends are generally well. -</p> -<p> I am, etc., -</p> -<p> C. Adams. -</p> -<p> To Joseph Smith, Jun. -</p></blockquote> -<p class="sidenote">Law Suits to be Abandoned -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="54"></a>{54}</span> <em>Saturday, 4</em>.—The High Council at Montrose voted to utterly discard -the practice of suing brethren at the law, and that such as do it, -shall be disfellowshiped by this branch of the Church; that Abraham O. -Smoot ordain Daniel Avery President of the Elders' Quorum; and that the -sixth instant be devoted to taking affidavits concerning Missouri. -</p> -<p>Elder Young found the brethren in Albany; went to Troy, and -Lansingburg, where he heard Elder Phinehas Richards preach. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 5</em>.—Elder Young preached at Lansingburg, and returned to Troy -and held a meeting with the brethren. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, 6</em>.—Elder Young returned to Albany. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Extract from Elder Orson Pratt's Letter to his wife—Reporting - Movements of the Brethren in the Eastern States</em>. -</p> -<p> January 6th, 1840. -</p> -<p> I am well and hearty. After mailing the last letter to you in - Pennsylvania, I went to Philadelphia on Saturday, the 21st of - December; there I found President Joseph Smith, Jun.; he had just - arrived from Washington City, where he had been about three weeks. - Four or five days after, Judge Higbee, with Porter Rockwell, came - to Philadelphia; they are well. I wrote to Parley P. Pratt to - come and see President Smith; he did so, and probably will go to - Washington with him in a few days. I stayed with Brother Smith, in - Philadelphia, about eight days; we then took the railroad and went - some 35 or 40 miles, to a large branch of the Church in Monmouth - county, New Jersey, which numbers ninety members; there I left him - [President Smith] on New Year's day, and came to New York, where I - am at present. -</p> -<p> Elder Benjamin Winchester had, when I left Philadelphia, baptized - forty-five in that city, and several more had given in their names - for baptism, and scores believing. I preached in Chester county, - Pennsylvania, about two weeks, and I think I may safely say there - are hundreds believing. The work is prospering throughout all this - region. -</p> -<p> Elders Taylor, Woodruff, and Turley sailed for Liverpool, December - 18th, while I was in Pennsylvania. None of the rest of the Twelve - have yet arrived. Parley P. Pratt has another book printed, larger - than the Voice of Warning, entitled "The Millennium and other - Poems," and a piece on the "Eternal Duration of Matter."<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERIIIfn3"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERIIIfn3">3</a>]</sup> -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="55"></a>{55}</span> <em>Letter from John B. Weber to the Prophet—On Supplementing - the Latter's Effort to Obtain Redreses from Congress</em>. -</p> -<p> Springfield, January 6, 1840. -</p> -<p> Gentlemen:—Your letter of the 19th ult. came to hand ten days - after date, immediately after which I called upon many of the - prominent members of the Democratic party, with a view to unite - them in their influence in your behalf; all of whom expressed a - willingness to aid in bringing about justice. But I regret to - inform you that but few have exhibited that energy in the matter - which might reasonably be expected from all lovers of liberty and - advocates of equal rights. -</p> -<p> Your energetic friends were first of the opinion that an - effort ought to be made by our legislature to memorialize our - representatives in <span class="pagenum"><a name="56"></a>{56}</span> Congress, to use all honorable means to - accomplish your desires; but after holding a consultation it was - believed that such a course would create a party strife here, and - consequently operate against you in Congress. Therefore it was - agreed that as many as had friends in Congress should write to them - immediately, desiring their aid in your behalf. -</p> -<p> If convenient you will please write again. Any information - respecting your mission will be thankfully received, and made known - to your people here. -</p> -<p> Very respectfully yours, -</p> -<p> John B. Weber. -</p> -<p> To the Rev. Joseph Smith and his Associates. -</p> -<p> <em>Affidavit of John M. Burk—Missouri Outrages</em>. -</p> -<p> I hereby certify that General John Clark and his Aid, on their - arrival at Far West in Caldwell county, Missouri, came to my tavern - stand, and without my leave, pitched their marquees in my yard and - did take my wood and hay to furnish the same, and did bring their - horses in also, and without my leave, took hay for them, and did - take possession of my house, and used it for a council house, and - did place a strong guard around it, so as to hinder any person from - going in or out, and I myself was not permitted to go in and out; - for all this I have received no remuneration, and was not even - permitted to pass out of town to water travelers' horses without a - permit. The above took place in the first part of November, 1838. -</p> -<p> I also certify that Caleb Baldwin, Lyman Wight, Hyrum Smith, Joseph - Smith, Jun., and Mr. Alexander McRae, in Clay county, Missouri, did - apply for a writ of <em>habeas corpus</em> and did not get it. -</p> -<p> John M. Burk. -</p> -<p> Sworn before D. W. Kilbourn, J. P. -</p> -<p> <em>Affidavit of John Lowry—Ditto</em>. -</p> -<p> I certify that I saw General John Clark and his Aid, on their - arrival at Far West, Caldwell county, Missouri, in the yard of John - M. Burk, and gave orders to their waiters to pitch their marquees - in his yard, and to take of his wood for fire. -</p> -<p> I also saw Captain Samuel Bogart, with his men, come near my - dwelling, and did pitch their camp, and took my house logs without - my leave, and did burn them. I also saw him with the horse of - Joseph Smith, Jun., in his possession. -</p> -<p> John Lowry. -</p> -<p> Sworn before D. W. Kilbourn, J. P. -</p> -<p> <em>Affidavit of Jedediah Owen—Ditto</em>. -</p> -<p> To whom it may concern—This is to certify, that on the day - following <span class="pagenum"><a name="57"></a>{57}</span> on which the troops arrived at Far West, that two - men of said troops came to my house, broke open my trunk, and took - therefrom both money and clothing, and also a number of papers, - among which were deeds and notes, and also a number of cooking - utensils, and in consequence of the cruel and inhuman treatment - which I and others have received from those troops, we are reduced - to a state of almost absolute starvation; and Daniel Avery and - myself were appointed as a committee to go out and beg corn and - meal, or anything we might obtain, that would render assistance or - relieve us in our suffering condition. -</p> -<p> Jedediah Owen. -</p> -<p> Sworn before D. W. Kilbourn, J. P. -</p> -<p> <em>Affidavit of T. Alvord—Ditto</em>. -</p> -<p> I removed my family from the state of Michigan to Clay county, - Missouri, in the year 1835, where I lived in peace with the people, - on my own land, eighteen months or more, when the people began to - be excited in consequence of the emigration of our people to that - county. The excitement became so great that I was obliged to sell - my place at half price, and removed to the county of Caldwell, - where I purchased me a farm, and settled my family, and made a good - improvement, and was in a good situation to support my family, - and there lived in peace with the people until the summer and - fall of 1838, when the mob began to rise, and we were obliged to - fly to arms in self defense; but notwithstanding our exertion, - they murdered and massacred many of our people. We applied to the - governor for assistance, and his reply to us was, "If you have got - into a scrape with the mob, you must fight it out yourselves, for - I cannot help you." The mob still increased, until I was obliged - to remove my family to Far West, and there remained, surrounded - with mobs of murderers, until General Clark arrived with his army, - with the governor's exterminating order. Then we were all taken - prisoners; our arms taken away; they then treated with all the - cruelty they were masters of, and took possession of whatever they - pleased, burnt timber, and laid waste town and country. -</p> -<p> I heard General Clark say that he would execute the Governor's - order; "but [said he] notwithstanding, I will vary so much as to - give some lenity for the removal of this people, and you must leave - the state immediately, for you need not expect to raise another - crop here." Those who were not taken to prison, were permitted to - return to their homes to make preparations to leave the state. - Finding I had no safety for myself and family in Missouri, I fled - to Illinois for safety. -</p> -<p> T. Alvord. -</p> -<p> Sworn to before D. W. Kilbourn, J. P. -</p></blockquote> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="58"></a>{58}</span> <em>Tuesday, January 7</em>.—Elder Young took stage for Richmond, -Massachusetts. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Affidavit of William Hawk—Missouri Affairs</em>. -</p> -<p> Montrose, Lee County, Iowa, January 7, 1840. -</p> -<p> I hereby certify, that some time in the month of October, 1838, an - armed force collected in the county of Carroll, near De Witt, and - in open daylight, drove a man by the name of Humphrey out of his - house, and set fire to it, and burnt it to ashes, and then sent - an express ordering all the "Mormons" to leave the place as soon - as the next day. The next day they sent another express ordering - them to leave in six hours, or they would be massacred upon the - ground. They also fired their guns at different persons traveling - the road near the town. The "Mormons" were at length compelled to - leave their possessions, and all removed to Caldwell, consisting of - seventy and perhaps one hundred families, many of whom were in want - of the sustenance of life, sick, and some died upon the way. -</p> -<p> About two weeks after this, another armed force invaded Far West, - took my gun, and compelled me to sign away my property, both real - and personal, and leave the state forthwith. -</p> -<p> William Hawk. -</p> -<p> Sworn to before D. W. Kilbourn. J. P. -</p> -<p> <em>Affidavit of Timothy B. Clark—Ditto</em>. -</p> -<p> Montrose, Lee County, Iowa Territory, January 7, 1840. -</p> -<p> This is to certify that I was at work on my farm on the last of - October, 1838, when an armed company under General Lucas, came and - took myself and my three sons prisoners, and threw down my fences, - and opened my gates, and left them open, and left my crops to be - destroyed, and while I was a prisoner, they declared that they had - made clean work in destroying the crops as they passed through the - country, and they took from me two yoke of oxen, and three horses - and two wagons, and compelled me and my sons to drive them loaded - with produce of my own farm, to supply their army. -</p> -<p> I had in possession at the time, four hundred and eighty acres of - land, and rising of a hundred acres improved, with a small orchard - and nursery, the necessary buildings of a farm, etc.; and in - consequence of my imprisonment my fences remained down, and most of - my crops were destroyed; and further this deponent saith not. -</p> -<p> Timothy B. Clark. -</p> -<p> Sworn to before D. W. Kilbourn, J. P. -</p> -<p> <em>Affidavit of Urban V. Stewart—Ditto</em>. -</p> -<p> Montrose, Lee County, Iowa Territory, January 7, 1840. -</p> -<p> This is to certify that about the middle of October, I was driven, - by <span class="pagenum"><a name="59"></a>{59}</span> the threats of the Daviess county armed force, to leave my - possessions, consisting of preemption right to a quarter section - of land with thirty acres under improvement, and a good house. I - went to Di-Ahman and remained until about the 1st of November, when - I was driven from there by an armed force under General Wilson. I - then went to Far West. While at Ondi-Ahman the armed force took - from me one cow and calf, and a yoke of oxen, one horse and five - sheep; they also took from me fifteen hogs. While at Far West, they - took two cows belonging to me, and I saw the soldiery killing the - live stock of the inhabitants without leave or remuneration, and - burning building timbers, fences, etc. -</p> -<p> Urban V. Stewart. -</p> -<p> Sworn to before D. W. Kilbourn, J. P. -</p> -<p> <em>Affidavit of John Smith—Ditto</em>. -</p> -<p> Lee County, Iowa Territory. -</p> -<p> This day personally appeared before me, D. W. Kilbourn, an - acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county, John Smith, - and after having been duly sworn, desposeth and saith, "That in - the months of October and November, 1838, I resided in the town - of Adam-ondi-Ahman. Daviess county, Missouri, and whilst being - peaceably engaged in the ordinary vocations of life, that in the - early part of November my house was entered by a body of armed - men painted after the manner or customs of the Indians of North - America, and proceeded to search my house for fire arms, stating - that they understood the Mormons knew how to hide their guns, and - in their search of a bed in which lay an aged, sick female, they - threw [her] to and fro in a very rough manner, without regard to - humanity or decency. Finding no arms, they went off without further - violence. -</p> -<p> "Shortly after this above described outrage, there was a number - of armed men, say about twenty, rode into my yard and inquired - for horses which they said they had lost, and stated, under - confirmation of an oath, that they would have the heads of twenty - 'Mormons,' if they did not find their horses. These last were - painted in like manner as the first. These transactions took place - when the citizens of the village and its vicinity were engaged in a - peaceable manner in the ordinary pursuits of life." -</p> -<p> This deponent further saith, "That the mob took possession of a - store of dry goods belonging to the Church of Latter-day Saints, - over which they placed a guard. I went into the store to get some - articles to distribute to the suffering poor, and the officer - who had the charge of the store ordered me out peremptorily, - stating it was too cold to wait on me, that I must come the next - morning; and returning the next morning, I found the store almost - entirely stripped of its contents. <span class="pagenum"><a name="60"></a>{60}</span> Thereupon we as a Church - were ordered to depart the county and state, under the pains and - penalty of death or a total extermination of our society. Having no - alternative, (having my wagon stolen), I was compelled to abandon - my property, except a few movables which I got off with in the best - way that I could, and on receiving a permit or pass which is hereto - appended. I then proceeded to depart the state. -</p> -<p> "'I permit John Smith to remove from Daviess to Caldwell county, - there remain during the winter, or remove out of the state - unmolested. -</p> -<p> "'Daviess county, November 9th, 1838. -</p> -<p> "R. Wilson, Brigadier-General. By F. G. Cochnu.' -</p> -<p> "I accordingly left the state in the month of February following in - a destitute condition." -</p> -<p> John Smith. -</p> -<p> Sworn to before D. W. Kilbourn, J. P. -</p> -<p> <em>Affidavit of Samuel Smith—Ditto</em>. -</p> -<p> Montrose, Lee County, Iowa, January 7, 1840. -</p> -<p> I do hereby certify, that I, Samuel Smith, made an improvement - and obtained a preemption right upon one hundred and sixty acres - of land in Daviess county, Missouri, in 1837. On the first of - November, 1838, I was compelled to leave the county, by order of - General Wilson, in ten days. They took without my consent, two - horses, which have never been returned, nor remunerated for; also - destroyed my crop of corn, drove off four head of cattle. -</p> -<p> Samuel Smith. -</p> -<p> Sworn to before D. W. Kilbourn, J. P. -</p> -<p> <em>Affidavit of Daniel Avery—Ditto</em>. -</p> -<p> Lee County, Iowa Territory, March 5th, 1840.<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERIIIfn4"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERIIIfn4">4</a>]</sup> -</p> -<p> I, Daniel Avery, do hereby certify that the following - scenes transpired in the state of Missouri to my personal - knowledge—First, in the year 1838, some time in the fall, I was - called on by the martial law of the state of Missouri, to aid and - assist to rescue women and children from the hands of a mob, from - the waters of Grand river, whose husbands and fathers had been - driven off. We found the house invested by the mob, some of whom - were in the house threatening the lives of the women and children, - if they did not leave their property and effects immediately and - follow their husbands and fathers. One family lost a <span class="pagenum"><a name="61"></a>{61}</span> child - while in this situation, for the want of care; the women being - compelled, by these monsters, to provide and cook them food. This - company of the mob was commanded by James Weldin. -</p> -<p> I also saw about seventy families driven from De Witt by a mob - commanded by Sashiel Wood. I helped to bury one woman the first - night, who had been confined in childbed a night or two before, and - could not endure the sufferings. -</p> -<p> The next scene I saw I was peaceably traveling the road; a man by - the name of Patrick O'Banion was shot dead at my feet. We advanced - a little further, when two men were killed and several wounded. - I afterwards learned that this gang of mobbers was commanded by - Samuel Bogart. -</p> -<p> In consequence of being pursued out of the state, by this lawless - mob, I was not an eye witness to the many thousand wicked acts - committed by the Governor's exterminating militia. -</p> -<p> Daniel Avery. -</p> -<p> Sworn to before D. W. Kilbourn, J. P. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Wednesday, March 11</em>. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Affidavit of James Powell—Ditto</em>. -</p> -<p> Illinois, Adams County, March 11, 1840. -</p> -<p> I, James Powell, do certify, that I was a citizen of the state of - Missouri in 1838. I solemnly declare that while I was peaceably - traveling to one of my nearest neighbors, I was assaulted by a - company of men, to the number of five—Autherston Wrathey, John - Gardner, Philomen Ellis, Jesse Clark, and Ariel Sanders. First they - threw a stone and hit me between the shoulders, which very much - disabled me; they then shot at me, but did not hit me. One of them - then struck me with his gun, and broke my skull about six inches—a - part of my brain ran out. I have had fourteen pieces of bone taken - out of my skull. My system is so reduced that I have not done a - day's work since. -</p> -<p> I know no reason why they should have done [this act], as I did not - belong to the Mormon Church, neither had I ever heard one preach. - In this situation I was forced to leave the state forthwith. I was - carried three days without having my head dressed. When I arrived - at Huntsville, Doctor Head offered me assistance. I refer to him - for further testimony. -</p> -<p> James Powell. -</p> -<p> Attest, John Smith. -</p> -<p> We certify that the foregoing affidavit of James Powell's is true - and correct, as we stood by and saw it with our eyes. We also heard - them <span class="pagenum"><a name="62"></a>{62}</span> say they would kill the Mormons, if they did not clear - out. We carried the wounded man in our wagon, till he was out of - reach of the mob. -</p> -<p> Peter Wimmer, -</p> -<p> Susan Wimmer, -</p> -<p> Ellen Wimmer. -</p> -<p> Sworn to before William Oglesby, J. P. -</p> -<p> <em>Affidavit of John Smith—Ditto</em>. -</p> -<p> Illinois, Columbus, Adams County, March 11, 1840. -</p> -<p> I, John Smith, certify that I was a resident in the state - of Missouri in 1838, when I was driven from my house, and a - pre-emption right, and forbid to stay in the state, [the mob] - threatening me if I did not go forthwith. I took my family and - pursued my journey one hundred miles. In consequence of cold, snow, - water and ice at the inclement season in which I was driven, I fell - sick, and for four weeks I was unable to travel; during which time - I was threatened daily; yet I was so sick it was considered by many - that I could not live, and was compelled to start when I was not - able to sit up through the day. I landed in Illinois; the long and - fatiguing journey, lying out in the cold, open air, proved too much - for my companion; it threw her into a violent fever, with which she - died. Many others in the company took sick and died with the same - hard fare. -</p> -<p> John Smith. -</p> -<p> Sworn to before William Oglesby, J. P. -</p> -<p> <em>Affidavit of Smith Humphrey—Ditto</em>. -</p> -<p> Illinois, Adams County, March 16, 1840. -</p> -<p> I, Smith Humphrey, certify that I was a citizen of Missouri in - eighteen hundred and thirty-eight; and some time in the month of - October, of the same year, I was fallen upon by a mob commanded by - Hyrum Standley. He took my goods out of my house; and said Standley - set fire to my house, and burnt it before my eyes, and ordered me - to leave the place forthwith. I removed from De Witt to Caldwell - county, where I was again assailed by Governor Bogg's exterminating - militia. They took me prisoner, and robbed my wagon of four hundred - dollars in cash, and one thousand dollars' worth of goods, and - drove me out of the state. -</p> -<p> Smith Humphrey. -</p> -<p> Sworn to before C. M. Woods, Clerk of Circuit Court. -</p> -<p> <em>Affidavit of Henry Root—Ditto</em>. -</p> -<p> Quincy, Illinois, 16th March, 1840. -</p> -<p> This is to certify that I, Henry Root, am, and was a citizen - of <span class="pagenum"><a name="63"></a>{63}</span> De Witt, Carroll county, Missouri, at the time of the - persecutions (known by the name of the "Mormon War") commenced and - terminated between the citizens of said state of Missouri and the - Mormons; that in the fall of 1838, in the month of September, a mob - (under no regular authority) headed by William W. Austin, Sen., - consisting of from one hundred to one hundred and fifty men, came - into De Witt and ordered the Mormons to leave that place within - ten days from that time; that if they did not leave, they would be - driven from there by force. -</p> -<p> The Mormons did not leave; the appointed time came, and the mob - came, armed and equipped for war. The Mormon citizens petitioned - to the governor of the state, but no relief came. They sent to the - general of the brigade [in that locality], who ordered the militia - to repair to De Witt to disperse the mob. On the arrival of the - militia, Brigadier-General Parks told me the Mormons had better - leave their property and go off, as his men were prejudiced against - them, and he could do them no good, nor relieve them. With that the - Mormons left. -</p> -<p> Henry Root. -</p> -<p> Sworn to before C. M. Woods, Clerk of Circuit Court, Adams county, - Illinois. -</p> -<p> <em>Affidavit of Joseph Clark—Ditto</em>. -</p> -<p> Quincy, Illinois, March 16, 1840. -</p> -<p> I, Joseph Clark, certify that I was a citizen of the state of - Missouri in 1838; and when peaceably traveling the highway, I was - shot at twice by Governor Boggs' exterminating militia, commanded - by Major-General John B. Clark. -</p> -<p> Joseph Clark. -</p> -<p> Sworn to before C. M. Woods, Clerk of Circuit Court, Adams County - Illinois. -</p> -<p> <em>Affidavit of Thomas D. Casper—Ditto</em>. -</p> -<p> Quincy, Illinois, March 16th, 1840. -</p> -<p> This is to certify that I, Thomas D. Casper, was a resident of - the state of Missouri in the year 1838. I was not a member of the - Church of Mormons or Latter-day Saints; but witnessed the following - acts of distress: As I was on business, I inquired for Perry - Moppin, and learned that he, with Samuel Snowden, Esq., had gone - after Mr. Wilson, a Mormon, and had threatened and sworn to take - his life if he did not tell his name; and they swore they had the - tool to take his life if he had not told them his name. -</p> -<p> Further they agreed that the Mormons should leave the country of - Missouri except they would deny the faith, or their religion. And - I <span class="pagenum"><a name="64"></a>{64}</span> heard Anthony McCustian say that he would head a mob in any - case, to prevent the lawyers from attending to any case of their - (the Mormons') grievances; and he was a postmaster. And I saw two - men that said they had been at Haun's mill at the murder; and one - by the name of White, and the other Moppin stated that he had slain - three Mormons. And I, Thomas D. Casper, witnessed other things too - tedious to mention; and solemnly swear, before God and men, that - what is here written is a true statement of facts relative to the - suffering of the Mormons in the state of Missouri. -</p> -<p> Thomas D. Casper. -</p> -<p> <em>Affidavit of Jesse W. Johnston—Ditto</em>. -</p> -<p> Quincy, Illinois, March 16, 1840. -</p> -<p> I, Jesse W. Johnston, certify that the following circumstances took - place in the State of Missouri, while I was a resident of that - state, viz.: I was taken prisoner by Governor Boggs' exterminating - militia. I saw one man killed belonging to the Mormon Church, and - was forced by them to take corn out of the fields of the Mormon - Church without leave. This was in the fall of 1838. -</p> -<p> Jesse W. Johnston. -</p> -<p> Sworn to before C. M. Woods, Clerk of the Circuit Court, Adams - County, Illinois. -</p> -<p> <em>Affidavit of Owen Cole—Ditto</em>. -</p> -<p> Quincy, Illinois, March 17, 1840. -</p> -<p> This is to certify that I, Owen Cole, was a resident of Caldwell - county, state of Missouri, and while residing at my dwelling house, - the militia under Governor Boggs, and by his orders, plundered my - house, and shot me through my thigh. My damage sustained by the - militia, by being driven from the state, besides my wound, was five - hundred dollars. The militia men were quartered on the lands of the - people called Mormons, contrary to the laws and Constitution of the - state. I hereby certify this to be a true statement. -</p> -<p> Owen Cole. -</p> -<p> Sworn to before C. M. Woods, Clerk Circuit Court. -</p> -<p> <em>Affidavit of Ezekiel Maginn—Ditto</em>. -</p> -<p> Quincy, Illinois, March 17, 1840. -</p> -<p> I, Ezekiel Maginn, certify that I was a citizen of the state of - Missouri in the year 1838, and was an eye witness to the following - facts—First, I saw the militia, called for by Governor Boggs' - exterminating order, enter the house of Lyman Wight, and take from - it a bed and bedding, <span class="pagenum"><a name="65"></a>{65}</span> pillows, and dishes, personally known to - me to be his property. -</p> -<p> Ezekiel Maginn. -</p> -<p> Sworn to before C. M. Woods, Clerk Circuit Court, Adams County. -</p> -<p> <em>Affidavit of Addison Green—Ditto</em>. -</p> -<p> Quincy, March 17, 1840. -</p> -<p> I, Addison Green, do certify that in the month of October, one - thousand eight hundred and thirty-eight, when I was peaceably - walking the highroad in Ray county, state of Missouri, I was - molested and taken prisoner by ten armed men, who took from me - one double-barrel fowling piece and equipage, threatening to blow - out my brains and swore that if I was a Mormon they would hang me - without further ceremony. They had previously been to my lodging - and taken my horse, saddle, and bridle. All was then taken into the - woods about one mile to Bogart's camp. -</p> -<p> I was kept a prisoner until the next morning, when I was let go; - but have not obtained any part of my property, which was worth - about one hundred and fifty dollars. -</p> -<p> A. Green. -</p> -<p> Sworn to before John H. Holton, notary public. -</p> -<p> <em>Affidavit of John P. Greene—Ditto</em>. -</p> -<p> I, John P. Greene, was in company with several of my neighbors - walking the road in peace, when one of our company, a young man, by - name of O'Banion, was shot down at my side, being shot by a company - of mobbers; and soon after this we were fired upon again, and two - more were killed and several others wounded. This was about the - 25th day of October, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-eight, - in the state of Missouri, and I do hereby certify the above to be - true according to the best of my knowledge. -</p> -<p> John P. Greene -</p> -<p> Sworn to before John H. Holton, notary public. -</p> -<p> <em>Affidavit of Asahel A. Lathrop—Ditto</em>. -</p> -<p> This is to certify that I, Asahel A. Lathrop, was a citizen of the - state of Missouri, at the time the difficulty originated between - the people called Mormons and the [other] inhabitants of the - aforesaid state, and herein give a statement of the transactions - that came under my observation, according to the best of my - recollection. -</p> -<p> I settled in Missouri in the summer of 1838, in Caldwell county, - where I purchased land and erected buildings. The said land I now - have a deed of; and in the fall I purchased a claim on what is - called the East Fork of Grand River, together with a large stock of - cattle and <span class="pagenum"><a name="66"></a>{66}</span> horses, sheep and hogs; it being some sixty miles - from the aforesaid county where I first located; and moved on to - the latter place, supposing that I was at peace with all men; but - I found by sad experience that I was surrounded by enemies; for in - the fall of 1838, whilst at home with my family, I was notified by - a man by the name of James Welden, that the people of Livingston - county, had met at the house of one Doctor William P. Thompson, - then living in the attached part of said county, for the purpose of - entering into measures respecting the people called Mormons; and - the same Welden was a member of the same, and also the aforesaid - William P. Thompson was a justice of the peace; and they all - jointly agreed to drive every Mormon from the state; and notified - me that I must leave immediately, or I would be in danger of losing - my life. -</p> -<p> All this time some of my family were sick; but after listening to - the entreaties of my wife to flee for safety, I committed them into - the hands of God and left them, it being on Monday morning; and in - a short time after I left, there came some ten or fifteen men to my - house, and took possession of the same, and compelled my wife to - cook for them, and also made free to take such things as they saw - fit; and whilst in this situation, my child died, which I have no - reason to doubt was for the want of care; which, owing to the abuse - she received, and being deprived of rendering that care she would, - had she been otherwise situated. My boy was buried by the mob, my - wife not being able to pay the last respects to her child. -</p> -<p> I went from my home into Daviess county and applied to Austin A. - King and General Atchison for advice, as they were acting officers - in the state of Missouri. There were men called out to go and - liberate my family, which I had been absent from some ten or - fifteen days; and on my return I found the remainder of my family - confined to their beds, not being able the one to assist the other, - and my house guarded by an armed force. -</p> -<p> I was compelled to remove my family in this situation, on a bed to - a place of safety. This, together with all the trouble, and for - the want of care, was the cause of the death of the residue of - my family, as I have no doubt; which consisted of a wife and two - more children; as they died a few days after their arrival at my - friend's. Such was my situation, that I was obliged to assist in - making their coffins. -</p> -<p> I will give the names of some of the men that have driven me from - my house and abused my family; those that I found at my house on - my return were Samuel Law, Calvin Hatfield, Stanley Hatfield, Andy - Hatfield; and those that were leading men were James Welden, Doctor - William P. Thompson, a justice of the peace, and William Cochran, - and many others, the names I do not recollect. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="67"></a>{67}</span> I have also seen men abused in various ways; and that whilst - they were considered prisoners; such as the mob cocking their - guns and swearing that they would shoot, with their guns to their - face, and the officers of the militia, so called, standing by - without uttering a word; and in these councils they have said if a - Missourian should kill a Mormon he should draw a pension, same as a - soldier of the Revolution. -</p> -<p> I was also compelled to give up my gun, and the terms were, I was - to leave the aforesaid state of Missouri, or be exterminated. My - property is yet remaining in said state, whilst I am deprived of - the control of the same. -</p> -<p> Written this 17th day of March, 1840. -</p> -<p> Asahel A. Lathrop. -</p> -<p> Sworn to before D. W. Kilburn, J. P., Lee county, Iowa Territory. -</p> -<p> <em>Affidavit of Burr Riggs</em>. -</p> -<p> I, Burr Riggs, of the town of Quincy, and state of Illinois, do - hereby certify that in the year 1836, when moving to the state of - Missouri, with my family and others, we were met in Ray county, in - said state, by a mob of one hundred and fourteen armed men, who - commanded us not to proceed any further, but to return, or they - would take our lives; and the leader stepped forward at the same - time, and cocked his piece. We turned round with our team; and the - mob followed us about six miles and left us. -</p> -<p> Some time after this I moved to Caldwell county, in said state, and - purchased about two hundred acres of land, and a village lot, on - which I erected a dwelling house, staked, and commenced improving - my land, and had, at the time I was driven away, about forty acres - of corn, vegetables, etc.; and in the year 1838, in the month - of November, was compelled to leave my house and possessions in - consequence of Governor Boggs' exterminating order, without means - sufficient to bear my expense out of the state. -</p> -<p> Given under my hand at Quincy, Illinois, 17th March, 1840. -</p> -<p> Burr Riggs. -</p> -<p> Sworn to before C. M. Woods, Clerk of the Circuit Court, Adams - county, Illinois. -</p> -<p> <em>Affidavit of Simons P. Curtis</em>. -</p> -<p> I, Simons P. Curtis, a resident of Quincy, Adams county, Illinois, - certify that in the year 1838, I was a citizen of Caldwell county, - Missouri, residing in the city of Far West. Also that I went in - search of <span class="pagenum"><a name="68"></a>{68}</span> a lost steer; and passing by Captain Bogart's camp, - while he was guarding the city, I saw the hide and feet of said - steer, which I knew to be mine; the flesh of which I suppose they - applied to their own use. -</p> -<p> I also certify that Wiley E. Williams, one of the Governor's aids, - who was gunkeeper, caused me to pay thirty-seven and a half cents - to him. I also paid twenty-five cents to a justice of the peace - to qualify me to testify that the gun was mine. The said Wiley E. - Williams is said to be the one that carried the story to Governor - Boggs, which story was the cause of the exterminating order being - issued, as stated by the Governor in said order. -</p> -<p> Simons P. Curtis. -</p> -<p> Sworn to before C. M. Woods, Clerk Circuit Court, Adams County, - Illinois. -</p> -<p> <em>Affidavit of Elisha H. Groves</em>. -</p> -<p> I, Elisha H. Groves, of the town of Quincy, and state of Illinois, - upon oath say, that I was a resident of Daviess county, in the - state of Missouri, and that on the 16th day of November, in the - year of our Lord, 1838, Judge Vinson Smith and others came to my - house and ordered myself and family, Levi Taylor, David Osborn and - others, to leave our possessions which we had bought of Government - and paid our money for the same, saying we must within three days - leave the county or they would take our lives, for there was no law - to save us after that time. In consequence of those proceedings, - together with Governor Boggs' exterminating order, we were - compelled to leave the state of Missouri. Furthermore this deponent - saith not. -</p> -<p> Given under my hand at Quincy, the 17th day of March, A. D. 1840. -</p> -<p> Elisha H. Groves. -</p> -<p> Sworn to before C. M. Woods, Clerk Circuit Court. -</p> -<p> <em>Affidavit of Jacob Foutz</em>. -</p> -<p> Quincy, Illinois, March 17, A. D. 1840. -</p> -<p> This is to certify that I was a citizen, resident of Caldwell - county, Missouri, at the time Governor Boggs' exterminating order - was issued; and that I was quartered on by the mob militia, without - my leave or consent at different times, and at one time by William - Mann, Hiram Cumstock, and brother, who professed to be the captain; - also Robert White; and that I was at the murder at Haun's mill, - and was wounded; and that I was driven from the state, to my - inconvenience, and <span class="pagenum"><a name="69"></a>{69}</span> deprived of my freedom, as well as to my - loss of at least four hundred dollars. -</p> -<p> Jacob Foutz. -</p> -<p> Sworn to before C. M. Woods, Clerk Circuit Court. -</p> -<p> <em>Affidavit of Frederick G. Williams</em>. -</p> -<p> I do certify that I was a resident of Caldwell county, in the - State of Missouri, in the year of our Lord 1838, and owned land - to a considerable amount, building lots, etc., in the village of - Far West; and in consequence of mobocracy, together with Governor - Boggs' exterminating order, was compelled to leave the state under - great sacrifice of real and personal property, which has reduced - and left myself and family in a state of poverty, with a delicate - state of health, in an advanced stage of life. Furthermore this - deponent saith not. -</p> -<p> Given under my hand at Quincy, Illinois, March 17, 1840. -</p> -<p> Frederick G. Williams. -</p> -<p> Sworn to before C. M. Woods, Clerk Adams county, Illinois. -</p> -<p> <em>Statement of James Sloan</em>. -</p> -<p> James Sloan made affidavit at Quincy, that the officers of the - militia under the exterminating order of Governor Boggs in Missouri - in 1838, took possession, carried off and destroyed a store of - goods, of several hundred dollars' value, belonging to the people - called "Mormons," in Daviess county; that his life was threatened, - his property taken, and he was obliged to flee the state with his - family, greatly to his disadvantage. -</p> -<p> <em>Affidavit of David Shumaker</em>. -</p> -<p> Quincy, Illinois, Adams County, March 18, 1840. -</p> -<p> I, Jacob Shumaker, do certify that I went back to the state of - Missouri about the first of October last, with the calculation to - live with my family, but finding it impossible, as the mob, say to - the amount of twenty or thirty of them, surrounded my house, and - whilst they were quarreling about me, what they should do, and in - what way they should dispose of me, I crept out of the back window - and made my escape; and leaving my family to their most scandalous - abuses; my wife and oldest daughter barely escaping from their - unholy designs. -</p> -<p> I was thus a second time obliged to leave the state, or remain - at the risk of my life. The former alternative I chose. My loss - sustained by the above-mentioned abuses was not less than three - hundred dollars. A lot of land containing forty acres, for which - I paid four dollars per acre, situated in Caldwell county, was - unjustly and unlawfully taken <span class="pagenum"><a name="70"></a>{70}</span> from me, and is still retained - by some person or persons to me unknown. I hereby certify that the - above is a true statement. -</p> -<p> Jacob Shumaker. -</p> -<p> Sworn to before C. M. Woods. -</p> -<p> <em>Affidavit of Levi Richards</em>. -</p> -<p> I, Levi Richards, a resident of Quincy, Adams county Illinois, - practitioner of medicine, certify that in the year one thousand - eight hundred and thirty-eight, I was a citizen of Far West, - Caldwell county, Missouri, and that in the fall of said year, I - saw the city invaded by a numerous armed soldiery, who compelled - its inhabitants to surrender, give up their firearms, and submit - to their dictation. They then set a strong guard around the city, - thereby preventing egress or ingress, without special permission. - Then they collected the citizens together upon the public square, - formed around them a strong guard of soldiers, and then at the - mouths of their rifles, compelled them to sign what was termed a - deed of trust, thereby depriving them of all their property and - civil rights. -</p> -<p> This occupied several days of most inclement weather, when they - were brought to the same order by General Clark, and I judge some - forty or fifty were made special prisoners by him. At this time he - delivered his speech to the "Mormons," which has been published, - and which is substantially correct. I was compelled by a company - of men armed with rifles, to leave my house, and go to captain - Bogart's camp, (he commanded, as I understood, a part of the guard - which surrounded the city,) upon an indirect charge or insinuation; - was detained a prisoner two days, examined, and liberated. I - then asked the clerk of the company, who had been my keeper, the - following questions, which he readily answered: -</p> -<p> Were those men who massacred the "Mormons" at Haun's mill, out - under the Governor's order, or were they mobbers? -</p> -<p> A. Mobbers. -</p> -<p> Are Captain Cornelius Gilliam and his company out by legal - authority, or are they mobbers? -</p> -<p> A. Mobbers. -</p> -<p> Where are those mobbers now? -</p> -<p> A. They have joined the army. -</p> -<p> This company [Gilliam's] at the surrender of Far West were painted - like Indians. The army wore a badge of red (blood). I saw a large - amount of lumber and timber destroyed, and used for fuel by the - soldiers. The destruction of cattle, hogs, etc., seemed to be their - sport, as their camp and the fields testified when they withdrew. - An excellent gun was taken from me, which I have never seen or - heard of since. A <span class="pagenum"><a name="71"></a>{71}</span> gun that was left in my care was taken at - the same time, which I afterwards found with Wiley E. Williams of - Richmond, (reputed one of the Governor's aids,) to obtain which - I had to prove property, affirm before a magistrate and pay said - Williams fifty cents. -</p> -<p> I was called to extract lead, dress the wounds, etc., for several - persons (Saints) who were shot in the above siege, two of whom - died. Immediately previous to the above transactions, and for a - long time before, the citizens of Caldwell, and particularly Far - West, were called upon to watch for mobs by day and guard against - them by night, till it became a burden almost intolerable. -</p> -<p> Levi Richards. -</p> -<p> Sworn to before C. M. Woods. Clerk Circuit Court, Adams county, - Illinois -</p> -<p> <em>Affidavit of Gibson Gates</em>. -</p> -<p> I, Gibson Gates, do hereby certify that I was residing in Jackson - county, Missouri, in the fall of the year, 1833, and had been - for the space of about one year. I was at a meeting one day for - worship, when a man by the name of Masters came to us, stating that - he was sent by the mob to inform us that if we would forsake our - religion, they were willing to be our brethren and fight for us; - "but if not," said he, "our young men are ready, and we can scarce - constrain them from falling upon you and cutting you to pieces." -</p> -<p> Soon after this there came a large company of men, armed, to my - place, and with much threatening and profane words, ordered me to - be gone by the next day, or they would kill me and my family; in - consequence of which threatening, we quit our house in the month - of November, leaving most of our effects; suffering very much with - cold, fatigue and hunger, we took [set out] on the prairie, and - went southward twenty miles or more, where we stayed a few weeks. - But still being threatened by the mob, we removed to Clay county, - where we lived in peace until the fall of 1838, when a mob arose - against the people of the Church of Latter-day Saints, when we were - again obliged to leave our home, and seek safety in another place - for a few weeks. When we returned our house had been broken open, - and the lock of a trunk broken open, and the most valuable contents - thereof taken away; the most of our bedding and furniture was - either stolen or destroyed; and we were then ordered to leave the - state. -</p> -<p> Gibson Gates. -</p> -<p> Sworn to before David W. Kilbourn, J P. -</p> -<p> <em>Affidavit of David Pettigrew</em>. -</p> -<p> This is to certify, that I, David Pettigrew, was a citizen of - Jackson county, Missouri, and owned a good farm, lying on the Blue - river, six miles west of Independence, and lived in peace with the - inhabitants until the summer and fall of 1833, when the inhabitants - began to <span class="pagenum"><a name="72"></a>{72}</span> threaten us with destruction. I was at work in my - field, and a man by the name of Allen, and others with him, came - along and cried out, "Mr. Pettigrew, you are at work as though - you were determined to stay here, but we are determined that you - shall leave the county immediately." I replied that I was a free - born citizen of the United States, and had done harm to no man. - "I therefore claim protection by the law of the land," and that - the law and the Constitution of the land would not suffer them to - commit so horrid a crime. They then replied that "the old law and - Constitution is worn out, and we are about to make a new one." -</p> -<p> I was at a meeting where we had met for prayer, and a man by the - name of Masters came and desired an interview with us; he then - stated that he was sent by the mob to inform us, that if we would - forsake our "Mormon" and Prophet religion, and become of their - religion, they, the mob, would be our brothers, and would fight for - us; "but if you will not, we are ready and will drive you from the - county." -</p> -<p> A few days after this, a large mob came to my house, commanded by - General Moses Wilson, Hugh Braziel and Lewis Franklin, and broke - down my door, and burst into my house, armed with guns, clubs and - knives; some of them were painted red and black. This was in the - night, and my family was much frightened. They threatened me with - immediate death if I did not leave the place. After much abuse they - left us for the night, but in a few days they returned and drove me - and my family into the street, not suffering us to take anything - with us. I saw that we must go or die; we went south to Van Buren - county, in company with eighty or ninety others. In a short time - after, I returned to my farm and found my house plundered, my grain - and crop, stock, and all my farm and farming tools laid waste and - destroyed; and shortly after my house was burned to ashes. -</p> -<p> I called on Esquire Western, of Independence, and inquired of - him if he could inform me what all this mobbing and riot meant, - informing him of the destruction and plundering of my house; to - which he gave me no satisfaction, but insulted me and treated - me roughly. Governor Boggs lived in the county, and I have seen - him passing through among us in our great distress, and gave no - attention to our distresses. He was then Lieutenant-Governor of the - state. On my return to my family in Van Buren county, I was much - abused by a man by the name of Brady; he said he would kill me if I - ever attempted to go to my farm, or if he saw me passing that way - again. I returned to my family, and in a few days after, a company - of men came where we lived and said they would spill my blood if I - did not leave the place immediately. The leaders of this company - were John Cornet, Thomas Langley, and Hezekiah Warden; they lived - in Jackson county. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="73"></a>{73}</span> This was in the cold winter, and our sufferings were great. I - fled across the Missouri river to Clay county, where I lived three - years; in which time I often heard Judge Cameron and others say, - that "you Mormons cannot get your rights in any of the courts of - the upper country;" and I had not the privilege of voting as a free - citizen. -</p> -<p> I moved to Caldwell county, bought land and opened a good farm, - and lived in peace until the summer and fall of 1838, when mobs - arose in the counties round about, and I with the rest was obliged - to take up arms in self defense; for the cry was, that mob law - should prevail, if we stood against them, until the army came and - took us all prisoners of war. I with the rest was obliged to sign - a deed of trust at the point of the sword, I with sixty others was - selected out and marched to Richmond, in Ray county, by the command - of General Clark, where they kept us a number of weeks, pretending - to try us as treasoners and murderers. At length I obtained my - liberty, and returned to my family in Caldwell county: and I found - that there was no safety there, for there was no law, but all a - scene of robbing, and plundering, and stealing. They were about to - take me again, and I was obliged to leave my family and flee to - Illinois. In about two months my family arrived, having suffered - much abuse and loss of health and property. Soon after the arrival - of my family my son, a young man, died; and I attribute his death - to the cruel barbarity of the mob of Missouri, he being a prisoner - among them, and having suffered much because of them. -</p> -<p> My father was a soldier, and served in the Revolutionary War, - under the great Washington, but I have not had protection on - my own lands; and I have not been permitted to see my farm in - Jackson county, Missouri, in seven years. Soldiers were stationed - or quartered in different parts of Far West; and they treated us - roughly, threatening to shoot us, and making use of anything they - pleased, such as burning house, timber, and rails, and garden - fences, and stealing and plundering what they pleased. -</p> -<p> When I was at Richmond, a prisoner before Judge King, we sent for - many witnesses; and when they came, they were taken and cast into - Prison with us, and we were not permitted to have any witnesses. - The day I came out of prison, they compelled me to sign a writing - which was not true or remain in prison. -</p> -<p> David Pettigrew. -</p> -<p> Sworn to before D. W. Kilbourn, J. P. -</p></blockquote> -<p class="sidenote">Comment of the Prophet on the Foregoing Affidavits. -</p> -<p>Thus I have given a few of the multitude of affidavits which might -be given to substantiate the facts of our persecutions and deaths in -Missouri. When the brethren left Missouri, <span class="pagenum"><a name="74"></a>{74}</span> they were poor, having -been plundered of everything valued by mobs. Much of the plundering -was done under the eye of the government officers, according to the -foregoing affidavits; and all by the sanction of the state of Missouri, -as the acts of her legislature testify.<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERIIIfn5"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERIIIfn5">5</a>]</sup> The Saints, being so -numerous, were obliged to scatter over the state of Illinois and -different states to get bread and clothing—so that but few accounts -against Missouri could be collected without unreasonable exertions. -About 491 individuals gave in their claims against Missouri, which -I presented to Congress—amounting to about $1,381,044.00; leaving -a multitude more of similar bills hereafter to be presented, which, -if not settled immediately, will ere long amount to a handsome sum, -increasing by compound interest. -</p> -<h3>Footnotes: -</h3> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERIIIfn1"></a><a href="#CHAPTERIIIfn1">1</a>. This epistle is of interest as showing the spirit of the Church -government at that time, (1839) and the recognition of the rights of -individuals. For these reasons it is quoted here: -</p> -<p><em>To the Saints scattered abroad, in the region westward from Kirtland, -Ohio</em>: -</p> -<p>Beloved Brethren:—Feeling that it is our duty, as the servants of God, -to instruct the Saints from time to time, in those things which to us -appear to be wise and proper—therefore we freely give you a few words -of advice at this time. -</p> -<p>We have hear it rumored abroad, that some at least, and probably many, -are making their calculations to remove back to Kirtland next season. -</p> -<p>Now brethren, this being the case, we advise you to abandon such an -idea; yea, we warn you, in the name of the Lord, not to remove back -there, unless you are counseled to do so by the First Presidency, and -the High Council of Nauvoo. We do not wish by this to take your agency -from you; but we feel to be plain, and pointed in our advice for we -wish to do our duty, that your sins may not be found in our skirts. -All persons are entitled to their agency, for God has so ordained -it. He has constituted mankind moral agents, and given them power to -choose good or evil; to seek after that which is good, by pursuing -the pathway of holiness in this life, which brings peace of mind, and -joy in the Holy Ghost here, and a fulness of joy and happiness at His -right hand hereafter; or to pursue an evil course, going on in sin and -rebellion against God, thereby bringing condemnation to their souls in -this world, and an eternal loss in the world to come. Since the God of -heaven has left these things optional with every individual, we do not -wish to deprive them of it. We only wish to act the part of a faithful -watchman, agreeably to the word of the Lord to Ezekiel the prophet, -(Ezekiel 33 chap. 2, 3, 4, 5, verses,) and leave it for others to do as -seemeth them good. -</p> -<p>Now for persons to do things, merely because they are advised to do -them, and yet murmur all the time they are doing them, is of no use at -all; they might as well not do them. There are those who profess to be -Saints who are too apt to murmur, and find fault, when any advice is -given, which comes in opposition to their feelings, even when they, -themselves, ask for counsel; much more so when counsel is given unasked -for, which does not agree with their notion of things; but brethren, we -hope for better things from the most of you; we trust that you desire -counsel, from time to time, and that you will cheerfully conform to it, -whenever your receive it from a proper source. -</p> -<p>It is very probable, that it may be considered wisdom for some of us, -[i. e. at Nauvoo], and perhaps others, to move back to Kirtland, to -attend to important business there: but notwithstanding that, after -what we have written, should any be so unwise to move back there, -without being first counseled so to do, their conduct will be highly -disapprobated. -</p> -<p>Done by order and vote of the First Presidency and High Council for the -Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, at Nauvoo, December 8, -1839. -</p> -<p>H.G. Sherwood, Clerk -</p> -<p><em>Times and Seasons</em>, Vol. 1, p. 29. -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERIIIfn2"></a><a href="#CHAPTERIIIfn2">2</a>. This communication of Hyrum Smith's adds nothing to his very -elaborate statement of the wrongs suffered by himself and the Saints -in Missouri already published in Volume III, pp. 403-424, except his -testimony to the truth of the Book of Mormon; and as he was one of the -Eight Witnesses to the fact of the existence of the Nephite plates -from which the record was translated, the paragraphs relating to that -testimony are give here: -</p> -<p>"Having given my testimony to the world of the truth of the Book of -Mormon, the renewal of the everlasting covenant, and the establishment -of the kingdom of heaven, in the last days; and having been brought -into great afflictions and distresses for the same, I thought that it -might be strengthening to my beloved brethren, to give them a short -account of my sufferings, for the truth's sake, and the state of my -mind and feelings, while under circumstances of the most trying and -afflicting nature. * * * * I had been abused and thrust into a dungeon, -and confined for months on account of my faith, and the testimony of -Jesus Christ. However I thank God that I felt a determination to die, -rather than deny then things which my eyes have seen, which my hands -had handled, and which I had borne testimony to, [all in plain allusion -to his testimony to the existence of the plates from which the Book of -Mormon was translated] wherever my lot had been cast; and I can assure -my beloved brethren that I was enabled to bear as strong a testimony, -when nothing but death presented itself, as I ever did I my life. My -confidence in God, was likewise unshaken. I knew that He who suffered -me, along with my brethren, to be thus tried, that He could and that -He would deliver us out of the hands of our enemies; and in His own -due time He did so, for which I desire to bless and praise His holy -name."—<em>Times and Seasons</em>, Vol. 1, pp. 20 and 23. -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERIIIfn3"></a><a href="#CHAPTERIIIfn3">3</a>. This treatise on the "Regeneration and Eternal Duration of Matter," -was written by Elder Pratt while in Columbia prison, Missouri. He -explains that it "was more calculated to comfort and console myself -and friends when death stared me in the face, than as an argumentative -or philosophical production." This article has for some time been out -of print, yet it has much that is instructive in it. The author states -as a basic principle in his treatise the following: "Matter and spirit -are the two great principles of all existence. Everything animate and -inanimate is composed of one or the other, or both of these eternal -principles. I say eternal, because the elements are as durable as the -quickening power which exists in them. Matter and spirit are of equal -duration; both are self-existent,—they never began to exist, and they -never can be annihilated. * * * * Matter as well as spirit is eternal, -uncreated, self existing. However infinite the variety of its changes, -forms and shapes;—however vast and varying the parts it has to act in -the great theater of the universe;—whatever sphere its several parts -may be destined to fill in the boundless organization of infinite -wisdom, yet it is there, durable at the throne of Jehovah. And eternity -is inscribed in indelible characters on every particle. Revolution may -succeed revolution;—vegetation may bloom and flourish, generation -upon generation may pass away and others still succeed—empires may -fall to ruin, and moulder to the dust and be forgotten—the marble -monuments of antiquity may crumble to atoms and mingle in the common -ruin—the mightiest works of art, with all their glory, may sink in -oblivion and be remembered no more—worlds may startle from their -orbits, and hurling from their spheres, run lawless on each other in -conceivable confusion—element may war with element in awful majesty, -while thunders roll from sky to sky, and arrows of lightning break the -mountains asunder—scatter the rocks like hailstones—set worlds on -fire, and melt the elements with fervent heat, and yet not one grain -can be lost—not one particle can be annihilated. All these revolutions -and convulsions of nature will only serve to refine, purify, and -finally restore and renew the elements upon which they act. And like -the sunshine after a storm, or like gold seven times tried in the fire, -they will shine forth with additional luster as they roll in their -eternal spheres, in their glory, in the midst of the power of God." On -this theory of the indestructibility of matter the author proceeds to -consider the reality of the resurrection from the dead and the future -life of man in a sentient, tangible existence. "The resurrection of -the body is a complete restoration and reorganization of the physical -system of man; * * * * the elements of which his body is composed -are eternal in their duration; * * * * they form the tabernacle—the -everlasting habitation of that spirit which animated them in this life; -* * * * the spirits and bodies of men are of equal importance and -destined to form an eternal and inseparable union with each other." -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERIIIfn4"></a><a href="#CHAPTERIIIfn4">4</a>. This affidavit, it will be observed, was given some time after the -others of this group, and appears in the Ms. of the Prophet's History -under date of March the 5th, but it is brought forward here, with all -those that follow in this chapter, that it may appear in connection -with the others of its kind. -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERIIIfn5"></a><a href="#CHAPTERIIIfn5">5</a>. That is to say, the legislature had appropriated two hundred -thousand dollars to meet the expenses of the mob-militia in unlawfully -dispossessing the Saints of their lands and other property, and then -expelling them from the state. While on the other hand, it refused -to give any consideration worthy of the name to the petition of the -Saints for redress of their grievances; and so far was the legislature -from giving the Saints any assurance of re-instatement in the rightful -possession of their lands and other property and maintaining them -in peaceful possession of them, that it finally refused even to -investigate the justice of their claims. Under these circumstances the -Prophet is undoubtedly justified in using the language of the text. -(See Vol. III, chaps. xv, xvi.) -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="75"></a>{75}</span> -</p> - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTERIV"></a>CHAPTER IV. -</h2> -<p class="chapterHeading">Departure of the Prophet from Washington—Labors of Elias Higbee Before -the Senate Judiciary Committee—Report of the Committee. -</p> -<p><em>Wednesday, 8</em>.—The High Council at Nauvoo voted to loan all the -moneys possible for the relief of the poor Saints. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Ministry of Brigham Young and Geo. A. Smith at Richmond, New -York. -</p> -<p>This evening President Young preached at a school house in the south -west part of Richmond,<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERIVfn1"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERIVfn1">1</a>]</sup> when the people present commenced making -a noise and disturbing the meeting, and when President Young was -reproving them for their disgraceful conduct, some of those present -fired lucifer matches. President Young rebuked them severely, and -taught them better manners, and proposed to send them some Indians from -the West to civilize them. -</p> -<p><em>Thursday, 9</em>.—About this time I returned to Philadelphia, where I -continued to preach and visit for a little season. -</p> -<p>George A. Smith preached at Richmond this evening. His health is still -very poor, and he is almost blind. President Young also was very -feeble. While they were opening the meeting, some one threw a quantity -of brimstone in the fire, which nearly suffocated them. As soon as the -fumes of brimstone would permit, Brother Smith told them he thought he -should be in no danger of catching the itch in Massachusetts, for the -smell of brimstone indicated that it was thoroughly cured. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 12</em>.—Elders Young and Smith held a meeting <span class="pagenum"><a name="76"></a>{76}</span> at William -Pierson's, Richmond. After preaching, Elder Smith had a severe shake of -the ague, which lasted some hours. The weather was extremely cold, but -by the kind attention of Mr. Pierson's family, and William Richards, -he was in some measure relieved of his ague before he left Richmond. -President Young wore a cradle bed quilt from Far West to Richmond, -where Rhoda Richards lined Doctor Richard's old worn out plaid cloak -with President Young's quilt, with flannel between, which made him very -comfortable. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, 13</em>.—Elders Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, and Theodore -Turley arrived at Preston, England. -</p> -<p><em>Tuesday, 14</em>.—About this time Elder Rigdon and Doctor Foster arrived -at Philadelphia. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Appointments in the British Mission. -</p> -<p><em>Friday, 17</em>.—A special council was held at the house of Elder -Willard Richards, in Preston, Joseph Fielding, president, Theodore -Turley, scribe. Present, Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, Hiram Clark, -and Willard Richards. Council decided that Elders Woodruff and Turley -should go to the Staffordshire potteries; Elders Taylor and Fielding, -to Liverpool; Elder Clark, to Manchester, with Elder William Clayton; -and Elder Willard Richards to go where the Spirit directs; that the -Elders of the council communicate with the presidency at Preston once a -month; and Elder Richards write to Brothers Alexander Wright and Samuel -Mulliner in Scotland, and hold no general conference until more of the -Twelve arrive. -</p> -<p>Elders Brigham Young and George A. Smith went to Canaan, Connecticut, -with Edwin D. Pierson, Elder Smith shaking very severely with the ague -in the evening. -</p> -<p><em>Saturday, 18</em>.—Elders Woodruff and Turley started for the Potteries. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday 19</em>.—The High Council at Nauvoo voted to donate a city lot to -Brother James Hendrix, who was shot in Missouri; also voted to build -him a house; also donated a house and lot to Father Joseph Knight. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="77"></a>{77}</span> Elder Brigham Young preached at Sheffield mills, where he stayed -till the twenty-sixth. -</p> -<p><em>Wednesday, 22</em>.—Elders Fielding and Taylor went to Liverpool and -commenced their mission. -</p> -<p><em>Saturday, 25</em>.—About this time I visited the Saints at Brandywine, -where I spent some days, and returned to Philadelphia. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, 27</em>.—Brothers Gibson Smith and Peter French conveyed Elders -Brigham Young and George A. Smith to New Haven, where they tarried -until the 31st. -</p> -<p>About the last of this month, I left Philadelphia for Washington, in -company with Brothers Rockwell, Higbee, and Doctor Foster, traveling by -railroad, having sold my carriage, and having left Elder Rigdon sick in -Philadelphia. -</p> -<p><em>Friday, 31</em>.—Elders Brigham Young and George A. Smith took steamboat -from New Haven for New York City. When within eighteen miles of the -city, they took the stage, and arrived at their destination about ten -o'clock at night. When they alighted from the carriage they had no -funds to pay their fare, and Elder Young asked Captain Stone to pay -their bill, fifty cents, which he very readily did; and they found -Elder Parley P. Pratt's house in about five minutes, where they stayed -Saturday, February 1st. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, February 2</em>.—Elders Brigham Young and George A. Smith -preached in the Columbia Hall. Elder Young preached every evening -during the week, till Saturday, three times in the Columbia Hall; by -which he injured himself so much, that he was not able to dress himself -for four or five days. -</p> -<p>On Monday George A. Smith went to Philadelphia. -</p> -<p><em>Thursday, 6</em>.—I had previously preached in Washington, and one of my -sermons I find reported in synopsis, by a member of Congress; which I -will insert entire. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="78"></a>{78}</span> <em>Mathew S. Davis' Description of the Prophet, and a Report of - his Washington Discourse</em>. -</p> -<p> Washington, 6th February, 1840. -</p> -<p> My Dear Mary:—I went last evening to hear "Joe Smith," the - celebrated Mormon, expound his doctrine. I, with several others, - had a desire to understand his tenets as explained by himself. He - is not an educated man: but he is a plain, sensible, strong minded - man. Everything he says, is said in a manner to leave an impression - that he is sincere. There is no levity, no fanaticism, no want - of dignity in his deportment. He is apparently from forty to - forty-five years of age, rather above the middle stature, and what - you ladies would call a very good looking man. In his garb there - are no peculiarities; his dress being that of a plain, unpretending - citizen. He is by profession a farmer, but is evidently well read. -</p> -<p> He commenced by saying, that he knew the prejudices which were - abroad in the world against him, but requested us to pay no respect - to the rumors which were in circulation respecting him or his - doctrines. He was accompanied by three or four of his followers. - He said, "I state to you our belief, so far as time will permit." - "I believe," said he, "that there is a God, possessing all the - attributes ascribed to Him by all Christians of all denominations; - that He reigns over all things in heaven and on earth, and that - all are subject to His power." He then spoke rationally of the - attributes of Divinity, such as foreknowledge, mercy &c., &c. He - then took up the Bible. "I believe," said he, "in this sacred - volume. In it the 'Mormon' faith is to be found. We teach nothing - but what the Bible teaches. We believe nothing, but what is to be - found in this book. I believe in the fall of man, as recorded in - the Bible; I believe that God foreknew everything, but did not - foreordain everything; I deny that foreordain and foreknow is the - same thing. He foreordained the fall of man; but all merciful as - He is, He foreordained at the same time, a plan of redemption for - all mankind. I believe in the Divinity of Jesus Christ, and that - He died for the sins of all men, who in Adam had fallen." He then - entered into some details, the result of which tended to show his - total unbelief of what is termed <em>original sin</em>. He believes that - it is washed away by the blood of Christ, and that it no longer - exists. As a necessary consequence, he believes that we are all - born pure and undefiled. That <em>all</em> children dying at an early age - (say <em>eight</em> years) not knowing good from evil, were incapable of - sinning; and that all such assuredly go to heaven. "I believe," - said he, "that a man is a moral, responsible, free agent; that - although it was foreordained he should fall, and be redeemed, yet - after the redemption it was not foreordained that he should again - sin. In the Bible a rule of conduct is laid down for him; in the - Old and <span class="pagenum"><a name="79"></a>{79}</span> Testaments the law by which he is to be governed, may - be found. If he violates that law, he is to be punished for the - deeds done in the body." -</p> -<p> I believe that God is eternal. That He had no beginning, and can - have no end. Eternity means that which is without beginning or - end. I believe that the <em>soul</em> is eternal; and had no beginning; - it can have no end. Here he entered into some explanations, which - were so brief that I could not perfectly comprehend him. But the - idea seemed to be that the soul of man, the spirit, had existed - from eternity in the bosom of Divinity; and so far as he was - intelligible to me, must ultimately return from whence it came. He - said very little of rewards and punishments; but one conclusion, - from what he did say, was irresistible—he contended throughout, - that everything which had a <em>beginning</em> must have an <em>ending</em>; - and consequently if the punishment of man <em>commenced</em> in the next - world, it must, according to his logic and belief have an <em>end</em>. -</p> -<p> During the whole of his address, and it occupied more than two - hours, there was no opinion or belief that he expressed, that - was calculated, in the slightest degree, to impair the morals - of society, or in any manner to degrade and brutalize the human - species. There was much in his precepts, if they were followed, - that would soften the asperities of man towards man, and that - would tend to make him a more rational being than he is generally - found to be. There was no violence, no fury, no denunciation. His - religion appears to be the religion of meekness, lowliness, and - mild persuasion. -</p> -<p> Towards the close of his address, he remarked that he had been - represented as pretending to be a Savior, a worker of miracles, - etc. All this was false. He made no such pretensions. He was but a - man, he said; a plain, untutored man; seeking what he should do to - be saved. He performed no miracles. He did not pretend to possess - any such power. He closed by referring to the Mormon Bible, which - he said, contained nothing inconsistent or conflicting with the - Christian Bible, and he again repeated that all who would follow - the precepts of the Bible, whether Mormon or not, would assuredly - be saved. -</p> -<p> Throughout his whole address, he displayed strongly a spirit - of charity and forbearance. The Mormon Bible, he said, was - communicated to him, <em>direct from heaven</em>. If there was such a - thing on earth, as the author of it, then he (Smith) was the - author; but the idea that he wished to impress was, that he had - penned it as dictated by God. -</p> -<p> I have taken some pains to explain this man's belief, as he - himself explained it. I have done so because it might satisfy - your curiosity, and might be interesting to you, and some of your - friends. <em>I have changed my opinion of the Mormons</em>. They are an - injured and much-abused people. Of matters of <em>faith</em>, you know - I express no opinion. I have <span class="pagenum"><a name="80"></a>{80}</span> only room to add—let William, - if you cannot do it, acknowledge the receipt of this, with the - enclosure. -</p> -<p> Remember me to Sarah and the boys. Kiss the dear baby for me. -</p> -<p> Affectionately your husband, -</p> -<p> M. L. Davis. -</p> -<p> P. S.—I omitted to say, he does not believe in infant baptism, - <em>sprinkling</em>, but in <em>immersion</em>, after <em>eight</em> years of age. -</p> -<p> To Mrs. Mathew L. Davis, 107 Henry Street, New York. -</p></blockquote> -<p class="sidenote">The Prophet's Interview with Van Buren and Calhoun. -</p> -<p>During my stay I had an interview with Martin Van Buren, the President, -who treated me very insolently, and it was with great reluctance -he listened to our message, which, when he had heard, he said: -"<em>Gentlemen, your cause is just, but I can do nothing for you</em>;" -and "<em>If I take up for you I shall lose the vote of Missouri</em>." -His whole course went to show that he was an office-seeker, that -self-aggrandizement was his ruling passion, and that justice and -righteousness were no part of his composition. I found him such a -man as I could not conscientiously support at the head of our noble -Republic. I also had an interview with Mr. John C. Calhoun, whose -conduct towards me very ill became his station. I became satisfied -there was little use for me to tarry, to press the just claims of the -Saints on the consideration of the President or Congress, and stayed -but a few days, taking passage in company with Porter Rockwell and Dr. -Foster on the railroad and stages back to Dayton, Ohio. -</p> -<p><em>Friday, 7</em>.—High Council at Montrose voted to disfellowship all -brethren who should persist in keeping tippling shops in that branch of -the Church. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 16</em>.—Elder Brigham Young tarried at Elder Parley P. Pratt's, -58 Mott Street, N. Y., and Elder Heber C. Kimball arrived there this -morning. -</p> -<p><em>Thursday, 20</em>.—Judge Higbee I left at Washington, and he wrote me as -follows: -</p><blockquote> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="81"></a>{81}</span> <em>Elias Higbee's Letter to the Prophet, Reporting Progress of the - Cause of the Saints Before the Senate Committee</em>. -</p> -<p> Washington City, Feb. 20th, 1840. -</p> -<p> Dear Brother:—I have just returned from the Committee Room, wherein - I spoke about one hour and a half. There were but three of the - committee present, for which I am very sorry. I think they will be - obliged to acknowledge the justice of our cause. They paid good - attention; and I think my remarks were well received. It was a special - meeting appointed to hear me by my request. The Missouri Senators and - Representatives were invited to attend. Dr. Linn, and Mr. Jamieson - attended, and God gave me courage, so that I was not intimidated - by them. Dr. Linn, I thought, felt a little uneasy at times; but - manifested a much better spirit afterwards than Mr. Jamieson. -</p> -<p> I told them first, that I represented a suffering people, who had - been deprived, together with myself, of their rights in Missouri; who - numbered something like fifteen thousand souls; and not only they, - but many others were deprived of the rights guaranteed to them by the - Constitution of the United States. At least the amount of one hundred - and fifty thousand free-born citizens are deprived the enjoyment of - citizenship in each and every state; that we had no ingress in the - state of Missouri; nor could any of us have, only at the expense of - our lives; and this by the order of the executive. -</p> -<p> I then took their own declaration of the cause of our expulsion; - referred them to Parley P. Pratt's pamphlet, which I held in my hand; - then showed that the first accusation therein contained, was on - account of our religious tenets; furthermore, that the others were - utterly groundless. I went on to prove that the whole persecution, - from beginning to end, was grounded on our religious faith. For - evidence of this, I referred them to Porter Rockwell's testimony, and - P. Powell's. I stated that there was abundant testimony to prove this - to be a fact, among the documents. -</p> -<p> I then gave a brief history of the persecutions, from the first - settlement in the state to our final expulsion. I also stated that - the society were industrious, inoffensive, and innocent of crime; had - the <em>Times and Seasons</em>, from which I read Governor Lucas's letter - to Alanson Ripley. I also referred to Judge Young's letter from Pike - county, the clerk's and others, respecting our character in their - section of the country. I gave them some hints of the Haun's mill - massacre, and the murder of the two little boys, but referred them - more particularly to the documents for information concerning those - things; and furthermore that I had not come here to instruct them - in what they were to do in the case, but to present them with the - facts—having all confidence in this honorable body (the Congress), - believing them to be honorable men. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="82"></a>{82}</span> I demanded from them a restitution of all our rights and - privileges as citizens of the United States, and damages for all - the losses we had sustained in consequence of our persecutions and - expulsion from the state; and told them we could have recourse no - where else on earth that I knew of; that we could not sue an army of - soldiers, neither could we go into the state to sue anyone else. I - told them that I knew not how far Congress had jurisdiction in this - case, or how far they had not; but as far as they had, we claimed the - exercise of it for our relief; for we were an injured people. -</p> -<p> These and some others were the principal subjects of my speech; after - which Mr. Jamieson said he was once in the "Mormons'" favor; but - afterwards learned that it was impossible to live among them, for - they stole their neighbors' hogs; and there being so much testimony, - he believed it, etc., etc. I replied something like this: making - statements was one thing, and proving them was another. Mr. Linn then - said he wished me to answer one thing, viz.: If the legislature of - Missouri did not refuse to investigate the subject of our difficulties - solely on account of the trials then pending. In reply I assured him - that I knew they had refused us an investigation; but as to that being - the cause, I did not know, but told him they might have done it when - those trials were discharged. He seemed to think it an injustice for - Congress to take it up before the legislature had acted on it. -</p> -<p> I occupied all but a few minutes of the time when the Senate was to go - into session, so they adjourned until tomorrow at ten o'clock, when - the Missourians are to reply. Mr. Linn observed, that there was a - gentleman whom he would have before the committee on the morrow, who - lived in the upper part of Missouri, that knew everything relative - to the affair. I presume <em>he</em> is to put in his gab. I suppose I - must attend the committee, as I am solicited by the chairman; but I - would rather take a flogging; because I must sit still, and hear a - volubility of lies concerning myself and brethren. <em>Lies</em> I say, for - they have nothing but <em>lies</em> to tell, that will in the least degree - justify their conduct in Missouri. Mr. Linn said he had written - to Missouri, to get all the evidence taken before Judge King; so - that if the thing must come up, he would be prepared to have a full - investigation of the matter, and that the committee should have power - to send for persons, papers, &c,. &c. -</p> -<p> In my remarks I stated that an article of the Constitution was - violated in not granting compulsory process for witnesses in behalf - of the prisoners; and that the main evidence adduced, upon which - they were committed, (as I understood), was from Dr. Avard, who once - belonged to our society, and was compelled to swear as suited them - best, in order to save his life; that I knew him to be a man whose - character was the <span class="pagenum"><a name="83"></a>{83}</span> worst I ever knew in all my associations or - intercourse with mankind; and that I had evidence by affidavits before - them, of five or six respectable men, to prove that all he swore to - was false. -</p> -<p> Brethren and sisters, I want your especial prayers, that God may give - me wisdom to manage this case according to His will, and that He will - protect me from our foes, both publicly and privately. -</p> -<p> Yours in the bonds of love, -</p> -<p> Elias Higbee. -</p> -<p> <em>Second letter of Elias Higbee to the Prophet—Cause of the Saints - before the Senate Committee</em>. -</p> -<p> Washington City, February 21st, 1840. -</p> -<p> Dear Brother.—I have just returned again from the Committee Room. - Mr. Linn and Mr. Jamieson made some remarks, to which I replied. Mr. - Linn is much more mild and reasonable (mostly perhaps from policy) - than Mr. Jamieson, who related a long lingo of stuff, which he said - was proven before the legislature in Missouri, which amounted to about - this: that Joseph Smith gave the "Mormons" liberty to trespass on - their neighbors' property; also told them, that it all belonged to - them; as they were Israelites. Upon the strength of this they became - the aggressors. I replied that the Jackson county people in their - declaration of causes that induced them to unite in order to drive the - "Mormons," the crime of stealing, or trespassing, was not mentioned; - and there was no docket, either clerk's or justice's, that could show - it, in Jackson, Clay, Caldwell, or in Daviess counties; and that no - man ever heard such teaching or doctrine from Joseph Smith, or any - other "Mormon;" that we held to no such doctrine, neither believed in - any such thing. -</p> -<p> I mentioned some things contained in our Book of Doctrine and - Covenants; Government and Laws in general. I told them we had - published long ago our belief on that subject. Some things I - recollected, which were that all persons should obey the laws of the - government under which they lived, and that ecclesiastical power - should not be exercised to control our civil rights in any way; - particularly that ecclesiastical power should only be used in the - Church; and then no further than fellowship was concerned. I think - they injured their cause to-day. There is another appointment for - them on the morrow, at 10 o'clock. Their friend they said was sick, - consequently could not attend to-day. Mr. Linn said he thought it - would be time enough to take it up in Congress when they [the Saints] - could not get justice from the State; and that he was confident there - was a disposition in the state of Missouri to do us justice, should - we apply; that the reason of their refusing to investigate before - was, the trials of the prisoners were pending; and further said, - (when speaking of the trials before Judge King,) that he understood - from <span class="pagenum"><a name="84"></a>{84}</span> gentlemen that the prisoners commended the Judge for his - clemency and fair dealing towards them; and acknowledged they were - guilty in part of the charge preferred against them. Mr. Linn said he - presumed I was not present, when said men were tried. I replied in the - negative, that I was not there, neither any body else that could be a - witness in their favor. The lawyers advised them to keep away if they - desired the salvation of their lives. I observed that I had read the - proceedings of the legislature, but did not now recollect them; but - since yesterday I have been reflecting on the subject, and recollect a - conversation I had with Mr. Harvey Redfield, who was the bearer of the - petition to Jefferson City, and he informed me that the reasons why - they refused an investigation, was on account of the Upper Missouri - members being so violently opposed to it, that they used their utmost - exertions, and finally succeeded in getting a majority against it; and - the reason of their taking this course was, in consequence of one of - their members being in the massacre at Haun's mill, viz., Mr. Ashley; - and Cornelius Gilliam was a leader of the first mob in Daviess county, - which the militia were called out to suppress. -</p> -<p> Mr. Linn said if it must come out in Congress, it should be fully - investigated, and they, the Committee, should have power to send for - persons and papers; for if we have a right to claim damages of the - United States, so had they, if all were true concerning the acts - alleged against the "Mormons;" that they had a right to ask the - Government to pay the war against the "Mormons;" but finally seemed - to disapprove of the exterminating order, which was admitted to have - existed by Mr. Jamieson, or was issued by their legislature, but that - no one ever thought of carrying it into effect. He said that General - Clark merely advised the "Mormons" to leave the State. To which I - replied, General Clark's speech was before them; that I had stated - some of its contents yesterday; and if it were necessary, I could - prove it by four or five hundred affidavits. -</p> -<p> Then Mr. Jamieson stated something about the prisoners making their - escape, and that he had no doubt but that they could have a fair trial - in Missouri, for the legislature, to his certain knowledge, passed - a law whereby they had a right to choose any county in the State to - be tried in. To which I replied, that I understood such a law was - passed; but notwithstanding, they could not get their trials in the - county wherein they desired; for they were forced to go to Boone, - whereas they desired to have their trials in Palmyra, where they - could get their witnesses, as that was only sixteen miles from the - river, and the other was a great distance. He said that Judge King - certainly would not go contrary to law. I told him there were some - affidavits in those documents that would tell him some things very - strange concerning Judge <span class="pagenum"><a name="85"></a>{85}</span> King. Mr. Linn then wished to know if - the affidavits were from anybody else save "Mormons." I replied that - there were some others; but how many I knew not. He then wanted to - know how they were certified; whether any clerk's name was attached in - the business. I told him they were well authenticated by the Courts of - Record, with the Clerk's name attached thereto. -</p> -<p> After these things and some others were said, the committee refused - to consult on the subject. Only the same three attended that were - in yesterday. The Chairman observed that they had not expressed any - opinion relative to the subject; but observed his mind was made up in - relation to the matter. I think, from all I have discovered, Mr. Smith - of Indiana will be on the side of justice; but how the thing will - terminate I cannot tell. Mr. Crittenden and Mr. Strange are the two - absent members of the Committee. -</p> -<p> Yours in the bond of love, -</p> -<p> Elias Higbee. -</p> -<p> <em>Third Letter of Elias Higbee to the Prophet—Cause of the Saints - before the Senate Committee</em>. -</p> -<p> Washington, February 22nd, 1840. -</p> -<p> Dear Brother.—I have just returned from the Committee Room. The - Committee being present to-day, a Mr. Corwin of St. Louis, formerly a - democratic editor, emptied his budget; which was as great a bundle of - nonsense and stuff as could be thought of; I suppose not what he knew, - but what gentlemen had told him; for instance, the religious General - Clark and others. I confess I had hard work to restrain my feeling - some of the time, but I did succeed in keeping silence tolerably well. - Himself, Mr. Jamieson, and Mr. Linn summoned all the energies of their - minds to impress upon the assembly that "Joe Smith," as he called him, - led the people altogether by Revelation, in their temporal, civil, - and political matters, and by this means caused all the "Mormons" - to vote the "whole-hog" ticket on one side, except two persons. But - when I got an opportunity of speaking, I observed that Joseph Smith - never led any of the Church in these matters; as we considered him - to have no authority, neither did he presume to exercise any of that - nature; that Revelations were only concerning spiritual things in the - Church; and the Bible being our standard, we received no Revelations - contrary to it. I also observed that we were not such ignoramuses, - perhaps, as he fain would have people believe us to be; and some other - things on this subject. I then told him that every man exercised the - right of suffrage according to his better judgment, and without any - ecclesiastical restraint being put upon him; that it was all false - about a Revelation on voting; and the reason of our voting that ticket - was in consequence of <span class="pagenum"><a name="86"></a>{86}</span> the Democratic principles having been - taught us from our infancy, and that they ever extended equal rights - to all; and further we had been much persecuted previous to that - time—many threatenings being made from the counties round about, as - well as among us, by those who took the lead in political affairs. It - was true we advised our brethren to vote this ticket, telling them we - thought that party would protect our rights, and not suffer us to be - driven from our lands, as we had hitherto been; believing it to be - by far the most liberal party; but in that we were mistaken, because - when it came to the test, there were as many Democrats turned against - us as Whigs; and indeed less liberality and political freedom were - manifested by them; for one Whig paper came out decidedly in our favor. -</p> -<p> I made these remarks partly from motives which I may at another time - explain to you. He laid great stress on the trials at Richmond, and a - constitution, that he said Avard and others (who were in good standing - in the "Mormon" Church at this time) swore to; then went on to relate - what it contained, and that it was written by Sidney Rigdon. -</p> -<p> I flatly denied it, and I could bring all the "Mormons," both men, - women, and children, besides myself, that would swear before all the - world, that no such thing ever existed, nor was thought of among the - "Mormons." -</p> -<p> He then related some things which he said John Corril had told him - at the legislature, in Missouri; which were to the effect that the - "Mormons" had burnt a number of houses in Daviess county, and that - for himself, if he could not get to heaven by being an honest man, he - would never go there. Then, I, speaking of some of the dissenters, - told him Corril was anxious to get into the Church again, and that it - was the fact in regard to damages having been done, after we had been - driven from Jackson and Clay—relating the De Witt scrape, and calling - of the militia, and the mob's marching to Daviess and saying they - would drive the "Mormons" from there to Caldwell, and then to hell; - their burning our houses: that small parties on both sides were on - the alert, and probably did some damages; though I was not personally - knowing to [it], as I was not there. I told him Joseph Smith held no - office in the country, neither was he a military man, and did not take - gun in hand in the affair to my knowledge. I then stated that John - Corril's affidavit, which contained some important facts, was before - them,—which facts I forgot to mention yesterday,—importing that he - (John Corril) was convinced we would get no redress in Missouri (he - being a member of the legislature, ought to know). I saw the Chairman - of the Committee not long since, who informed me that the Committee - had not come to a final conclusion on this matter as yet. -</p> -<p> I saw Mr. Jamieson on the walk, who said the first thing the <span class="pagenum"><a name="87"></a>{87}</span> - Committee would do was to decide whether they would take it up and - consider it or not; and if they do take it up according to request, - the Senate will grant the Committee power to send for persons and - papers. The Committee made some inquiries respecting our religion, and - I answered there, as a matter of course, as well as I was able. -</p> -<p> They inquired very particularly concerning how much land we had - entered there, and how much of it yet remained unsold; when Mr. - Corwin observed that we had never entered much land there, but were - squatters. I then described the size of Caldwell and Daviess counties, - giving an explanation on these matters. -</p> -<p> I suppose perhaps on Monday or Tuesday, we shall know something - relative to this matter. Whether power be given them to send for - persons and papers, [or not] you may see where they depend to rally - their forces, viz., by endeavoring to make us treasonable characters, - by the constitution, said to govern us, and that everything both civil - and political among us is done by revelation. These points I desire - to blow to the four winds, and that you will select a number of firm - brethren, possessing good understanding, who will tell the truth, and - willingly send me their names when they know they are wanted. Send - plenty of them. They will get two dollars per day, and ten cents a - mile to and from, [as] expense money. Do not send them until their - subpoenas get there, for they will not draw expense money only for - going home. -</p> -<p> I will suggest a few names—Alanson Ripley, King Follett, Amasa Lyman, - Francis M. Higbee, as they know concerning the De Witt scrape; also - send Charles C. Rich, Seymour Brunson, and others. You will know whom - to send better than myself. -</p> -<p> If the Missourians should send for you, I would say consult God about - going. -</p> -<p> Elias Higbee. -</p> -<p> P. S.—Mr. Jamieson stated to me this evening, if the "Mormons" could - make it appear that they had been wronged, they would use their - influence in having them redressed, so the shame should not fall on - the whole state, but on those which had been guilty. I then observed - that there was a minority in the legislature, much in our favor, which - seemed to please him, as they alluded several times to it. The cause - of my being so particular, is to show you the whole ground I have - taken in this matter, that there may be no inconsistency. If I have - erred in this matter, it is my head and not my heart. -</p> -<p> Elias Higbee. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Sunday, 23</em>.—Elder Brigham Young had so far recovered as to be able -to attend preaching by Parley P. Pratt, at Columbia Hall, New York. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="88"></a>{88}</span> The High Council of Nauvoo voted, that the notes given into the -hands of Bishop Partridge, by certain individuals, as consecrations for -building the Lord's House in Far West, be returned to the same by him. -</p> -<p><em>Tuesday, 25</em>.—Elders Brigham Young and Reuben Hedlock went -to Hampstead, on Long Island, and preached at Rockaway and the -neighborhood till the fourth of March, and baptized nine. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>The Fourth Letter of Elias Higbee to the Prophet—Announces that - the Senate Committee's Report will be Adverse to the Saints</em>. -</p> -<p> Washington, February 26th, 1840. -</p> -<p> Dear Brother.—I am just informed, by General Wall (the Chairman of - the Committee), before whom, or to whom, our business is referred, - that the decision is against us, or in other words unfavorable, - that they believe redress can only be had in Missouri, the courts - and legislature. He says, they will report this week. I desire to - get a copy of it, and also the papers. I feel a conscience void of - offense towards God and man in this matter; that I have discharged - my duty here; and as I wish not to be on expense, as soon as I can - write to President Rigdon, get my papers, and draw some money to - bear my expenses, I shall bid adieu to this city, to return to my - family and friends. -</p> -<p> I feel now that we have made our last appeal to all earthly - tribunals; that we should now put our whole trust in the God of - Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. We have a right now which we could not - heretofore so fully claim—that is, of asking God for redress and - redemption, as they have been refused us by man. -</p> -<p> Elias Higbee. -</p> -<p> To Joseph Smith, Junior. -</p></blockquote> -<p class="sidenote">The Prophet <em>en route</em> for Nauvoo. -</p> -<p>When I had returned as far as Dayton, Ohio, I found the horses which we -left on our journey out, and from thence I pursued my journey through -Indiana on horseback, in company with Dr. Foster, leaving Brother -Porter Rockwell at Dayton; the traveling being exceedingly bad, my -progress was slow and wearisome. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Death of James Mulholland. -</p> -<p>My clerk, James Mulholland, while I was absent, died <span class="pagenum"><a name="89"></a>{89}</span> on November -3rd, 1839, aged thirty-five years. He was a man of fine education, and -a faithful scribe and Elder in the Church.<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERIVfn2"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERIVfn2">2</a>]</sup> -</p> -<p><em>Wednesday, March 4, 1840</em>. I arrived safely at Nauvoo, after a -wearisome journey, through alternate snow and mud, having witnessed -many vexatious movements in government officers, whose sole object -should be the peace and prosperity and happiness of the whole people; -but instead of this, I discovered that popular clamor and personal -aggrandizement were the ruling principles of those in authority; and -my heart faints within me when I see, by the visions of the Almighty, -the end of this nation, if she continues to disregard the cries and -petitions of her virtuous citizens, as she has done, and is now doing. -</p> -<p>I have also enjoyed many precious moments with the Saints during my -journey. -</p> -<p>On my way home I did not fail to proclaim the iniquity and insolence of -Martin Van Buren, toward myself and an injured people, which will have -its effect upon the public mind; and may he never be elected again to -any office of trust or power,<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERIVfn3"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERIVfn3">3</a>]</sup> by which he may abuse the innocent -and let the guilty go free. -</p> -<p>I depended on Dr. Foster to keep my daily journal during this journey, -but he has failed me. -</p> -<p>Elders Brigham Young and Reuben Hedlock returned to New York, and held -a conference, when many Elders were ordained. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="90"></a>{90}</span> <em>Report of the Senate Judiciary Committee on the Case of the - Saints vs. Missouri</em>. -</p> -<p> Twenty-sixth Congress—First Session.—In the Senate of the United - States, March 4th, 1840. Submitted, laid on the table, and ordered - to be printed, the following Report, made by Mr. Wall— -</p> -<p> The Committee on the Judiciary to whom was referred the Memorial of - a Delegation of the Latter-day Saints, report— -</p> -<p> The Petition of the Memoralists sets forth, in substance, that - a portion of their sect commenced a settlement in the county of - Jackson, in the state of Missouri, in the summer of 1831; that - they bought lands, built houses, erected churches, and established - their homes, and engaged in all the various occupations of life; - that they were expelled from that county in 1833 by a mob, under - circumstances of great outrage, cruelty, and oppression, and - against all law, and without any offense committed on their part, - and to the destruction of property to the amount of 120,000 - dollars; that the society thus expelled amounted to about 1,200 - souls; that no compensation was ever made for the destruction of - their property in Jackson; that after their expulsion from Jackson - county, they settled in Clay county, on the opposite side of the - Missouri river, where they purchased lands, and entered others at - the land office; where they resided peaceably for three years, - engaged in cultivation, and other useful and active employments, - when the mob again threatened their peace, lives, and property; and - they became alarmed, and finally made a treaty with the citizens - of Clay county, that they should purchase their lands, and the - Saints should remove; which was complied with on their part, and - the Saints removed to the county of Caldwell, where they took up - their abode and re-established their settlement, not without heavy - pecuniary losses and other inconveniences; that the citizens of - Clay county never paid them for their lands, except for a small - part; they remained in Caldwell from 1836 until the fall of 1838, - and during that time had acquired, by purchase from the Government, - the settlers, and pre-emptioners, almost all the lands in the - county of Caldwell, and a portion of the lands in Daviess and - Carroll counties—the former county being almost entirely settled - by the Saints, and they were rapidly filling up the two latter - counties. -</p> -<p> Those counties, when the Saints first commenced their settlement, - were for the most part wild and uncultivated, and they had - converted them into large and well improved farms, well stocked. - Land had risen in value to ten or even twenty-five dollars per - acre, and these counties were rapidly advancing in cultivation and - wealth. -</p> -<p> That in August, 1838, a riot commenced, growing out of an attempt - of a Saint to vote, which resulted in creating great excitement, - and the <span class="pagenum"><a name="91"></a>{91}</span> perpetration of many scenes of lawless outrage, which - are set forth in the Petition. That they were finally compelled to - fly from those counties, and on the 11th October, 1838, they sought - safety by that means, with their families, leaving many of their - effects behind. That they had previously applied to the constituted - authorities of Missouri for protection, but in vain. They allege, - that they were pursued by the mob; that conflicts ensued; deaths - occurred on each side; and finally a force was organized under the - authority of the Governor of the state of Missouri, with orders to - drive the Saints from the state, or exterminate them. The Saints - thereupon determined to make no further resistance, but to submit - themselves to the authorities of the state. -</p> -<p> Several of the Saints were arrested and imprisoned on a charge of - treason against the state, and the rest, amounting to about 15,000 - souls, fled into other states, principally into Illinois, where - they now reside. -</p> -<p> The petition is drawn up at great length, and sets forth, with - feeling and eloquence, the wrongs of which they complain; justifies - their own conduct, and aggravates that of those whom they call - their persecutors, and concludes by saying they see no redress, - unless it be obtained of the Congress of the United States, to - whom they make their solemn, last appeal, as American citizens, as - Christians, and as men; to which decision they say they will submit. -</p> -<p> The committee have examined the case presented by the petition, and - heard the views urged by their agent, with care and attention; and - after full examination and consideration, unanimously concur in the - opinion— -</p> -<p> That the case presented for their investigation is not such a one - as will justify or authorize any interposition by this government. -</p> -<p> The wrongs complained of are not alleged to be committed by any of - the officers of the United States, or under the authority of its - government in any manner whatever. The allegations in the petition - relate to the acts of its citizens, and inhabitants and authorities - of the state of Missouri, of which state the petitioners were at - the time citizens, or inhabitants. -</p> -<p> The grievances complained of in the petition are alleged to - have been done within the territory of the state of Missouri. - The committee, under these circumstances, have not considered - themselves justified in inquiring into the truth or falsehood - of the facts charged in the petition. If they are true, the - petitioners must seek relief in the courts of judicature of - the state of Missouri, or of the United States, which has the - appropriate jurisdiction to administer full and adequate redress - for the wrongs complained of, and doubless will do so fairly and - impartially;<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERIVfn4"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERIVfn4">4</a>]</sup> <span class="pagenum"><a name="92"></a>{92}</span> or the petitioners may, if they see proper, - apply to the justice and magnanimity of the state of Missouri—an - appeal which the committee feel justified in believing will never - be made in vain by the injured or oppressed. -</p> -<p> It can never be presumed that a state either wants the power or - lacks the disposition to redress the wrongs of its own citizens, - committed within her own territory, whether they proceed from the - lawless acts of her officers or any other persons. The committee - therefore report that they recommend the passage of the following - resolution: -</p> -<p> <em>Resolved</em>, That the committee on the judiciary be discharged from - the further consideration of the memorial in this case; and that - the memorialists have leave to withdraw the papers which accompany - their memorial. -</p></blockquote> -<h3>Footnotes: -</h3> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERIVfn1"></a><a href="#CHAPTERIVfn1">1</a>. Richmond is in Schoharie county, about seventy miles west of Albany, -N. Y. -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERIVfn2"></a><a href="#CHAPTERIVfn2">2</a>. Mulholland street in Nauvoo was named in honor of this worthy man. -It ran east and west on the south side of the Temple block, and became -the principal business street of the city. It was to him that the -Prophet dictated a considerable part of his history. See History of the -Church, Vol. III, p. 375. -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERIVfn3"></a><a href="#CHAPTERIVfn3">3</a>. He never was. In the Presidential election of 1840, Van Buren was -renominated by the Democratic Party, but was defeated by William -Henry Harrison, the Whig candidate. Harrison received two hundred and -thirty-four electoral votes to sixty for Van Buren. In 1848 Van Buren -was again a candidate for President being the nominee of the Free Soil -Party. Lewis Cass was the nominee of the Democrats, and Zachary Taylor -of the Whigs. Taylor was elected, and Van Buren did not receive a -single electoral vote. -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERIVfn4"></a><a href="#CHAPTERIVfn4">4</a>. The Saints never acted upon the suggestion of the judiciary -committee of the Senate, that they take their case before the Federal -courts. The reasons why are considered at length in the introduction of -this volume which see. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="93"></a>{93}</span> -</p> - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTERV"></a>CHAPTER V. -</h2> -<p class="chapterHeading">Affairs of the Saints before United States Senate—General Conference -of the Church at Nauvoo—Action of the Church with Reference to Senate -Committee's Report—Mission to Palestine. -</p> -<p><em>Friday, 6</em>.—Attended the meeting of the High Council of Iowa, at -Brother Elijah Fordham's, Montrose. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Extract from the Minutes of the Iowa High Council</em>. -</p> -<p> President Joseph Smith, Jun., addressed the Council on various - subjects, and in particular the consecration law; stating that - the affairs now before Congress was the only thing that ought - to interest the Saints at present; and till it was ascertained - how it would terminate, no person ought to be brought to account - before the constituted authorities of the Church for any offense - whatever; and [he] was determined that no man should be brought - before the Council in Nauvoo till that time, etc., etc. The law - of consecration could not be kept here, and that it was the will - of the Lord that we should desist from trying to keep it; and if - persisted in, it would produce a perfect defeat of its object, and - that he assumed the whole responsibility of not keeping it until - proposed by himself.<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERVfn1"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERVfn1">1</a>]</sup> -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="94"></a>{94}</span> He requested every exertion to be made to forward affidavits - to Washington, and also letters to members of Congress. The - following votes were then passed: -</p> -<p> First—That this Council will coincide with President Joseph Smith, - Jun.'s decision concerning the consecration law, on the principle - of its being the will of the Lord, and of President Smith's taking - the responsibility on himself. -</p> -<p> Second—That a committee of three be appointed, consisting of - Wheeler Baldwin, Lyman Wight, and Abraham O. Smoot, to obtain - affidavits and other documents to be forwarded to the city of - Washington. -</p> -<p> Third—That the clerk of this Council be directed to inform Judge - Higbee, that it is the wish of this Council that he should not, - upon any consideration, consent to accept of anything of Congress - short of our just rights and demands for our losses and damages in - Missouri. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Sunday, 8</em>.—I attended the Council of Nauvoo, at Brother Granger's. -</p> -<p>President Brigham Young preached in Columbia Hall, New York. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, 9</em>.—Elders Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Parley P. Pratt, -Orson Pratt, George A. Smith, and Reuben Hedlock, sailed from New York -on the <em>Patrick Henry</em> for Liverpool. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Fifth Letter of Elias Higbee to the Prophet—the Affairs of the - Saints at Washington</em>. -</p> -<p> Washington, March 9th, 1840. -</p> -<p> Dear Brother:—I expected, by this time, that we would be through - with our business, but the chairman of the committee gave notice - last week, he should call it [the committee's Report] up today - in the Senate; through Mr. Young's having gone to Philadelphia, - it will not be called up until his return, which will be on next - Thursday, according to the information that I have obtained - relative to this matter. If the resolution is passed, as annexed to - the Report, I shall get my papers and leave the city. -</p> -<p> I have written some letters to Brother Rigdon, which it seems he - did not get. Brother Samuel Bennett writes that Brother Rigdon left - Philadelphia for the Jerseys on the 5th instant. He [Rigdon] stated - that he expects me to come there to go with him home, and that he - would write me soon on the subject. I shall write for him to make - the necessary arrangements. He says Dr. Ell's family left about a - week ago for Commerce. Also that the Church there numbers about one - hundred; and Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, Brother Kimball, Brother - Brigham <span class="pagenum"><a name="95"></a>{95}</span> Young, George A. Smith, and Brother Hedlock were to - sail from New York to England on the 7th instant. -</p> -<p> As I have lately written several letters to you, I shall bid adieu, - not to write again until after the Senate acts upon our business. - Mr. Robinson says he has sent you a report; notwithstanding, I - shall enclose another for you. -</p> -<p> I have changed my place of boarding in consequence of Mrs. Richey's - breaking up house-keeping, and going to Baltimore. I am busy here - at chimney corner preaching. -</p> -<p> Yours as ever in the bonds of everlasting love, -</p> -<p> Elias Higbee. -</p> -<p> To President Joseph Smith, Jun., Commerce, Illinois. -</p> -<p> P. S.—Lest my previous letters should not come to hand, I merely - say that I have been before the committee three days, and done all - in my power to effect the object of our mission; have spoken my - mind freely on the subject; and feel to have a conscience void of - offense towards God in this matter. The subscription of which the - report makes mention, was on condition that they could not lawfully - do anything for us; after examination we were to submit and wait - until the Great Disposer of human events shall adjust these things, - in that place where the wicked cease from troubling and the weary - are at rest (this I think is nearly the sentiment though perhaps - not the very words); and I for one hope and pray the time will - soon come when they will not trouble us in the west, as they have - hitherto done. -</p> -<p> There is a man here on whom I occasionally call, who owns two - printing presses and much type, reading our books, I will with the - assistance of God, get him to come to the west as soon as possible - with his press, that you may set him to printing the truth. He told - me, if we had any printing to do, he would do it cheap, and even go - to the west if necessary. -</p> -<p> Give my respects to Porter Rockwell, Dr. Foster, and also all the - household of faith. -</p> -<p> E. H. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Friday, 13</em>.—Jacob K. Potts and Levi Stilley made affidavit before -William Oglesby, J. P., that they witnessed the massacre at Haun's mill -on the 30th of October, 1838, confirming the statements already written -in this History. Potts had two balls shot into his right leg. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 15</em>.—The High Council of the Church at Nauvoo voted that the -First Presidency superintend the affairs of the ferry between Nauvoo -and Montrose. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="96"></a>{96}</span> <em>Monday, 16</em>.—Elder John Taylor wrote from Liverpool: -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Extract from Elder John Taylor's Letter—Affairs in British - Mission</em>. -</p> -<p> I told you about our coming to Liverpool. The first time I preached - ten came forward [for baptism]. We have been baptizing since: last - week we baptized nine, we are to baptize tomorrow, but how many I - know not. The little stone is rolling forth. One of the brethren - dreamed he saw two men come to Liverpool; they cast a net into the - sea and pulled it out full of fishes: he was surprised to see them - pick the small fish out first and then the large. Well, if we get - all the fish I shall be satisfied. -</p> -<p> Brother Woodruff has lately left the Potteries and has gone to - another neighborhood, and is making Methodist preachers scarce. - He baptized 32 persons in one week—13 of them were Methodist - preachers. Elder Clark is preaching and baptizing in and about - Manchester. The latest account from Elder Turley, he was well, - preaching and baptizing in the Potteries. Elder Willard Richards - is very busy at this period, in visiting and setting in order the - branches of the Church in Preston, Clithero, and all the regions - round about, and holding correspondence with the Elders abroad. -</p></blockquote> -<p class="sidenote">Judge Elias Higbee's Course at Washington Approved. -</p> -<p>The High Council met at my house in Nauvoo, and resolved that Robert B. -Thompson write a letter to Judge Higbee at Washington, approving his -course and giving him certain names (for which see Thompson's letter), -that he may order subpoenas for them as witnesses in the suit now -before Congress, namely, the Latter-day Saints <em>versus</em> the State of -Missouri, for redress of grievances. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Letter of R. B. Thompson to Elias Higbee, Announcing the Approval - of the Church Authorities of the Latter's Course at Washington</em>. -</p> -<p> Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, -</p> -<p> March 17th, 1840. -</p> -<p> <em>Elias Higbee, Esq</em>. -</p> -<p> Dear And Honored Sir:—It is with the greatest pleasure I sit down - to write to you at this time, to inform you of the situation and - state of the Church as regards the object of your mission. -</p> -<p> Since President Joseph Smith returned we have been favored with - several communications from you, giving a statement of the - proceedings before the committee, etc. On Monday evening last, - your letters were read to a large concourse of our brethren, and - other persons who were assembled to hear the same; and I must say - that the greatest satisfaction was manifested by the assembled - multitude, with the <span class="pagenum"><a name="97"></a>{97}</span> noble stand and straightforward and - honorable course which you had pursued; and before the assembly - separated, a vote of thanks to you was unanimously agreed upon. I - can assure you that, from the feelings there, as well as upon other - occasions, [expressed] there is not only a disposition, but a fixed - determination, to uphold you in your righteous cause and sustain - you in your efforts to obtain redress for the injuries which the - Saints have borne from their unfeeling oppressors, and in bringing - their case before the authorities of the nation. -</p> -<p> In the evening the High Council assembled at the house of President - Joseph Smith, Jun., and took your letters into consideration, when - it was unanimously resolved that a letter should be written to you - approving the measures which you were taking. The High Council - likewise send you a list of the names of such persons as they think - will testify to such facts as you want to substantiate. The names - are as follows: -</p> -<p> Alanson Ripley, -</p> -<p> Francis Higbee, -</p> -<p> Lyman Wight, -</p> -<p> Tarlton Lewis, -</p> -<p> Edward Partridge, -</p> -<p> Parley P. Pratt, -</p> -<p> Thorit Parsons, -</p> -<p> King Follett, -</p> -<p> Isaac Laney, -</p> -<p> Harvey Redfield, -</p> -<p> Ellis Eames, -</p> -<p> Chapman Duncan, -</p> -<p> Smith Humphrey, -</p> -<p> Erastus Snow, -</p> -<p> John M. Burk, -</p> -<p> Rebecca Judd, -</p> -<p> Heber C. Kimball, -</p> -<p> William Seyley, -</p> -<p> Dr. Isaac Galland, -</p> -<p> William Chapplin, -</p> -<p> Ira Mills, -</p> -<p> Oliver Olney, -</p> -<p> Hyrum Smith, -</p> -<p> Seymour Brunson, -</p> -<p> Samuel Bent, -</p> -<p> Porter Rockwell, -</p> -<p> George A. Smith, -</p> -<p> Stephen Markham, -</p> -<p> Thomas Grover, -</p> -<p> Amanda Smith, -</p> -<p> Lyman Leonard, -</p> -<p> Alma Smith, -</p> -<p> Zebediah Robinson, -</p> -<p> Orson Hyde, -</p> -<p> Charles C. Rich, -</p> -<p> Henry G. Sherwood, -</p> -<p> Elias Smith, -</p> -<p> Sidney Rigdon. -</p> -<p> There probably may be others, who may occur to your mind, whom you - can send for if you think necessary. We should feel glad if you - had the assistance of Presidents Smith and Rigdon at this critical - time, while you have to contend with Jamieson, Linn [and others]. - However I hope you will go forth in the strength of the Lord, and - that truth will prevail. And I would say, "Twice is he armed who - hath his quarrel just." The principles, sir, for which you contend - are true; they are principles of justice, of humanity, of the - Constitution, and the eternal principles of righteousness. -</p> -<p> Although mankind may depart from those principles and be swayed - <span class="pagenum"><a name="98"></a>{98}</span> by popular prejudices, and undue influences; yet at the same - time, that man who contends for the same, although he cannot - always carry his point, or convince at all times partial and - interested judges—the gem or light of truth may be darkened, and - its brilliancy for a while hid—yet when the Son of Righteousness - shall arise, and disperse the darkness and mist of superstition and - bigotry; when the true light shines, then shall it shine with all - its glorious splendor and shed forth its luster with a brilliancy - upon its advocates as shall altogether surpass the equipage and - glories of those who are now in power. -</p> -<p> Robert B. Thompson. -</p> -<p> <em>Letter of Horace R. Hotchkiss to Sidney Rigdon and Joseph Smith, - Jun.—Inquiring Concerning the Progress Made Before Congress</em>. -</p> -<p> Fair Haven, March 17th, 1840. -</p> -<p> <em>Reverends Sidney Rigdon and Joseph Smith, Jun</em>.: -</p> -<p> Gentlemen:—I some time since addressed a letter to Mr. [Joseph] - Smith at Philadelphia, to which I have received no reply; and was - in that city two or three weeks ago, but not being able to hear - anything of Mr. Smith, I suppose he must of course have left; and - with the hope of still reaching you, I now send to Washington. I - should have written you long before, and indeed very often this - winter, but my health has been miserable; and since my return from - Philadelphia, I have been confined to my house. -</p> -<p> I beg you to inform me how you are progressing with your petition - before Congress, and its probable result; whether you have any - friends in the House or in the Senate, who will bring forward your - case, and advocate it in sincerity, and persevere in your behalf - with skill and ability until something is accomplished. Milk and - water friends in Congress are good for nothing. They must be true, - have talents, be zealous, or else they will be detrimental rather - than advantageous to you. -</p> -<p> Should you, gentlemen, and Judge Higbee, come as far east as this, - it will afford [me] much gratification to have you take up your - quarters at my house. I did intend to see you at Washington, but my - health will not now permit. -</p> -<p> With much respect, yours, -</p> -<p> Horace R. Hotchkiss. -</p> -<p> <em>Sixth Letter of Elias Higbee to the Prophet—Affairs of the Saints - at Washington—Papers Withdrawn</em>. -</p> -<p> Washington City, March 24th, 1840. -</p> -<p> Dear Brother:—Our business is at last ended here. Yesterday - a resolution passed the Senate, that the committee should be - discharged; and that we might withdraw the accompanying papers, - which I have <span class="pagenum"><a name="99"></a>{99}</span> done. I have also taken a copy of the memorial, - and want to be off for the west immediately. I have not gotten a - letter from President Rigdon, although I have frequently written - to him. I have received a letter from Brother Bennett, stating - that he was in the Jerseys, and that he was calculating to have me - come that way and go home with him; and also that he had business - which he wanted me to attend to at the office here. When he last - wrote, he stated that as yet he had no money to get home with, and - I hardly know what course to take in regard to the matter. If I do - not receive a letter in two or three days, I design leaving for - Philadelphia or the west. -</p> -<p> There is one honest Quaker-looking sort of a man here, by the name - of William Green, (instead of John Green, as I stated in a letter - to Brother Robinson), who has two iron printing presses, with other - things necessary, that would come to Commerce, provided you could - find work for him, and inform him of the same. How much work there - is to do I know not; therefore merely write that if such a man and - establishment are wanted, you could easily obtain them, or would - know where they could be obtained. He believes as much in our - religion as any other, but not much in any. -</p> -<p> Yours in the Lord, -</p> -<p> Elias Higbee. -</p> -<p> P.S.—I would just observe, that information has reached this - place, through some of the newspapers, that you have come out for - Harrison. It is said that the information came by some gentlemen - who obtained it from you, whilst in your company in passing through - the state of Indiana. Another paper states that 1,000 houses are to - be built in Commerce this season, which I hope is the truth. -</p> -<p> I would just observe (on the subject of our business) I am sorry - Judge Young had not insisted on the motion to print our papers, as - it would have been opposed; then a speech from Clay and Mr. Preston - would have been brought forth, as I have since learned: but I think - it was a trick of the Missouri Senators to slide it along without - making a noise, by its going to the committee as it did. Judge - Young says he was anxious to have it brought before the committee, - but seemed disposed to let it slide along easily, rather than run - the risk of its being refused. -</p> -<p> If he had let those speeches been made, almost every one would have - read them; which would have shamed Missouri, (if there is any shame - in her), and waked up the whole country, so that by another year - Congress would do something for us. But there is no need of crying - for spilt milk. I have done all I could in this matter, depending - on the good judgment of Judge Young to legislate for us to the best - advantage. I am inclined, however, to think if it was an error, it - was one of the head, and not of the heart. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="100"></a>{100}</span> Mr. Hotchkiss, of Fair Haven, Connecticut, has addressed - a letter to yourself, Brother Rigdon and myself, which seems to - be written with much good feeling. He desires to know concerning - our business here, inviting us to make his house our home, should - we travel in that region. He writes that his health is very bad. - I have been talking with Mr. Steward concerning a memorial, - requesting him to bring it before the House; he has promised to - do so if he can. He says he will talk with some of the members - respecting it. I have answered Mr. Hotchkiss' letter this day, and - sent him the report of the committee. -</p> -<p> E. H. -</p></blockquote> -<p>At this time the work of the Lord is spreading rapidly in the United -States and England—Elders are traveling in almost every direction, and -multitudes are being baptized. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Letter of Horace R. Hotchkiss to Joseph Smith, Jun.—Offering - Tract of Land for Sale</em>. -</p> -<p> Fair Haven, 1st April, 1840. -</p> -<p> <em>Reverend Joseph Smith, Jun</em>.: -</p> -<p> My Dear Sir:—After writing you at, and then going to, - Philadelphia, and not finding you, I addressed a letter to - Washington City, and received a reply from Judge Higbee, by which - I first learned of your return to Illinois; and at the same time - I got the committee's report upon your application to Congress - for redress of the outrages perpetrated upon your people by the - Missourians. I am not, I must confess, much disappointed in the - result; as I know the vacillating, fawning character of many in - both houses of Congress; and these are not their worst traits - either, for they not only lack the moral courage to do right, but - will do what they know to be positively wrong, if they can make - political capital by it; and will abandon you, me, or any one else, - with perfect indifference, and heartless treachery, if by doing it - they can obtain governmental favor, or political preferment. If we - should not put our faith in princes, it appears most emphatically - true that we should repose no confidence in politicians. The idea - conveyed in the report, that exact justice will be meted to you by - the judicial tribunals of Missouri, is too preposterous to require - comment. It is indeed a new doctrine, that we should apply to - robbers, or their supporters, to condemn themselves, to restore - the valuables they have stolen, and to betray each other for the - murders they have committed. -</p> -<p> I do not believe (though I am sorry to say it) that you will - ever receive a just or honorable remuneration for your losses of - property, or <span class="pagenum"><a name="101"></a>{101}</span> any reparation for the personal indignities, - privations and sufferings which your people have sustained in - Missouri. The greatest reliance you have for regaining your - wealth is in the honorable conduct of your people—their pure - morals—their correct habits—their indefatigable industry—their - untiring perseverance—and their well-directed enterprise. These - constitute a capital which can never be shaken by man, and form - the basis of all that is great in commercial influence, or in the - attainment of pecuniary power. -</p> -<p> Judge Higbee informs me that Mr. Rigdon is probably in New Jersey. - It would have afforded me much pleasure to have seen you all at my - house, and it was my intention to spend some time at Washington - while you were there; but my health has been so very infirm, that - it has prevented me from executing nearly all the arrangements I - had proposed for myself for the last eight months. -</p> -<p> Knowing the additions constantly joining your society, it has - occurred to me that some of them may be unprovided with farming - lands, and I mention at this time, that I am interested in a tract - of about 12,000 acres of very choice lands, consisting of timber - and prairie, fifteen or twenty miles from Springfield, upon which - Mr. Gillett and several other families are settled and cultivating - most excellent farms. It is one of the best neighborhoods in the - state. -</p> -<p> I do not know what my co-partners in this tract would say about - disposing of what remains unsold of the tract, (say eight to nine - thousand acres,) but I should be disposed to sell upon reasonable - terms, provided from twenty to forty families, valuable for their - prudence, industry, and good habits, from your society, can be - found to form a small colony of practical farmers. I am also - interested with the same gentlemen in lands near Rock River, - in Henry and Mercer counties, and believe this would, on many - accounts, be another extremely desirable place or location for a - colony of your people. I have said nothing to those owning with - me relative to this subject, but suppose they would be governed - materially by two considerations; namely, the characters of the - purchasers, and the fact of their being actual settlers or not. -</p> -<p> If you think two small colonies of the right sort can be formed - from your society, you will oblige by informing me at your - earliest opportunity. The price of the balance in the tract near - Springfield, including an average proportion of timber, and an - average proportion of prairie, I should think $4.50 per acre. None - of the prairie alone has been sold for less than three dollars, and - some at three and a half; and I am confident that four and a half - dollars for timber and prairie is very low, and especially as a - credit, except for a small amount, would be extended to purchasers. - The other tract is nearly all prairie, but the finest selection of - that region. It is probably worth three and a half dollars per acre. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="102"></a>{102}</span> As my paper is out, I have only room to request my respects - presented to all friends at Commerce. I beg you to tell the editor - of the <em>Times and Seasons</em>, that as soon as my health allows me to - go to the bank, I shall send him $10. -</p> -<p> Your obedient servant, -</p> -<p> Horace R. Hotchkiss. -</p> -<p> <em>Letter of Sidney Rigdon to the Prophet</em>. -</p> -<p> At James Ivans', New Jersey, -</p> -<p> April 3rd, 1840. -</p> -<p> <em>Brother Joseph Smith, Jun</em>. -</p> -<p> Dear Sir:—I thought I would occupy a portion of this morning in - writing to you. By a letter received from Brother Higbee yesterday, - I have learned that the Senate has decided that they have no - constitutional right to interfere in the case between us and the - people of Missouri; and refer us to the courts for redress; either - those of Missouri or the United States. Now I am confident, that - there is but one person in Missouri that we can sue with safety, - and that is Boggs, and he is known to be a bankrupt, and unable to - pay his debts; that if we should sue him, we will have the cost to - pay, as he has nothing to pay it with. We are therefore left to - bear the loss without redress, at present. -</p> -<p> Judge Higbee is on the way home, and has been for ten days. He - obtained money from Judge Young, to what amount I cannot say, but - he will be able to tell you when he gets home. The Judge continues - his friendship, and is ready to accommodate with money, whenever - called for. Surely he is a friend indeed, and ought never to be - forgotten. -</p> -<p> I am up to this time without means to get home, but I have no - uneasiness about it. I shall doubtless get means as soon as my - health will admit of my going. My health is slowly improving, and I - think if I have no relapse, I will be able to leave for home some - time in the month of May, &c. -</p> -<p> Sidney Rigdon. -</p></blockquote> -<p class="sidenote">Arrival of Brigham Young and Associates in England. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, April 6</em>.—Elders Young, Kimball, Pratt, Smith, and Hedlock -landed in Liverpool, on the first day of the eleventh year of the -Church, after a tedious passage of twenty-eight days, during sixteen -of which they encountered head winds, and one severe storm of three or -four days; and a great portion of the time the decks were covered <span class="pagenum"><a name="103"></a>{103}</span> -with water—all of which tended to increase sea-sickness and suffering. -</p> -<p>At the time of sailing President Young's and Elder Kimball's health was -very poor. George A. Smith had the ague for six days in succession. -When the ship left her moorings the shore resounded with the songs of -the Saints, who had come down to bid them farewell; they unitedly sang -"The gallant ship is under weigh,"<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERVfn2"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERVfn2">2</a>]</sup> until <span class="pagenum"><a name="104"></a>{104}</span> out of hearing. -The brethren occupied three berths in the forecastle, taking what was -called a steerage passage. With the exception of Elder Kimball, not -one of them had ever been to sea, and the sailors called them "land -lubbers." The ship being loaded with flour and cotton, they were packed -in a small compartment with about 100 or 120 passengers, being a motley -mixture of English, Welsh, Irish, and Scotch, who were returning home -from America to visit their friends, or had got sick of "Yankeedom" and -were leaving for "sweet home." -</p> -<p>They had scarcely been at sea twelve hours before the whole of them -were prostrated by sea-sickness. George A. Smith vomited up his -ague.<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERVfn3"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERVfn3">3</a>]</sup> Brother Brigham Young, although confined to his berth by -sea-sickness during the entire journey, was unable to vomit. -</p> -<p>On coming into the Mersey the ship cast anchor in order to wait for -the tide, when a small boat put off from the shore. Brothers Young, -Kimball, and Parley P. Pratt went in it to the landing. On reaching -the quay, Brother Young shouted hosannah three times, which he had -promised to do whenever he should land on the shores of Old England. -The brethren then went to No. 8 Union Street, Liverpool, where they -procured bread and wine in order to partake of the Sacrament. -</p> -<p>Elders Orson Pratt and George A. Smith, and Reuben Hedlock stayed on -board to look after the baggage. About <span class="pagenum"><a name="105"></a>{105}</span> three p. m., Brother -Young sent a small boat for them, and the boatmen piloted them to the -same place, where they all met together, partook of the Sacrament, and -returned thanks for their safe deliverance. -</p> -<p>When they landed they were almost penniless. Two or three of them had -sufficient to buy hats for those who needed them the worst. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Minutes of the General Conference of the Church</em>. -</p> -<p> At a General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day - Saints, held in Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, on the sixth day - of April, A.D. 1840, agreeable to previous appointment, Joseph - Smith, Jun., was called upon to preside over the meeting, and - Robert B. Thompson was chosen clerk. -</p> -<p> The Conference was then opened by prayer by Elder John E. Page. -</p> -<p> The President rose, made some observations on the business of the - Conference, exhorted the brethren who had charges to make against - individuals, and made some very appropriate remarks respecting - the pulling the beam out of their own eye, that they may see more - clearly the mote which was in their brother's eye. -</p> -<p> A letter was read from presidents of the Seventies, wishing for - an explanation of the steps, which the High Council had taken, in - removing Elder F. G. Bishop from the quorum of the Seventies to - that of the High Priests, without any other ordination than he had - when in the Seventies, and wished to know whether those ordained - into the Seventies at the same time F. G. Bishop was, had a right - to the High Priesthood,<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERVfn4"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERVfn4">4</a>]</sup> or not. After observations on the case - by different individuals, the president gave a statement of the - authority of the Seventies, and stated that they were Elders and - not High Priests, and consequently Brother F. G. Bishop had no - claim to that office. It was then unanimously resolved that Elder - F. G. Bishop be placed back again into the quorum of the Seventies. -</p> -<p> On motion, resolved that the Conference adjourn until two o'clock. -</p> -<p> Conference met pursuant to adjournment. Prayer by Elder Joseph - Young. -</p> -<p> Elder Thomas Grover presented charges against Brother D. W. Rogers - for compiling a hymn-book, and selling it as the one compiled and - published by Sister Emma Smith; secondly, for writing a private - letter to New York City, casting reflections on the character of - Elder John P. Greene; and thirdly, for administering medicine - unskilfully, which had a bad effect. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="106"></a>{106}</span> On motion, resolved, that, as Brother Rogers is not present, - his case be laid over until tomorrow. -</p> -<p> Elder John Lawson then came forward and stated, that in consequence - of some difficulty existing in the branch of the Church where - he resided, respecting the Word of Wisdom, fellowship had been - withdrawn from him, and also from Brother Thomas S. Edwards. After - hearing the particulars, on motion, resolved, that John Lawson and - Thomas S. Edwards be restored to fellowship. -</p> -<p> Elder Orson Hyde addressed the Conference at some length, and - stated that it had been prophesied, some years ago, that he had - a great work to perform among the Jews; and that he had recently - been moved upon by the Spirit of the Lord to visit that people, and - gather up all the information he could respecting their movements, - expectations, &c., and communicate the same to this Church, and to - the nation at large; stating that he intended to visit the Jews in - New York, London, and Amsterdam, and then visit Constantinople and - the Holy Land. -</p> -<p> On motion, resolved, that Elder Orson Hyde proceed on his mission - to the Jews, and that letters of recommendation be given him, - signed by the President and Clerk of the Conference. -</p> -<p> Elder John E. Page then arose, and spoke with much force on the - subject of Elder Hyde's mission, the gathering of the Jews, and - the restoration of the house of Israel; proving, in a brief but - convincing manner, from the Bible, Book of Mormon, and the Book of - Doctrine and Covenants, that these things must take place, and that - the time had nearly arrived for their accomplishment. -</p> -<p> Adjourned until tomorrow morning, nine o'clock. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Tuesday morning, April 7</em>. -</p><blockquote> -<p> Conference met pursuant to adjournment. A hymn was sung by the - choir, and the throne of grace was addressed by Elder Caleb Baldwin. -</p> -<p> Brother D. W. Rogers' case was then called up, and after many - observations and explanations, it was on motion resolved, that D. - W. Rogers be forgiven, and the hand of fellowship be continued - towards him. -</p> -<p> Conference adjourned for one hour, and met pursuant to adjournment. - A hymn was sung by the choir, followed by prayer by Elder Reynolds - Cahoon. -</p> -<p> The President called upon the Clerk to read the report of the First - Presidency and High Council, with regard to their proceedings in - purchasing lands, and securing a place of gathering for the Saints. - The report having been read, the President made some observations - respecting the pecuniary affairs of the Church, and requested the - brethren to step forward, and assist in liquidating the debts on - the town plot, so that the poor might have an inheritance. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="107"></a>{107}</span> The President then gave an account of their mission to - Washington City, the treatment they received, and the action of the - Senate on the Memorial which was presented before them. The meeting - then called for the reading of the Memorial, and the report of the - Committee on Judiciary, to whom the same was referred, which were - read. -</p> -<p> On motion, resolved that a committee of five be appointed to draft - resolutions expressive of the sentiments of this Conference in - reference to the report. On motion it was resolved, that Robert - D. Foster, Orson Hyde, John E. Page, Joseph Wood, and Robert B. - Thompson compose said committee, and report to this Conference. -</p> -<p> Resolved, that this meeting adjourn until tomorrow morning. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Wednesday morning, April 8</em>. -</p><blockquote> -<p> Conference met pursuant to adjournment. A number were confirmed who - had been baptized the previous evening. Prayer by Elder Marks. -</p> -<p> The Committee appointed to draft resolutions on the report of the - Senate Committee of the Judiciary were then called upon to make - their report. Robert B. Thompson of the Committee then read the -</p> -<p> <em>Resolutions</em>: -</p> -<p> Whereas, we learn, with deep sorrow, regret, and disappointment, - that the Committee on the Judiciary to whom was referred the - Memorial of the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day - Saints (commonly called "Mormons"), complaining of the grievances - suffered by them in the state of Missouri, have reported - unfavorably to our cause, to justice, and humanity; -</p> -<p> <em>Therefore Resolved 1st</em>: That we consider the report of the - Committee on Judiciary, unconstitutional, and subversive to the - rights of a free people, and justly calls for the disapprobation - of all the supporters and lovers of good government and republican - principles. -</p> -<p> <em>Resolved, 2ndly</em>: That the Committee state, in their report, - that our Memorial <em>aggravates</em> the case of our oppressors, and at - the same time say, that they have not examined into the truth or - falsehood of the facts mentioned in said Memorial. -</p> -<p> <em>Resolved, 3rdly</em>: That the Memorial does not aggravate the conduct - of our oppressors, as every statement set forth in said Memorial - was substantiated by indubitable testimony; therefore we consider - the statements of the Committee, in regard to that part, as false - and ungenerous. -</p> -<p> <em>Resolved, 4thly</em>: That that part of the report referring us to - the justice and magnanimity of the state of Missouri for redress, - we deem it a great insult to our good sense, better judgment, and - intelligence, when numerous affidavits, which were laid before - the Committee, prove that we could only go into the state of - Missouri contrary to the exterminating order of the Governor, and - consequently at the risk of our lives. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="108"></a>{108}</span> <em>Resolved, 5thly</em>: That after repeated appeals to the - constituted authorities of the state of Missouri for redress, which - were in vain, we fondly hoped that in the Congress of the United - States, ample justice would have been rendered us; and upon that - consideration alone, we pledged ourselves to abide their decision. -</p> -<p> <em>Resolved, 6thly</em>: That the exterminating order of Governor Boggs - is a direct infraction of the Constitution of the United States, - and of the state of Missouri; and the committee in refusing to - investigate the proceedings of the Executive and others of the - state of Missouri, and turning a deaf ear to the cries of widows, - orphans, and innocent blood, we deem no less than seconding the - proceeding of that murderous clan, whose deeds are recorded in - heaven, and justly call down upon their heads the righteous - judgments of an offended God. -</p> -<p> <em>Resolved, 7thly</em>: That the thanks of this meeting be tendered to - the citizens of the state of Illinois, for their kind, liberal, and - generous conduct towards us; and that we call upon them, as well - as every patriot in this vast Republic, to aid us in all lawful - endeavors to obtain redress for the injuries we have sustained. -</p> -<p> <em>Resolved, 8thly</em>: That the thanks of this meeting be tendered - to the delegation of Illinois, for the bold, manly, noble, and - independent course they have taken in presenting our case before - the nation, amid misrepresentation, contumely, and abuse, which - were heaped upon us in our suffering condition. -</p> -<p> <em>Resolved, 9thly</em>: That the thanks of this meeting be tendered to - Governor Carlin of Illinois, Governor Lucas of Iowa Territory, for - their sympathy, aid, and protection; and to all other honorable - gentlemen who have assisted us in our endeavors to obtain redress. -</p> -<p> <em>Resolved, 10thly</em>: That Joseph Smith, Jun., Sidney Rigdon, and - Elias Higbee, the Delegates appointed by this Church to visit - the City of Washington, to present our sufferings before the - authorities of the nation, be tendered the thanks of this meeting - for the prompt and efficient manner in which they have discharged - their duty; and that they be requested, in behalf of the Church - of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout the world, to - continue to use their endeavors to obtain redress for a suffering - people. And if all hopes of obtaining satisfaction for the injuries - done us be entirely blasted, that they then appeal our case to - the Court of Heaven, believing that the Great Jehovah, who rules - over the destiny of nations, and who notices the falling sparrows, - will undoubtedly redress our wrongs, and ere long avenge us of our - adversaries.<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERVfn5"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERVfn5">5</a>]</sup> -</p> -<p> On motion, <em>Resolved</em>, That the report of the committee on the - Judiciary, <span class="pagenum"><a name="109"></a>{109}</span> as well as the foregoing Preamble and Resolutions, - be published in the Quincy papers. -</p> -<p> On motion, <em>Resolved</em>, That a committee of three be appointed to - investigate the recommendations of those persons who wish to obtain - an ordination to the ministry, and ordain such as are thought - worthy; and that Elders Bent, Wood, and Hyde compose said committee. -</p> -<p> <em>Resolved</em>, That this meeting feel satisfied with the proceeding of - the Presidency with regard to the sales of town property, &c., and - that they are requested to continue in their agency. -</p> -<p> <em>Resolved</em>, That this meeting adjourn for one hour. -</p> -<p> Conference met pursuant to adjournment. -</p> -<p> After singing the President arose and read the 3rd chapter of - John's Gospel, after which, prayer was offered by Elder Erastus - Snow. -</p> -<p> The President commenced making observations on the different - subjects embraced in the chapter [previously read] particularly the - 3rd, 4th, and 5th verses, illustrating them with a very beautiful - and striking figure, and throwing a flood of light on the subjects - brought up to review. He then spoke to the Elders respecting their - mission, and advised those who went into the world to preach the - Gospel, to leave their families provided with the necessaries - of life; and to teach the gathering as set forth in the Holy - Scripture. That it had been wisdom for the most of the Church - to keep on this side of the river, that a foundation might be - established in this place; but that now it was the privilege of the - Saints to occupy the lands in Iowa, or wherever the Spirit might - lead them. That he did not wish to have any political influence, - but wished the Saints to use their political franchise to the best - of their knowledge. -</p> -<p> He then stated that since Elder Hyde had been appointed to visit - the Jews, he had felt an impression that it would be well for Elder - John E. Page to accompany him on his mission. It was resolved that - Elder John E. Page be appointed to accompany Elder Orson Hyde on - his mission, and that he have proper credentials given him. -</p> -<p> It was then resolved, that as a great part of the time of the - Conference had been taken up with charges against individuals, - which might have been settled by the different authorities of - the Church, that in future no such cases be brought before the - Conferences. -</p> -<p> The Committee on ordinations reported that they had ordained - thirty-one persons to be Elders in the Church, who were ordained - under the hands of Alpheus Gifford<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERVfn6"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERVfn6">6</a>]</sup> and Stephen Perry, which - report was accepted. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="110"></a>{110}</span> Fredrick G. Williams presented himself on the stand, and - humbly asked forgiveness for his conduct, [while in Missouri], and - expressed his determination to do the will of God in the future. - His case was presented to the Conference by President Hyrum Smith, - when it was unanimously -</p> -<p> <em>Resolved</em>, -</p> -<p> That Fredrick G. Williams be forgiven, and be received into the - fellowship of the Church. -</p> -<p> It was reported that seventy-five persons had been baptized during - the Conference, and that upwards of fifty had been received into - the quorum of Seventies. -</p> -<p> President Hyrum Smith dismissed the assembly. After he had made a - few observations, the Conference was closed, under the blessings of - the Presidency, until the first Friday in October next. -</p> -<p> Joseph Smith, Jun., -</p> -<p> President. -</p></blockquote> -<h3>Footnotes: -</h3> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERVfn1"></a><a href="#CHAPTERVfn1">1</a>. This is the record of a very important action. The law of -consecration and stewardship, with which the action deals, was given -to the church by revelation (Doc. and Cov. sec. xlii). Its fundamental -principle is the recognition of God as the possessor of all things, the -earth and the fullness thereof. It is His by right of proprietorship. -He created it and sustains it by His power. This recognized, it follows -that whatsoever man possesses in it, he holds as a stewardship merely. -These principles the Saints were called upon to recognize and act under -in the establishment of Zion in Missouri; and apparently the Saints -in Iowa were disposed to undertake the same order of things in the -settlement they were then making, until stopped by the Prophet. The -action of the Prophet in this instance demonstrates the elasticity in -church government, and law. The Lord, who commanded to move forward, -may also command a halt. He who said take neither purse nor scrip when -going to preach the Gospel (Matt. x:10) may later say, under other -circumstances, "He that hath a purse let him take it, and likewise -his scrip" (Luke xxii:35, 36). So, too, in other matters. The Lord -commanded the colony of Lehi that there should no man among them -"have save it be but one wife, and concubines ye shall have none;" -yet reserved the right to command His people otherwise should the -accomplishment of His purposes require it. (Book of Mormon, Jacob -ii:24-30.) -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERVfn2"></a><a href="#CHAPTERVfn2">2</a>. The hymn was composed by W. W. Phelps, and is worthy of reproduction -in extenso. -</p><blockquote> -<p class="poetry"> The gallant ship is under weigh<br> - To bear me off to sea,<br> - And yonder floats the streamer gay<br> - That says she waits for me.<br> - The seamen dip the ready oar,<br> - As rippled waves oft tell,<br> - They bear me swiftly from the shore:<br> - My native land, farewell!<br> -</p> -<p class="poetry"> I go, not to plough the main,<br> - To ease a restless mind,<br> - Nor yet to toil on battle's plain,<br> - The victor's wreath to find.<br> - 'Tis not for treasures that are hid<br> - In mountain or in dell,<br> - 'Tis not for joys like these I bid<br> - My native land, farewell!<br> -</p> -<p class="poetry"> I go to break the fowler's snare,<br> - To gather Israel home;<br> - I go the name of Christ to bear<br> - In lands and isles unknown.<br> - And soon my pilgrim feet shall tread<br> - On land where errors dwell,<br> - Whence light and truth have long since fled,<br> - My native land, farewell!<br> -</p> -<p class="poetry"> I go, an erring child of dust,<br> - Ten thousand foes among,<br> - Yet on His mighty arm I trust.<br> - Who makes the feeble strong.<br> - My sun, my shield, forever nigh.<br> - He will my fears dispel,<br> - This hope supports me when I sigh,<br> - My native land, farewell!<br> -</p> -<p class="poetry"> I go devoted to His cause,<br> - And to His will resigned;<br> - His presence will supply the loss<br> - Of all I leave behind.<br> - His promise cheers the sinking heart<br> - And lights the darkest cell,<br> - To exiled pilgrims grace imparts;<br> - My native land, farewell!<br> -</p> -<p class="poetry"> I go, it is my Master's call,<br> - He's made my duty plain,<br> - No danger can the heart appall<br> - When Jesus stoops to reign.<br> - And now the vessel's side we've made,<br> - The sails their bosoms swell.<br> - Thy beauties in the distance fade,<br> - My native land, farewell!<br> -</p></blockquote> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERVfn3"></a><a href="#CHAPTERVfn3">3</a>. It is said that he never had the ague afterwards. -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERVfn4"></a><a href="#CHAPTERVfn4">4</a>. To the office of High Priest is what is meant; Seventies, of course, -hold the Melchisedek or High Priesthood. -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERVfn5"></a><a href="#CHAPTERVfn5">5</a>. See Introduction to Volume III History of the Church, where -retribution on Missouri is considered at length. -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERVfn6"></a><a href="#CHAPTERVfn6">6</a>. Alpheus Gifford was born in Adams township, Berkshire County, -Massachusetts, August 28, 1793. At the age of eighteen, having scarcely -sufficient learning to enable him to read the Bible, he commenced -preaching the Gospel, not for hire, but for the salvation of souls. -In 1817, he married Anna Nash, who bore him seven sons and three -daughters. In the spring of 1831, hearing of the doctrines taught by -Joseph Smith he made diligent inquiry and found they were scriptural -and was baptized and ordained a priest; he brought home five books of -Mormon which he distributed among his friends; he was then living in -Tioga County, Pennsylvania. Soon after he went to Kirtland, Ohio, to -see the Prophet Joseph Smith and the brethren, when he was ordained -an elder; he was accompanied by his brother Levi, Elial Strong, -Eleazer Miller, Enos Curtis, and Abraham Brown, who were baptized. On -returning to Pennsylvania he preached and baptized many, among whom -was Heber C. Kimball. The gifts of the Gospel were enjoyed by many, -signs followed those who believed; devils were cast out; the sick were -healed; many prophesied; some spake with new tongues; while others -interpreted the same. Mr. Calvin Gilmour, with whom Brother Gifford had -previously been associated in preaching, heard him speak in tongues and -interpret. Gilmour declared he understood the languages and that they -were interpreted correctly, and that he knew Gifford had no classical -learning; but that he would rather be damned than believe in Mormonism. -</p> -<p>In June 1832, Brother Gifford started for Missouri; traveled to -Cincinnati and wintered there with a few saints who bad been baptized -by Lyman Wight. He arrived in Jackson county, Missouri, in March, 1833, -where he preached extensively; he was driven with the Saints from that -county in the fall of that year. He removed to Clay county, enduring -the persecution incident upon settling in, and final expulsion from, -the same. He went to Kirtland, Ohio, and attended the dedication of the -Temple and received the ordinances there administered. He returned to -Missouri and was driven with the Saints to Far West, Caldwell county. -In the winter of 1839, he was driven from Missouri. He located in the -Morley settlement near Lima, Illinois, and subsequently five miles -above Nauvoo, where he died December 25, 1841. (<em>Addenda</em>, Ms. Church -History, Book "C" 2. Also page 404.) -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="111"></a>{111}</span> -</p> - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTERVI"></a>CHAPTER VI. -</h2> -<p class="chapterHeading">Development of the Work in England—The Palestine Mission—Post-Office -Name Changed from Commerce to Nauvoo. -</p> -<p><em>April 7</em>.—The brethren [President Brigham Young, <em>et al</em>.] found -Elder John Taylor, who, in company with Joseph Fielding, had recently -built up a branch of twenty-eight members in Liverpool. -</p> -<p><em>April 8</em>.—President Brigham Young and company went to Elder -Richards', at Preston, by railway; when they arrived there, they had -not a single sixpence left. So emaciated was President Young at this -time from his long sickness, and journey, that when Elder Richards -returned home this day from a mission to Clitheroe, and found him in -his room, he did not know him. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Letter of Hon. Richard M. Young to Elias Higbee</em>. -</p> -<p> Washington City, April 9, 1840. -</p> -<p> <em>Judge Elias Higbee</em>: -</p> -<p> Dear Sir:—Having a private opportunity, by Judge Snow, of Quincy, - I have sent you two receipts, one for $50, and the other for $90, - making together $140, to Mr. E. I. Philips, cashier of the branch - of the State Bank of Illinois, at Quincy. When it is convenient - for you to make payment, will you have the goodness to send the - money to Mr. Philips, who is instructed to receive it, and apply it - towards the payment of a note of mine in that bank. -</p> -<p> I received a letter from Mr. Rigdon a few days ago. It was mailed - in Philadelphia, but was dated on the inside in New Jersey. His - health is gradually but slowly improving, and he thinks he will set - out for home some time in May. He wished a small sum of money, $40, - deposited in one of the banks here, for a gentleman in Buffalo, - New York, which I have attended to according to his direction and - request. I also informed him, if he stood in need of more, to call - on me and it would give me pleasure to accommodate him; so you need - not be uneasy on that score. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="112"></a>{112}</span> Nothing new has transpired since you left us, with the - exception of the death of one of the Connecticut Senators, Mr. - Thadeus Betts, who died yesterday. His funeral took place today, - hence no business was transacted in the Senate. We have also lost - the Cumberland Road Bill by a final vote in the Senate, 20 voting - for and 22 against it; one single vote from the majority would - have saved it, by making a tie. The Vice-President was exceedingly - anxious for the opportunity of getting the casting vote in its - favor. Mr. Clay, of Kentucky, made a speech against and voted - throughout against it. Grundy, of Tennessee, Wright of New York, - and Buchanan of Pennsylvania, three of the leading Democrats in the - Senate voted for it. There were but seven Whigs who voted for it, - and thirteen Democrats. I think we will adjourn about the first or - second Monday in June. -</p> -<p> I received from Mr. Rigdon the Petition and papers in relation to - a change of postmaster at Commerce, with an affidavit from Doctor - Galland, all of which have been laid before the proper department. - As soon as I get an answer, it shall be communicated to you. Don't - forget to have the <em>Times and Seasons</em> sent to me. Give my respects - to Rev. Joseph Smith, and accept for yourself my best wishes for - your happiness. -</p> -<p> Yours, etc., -</p> -<p> Richard M. Young. -</p></blockquote> -<p class="sidenote"><em>The News</em>. -</p> -<p>In the <em>Times and Seasons</em> of this month is a prospectus for publishing -at Nauvoo, a weekly paper, to be called <em>The News</em>.<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERVIfn1"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERVIfn1">1</a>]</sup> -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Orson Hyde's Credentials as a Missionary to Palestine</em>. -</p> -<p> <em>To all people unto whom these presents shall come, Greeting</em>— -</p> -<p> Be it known that we, the constituted authorities of the Church - of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, assembled in Conference at - Nauvoo, Hancock county, and state of Illinois, on the sixth day - of April, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and - forty, considering an important event at hand, an event involving - the interest and fate of the Gentile nations throughout the - world—from the signs of the times and from declarations contained - in the oracles of God, we are forced to come to this conclusion. - The Jewish nations have been scattered abroad among the Gentiles - for a long period; and in our estimation, the <span class="pagenum"><a name="113"></a>{113}</span> time of the - commencement of their return to the Holy Land has already arrived. - As this scattered and persecuted people are set among the Gentiles - as a sign unto them of the second coming of the Messiah, and also - of the overthrow of the present kingdoms and governments of the - earth, by the potency of His Almighty arm in scattering famine and - pestilence like the frosts and snows of winter, and sending the - sword with nation against nation to bathe it in each other's blood; - it is highly important, in our opinion, that the present views and - movements of the Jewish people be sought after and laid before the - American people, for their consideration, their profit and their - learning. -</p> -<p> And feeling it to be our duty to employ the most efficient means - in our power to save the children of men from "the abomination - that maketh desolate," we have, by the counsel of the Holy Spirit, - appointed Elder Orson Hyde, the bearer of these presents, a - faithful and worthy minister of Jesus Christ, to be our Agent and - Representative in foreign lands, to visit the cities of London, - Amsterdam, Constantinople, and Jerusalem; and also other places - that he may deem expedient; and converse with the priests, rulers, - and elders of the Jews, and obtain from them all the information - possible, and communicate the same to some principal paper for - publication, that it may have a general circulation throughout the - United States. -</p> -<p> As Mr. Hyde has willingly and cheerfully accepted the appointment - to become our servant and the servant of the public in distant and - foreign countries, for Christ's sake, we do confidently recommend - him to all religious and Christian people, and to gentlemen and - ladies making no profession, as a worthy member of society, - possessing much zeal to promote the happiness of mankind, fully - believing that they will be forward to render him all the pecuniary - aid he needs to accomplish this laborious and hazardous mission for - the general good of the human family. -</p> -<p> Ministers of every denomination upon whom Mr. Hyde shall call, are - requested to hold up his hands, and aid him by their influence, - with an assurance that such as do this shall have the prayers and - blessings of a poor and afflicted people, whose blood has flowed - to test the depths of their sincerity and to crimson the face of - freedom's soil with martyr's blood. -</p> -<p> Mr. Hyde is instructed by this Conference to transmit to this - country nothing but simple facts for publication, entirely - disconnected with any peculiar views of theology, leaving each - class to make their own comments and draw their own inferences. -</p> -<p> Given under our hands at the time and place before mentioned. -</p> -<p> Joseph Smith, Jun., Chairman. -</p> -<p> Robert B. Thompson, Clerk. -</p></blockquote> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="114"></a>{114}</span> <em>Sunday, 12</em>.—Several of the Twelve bore their public testimony -to the Gospel in the Cock Pit, Preston. -</p> -<p>The High Council of Nauvoo met at my house, when I proposed that -Brother Hyrum Smith go east with Oliver Granger to settle some business -transactions of the Church which the Council sanctioned; and voted, -"that President Joseph Smith, Jun., make the necessary credentials for -Oliver Granger and Hyrum Smith." -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Earthquakes. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, 13</em>.—From the second of October, 1839, to this date, there -have been one hundred and forty-five shocks of earthquake in Scotland, -reported by Mr. Milne to the Royal Society of Edinburgh. Some of these -shocks were sufficient to alter the natural levels of the ground more -than two degrees, and some witnesses thought four degrees, and caused -houses to rock like boats on the sea. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Ordination of Willard Richards to the Apostleship. -</p> -<p><em>Tuesday, 14</em>.—A council of the Twelve, namely, Brigham Young, Heber -C. Kimball, Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, George -A. Smith and John Taylor, was held at the house of Elder Willard -Richards, in Preston, England, when the latter was ordained to the -Apostleship,—agreeably to the revelation,—by President Young, under -the hands of the quorum present. Other business was transacted, as -also on the following days, all of which may be seen by reference to -President Young's letter of the 17th instant. -</p> -<p><em>Wednesday, 15</em>.—Elder Orson Hyde left Commerce for Jerusalem. -</p> -<p><em>Thursday, 16</em>.—Elder Orson Hyde met with John E. Page at Lima. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Letter of Brigham Young to the Saints of the United - States—Affairs of the British Mission</em>. -</p> -<p> Preston, England, April 17, 1840. -</p> -<p> To the Saints in the United States of America: For the comfort of - the Church in general, in that country, I attempt to address a few - lines <span class="pagenum"><a name="115"></a>{115}</span> to you, to let you know where we are, and what we are - doing in this country. -</p> -<p> The work of the Lord is progressing here, and has been ever since - Elders Orson Hyde and H. C. Kimball left this country. According - to the account that the Elders give of their labors, there have - been about eight or nine hundred persons baptized since they left. - The Gospel is spreading, the devils are roaring. As nigh as I can - learn, the priests are howling, the tares are binding up, the wheat - is gathering, nations are trembling, and kingdoms tottering; "men's - hearts failing them for fear, and for looking for those things that - are coming on the earth." The poor among men are rejoicing in the - Lord, and the meek do increase their joy. The hearts of the wicked - do wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. -</p> -<p> But I rejoice that I am counted worthy to be one of the number to - carry salvation to the poor and meek of the earth. Brethren, I want - to say many things, but I shall not have room on this paper, as I - design giving the minutes of our conference below. -</p> -<p> After a long and tedious voyage of 28 days on the water, we landed - in Liverpool, Elders Heber C. Kimball, Parley P. Pratt, Orson - Pratt, George A. Smith, Reuben Hedlock, were in the company. We - rejoiced in the Lord, and when we cast our minds upon the Saints in - that country, [the United States] we could, by faith participate in - their joys, realizing they were met in conference, it being the 6th - day of April. We soon found a room that we could have to ourselves, - which made our solemn assembly glorious. We blest each other and - prepared for our labor. The next day we found Elder Taylor in the - city. There had been about thirty baptized. On Wednesday went to - Preston; met with the church on Sunday, and bore testimony to the - things the Lord is doing in these last day's. President Joseph - Fielding gave out an appointment for a conference for the church on - Wednesday, the 15th. -</p> -<p> At a council of the Twelve, held in Preston, England, on the 14th - of April, 1840, it being the 9th day of the 1st month of the 11th - year of the rise of the Church of Jesus Christ, Elders Brigham - Young, Heber C. Kimball, Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, Wilford - Woodruff, John Taylor and George A. Smith, being present, Elder - Brigham Young was called to preside, and Elder John Taylor chosen - secretary. -</p> -<p> The council was opened by prayer by Elder Brigham Young. Elder - Willard Richards was ordained to the office of an Apostle, and - received into the quorum of the Twelve by unanimous vote, according - to previous revelation. Elder Brigham Young was unanimously chosen - as the President of the Twelve.<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERVIfn2"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERVIfn2">2</a>]</sup> -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="116"></a>{116}</span> Resolved, that he who acts as the secretary of the quorum, - shall prepare the minutes of the conference of the quorum, and - deposit them in the hands of the president for keeping. -</p> -<p> Moved by Elder Kimball, and seconded by Elder Richards, that twenty - of the Seventies be sent for, and that it be left discretionary - with the President of the Twelve to send for more if he think - proper. Conference adjourned. Benediction by Elder Kimball. -</p> -<p> At a general conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day - Saints, held in the Temperance Hall, Preston, Lancashire, England, - on the 15th of April, 1840, President Joseph Fielding called upon - Elder Kimball to preside, and Elder William Clayton was chosen - clerk, it being the 10th day of the 1st month of the 11th year of - the rise of the Church. -</p> -<p> The meeting was opened by singing, and prayer by Elder Kimball. - Elder Kimball then called upon the Elders to represent the - different branches of the Church. Elder Joseph Fielding represented - the church in Preston, consisting of about three hundred members, - seven Elders, eight Priests, six Teachers, and two Deacons. Elder - Peter Melling represented the church in Penworthan, consisting of - seventy-three members, three Elders, one Priest, two Teachers. John - Jackson represented the church at Southport, consisting of twenty - members, one Priest, and one Teacher. Elder John Moon represented - the church at Danbers Lane, and neighborhood—members generally in - good standing, consisting of fifty-four members, one Elder, two - Priests, three Teachers. Richard Benson, represented the church at - Hunter's Hill and neighborhood, consisting of seventeen members, - one Elder, one Priest, one Teacher. -</p> -<p> Elder Amos Fielding, represented the church at Bolton, consisting - of sixty members, one Elder, two Priests, two Teachers. Elder Amos - Fielding represented the church at Heskin, consisting of three - members, one Elder. Elder Amos Fielding represented the Church at - Radcliff, consisting of ten members. Elder Withnal represented - the <span class="pagenum"><a name="117"></a>{117}</span> church at Whittle, consisting of eighteen members, one - Elder, four Priests. Elder Francis Clark represented the church - at Ribchester, consisting of twenty-five members, two Elders, one - Priest. Elder Thomas Richardson represented the church at Burnley, - consisting of twenty four members, generally in good standing, one - Priest, one Teacher. Elder Francis Moon represented the church - at Blackburn, consisting of fifteen members, one Priest. Elder - James Smithies represented the church at Chardgley and Thornley, - consisting of twenty-nine members, two Elders, one Priest, one - Teacher, one Deacon. -</p> -<p> Priest John Ellison represented the church at Waddington, - consisting of fifty members, two Priests, two Teachers, one Deacon. - Elder Thomas Smith represented the church at Clitheroe, consisting - of twenty-seven members, one Elder, three Priests. Elder Thomas - Smith represented the church at Catburn, consisting of eighty-four - members, one Elder, two Priests, two Teachers, one Deacon. Elder - Thomas Smith represented the church at Downham, consisting of - twenty members, one Teacher, one Deacon. -</p> -<p> Elder Thomas Smith represented the church at Gridleton, consisting - of five members. Elder William Clayton represented the church at - Manchester, consisting of two hundred and forty members, three - Elders, five Priests, four Teachers, one Deacon. Elder William - Clayton represented the church at Stockport, consisting of forty - members, one Priest, two Teachers, one Deacon. Elder William - Clayton represented the church at Peover and Macclesfield, - consisting of thirty members, three Priests. Elder William - Clayton represented the church at Duckinfield, consisting of - thirty members, one Priest. Elder William Clayton represented the - church at Altrincham, consisting of eight members, one Priest, - one Teacher. Elder William Clayton represented the church at - Middlewich, consisting of six members. -</p> -<p> Elder David Wilding represented the church at Bury and Elton, - consisting of twelve members. Elder Wilford Woodruff represented - the church in the Potteries, consisting of one hundred and one - members, one Elder, two Priests, four Teachers, one Deacon. - Elder Wilford Woodruff represented the church at Herefordshire, - consisting of one hundred and sixty members, one Elder, two - Priests; about forty of them were Methodist preachers of the United - Brethren. -</p> -<p> Elder John Taylor represented the church at Liverpool, consisting - of twenty-eight members. Elder Joseph Fielding represented the - church at Alston, Cumberland, consisting of forty members, - two Elders, two Priests, two Teachers. Elder Willard Richards - represented the church at Brampton, consisting of thirty members, - one Elder, one Priest. Elder Willard Richards represented the - church at Bedford, consisting of forty members, one Elder, one - Priest. Elder Willard Richards <span class="pagenum"><a name="118"></a>{118}</span> represented the church at - Scotland, consisting of twenty-one members, three Elders. -</p> -<p> The meeting was then adjourned for one hour. The conference again - assembled at half-past one o'clock. Meeting opened by prayer, and - business commenced. -</p> -<p> Elder John Moon represented the church at Layland Moss, consisting - of six members, one Priest. -</p> -<p> Elder Willard Richards having been previously ordained into the - quorum of the Twelve, according to previous revelation, it was - moved by Elder Young, and seconded by Elder Taylor, that Elder - Hyrum Clark be appointed as a counselor to Elder Fielding, in the - place of Elder Richards; carried unanimously. -</p> -<p> Moved by Elder Fielding, seconded by Elder Young, that a hymnbook - should be published; carried. Moved and seconded, that the - publishing of the hymn-book shall be done by the direction of the - Twelve; carried. -</p> -<p> Moved and seconded that a monthly periodical shall be published - under the direction and superintendence of the Twelve, for the - benefit and information of the Church, as soon as a sufficient - number of subscribers shall be obtained; carried. -</p> -<p> Moved and seconded that Brother John Blazard, of Samsbury, be - ordained to the office of a Priest; carried. -</p> -<p> Moved and seconded that Brother James Cobridge, of Thornley, be - ordained to the office of Priest; carried. -</p> -<p> Elder Kimball then laid before the conference the importance and - propriety of ordaining a Patriarch to bestow patriarchal blessings - on the fatherless, &c.; referred to the Twelve, whose business it - is to select one, and ordain him according to the directions of the - Spirit. -</p> -<p> After various remarks and addresses given by the Elders, President - Fielding and his counselors proceeded to ordain Brothers Blazard - and Cobridge to their offices, as stated above. -</p> -<p> Elder Kimball then called upon the clerk to read over the minutes - of the conference, which being done, they were received by the - unanimous voice of the conference. -</p> -<p> Moved by Elder Young, and seconded by Elder Parley P. Pratt, that - this conference be adjourned until the 6th of July next, to be held - in Preston, at 10 o'clock a. m.; carried. Meeting then adjourned. -</p> -<p> H. C. Kimball, President. -</p> -<p> Wm. Clayton, Clerk. -</p> -<p> <em>Council Meeting of the Twelve in England—Hymn-Book and the - "Millennial Star" Projected</em>. -</p> -<p> The Council met pursuant to adjournment, April 16th, 1840. The - number of the quorum the same as on the 14th. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="119"></a>{119}</span> Moved by Elder Young, seconded by Elder Taylor, that Elder - Parley P. Pratt be chosen as the editor of the monthly periodical - for the Church. -</p> -<p> Moved by Elder Kimball, seconded by Parley P. Pratt, that a - committee of three be appointed to make a selection of hymns. -</p> -<p> Moved by Elder Orson Pratt, and seconded by Elder Wilford Woodruff, - that Elders Brigham Young, Parley P. Pratt, and John Taylor form - the committee for that purpose. -</p> -<p> Moved by Elder Willard Richards, seconded by Elder George A. Smith, - that the name of the paper or periodical be the <em>Latter-day Saints - Millennial Star</em>. -</p> -<p> Moved by Elder Brigham Young, seconded by Elder Orson Pratt, that - the size of the paper, its plan, and price be left at the disposal - of the editor. -</p> -<p> Moved by Elder Brigham Young, seconded by Elder Heber C. Kimball, - that the Saints receive a recommend to the Church in America to - move in small or large bodies, inasmuch as they desire to emigrate - to that new country. -</p> -<p> Moved by Elder Brigham Young, seconded by Parley P. Pratt, that we - recommend no one to go to America that has money, without assisting - the poor according to our counsel from time to time. -</p> -<p> Moved by Elder John Taylor, seconded by Elder Parley P. Pratt, that - the copyright of the Book of Doctrine and Covenants and the Book of - Mormon be secured as quick as possible. -</p> -<p> Moved by Elder Woodruff, seconded by Elder Willard Richards, that - Elders Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, and Parley P. Pratt be the - committee to secure the copyright. -</p> -<p> Moved by Elder Heber C. Kimball, and seconded by Elder Willard - Richards, that Elder Peter Melling be ordained an evangelical - minister [Patriarch] in Preston. -</p> -<p> Moved by Elder Heber C. Kimball, that the Twelve meet here on the - 6th of July next, seconded by Elder Wilford Woodruff; and carried. -</p> -<p> Moved by Elder Willard Richards, and seconded by Elder Wilford - Woodruff, that the editor of the periodical keep an account of all - the receipts and expenditures connected with the printing, general - expense, &c., and the books at all times be open for the inspection - of the Council. -</p> -<p> The above resolutions were unanimously adopted. The conference - closed by prayer. -</p> -<p> John Taylor, Clerk. -</p> -<p> <em>Letter of Brigham Young to the Prophet</em>. -</p> -<p> <em>To President Joseph Smith and Counselors</em>: -</p> -<p> Dear Brethren:—You no doubt will have the perusal of this letter, - and minutes of our conference; this will give you an idea of what - we <span class="pagenum"><a name="120"></a>{120}</span> are doing in this country. If you see anything in or about - the whole affair, that is not right, I ask, in the name of the Lord - Jesus Christ, that you would make known unto us the mind of the - Lord, and His will concerning us. I believe that I am as willing to - do the will of the Lord, and take counsel of my brethren, and be - a servant of the Church, as ever I was in my life; but I can tell - you, I would like to be with my old friends; I like new friends, - but I cannot part with my old ones for them. -</p> -<p> Concerning the hymn-book—when we arrived here, we found the - brethren had laid by their old hymn-books, and they wanted new - ones; for the Bible, religion, and all is new to them. When I came - to learn more about carrying books into the states, or bringing - them here, I found the duties were so high that we never should - want to bring books from the states. -</p> -<p> I request one favor of you, that is, a letter from you, that I - may hear from my friends. I trust that I will remain your friend - through life and in eternity. As ever. -</p> -<p> Brigham Young. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>April 17</em>.—This day the Twelve blessed and drank a bottle of wine at -Penworthan, made by Mother Moon forty years before. Held a Council at -her house in the evening, and ordained Peter Melling, Patriarch.<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERVIfn3"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERVIfn3">3</a>]</sup> -</p> -<p>The following is the aggregate number of churches, official and private -members represented at the above Conferences, held in Preston, England: -Elders, 36; Priests, 54; Teachers, 36; Deacons, 11; members, 1,686; all -contained in 34 branches. -</p> -<p><em>Saturday, 18</em>.—Elders Young, Woodruff, and George A. Smith went to -Burslem, and Elders Kimball and Richards to Chaidgley. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 19</em>.—The High Council voted to meet at my office every -Saturday at two in the afternoon. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Mission Opened in Scotland—Orson Pratt. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, 20</em>.—Elders Young and Woodruff went to Wolverhampton. About -this time Elder Orson Pratt went to Edinburgh, Scotland. Elder Taylor -returned to Liverpool. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="121"></a>{121}</span> <em>Letter of Robert Johnstone to Senator Young—Postoffice Name - Changed from Commerce to Nauvoo</em>. -</p> -<p> Postoffice Department, Appointment Office, -</p> -<p> 21st April, 1830. -</p> -<p> Sir:—I have the honor to inform you, that the Postmaster General - has this day changed the name of the postoffice at Commerce, - Hancock county, Illinois, to "Nauvoo," and appointed George W. - Robinson postmaster thereof. -</p> -<p> Very respectfully, your obedient servant, -</p> -<p> Robert Johnstone, -</p> -<p> Second Assistant Postmaster General. -</p> -<p> To the Hon. Richard M. Young, U.S. Senate. -</p></blockquote> -<p>Elders Young and Woodruff visited the old cathedral at Worcester on -their way to Ledbury, where they arrived this night. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Letter of Senator Young to Judge Elias Higbee—Postoffice Name, - etc</em>. -</p> -<p> Washington City, April 22, 1840. -</p> -<p> Dear Sir:—After your departure from this city, I received, under - cover from the Reverend Sidney Rigdon, the petition mentioned - by you, for the appointment of George W. Robinson as postmaster - at Commerce. This petition I laid before the Honorable Robert - Johnstone, second assistant postmaster general, who has appointed - Mr. Robinson as requested. -</p> -<p> We found, on examination of the papers, and a letter from Dr. - Gallad, that there was a request that the name of the postoffice - should be changed to that of Nauvoo, a Hebrew term, signifying a - beautiful place. Mr. Johnstone, at my instance, has changed the - name accordingly, in the supposition that it would be agreeable to - the citizens concerned. Will you please advise with the Rev. Joseph - Smith and others most immediately interested, and if the change of - the name to Nauvoo should not be acceptable, it can on application - be restored to that of Commerce. -</p> -<p> I received a letter from Malcolm McGregor, Esq., postmaster at - Carthage, a few days ago, in which he urges the necessity of having - the mail carried twice a week, between Carthage and Nauvoo, and - expresses the opinion that the additional expenses would not exceed - one hundred and fifty dollars, as the mail is carried on horseback. - I have brought the subject before the proper department as - requested by Mr. McGregor, and hope to be able to succeed; although - the Postoffice Department, owing to pecuniary embarrassment, is not - in a situation to extend facilities at the present time. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="122"></a>{122}</span> Please present my respects to Mr. Smith, and accept for - yourself my kindest regards. -</p> -<p> Very respectfully, &c., -</p> -<p> Richard M. Young. -</p> -<p> To Judge Elias Higbee. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Wednesday, 22</em>.—Elders Young and Woodruff organized a branch of the -Church at Frooms Hill, Herefordshire. -</p> -<p><em>Thursday, 23</em>.—Elders Kimball and Richards returned to Preston. Elder -Young visited at Moor Ends Cross, and 24th preached at Malvern Hill. -Elder Kimball went to Eccleston and continued some days visiting the -churches around Preston. -</p> -<p><em>Saturday, 25</em>.—Elder Richards went to Manchester, found the -<em>Prospectus</em> for the <em>Millennial Star</em> ready. Elder Young returned -to Frooms Hill, and stayed at Brother John Benbow's till the 30th, -preaching, and writing letters to his friends in America. -</p> -<p><em>Wednesday, 29</em>.—Elders Hyde and Page were at Quincy, Illinois. -</p> -<p>Elder Woodruff wrote as follows: -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Letter of Wilford Woodruff to Don Carlos Smith—Success of - Woodruff's Ministry</em>. -</p> -<p> Ledbury, Herefordshire, England, -</p> -<p> April 29, 1840. -</p> -<p> <em>Elders Ebenezer Robinson and Don Carlos Smith</em>: -</p> -<p> Brethren:—As Elder Young is writing, I am privileged with a space - of a few lines: knowing that our friends are desirous to hear of - the work of the Lord in this land, I make the following remarks - concerning the mercy of God and my labors. -</p> -<p> Since I last wrote you, (I wrote you a lengthy letter, dated - February 27th, in which I gave you an account of my travels, - voyage, and labors from the time I left Montrose unto the date of - my letter, which I trust you have received,) I continued laboring - in Staffordshire until the first of March, when I felt it to be - the will of the Lord that I should go more to the south part of - England. I left the care of the Staffordshire church in the hands - of Elder Turley, and traveled eighty miles south, in a region where - the word had not been preached. I commenced preaching near Ledbury, - Herefordshire; this is about forty miles from Bristol, <span class="pagenum"><a name="123"></a>{123}</span> - forty from Birmingham, fourteen from Worcester, one hundred and - twenty from London. As soon as I began to teach, many received my - testimony. I there preached one month and five days, and baptized - the superintendent of the church of the United Brethren, a branch - of the Methodist church, and with him 45 preachers, mostly of the - same order; and about 114 members, making 160 in all. This put into - my hands, or under my care, more than forty established places of - preaching, licensed according to law, including one or two chapels. - This opened a large field for the spread of the work in this - country. -</p> -<p> Among the number baptized are some of most all churches and classes - as well as preachers. There is one constable, and one clerk of the - Church of England, with numbers of their members. But in the midst - of my labors I received a letter stating that the Twelve had just - arrived and wished me to come to Preston, and meet with them in - conference. Consequently I traveled 160 miles to Preston and was - once more permitted to strike hands with my brethren from America, - and sit in conference with them, the minutes of which you have. -</p> -<p> After conference I returned to Herefordshire in company with Elder - Brigham Young. We have again commenced our labors here, and there - will be many baptized in this region. I have now more than 200 on - my list, and scores are now waiting for an opportunity to receive - the ordinance of baptism; and the work is progressing in all parts - of this country where it is faithfully proclaimed. I understand - that Elders Wright and Mulliner are opening some permanent doors - in Scotland; and we have many calls through many parts of this - country, even more than we are able to fill. -</p> -<p> I desire the prayers of the Saints; that I may have wisdom and - grace according to my day, and do the work of God in meekness and - humility. -</p> -<p> Wilford Woodruff. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Thursday, 30</em>.—Elders Young, Woodruff, and Richards met at Elder -Kington's, at Dymock. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Letter of Elders Hyde and Page to the Prophet—Plans for the - Palestine Mission</em>. -</p> -<p> Columbus, May 1, 1840. -</p> -<p> <em>President Smith</em>: -</p> -<p> Sir:—The mission upon which we are sent swells greater and - greater. As there is a great work to be done in Germany, as - manifested to us by the Spirit, the following plan has been - suggested to us; viz., to write a set of lectures upon the faith - and doctrine of our Church, giving a brief <span class="pagenum"><a name="124"></a>{124}</span> history of - the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, and an account of its - contents in as clear and plain a style as possible; together with - the outlines and organization and government of the Church of - Latter-day Saints, drawn from the Doctrine and Covenants with all - the wisdom and care possible; and get the same translated into - German, and publish it when we arrive in Germany, and scatter it - through the German empire. Is this correct? Should we consider it - necessary to translate the entire Book of Mormon into German, and - Doctrine and Covenants too, are we or are we not at liberty to do - so? Should we deem it necessary to publish an edition of hymn-books - in any country, are we at liberty to do it? The fact is, we need - such works, and we cannot get them from the church here; and if - we could, we could not well carry them with us, at least in any - quantity. -</p> -<p> We feel that we are acting under the direction of the Presidency - of the Church; and the reason that we make these inquiries, is, - that we do not wish to step beyond our limits, or bring ourselves - into a snare and dishonor by taking liberties that are not ours. We - feel that all our exertions and interests shall become subservient - to building up the Kingdom of God. We wish to be co-workers with - you and with the Spirit of the Lord. We did not converse so much - upon these literary works as we should have done before we left. - The fact is, we did not begin to see the greatness of our mission - before we left home; our minds were in a nutshell. -</p> -<p> It seems to us that we should spread this work among all people, - languages and tongues, so far as possible; and gather up all jewels - among the Jews besides. Who is sufficient for these things? -</p> -<p> As agents for the Church abroad, and as co-workers with yourself, - in spreading this kingdom to the remotest corners of the earth, are - we at liberty to translate and publish any works that we may think - necessary, or that the circumstances in which we are placed seem to - require whether original, or works published by the Church? If we - are not at liberty to take this wide range, please tell us how far - we may go. -</p> -<p> We are setting this great work before the people as an inducement - to them to help us. If we are setting our standard too high, a word - from you will bring it down. We have held a two days' meeting in - this place; but in consequence of continual rains, which swelled - the creeks so high, the people could not get to us. The meeting was - four miles from Columbus; one only baptized. -</p> -<p> We have now an opportunity to ride as far east as Indiana, beyond - the metropolis, and have the privilege to stop and preach by the - way. Will you write to us at Cincinnati, and much oblige. -</p> -<p> Your brethren in the Kingdom of God, -</p> -<p> Orson Hyde, -</p> -<p> John E. Page. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="125"></a>{125}</span> P. S.—Will you please send word to Marinda, that I want her - to write to me at Cincinnati, Ohio. Please bear it in mind and - oblige thy friend. -</p> -<p> O. H. -</p></blockquote> -<p class="sidenote">Commotions in the World. -</p> -<p><em>Friday, May 1</em>.—The town of Baji, in the county of Baes, on the -river Danube, was almost totally destroyed by fire; about two thousand -houses were burnt, with the palace, several churches, and all the great -corn magazines; leaving about sixteen thousand inhabitants destitute. -The plague is raging in the East—at Silistria, Broussa, Alexandria, -Aleppo, &c.; and wars and rumors of wars in Spain, Mexico and South -American governments; French and Arabs in Africa, Russia and Circassia, -Egypt, England and the East Indies, and the Canada Revolution; all -betoken the fulfillment of prophecy. -</p> -<p><em>Thursday, 7</em>.—The city of Natchez was this day to a great extent -destroyed, almost in a moment, by a whirlwind, storm and tempest. It -is reported that sixty boats sunk, houses and churches blown to atoms, -more than three hundred persons killed, and $5,000,000 of property -destroyed; nearly the whole country on the Mississippi for 1,100 miles -from its mouth is under water. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Letter of Brigham Young to the Prophet—Affairs of the British - Mission</em>. -</p> -<p> Lugwardine, Herefordshire, England, -</p> -<p> May 7, 1840. -</p> -<p> Brother Joseph Smith:—Through the mercy of our heavenly Father, I - am alive and in pretty good health; better than I should have been, - had I remained in America. I trust that you and family are well, - and I ask my heavenly Father that we may live forever; but not to - be chased about by mobs, but live to enjoy each other's society in - peace. I long to see the faces of my friends again in that country - once more, It is better for me to be here, because the Lord has - called me to this great work, but it is hard for me to be parted - from my old friends whom I have proved to be willing to lay down - their lives for each other. I feel as though the Lord would grant - me the privilege of sometime seeing my old friends in America. Give - my best wishes to your wife. I remember her in my prayers, and also - Father and Mother Smith. I remember <span class="pagenum"><a name="126"></a>{126}</span> the time when I first - saw Mother Smith, and the trials she had when the work of the Lord - first commenced in her family. I beg to be remembered to Brother - Rigdon and family, also to Brother Hyrum and family, and to all the - faithful in Christ. -</p> -<p> The brethren that have come from America are all well and doing - well. I want to ask some questions. Shall we print the Book of - Mormon in this country immediately? They are calling for it from - every quarter. The duties are so high on books, we need not think - of bringing them from America. Another question, is the Book of - Doctrine and Covenants to be printed just as it is now, to go to - the nations of the earth; and shall we give it to them as quickly - as we can? Or what shall we do? Will the Twelve have to be together - to do business as a quorum? Or shall they do business in the name - of the Church? Why I ask this is for my own satisfaction; if the - Lord has a word for us, for one I am willing to receive it. -</p> -<p> I wish you to write as soon as you receive this, and let me know - about the Book of Mormon, whether we shall proceed to publish - it immediately or not, or whether we shall do according to our - feelings. If I should act according to my feelings, I should hand - the Book of Mormon to this people as quickly as I could. The people - are very different in this country from what the Americans are. - They say it cannot be possible that men should leave their homes - and come so far, unless they were truly the servants of the Lord; - they do not seem to understand argument; simple testimony is enough - for them; they beg and plead for the Book of Mormon, and were it - not for the priests, the people would follow after the servants of - the Lord and inquire what they should do to be saved. The priests - feel just as they did in the days of the Savior. If they let "this - sect alone, all men will believe on them, and the Romans will come - and take away our place and nation." -</p> -<p> I wish you would tell me how Cousin Lemuel gets along with his - business, and all the boys on the half-breed track, and the whole - breed. I think a great deal about our friends, families, and - possessions. I look for the time when the Lord will speak so that - the hearts of the rebellious will be pierced. You will remember the - words of the Savior to His disciples; He says, to you is given to - know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them that are - without, all things are in parables. -</p> -<p> The brethren here are very anxious to emigrate to that country; - some want to come this fall: where shall they go? Their customs - are different from ours, and it would be more pleasant for them to - settle by themselves. Almost without exception it is the poor that - receive the Gospel. I think there will be some [who will go] over - this fall. My counsel to such as intend to go is, that they go to - the western states, where they <span class="pagenum"><a name="127"></a>{127}</span> can live among the farmers and - wait for orders from the authorities of the Church, and all will be - well. -</p> -<p> You must excuse my bad writing. I have only caught at ideas. I want - to know about the brethren's coming over this fall. I think some - of us will come. We shall send our papers to you, and to a number - of the rest of the brethren. I wish you would have the goodness to - give me a pretty general knowledge of the Church, for I feel for - them, and pray for them continually. We need help very much in this - country. One American can do more here than a number of Elders who - are raised up here by the preaching of the Gospel. We have sent for - some to come. I wish you would encourage them to come as quickly as - they can. -</p> -<p> If we could go four ways at a time, we could not fill all the calls - we have for preaching. I shall expect such counsel from you about - the Elders coming as you shall think necessary for us and them to - have. I wish to know what the prospect is about the government's - doing anything for us. When we left New York I thought there was - but a poor chance for us. -</p> -<p> Concerning calling Seventies and sending them to other countries, - I should like to know whether it would be proper to ordain them - to that office or not while here. Had any of us better come back - this fall? I suppose that some that come over with us will return; - Brothers Clark and Hedlock, and Brother Turley if the latter gets - at liberty. I suppose you have heard that he is in prison. He has - been there ever since my arrival in England, and how long he will - remain the Lord only knows. He was put there through the influence - of a priest, as nigh as I can learn, for some old pretended claim, - but no one can find out what that claim is. -</p> -<p> I have just met with Brother Woodruff; he tells me that the Church - in this region of country numbers between three and four hundred; - it is only about three months since Brother Woodruff commenced to - labor here. I have just received a letter from Brother Turley, - which states he expects to leave his place the next day. Brother - Woodruff sends his respects. -</p> -<p> I am as ever, -</p> -<p> Brigham Young. -</p></blockquote> -<p class="sidenote">Release of Elder Turley from prison. -</p> -<p><em>Saturday, 9</em>.—Elder Theodore Turley was released from Stafford jail, -where he had been confined since his arrest on the 16th of March last, -at the instigation of John Jones, a Methodist preacher, on the pretense -of a claim arising under a partnership with another man fifteen years -ago, before he left <span class="pagenum"><a name="128"></a>{128}</span> England; but the real object was to stop his -preaching. He was without provisions for several days, but the poor -Saints in the Potteries, on learning his condition, supplied his wants, -some of the sisters actually walking upwards of twenty miles to relieve -him. He preached several times to the debtors, was visited by Elders -Woodruff, Richards, George A. Smith, A. Cordon, and others, and was -dismissed from prison on his persecutors ascertaining their conduct -was about to be exposed. This rather encouraged than disheartened the -Elders, as I had told them on their leaving Nauvoo, to be of good -courage, for some of them would have to look through grates before -their return. -</p> -<p><em>Thursday, 14</em>.—The papers of this date report that the island of -Ternate<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERVIfn4"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERVIfn4">4</a>]</sup> was nearly ruined by earthquakes on the 14th and 15th -February, 1840. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Letter of the Prophet to Elders Hyde and Page—Palestine Mission - Considered</em>. -</p> -<p> Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, May 14th, 1840. -</p> -<p> <em>To Orson Hyde and John E. Page</em>: -</p> -<p> Dear Brethren:—I am happy in being informed by your letter - that your mission swells "larger and larger." It is a great and - important mission, and one that is worthy those intelligences - who surround the throne of Jehovah to be engaged in. Although it - appears great at present, yet you have but just begun to realize - the greatness, the extent and glory of the same. If there is - anything calculated to interest the mind of the Saints, to awaken - in them the finest sensibilities, and arouse them to enterprise - and exertion, surely it is the great and precious promises made by - our heavenly Father to the children of Abraham; and those engaged - in seeking the outcasts of Israel, and the dispersed of Judah, - cannot fail to enjoy the Spirit of the Lord and have the choicest - blessings of Heaven rest upon them in copious effusions. -</p> -<p> Brethren, you are in the pathway to eternal fame, and immortal - glory: and inasmuch as you feel interested for the covenant people - of the Lord, the God of their fathers shall bless you. Do not be - discouraged on <span class="pagenum"><a name="129"></a>{129}</span> account of the greatness of the work; only - be humble and faithful, and then you can say, "What art thou, O - great mountain! before Zerubbabel shalt thou be brought down." - He who scattered Israel has promised to gather them; therefore - inasmuch as you are to be instrumental in this great work, He will - endow you with power, wisdom, might, and intelligence, and every - qualification necessary; while your minds will expand wider and - wider, until you can circumscribe the earth and the heavens, reach - forth into eternity, and contemplate the mighty acts of Jehovah in - all their variety and glory. -</p> -<p> In answer to your inquiries respecting the translation and - publication of the Book of Mormon, hymn-book, history of the - Church, &c., &c., I would say that I entirely approve of the - same, and give my consent, with the exception of the hymn book, - as a new edition, containing a greater variety of hymns, will be - shortly published or printed in this place, which I think will be a - standard work. As soon as it is printed, you shall have some sent - to you, which you may get translated, and printed into any language - you please. -</p> -<p> Should we not be able to send some to you, and there should be a - great call for hymn books where you may be, then I should have no - objection to your publishing the present one. Were you to publish - the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, or hymn-book, I desire - the copyrights of the same to be secured in my name. -</p> -<p> With respect to publishing any other work, either original, or - those which have been published before, you will be governed by - circumstances; if you think necessary to do so, I shall have - no objection whatever. It will be well to study plainness and - simplicity in whatever you publish, "for my soul delighteth in - plainness." -</p> -<p> I feel much pleased with the spirit of your letter—and be assured, - dear brethren, of my hearty co-operation, and my prayers for your - welfare and success. In answer to your inquiry in a former letter, - relative to the duty of the Seventies in regulating churches, &c., - I say that the duties of the Seventies are more particularly to - preach the Gospel, and build up churches, rather than regulate - them, that a High Priest may take charge of them. If a High Priest - should be remiss in his duty, and should lead, or suffer the church - to be led astray, depart from the ordinances of the Lord, then - it is the duty of one of the Seventies, acting under the special - direction of the Twelve, being duly commissioned by them with their - delegated authority, to go to the church, and if agreeable to a - majority of the members of said church, to proceed to regulate and - put in order the same; otherwise, he can have no authority to act. -</p> -<p> Joseph Smith, Jun. -</p></blockquote> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="130"></a>{130}</span> <em>Friday, 15</em>. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Letter of Willard Richards to the Editor of the Millennial - Star—Reporting Labors</em>. -</p> -<p> Ledbury, Herefordshire, May 15th, 1840. -</p> -<p> <em>To the Editor of the Millennial Star</em>: -</p> -<p> Beloved Brother:—Two weeks ago this day, I parted with Brothers - Young and Woodruff in this place, taking different locations in - this part of the vineyard, originally opened by Brother Woodruff, - and after visiting various places in Herefordshire, Worcestershire, - and Gloucestershire, preaching daily, talking night and day, and - administering the ordinances of the Gospel as directed by the - Spirit, we have again this day found ourselves together, and Elder - Kington in our midst (he is devoted wholly to the ministry). By - comparing minutes we find there have been in these two weeks about - 112 baptized; 200 confirmed; 2 Elders, about 20 Priests, and 1 - Teacher ordained; and the Church in these regions now numbers - about 320. The branches are small, the brethren much scattered; - consequently the field is so large that the reapers cannot call to - each other from side to side, neither can they often see each other - without a telescope. -</p> -<p> There are many doors open which we cannot fill; calls for preaching - on almost every hand, which we cannot answer. Oh! that the Saints - would pray to the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers! -</p> -<p> I have this day received a letter from my sister in Massachusetts, - giving me the intelligence of the death of my aged father. The - work of the Lord is rolling forth in that part of the land, such - intelligence as this from our native land makes our hearts rejoice, - even in affliction. -</p> -<p> Your brother in the everlasting covenant, -</p> -<p> Willard Richards. -</p></blockquote> -<h3>Footnotes: -</h3> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERVIfn1"></a><a href="#CHAPTERVIfn1">1</a>. It was announced in the Prospectus that the <em>News</em> would "take -perfectly neutral ground, in regard to politics, and it is the fixed -determination of the publishers to studiously avoid all party strife, -and political wranglings which are so prevalent at the present time." -The <em>News</em>, however, never materialized. -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERVIfn2"></a><a href="#CHAPTERVIfn2">2</a>. President Young was also President of the Twelve by virtue of -seniority of ordination into the quorum. When the quorum of the Twelve -was first organized the members took their place according to age. This -arrangement brought Thomas B. Marsh to the head of the quorum, and made -him President. After this first arrangement, however, the members of -the quorum took their place in it according to seniority of ordination, -not of age. (See Volume II this work, pp. 219, 220, and notes). Brigham -Young was the second man ordained into the quorum, Lyman E. Johnson -being the first. As Lyman E. Johnson was excommunicated from the church -at Far West in 1838, Brigham Young was President of the Twelve by -virtue of his seniority of ordination as well as by the choice of his -brethren. Indeed the choice of the brethren mentioned in the text can -only be regarded as an act recognizing the fact of his presidency by -virtue of his seniority of ordination. It may be of interest to remark -also, that at the time there was but one man in the quorum President -Young's senior by age, namely, John E. Page, born in 1799, and ordained -an Apostle in 1838. -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERVIfn3"></a><a href="#CHAPTERVIfn3">3</a>. Peter Melling was the first patriarch ordained in a foreign land, -that is, a foreign land from America where the latter-day dispensation -of the Gospel was opened. He was the son of Peter Melling, born in -Preston, England, on the 14th day of February, 1787. He was, therefore, -in his 64th year. He was evidently a man of great force of character, -for he proceeded at once with great diligence and ability to fulfill -the duties of his high office, all of which is evidenced by the record -of the Patriarchal blessings given under his hands, and now in the -Historian's office. -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERVIfn4"></a><a href="#CHAPTERVIfn4">4</a>. Ternate is a small island in the Moluccas, west of Jilolo, in the -Dutch East Indies. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="131"></a>{131}</span> -</p> - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTERVII"></a>CHAPTER VII. -</h2> -<p class="chapterHeading">First Foreign Periodical of the Church, "The Millennial Star"—The -Prophet Seeks Release from Secular Responsibilities. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, May 17</em>.—Elders Young, Woodruff, and Richards held conference -with the Saints at Gadfield Elm Chapel. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">The Beacon Hill Conference. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, 18</em>.—The above Elders met the brethren at Elder Kington's, -where they had a tea party, praying, singing, confirming, ordaining, -and about twenty were baptized; thus they continued their labors from -place to place, until Wednesday 20th, when they found themselves with -one accord on the top of "the Herefordshire Beacon,"<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERVIIfn1"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERVIIfn1">1</a>]</sup> and within -the old fortification, when after prayer they expressed their feelings -concerning the business of the Church, which were (as they had obtained -money from Brother John Benbow, and other brethren for printing -the hymnbook, and in part sufficient for the Book of Mormon) that -Elder Young repair immediately to Manchester, and join his brethren -previously appointed with him on a committee, for the printing of the -hymn-book, and cause 3,000 copies to be issued without delay. Also -that the same committee cause 3,000 copies of the Book of Mormon to -be printed and completed with as little delay as possible, with an -index affixed to the same, the form of the book to be determined by -the committee. Their views were written and signed by Elder Willard -Richards and Wilford Woodruff, when President Young left direct for -Manchester. He saw George A. Smith, at the Potteries, who approved the -"Beacon Conference." -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="132"></a>{132}</span> <em>Sunday, 24</em>.—President Young met with the Church, and on -Monday, 25th, visited the printers to inquire their prices, etc. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>A Letter of Heber C. Kimball, et al., Recommending English Saints - to the Bishop of the Church</em>. -</p> -<p> Preston, May 25, 1840. -</p> -<p> To the Presidency, High Council and Bishop of the Church of Jesus - Christ of Latter-day Saints at Commerce. We commend to your notice - the brethren and sisters that have commendatory letters from us of - this date, that you will do all that you consistently can for them, - for I verily believe they have utmost confidence in you, and will - receive with gratitude your advice and instruction, and cheerfully - submit to the rules and regulations of the Church. They have our - blessings, and we trust their subsequent conduct will entitle them - to your blessings also, and the Church generally. We rejoice that - we can say the work of God here is in a prosperous way. Yea, we - rejoice greatly at the aspect of the times, expecting the time to - be not far distant when the standard of truth will be conspicuously - raised throughout this land. We have witnessed the flowing of the - Saints towards Zion; the stream has begun, and we expect to see - it continue running until it shall have drained the salt, or the - light, from Babylon, when we hope to shout hosanna home. -</p> -<p> Dear brethren, accept our love, and present it to the Church. -</p> -<p> Your brethren in the new and everlasting covenant, -</p> -<p> Heber C. Kimball, -</p> -<p> Joseph Fielding, -</p> -<p> William Clayton. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Tuesday, 26</em>.—Elder John Taylor arrived at Manchester, and on the -27th, Elder Kimball arrived. The committee on the hymn-book commenced -and continued selecting hymns until the 30th, when Elders Young, -Kimball and Taylor went to Liverpool, and preached on Sunday the 31st. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Death of Bishop Partridge. -</p> -<p><em>Wednesday, 27</em>.—Bishop Edward Partridge<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERVIIfn2"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERVIIfn2">2</a>]</sup> died at Nauvoo, aged -forty-six years. He lost his life in consequence of the Missouri -persecutions, and he is one of that number whose blood will be required -at their hands. His daughter, Harriet Pamela, died on the 16th of May, -aged nineteen years. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="133"></a>{133}</span> [Sidenote: First Number of the <em>Millenial Star</em>.] -</p> -<p>The first number of <em>The Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star</em><sup>[<a name="CHAPTERVIIfn3"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERVIIfn3">3</a>]</sup> was -issued at Manchester, in pamphlet form of twenty-four pages. Edited by -Parley P. Pratt. Price sixpence. Office 149 Oldham Road. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, June 1, 1840</em>.—The Saints have already erected about two -hundred and fifty-houses at Nauvoo, mostly block houses, a few framed, -and many more are in course of construction. -</p> -<p>The Gospel is spreading through the States, Canada, England, Scotland, -and other places, with great rapidity. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="134"></a>{134}</span> Elders Young and Kimball were engaged in blessing the brethren -who were about to sail for America. -</p> -<p><em>Wednesday, 3.</em>—Elders Young and Taylor visited the printers in -Liverpool and Elder Young preached on the Sunday following. -</p> -<p>The First Company of Saints from England. -</p> -<p><em>Saturday, 6.</em>—Elder John Moon and a company of forty Saints, to -wit., Hugh Moon, his mother and seven others of her family, Henry Moon -(uncle of John Moon), Henry Moon, Francis Moon, William Sutton, William -Sitgraves, Richard Eaves, Thomas Moss, Henry Moore, Nancy Ashworth, -Richard Ainscough, and families, sailed in the ship <em>Britannia</em> from -Liverpool for New York, being the first Saints that have sailed from -England for Zion. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, 8</em>.—Elders Young and Taylor visited Cheshire, and on Tuesday, -Manchester, and continued to select hymns. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Brigham Young's Dreams. -</p> -<p>Elder Young dreamed of his family in health and want, also of the -Church and people, and of a contention between two small companies in -the west, one north, the other south—the north prevailing from time to -time. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Minutes of the Conference Held at Gadfield Elm Chapel, in - Worcestershire, England, June 14th, 1840</em>. -</p> -<p> The preachers and members of the Bran Green and Gadfield Elm Branch - of the Froomes Hill Circuit, of the United Brethren met at the - Gadfield Elm Chapel, Worcestershire, June 14th, 1840, pursuant to - previous notice, when the meeting was called to order by Elder - Thomas Kington. Elder Willard Richards was chosen president, and - Elder Daniel Browett clerk for the meeting. The meeting was opened - by prayer by Elder Wilford Woodruff. Remarks were then made by the - president respecting the business of the day, and the necessary - changes which must take place. -</p> -<p> It was then moved by Elder Thomas Kington, seconded by Elder Daniel - Browett that this meeting be hereafter known by the name of the - "Bran Green and Gadfield Elm Conference of the Church of Jesus - Christ of Latter-day Saints," organized and established by the will - and commandment of God in the United States of America, on the 6th - day of April, <span class="pagenum"><a name="135"></a>{135}</span> A. D. 1830, this being the eighth day of the - third month of the eleventh year of the rise of the Church. Carried - unanimously. -</p> -<p> [This motion was permitted to accommodate the feelings of the - conference, who had all recently been baptized, but there is no - such principle in existence, as to transform a church or conference - of the world into a church or conference of Christ's fold by vote.] - <sup>[<a name="CHAPTERVIIfn4"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERVIIfn4">4</a>]</sup> -</p> -<p> Moved by Elder Wilford Woodruff, seconded by Elder T. Kington, - that William Jenkins be ordained an Elder; and William Coleman, - Joseph Firkins, William Pitt and Robert Harris be ordained to the - office of Priest; and that George Burton, James Palmer, and William - Loveridge, be ordained Teachers; carried unanimously. Ordained - under the hands of Elders Richards and Woodruff. -</p> -<p> Moved by Elder Kington, seconded by Elder Woodruff, that Robert - Clift, Priest, have the care of the church at Dymock; James - Palmer, Priest, have the care of the church at Kilcott; John Hill, - Priest, have the care of the church at Twigworth; William Coleman, - Priest, have the care of the church at Bran Green; Thomas Brooks, - Priest, have the care of the church at Ryton; John Smith, Priest, - have the care of the church at Lime Street; Charles Hayes, Priest - have the care of the church at Deerhurst; Thomas Smith, Priest, - Assistant, have the care of the church at Deerhurst; John Vernon, - Priest, have the care of the church at Apperley; William Bayliss, - Priest, Assistant, have the care of the church at Apperley; John - Arlick, Priest, have the care of the church at Norton; John Spires, - Priest, have the care of the church at Leigh; John Davis, Priest, - assistant, have the care of the church at Leigh; Thomas Oakley, - Priest, have the care of the church at Gadfield Elm. -</p> -<p> And that Elder Daniel Browett take charge of the churches on the - south, and Elder William Jenkins on the north side, of the river - Severn. Carried unanimously. -</p> -<p> Moved by Elder Woodruff, and seconded by Elder Richards, that Elder - Thomas Kington be the Presiding Elder over the Conference; carried. - Meeting adjourned until two o'clock. -</p> -<p> Conference met at two o'clock according to adjournment, and - administered the sacrament to a large congregation of Saints, - accompanied by many observations on many subjects by the President. - Ten members were confirmed under the hands of Elders Woodruff - and Kington. Remarks were made by the President respecting the - "blessing of children." Seven children were then blessed under the - hands of Elders Woodruff and Kington. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="136"></a>{136}</span> Moved by Elder Kington, seconded by Elder Woodruff, that - Elder Daniel Browett represent this Conference to the general - conference, at Manchester, on the 6th day of July next; carried. - Moved and carried that the Clerk present to the Presiding Elder, T. - Kington, also to the general conference, for safe keeping, a copy - of the minutes of this conference. -</p> -<p> The above minutes were then read and adopted, article by article, - when it was moved by the President, and seconded by Elder Woodruff, - that this conference be adjourned to the 13th day of September next - at this place; carried unanimously. -</p> -<p> Conference closed by prayer; after which the Elders and officers - present met in council, and voted unanimously to establish a weekly - council of the officers of said conference to be held alternately - on the south and north sides of the river Severn, to commence at - Leigh on the 25th inst.; and organized the same by appointing Elder - Daniel Browett, president and John Hill, Priest, clerk, on the - south side of the river; and also on the north side, by appointing - Elder William Jenkins, president and John Smith, Priest, clerk; to - assemble on the 3rd of July next, at Turkey Hall. -</p> -<p> After passing many other votes of minor importance, accompanied by - much instruction from Elders Richards and Woodruff, touching the - duties of the several officers in their relations to each other, - and the Church, the council adjourned. And it is worthy of remark, - that no dissenting vote or voice was seen or heard during the day, - either in conference or council. -</p> -<p> Willard Richards, President. -</p> -<p> Daniel Browett, Clerk. -</p> -<p> <em>Memorial of Joseph Smith, Jun., to the High Council of the Church - of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, June 18th, 1840</em>. -</p> -<p> The Memorial of Joseph Smith, Jun., respectfully represents—That - after the members of the Church of Jesus Christ had been inhumanly - as well as unconstitutionally expelled from their homes which they - had secured to themselves in the state of Missouri, and although - very much scattered and at considerable distance from each other, - they found a resting place in the state of Illinois:—That after - the escape of your Memorialist from his enemies, he (under the - direction of the authorities of the Church) took such steps as - has secured to the Church the present locations, viz., the town - plot of Nauvoo and lands in the Iowa territory:—That in order to - secure said locations, your Memorialist had to become responsible - for the payment of the same, and had to use considerable exertion - in order to commence a settlement, and a place of gathering for - the Saints; and knowing from the genius of the <span class="pagenum"><a name="137"></a>{137}</span> constitution - of the Church, and for the well-being of the Saints, that it was - necessary that the constituted authorities of the Church might - assemble together to act or to legislate for the good of the whole - society and that the Saints might enjoy those privileges which - they could not enjoy by being scattered so widely apart—your - Memorialist was induced to exert himself to the utmost in order to - bring about objects so necessary and so desirable to the Saints at - large:—Under the then existing circumstances, your Memorialist had - necessarily to engage in the temporalities of the Church, which he - has had to attend to until the present time:—That your Memorialist - feels it a duty which he owes to God, as well as to the Church, to - give his attention more particularly to those things connected with - the spiritual welfare of the Saints, (which have now become a great - people,) so that they may be built up in their most holy faith, and - go on to perfection:—That the Church have erected an office where - he can attend to the affairs of the Church without distraction, - he thinks, and verily believes, that the time has now come, when - he should devote himself exclusively to those things which relate - to the spiritualities of the Church, and commence the work of - translating the Egyptian records, the Bible, and wait upon the - Lord for such revelations as may be suited to the conditions and - circumstances of the Church. And in order that he may be enabled to - attend to those things, he prays your honorable body will relieve - him from the anxiety and trouble necessarily attendant on business - transactions, by appointing some one to take charge of the city - plot, and attend to the business transactions which have heretofore - rested upon your Memorialist: That should your Honors deem it - proper to do so, your Memorialist would respectfully suggest that - he would have no means of support whatever, and therefore would - request that some one might be appointed to see that all his - necessary wants may be provided for, as well as sufficient means or - appropriations for a clerk or clerks, which he may require to aid - him in his important work. -</p> -<p> Your Memorialist would further represent, that as Elder H. G. - Sherwood is conversant with the affairs of the city plot, he would - be a suitable person to act as clerk in that business, and attend - to the disposing of the remaining lots, &c. -</p> -<p> Your Memorialist would take this opportunity of congratulating your - honorable body on the peace and harmony which exist in the Church, - and for the good feelings which seem to be manifested by all the - Saints, and hopes that inasmuch as we devote ourselves for the good - of the Church, and the spread of the kingdom, that the choicest - blessings of heaven will be poured upon us, and that the glory of - the Lord will overshadow the inheritances of the Saints. -</p> -<p> Joseph Smith, Jun. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="138"></a>{138}</span> <em>Proceedings of the High Council on the Foregoing Memorial, - June 20th, 1840</em>. -</p> -<p> The Council relieved President Joseph Smith, Jun., according to - his request in the memorial, and appointed H. G. Sherwood to take - charge of the city plot and to act as clerk in that business, and - also to attend to the disposing of the remaining lots, and the - business transactions which have rested upon him [Joseph Smith]. - Alanson Ripley was appointed steward to see that all the necessary - wants of the First Presidency be supplied, as well as to provide - sufficient means or appropriations for a clerk or clerks to aid - President Joseph Smith, Jun., in his important work. -</p> -<p> Hosea Stout, Clerk. -</p> -<p> <em>Minutes of the Conference held at Stanley Hill, Castle Froome, - Herefordshire, England, June 21st, 1840</em>. -</p> -<p> The preachers and members of the Froome's Hill Circuit of the - United Brethren met at the house of Elder John Cheese, on Stanley - Hill, Herefordshire, England, June 21, A. D. 1840, at ten a. m., - according to previous notice; the meeting was called to order by - Elder Thomas Kington; Elder Wilford Woodruff was chosen president, - and Elder John Benbow, clerk of the meeting. -</p> -<p> After prayer by Elder Richards, and remarks by the president - concerning the business of the day, it was moved by Elder Thomas - Kington, and seconded by Elder John Benbow, that [the several - districts represented at] this meeting be hereafter known by the - name of the "Froome's Hill Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ - of Latter-day Saints," organized and established by the will and - commandment of God, in the United States of America, on the 6th day - of April, 1830, this being the 15th day of the third month of the - eleventh year of the rise of the Church. Carried unanimously. -</p> -<p> Moved by Elder Richards, seconded by Elder Kington, that Thomas - Clark, Charles Price, James Hill, and Samuel Jones be ordained - Elders; also that John James, Joseph Skinn, Henry Jones, James - Baldwin, John Morgan, Samuel Badham, and John Dyer, be ordained - Priests; also that Robert Hill, George Brooks, James Skinn, and - James Watkins be ordained Teachers; carried unanimously; and they - were ordained under the hands of Elders Woodruff and Richards. -</p> -<p> Moved by Elder Kington, and seconded by Elders Woodruff and - Richards, that John James, Priest, have the care of the church at - Froome's Hill; John Parry, Priest, have the care of the church at - Stanley Hill; James Burns, Priest, have the care of the church - at Ridgway Cross; William Possons, Priest, have the care of the - church at Moor-end Cross; Jonathan Lucy, Priest, have the care of - the church at Caldwell; Thomas Jones, Priest, have the care of the - church at Pale House; John Preece, <span class="pagenum"><a name="139"></a>{139}</span> Priest, have the care of - the church at Ledbury; Samuel Warren, Priest, have the care of the - church at Keysend Street; James Baldwin, Priest, have the care of - the church at Wind Point; George Allen, Priest, have the care of - the church at Woferwood Common. -</p> -<p> Rough Leasow, Birchwood, Tunbridge, and Dunsclose will all be - united in one branch, called Dunsclose. -</p> -<p> Samuel Badham, Priest, to have the care of the church at Dunsclose; - Edward Phillips, Priest, to have care of the church at Ashfield - and Crowcut; John Meeks, Priest, to have care of the church at - Old Starridge; John Galley, Priest, to have care of the church at - Hope Rough; Benj. Williams, Priest, to have care of the church at - Shucknell Hill; John Powell, Priest, to have care of the church - at Lugwardine; John Dyer, Priest, to have care of the church at - Marden; William Evans, Priest, to have care of the church at Stokes - Lane; John Fidoe, Priest, to have care of the church at Bishop - Froome. Carried unanimously. -</p> -<p> Moved by Elder Richards, and seconded by Elder Kington, that - Elder Thomas Clark have charge of the churches at Dunsclose, Old - Starridge, Ashfield, and Crowcut; that Elder Samuel Jones have - charge of the churches at Keys-end Street, Wind Point, Colwell, - Pale House, and Malvern Hill; that Elder Philip Green have charge - of the churches at Shucknall Hill, Lugwardine, and Marden; that - Elder John Cheese have charge of the churches at Stokes Lane, - Woferwood Common, and Bishop Froome; that Elder Charles Price have - charge of the churches at Ledbury, Moor-end Cross, and Ridgway - Cross; that Elder James Hill have charge of the churches at Hope - Rough and Stanley Hill; that Elder John Benbow have charge of the - church at Froome's Hill. Carried unanimously. -</p> -<p> Moved by the president, seconded by Elder Richards, that Elder - Thomas Kington be the Presiding Elder over this conference. -</p> -<p> After remarks by the president, the meeting adjourned till 2 - o'clock p. m. During the recess ten persons were baptized. -</p> -<p> Assembled at 2 o'clock according to adjournment, and administered - the sacrament to several hundred Saints; after which twenty were - confirmed, and twenty children blessed under the hands of Elders - Woodruff and Richards, accompanied with instructions by the - president, explanatory of the ordinance. -</p> -<p> Moved by Elder Richards, seconded by the president, that Elder - Thomas Kington represent this Conference to the general conference - at Manchester on the 6th of July; carried. Moved and carried that - the clerk of the conference present to the Presiding Elder, T. - Lington, a copy of the minutes of this conference for safe keeping; - also a copy to present to the general conference at Manchester. - The minutes were then read and accepted. The president, followed - by Elder Richards, then <span class="pagenum"><a name="140"></a>{140}</span> proceeded to give such instruction - to the Saints concerning the order of the Church, and the several - duties of the members, as the Spirit directed; and bore testimony - to the multitude of the truth of the work; followed by Elder - Kington; when it was moved by Elder Richards, seconded by the - president, that this conference adjourn to the 21st September next, - 10 o'clock a. m., at this place; carried. -</p> -<p> After prayer and singing, the assembly dispersed, the Elders and - officers went into council, when it was moved by Elder Richards, - and seconded by Elder Kington, that we proceed to establish - and organize monthly councils of the officers of the Froome's - Hill Conference, to commence on Friday, the 3rd of July next, - at half-past seven o'clock p. m., in the several divisions, - respectively assigned to the different Elders, viz.— -</p> -<p> Elder Thomas Clark, president, and James Meeks, clerk, Dunsclose; - Elder Charles Price, president, Thomas Jenkins, clerk, Moor-end - Cross; Samuel Jones, president, William Williams, clerk, Wind - Point; James Hill, president, Joseph Pullen, clerk, Stanley Hill; - Philip Green, president, Francis Burnett, clerk, Lugwardine; John - Benbow, president, John Morgan, clerk, Froome's Hill; John Cheese, - president, George Allen, clerk, Stoke's Lane. Carried. -</p> -<p> Moved by Elder Richards, and seconded by Elder Kington, that a - monthly general council of the officers of this conference be held - at Stanley Hill, to commence on Friday, the 17th of July next, at - half-past seven o'clock, p. m. Elder Thomas Kington, president, and - Elder John Benbow, clerk. Carried unanimously. -</p> -<p> The president then proceeded to explain the nature of the - Priesthood, and the duties and privileges of the several officers, - and gave such instruction as their situation required, followed by - Elder Richards, who explained many important principles connected - with the building up of the Kingdom. -</p> -<p> The minutes of the council were then read and accepted when the - council adjourned; and after singing "The Spirit of God," &c., the - brethren separated, with feelings of gratitude and thanksgiving, - that God had been with His people, and that the spirit of union and - love had prevailed in all the deliberations of the day. -</p> -<p> Wilford Woodruff, President. -</p> -<p> John Benbow, Clerk. -</p> -<p> Remarks—The different branches in this region are so scattered, - that it has not been possible to ascertain the number of members - connected with each individual church; but connected with the Bran - Green and Gadfield Elm, and the Froome's Hill conferences, together - with a small branch of Little Garway of twelve members, one Priest, - and one Teacher, are thirty-three churches, five hundred and <span class="pagenum"><a name="141"></a>{141}</span> - thirty-four members, seventy-five officers, viz., ten Elders, - fifty-two priests, and thirteen teachers. And for the comforting of - the Saints, and with heart-felt gratitude to our heavenly Father, - we would say that it is less than four months since the fulness of - the Gospel was first preached in this region; which is a proof that - God is beginning to make a short work in these last days. -</p> -<p> Wilford Woodruff. -</p></blockquote> -<p class="sidenote">Carpenter's Hall. -</p> -<p><em>June 21</em>.—The Saints hired the Carpenters' Hall in Manchester, which -is large enough to accommodate ten or fifteen hundred hearers, for five -hundred dollars a year, payable by contribution, and Elders Young and -Pratt preached therein this day for the first time. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, 22</em>.—Elder Young went to Liverpool to see about printing the -Book of Mormon, and returned to Manchester on the 26th; and on Sunday, -28th, preached in Carpenters' Hall. -</p> -<p><em>June 27</em>.—High Council met at my office. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Minutes of the High Council</em>. -</p> -<p> Alanson Ripley states to the council that he was authorized to - inform them that President Joseph Smith, Jun., had vetoed<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERVIIfn5"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERVIIfn5">5</a>]</sup> the - proceedings of the Council of the 20th June, in relation to his - Memorial. Laid over for hearing until Friday next. -</p> -<p> Hosea Stout, Clerk. -</p> -<p> <em>Letter of William W. Phelps—Confessing Errors committed in - Missouri</em>. -</p> -<p> Dayton, Ohio, June 29, 1840. -</p> -<p> Brother Joseph—I am alive, and with the help of God I mean to live - still. I am as the prodigal son, though I never doubt or disbelieve - the fulness of the Gospel. I have been greatly abused and humbled, - and I blessed the God of Israel when I lately read your prophetic - blessing on my head, as follows: -</p> -<p> "The Lord will chasten him because he taketh honor to himself, and - when his soul is greatly humbled he will forsake the evil. Then - shall <span class="pagenum"><a name="142"></a>{142}</span> the light of the Lord break upon him as at noonday and - in him shall be no darkness," &c. -</p> -<p> I have seen the folly of my way, and I tremble at the gulf I have - passed. So it is, and why I know not. I prayed and God answered, - but what could I do? Says I, "I will repent and live, and ask my - old brethren to forgive me, and though they chasten me to death, - yet I will die with them, for their God is my God. The least place - with them is enough for me, yea, it is bigger and better than all - Babylon." Then I dreamed that I was in a large house with many - mansions, with you and Hyrum and Sidney, and when it was said, - "Supper must be made ready," by one of the cooks, I saw no meat, - but you said there was pleanty, and you showed me much, and as good - as I ever saw; and while cutting to cook, your heart and mine beat - within us, and we took each other's hand and cried for joy, and I - awoke and took courage. -</p> -<p> I know my situation, you know it, and God knows it, and I want to - be saved if my friends will help me. Like the captain that was cast - away on a desert island; when he got off he went to sea again, and - made his fortune the next time, so let my lot be. I have done wrong - and I am sorry. The beam is in my own eye. I have not walked along - with my friends according to my holy anointing. I ask forgiveness - in the name of Jesus Christ of all the Saints, for I will do - right, God helping me. I want your fellowship; if you cannot grant - that, grant me your peace and friendship, for we are brethren, and - our communion used to be sweet, and whenever the Lord brings us - together again, I will make ail the satisfaction on every point - that Saints or God can require. Amen.<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERVIIfn6"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERVIIfn6">6</a>]</sup> -</p> -<p> W. W. Phelps. -</p> -<p> <em>Letter of Elders Orson Hyde and John E. Page to Presidents Joseph - Smith, Hyrum Smith, Sidney Rigdon, Pleading for William W. Phelps</em>. -</p> -<p> Dear Brother:—We have been in this place a few days, and have - preached faithfully, a very great prospect of some able and - influential men embracing the faith in this place. We have moved - along slowly, but have left a sealing testimony. Baptized a - considerable number. We shall write again more particularly as soon - as we learn the result of our labors here. We are well and in good - spirits through the favor of the Lord. -</p> -<p> Brother Phelps requests us to write a few lines in his letter, and - we cheerfully embrace the opportunity. Brother Phelps says he wants - to <span class="pagenum"><a name="143"></a>{143}</span> live, but we do not feel ourselves authorized to act upon - his case, but have recommended him to you; but he says his poverty - will not allow him to visit you in person, at this time, and we - think he tells the truth. We therefore advise him to write, which - he has done. -</p> -<p> He tells us verbally that he is willing to make any sacrifice to - procure your fellowship, life not excepted, yet reposing that - confidence in your magnanimity that you will take no advantage of - this open and frank confession. If he can obtain your fellowship he - wants to come to Commerce as soon as he can. But if he cannot be - received into the fellowship of the Church, he must do the best he - can in banishment and exile. -</p> -<p> Brethren, with you are the keys of the Kingdom; to you is power - given to "exert your clemency, or display your vengeance." By - the former you will save a soul from death, and hide a multitude - of sins; by the latter, you will forever discourage a returning - prodigal cause sorrow without benefit, pain without pleasure, [and - the] ending [of Brother Phelps] in wretchedness and despair. But - former experience teaches [us] that you are workmen in the art of - saving souls; therefore with greater confidence do we recommend - to your clemency and favorable consideration, the author [of the - foregoing] and subject of this communication. "Whosoever will, let - him take of the waters of life freely." Brother Phelps says he - will, and so far as we are concerned we say he may. -</p> -<p> In the bonds of the covenant, -</p> -<p> Orson Hyde, -</p> -<p> John E. Page. -</p></blockquote> -<p>The Committee of the Twelve in England finished the collection of hymns -and prepared the index for the press; and on the 30th Elders Kimball -and Richards arrived at Manchester. -</p> -<p><em>Wednesday, July 1, 1840</em>.—Elders Wilford Woodruff and George A. Smith -arrived at Manchester from the Potteries. -</p> -<p><em>July 2</em>. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Minutes of a meeting of the Crooked Creek Branch of the Church</em>. -</p> -<p> At a meeting of the Saints of Crooked Creek Branch, on the 2nd of - July, 1840, to take into consideration the propriety of having a - Stake of Zion appointed or located somewhere in the bounds of this - branch, Brother John Hicks was called to the chair. Meeting was - opened by prayer, after which several remarks were made, and the - following resolutions were passed: -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="144"></a>{144}</span> <em>Resolved</em>: That it be our wishes that a Stake of Zion be - appointed or located within the bounds of this Branch, provided it - should meet the minds of the First Presidency of this Church. -</p> -<p> <em>Resolved</em>: That a committee of three be appointed to ascertain the - mind of the First Presidency and report to the Branch. -</p> -<p> <em>Resolved</em>: That Joseph Holebrook, Nathaniel Frampton, and John - Hicks compose said committee. -</p> -<p> It was ascertained that there were about 2,525 acres of land owned - by the brethren, and wherever the Stake should be appointed the - lands should be donated or purchased for a very small compensation, - and that there are one hundred and twelve members belonging to this - Branch. -</p> -<p> <em>Resolved</em>: That we meet on Thursday next, at one o'clock, p. m., - to receive the report of the committee, -</p> -<p> <em>Resolved</em>: That the proceedings of this meeting be signed by the - president and clerk. -</p> -<p> John A. Hicks, President. -</p> -<p> William Whiteman, Clerk. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Friday, 3</em>.—High Council met at my office. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Minutes of High Council at Nauvoo</em>. -</p> -<p> The subject of the Memorial of President Joseph Smith, Jun., was - brought up for a rehearing, according to the decision of the last - Council (June 27) when the following resolutions were entered into: -</p> -<p> 1st. <em>Resolved</em>: That we feel perfectly satisfied with the course - taken by Joseph Smith, Jun., and feel a disposition, as far as - it is in our power, to assist him, so as to relieve him from - the temporalities of the Church, in order that he may devote - his time more particularly to the spiritualities of the same, - believing by so doing we shall promote the good of the whole - Church. But as he (Joseph Smith, Jun.) is held responsible for - the payment of the city plot, and knowing no way to relieve him - from the responsibility at present, we would request of him to - act as treasurer for the city plot and to whom [i. e., President - Smith] those persons whom we may appoint to make sales of lots - and attend to the business affairs of the Church may at all times - be responsible, and make true and correct returns of all their - proceedings, as well as to account for all monies, properties, - etc., which may come into their hands. Therefore -</p> -<p> <em>Resolved</em>: That Elder Henry G. Sherwood act as Clerk for the same. - That Bishop Alanson Ripley be appointed to provide for the wants of - the Presidency, and make such appropriations to them, and to their - clerk or clerks, which they may require. -</p> -<p> <em>Resolved</em>: That the funds of the city plot shall not be taken - to provide for the Presidency or clerks, but that the Bishops be - instructed to <span class="pagenum"><a name="145"></a>{145}</span> raise funds from other sources to meet calls - made on them; and monies received for lots shall be deposited in - the hands of the Treasurer to liquidate the debts of the city plot. -</p> -<p> The resolutions of the Crooked Creek Branch of the 2nd inst., were - taken into consideration by President Joseph Smith, Jun., and it - was thought proper to establish a Stake on Crooked Creek, agreeably - to the request of said Branch, and a letter was written to the - brethren to that effect. -</p> -<p> Robert B. Thompson, Scribe. -</p></blockquote> -<p class="sidenote">Reflections of the Prophet on the Action of Congress. -</p> -<p>Since Congress has decided against us, the Lord has begun to vex this -nation, and He will continue to do so except they repent; for they -now stand guilty of murder, robbery and plunder, as a nation, because -they have refused to protect their citizens, and to execute justice -according to their own Constitution. A hailstorm has visited South -Carolina; some of the stones are said to have measured nine inches in -circumference, which swept the crops, killing some cattle. Insects are -devouring crops on the high lands, where the floods of the country have -not reached, and great commercial distress prevails everywhere. -</p> -<h3>Footnotes: -</h3> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERVIIfn1"></a><a href="#CHAPTERVIIfn1">1</a>. One of the noted heights of the Black Mountains, running through the -west part of Herefordshire. -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERVIIfn2"></a><a href="#CHAPTERVIIfn2">2</a>. See Biographical Note, Vol. I, pp. 128-9. -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERVIIfn3"></a><a href="#CHAPTERVIIfn3">3</a>. The <em>Millennial Star</em> was the first foreign publication of the -Church. It was issued as a monthly, but afterwards more frequently, -semi-monthly, and finally, and now for many years, a weekly. Its -publication has been continuous from the time it was started until -the present—1907. Also the <em>Star</em> has retained the general character -imparted to it by its first publishers. "The <em>Millennial Star</em>," -said its Prospectus, "will stand aloof from the common political -and commercial news of the day. Its columns will be devoted to the -spread of the fulness of the Gospel—the restoration of the ancient -principles of Christianity—the gathering of Israel—the rolling forth -of the kingdom of God among the nations—the signs of the times—the -fulfillment of prophecy—recording the judgments of God as they befall -the nations whether signs in the heavens or in the earth, blood fire -or vapor of smoke—in short, whatever is shown forth indicative of the -coming of the 'Son of Man' and ushering in of his universal reign upon -the earth. It will also contain letters from our numerous Elders who -are abroad, preaching the word both in America and Europe containing -news of their success in ministering the blessings of the glorious -Gospel." -</p> -<p>As an explanation of its title and mission, the editor in its first -number also said: -</p> -<p>"The word <em>Millennium</em> signifies a thousand years, and in this sense -of the word, may be applied to any [period of a] thousand years, -whether under the reign of wickedness or righteousness. But the term -<em>the Millennium</em>, is generally understood to apply to the particular -thousand years which is mentioned in the Scriptures as the reign of -peace—the great sabbath of creation, of which all the other sabbaths -or jubilees seem to be but types. It is written that a 'thousand years -is as one day, and one day as a thousand years with the Lord.' This -being the case, then seven thousand years are seven days with the Lord, -and the seventh, or last thousand years would, of course, be a sabbath -or jubilee; a rest, a grand release from servitude and woe. * * * The -curse will be taken from off the earth, and it will cease to bring -forth thorns and thistles, and become fertile as it were a paradise, -while sickness, premature death, and all their attendant train of pains -and sorrows will scarce be known upon its face; thus peace, and joy, -and truth, and love, and knowledge, and plenty, and glory, will cover -the face of the earth as the waters do the sea. The tabernacle of God -and his sanctuary will be with man, in the midst of the holy cities; -and joy and gladness will all the measure of their cup. Such then, is -the <em>Great Millennium</em> of which our little '<em>Star</em>' would fain announce -the dawn." -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERVIIfn4"></a><a href="#CHAPTERVIIfn4">4</a>. The matter in brackets occurs in the Ms. History as also in the -History as published in the <em>Millennial Star</em>, but it is evidently the -comment of the Church Historians. -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERVIIfn5"></a><a href="#CHAPTERVIIfn5">5</a>. By reference to the minutes of the High Council which took into -consideration the Prophet's "Memorial" it is evident that they failed -to grasp the importance of the subjects presented to them, and made -such disposition of them as was neither in keeping with the dignity of -the Prophet or the weight of the matters on which they acted—hence the -"veto," or dissatisfaction with the council's action—See p. 144 for -the conclusion of the matter. -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERVIIfn6"></a><a href="#CHAPTERVIIfn6">6</a>. For William W. Phelps' troubles in the church, which brought him to -this great sorrow and repentance, see Vol. III, pp. 3, 7, 56, 358, 359, -360 and notes. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="146"></a>{146}</span> -</p> - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTERVIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII. -</h2> -<p class="chapterHeading">Important Conference of the Church in England—Kidnapping of Brown and -Boyce by Missourians—Action of the Citizens of Nauvoo. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, July 6, 1840</em>. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Conference of the Church in England</em>. -</p> -<p> A General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day - Saints was held in the Carpenter's Hall, Manchester, on the 6th - day of July, 1840, it being the 1st day of the 4th month of the - eleventh year of the Church, when the following officers of the - traveling High Council were present, viz.: Elders Brigham Young, - Parley P. Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, Willard Richards, - Heber C. Kimball, and George A. Smith; other officers, viz.: High - Priests 5, Elders 19, Priests 15, Teachers 11, and Deacons 3. -</p> -<p> The meeting being called to order, a little after ten o'clock, - by Elder William Clayton, it was moved by Elder Brigham Young, - seconded by Elder Wilford Woodruff, that Elder Parley P. Pratt - be chosen President of the conference,<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERVIIIfn1"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERVIIIfn1">1</a>]</sup> which was carried - unanimously. Elder William <span class="pagenum"><a name="147"></a>{147}</span> Clayton was chosen clerk. The - meeting was opened by singing, and prayer by the President. -</p> -<p> Elder Brigham Young then proceeded to prefer charges against - Elder T. Green, viz., first, for giving way to a false spirit; - second, for abusing a young female, by accusing her, in a public - meeting, of things which he could not prove; and third, for abuse - to the house and congregation at Duckinfield, June 28th, 1840. The - president then proceeded to ask Elder Green whether he was guilty - of these charges, or not. He immediately pleaded guilty. After - Elder Young had made extended remarks to the meeting, touching the - conduct of Elder Green, he proposed that Elder Green go to those - characters where he had abused and insulted, and make confession to - them as far as the offense extended, and then to be suspended from - office for a season. The President then made remarks to the same - effect, and put it to the vote of the meeting, viz., that Elder - Green shall make confession, as stated above, and be suspended from - office for a season. Carried. -</p> -<p> The President then asked Elder Green if he was willing to make - confession, he immediately agreed to do it the first opportunity. - The meeting adjourned a little after twelve o'clock. -</p> -<p> At two o'clock business commenced by singing and prayer, when the - President called upon the officers to represent the different - branches of the Church, which was done in the following order, - viz.— -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="148"></a>{148}</span> -</p> -<table><tr><td>Branches Represented, &c. </td><td>Members.</td><td>Elders.</td><td>Priests.</td><td>Teachers.</td><td>Deacons.</td></tr> -<tr><td>The Branch at Manchester Represented by Elder William Clayton</td><td>28</td><td>3</td><td>5</td><td>5</td><td>1</td></tr> -<tr><td>The Branch at Preston represented by Elder Joseph Fielding</td><td>354</td><td>6</td><td>8</td><td>4</td><td>2</td></tr> -<tr><td>Elders Kington and Browett presented the minutes of the conference held in Herefordshire, which were read by Elder Wilford Woodruff, representing 33 branches of the Church</td><td>534</td><td>10</td><td>52</td><td>13</td><td></td></tr> -<tr><td>Elder Alfred Cordon read the minutes of the conference held at Hanley, Staffordshire, representing 7 branches of the Church</td><td>168</td><td>4</td><td>13</td><td>6</td><td>2</td></tr> -<tr><td>The branch at Liverpool, represented by Elder John Taylor</td><td>78</td><td>1</td><td>3</td><td>2</td><td></td></tr> -<tr><td>Elder Joseph Fielding read the minutes of the Thornley, represented by Elder William Kay</td><td>30</td><td>3</td><td>2</td><td>1</td><td>1</td></tr> -<tr><td>The Branch at Ribchester, represented by Elder Francis Clark</td><td>22</td><td>2</td><td></td><td>1</td><td></td></tr> -<tr><td>The Branch at Waddington, represented by John Ellison</td><td>58</td><td></td><td>2</td><td>2</td><td>1</td></tr> -<tr><td>The Branch at Clitheroe, represented by Brother Lofthouse</td><td>35</td><td>1</td><td>3</td><td>1</td><td></td></tr> -<tr><td>The Branch at Chatburn, represented by Elder John Bond</td><td>91</td><td>2</td><td>2</td><td>2</td><td></td></tr> -<tr><td>The Branch at Downham, represented by John Spencer</td><td>25</td><td></td><td>1</td><td></td><td></td></tr> -<tr><td>The Branch at Grindleton, represented by Elder Joseph Fielding</td><td>5</td><td></td><td>1</td><td></td><td></td></tr> -<tr><td>The Branch at Whitmore, represented by J. Spencer</td><td>3</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr> -<tr><td>The Branch at Burnley, represented by Elder H. C. Kimball</td><td>27</td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td></td></tr> -<tr><td>The Branch at Blackburn, represented by Elder H. C. Kimball</td><td>17</td><td></td><td>1</td><td></td><td></td></tr> -<tr><td>Elder Reuben Hedlock read the minutes of the conference held at Paisley, Scotland, representing 5 branches of the Church</td><td>106</td><td>6</td><td>5</td><td>3</td><td>2</td></tr> -<tr><td>The Branch at Alston, represented by Elder John Sanders</td><td>36</td><td>2</td><td>2</td><td>2</td><td></td></tr> -<tr><td>The Branch at Brampton, represented by Elder John Sanders</td><td>36</td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td></td><td></td></tr> -<tr><td>The Branch at Longton, represented by Elder Bradshaw</td><td>54</td><td>2</td><td>4</td><td>2</td><td></td></tr> -<tr><td>The Branch at Penworthan, represented by Elder P. Melling</td><td>77</td><td>4</td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td>1</td></tr> -<tr><td>The Branch at Whittle, represented by Elder Richard Withnall</td><td>16</td><td>1</td><td>4</td><td></td><td></td></tr> -<tr><td>The Branch at Southport, represented by R. McBride</td><td>19</td><td>1</td><td></td><td>2</td><td></td></tr> -<tr><td>The Branch at Daubers Lane & Eccleston, Represented by Elder Richard Withnall</td><td>42</td><td></td><td>1</td><td>3</td><td></td></tr> -<tr><td>The Branch at Hunter's Hill, represented by Richard Benson</td><td>26</td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td></td></tr> -<tr><td>The Branch at Bolton, represented by Elder David Wilding</td><td>61</td><td>1</td><td>2</td><td>2</td><td></td></tr> -<tr><td>The Branch at Bury and Elton, represented by Elder David Wilding</td><td>12</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr> -<tr><td>The Branch at Ratcliff, represented by Elder Amos Fielding</td><td>11</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr> -<tr><td>The Branch at Benford, &c. represented by Elder Willard Richards</td><td>40</td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td></td><td></td></tr> -<tr><td>The Branch at Stockport, represented by Elder M. Littlewood</td><td>85</td><td>2</td><td>1</td><td>2</td><td>1</td></tr> -<tr><td>The Branch at Duckinfield, represented by Elder Henry Royle</td><td>41</td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td></td><td></td></tr> -<tr><td>The Branch at Macclesfield, represented by Samuel Heath</td><td>14</td><td></td><td>2</td><td></td><td></td></tr> -<tr><td>The Branch at Middlewich, represented by Samuel Heath</td><td>20</td><td></td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td>1</td></tr> -<tr><td>The Brach at Plover, represented by Samuel Heath</td><td>24</td><td></td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td>1</td></tr> -<tr><td>The Branch at Northwich, represented by William Berry</td><td>14</td><td></td><td>1</td><td></td><td></td></tr> -<tr><td>The Branch at Altrincham, represented by William Berry</td><td>4</td><td></td><td></td><td>1</td><td></td></tr> -<tr><td>The Branch at Whitfield, represented by Walker Johnson</td><td>14</td><td></td><td>1</td><td></td><td></td></tr> -<tr><td>The Branch at Pendlebury, represented by Elder William Clayton</td><td>13</td><td></td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td></td></tr> -<tr><td>The Branch at Eccles, represented by Elder William Clayton</td><td>5</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr> -<tr><td>The Branch at West Bromwich, represented by Elder Theodore Turley</td><td>16</td><td></td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td></td></tr> - -</table> -<p> After the officers had got through the representations, the - President introduced the new hymn-book; and after suitable remarks - had been made by him and Elders Young and Thomas Kington, the - President asked the conference if they were satisfied with the - labors of those who had made the selection, and if they received - the book. The unanimous approbation of the meeting was immediately - manifested. -</p> -<p> By unanimous vote, Thomas Kington, Alfred Cordon, and Thomas Smith - were ordained High Priests; John Albison, John Blezzard, William - Berry, John Sanders, John Parkinson, James Worsley, and John Allen - were ordained Elders; and Joseph Slinger, George Walker, John - Smith, Robert Williams, William Black, John Melling, and John - Swindlehurst were ordained Priests. -</p> -<p> Elder Brigham Young then called upon those officers, whose - circumstances would permit them to devote themselves entirely to - the work of the ministry, and would volunteer so to do, to stand - up—when the following names were taken, viz., of the traveling - High Council, Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, John Taylor, Wilford - Woodruff, Willard Richards, and George A. Smith; other officers, - namely, William Clayton, Reuben Hedlock, Hiram Clark, Theodore - Turley, Joseph Fielding, Thomas Richardson, Amos Fielding, John - Parkinson, John Wych, John Needham, Henry Royle, John Blezzard, D. - Wilding, Charles Price, Joseph Knowles, Wm. Kay, Samuel Heath, Wm. - Parr, R. McBride, and James Morgan. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="149"></a>{149}</span> Moved by Elder Richards, seconded by Elder Kimball, that - Elder Peter Melling be appointed to preside over the following - branches of the Church, namely—Preston, Longton, Penwortham, North - Meols, and Southport; carried. -</p> -<p> Moved by Elder Kimball, seconded by Elder Young, that Elder Richard - Withnall be appointed to preside over the branches of the Church - at Whittle, Daubers Lane, Chorley, Hunter's Hill, and Euxtonburgh; - carried. -</p> -<p> Moved by Elder Kimball, seconded by Elder Young, that Elder Thomas - Smith be appointed to preside over the branches of the Church at - Clitheroe, Chatburn, Downham, Chaighley, Grindleton, Whitmore, - Burnley, Blackburn, Ribchester, and Thornley: carried. -</p> -<p> Moved and seconded, that President Fielding and his counselors - be set at liberty from the charge which they have sustained as a - presidency, that they may have the privilege of more fully entering - into the field of labor; and that their labors be accepted; carried. -</p> -<p> Elders Young and Richards then proceeded to ordain those who had - been nominated to their respective offices, after which the minutes - were read and accepted. -</p> -<p> The conference adjourned to the sixth of October next, to be held - in the Carpenter's Hall, Manchester, at 10 o'clock, a. m. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Tuesday, 7</em>. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>A council of Church Officers, held at Manchester, England</em>. -</p> -<p> Pursuant to previous notice, a general council of the Church - officers was held in the council room at the <em>Star</em> office, - Manchester, on the 7th day of July, 1840. The meeting being opened - by prayer by Elder Kimball, Elder Young began to speak concerning - those officers who had volunteered to devote themselves wholly to - the ministry; when it was moved and seconded that Brothers William - Kay and Thomas Richardson go to Herefordshire, to labor in that - region with Elder Kington; carried. -</p> -<p> Moved by Elder Kimball, seconded by Elder Young, that Brothers - Hiram Clark and Joseph Knowles go with Elder Hedlock to Scotland: - carried. -</p> -<p> Moved by Elder Kimball, seconded by Elder Young, that Brother - Joseph Fielding go to Bedford: carried. -</p> -<p> Moved by Elder Richards, seconded by Elder Kimball, that Brothers - Amos Fielding and John Wych go to Newcastle-upon-Tyne: carried. -</p> -<p> Moved by Elder Kimball, seconded by Elder Woodruff, that Brother - David Wilding go to Garway, Herefordshire: carried. -</p> -<p> Moved by Elder Young, seconded by Elder Woodruff, that Brothers - William Clayton and John Needham go to Birmingham: carried. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="150"></a>{150}</span> Moved by Elder Richards, seconded by Elder Young, that - Brother Henry Royle go to Sheffield: carried. -</p> -<p> Moved by Elder Clayton, seconded by Elder Young, that Brother John - Albiston take charge of the following Branches of the Church, - namely—Duckinfield, Hyde, Woolley Hill, Ashton, and Staley Bridge: - carried. -</p> -<p> Moved by Elder Pratt, seconded by Elder Woodruff, that Brother - William Parr go to Sandbach and Congleton: carried. -</p> -<p> Moved by Elder Richards, seconded by Elder Pratt, that Brother - Heath continue his labors in Macclesfield: carried. -</p> -<p> Moved by Elder Richards, seconded by Elder Woodruff, that Brother - John Blezzard go to Cornshaw: carried. -</p> -<p> Moved by Elder Kimball, seconded by Elder Richards, that Brother - Robert McBride go to Lancaster: carried. -</p> -<p> Moved by Elder Richards, seconded by Elder Woodruff, that Brother - James Morgan abide in his own neighborhood to labor with Elder - David Wilding: carried. -</p> -<p> Moved by Elder Pratt, seconded by Elder Woodruff, that Brother - Price give up his business, and labor under the advice of Elder - Kington as the way opens: carried. -</p> -<p> Moved by Elder Richards, seconded by Elder Kimball, that Brother - William Black go to Lisburn, Ireland, as the way opens: carried. -</p> -<p> Moved by Elder Richards, seconded by Elder Smith, that Brother John - Parkinson have a roving commission, so long as he keeps busy, and - doing good: carried. -</p> -<p> After Elder Young had addressed the meeting upon several important - items, the meeting dismissed by blessing from Elder Young. -</p> -<p> Parley P. Pratt, President. -</p> -<p> William Clayton, Clerk. -</p></blockquote> -<p>At this time Elders Orson Hyde and John E. Page were laboring in Ohio. -</p> -<p><em>Thursday, 9</em>. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Extract from Elder Woodruff's Letter to the Editor of the - </em>Millennial Star<em>—Detailing Incidents of his Ministry</em>. -</p> -<p> I arrived at Froome's Hill, Castle Froome, Herefordshire, on the - 4th of March, and was kindly entertained for the night by Mr. - John Benbow, who received my testimony, and opened his door for - meeting; and on the evening following, the 5th of March, for the - first time I preached the fullness of the Gospel in that place to - a small congregation, who manifested much interest in what they - heard, and desired to inquire further into those things; and on - the evening following I met a large <span class="pagenum"><a name="151"></a>{151}</span> number at Mr. Benbow's, - and preached unto them the principles of the Gospel, namely, faith - in Christ, repentance, and baptism for the remission of sins and - the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands; after which - I administered the ordinance of baptism unto six persons, Mr. and - Mrs. Benbow among the number. I also preached on Sunday the 8th - and baptized seven, confirmed thirteen, and broke bread unto them. - Several of those who were baptized were preachers of the order - called the United Brethren. -</p> -<p> The United Brethren formerly belonged to the Primitive Methodists, - but had separated themselves from the body, and chose the name of - the United Brethren. They had from forty to fifty preachers and - about the same number of established places of meeting, including - two chapels. -</p> -<p> Mr. Thomas Kington was the superintendent of the church of the - United Brethren, whose members numbered about four hundred in all, - divided into small branches and scattered over an extent of country - from fifteen to twenty miles. This people almost universally - appeared willing to give heed to the exhortation of Solomon, to - hear a matter before they judged or condemned. They opened their - doors for me to preach, and searched the Scriptures daily to see if - the things which I taught were true; and on finding that the word - and spirit agreed and bore record of the truth of the fullness of - the Everlasting Gospel, they embraced it with all their hearts, - which has brought great joy and satisfaction to many souls in that - region. -</p> -<p> I continued preaching and baptizing daily; the congregations were - large and generally attentive. I was soon privileged with an - interview with Mr. Thomas Kington, the superintendent of the United - Brethren, before whom I gave an account of the rise and progress - of the Church of the Latter-day Saints, and bore testimony of the - truth of the great work which God had set His hand to accomplish in - these last days. -</p> -<p> Mr. Kington received my testimony and sayings with candor; and - carried the case before the Lord, made it a subject of prayer, and - asked the Father in the name of Jesus Christ, if these things were - true; and the Lord manifested the truth of it unto him, and he went - forth and was baptized, he and all his household. I ordained him an - Elder, and he went forth and began to preach the fullness of the - Gospel. -</p> -<p> I also baptized about forty preachers of the same order, and - several others belonging unto other churches, and about one hundred - and twenty members of the United Brethren, which opened about forty - doors or preaching places, where the fullness of the Gospel would - meet a welcome reception, and all this during the term of one month - and five days. -</p> -<p> On the 10th of April I took my departure from the Saints in - Herefordshire and adjoining country, numbering about one hundred - and sixty; <span class="pagenum"><a name="152"></a>{152}</span> whom I left rejoicing in the fullness of the - Gospel, and hundreds of others who were ready to be baptized as - soon as a proper time and opportunity arrived. I arrived in Preston - on the 13th, by way of Worcester, Wolverhampton, Burslem, and - Manchester, a distance of about one hundred and seventy miles, - visiting the churches by the way. -</p> -<p> On my arrival in Preston, I was blessed with the happy privilege of - once more greeting my brethren of the Traveling High Council and - other Elders, and of sitting with them on the 14th, 15th, and 16th - of April in the first council and general conference which they had - ever held, as a quorum, in a foreign nation. After spending several - days together, (during which time much business of importance was - transacted for the Church,) it became necessary for us again to - separate in order to labor in different parts of the vineyard which - were now open before us. I left Preston on the 17th, accompanied - by Elder Brigham Young, and visited the churches by the way, until - we arrived among the Saints in Herefordshire, who were anxiously - looking for my return. In a few days we were joined in our labors - by Elder Willard Richards. We took locations in different parts of - this new field of labor, which extended through various places in - Herefordshire, Worcestershire, and Gloucestershire. -</p> -<p> We continued preaching, and baptizing, and administering in the - ordinances of the Gospel daily, unto such as would receive our - testimony, and obey the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Truth was mighty - and prevailed; the work prospered, and multiplied on every hand, - until several hundreds, including more than fifty preachers of - various sects, were rejoicing in the fullness of the everlasting - Gospel, and felt to praise God that they had lived to behold the - day when the Lord had set His hand to prune His vineyard once - more with a mighty pruning, and to establish the Gospel in its - ancient purity again upon the face of the earth; and in many - instances signs followed the believer, according to the promise - of the Savior. The Spirit of God accompanied the preaching of the - word to the hearts of men. Whole households, on hearing the word, - have received it into good and honest hearts, and gone forth and - received the ordinances of the Gospel; and frequently we have - baptized from eight to twelve the first time of meeting with the - people in new places, and preaching the word of God to them. -</p> -<p> Elder Young labored with us about one month, during which time - many were baptized, confirmed, and numbers ordained to preach the - Gospel—and while the Saints were much edified, and their hearts - made glad with the teaching and instruction by Elder Young, I also - obtained much benefit myself by enjoying his society, sitting under - his instruction, and sharing in his counsel. -</p> -<p> As it became necessary for Elder Young to return to Manchester, - to <span class="pagenum"><a name="153"></a>{153}</span> assist in preparing a collection of hymns, and other - matters, he took the parting hand with us on the 20th of May; and - Elders Richards and myself continued our labors in the vineyard, in - connection with Elder Kington, who had given himself wholly to the - work of the ministry. -</p> -<p> The Lord still continued to bless our labors, and added daily unto - the Church. New doors were opening on every hand; and multiplicity - of calls constantly reached our ears, many of which we could not - answer for the want of laborers. Notwithstanding there were about - fifty ordained Elders and Priests in this part of the vineyard, yet - there were equally as many places for preaching to be attended to - upon the Sabbath day. Thus we continued our labors in this region - until the time drew near for the general conference in Manchester - on the 6th of July. -</p> -<p> But before leaving the Saints, we considered it wisdom to set in - order the church, and organize them into branches and conferences, - that they might be properly represented before the general - conference. Therefore we held two conferences with the Saints - before we took our departure from them. The first was held at the - Gadfield Elm Chapel, Worcestershire, on the 14th of June, at which - time we organized twelve branches, and transacted such business as - the occasion required. The Second conference was held at Stanley - Hill, Herefordshire, on the 21st of June, twenty branches of the - Church were organized. The minutes of the above-named conferences I - present you for publication, if you think proper. -</p> -<p> On the day following, Elder Richards and myself took our leave of - the Saints at Froome's Hill, Herefordshire; but before leaving we - repaired to a pool three times to baptize and confirm numbers that - came to us and requested these ordinances at our hands. -</p> -<p> Elder Richards labored in this part of the vineyard about two - months, during which time he traveled extensively, preached night - and day, gave much instruction to the Saints generally, and had - many souls as seals to his ministry. I received much benefit from - the counsel which he gave in the organization of the churches, and - it was manifest that he had passed through a profitable school of - experience during the three years of his travels in England; and - the interesting seasons we have enjoyed together during these two - months, will not be easily erased from my memory. -</p> -<p> It was with no ordinary fellings that we took our departure from - the Saints in Herefordshire on this occasion; for, less than - four months since, I proclaimed the fullness of the Gospel in - this region for the first time; but now, we were leaving between - five and six hundred Saints, who were rejoicing in the new and - everlasting covenant, and hundreds of others who were wishing to - hear and obey. I parted from Elder Richards at Birmingham, who went - direct to Manchester, while I visited <span class="pagenum"><a name="154"></a>{154}</span> West Bromwich, and - preached several times to a small branch of the Church which had - been raised up in that place by Elder Turley, who baptized several - while I was there. I also attended a conference on the 29th June, - at Hanley, in the Staffordshire Potteries, in company with Elder - George A. Smith and others, after which I arrived in Manchester. -</p> -<p> Wilford Woodruff. -</p> -<p> Manchester, July 9, 1840. -</p></blockquote> -<p class="sidenote">Special Instructions for the High Councils. -</p> -<p><em>Saturday, 11</em>.—The High Council met at my office, when I taught -them principles relating to their duty as a Council, and that they -might be guided by the same in future, I ordered it to be recorded as -follows: "That the Council should try no case without both parties -being present, or having had an opportunity to be present; neither -should they hear one person's complaint before his case is brought up -for trial; neither should they suffer the character of any one to be -exposed before the High Council without the person being present and -ready to defend him or herself; that the minds of the councilors be not -prejudiced for or against any one whose case they may possibly have to -act upon." -</p> -<p class="sidenote">The First Missionary for Australia. -</p> -<p>William Barrett, aged 17, was ordained an Elder in Hanley, -Staffordshire, England, by Elders George A. Smith and Alfred Cordon, -and took leave for South Australia, being the first Elder who went on a -mission to that country. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 12</em>—Elias Smith was appointed Bishop by the High Council of -Iowa, in place of Alanson Ripley, removed to Nauvoo. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, 13</em>. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Kidnapping of Alanson Brown and Benjamin Boyce—Affidavit of - Daniel H. Wells</em>.<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERVIIIfn2"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERVIIIfn2">2</a>]</sup> -</p> -<p> State Of Illinois, Hancock County. -</p> -<p> This day personally appeared before the undersigned, an acting - justice of the peace, in the aforesaid county, Alanson Brown, - who, first <span class="pagenum"><a name="155"></a>{155}</span> being duly sworn according to law, deposes and - says, that on the 7th day of July, A. D. 1840, and in the county - of Hancock, in said state, William Allensworth, H. M. Woodyard, - William Martin, John H. Owsley, John Bain, Light T. Tait, and - Halsay White, in company with several other persons, to this - affiant unknown, forcibly arrested this affiant, and one Benjamin - Boyce, whilst affiant and said Boyce, were quietly pursuing their - own lawful business; and that immediately after said arrest, the - said Allensworth, Woodyard, Martin, Owsley, Bain, Tait, and White, - did illegally and forcibly take, kidnap, and carry this affiant and - said Boyce, bound with cords, from the said county of Hancock, in - said state, on the day and year above set forth, in the county of - Lewis, in the state of Missouri, without having established a claim - for such a procedure, according to the laws of the United States. -</p> -<p> Affiant states that in a short time after he was taken into the - state of Missouri, he was put into a room with said Boyce, and - there kept until about eleven o'clock the following night; when - they were taken out of the room where they had been confined, into - the woods, near at hand, by said Tait, a man by the name of Huner, - and another by the name of Monday, and some others, whose name - affiant did not learn; they previously placed a rope about the - neck of the affiant; Huner and Monday then proceeded to hang the - affiant, and did hang him for some time upon a tree, until affiant - was nearly strangled, after which they let him down and loosened - the rope. Shortly after this, affiant heard repeated blows, which - others—belonging to the same gang of Huner—were inflicting upon - Boyce, and he could hear also the cries of Boyce, under the pain - arising from the blows; after which affiant and Boyce were taken - back to the room where they had been confined, in which they found - a man by the name of Rogers, and another by the name of Allred. -</p> -<p> Affiant further states that he was kept in imprisonment by the - <span class="pagenum"><a name="156"></a>{156}</span> persons heretofore named, and others to him unknown, until - Friday evening next ensuing the Tuesday on which Boyce and himself - were kidnapped, when he escaped out of their hands and returned - into the state of Illinois. Affiant had learned that the name of - the place in said county of Lewis, state of Missouri, to which he - was taken from the state of Illinois, is called Tully, to which the - said Allensworth, Woodyard, Martin, Owsley, Bain, Tait and White, - have fled as fugitives from justice, and at which they are now to - be found. -</p> -<p> I hereby certify that the foregoing affidavit was this day - subscribed and duly sworn to before me, by said Alanson Brown. -</p> -<p> Daniel H. Wells. -</p> -<p> Justice of the Peace, July 13, 1840. -</p> -<p> <em>Statement of James Allred</em>. -</p> -<p> State Of Illinois, Hancock County. -</p> -<p> This day personally appeared before the undersigned, an acting - Justice of the Peace, in and for said county, James Allred, a - credible witness, who first being duly sworn according to law, - deposes and says that William Allensworth, John H. Owsley, and - William Martin, on the 7th day of July, 1840, within the limits - of said county of Hancock, aided by several other persons, to - this affiant unknown, forcibly arrested this affiant and one Noah - Rogers, whilst the affiant and said Rogers were peaceably pursuing - their own lawful business; and that the said Allensworth, Owsley - and Martin, after said arrest, aided by sundry persons, to affiant - unknown, did forcibly take, kidnap and carry this affiant and said - Rogers from the said county of Hancock in the state of Illinois, - on the day and year above mentioned into the state of Missouri, - without having established a claim for such procedure according to - the laws of the United States. -</p> -<p> Affiant further states, that in a short time after he had been so - taken into the state of Missouri, he was put into a room with said - Rogers, and there kept until some time during the following night, - when they were taken out of the room where they were confined, - into the woods near by, and this affiant was bound by the persons - conducting him, to a tree, he having been first forcibly stripped - by them of every particle of clothing. Those having him in charge - then told affiant that they would whip him; one of them, by the - name of Monday, saying to this affiant, "G—d—n you, I'll cut you - to the hollow." They, however, at last unbound the affiant without - whipping him. -</p> -<p> Affiant states that said Rogers was taken just beyond the place - where affiant was bound with a rope around his neck, and he heard - a great number of blows, which he then supposed, and has since - learned were inflicted upon said Rogers, and heard him cry out - several times as if in great agony; after which affiant, together - with Rogers, was taken <span class="pagenum"><a name="157"></a>{157}</span> back and placed in the room from which - they were taken, together with one Boyce and Brown, and detained - until Monday next succeeding the day on which he was kidnapped; at - which time he received from one of the company, who had imprisoned - him, a passport, of which the following is a copy— -</p> -<p> "Tully, Missouri, July 12, 1840. The people of Tully, having - taken up Mr. Allred, with some others, and having examined into - the offenses committed, find nothing to justify his detention any - longer, and have released him. By order of the committee. -</p> -<p> "H. M. Woodward." -</p> -<p> And then this affiant was permitted to return home into the state - of Illinois. This place in Missouri, to which affiant and said - Rogers were taken, he has learned is called Tully, and is situated - in the county of Lewis, and at which place the said Allensworth, - Owsley and Martin are now living. -</p> -<p> I hereby certify that the forgoing affidavit was this day - subscribed, and duly sworn to before me, by the said James Allred. -</p> -<p> Daniel H. Wells, -</p> -<p> Justice of the Peace. -</p> -<p> <em>Action of the Citizens of Nauvoo in the Matter of the Kidnapping - of Brown and Boyce by the Missourians</em>. -</p> -<p> At a meeting of the citizens of Nauvoo, Hancock county, Illinois, - 13th July, 1840, Judge Elias Higbee was called to the chair, and - Robert B. Thompson was appointed Secretary. -</p> -<p> On motion a committee was appointed to report resolutions, - expressive of the sense of this meeting, consisting of the - following persons, to wit.—Isaac Galland, Robert B. Thompson, - Sidney Rigdon, and Daniel H. Wells, who retired, and after a short - absence, reported the following preamble and resolutions, which - were unanimously adopted— -</p> -<p> <em>Report of the Committee on Resolutions</em>. -</p> -<p> Preamble—The committee appointed to express the sense of this - meeting, in relation to the recent acts of abduction, and other - deeds of cruelty and inhumanity committed upon our citizens - by [some of] the citizens of the state of Missouri, beg leave - respectfully to report: -</p> -<p> That having under consideration the principal matters involve in - the discharge of their duty, they have been forced to arrive at the - following conclusions: -</p> -<p> First—That the people of Missouri, not having sufficiently slacked - their thirst for blood and plunder, are now disposed to pursue us - with a repetition of the scenes of brutality which marked their - whole course of conduct towards us during our unhappy residence - among them. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="158"></a>{158}</span> Second—That notwithstanding they have already robbed us - of our homes, murdered our families, stolen and carried away our - property; and to complete the measure of their infamy as a state, - their executive caused unoffending thousands to be banished from - the state, without even the form of a trial, or the slightest - evidence of crime; they are now sending their gangs of murdering - banditti, and thieving brigands, to wreak further vengeance, and - satisfy their insatiable cupidity in the state of Illinois, and - that too before we have even had time to erect shelters for our - families. -</p> -<p> Third—That for the purpose of giving a semblance of justification - to their most unhallowed conduct, the people of Missouri have again - commenced concealing goods within the limits of our settlements, as - they had done before in the state of Missouri, in order to raise a - charge of stealing against our citizens, and under this guise they - have within a few days kidnapped, and carried away, several honest - and worthy citizens of this county. -</p> -<p> Fourth—Under these circumstances the first duty and the only - redress which seems to offer itself to our consideration is an - appeal to the executive of the state of Illinois, for redress, and - protection from further injuries, with a confident assurance that - he, unlike the governor of Missouri, will extend the executive arm - to protect from lawless outrage, unoffending citizens. Therefore, -</p> -<p> <em>Resolved 1st</em>: That we view, with no ordinary feelings, the - approaching danger as a necessary consequence following the lawless - and outrageous conduct of the citizens of Missouri, in setting - at defiance the laws of this, as well as of all other states in - this Union, by forcing from their homes, and from the state, civil - citizens of Illinois, and taking them into the state of Missouri, - without any legal process whatever, and there inflicting upon them - base cruelties in order to extort false confessions from them, to - give a coloring to their (the Missourians') iniquities, and screen - themselves from the just indignation of an incensed public. -</p> -<p> <em>Resolved 2ndly</em>: That while we deeply deplore the cause which - has brought us together on this occasion, we cannot refrain from - expressing our most unqualified disapprobation at the infringement - of the laws of this state, as set forth in the above Preamble, and - strongest indignation at the manner in which the people of Missouri - treated those whom they had thus inhumanly taken from among us. -</p> -<p> <em>Resolved 3rdly</em>: That inasmuch as we are conscious of our honest - and upright intentions, and are at all times ready and willing - to submit to the just requirements of the laws, we claim of the - citizens and authorities of this state, protection from such unjust - and, before, unheard of oppressions. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="159"></a>{159}</span> <em>Resolved 4thly</em>: That the forcible abduction of our citizens - by the citizens of Missouri, is a violation of the laws regulating - the federal compact, subversive to the rights of freemen, and - contrary to our free institutions, and republican principles. -</p> -<p> <em>Resolved, 5thly</em>: That the cruelties practiced upon our citizens, - since their abduction, is disgraceful to humanity; the height of - injustice and oppression, and would disgrace the annals of the most - barbarous nations, in either ancient or modern times; and can only - find its parallel in the "<em>Auto da Fe</em>"—the inquisitions in Spain. -</p> -<p> <em>Resolved, 6thly</em>: That such unconstitutional and unhallowed - proceedings on the part of the citizens of Missouri, ought to - arouse every patriot to exertion and diligence to put a stop to - such procedure, and use all constitutional means to bring the - offenders to justice. -</p> -<p> <em>Resolved, 7thly</em>: That we memorialize the Executive of this state, - of the gross outrage which has been committed on our citizens; - and pledge ourselves to aid him in such measures as may be deemed - necessary to restore our citizens to freedom, and have satisfaction - for the wrongs we have suffered. -</p> -<p> Elias Higbee, Chairman, -</p> -<p> R. B. Thompson, Secretary. -</p> -<p> <em>Memorial to Governor Carlin</em>. -</p> -<p> <em>To his Excellency Governor Carlin</em>:—The undersigned being a - committee to draft a Memorial to your Excellency relative to the - recent outrages, would respectfully represent; that after being - driven from our homes, and pleasant places of abode, in the state - of Missouri, by the authorities of said state, Illinois seemed to - be the first shelter or asylum which presented itself to our view; - that having left the state of Missouri, your memorialists found - an asylum in the state of Illinois; and notwithstanding the false - reports which were circulated to our prejudice, we were received - with kindness by the noble hearted citizens of Illinois; who - relieved our necessities, and bade us welcome; for which kindness - we feel thankful. -</p> -<p> That under your Excellency's administration, we have had every - encouragement given us, and have every reason, from the kindness - and sympathy which you have ever manifested towards us in our - sufferings, to feel confident that your aid will ever be offered - to us in common with the rest of the citizens of the state. That - feeling ourselves so happy and secure, and beginning again to - enjoy the comforts of life, we are sorry to say that our quiet has - been disturbed, our fears alarmed, and our families annoyed by - the citizens of Missouri; who, with malice and hatred, which is - characteristic of them, have unconstitutionally sent an armed force - and abducted some of our friends, namely, James Allred, <span class="pagenum"><a name="160"></a>{160}</span> Noah - Rogers, Alanson Brown, and one Boyce, and carried them into the - state of Missouri, and treated them with the greatest barbarity - and cruelty; even now their wives and children, as well as their - friends, are alarmed for the safety of their lives. -</p> -<p> Therefore we have felt it our duty to place the circumstances of - this unheard-of outrage before you, and appeal to your Excellency - for protection from such marauders, and take such measures as you - may deem proper, that our friends may be again restored to the - bosom of their families, and the offenders punished for their - crimes. -</p> -<p> We have the greatest confidence in your Excellency, that every - constitutional means will be resorted to, to restore our friends to - the society of their families, &c., that we, in common with other - citizens of the state of Illinois, may enjoy all the rights and - privileges of freemen. -</p> -<p> Your memorialists have under all circumstances paid the greatest - respect to the laws of the country, and if any should break the - same, they have never felt a disposition to screen such from - justice, but when under false pretenses, to gratify and satiate - a revengeful disposition—for the citizens of another state, - regardless of both the laws of God and man, to come and kidnap our - friends, to carry off our citizens to cruelly treat our brethren; - such offenders, we think, should be brought to an account, to be - dealt with according to their merit or demerit; that we may enjoy - the privileges guaranteed to us by the Constitution of the United - States. -</p> -<p> We therefore humbly pray that your Excellency will satisfy yourself - of the gross outrage which has been committed on the citizens of - the state, and with that energy which is so characteristic of your - Excellency's administration, take such steps as you may deem best - calculated to repair the injuries which your memorialists have - sustained; that you will vindicate the injured laws of the state. -</p> -<p> In conclusion, we beg leave to assure your Excellency, that in the - discharge of this, as well as every other constitutional movement, - you may rely upon the hearty co-operation of your memorialists, - who respectfully submit to your Excellency the accompanying - Resolutions, which were passed at a large meeting held in this - place on this day, and also the affidavit of one of those persons - who was kidnapped, but fortunately has made his escape. -</p></blockquote> -<h3>Footnotes: -</h3> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERVIIIfn1"></a><a href="#CHAPTERVIIIfn1">1</a>. At the present time the above arrangement by which Elder Parley -P. Pratt was chosen president of the conference, while Elder Brigham -Young was his senior in the quorum of the Twelve Apostles, will seem -somewhat out of order. Such procedure is recorded a number of times -in the minutes of conferences and other gatherings in the early years -of the Church's history; it is therefore proper to say that in those -days the right to presidency by reason of seniority of standing in -quorums and councils was not as well settled as it is now. Presidency -throughout the councils and quorums of the church is determined by well -settled principles of seniority of ordination, and as soon as any of -these organizations are called to order for business the president of -the council or conference is determined by the seniority of standing -in said organization without any formal action. In the above case the -brethren may have been influenced by the fact that Elder Pratt was an -older member of the church than President Young. Also, it appears in -a subsequent paragraph that some charges were preferred by President -Young against one of the Elders in the conference. This course may have -been decided upon by the Apostles, who probably thought that it would -not be best for the presiding officer over the conference to make such -charges, hence Elder Pratt was chosen to preside and Elder Young left -free to make the charges aforesaid. -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERVIIIfn2"></a><a href="#CHAPTERVIIIfn2">2</a>. Daniel Hanmer Wells was the son of Daniel Wells by his second wife -Catherine Chapin. He was born at Trenton, Oneida county, New York, -October 27, 1814. His father was a descendant of Thomas Wells, the -fourth governor of Connecticut, while his mother was descended from -David Chapin, a veteran of the Revolution, who served under Washington, -and was a descendant of one of the oldest and most distinguished -families of New England. The father of Daniel H. Wells died when the -son was but 12 years old, which threw upon him, at this early age, the -care of his mother and younger sister. At the age of 16 he migrated -with his mother and sister to Marietta, Ohio, where Daniel H. taught -school during the winter, and in the spring moved to Illinois, settling -at Commerce, where he made extensive purchases of land. One farm of -eighty acres was in the very heart of what became the city of Nauvoo, -in fact he platted his farm into city lots which he sold at very -reasonable prices to the Saints. The Temple site was selected from the -western range of blocks in this addition. In 1885 he married Eliza -Robison, and a son was born to them a year later. Mr. Wells served a -term as constable in the district in which Commerce was situated, and -was now a justice of the peace and familiarly called "Squire Wells." -He was a stalwart Whig in politics; a man of high character and great -courage. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="161"></a>{161}</span> -</p> - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTERIX"></a>CHAPTER IX. -</h2> -<p class="chapterHeading">The Return of a Prodigal—Conditions in Kirtland—Progress of the Work -in Great Britain—The Coming of John C. Bennett. -</p><blockquote> -<p> Australian Mission. -</p> -<p> <em>Extract of a Letter from Elder William Barratt</em>. -</p> -<p> Deptford,<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERIXfn1"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERIXfn1">1</a>]</sup> July 15, 1840. -</p> -<p> Dear Brother In Christ:—I write to inform you of my arrival in - the metropolis this morning, after a tedious journey in the midst - of much profaneness and swearing, such as I never heard in my - life before. I feel, as the Apostle expresses it, like a lamb - among wolves, going into a land of strangers to preach the Gospel; - therefore I desire your prayers in my behalf. I have witnessed much - of the spirit of revelation since Sunday; in fact, I only thought - it a mere thought, when the Elders testified that they were called - by revelation; but now I know the truth of the assertion, which - proves to me who ought to preach, and that none ought, without they - are called by revelation. -</p> -<p> Give my love to all the Saints, and tell them that as many as - remain faithful I will meet in Zion, bringing my sheaves with me. - Tell them my faith is fixed, and my resolution is strong to meet - you all there, whom I love in the Lord. Pray that a door may be - opened, and that a gift of utterance may be given unto me in a - foreign land to preach the Gospel. Brethren, sorrow not for me, as - those that have no hope, for we have a hope of living and eating - together in the kingdom of our God. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Friday, 17</em>.—By my suggestion, High Council voted that Samuel Bent -and George W. Harris go on a mission to procure money for printing -certain books. -</p> -<p><em>Saturday, 18</em>.—Elias Smith was ordained a Bishop. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 19</em>.—An answer to Brigham Young's letter of the 17th of May -was sent by Lorenzo Snow,<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERIXfn2"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERIXfn2">2</a>]</sup> which gave <span class="pagenum"><a name="162"></a>{162}</span> the Twelve permission to -publish the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and hymn-book, but -not to ordain any into the quorum of the Seventies; and likewise some -general instructions. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, 20</em>.—Elder John Moon and company arrived in New York being -the first arrival of Saints in America. -</p> -<p><em>Wednesday, 22</em>. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>The Prophet's Letter to William W. Phelps—Welcoming him back into - the Church</em>.<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERIXfn3"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERIXfn3">3</a>]</sup> -</p> -<p> Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, July 22, 1840. -</p> -<p> Dear Brother Phelps:—I must say that it is with no ordinary - feelings I endeavor to write a few lines to you in answer to yours - of the 29th ultimo; at the same time I am rejoiced at the privilege - granted me. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="163"></a>{163}</span> You may in some measure realize what my feelings, as well - as Elder Rigdon's and Brother Hyrum's were, when we read your - letter—truly our hearts were melted into tenderness and compassion - when we ascertained your resolves, &c. I can assure you I feel a - disposition to act on your case in a manner that will meet the - approbation of Jehovah' (whose servant I am), and agreeable to the - principles of truth and righteousness which have been revealed; - and inasmuch as long-suffering, patience, and mercy have ever - characterized the dealings of our heavenly Father towards the - humble and penitent, I feel disposed to copy the example, cherish - the same principles, and by so doing be a savior of my fellow men. -</p> -<p> It is true, that we have suffered much in consequence of your - behavior—the cup of gall, already full enough for mortals to - drink, was indeed filled to overflowing when you turned against - us. One with whom we had oft taken sweet counsel together, and - enjoyed many refreshing seasons from the Lord—"had it been an - enemy, we could have borne it." "In the day that thou stoodest on - the other side, in the day when strangers carried away captive his - forces, and foreigners entered into his gates, and cast lots upon - [Far West], even thou wast as one of them; that thou shouldest not - have looked on the day of thy brother, in the day that he became a - stranger, neither shouldst thou have spoken proudly in the day of - distress." -</p> -<p> However, the cup has been drunk, the will of our Father has been - done, and we are yet alive, for which we thank the Lord. And having - been delivered from the hands of wicked men by the mercy of our - God, we say it is your privilege to be delivered from the powers of - the adversary, be brought into the liberty of God's dear children, - and again take your stand among the Saints of the Most High, and by - diligence, humility, and love unfeigned, commend yourself to our - God, and your God, and to the Church of Jesus Christ. -</p> -<p> Believing your confession to be real, and your repentance genuine, - I shall be happy once again to give you the right hand of - fellowship, and rejoice over the returning prodigal. -</p> -<p> Your letter was read to the Saints last Sunday, and an expression - of their feeling was taken, when it was unanimously -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="164"></a>{164}</span> <em>Resolved</em>, That W. W. Phelps should be received into fellowship. -</p><blockquote> -<p class="poetry"> "Come on, dear brother, since the war is past,<br> - For friends at first, are friends again at last."<br> -</p></blockquote> -<p> Yours as ever, Joseph Smith, Jun. -</p> -<p> <em>Credentials of Elders Samuel Bent and George W. Harris</em>. -</p> -<p> To all whom it may concern:—This is to certify that Elders Samuel - Bent and George W. Harris are authorized agents of the Church of - Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, being appointed by the First - Presidency and High Council of said Church to visit the branches - of the Church in the east, or wherever they may be led in the - providence of God, to obtain donations and subscriptions for the - purpose of printing the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, - hymn-books, the new translation of the Scriptures. They are - likewise instructed and authorized to procure loans in behalf - of the Church, for carrying into operation the above and other - important works necessary to the well being of said Church. -</p> -<p> From our long acquaintance with these our beloved brethren, their - long, tried friendship under circumstances the most trying and - painful, their zeal for the cause of truth, and their strict - morality and honesty we most cheerfully recommend them to the - Saints of the Most High. Any statements they may make relative to - their mission may be implicitly relied upon, and any loans which - they may obtain, will be considered binding on the Church. And we - do hope the Saints will do all in their power to effect the object - proposed, and lift up the hands of our beloved brethren who have - cheerfully come forward to engage in a work so great and important. -</p> -<p> Joseph Smith, Jun., President, -</p> -<p> William Marks, -</p> -<p> Elias Higbee, -</p> -<p> David Dort, -</p> -<p> Charles C. Rich, -</p> -<p> Seymour Brunson, -</p> -<p> William Huntington, -</p> -<p> Hyrum Smith, -</p> -<p> Newel Knight, -</p> -<p> Alpheus Cutler, -</p> -<p> Henry G. Sherwood, -</p> -<p> David Fullmer, -</p> -<p> Thomas Grover, -</p> -<p> Lewis D. Wilson. -</p> -<p> <em>The Prophet's Letter to Oliver Granger—Dealing Chiefly with - Affairs at Kirtland</em>. -</p> -<p> <em>Brother Granger</em>: -</p> -<p> Dear Sir:—It was with great pleasure I received your and Brother - Richards' letter, dated New York, June 23, 1840, and was very happy - <span class="pagenum"><a name="165"></a>{165}</span> to be informed of your safe arrival in that place, and your - probability of success; and I do hope that your anticipations will - be realized, and that you will be enabled to free the Lord's House - from all incumbrances, and be prospered in all your undertakings - for the benefit of the Church; and pray that while you are exerting - your influence to bring about an object so desirable, that the - choicest blessings of heaven may rest down upon you, while you are - endeavoring to do so, and attending to the duties laid upon you by - the authorities of the Church in this place. -</p> -<p> I am sorry to be informed not only in your letter, but from other - respectable sources, of the strange conduct pursued in Kirtland by - Elder Almon W. Babbitt. I am indeed surprised that a man having the - experience which Brother Babbitt has had, should take any steps - whatever, calculated to destroy the confidence of the brethren in - the Presidency or any of the authorities of the Church. -</p> -<p> In order to conduct the affairs of the Kingdom in righteousness, it - is all important that the most perfect harmony, kind feeling, good - understanding, and confidence should exist in the hearts of all the - brethren; and that true charity, love one towards another, should - characterize all their proceedings. If there are any uncharitable - feelings, any lack of confidence, then pride, arrogance and envy - will soon be manifested; confusion must inevitably prevail, and - the authorities of the Church set at naught; and under such - circumstances, Kirtland cannot rise and free herself from the - captivity in which she is held, and become a place of safety for - the Saints, nor can the blessings of Jehovah rest upon her. -</p> -<p> If the Saints in Kirtland deem me unworthy of their prayers when - they assemble together, and neglect to bear me up at the throne of - heavenly grace, it is a strong and convincing proof to me that they - have not the Spirit of God. If the revelations we have received - are true, who is to lead the people? If the keys of the Kingdom - have been committed to my hands, who shall open out the mysteries - thereof? -</p> -<p> As long as my brethren stand by me and encourage me, I can combat - the prejudices of the world, and can bear the contumely and abuse - with joy; but when my brethren stand aloof, when they begin to - faint, and endeavor to retard my progress and enterprise, then I - feel to mourn, but am no less determined to prosecute my task, - being confident that although my earthly friends may fail, and even - turn against me, yet my Heavenly Father will bear me off triumphant. -</p> -<p> However, I hope that even in Kirtland there are some who do not - make a man an offender for a word, but are disposed to stand forth - in defense of righteousness and truth, and attend to every duty - <span class="pagenum"><a name="166"></a>{166}</span> enjoined upon them; and who will have wisdom to direct them - against any movement or influence calculated to bring confusion and - discord into the camp of Israel, and to discern between the spirit - of truth and the spirit of error. -</p> -<p> It would be gratifying to my mind to see the Saints in Kirtland - flourish, but think the time is not yet come; and I assure you it - never will until a different order of things be established and - a different spirit manifested. When confidence is restored, when - pride shall fall, and every aspiring mind be clothed with humility - as with a garment, and selfishness give place to benevolence and - charity, and a united determination to live by every word which - proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord is observable, then, and - not till then, can peace, order and love prevail. -</p> -<p> It is in consequence of aspiring men that Kirtland has been - forsaken. How frequently has your humble servant been envied in his - office by such characters, who endeavored to raise themselves to - power at his expense, and seeing it impossible to do so, resorted - to foul slander and abuse, and other means to effect his overthrow. - Such characters have ever been the first to cry out against the - Presidency, and publish their faults and foibles to the four winds - of heaven. -</p> -<p> I cannot forget the treatment I received in the house of my - friends. These things continually roll across my mind, and cause - me much sorrow of heart; and when I think that others who have - lately come into the Church should be led to Kirtland instead of to - this place, by Elder Babbitt; and having their confidence in the - authorities lessened by such observations as he (Elder Babbitt) has - thought proper to make, as well as hearing all the false reports - and exaggerated accounts of our enemies—I must say that I feel - grieved in spirit, and cannot tolerate such proceedings—neither - will I; but will endeavor to disabuse the minds of the Saints, and - break down all such unallowed proceedings. -</p> -<p> It was something new to me when I heard there had been secret - meetings held in the Lord's House, and that some of my - friends—faithful brethren—men enjoying the confidence of the - Church, should be locked out. Such proceedings are not calculated - to promote union, or peace, but to engender strife; and will be a - curse instead of a blessing. To those who are young in the work, I - know they are calculated to be, and must be, injurious. Those who - have had experience, and who should know better than to reflect on - their brethren—there is no excuse for them. -</p> -<p> If Brother Babbitt and the other brethren wish to reform the - Church, and come out and make a stand against sin and speculation, - &c., they must use other weapons than lies, or their object can - never be effected; <span class="pagenum"><a name="167"></a>{167}</span> and their labors will be given to the - house of the stranger, rather than to the House of the Lord. -</p> -<p> The proceedings of Brother Babbitt were taken into consideration - at a meeting of the Church at this place, when it was unanimously - resolved, that fellowship should be withdrawn from him until - he make satisfaction for the course he has pursued: of which - circumstance I wish you to apprise him without delay, and demand - his license. -</p> -<p> Dear sir, I wish you to stand in your lot, and keep the station - which was given you by revelation and the authorities of the - Church. Attend to the affairs of the Church with diligence, and - then rest assured of the blessings of heaven. It is binding on - you to act as president of the Church in Kirtland, until you are - removed by the same authority which put you in; and I do hope there - will be no cause for opposition, but that good feeling will be - manifested in future by all the brethren. -</p> -<p> Brother Burdick's letter to Brother Hyrum was duly received, for - which he has our best thanks; it was indeed an admirable letter, - and worthy of its author. The sentiments expressed were in - accordance with the spirit of the Gospel, and the principles are - correct. -</p> -<p> I am glad that Brother Richards has continued with you, and hope he - has been of some service to you. Give my love to him. -</p> -<p> Our prospects in this place continue good. Considerable numbers - have come in this spring. There were some bickerings respecting - your conduct soon after your departure, but they have all blown - over, and I hope there will never be any occasion for any more; - but that you will commend yourself to God and to the Saints by a - virtuous walk and holy conversation. -</p> -<p> I had a letter from William W. Phelps a few days ago, informing - me of his desire to come back to the Church, if we would accept - of him. He appears very humble, and is willing to make every - satisfaction that Saints or God may require. -</p> -<p> We expect to have an edition of the Book of Mormon printed by the - first of September; it is now being stereotyped in Cincinnati. -</p> -<p> I am, &c., &c., -</p> -<p> Joseph Smith, Jun. -</p></blockquote> -<p class="sidenote">A Jew's Memorial. -</p> -<p>An interesting memorial concerning the Jews, "To the Protestant Powers -of Europe and America," signed and sealed in London the 8th of January, -1839, may be found in the <em>Millennial Star</em>, Vol. I, No. 6.<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERIXfn4"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERIXfn4">4</a>]</sup> -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="168"></a>{168}</span> <em>Sunday, 24</em>.—Elder William Donaldson, member of the British -army bound for the East Indies, writes from Chatham, 24th of July, "We -go on board tomorrow. I have had a glorious vision about going into the -land of Egypt." -</p> -<p><em>Saturday, 25</em>. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Letter of John C. Bennett to Joseph Smith and Sidney - Rigdon—Announcing His Intention to Join the Saints</em>. -</p> -<p> Fairfield, Illinois, July 25, 1840. -</p> -<p> Reverend and Dear Friends:—The last time I wrote you was during - the pendency of your difficulties with the Missourians. You are - aware that at that time I held the office of "Brigadier-General of - the Invincible Dragoons" of this state, and proffered you my entire - energies for your deliverance from a ruthless and savage, though - cowardly foe; but the Lord came to your rescue, and saved you with - a powerful arm. I am happy to find that you are now in a civilized - land, and in the enjoyment of peace and happiness. -</p> -<p> Some months ago I resigned my office with an intention of removing - to your town, and joining your people; but hitherto I have been - prevented. I hope, however, to remove to Commerce, and unite with - your Church next spring. I believe I should be much happier with - you. I have many things to communicate which I would prefer doing - orally; and I propose to meet you in Springfield on the first - Monday in December next, as I shall be there at the time on state - and United States business. -</p> -<p> If I remove to Commerce, I expect to follow my profession, and to - that end I enclose you a slip from the <em>Louisville Journal</em>, to - give you an idea of my professional standing. -</p> -<p> On the first of this month I was appointed to the office of <span class="pagenum"><a name="169"></a>{169}</span> - "Quartermaster-General of the State of Illinois," which office I - expect to hold some years. -</p> -<p> I hope you are all quite well. In haste. Write me immediately. -</p> -<p> Yours respectfully, -</p> -<p> John C. Bennett.<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERIXfn5"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERIXfn5">5</a>]</sup> -</p> -<p> To Messrs. Smith and Rigdon. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Monday, 27</em>. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Letter of John C. Bennett to Messrs. Smith and Rigdon—Making - Further Tender of his Services to the Church</em>. -</p> -<p> Quartermaster-General's Office, -</p> -<p> Fairfield, Illinois, July 27, 1840. -</p> -<p> <em>To the Reverends Sidney Rigdon and Joseph Smith, Jun</em>.: -</p> -<p> Respected Friends:—I wrote you a few days ago from this place, but - my great desire to be with you and your people prompts me to write - again at this time; and I hope it will not be considered obtrusive - by friends whom I have always so highly esteemed as yourselves. -</p> -<p> At the last District and Circuit Court of the United States, holden - at Springfield, in June last, I had the honor of being on the - grand inquest of the United States for the District of Illinois, - and hoped to have seen you there; but was quite disappointed. I - attended the meeting of your people opposite Mr. Lowry's hotel, but - did not make myself known, as I had no personal acquaintance in the - congregation. -</p> -<p> It would be my deliberate advice to you to concentrate all of your - Church at one point. If Hancock county, with Commerce for its - commercial emporium, is to be that point, well; fix upon it, and - let us cooperate with a general concerted action. You can rely upon - me in any event. I am with you in spirit, and will be in person as - soon as circumstances permit, and immediately if it is your desire. - Wealth is no material object with me. I desire to be happy, and am - fully satisfied that can enjoy myself better with your people, with - my present views and feelings, than with any other. I hope that - time will soon come when your people will become my people, and - your God my God. -</p> -<p> At the time of your peril and bitter persecution in Missouri, you - are <span class="pagenum"><a name="170"></a>{170}</span> aware I proffered you my utmost energies, and had not - the conflict terminated so speedily, I should have been with you - then. God be thanked for your rescue from the hand of a savage, but - cowardly foe! -</p> -<p> I do not expect to resign my office of "Quartermaster-General of - the State of Illinois" in the event of my removal to Commerce, - unless you advise otherwise. I shall likewise expect to practice - my profession; but at the same time your people shall have all - the benefit of my speaking powers, and my untiring energies in - behalf of the good and holy faith. <em>Un necessariis unitas, in non - necessariis libertas, in omnibus charitas</em>,<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERIXfn6"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERIXfn6">6</a>]</sup> shall be my motto - with—<em>Suaviter in modo, fortiter in re</em>.<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERIXfn7"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERIXfn7">7</a>]</sup> -</p> -<p> Be so good as to inform me substantially of the population of - Commerce and Hancock county, the face of the country, climate, - soil, health, &c., &c. How many of your people are concentrated - there? Please to write me in full immediately. Louisville paper - will accompany this; please inquire for it. -</p> -<p> With sentiments of profound respect and esteem, suffer me to - subscribe myself, -</p> -<p> Yours respectfully, -</p> -<p> John C. Bennett. -</p></blockquote> -<p>Elder John Taylor sailed for Ireland from Liverpool.<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERIXfn8"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERIXfn8">8</a>]</sup> -</p> -<p><em>Tuesday, 28</em>. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Letter of the Prophet to Horace R. Hotchkiss—Rock River Lands and - the White Purchase</em>. -</p> -<p> Nauvoo, July 28, 1840. -</p> -<p> <em>Horace R. Hotchkiss, Esq</em>.: -</p> -<p> Dear Sir:—I acknowledge the receipt of yours of last month, - giving me the numbers of the land on Rock River, which you felt - disposed to sell. In reply to which I have to say, that we have not - yet examined the land, and consequently have not arrived at any - conclusion <span class="pagenum"><a name="171"></a>{171}</span> respecting it; but it is probable that some of my - friends will visit it this fall, and if we should think it wisdom - to locate there, or on the other tract, you will be informed of the - same, and arrangements entered into. -</p> -<p> I am sorry that your health has been so poor, but hope, ere - this, you are perfectly recovered. It would afford me great - pleasure indeed, could I hold out any prospect of the two notes - due next month being met at maturity, or even this fall. Having - had considerable difficulty (necessarily consequent on a new - settlement) to contend with, as well as poverty and considerable - sickness, our first payment will be probably somewhat delayed, - until we again get a good start in the world; and I am happy to - say, the prospect is indeed favorable. Under these circumstances - we shall have to claim your indulgence, which I have no doubt will - be extended. However, every exertion on our part shall be made - to meet the demands against us, so that if we cannot accomplish - all we wish to, it will be our misfortune, and not our fault. - Notwithstanding the impoverished condition of our people, and the - adverse circumstances under which we have had to labor, I hope we - shall eventually rise above them, and again enjoy the blessings of - health, peace, and plenty. -</p> -<p> You were informed in a former letter that we had paid Mr. William - White the one thousand dollars specified in your bond; a few days - ago he called at this place and agreed to give us a deed for the - ninety acres, (less one-half acre), providing I would give him an - identifying bond, and pay the interest due from you to him on the - one thousand dollars, which I agreed to do. I have therefore got - the deed for the land, and paid him the interest. My reasons for - so doing were these: there are some who wish to purchase lots, - providing they can get a good title deed for the same, and who - would be induced to make purchases and make an effort to raise - money, for the sake of getting a deed; which effort they would not - be so likely to make if we could only give them a bond. This I - think will work both to your advantage and ours, and hope that we - shall be able by and by to make some cash sales. -</p> -<p> I hope this arrangement with Mr. White will meet your approbation, - although it is a departure from the common rules of business; but - was induced to do so from the advantages which will result from it, - which I hope will be mutual. The amount of interest paid to Mr. - White, after deducting $61.50, which was coming from him to you - for rents, was eighty-four dollars and forty cents. Mr. White told - us that you agreed to pay him as much interest for the money as he - could get elsewhere. We accordingly (in good faith) allowed him at - the rate of ten per cent. Hoping the course pursued will meet your - approbation. -</p> -<p> I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, -</p> -<p> Joseph Smith, Jun. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="172"></a>{172}</span> P. S.—You will recollect the verbal agreement entered into - by us, that the notes for the interest would not be exacted for - at least five years. Notwithstanding which, we use our endeavors - to meet them as fast as possible, and think that when I have the - pleasure of seeing you again, you will be fully satisfied with the - course we have taken, and our endeavors to meet all our engagements. -</p> -<p> J. S., Jun. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Thursday, 30</em>. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Letter of John C. Bennett to Messrs. Smith and Rigdon—Expressing - Anxiety to be with the Saints</em>. -</p> -<p> Fairfield, Wayne County, Illinois, July 30th, 1840. -</p> -<p> <em>To Reverends Sidney Rigdon, and Joseph Smith, Jun</em>. -</p> -<p> Respected Friends:—It is with difficulty that I can forego the - felicity of an immediate immersion into the true faith of your - beloved people. I have written you several letters, and forwarded - you several newspapers to Commerce, which I hope will be duly - received, as they contain some matters of importance. -</p> -<p> Is Nauvoo, or Commerce, to be the general point of concentration - for the Mormon people? For at that point I desire to locate, and - ever remain. My anxiety to be with you is daily increasing, and I - shall wind up my professional business immediately, and proceed to - your blissful abode, if you think it best. -</p> -<p> Look at all my letters and papers and write me forthwith. You are - aware that at the time of your most bitter persecutions, I was - with you in feeling, and proffered you my military knowledge and - prowess. My faith is still strong. I believe the God of the whole - earth will avenge your wrong in time as well as in eternity. -</p> -<p> O my friends, go on and prosper; and may the God of all grace save - you with an everlasting salvation. -</p> -<p> Yours respectfully, -</p> -<p> J. C. Bennett. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Saturday, August 1</em>.—In the <em>Times and Seasons</em> of this month I find -the following: -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>A voice from the holy city—rebuilding of the temple of - Solomon—Recall of the people of God to the land of Judah</em>. -</p> -<p> We have received by the last packet from England, a copy of a - very extraordinary "Circular" issued by the Jews, now residing - at Jerusalem, and addressed to all the descendants of Abraham to - the uttermost <span class="pagenum"><a name="173"></a>{173}</span> ends of the earth. It is written in the pure - Hebrew character, and accompanied with an English translation, - which we annex as matter of the deepest curiosity to the people of - this country. Next week, if we possibly can, we shall publish the - original Hebrew in a double sheet, but at present we must content - ourselves with the translation.—<em>Morning Herald</em>. -</p> -<p> Circular. -</p> -<p> "<em>To our Brethren the Israelites of Europe and America</em>: -</p> -<p> "The liberal and benevolent contributors towards every holy and - pious purpose—ready to stand in the breach and evince their love - for the Land of Promise: to the well-wishers of Jerusalem, and - friends of Zion (dearer to us than life) who extend their bounteous - aid to this Holy City, and devote their best means, in love and - affection, 'to take pity on her stones, and show mercy to her - dust.' To the illustrious and excellent Rabbies—to their worthy - and distinguished Assessors—to the noble Chiefs and faithful - Leaders of Israel; to all congregations devoted to the Lord, and - to every member thereof—health, life, and prosperity. May the - Lord vouchsafe His protection unto them; may they rejoice and be - exceedingly glad; and with their own eyes may they behold when the - Lord restoreth Zion. Such be His gracious will. Amen. -</p> -<p> "It is a fact well known throughout Judah and Israel, that 'the - glory altogether departed from the daughter of Zion,' since upwards - of one hundred years ago, the congregation of German Jews in this - Holy City were forcibly deprived of their homes and inheritance. - Dreadful and grievous was the yoke under which the despots of this - land oppressed them. Tyranny and cruel usage ground them to the - dust, and forced them to forsake their habitations, to abandon - their houses and all their property, and to seek safety in flight. - Thus the large court they inherited from their ancestors remained - deserted and uninhabited, until it was seized upon and possessed by - aliens. The sacred edifices it contained, namely, the Synagogue and - Medrash, were by them demolished, the whole of the property utterly - ruined, and possessions, lawfully ours, devastated before our eyes. - Then did our souls refuse all consolation! For how could we bear to - witness the evil which befell our people! -</p> -<p> "As the light gleams forth from a spark, so did our congregation - take heart and return again to form their establishments, and to - take root on the Holy Mount. But we could find no rest for our - wearied feet—no place consecrated and appointed for our prayer and - instruction. Our aching eyes beheld how every nation and tongue, - even from the most distant isles of the ocean, is here possessed - of structures defended by walls, gates, and portcullis, whilst the - people of the Lord, forcibly <span class="pagenum"><a name="174"></a>{174}</span> expelled from their inheritances - by rapacious barbarians, were covered with obloquy, scorn, and - disgrace. -</p> -<p> "The cries of the people ascended unto the Lord who dwelleth - in Zion. He looked down, and in pity beheld their sufferings - and oppression. And ever since the ruler of Egypt first assumed - the government of the Holy Land—a ruler who maintains justice - throughout his dominions—an edict was issued permitting Jews to - do whatsoever they deemed right and expedient, with respect to - the rebuilding of their demolished synagogues and colleges. Us, - likewise, the Lord in His mercy vouchsafed to remember, and caused - us to be reinstated into the heritage of our fathers, even to the - aforementioned court, which is called the Ruin of R. Jehudah the - Pious (of blessed memory). -</p> -<p> "Blessed be the Lord our God, the God of our fathers, who inspired - the heart of the ruler of Egypt to restore unto us the possessions - of our ancestors. Nor did we delay or lose time in the matter, but - exerted ourselves to rebuild Jerusalem. -</p> -<p> "'We fenced it, and gathered up the stones thereof,' and the sacred - undertaking prospered in our hands, so that we have completed the - Medrash, and 'great is the glory of the house;' and also houses - for the teachers of the law, and for the hospitable reception and - entertainment of strangers, which were indispensably necessary - to accommodate the many pious Israelites who visit the Holy City - during the festivals. And on <em>Rosh Hodesh Shebath</em> last we joyfully - placed a Sepher Torah in the Medrash, which we consecrated by the - name of '<em>Menahem Zion</em>,' for the Lord has vouchsafed to comfort - His people. -</p> -<p> "But although we have thus, under the blessings of Providence, - retrieved from devastation a part of the possessions bequeathed - unto us by our pious ancestors, yet our hearts are afflicted and - our eyes are dimmed when we behold the sanctuary of our Lord, the - Synagogue, which still lies in ruins; nor is it in the power of all - of us (the German Congregation) to rebuild it; for alas! great is - the number of our poor who stand in need of bread, and the debts - we contracted in building the Medrash are large, and weigh heavily - upon us. -</p> -<p> "The cause of our grief is thus ever present to our eyes—the - ruins of the Synagogue are heaped in the middle of the court, and - rank weeds spread over the consecrated pile. We therefore deem it - our bounden duty to dispatch a messenger unto our brethren, the - children of Israel, who are dispersed and in exile, in order to - acquaint them with 'the salvation of the Lord in the land,' so that - they may arise and take pity on Zion, for it is time to show mercy - unto her. -</p> -<p> "To undertake this laborious duty was the voluntary offer of - our dearly beloved friend, that profound and renowned Rabbi, - the zealous and honorable <em>Aaron Selig Ashkenazi</em>. He is a man - confirmed in the <span class="pagenum"><a name="175"></a>{175}</span> fear of the Lord, of a faithful stock; - and him we depute as our messenger, worthy of all trust, to make - proclamation unto the communities of Israel 'according to the sight - which he has seen in the Holy Mount,' and to him we have given - letters of authorization, containing full particulars as to his - pious mission, and every necessary information relating thereto. -</p> -<p> "Now, therefore, let the righteous behold and rejoice. Let the - pious exult and triumph in gladness. The day ye have so long hoped - for is come, and ye see it. The crown of holiness will again adorn - its former abode. Therefore, arise, and take upon yourselves, - according to the words of this letter, to devote a portion of your - wealth as a sacred tribute towards erecting 'the Temple of the Most - Holy King on the mountain of the Lord'—that ye may have a portion - and a righteous record in Jerusalem. -</p> -<p> "Let no one among you refuse his aid, but let the poor man - contribute his mite for himself and his household freely, as the - rich dispenses the bounty wherewith the Lord hath blessed him. Let - fathers and their offspring, the aged and the youthful, alike arise - in mercy to Zion at this propitious season. -</p> -<p> "Let each man encourage his neighbor and say, 'We will be zealous - and persevering for our people and the City of our God. And for the - love of Zion, and the sake of Jerusalem, we will not rest nor be - easy until Jerusalem is praised throughout the earth, and foremost - in our joys, even as we have vowed:—If I forget thee, Jerusalem, - let my right hand forget her cunning; if I prefer not Jerusalem - above my chief joy.' -</p> -<p> "Such are the words of your brethren who address you for the - glory of God, and for the honor of His land, His people and His - inheritance—continually praying for our exiled brethren, and - offering up our orisons on holy ground and particularly near the - <em>Western Wall</em>, that it may be well with you everlastingly as you - yourself desire, and we most sincerely wish. -</p> -<p> "Signed at Jerusalem, the 18th day of year 5597 a. m., by the - Wardens of the Medrash, and members of the Building Committee, on - behalf of the Congregation of German Jews in this Holy City. -</p> -<p> ["Signed] Hirsh Joseph, -</p> -<p> "David Reuben, -</p> -<p> "Nathan Saddis, -</p> -<p> "Abraham S. Salmons, -</p> -<p> "Mordecai Avigdor, -</p> -<p> "Uriah S. Hyam." -</p> -<p> The undersigned Assessors of the Bethdin, by the direction of - the <span class="pagenum"><a name="176"></a>{176}</span> Rev. Chief Rabbi, hereby certify that Rev. Aaron Selig - Ashkenazi is actually deputed for the purpose mentioned in the - above circular. -</p> -<p> "London, the 7th Tebath, -</p> -<p> "24 Dec. 5599. -</p> -<p> "Israel Levy, -</p> -<p> "Aaron Levy, -</p> -<p> "A. L. Barnett." -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Monday, August 3</em>.—Elders Wilford Woodruff and George A. Smith are at -Ledbury, Herefordshire. -</p> -<p><em>Tuesday, 4</em>.—Elder Heber C. Kimball left Manchester for -Herefordshire, and Joseph Fielding is at Bedford. -</p> -<p><em>Wednesday, 5</em>. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Extract of a Letter from Wilford Woodruff to the Editor of the - Millennial Star—Reporting Labors</em>. -</p> -<p> Beloved Brethren:—Since Elder George A. Smith and myself left - Manchester for the purpose of going to the south of England, we - have visited the churches which lay in our route, and found them - universally prospering and receiving additions. -</p> -<p> We preached in Leek on Sunday, July 10th, and Elder Smith baptized - six persons after meeting: and numbers were also baptized in the - churches at the Staffordshire Potteries while we were there. We - passed through West Bromwich and Birmingham, and found numbers - who were anxiously wishing for some of the Elders to visit that - region and labor among them. We arrived in Ludbury, Herefordshire, - July 22nd, and here spent about two weeks in visiting the churches - through this region, and I am happy to inform you, that we have - found the Saints universally rejoicing in the truth, and the work - progressing upon every hand. -</p> -<p> Elder Thomas Richardson has baptized about forty since he came, - and Elder William Kay about twenty; they are both much blessed in - their labors. Elder Kington is laboring constantly in this wide - field, which is under his care; and he with the Elders and Priests - generally throughout this region are blessed with many souls as - seals of their ministry. We baptized forty on Sunday last in this - region, making 250 since the conference. The churches here now - number about 800 members and appear [to be] in a very prosperous - state. We are expecting Elder Kimball every hour, and soon after - his arrival we shall leave the Saints in this region, for the - purpose of visiting the city of London and warning the inhabitants - thereof. -</p> -<p> Wilford Woodruff. -</p></blockquote> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="177"></a>{177}</span> <em>Saturday, 8</em>.—Soon after the July conference at Manchester, -Elder Parley P. Pratt started for America for the purpose of getting -his family and taking them to England, meantime leaving the <em>Star</em> in -charge of President Brigham Young, assisted by Elder Willard Richards. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>The Prophet's Letter to John C. Bennett—Bidding Him Welcome to - Nauvoo, to partake of—its Poverty</em>. -</p> -<p> Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, -</p> -<p> August 8th, 1840. -</p> -<p> Dear Sir:—Yours of the 25th ultimo, addressed to Elder Rigdon and - myself, is received, for which you have our thanks, and to which I - shall feel great pleasure in replying. -</p> -<p> Although I have not the pleasure of your acquaintance, yet from - the kindness manifested towards our people when in bondage and - oppression, and from the frank and noble mindedness breathed in - your letter, I am brought to the conclusion that you are a friend - to suffering humanity and truth. -</p> -<p> To those who have suffered so much abuse, and borne the cruelties - and insults of wicked men so long, on account of those principles - which we have been instructed to teach to the world, a feeling of - sympathy and kindness is something like the refreshing breeze and - cooling stream at the present season of the year, and are, I assure - you, duly appreciated by us. -</p> -<p> It would afford me much pleasure to see you at this place, and from - the desire you express in your letter to move to this place, I hope - I shall soon have that satisfaction. -</p> -<p> I have no doubt you would be of great service to this community - in practicing your profession, as well as those other abilities - of which you are in possession. Since to devote your time and - abilities in the cause of truth and a suffering people may not - be the means of exalting you in the eyes of this generation, or - securing you the riches of the world, yet by so doing you may rely - on the approval of Jehovah, "that blessing which maketh rich and - addeth no sorrow." Through the tender mercies of our God we have - escaped the hands of those who sought our overthrow, and have - secure locations in this state, and in the territory of Iowa. Our - principal location is at this place, Nauvoo, (formerly Commerce), - which is beautifully situated on the banks of the Mississippi, - immediately above the lower rapids, and is probably the best and - most beautiful site for a city on the river. It has a gradual - ascent from the river nearly a mile, then a fine, level, and - fertile prairie—a situation in <span class="pagenum"><a name="178"></a>{178}</span> every respect adapted to - commercial and agricultural pursuits, but like all other places on - the river, is sickly in summer. -</p> -<p> The number of inhabitants is nearly three thousand, and is fast - increasing. If we are suffered to remain,<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERIXfn9"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERIXfn9">9</a>]</sup> there is every - prospect of its becoming one of the largest cities on the river, if - not in the western world. Numbers have moved in from the seaboard, - and a few from the islands of the sea (Great Britain). -</p> -<p> It is our intention to commence the erection of some public - buildings next spring. We have purchased twenty thousand acres in - the Iowa Territory opposite this place, which is fast filling up - with our people. I desire all the Saints, as well as all lovers - of truth and correct principles, to come to this place as fast as - possible, or [as rapidly as] their circumstances will permit, and - endeavor, by energy of action and concentration of talent, &c., - &c., to effect those objects, that are so dear to us. Therefore my - general invitation is, Let all that will, come, and partake of the - poverty of Nauvoo freely. -</p> -<p> I should be disposed to give you a special invitation to come - as early as possible, believing you will be of great service - to us; however, you must make arrangements according to your - circumstances. Were it possible for you to come here this season - to suffer affliction with the people of God, no one will be more - pleased to give you a more cordial welcome than myself. -</p> -<p> A charter has been obtained from the legislature for a railroad - from Warsaw, being immediately below the rapids of the Mississippi, - to this place—a distance of about twenty miles, which if carried - into operation will be of incalculable advantage to this place, as - steamboats can only ascend the rapids at a high stage of water. The - soil is good, and I think not inferior to any in the state. Crops - are abundant in this section of country—and I think provisions - will be reasonable. -</p> -<p> I should be very happy could I make arrangements to meet you in - Springfield at the time you mention—but cannot promise myself that - pleasure. If I should not, probably you can make it convenient to - come and pay us a visit here, prior to your removal. -</p> -<p> Elder Rigdon is very sick, and has been for nearly twelve months - with the fever and ague, which disease is very prevalent here at - this time. At present he is not able to leave his room. -</p> -<p> Yours, &c., -</p> -<p> Joseph Smith, Jun. -</p> -<p> To J. C. Bennett, M. D. -</p> -<p> P. S.—Yours of the 30th is just received, in which I am glad to - learn that your increasing desire to unite yourself with a people - "that are <span class="pagenum"><a name="179"></a>{179}</span> everywhere spoken against," and the anxiety you - feel for our welfare—for which you have my best feelings; and I - pray that my heavenly Father will pour out His choicest blessings - in this world, and enable you by His grace to overcome the evils - which are in the world, that you may secure a blissful immortality - in the world that is to come. -</p> -<p> J. S., Jun. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>August 10</em>.—Colonel Seymour Brunson, aged forty years, ten months -and twenty-three days, died at Nauvoo. Colonel Brunson was among -the first settlers of this place. He has always been a lively stone -in the building of God and was much respected by his friends and -acquaintances. He died in the triumph of faith, and in his dying -moments bore testimony to the Gospel that he had embraced. -</p> -<p><em>Saturday, 15</em>. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Letter of John C. Bennett to Messrs. Smith and Rigdon—Announcing - that he will soon be in Nauvoo</em>. -</p> -<p> Wayne County Illinois, August 15, 1840. -</p> -<p> <em>Reverends Joseph Smith, Jun., and Sidney Rigdon</em>. -</p> -<p> Respected Friends:—I have written you several communications to - Commerce and Nauvoo, supposing they were different places, but a - brother to a lady in your community, now in this place, informs me - that they are one and the same. -</p> -<p> I have received no reply to my letters, and attribute the delay - to a press of business or professional absence. I have come to - the conclusion to join your people immediately, and take up my - abode with you. Let us adopt as our motto—<em>Licut partribus sit - Deus nobius</em>—(as God was with our fathers, so may He be with - us), and adapt the means to the end, and the victory is ours. The - winged warrior of the air will not cease to be our proud emblem of - liberty, and the dogs of war will be forever chained. -</p> -<p> I shall be with you in about two weeks, and shall devote my time - and energies to the advancement of the cause of truth and virtue, - and the advocacy of the holy religion which you have so nobly - defended, and so honorably sustained. -</p> -<p> My love to all the brethren. -</p> -<p> With sentiments of fraternal regard. -</p> -<p> Yours respectfully, -</p> -<p> J. C. Bennett. -</p></blockquote> -<h3>Footnotes: -</h3> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERIXfn1"></a><a href="#CHAPTERIXfn1">1</a>. Formerly a town in Kent and Surrey, England, on the Thames, noted -for its dock yards, now part of London. -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERIXfn2"></a><a href="#CHAPTERIXfn2">2</a>. Lorenzo Snow was born April 30, 1814, in Mantua, Portage county, -Ohio. He was the eldest son of Oliver Snow and Rosetta L. Pettibone. -The early years of his life were spent upon his father's farm. Later -he entered Oberlin College, a Presbyterian institution, in the town -of Oberlin, in Lorain county, Ohio, about sixty miles southwest of -Kirtland. In June, 1836, he visited Kirtland and attended the Hebrew -classes, then being taught in the Temple. While in Kirtland he became -a convert to the faith of the Latter-day Saints and was baptized by -Elder John Boynton, one of the Twelve Apostles. The following year he -did some missionary work among his relatives and friends in Ohio, and -in 1836, with his parents, who in the meantime joined the Church, he -moved to Missouri, and shortly afterwards went upon a preaching mission -through the states of Kentucky and Illinois. A few days before starting -upon this mission mentioned in the text, namely, 17th of July, 1840, he -was ordained a seventy by President Joseph Young, and the day following -was made a High Priest under the hands of Don Carlos Smith. The -testimony which this man received of the truth of the Gospel is very -interesting, and seems to have remained with him throughout his long -life, in all the freshness of its first impression upon him. Having -received the usual promise of a testimony of the truth of the work if -he obeyed the Gospel, he sought that testimony most earnestly in prayer -with the following result as stated by himself: -</p> -<p>"I had no sooner opened my lips in an effort to pray than I heard -a sound just above my head like the rushing of silken robes; and -immediately the Spirit of God descended upon me, completely enveloping -my whole person, filling me from the crown of my head to the soles of -my feet, and oh, the joyful happiness I felt! No language can describe -the almost instantaneous transition from a dense cloud of spiritual -darkness into a refulgence of light and knowledge, as it was at that -time imparted to my understanding. I received a perfect knowledge that -God lives, that Jesus Christ is the son of God, and of the restoration -of the Holy Priesthood, and the fullness of the Gospel. It was a -complete baptism—a tangible immersion in the heavenly principle or -element, the Holy Ghost; and even more physical in its effects upon -every part of my system than the immersion by water." -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERIXfn3"></a><a href="#CHAPTERIXfn3">3</a>. When the great offense of Elder William W. Phelps is taken into -account—amounting as it did to a betrayal of the Prophet and the -Church in Missouri, during the troubles of the Saints in that -state—this letter is remarkable. The Prophet's frank forgiveness of -his erring brother, gently chiding his wrong-doing, but at the same -time remembering in a large way that brother's former devotion and -labors; the Prophet's willingness to have the prodigal return and -occupy his former high standing among the Saints—all this exhibits a -broad-mindedness and generosity that can come only from a great soul, -influenced by the spirit of charity enjoined upon his disciples by the -teachings of the Son of God. One of the surest evidences of Joseph -Smith's greatness of mind and of the inspiration of God upon him is -to be seen in his treatment of those who had fallen but were willing -to and did repent of their sins. His capacity to forgive under these -circumstances seemed boundless. -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERIXfn4"></a><a href="#CHAPTERIXfn4">4</a>. The article which appeared first in a periodical, entitled "Memorial -Concerning God's Ancient People of Israel," and then in the <em>London -Times</em>, seems to have been written by a Christian Jew. It deals largely -with the promises of God to ancient Israel, especially as to their -return as a people to Palestine. The closing paragraph is an appeal to -the Protestant powers of the north of Europe and America to assist in -this restoration: "As the spirit of Cyrus, king of Persia, was stirred -up to build the Lord a temple, which was in Jerusalem (2 Chron., -xxxvi:22, 23), who is there among you, high and mighty ones of all the -nations, to find the good pleasure of the holy will of the Lord of -heaven, saying to Jerusalem, 'Thou shalt be built,' and to the temple, -'Thy foundation shall be laid?' (Isa. xliv:28). The Lord God of Israel -be with such. Great grace, mercy and peace shall descend upon the -people who offer themselves willingly; and the free offerings of their -hearts and hands shall be those of a sweet smelling savor unto him who -hath said, 'I will bless thee (Gen. xii:3), and contend with him that -contendeth with thee.'" (Isa. xlix:25). -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERIXfn5"></a><a href="#CHAPTERIXfn5">5</a>. "This was a Dr. John C. Bennett, a man who seems to have been -without any moral character, but who had filled positions of -importance. Born in Massachusetts in 1804, he practiced as a physician -in Ohio, and later in Illinois, holding a professorship in Willoughby -University, Ohio, and taking with him to Illinois testimonials as to -his professional skill. In the latter state he showed a taste for -military affairs, and after being elected brigadier-general of the -Invincible Dragoons, he was appointed quartermaster-general of the -state in 1840, and held that position at the state capital when the -Mormons applied to the legislature for a charter for Nauvoo." ("The -Story of the Mormons," Linn, 1901). -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERIXfn6"></a><a href="#CHAPTERIXfn6">6</a>. Translation: In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in -all things, charity. -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERIXfn7"></a><a href="#CHAPTERIXfn7">7</a>. Gently in the manner, firmly in the act. -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERIXfn8"></a><a href="#CHAPTERIXfn8">8</a>. Elder John Taylor was accompanied on this mission by Brothers -McGuffie and William Black. Elder Taylor had baptized Brother -McGuffie while laboring in Liverpool; and as the new convert had some -acquaintances in Newry, county Down, Ireland, he thought it advisable -to take him along. A large company of saints went with them to see -them off. The day after sailing, Elder Taylor and companions arrived -in Newry, a beautiful Irish village nestling among rolling hills, -characteristic of that part of Ireland. Brother McGuffie obtained the -court house to hold a meeting in, and sent around the bell-man to give -notice of it. A congregation of six or seven hundred gathered in at -seven o'clock in the evening, and Elder Taylor preached to them. This -was the introduction of the Gospel into Ireland. -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERIXfn9"></a><a href="#CHAPTERIXfn9">9</a>. "If we are suffered to remain" sounds somewhat prophetic and ominous. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="180"></a>{180}</span> -</p> - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTERX"></a>Chapter X. -</h2> -<p class="chapterHeading">A Missouri Kidnapping—Continued Development of the Work in Great -Britain—The Death of Joseph Smith, Sen., First Patriarch of the Church. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Settlement of a Difficulty. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, 17</em>.—Met with the High Council of Nauvoo at my office, also -the High Council of Iowa. John Batten preferred many charges against -Elijah Fordham. After the testimony, and the councillors had spoken, -I addressed the Council at some length, showing the situation of the -contending parties, that there was in reality no cause of difference; -that they had better be reconciled without an action, or vote of the -Council, and henceforth live as brethren, and never more mention their -former difficulties. They settled accordingly. -</p> -<p><em>Tuesday, 18</em>.—Elders Kimball, Woodruff, and George A. Smith left -Cheltenham for London, one hundred and ten miles, where they arrived -in seven and a half hours, at William Allgood's, No. 19 King Street, -Borough, and were kindly received by Mrs. Allgood, who took them to the -King's Arms Inn. -</p> -<p>Great distress is prevailing in Ireland; no work, and provisions very -scarce. -</p> -<p>The truth is spreading rapidly in England and Scotland. -</p> -<p><em>Friday, 21</em>—Testimony of Benjamin Boyce: -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>The Kidnapping of Benjamin Boyce, Mr. Brown, et al</em>. -</p> -<p> I left my home in Nauvoo to go to Adams county, where I had lived - the summer before, for the purpose of meeting some debts. I fell in - company with a Mr. Brown, who stated to me that he was in search - of some horses that had strayed from him. We had not proceeded - far <span class="pagenum"><a name="181"></a>{181}</span> together, before we were hailed by twelve armed men, - who demanded of us where we were going. I stated to them where I - was going, and likewise Mr. Brown stated his business. They then - asked if we were "Mormons;" we said we were; they then said that - we could go no further; they said they were sworn to kill all the - damned "Mormons" that they could find, and took us prisoners, tied - us with ropes, and took us to a boat, and four of the company (one - by the name of Martin, the others not known) took us to Missouri, - to a little town called Tully, where we were put under guard, and - kept till 11 o'clock in the evening, when three men came to us - with a long rope, and tied it round each of our necks. I asked - them what they were going to do with us; one said they were going - to take us to the river, kill us, and make catfish bait of us, his - name was Uno. They then led us to the woods, I should think about - three-quarters of a mile distant; they then parted us, took and - stripped me naked, and tied me fast to a tree; one of the company - cocked a pistol and placed it close to my ear, and swore, if I - attempted to get away, that he would blow out my brains. They - then commenced to whip me with large gads which they had for the - purpose, and literally mangled me from my shoulders to my knees. -</p> -<p> There were in the company, as near as I could recollect, twelve - or fourteen: they were stripped of their hats and coats, with - their sleeves rolled up, and collars open, which made them look - like murderers and robbers. The names, as far as I can recollect, - Monday, Uno, and Martin; the others I do not recollect. After - keeping me tied in this condition I should think an hour and - a half, they then brought Mr. Brown to me, and after some - consultation, loosed me from the tree where I was tied, and led - us back to the town, put us in a room where I saw Noah Rogers and - James Allred. They then tied them about the neck, and led them out, - and in the course of the night, they brought them back to the room - where we were. -</p> -<p> Brother Rogers said they stripped him, and whipped him very badly. - This was on the seventh of July. The next day Rogers and myself - were taken before a magistrate; nothing proven against us, only - that we were "Mormons:" and we were ordered to prison. Brown and - Allred, by some means, were liberated, but we (Rogers and myself) - were put in jail and put in irons until the 21st of August, when - through the kindness of God we made our escape and returned to - Nauvoo. -</p> -<p> Benjamin Boyce. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Sunday, 23</em>.—Ten persons who had been baptized were confirmed at -Carpenter's Hall, Manchester.<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERXfn1"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERXfn1">1</a>]</sup> -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="182"></a>{182}</span> <em>Saturday, 29</em>—Elder Kimball writes: "The brethren are beginning -to excite attention in some of the public grounds in London." Out-door -preaching is common in England. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 30</em>.—Twenty were confirmed at the hall in Manchester.<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERXfn2"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERXfn2">2</a>]</sup> -</p> -<p class="sidenote">The Beginning of Open Air Meetings. -</p> -<p>Elders Kimball, Woodruff, and George A. Smith, after having spent ten -days visiting the clergymen and preachers and others of the several -denominations, asking the privilege of preaching in their chapels, -and being continually refused by them in a contemptuous manner, they -determined to preach in the open air, Jonah-like; and accordingly went -to Smithfield Market<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERXfn3"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERXfn3">3</a>]</sup> (to the spot where John Rogers<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERXfn4"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERXfn4">4</a>]</sup> was burnt -at the stake), for the purpose of preaching at 10 a. m., <span class="pagenum"><a name="183"></a>{183}</span> where -they were notified by the police, that the Lord Mayor had issued orders -prohibiting street preaching in the city. A Mr. Connor stepped up and -said, "I will show you a place outside of his jurisdiction," and guided -them to "Tabernacle Square," where they found an assembly of about 400 -people listening to a preacher who was standing on a chair. When he got -through another preacher arose to speak. Elder Kimball stated to the -first clergyman, "There is a man present from America who would like -to preach;" which was granted; when Elder George A. Smith delivered -a discourse of about twenty minutes, on the first principles of the -Gospel, taking for his text, Mark xvi: 16; after which Elder Kimball -asked the preacher to give out another appointment at the same place -for the American Elder to preach; when he jumped up and said, "I have -just learned that the gentleman who has addressed you is a Latter-day -Saint; I know them—they are a very bad people; they have split up -many churches, and have done a great deal of hurt." He spoke all -manner of evil, and gave the Latter-day Saints a very bad character, -and commanded the people not to hear the Elders, "as we have got the -Gospel, and can save the people, without infidelity, socialism, or -Latter-day Saints." -</p> -<p>Elder Kimball asked the privilege of standing on the chair to give out -an appointment himself. The preacher said, "You shall not do it; you -have no right to preach here;" jerked the chair away from him, and ran -away with it. Several of the crowd said, "You have as much right to -preach here as he has, and give out your appointment;" whereupon Elder -Kimball gave out an <span class="pagenum"><a name="184"></a>{184}</span> appointment for 3 o'clock p. m.; at which -time a large congregation was gathered. -</p> -<p>After opening the meeting by singing and prayer, Elder Woodruff spoke -about thirty minutes, from Gal. i: 8, 9, upon the first principles of -the Gospel. Elder Kimball followed upon the same subjects. The people -gave good attention, and seemed much interested in what they had heard. -The inhabitants who lived around the square opened their windows -to four stories high; the most of them were crowded with anxious -listeners, which is an uncommon occurrence. The meeting was dismissed -in the midst of good feeling. -</p> -<p>Mr. Henry Connor invited the Elders to his house. Soon after they -arrived here, Elder Kimball felt impressed to return to the place of -preaching. When he got there he found a large company talking about the -things which they had heard in the afternoon, and they wished him to -speak to them again. He did so, when several persons invited him home -with them. While Elder Kimball was preaching, several persons came to -Brothers Woodruff and Smith to converse on doctrine, when Mr. Connor -offered himself for baptism. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, 31</em>.—Elder Kimball baptized Henry Connor, watchmaker, 52 -Ironmonger's Row, London, in Peerless Pool, being the first baptized in -that place, and confirmed him the same evening. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">The Electric Telegraph. -</p> -<p>The electric telegraph is beginning to be used on the Great Western -Railroad in England, between Drayton and Paddington, by which -intelligence is communicated at the rate of two hundred thousand miles -per second. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>An Address by the First Presidency to the Church</em>. -</p> -<p> <em>To the Saints Scattered Abroad</em>: -</p> -<p> Beloved Brethren:—We address a few lines to the members of the - Church of Jesus Christ, who have obeyed from the heart that form of - doctrine which has been delivered to them by the servants of the - Lord, <span class="pagenum"><a name="185"></a>{185}</span> and who are desirous to go forward in the ways of truth - and righteousness, and by obedience to the heavenly command, escape - the things which are coming on the earth, and secure to themselves - an inheritance among the sanctified in the world to come. -</p> -<p> Having been placed in a very responsible station in the Church, we - at all times feel interested in the welfare of the Saints, and make - mention of them continually in our prayers to our heavenly Father, - that they may be kept from the evils which are in the world, and - ever be found walking in the path of truth. -</p> -<p> The work of the Lord in these last days, is one of vast magnitude - and almost beyond the comprehension of mortals. Its glories are - past description, and its grandeur unsurpassable. It is the theme - which has animated the bosom of prophets and righteous men from the - creation of the world down through every succeeding generation to - the present time; and it is truly the dispensation of the fullness - of times, when all things which are in Christ Jesus, whether in - heaven or on the earth, shall be gathered together in Him, and - when all things shall be restored, as spoken of by all the holy - prophets since the world began; for in it will take place the - glorious fulfilment of the promises made to the fathers, while - the manifestations of the power of the Most High will be great, - glorious, and sublime. -</p> -<p> The purposes of our God are great, His love unfathomable, His - wisdom infinite, and His power unlimited; therefore, the Saints - have cause to rejoice and be glad, knowing that "this God is our - God forever and ever, and He will be our Guide until death." Having - confidence in the power, wisdom, and love of God, the Saints have - been enabled to go forward through the most adverse circumstances, - and frequently, when to all human appearances, nothing but death - presented itself, and destruction inevitable, has the power of God - been manifest, His glory revealed, and deliverance effected; and - the Saints, like the children of Israel, who came out of the land - of Egypt, and through the Red Sea, have sung an anthem of praise - to his holy name. This has not only been the case in former days, - but in our days, and within a few months, have we seen this fully - verified. -</p> -<p> Having through the kindness of our God been delivered from - destruction, and having secured a location upon which we have - again commenced operations for the good of His people, we feel - disposed to go forward and unite our energies for the upbuilding - of the Kingdom, and establishing the Priesthood in their fullness - and glory. The work which has to be accomplished in the last days - is one of vast importance, and will call into action the energy, - skill, talent, and ability of the Saints, so that it may roll forth - with that glory and majesty described by the prophet; and will - consequently require the <span class="pagenum"><a name="186"></a>{186}</span> concentration of the Saints, to - accomplish works of such magnitude and grandeur. -</p> -<p> The work of the gathering spoken of in the Scriptures will be - necessary to bring about the glories of the last dispensation. It - is probably unnecessary to press this subject on the Saints, as we - believe the spirit of it is manifest, and its necessity obvious to - every considerate mind; and everyone zealous for the promotion of - truth and righteousness, is equally so for the gathering of the - Saints. -</p> -<p> Dear brethren, feeling desirous to carry out the purposes of God - to which work we have been called; and to be co-workers with - Him in this last dispensation; we feel the necessity of having - the hearty cooperation of the Saints throughout this land, and - upon the islands of the sea. It will be necessary for the Saints - to hearken to counsel and turn their attention to the Church, - the establishment of the Kingdom, and lay aside every selfish - principle, everything low and groveling; and stand forward in the - cause of truth, and assist to the utmost of their power, those to - whom has been given the pattern and design. Like those who held up - the hands of Moses, so let us hold up the hands of those who are - appointed to direct the affairs of the Kingdom, so that they may be - strengthened, and be enabled to prosecute their great designs, and - be instrumental in effecting the great work of the last days. -</p> -<p> Believing the time has now come, when it is necessary to erect - a house of prayer, a house of order, a house for the worship of - our God, where the ordinances can be attended to agreeably to - His divine will, in this region of country—to accomplish which, - considerable exertion must be made, and means will be required—and - as the work must be hastened in righteousness, it behooves the - Saints to weigh the importance of these things, in their minds, - in all their bearings, and then take such steps as are necessary - to carry them into operation; and arming themselves with courage, - resolve to do all they can, and feel themselves as much interested - as though the whole labor depended on themselves alone. By so doing - they will emulate the glorious deeds of the fathers, and secure - the blessings of heaven upon themselves and their posterity to the - latest generation. -</p> -<p> To those who feel thus interested, and can assist in this great - work, we say, let them come to this place; by so doing they will - not only assist in the rolling on of the Kingdom, but be in a - situation where they can have the advantages of instruction from - the Presidency and other authorities of the Church, and rise higher - and higher in the scale of intelligence until they can "comprehend - with all Saints what is the breadth and length, and depth and - height; and to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge." -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="187"></a>{187}</span> Connected with the building up of the Kingdom, is the - printing and circulation of the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and - Covenants, hymnbook, and the new translation of the Scriptures. It - is unnecessary to say anything respecting these works; those who - have read them, and who have drunk of the stream of knowledge which - they convey, know how to appreciate them; and although fools may - have them in derision, yet they are calculated to make men wise - unto salvation, and sweep away the cobwebs of superstition of ages, - throw a light on the proceedings of Jehovah which have already - been accomplished, and mark out the future in all its dreadful and - glorious realities. Those who have tasted the benefit derived from - a study of these works, will undoubtedly vie with each other in - their zeal for sending them abroad throughout the world, that every - son of Adam may enjoy the same privileges, and rejoice in the same - truths. -</p> -<p> Here, then, beloved brethren, is a work to engage in worthy of - archangels—a work which will cast into the shade the things which - have been heretofore accomplished; a work which kings and prophets - and righteous men in former ages have sought, expected, and - earnestly desired to see, but died without the sight; and well will - it be for those who shall aid in carrying into effect the mighty - operations of Jehovah. -</p> -<p> By order of the First Presidency, -</p> -<p> Robert B. Thompson, Scribe. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Saturday, September 5</em>.—Elders Young and Richards went from -Manchester to Liverpool, and in the evening organized a company of -Saints bound for New York, by choosing Elder Theodore Turley to -preside, with six counselors. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Minutes of the High Council Meeting, at the Office of Joseph - Smith, Jun., Nauvoo, September 5th, 1840</em>. -</p> -<p> Joseph Smith, Jun., preferred charges against Elder Almon W. - Babbitt, predicated on the authority of two letters, one from - Thomas Burdick, the other from Oliver Granger and Levi Richards, - accusing Elder Babbitt as follows: -</p> -<p> First. For stating that Joseph Smith, Jun., had extravagantly - purchased three suits of clothes while he was at Washington City, - and that Sidney Rigdon had purchased four suits while at the same - place besides dresses in profusion for their families. -</p> -<p> Second. For having stated that Joseph Smith, Jun., Sidney Rigdon - and Elias Higbee had said that they were worth one hundred thousand - dollars each, while they were at Washington, and that Joseph Smith, - <span class="pagenum"><a name="188"></a>{188}</span> Jun., had repeated the same statement while in Philadelphia, - and for saying that Oliver Granger had stated that he also was - worth as much as they (that is, one hundred thousand dollars). -</p> -<p> Third. For holding secret councils in the Lord's House, in - Kirtland, and for locking the doors of the house, for the purpose - of prohibiting certain brethren in good standing in the Church, - from being in the Council, thereby depriving them of the use of the - house. -</p> -<p> Two were appointed to speak on the case, namely, Thomas Grover, - Austin Cowles. -</p> -<p> Council adjourned till the 6th September, at 2 o'clock, when - Council met according to adjournment, the evidences were all heard - on the case pending, and the councilors closed on both sides. The - parties spoke at length, after which, Joseph Smith withdrew the - charge, and both parties were reconciled to each other, things - being adjusted to their satisfaction. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Sunday 6</em>.—Elder Young preached. -</p> -<p><em>Monday 7</em>.—This evening, Elders Kimball, Woodruff and George A. -Smith, preached in the south Temperance Hall, London. -</p> -<p>On Monday night, Elders Brigham Young and Willard Richards, stayed on -board the <em>North America</em> with the Saints, and on Tuesday morning, -about nine o'clock, the vessel went out with a steamer. The Elders -accompanied them fifteen or twenty miles, and left them in good -spirits. Elder Richards returned to Manchester the same evening and -Elder Young on the 10th. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">The Generosity of John Benbow. -</p> -<p>Elder John Benbow, who had previously furnished two hundred and -fifty pounds towards printing the hymn book, Book of Mormon, etc., -relinquished all claim to said money, except such assistance as his -friends, who might wish to emigrate to America the next season, might -need, leaving the remainder to the disposal of Brigham Young, Willard -Richards, and Wilford Woodruff, who borrowed said moneys for the -benefit of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, forever, -also the avails of the Gadfield Elm Chapel, when sold. -</p> -<p><em>Wednesday, 9</em>.—There was a terrific storm on the North of Scotland. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="189"></a>{189}</span> [Sidenote: Earthquake at Mount Ararat.] -</p> -<p><em>Friday, 11</em>.—There was a terrible earthquake at Mount Ararat, which -destroyed the town of Makitchevan, damaged all the buildings at Erivan, -and devastated the two districts of Sharour and Sourmate in Armenia. -A considerable mass was loosened from Mount Ararat and destroyed -everything in its way for nearly five miles. The village of Akhouli was -buried, with one thousand inhabitants. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 13</em>.—Elder Kimball baptized four in London. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">The Death of Joseph, Sen. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, 14</em>.—My father, Joseph Smith, Sen., Patriarch of the whole -Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died at Nauvoo. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Biography of Joseph Smith, Sen., Presiding Patriarch of the - Church, by the Prophet Joseph, his Son</em>. -</p> -<p> Joseph Smith, Sen., was born on the 12th day of July, 1771, in - Topsfield, Essex county, Massachusetts; he was the second of the - seven sons of Asahel and Mary Smith. Asahel was born in Topsfield, - March 7th, 1744. He was the youngest son of Samuel and Priscilla - Smith. Samuel was born January 26th, 1714, in Topsfield; he was - the eldest son of Samuel and Rebecca Smith. Samuel was born in - Topsfield, January 20, 1666, and was the son of Robert and Mary - Smith, who emigrated from Old England. -</p> -<p> My father removed with his father to Tunbridge, Orange county, - Vermont, in 1791, and assisted in clearing a large farm of a heavy - growth of timber. He married Lucy, daughter of Solomon and Lydia - Mack on the 14th of January, 1796, by whom he had -</p> -<p> Alvin Smith, born February 11th, 1798, died November 19th, 1824. -</p> -<p> Hyrum, born February 9th, 1800. -</p> -<p> Sophronia, born May 16th, 1803. -</p> -<p> Joseph, born December 23rd, 1805. -</p> -<p> Samuel Harrison, born March 13th, 1808. -</p> -<p> Ephraim, born March 13th, 1810, died March 24th, 1810. -</p> -<p> William, born March 13th, 1811. -</p> -<p> Catherine, born July 28th, 1812. -</p> -<p> Don Carlos, born March 25th, 1816. -</p> -<p> Lucy, born July 18th, 1824. -</p> -<p> At his marriage he owned a handsome farm in Tunbridge. In 1802, - <span class="pagenum"><a name="190"></a>{190}</span> he rented it and engaged in mercantile business, and soon - after embarked in a venture of [raising] ginseng<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERXfn5"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERXfn5">5</a>]</sup> to send - to China, and was swindled out of the entire proceeds by the - shipmaster and agent, he was consequently obliged to sell his farm - and all of his effects to pay his debts. -</p> -<p> About the year 1816 he removed to Palmyra, Wayne county, New York, - bought a farm and cleared two hundred acres, which he lost in - consequence of not being able to pay the last installment of the - purchase money at the time it was due. This was the case with a - great number of farmers in New York, who had cleared land under - similar contracts. He afterwards moved to Manchester, Ontario - county, New York, procured a comfortable home with sixteen acres of - land, where he lived until he removed to Kirtland, Ohio. -</p> -<p> He was the first person who received my testimony after I had seen - the angel, and exhorted me to be faithful and diligent to the - message I had received.<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERXfn6"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERXfn6">6</a>]</sup> He was baptized April 6th, 1830. -</p> -<p> In August, 1830, in company with my brother Don Carlos, he took a - mission to St. Lawrence county, New York, touching on his route at - several of the Canadian ports, where he distributed a few copies - of the Book of Mormon. He also visited his father, brothers and - sister residing in St. Lawrence county, bore testimony to the truth - which resulted eventually in all the family coming into the Church, - excepting his brother Jesse and sister Susan. -</p> -<p> He removed with his family to Kirtland in 1831; was ordained - Patriarch and President of the High Priesthood [in Kirtland]<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERXfn7"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERXfn7">7</a>]</sup> - under the hands of Oliver Cowdery, Sidney Rigdon, Frederick G. - Williams and myself, on the 18th of December, 1833; was a member of - the First High Council, organized on the 17th of February, 1834, - (when he conferred on me and my brother Samuel H., a father's - blessing). -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="191"></a>{191}</span> In 1836 he traveled in company with his brother John two - thousand four hundred miles in Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, - Vermont, and New Hampshire, visiting the branches of the Church in - those states and bestowing patriarchal blessings on several hundred - persons, preaching the Gospel to all who would hear, and baptizing - many. They returned to Kirtland on the 2nd of October, 1836. -</p> -<p> During the persecutions in Kirtland in 1837, he was made a - prisoner, but fortunately obtained his liberty, and after a very - tedious journey in the spring and summer of 1838, he arrived at Far - West, Missouri. After I and my brother Hyrum were thrown into the - Missouri jails by the mob, he fled from under the exterminating - order of Governor Lilburn W. Boggs, and made his escape in - midwinter to Quincy, Illinois, from whence he removed to Commerce - in the spring of 1839. -</p> -<p> The exposures he suffered brought on consumption, of which he died - on this 14th day of September, 1840, aged sixty-nine years, two - months, and two days. He was six feet, two inches high, was very - straight, and remarkably well proportioned. His ordinary weight was - about two hundred pounds, and he was very strong and active. In - his younger days he was famed as a wrestler, and, Jacob like, he - never wrestled with but one man whom he could not throw. He was one - of the most benevolent of men; opening his house to all who were - destitute. While at Quincy, Illinois, he fed hundreds of the poor - Saints who were flying from the Missouri persecutions, although he - had arrived there penniless himself. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Tuesday, 15</em>.—The funeral of Joseph Smith, Sen., took place this day, -when the following address was delivered by Elder Robert B. Thompson: -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>The Discourse of Elder Thompson at the Funeral of Joseph Smith, - Sen</em>. -</p> -<p> The occasion which has brought us together this day, is one of no - <span class="pagenum"><a name="192"></a>{192}</span> ordinary importance: for not only has a single family to - mourn and sorrow on account of the death of the individual, whose - funeral obsequies we this day celebrate; but a whole society; yes, - thousands will this day have to say, <em>a Father in Israel is gone</em>. -</p> -<p> The man whom we have been accustomed to look up to as a - <em>Patriarch</em>, a Father, and a Counselor is no more an inhabitant - of mortality: he has dropped his clay tenement, bid adieu to - terrestrial scenes, and his spirit now free and unencumbered, roams - and expatiates in that world where the spirits of just men made - perfect dwell, and where pain and sickness, tribulation and death - cannot come. -</p> -<p> The friends we have lost prior to our late venerable and lamented - Father, were such as rendered life sweet, and in whose society we - took great pleasure, and who shed a lustre in the several walks - of life in which they moved, and to whom we feel endeared by - friendship's sacred ties. Their virtues and kindnesses will long be - remembered by the sorrowing widow, the disconsolate husband, the - weeping children, the almost distracted and heart-broken parent, - and by a large circle of acquaintances and friends. These, like - the stars in yonder firmament, shone in their several spheres, and - filled that station to which they had been called by the providence - of God, with honor to themselves and to the Church; and we feel to - mingle our tears with their surviving relatives. -</p> -<p> But on this occasion we realize that we have suffered more than an - ordinary bereavement, and consequently we feel the more interested. - If ever there was a man who had claims on the affections of the - community, it was our beloved but now deceased Patriarch. If ever - there was an event calculated to raise the feelings of sorrow in - the human breast, and cause us to drop the sympathetic tear, it - certainly is the present; for truly we can say with the king of - Israel, "A prince and a great man has fallen in Israel." A man - endeared to us by every feeling calculated to entwine around and - adhere to the human heart, by almost indissoluble bonds. A man - faithful to his God and to the Church in every situation and under - all circumstances through which he was called to pass. -</p> -<p> Whether in prosperity, surrounded by the comforts of life, a - smiling progeny, and all the enjoyments of a domestic circle; or - when called upon, like the Patriarchs of old, to leave the land - of his nativity, to journey in strange lands, and become subject - to all the trials and persecutions that have been heaped upon - the Saints with a liberal hand, by characters destitute of every - principle of morality or religion, alike regardless of the tender - offspring and the aged sire, whose silvery locks and furrowed - cheeks ought to have been a sufficient shield from their cruelty; - still, like the Apostle Paul he could exclaim, (and his life <span class="pagenum"><a name="193"></a>{193}</span> - and conduct have fully borne out the sentiment) "None of these - things move me; neither count I my life dear, so that I may finish - my course with joy." -</p> -<p> The principles of the Gospel were too well established in that - breast, and had got too sure a footing there, ever to be torn down, - or prostrated by the fierce winds of persecution, the blasts of - poverty, or the swollen waves of distress and tribulation. No; - thank God, his house was built upon a <em>rock</em>—consequently it stood - amid the contending elements, firm and unshaken. -</p> -<p> The life of our departed father has indeed been an eventful one, - having to take a conspicuous part in the great work of the last - days; being designated by the ancient prophets who once dwelt on - this continent, as the father of him whom the Lord had promised - to raise up in the last days, to lead His people Israel; and by - a uniform consistent, and a virtuous course, for a long series - of years, he has proved himself worthy of such a son, and such a - family by whom he had the happiness of being surrounded in his - dying moments; most of whom had the satisfaction of receiving his - dying benediction. -</p> -<p> He was already in the wane of life, when the light of truth broke - in upon the world, and with pleasure he hailed its benign and - enlightening rays, and was chosen by the Almighty to be one of the - witnesses to the Book of Mormon. From that time, his only aim was - the promotion of truth—his soul was taken up with the things of - the Kingdom; his bowels yearned over the children of men; and it - was more than his meat and his drink to do the will of his Father, - who is in heaven. -</p> -<p> By unceasing industry of himself and family, he had secured a - home in the state of New York, where he no doubt expected, with - every honest industrious citizen, to enjoy the blessings of peace - and liberty. But when the principles of truth were introduced and - the Gospel of Jesus Christ was promulgated by himself and family, - friends forsook, enemies raged, and persecution was resorted to by - wicked and ungodly men, insomuch that he was obliged to flee from - that place, and seek a home in a more hospitable land. -</p> -<p> In Ohio he met with many kind and generous friends, and was kindly - welcomed by the Saints; many of whom continue to this day, and can - call to mind the various scenes which there transpired; many of - which were of such a nature as not to be easily obliterated. -</p> -<p> While the House of the Lord was building he took great interest in - its erection, and daily watched its progress, and had the pleasure - of taking a part at the opening, and seeing it crowded by hundreds - of pious worshipers. As the King of Israel longed for and desired - to see the completion of the House of the Lord, so did he; and - with him he could exclaim, "O Lord, I love the habitation of thine - house, and the <span class="pagenum"><a name="194"></a>{194}</span> place where thine honor dwelleth." To dwell - in the house of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple, was his - daily delight; and in it he enjoyed many blessings, and spent many - hours in sweet communion with his heavenly Father. He has trod its - sacred aisles, solitary and alone from mankind, long before the - king of day has gilded the eastern horizon; and he has uttered his - aspirations within its walls, when nature has been asleep. In its - holy enclosures have the visions of heaven been opened to his mind, - and his soul has feasted on the riches of eternity; and there under - his teachings have the meek and humble been instructed, while the - widow and the orphan have received his patriarchal blessings. -</p> -<p> There he saw the work spreading far and wide; saw the Elders of - Israel go forth under his blessing—bore them up by the prayer of - faith, and hailed them welcome when they again returned bringing - their sheaves with them. There with his aged partner, he spent many - happy days in the bosom of his family, whom he loved with all the - tenderness of parental affection. -</p> -<p> Here I might enlarge, and expatiate on the "scenes of joy and - scenes of gladness" which were enjoyed by our beloved Patriarch, - but I shall pass on to an event which was truly painful and trying. -</p> -<p> The delightful scene soon vanished; the calm was soon succeeded by - a storm and the frail bark was driven by the tempest and foaming - ocean, for many who had once been proud to acknowledge him a - father and a friend, and who sought counsel at his hands, joined - with the enemies of truth, and sought his destruction; and would - have rejoiced to see his aged and venerable form immured in a - dungeon; but, thank God, this they were not suffered to do; he - providentially made his escape, and after evading his enemies for - some time, he undertook and accomplished a journey of a thousand - miles, and bore up under the fatigue and suffering necessarily - attendant on such a journey with patient resignation. After a - journey of several weeks, he arrived in safety at Far West, in the - bosom of the Church, and was cordially welcomed by the Saints, who - had found an asylum in the rich and fertile county of Caldwell. -</p> -<p> There he, in common with the rest of the Saints, hoped to enjoy the - privileges and blessings of peace. There, from the fertile soil and - flowery meads, which well repaid the labor of the husbandman, and - poured forth abundance for the support of the numerous herds which - decked those lovely and wide-spread prairies, he hoped to enjoy - uninterrupted, the comforts of domestic life. -</p> -<p> But he had not long indulged these pleasing anticipations before - the delightful prospect again vanished: the cup of blessing which - he began again to enjoy, was dashed from his aged lips; and the cup - of sorrow filled to overflowing, was given him instead; and surely - he drank it to the <span class="pagenum"><a name="195"></a>{195}</span> very dregs; for not only did he see the - Saints in bondage, treated with cruelty, and some of them murdered; - but the kind and affectionate parent saw—and ah! how painful - was the sight—two of his sons to whom he looked for protection, - torn away from their domestic circles, from their weeping and - distracted families, by monsters in the shape of men, who swore and - threatened to kill them, and who had every disposition to imbrue - their hands in their blood. This circumstance was too much for - his agitated and now sinking frame to bear up under; and although - his confidence in his God was great, and his conduct was that of - a Christian and a Saint, yet he felt like a man and a parent. At - that time his constitution received a shock from which it never - recovered. Ah! yes there were feelings agitated in the bosom of - our deceased friend at that time of no ordinary kind; feelings of - painful anxiety, and emotion too great for his earthly tabernacle - to contain without suffering a great and a sensible injury; and - which from that time began to manifest itself. -</p> -<p> It would be unnecessary to trace him and his aged partner (who - shared in all his sorrows and afflictions) from such a scene, as - many of the Saints are knowing to the privations and sufferings - which they, in common with the Church, endured while moving from - that land of oppression; suffice it to say, he arrived in safety in - Illinois, broken down in constitution and in health, and since then - he has labored under severe afflictions and pain, while disease has - been slowly but surely undermining his system. -</p> -<p> Whenever he had a short respite from pain, he felt a pleasure in - attending to his patriarchal duties, and with cheerfullness he - performed them; and frequently his labors have been more than his - strength would admit of; but having great zeal for the cause of - truth, he felt willing to be spent in the service of his God. -</p> -<p> For some time past he has been confined to his bed, and the time of - is departure was near at hand. On Saturday evening last, a rupture - of a blood vessel took place, when he vomited a large quantity - of blood. His family were summoned to his bedside, it being now - evident that he could not long survive. -</p> -<p> On Sunday he called his children and grandchildren around him, - and like the ancient patriarchs gave them his final benediction. - Although his strength was far gone, and he was obliged to rest at - intervals, yet his mind was clear, perfectly collected, and calm - as the gentle zephyrs. The love of God was in his heart, the peace - of God rested upon him, and his soul was full of compassion and - blessing. -</p> -<p> All the circumstances connected with his death, were calculated - to lead the mind back to the time when an Abraham, an Isaac and a - Jacob bid adieu to mortality, and entered into rest. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="196"></a>{196}</span> His death, like theirs, was sweet, and it certainly was - a privilege indeed to witness such a scene; and I was forcibly - reminded of the sentiment of the poet: -</p><blockquote> -<p class="poetry"> The chamber where the good man meets his fate,<br> - Is privileged beyond the common walk of virtuous life.<br> -</p></blockquote> -<p> There were no reflections of a misspent life—no fearful - forebodings of a gloomy nature in relation to the future; the - realities of eternity were dawning, the shades of time were - lowering; but there was nothing to terrify, to alarm or disturb - his mind; no, the principles of the Gospel, which, "bring life and - immortality to light," nobly triumphed in nature's final hour. - These principles so long taught and cherished by our lamented - friend, were honorably maintained to the last; which is not only a - consolation to the immediate relatives, but to the Church at large. -</p> -<p> The instructions imparted by him will long be remembered by his - numerous progeny, who will undoubtedly profit by the same, and - strive to render themselves worthy of such a sire; and the whole - Church will copy his examples, walk in his footsteps, and emulate - his faith and virtuous actions, and commend themselves to his God - and to their God. -</p> -<p> Notwithstanding his enemies frequently "shot at him, yet his bow - abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong - by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob," and his courage and - resolution never forsook him. -</p> -<p> His anxiety for the spread of truth was great, and he lived to see - great and important things accomplished. He saw the commencement - of the work, small as a mustard seed, and with attention and deep - interest he watched its progress; and he had the satisfaction of - beholding thousands on this Continent, rejoicing in its truth, and - heard the glorious tidings, that other lands were becoming heirs to - the richest blessings. -</p> -<p> Under these circumstances, he could exclaim, like pious Simeon of - old, "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, for mine - eyes have seen thy salvation." -</p> -<p> Although his spirit has taken its flight and his remains will - soon mingle with their mother earth, yet his memory will long be - cherished by all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance, and will - be fresh and blooming when those of his enemies shall be blotted - out from under heaven. -</p> -<p> May we, beloved friends, who survive our venerable Patriarch, study - to prosecute those things which were so dear to his aged heart, - and pray that a double portion of his spirit may be bestowed on - us, <span class="pagenum"><a name="197"></a>{197}</span> that we may be the humble instruments in aiding the - consummation of the great work which he saw so happily begun; - that when we have to stand before the bar of Christ, we may with - our departed friend hear the welcome plaudit, "Come up hither, ye - blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the - foundation of the world." Amen. -</p></blockquote> -<h3>Footnotes: -</h3> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERXfn1"></a><a href="#CHAPTERXfn1">1</a>. The entry of the text is the only one made in the Prophet's -manuscript history for the 23rd of August, but "Uncle" John -Smith, brother of the Prophet's father, and formerly president of -Adam-ondi-Ahman stake of Zion, in Missouri, makes the following entry -in his journal: -</p> -<p>"Attended meeting at Nashville. Joseph and Hyrum Smith present and a -large assembly of saints, who voted to commence building a city at -Nashville and a place of worship." Nashville, by the way, was situated -in Lee county, Iowa, on the Mississippi river, at the head of the Des -Moines Rapids, about three miles southeast of Montrose, eight miles -north of Keokuk. The Church had purchased twenty thousand acres of land -in this vicinity and surveyed out of it a townsite on which a number of -saints located. -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERXfn2"></a><a href="#CHAPTERXfn2">2</a>. Again from the journal of "Uncle" John Smith we learn that on the -30th day of August, the Prophet Joseph was in Nashville and preached on -"Eternal Judgment and the Eternal Duration of Matter." -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERXfn3"></a><a href="#CHAPTERXfn3">3</a>. Smithfield is noted for other historical incidents than being the -scene of John Rogers' martyrdom. It is an open space of nearly six -acres in London, England. It was formerly used as a market place, but -is now partially laid out in gardens. It was the scene of Bartholomew -Fair; William Wallace was executed there; it was the place of the -meeting of Wat Tyler and King Richard II, in 1380, when the former -was stabbed by the Mayor of London, and then dispatched by the King's -attendants. It was the scene of many martyrdoms. -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERXfn4"></a><a href="#CHAPTERXfn4">4</a>. John Rogers suffered martyrdom by being burnt at the stake in -Smithfield, on the 4th of February, 1555. He was the first victim -of what is known in history as the "Marian Persecution;" and which -conferred on England's Catholic queen the title of "Bloody Mary." -Archbishop Gardiner, however, is usually credited with being the prime -instigator of that persecution, though he died before it reached its -height, and not before he had shown symptoms of relenting. Cardinal -Pole though "naturally humane and gentle," shares the guilt of -sanctioning it; "but the chief agent was Bonner, bishop of London, -in whose diocese the majority of all the executions took place. * * -* * The total number of men, women and children who were burnt—for -even children were thrown into the flames and some at the very moment -of their birth"—is computed as follows: 1555, from February—72; -1556—94; 1557—79; 1558, from February to September—(when the -persecution closed), 39; making a total of 284. It was during this -persecution that Ridley and Latimer suffered. On the way to the -execution the latter, it is said, "with a keen quaintness which -adorns his sermons," uttered the words which fortunately became -prophetic—addressing himself to his companion—"Be of good comfort, -Master Ridley; play the man; we shall this day light such a candle, by -God's grace, in England, as I trust shall never be put out." (History -of England, by William Smith, p. 156). -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERXfn5"></a><a href="#CHAPTERXfn5">5</a>. Ginseng is a plant, the roots of which are highly esteemed as -medicine, being quite generally regarded as possessing the most -extraordinary virtues, and as a remedy for almost all diseases, -but particularly for exhaustion of body or mind. In China ginseng -is sometimes sold for its weight in gold. It was once introduced -in Europe, but was soon forgotten. It is a native plant of Chinese -Tartary, and grows from one to two feet in height. Its leaves are five -fingered and almost smooth. It is doubted by many botanists if this -species is really distinct from <em>phanx quinquefolium</em>, a common North -American plant, doubtless the species referred to in the text, the root -of which is now an article of export from North America to China, and -is used to some extent as a domestic medicine in the states west of -the Alleghanies, but which European and American medical practitioners -generally regard as almost worthless. -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERXfn6"></a><a href="#CHAPTERXfn6">6</a>. From that time on the Prophet of the Dispensation of the Fullness of -Times had no truer or more constant or faithful friend than his father. -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERXfn7"></a><a href="#CHAPTERXfn7">7</a>. This term, "High Priesthood," is often used in these annals—as it -is above—for High Priest. The intent of the above statement is to -say that "Father Smith,"—for so he was affectionately called by the -Saints—was ordained Patriarch and the President of the High Priests -in Kirtland. That he was not made President of the High Priesthood is -evident from the fact that the Prophet Joseph himself at that time was -President of the High Priesthood of the Church, a position to which -he was ordained at a Conference of High Priests in Amherst, Loraine -county, Ohio, in 1832 (see Church History, Vol. I, p. 243 and note.) -The Presidency of the High Priesthood carries with it the office of -President of the Church: "And again, the duty of the President of the -office of the High Priesthood is to preside over the whole Church, and -to be like unto Moses. Behold, here is wisdom, yea, to be a seer, a -revelator, a translator, and a Prophet, having all the gifts of God -which He bestows upon the head of the Church." (Doc. and Cov. sec. 107, -verses 91-9.) -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="198"></a>{198}</span> -</p> - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTERXI"></a>Chapter XI. -</h2> -<p class="chapterHeading">Threatening Portents in the Actions of Missouri—General Conferences in -Nauvoo and England—The Doctrine of Priesthood. -</p> -<p><em>Tuesday, September 15, 1840</em>. -</p><blockquote> -<p> "The governor of Missouri, after a silence of about two years, has - at last made a demand on Governor Carlin of Illinois, for Joseph - Smith, Jun., Sidney Rigdon, Lyman Wight, Parley P. Pratt, Caleb - Baldwin, and Alanson Brown, as fugitives from justice. -</p> -<p> "The demand it seems has been complied with by Governor Carlin, - and an order issued for their apprehension; accordingly our place - has recently received a visit from the sheriff for these men; - but through the tender mercies of a kind Providence, who by His - power has sustained, and once delivered them from the hands of the - blood-thirsty and savage race of beings in the shape of men that - tread Missouri's delightful soil; they were not to be found—as - the Lord would have it, they were gone from home, and the sheriff - returned, of course without them. -</p> -<p> "These men do not feel disposed to again try the solemn realities - of mob law in that state; and a free and enlightened republic - should respond against it, for Missouri has no claim on them, but - they have claim on Missouri. -</p> -<p> "What right have they to demand of Governor Carlin, as fugitives - from justice, men against whom no process had ever been found in - that state—no, not so much as the form of a process? They were - taken by a mob militia, and dragged from everything that was dear - and sacred, and tried (without their knowledge) by a court martial, - condemned to be shot, but this failing, they were forced into - confinement, galled with chains, deprived of the comforts of life, - and even that which was necessary to save life, then brought to a - pretended trial, without even having a legal process served, and - then deprived of the privilege of defense. They were taken by a - mob, tried, condemned and imprisoned by the same, and this Missouri - cannot deny. -</p> -<p> "What a beautiful picture Governor Boggs has presented to the - <span class="pagenum"><a name="199"></a>{199}</span> world, after driving twelve or fifteen thousand inhabitants - from their homes, forcing them to leave the state under the pain - of extermination, and confiscating their property, and murdering - innocent men, women and children; then, because that a few made - their escape from his murdering hand, and have found protection in - a land of equal rights, so that his plans and designs have all been - unfruitful, to that extent that he has caused 'Mormonism' to spread - with double vigor; he now has the presumption to demand them back, - in order that his thirst for innocent blood may yet be satiated. -</p> -<p> "He has no business with them; they have not escaped from justice, - but from the hands of a cursed, infuriated, inhuman set, or race - of beings who are enemies to their country, to their God, to - themselves, and to every principle of righteousness and humanity. - They loathe Christianity, and despise the people of God; they war - against truth, and inherit lies; virtue they tread under their - feet; while vice (with her ten thousand offspring) is their welcome - associate; therefore, men on whom Missouri has no claim, she - cannot, no, she never shall have."<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERXIfn1"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERXIfn1">1</a>]</sup> -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Sunday, 20</em>.—Elder Willard Richards went to Preston, held a -conference, ordained five Elders, eleven Priests, eight Teachers, one -Deacon, and returned to Manchester same day. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Letter of Samuel Bent and George W. Harris to the - Presidency—Reporting Labors</em>. -</p> -<p> Cincinnati, Sept. 23, 1840. -</p> -<p> <em>To the First Presidency and High Council of the Church of Jesus - Christ of Latter-day Saints</em>: -</p> -<p> We gladly embrace this opportunity of conveying a few lines to - you by Ebenezer Robinson, who we expect will leave this place for - Nauvoo in a few days. -</p> -<p> Brother George W. Harris and myself have visited the several - branches of the Church in Adams county, Pike county, Jacksonville, - and Springfield. On our way we stopped at Terre Haute, and Pleasant - Garden, Indiana. We found the brethren generally very willing and - anxious to do all in their power to assist the Church in the great - and glorious cause that we have engaged in respecting the printing - of the several books in contemplation, but I am sorry to say I - found them destitute of the means to relieve our present necessity. -</p> -<p> However, we have succeeded in obtaining several notes of hand from - <span class="pagenum"><a name="200"></a>{200}</span> different brethren in the state of Illinois, to the amount of - about eighty-three dollars, which will come due on the first day of - October next, and we have handed them over to Ebenezer Robinson, - to be delivered to Joseph Smith, Jun., for collection. We expect - Brother Robinson will arrive with them at the time they become due. -</p> -<p> We have obtained some money, which we have paid over to Brother - Ebenezer Robinson. We have also given our obligations as agents for - the Church, to Shepherd and Stearns to the amount of three hundred - dollars, two hundred of which becomes due on the twenty-sixth day - of November next, and the other one hundred on the twenty sixth day - of December next, being the amount due Shepherd and Stearns for the - stereotype plates. -</p> -<p> We have taken up the bond that Brother Brown gave for the wagon - or carriage which he let Joseph Smith, Jun., have, and we have - succeeded in procuring a horse and harness to put alongside of - the other horse to make it easier for him. We got said horse and - harness by contributions from the brethren at Dayton and West - Milton, Ohio. -</p> -<p> Brother Ebenezer Robinson (we think) has been very economical, - diligent, and persevering, and successful in the business whereupon - he was sent. He has gained the confidence of the gentlemen with - whom he has been transacting business in the city, and has done - honor to the cause of Christ and His Church of Latter-day Saints. - We can further say to you brethren, we think the course he has - taken, and our united exertions with him, have established the - credit of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in this - place (I mean as to business transactions), to that extent that we - can obtain any amount of paper, type, and other materials requisite - to carry on the printing business to a large extent, and upon terms - that will warrant our success. -</p> -<p> We therefore shall go on with renewed courage and zeal, trusting - in the Lord to prepare the way before us, and we feel to ask your - prayers that God may peradventure expand the minds of the Saints - abroad, that they may be able to comprehend the magnitude of the - work we so much desire to accomplish, which in all probability will - induce them to donate with alacrity. -</p> -<p> Brother John E. Page is preaching with the manifestations of the - Spirit and power in this place, and with considerable success. - We think when Brother Page leaves the city of Cincinnati, the - inhabitants thereof will be left without excuse for not receiving - the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and his garments clear from their blood - in the day of judgment. -</p> -<p> Accept our love and best wishes. -</p> -<p> Yours in the bonds of the New and Everlasting Covenant, -</p> -<p> Samuel Bent, -</p> -<p> George W. Harris. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="201"></a>{201}</span> <em>Letter of John E. Page to the Presidency—Reporting Progress - of Palestine Mission</em>. -</p> -<p> Cincinnati, September 23, 1840. -</p> -<p> <em>To the President and Council of the Church of Jesus Christ of - Latter-day Saints, and also to all the Saints Assembled in General - Conference</em>: -</p> -<p> Your humble servant embraces with pleasure this opportunity to - pen for your edification a few lines. I congratulate you upon - the steady march and advancement of the cause of Christ, as [it] - has fallen under my observation. Elder Hyde and myself have been - treated with respect, and had the greatest attention paid us by - the brethren and sisters; and by gentlemen and ladies of the first - class in society, we have been made welcome very heartily to their - dwellings and comforts of life. When we separate from them they - grip our hands with tears standing full in their eyes, bidding - farewell, and often leave something noble with us to help us on - our mission; and a firm promise that they will duly reflect on the - great things which we have told them. They ardently request us to - send them some competent Elder to preach to them. -</p> -<p> Yes, dear brethren, the cause of truth is marching onward with - unparalleled rapidity, and victory! Victory! will soon be the shout - of all the faithful in Christ; and thank the Lord, thank the Lord, - is the language of unworthy me, that I have lived to see 1840, with - all its attendant evidences of the truth of the Book of Mormon, and - the Book of Doctrine and Covenants. -</p> -<p> I must save a place in this communication to make some remarks - concerning Brother Ebenezer Robinson. I can say, in truth and - soberness, that he merits the esteem and confidence of the Saints - and all good men for his diligence and economy while getting - the Book of Mormon stereotyped, &c., here. The honest and frank - course he has pursued towards the gentlemen with whom he has - been concerned in business (viz., Messrs. Shepherd, Stearns, and - others), has won their everlasting respect and esteem, judging from - their own manifestations to me. -</p> -<p> Dear brethren and sisters, your humble servants, Orson Hyde and - myself, sincerely solicit your special prayers, sealed with a - hearty amen. -</p> -<p> Elder Hyde is truly a humble servant of the Lord, and a very - agreeable companion in the ministry. Our hearts are one, our faith - is one, and the strongholds of Satan quake before us. We desire - to have grace to perform our mission, that we may return to our - families and brethren with triumph and joy. -</p> -<p> I anticipate that Elder Hyde is in New York City. I am waiting to - obtain a few copies of the third edition of the Book of Mormon. To - <span class="pagenum"><a name="202"></a>{202}</span> raise means is hard, yet we trust in the Lord. I shall go to - Philadelphia as soon as possible. -</p> -<p> I have baptized thirteen in this city; many are believing, and some - halting between two opinions; and have baptized in all since I - started, eighty-four. -</p> -<p> I have had a vision from the Lord, which manifested the present - state of the world respecting the Jews, Jerusalem, the remnant - of Israel, and also the Gentile world. As hasty summer fruit, so - is this nation; as a vineyard of grapes fully ripe, ready to be - gathered for the press, so are all the nations of the earth. -</p> -<p> I want the conference to send some faithful and competent Elder to - this place, to nurse the seed or word that has been sown here, and - shall leave this matter with Ebenezer Robinson to lay before the - conference. -</p> -<p> Elders Bent and Harris are here, and are using all their energies, - both of mind and body, to fill their calling. I deem them amply - qualified to discharge the function of their office, provided they - keep humble. -</p> -<p> Dear brethren, remember me to my family, and pray for them; - remember me to Sister Hyde, and also all of the wives of the Elders - in particular, whose husbands are in the field. Tell them to pray - for us. I hope the authorities of the Church will see that they are - provided with food and raiment, that they may enjoy life with you. -</p> -<p> Yours in the bonds of the Covenant, -</p> -<p> John E. Page. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Monday, 28</em>. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Extracts from Orson Hyde's Letter—Signs in the Heavens</em>. -</p> -<p> Burlington County, New Jersey. -</p> -<p> I left Elder Page at Cincinnati the latter part of August, and came - on up the Ohio river as far as Wellsburgh, Virginia. I stopped with - Father James. Here I preached twice, and baptized three persons; - came on by stage and steamboats to Pittsburg; from thence took the - canal to Leechburgh, where I stopped and preached to a small number - of Saints, raised up by the instrumentality of Father Nickerson—in - good spirits. -</p> -<p> As I left this place about nine o'clock in the morning, the - most remarkable phenomenon occurred in the heavens that I ever - witnessed. There appeared two bright and luminous bodies, one on - the north and the other on the south of the sun; in length about - ten yards, inclining to a circle resembling a rainbow, about fifty - yards distant from the sun; apparently east about twenty-five - yards, was a body of light as brilliant almost as the sun itself; - and on the west, a great distance from the sun, <span class="pagenum"><a name="203"></a>{203}</span> appeared a - white semi-circle passing half way round the horizon, and another - crossing it at right angles, exhibiting a scene of the sublimest - kind. It was a great wonder to the passengers on board the boat. - Put this with the fact that the Jews are gathering home, and that - all Europe is in commotion and on the eve of breaking out in open - hostilities; and also that the tree of liberty, which has long - flourished in the republican soil of America, has been girdled, - and her green foliage, which has shielded and protected the sons - of oppression from the scorching rays of despotic power, already - begins to wither like the accursed fig tree—and what language do - these speak to the Saints! "Lift up your heads, for your redemption - draweth near!" * * * * * * -</p> -<p> I came on, and met with the Saints in Chester county, Pennsylvania, - laboring there about one week with Brother Barnes, where we added - six to their number. I preached about one week in Philadelphia, - and baptized twelve; came on to this place with Brothers Snow - and Barnes, and held a two-days' meeting, at which sixteen were - baptized. I shall return to Philadelphia in a few days, where I - expect to meet Brother Page, and then, if the Lord will, after - holding a few meetings in this country, we shall proceed on to New - York, there to take ship and sail over the seas. -</p> -<p> Orson Hyde. -</p></blockquote> -<p>On the night of the 28th, Elder Heber C. Kimball had the following -dream, as related by himself: -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Elder Heber C. Kimball's Dream</em>. -</p> -<p> Having great anxiety for the welfare of the small branch which - we had raised in London, I retired to rest and had the following - dream. I thought that we dug a well on high ground in order to - obtain water, and after digging some considerable time, we came to - an excellent spring; we then commenced to back it up, but before it - was finished, we had occasion to leave for a short time and when - we returned to complete it, we found it carefully filled up with - sand, and all attempts to remove it proved unavailing, we thought - it better to choose another spot on lower ground, where we were - successful. When we returned to London, we experienced a perfect - fulfillment of my dream—having to open a new preaching place at - Barrett's Academy, King Square, Goswell Road, our former place - being closed against us. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Tuesday, 29</em>.—Elders Heber C. Kimball and George A. Smith left London -for the Manchester conference. -</p> -<p><em>Saturday, October 3</em>. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="204"></a>{204}</span> <em>Minutes of the General Conference of the Church of Jesus - Christ of Latter-day Saints, held in Nauvoo, Hancock County, - Illinois, Beginning October 3, 1840</em>. -</p> -<p> The conference was opened with prayer by President William Marks. - President Joseph Smith was then unanimously called to the chair, - and Robert B. Thompson appointed clerk. -</p> -<p> A letter from Elders Bent and Harris, and one from Elder John E. - Page were then read by the clerk, which gave very satisfactory - accounts of their mission. -</p> -<p> On motion, Resolved: That a committee be appointed to ordain such - as have recommends to this conference for ordination, and that - Jonathan H. Hale, Elisha H. Groves, Charles C. Rich, John Murdock, - and Simeon Carter, compose said committee, and report their - proceedings before the conference closes. -</p> -<p> The President arose and stated that there had been several - depredations committed on the citizens of Nauvoo, and thought - it expedient that a committee be appointed to search out the - offenders, and bring them to justice. -</p> -<p> Whereupon it was Resolved: That Joseph Smith, Elias Higbee, William - Marks, Vinson Knight, William Law, Charles C. Rich, and Dimick B. - Huntington, compose said committee. -</p> -<p> On motion, Resolved: That Robert B. Thompson be appointed the - General Church Clerk, in the room of George W. Robinson, who - intends to remove to Iowa. -</p> -<p> It having been requested by Elder Page, that the conference would - appoint an Elder to take charge of the church which he and Elder - Hyde had raised up in Cincinnati, on motion, Resolved: That Elder - Samuel Bennett be appointed to preside there. -</p> -<p> The president then arose and stated that it was necessary that - something should be done with regard to Kirtland, so that it might - be built up; and gave it as his opinion, that the brethren from - the east might gather there, and also that it was necessary that - some one should be appointed from this conference to preside over - that stake. On motion, Resolved: That Elder Almon W. Babbitt be - appointed to preside over the Church in Kirtland, and that he - choose his own counselors. -</p> -<p> Conference adjourned for one hour. -</p> -<p> One o'clock p. m. Conference met pursuant to adjournment. An - opportunity was given to the brethren who had any remarks to make - on suitable locations for stakes of Zion. Elder H. W. Miller stated - that it was the desire of a number of the brethren residing in - Adams county, to have a stake appointed at Mount Ephrain in that - county, and stated the advantages of the place for agricultural - purposes. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="205"></a>{205}</span> On motion, Resolved: That a stake be appointed at Mount - Ephraim, in Adams county. -</p> -<p> There being several applications for the appointment of stakes, - it was Resolved: That a committee be appointed to organize stakes - between this place and Kirtland, and that Hyrum Smith, Lyman Wight, - and Almon W. Babbitt, compose said committee. -</p> -<p> The President then spoke of the necessity of building a "House of - the Lord" in this place. Whereupon it was Resolved: That the Saints - build a house for the worship of God, and that Reynolds Cahoon, - Elias Higbee, and Alpheus Cutler be appointed a committee to build - the same. -</p> -<p> On motion, Resolved: That a commencement be made ten days from this - date, and that every tenth day be appropriated for the building of - the house. -</p> -<p> President Hyrum Smith arose and stated that there were several - individuals who, on moving to this place, had not settled with - their creditors, and had no recommend from the branches of the - churches where they had resided. On motion, Resolved: That those - persons moving to this place, who do not bring a recommend, be - disfellowshiped. -</p> -<p> John C. Bennett, M. D., then spoke at some length, on the - oppression to which the Church had been subjected, and remarked - that it was necessary for the brethren to stand by each other, and - resist every unlawful attempt at persecution. -</p> -<p> Elder Lyman Wight then addressed the meeting. Adjourned till - tomorrow morning. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Sunday morning, October 4</em>. -</p><blockquote> -<p> Conference met pursuant to adjournment, and was opened with prayer - by Elder Almon W. Babbitt. -</p> -<p> The clerk was then called upon to read the report of the Presidency - in relation to the city plat, after which the President made some - observations on the status of the debts on the city plat, which - will appear at the close of these conference minutes, and advised - that a committee be appointed to raise funds to liquidated the - same. On motion, Resolved: That William Marks and Hyrum Smith - compose said committee. -</p> -<p> On motion, Resolved: That a committee be appointed to draft a bill - for the incorporation of the town of Nauvoo, and other purposes. -</p> -<p> <em>Resolved</em>: That Joseph Smith, John C. Bennett, and Robert B. - Thompson be said committee. -</p> -<p> <em>Resolved</em>: That John C. Bennett be appointed delegate, to urge the - passage of said bill through the legislature. -</p> -<p> President Hyrum Smith then rose and gave some general instructions - to the Church. Conference adjourned for one hour. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="206"></a>{206}</span> One o'clock p. m. Conference met pursuant to adjournment, and - was opened with prayer by Elder John P. Greene. -</p> -<p> President Joseph Smith then rose and delivered a discourse on - the subject of baptism for the dead, which was listened to with - considerable interest, by the vast multitude assembled. -</p> -<p> Dr. John C. Bennett from the committee to draft a charter for the - city, and for other purposes, reported the outlines thereof. On - motion, Resolved: That the same be adopted. -</p> -<p> Elder Ebenezer Robinson then rose and gave an account of the - printing of another edition of the Book of Mormon, and stated that - it was now nearly completed, and that arrangements had been made - for the printing of the hymn-book, Book of Doctrine and Covenants, - &c. -</p> -<p> Conference adjourned to Monday morning. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Monday morning, October 5</em>. -</p><blockquote> -<p> Conference met pursuant to adjournment, and was opened with prayer - by Elder Lyman Wight. -</p> -<p> Elder Robert B. Thompson, after a few preliminary remarks, read - an article on the Priesthood, composed by President Joseph Smith, - which will appear at the close of the conference minutes; after - which Elder Babbitt delivered an excellent discourse on the same - subject, at considerable length. -</p> -<p> Conference adjourned for one hour. During the intermission a large - number was baptized. -</p> -<p> Two o'clock p. m. Conference met pursuant to adjournment. Elder - Lyman Wight addressed the congregation on the subject of baptism - for the dead, and other subjects of interest to the Church. -</p> -<p> The President then made some observations and pronounced his - benediction on the assembly. -</p> -<p> Dr. John C. Bennett said that many persons had been accused of - crime, and been looked upon as guilty, when on investigation it - has been ascertained that nothing could be proved against them. - Whereupon, on motion, it was Resolved: That no person be considered - guilty of crime, unless proved so by the testimony of two or three - witnesses. -</p> -<p> He next brought before the conference the treatment the Saints had - experienced in Missouri, and wished to know whether the conference - would take any further steps in relation to obtaining redress. - On motion, resolved: That Elias Higbee and Robert B. Thompson be - appointed a committee to obtain redress for the wrongs sustained in - Missouri. -</p> -<p> The committee on ordinations reported that they had ordained - thirty-nine to the ministry. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="207"></a>{207}</span> On motion, Resolved: That this conference be dismissed, and - that the next conference be held on the 6th day of April next. -</p> -<p> Joseph Smith, President. -</p> -<p> Robert B. Thompson, Clerk. -</p></blockquote> -<p>The following is the article on Priesthood referred to in the -conference minutes: -</p><blockquote> -<p> Priesthood. -</p> -<p> In order to investigated the subject of the Priesthood, so - important to this, as well as every succeeding generation, I shall - proceed to trace the subject as far as I possibly can from the Old - and New Testaments. -</p> -<p> There are two Priesthoods spoken of in the Scriptures, viz., the - Melchisedek and the Aaronic or Levitical. Although there are two - Priesthoods, yet the Melchisedek Priesthood comprehends the Aaronic - or Levitical Priesthood, and is the grand head, and holds the - highest authority which pertains to the Priesthood, and the keys of - the Kingdom of God in all ages of the world to the latest posterity - on the earth, and is the channel through which all knowledge, - doctrine, the plan of salvation, and every important matter is - revealed from heaven. -</p> -<p> Its institution was prior to "the foundation of this earth, or - the morning stars sang together, or the Sons of God shouted for - joy," and is the highest and holiest Priesthood, and is after the - order of the Son of God, and all other Priesthoods are only parts, - ramifications, powers and blessings belonging to the same, and are - held, controlled, and directed by it. It is the channel through - which the Almighty commenced revealing His glory at the beginning - of the creation of this earth, and through which He has continued - to reveal Himself to the children of men to the present time, and - through which He will make known His purposes to the end of time. -</p> -<p> Commencing with Adam, who was the first man, who is spoken of in - Daniel as being the "Ancient of Days," or in other words, the - first and oldest of all, the great, grand progenitor of whom it - is said in another place he is Michael, because he was the first - and father of all, not only by progeny, but the first to hold the - spiritual blessings, to whom was made known the plan of ordinances - for the salvation of his posterity unto the end, and to whom Christ - was first revealed, and through whom Christ has been revealed - from heaven, and will continue to be revealed from henceforth. - Adam holds the keys of the dispensation of the fullness of times; - i. e., the dispensation of all the times have been and will be - revealed through him from the beginning to Christ, and from Christ - to the end of all the dispensations that are to be <span class="pagenum"><a name="208"></a>{208}</span> revealed. - "Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to - His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself: that in the - dispensation of the fullness of times He might gather together in - one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are - on earth; even in him." (Ephesians, 1st chap., 9th and 10 verses). -</p> -<p> Now the purpose in Himself in the winding up scene of the last - dispensation is that all things pertaining to that dispensation - should be conducted precisely in accordance with the preceding - dispensations. -</p> -<p> And again, God purposed in Himself that there should not be an - eternal fullness until every dispensation should be fulfilled and - gathered together in one, and that all things whatsoever, that - should be gathered together in one in those dispensations unto - the same fullness and eternal glory, should be in Christ Jesus; - therefore He set the ordinances to be the same forever and ever, - and set Adam to watch over them, to reveal them from heaven to man, - or to send angels to reveal them. "Are they not all ministering - spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of - salvation?" (Hebrews, i, 14). -</p> -<p> These angels are under the direction of Michael or Adam, who acts - under the direction of the Lord. From the above quotation we learn - that Paul perfectly understood the purposes of God in relation - to His connection with man, and that glorious and perfect order - which He established in Himself, whereby he sent forth power, - revelations, and glory. -</p> -<p> God will not acknowledge that which He has not called, ordained, - and chosen. In the beginning God called Adam by His own voice. "And - the Lord called unto Adam and said unto him, Where art thou? And - he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid because - I was naked, and hid myself." (See Genesis 3rd chap., 9, 10.) Adam - received commandments and instructions from God: this was the order - from the beginning. -</p> -<p> That he received revelations, commandments and ordinances at the - beginning is beyond the power of controversy; else how did they - begin to offer sacrifices to God in an acceptable manner? And if - they offered sacrifices they must be authorized by ordination. - We read in (Genesis, 4th chap., 4th), that Abel brought of the - firstlings of the flock and the fat thereof, and the Lord had - respect to Abel and to his offering. And, again, "By faith Abel - offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which - he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his - gifts; and by it he being dead, yet speaketh." (Hebrews xi:4). - How doth he yet speak? Why he magnified the Priesthood which was - conferred upon him, and died a righteous man, and therefore has - become an angel of God by receiving his body from the dead, holding - still the keys of his dispensation; and was sent down from heaven - unto <span class="pagenum"><a name="209"></a>{209}</span> Paul to minister consoling words, and to commit unto him - a knowledge of the mysteries of godliness. -</p> -<p> And if this was not the case, I would ask, how did Paul know so - much about Abel, and why should he talk about his speaking after he - was dead? Hence, that he spoke after he was dead must be by being - sent down out of heaven to administer. -</p> -<p> This, then, is the nature of the Priesthood; every man holding the - Presidency of his dispensation, and one man holding the Presidency - of them all, even Adam: and Adam receiving his Presidency and - authority from the Lord, but cannot receive a fullness until Christ - shall present the Kingdom to the Father, which shall be at the end - of the last dispensation. -</p> -<p> The power, glory and blessings of the Priesthood could not continue - with those who received ordination only as their righteousness - continued; for Cain also being authorized to offer sacrifice, but - not offering it in righteousness, was cursed. It signifies, then, - that the ordinances must be kept in the very way God has appointed; - otherwise their Priesthood will prove a cursing instead of a - blessing. -</p> -<p> If Cain had fulfilled the law of righteousness as did Enoch, he - could have walked with God all the days of his life, and never - failed of a blessing. "And Enoch walked with God after he begat - Methuselah 300 years, and begat sons and daughters, and all the - days of Enoch were 365 years; and Enoch walked with God, and he was - not, for God took him." (Gen. 5th chap., 22nd ver.) Now this Enoch - God reserved unto Himself, that he should not die at that time, - and appointed unto him a ministry unto terrestrial bodies, of whom - there has been but little revealed. He is reserved also unto the - Presidency of a dispensation, and more shall be said of him and - terrestrial bodies in another treatise. He is a ministering angel, - to minister to those who shall be heirs of salvation and appeared - unto Jude as Abel did unto Paul; therefore Jude spoke of him (14, - 15 verses). And Enoch, the seventh from Adam, revealed these - sayings: "Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousand of His Saints." -</p> -<p> Paul was also acquainted with this character, and received - instructions from him. "By faith Enoch was translated, that he - should not see death, and was not found, because God had translated - him; for before his translation he had this testimony, that he - pleased God; but without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for - he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that he is a - revealer to those who diligently seek him." (Heb. 11, 5). -</p> -<p> Now the doctrine of translation is a power which belongs to this - Priesthood. There are many things which belong to the powers of the - Priesthood and the keys thereof, that have been kept hid from <span class="pagenum"><a name="210"></a>{210}</span> - before the foundation of the world; they are hid from the wise and - prudent to be revealed in the last times. -</p> -<p> Many have supposed that the doctrine of translation was a doctrine - whereby men were taken immediately into the presence of God, and - into an eternal fullness, but this is a mistaken idea. Their - place of habitation is that of the terrestrial order, and a place - prepared for such characters He held in reserve to be ministering - angels unto many planets, and who as yet have not entered into - so great a fullness as those who are resurrected from the dead. - "Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might - obtain a better resurrection." (See Heb. 11th chap., part of the - 35th verse.) -</p> -<p> Now it was evident that there was a better resurrection, or else - God would not have revealed it unto Paul. Wherein then, can it be - said a better resurrection. This distinction is made between the - doctrine of the actual resurrection and translation: translation - obtains deliverance from the tortures and sufferings of the body, - but their existence will prolong as to the labors and toils of the - ministry, before they can enter into so great a rest and glory. -</p> -<p> On the other hand, those who were tortured, not accepting - deliverance, received an immediate rest from their labors. "And I - heard a voice from heaven, saying, Blessed are the dead who die - in the Lord, for from henceforth they do rest from their labors - and their works do follow them." (See Revelation, 14th chap., 13th - verse). -</p> -<p> They rest from their labors for a long time, and yet their work is - held in reserve for them, that they are permitted to do the same - work, after they receive a resurrection for their bodies. But we - shall leave this subject and the subject of the terrestrial bodies - for another time, in order to treat upon them more fully. -</p> -<p> The next great, grand Patriarch [after Enoch] who held the keys - of the Priesthood was Lamech. "And Lamech lived one hundred and - eighty-two years and begat a son, and he called his name Noah, - saying, this same shall comfort us concerning our work and the toil - of our hands because of the ground which the Lord has cursed." (See - Gen. 5th chap., 28th and 29th verses.) The Priesthood continued - from Lamech to Noah: "And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh - is before me, for the earth is filled with violence through them, - and behold I will destroy them with the earth." (Gen. 6: 13.) -</p> -<p> Thus we behold the keys of this Priesthood consisted in obtaining - the voice of Jehovah that He talked with him [Noah] in a familiar - and friendly manner, that He continued to him the keys, the - covenants, the power and the glory, with which he blessed Adam at - the beginning; and the offering of sacrifice, which also shall - be continued at the last time; for all the ordinances and duties - that ever have been required by <span class="pagenum"><a name="211"></a>{211}</span> the Priesthood, under - the directions and commandments of the Almighty in any of the - dispensations, shall all be had in the last dispensation, therefore - all things had under the authority of the Priesthood at any former - period, shall be had again, bringing to pass the restoration spoken - of by the mouth of all the Holy Prophets; then shall the sons of - Levi offer an acceptable offering to the Lord. "And he shall sit as - a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of - Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto - the Lord." (See Malachi 3:3). -</p> -<p> It will be necessary here to make a few observations on the - doctrine set forth in the above quotation, and it is generally - supposed that sacrifice was entirely done away when the Great - Sacrifice [<em>i. e</em>., the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus] was offered - up, and that there will be no necessity for the ordinance of - sacrifice in future; but those who assert this are certainly - not acquainted with the duties, privileges and authority of the - priesthood, or with the Prophets. -</p> -<p> The offering of sacrifice has ever been connected and forms a part - of the duties of the Priesthood. It began with the Priesthood, and - will be continued until after the coming of Christ, from generation - to generation. We frequently have mention made of the offering of - sacrifice by the servants of the Most High in ancient days, prior - to the law of Moses; which ordinances will be continued when the - Priesthood is restored with all its authority, power and blessings. -</p> -<p> Elijah was the last Prophet that held the keys of the Priesthood, - and who will, before the last dispensation, restore the authority - and deliver the keys of the Priesthood, in order that all the - ordinances may be attended to in righteousness. It is true that - the Savior had authority and power to bestow this blessing; but - the sons of Levi were too prejudiced. "And I will send Elijah the - Prophet before the great and terrible day of the Lord," etc., etc. - Why send Elijah? Because he holds the keys of the authority to - administer in all the ordinances of the Priesthood; and without the - authority is given, the ordinances could not be administered in - righteousness. -</p> -<p> It is a very prevalent opinion that the sacrifices which were - offered were entirely consumed. This was not the case; if you read - Leviticus, second chap., second and third verses, you will observe - that the priests took a part as a memorial and offered it up before - the Lord, while the remainder was kept for the maintenance of the - priests; so that the offerings and sacrifices are not all consumed - upon the altar—but the blood is sprinkled, and the fat and certain - other portions are consumed. -</p> -<p> These sacrifices, as well as every ordinance belonging to the - Priesthood, will, when the Temple of the Lord shall be built, and - the sons of Levi be purified, be fully restored and attended to in - all their powers, ramifications, and blessings. This ever did and - ever will exist when the <span class="pagenum"><a name="212"></a>{212}</span> powers of the Melchisedic Priesthood - are sufficiently manifest; else how can the restitution of all - things spoken of by the holy Prophets be brought to pass? It is not - to be understood that the law of Moses will be established again - with all its rites and variety of ceremonies; this has never been - spoken of by the Prophets; but those things which existed prior to - Moses' day, namely, sacrifice, will be continued. -</p> -<p> It may be asked by some, what necessity for sacrifice, since the - Great Sacrifice was offered? In answer to which, if repentance, - baptism, and faith existed prior to the days of Christ, what - necessity for them since that time? The Priesthood has descended - in a regular line from father to son, through their succeeding - generations. (See Book of Doctrine and Covenants).<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERXIfn2"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERXIfn2">2</a>]</sup> -</p> -<p> Report Of The Presidency.<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERXIfn3"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERXIfn3">3</a>]</sup> -</p> -<p> The First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day - Saints would respectfully report— -</p> -<p> That they feel rejoiced to meet the Saints at another General - Conference, and under circumstances as favorable as the present. - Since our settlement in Illinois we have for the most part been - treated with courtesy and respect, and a feeling of kindness and - of sympathy has generally been manifested by all classes of the - community, who, with us, deprecate the conduct of those men whose - dark and blackening deeds are stamped with everlasting infamy and - disgrace. The contrast between our past and present situation is - great. Two years ago mobs were threatening, plundering, driving - and murdering the Saints. Our burning houses lighted up the canopy - of heaven. Our women and children, houseless and destitute, had - to wander from place to place to seek a shelter from the rage of - persecuting foes. Now we enjoy peace, and can worship the God of - heaven and earth without molestation, and expect to be able to go - forward and accomplish the great and glorious work to which we have - been called. -</p> -<p> Under these circumstances we feel to congratulate the Saints - of the Most High, on the happy and pleasing change in their - circumstances, condition and prospects, and which those who shared - in the perils and distress, undoubtedly appreciate; while prayers - and thanksgivings daily ascend to that God who looked upon our - distresses and delivered us from danger and death, and whose hand - is over us for good. -</p> -<p> From the unpropitious nature of the weather, we hardly expected to - behold so many of our friends on this occasion; in this, however, - we are agreeably disappointed, which gives us strong assurance that - the Saints are as zealous, untiring, and energetic as ever, in the - great work of the last days; and gives us joy and consolation, and - greatly <span class="pagenum"><a name="213"></a>{213}</span> encourages us, while contending with the difficulties - which necessarily lie in our way. Let the brethren ever manifest - such a spirit, and hold up our hands, and we must, we will go - forward; the work of the Lord shall roll forth, the Temple of the - Lord be reared, the Elders of Israel be encouraged, Zion be built - up, and become the praise, the joy, and the glory of the whole - earth, and the song of praise, glory, honor, and majesty to Him - that sitteth upon the throne, and to the Lamb for ever and ever, - shall reverberate from hill to hill, from mountain to mountain, - from island to island, and from continent to continent, and the - kingdoms of this world become the kingdom of our God and His Christ. -</p> -<p> We are glad indeed to know that there is such a spirit of union - existing throughout the churches, at home and abroad, on this - continent, as well as on the islands of the sea; for by this - principle, and by a concentration of action, shall we be able to - carry into effect the purposes of our God. -</p> -<p> From the Elders abroad we receive the most cheering accounts. - Wherever the faithful laborer has gone forth weeping, sowing the - seed of truth, he has returned with joy, bringing his sheaves with - him; and the information we receive from all quarters is that the - laborers are few and that the harvest is great. Many wealthy and - influential people have embraced the Gospel, so that not only - will the poor rejoice in that they are exalted, but the rich in - that they are made low. The calls to the Southern States are - indeed great; many places which a short time ago would think it - a disgrace to give shelter to a "Mormon," on account of the many - misrepresentations which were abroad, now desire to hear an Elder - of the Church of the Latter-day Saints. -</p> -<p> On the islands of the sea, namely, Great Britain, there continues - to be a steady flow of souls into the Church. Branches have been - organized in many large and populous cities, and the whole land - appears to be thirsting for the pure streams of knowledge and - salvation. -</p> -<p> The Twelve have already printed a new edition of the hymn-book, and - they issue a monthly periodical in that land. Several families have - already arrived here from England, and a number more are on their - way to this place, and are expected this fall. -</p> -<p> If the work rolls forth with the same rapidity it has heretofore - done, we may soon expect to see flocking to this place, people - from every land and from every nation; the polished European, the - degraded Hottentot, and the shivering Laplander; 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. -</p> -<p> It was in consideration of these things, and that a home might be - provided for the Saints, that induced us to purchase the present - city for a place of gathering for the Saints, and the extensive - tract of land on <span class="pagenum"><a name="214"></a>{214}</span> 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. -</p> -<p> The good spirit which is manifested on this occasion, the desire to - do good, and the zeal for the honor of the Church, inspires us with - confidence that we shall not appeal in vain, but that funds will be - forthcoming on this occasion, sufficient to meet the necessities of - the case. -</p> -<p> It is with great pleasure that we have to inform the Church that - another edition of the Book of Mormon has been printed, and - which is expected on from Cincinnati in a short time; and that - arrangements are making for printing the Book of Doctrine and - Covenants, hymn-book, &c.; so that the demand which may exist for - these works will soon be supplied. -</p> -<p> In conclusion we would say, brethren and sisters, be faithful, be - diligent, contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the - Saints; let every man, woman and child realize the importance of - the work, and act as if success depended on his individual exertion - alone; let all feel an interest in it, and then consider they live - in a day, the contemplation of which animated the bosoms of kings, - Prophets, and righteous men thousands of years ago—the prospect - of which inspired their sweetest notes, and most exalted lays, and - caused them to break out in such rapturous strains as are recorded - in the Scriptures; and by and by we will have to exclaim, in the - language of inspiration— -</p><blockquote> -<p class="poetry"> The Lord has brought again Zion,<br> - The Lord hath redeemed His people Israel.<br> -</p></blockquote></blockquote> -<p><em>Tuesday, October 6</em>. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Minutes of a General Conference in England</em>. -</p> -<p> Minutes of a general conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of - Latter-day Saints, held at Carpenter's Hall, Manchester, Tuesday, - the 6th day of October, 1840, it being the first day of the seventh - month of the eleventh year of the Church; when the following - officers of the Traveling High Council were present, viz.: Elders - Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Orson Pratt, Willard Richards, - Wilford Woodruff, and George A. Smith; other officers: High Priests - 5, Elders 19, Priests 28, Teachers 4, and Deacons 2. -</p> -<p> The meeting being called to order at 10 o'clock by Elder Brigham - Young, <span class="pagenum"><a name="215"></a>{215}</span> it was moved by Elder Young, seconded by Elder Woodruff, - that Elder Orson Pratt be president off the conference, which was - carried unanimously. Elder George Walker was chosen clerk. -</p> -<p> After singing, and prayer by the president, the following - statistical report was read: -</p> -<table> -<tr><td>Conferences and Branches.</td><td>Members.</td><td>Elders.</td><td>Priests.</td><td>Teachers.</td><td>Deacons.</td></tr> -<tr><td>Preston Conference (including all the branches in the care of Elders Melling and Withnall) as represented by Elder Melling</td><td>665</td><td>18</td><td>23</td><td>11</td><td>2</td></tr> -<tr><td>Potteries were represented by Elder Alfred Cordon</td><td>248</td><td>9</td><td>32</td><td>9</td><td>9</td></tr> -<tr><td>Birmingham Branch, represented by Elder Alfred Cordon</td><td>4</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr> -<tr><td>West Bromwich, represented by Elder Alfred Cordon</td><td>21</td><td></td><td>3</td><td>1</td><td></td></tr> -<tr><td>Clitheroe Conference, represented by Thomas Smith</td><td>295</td><td>10</td><td>11</td><td>9</td><td>3</td></tr> -<tr><td>Herefordshire, &c., represented by Thoedore Curtis</td><td>1007</td><td>19</td><td>78</td><td>15</td><td>1</td></tr> -<tr><td>Glasgow, and regions round about, represented by Samuel Mulliner</td><td>492</td><td>8</td><td>7</td><td>5</td><td>3</td></tr> -<tr><td>Hilsboro Branch, Ireland, represented by Theodore Curtis</td><td>5</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr> -<tr><td>Isle of Man Branch, represented by Hiram Clark</td><td>6</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr> -<tr><td>Liverpool Conference, represented by Priest William Mitchell</td><td>100</td><td>3</td><td>4</td><td>2</td><td>1</td></tr> -<tr><td>London Branch, represented by Elder Heber C. Kimball</td><td>11</td><td></td><td>2</td><td></td><td></td></tr> -<tr><td>Macclesfield, represented by Priest I. Brown</td><td>71</td><td></td><td>6</td><td>2</td><td>2</td></tr> -<tr><td>Altrincham Conference, (including Middlewich, Nortwich, and Peover,) represented by Elder William Berry</td><td>82</td><td>1</td><td>3</td><td>3</td><td>3</td></tr> -<tr><td>Bedford Branch, represented by Elder Brigham Young</td><td>36</td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td></td><td></td></tr> -<tr><td>Stockport, represented by Elder Martin Littlewood</td><td>140</td><td>2</td><td>5</td><td>2</td><td>1</td></tr> -<tr><td>Bolton, represented by Priest Barroes</td><td>61</td><td></td><td>2</td><td>1</td><td></td></tr> -<tr><td>Duckinfield, represented by Elder Albiston</td><td>76</td><td>1</td><td>3</td><td>1</td><td></td></tr> -<tr><td>Edinburg Conference, represented by Orson Pratt</td><td>43</td><td></td><td>2</td><td></td><td></td></tr> -<tr><td>Pendlebury Branch, represented by Henry Royle</td><td>36</td><td></td><td>2</td><td></td><td></td></tr> -<tr><td>Eccles, represented by Brother E. Leather</td><td>13</td><td></td><td>3</td><td></td><td></td></tr> -<tr><td>Whitefield, represented by Elder Walker Johnson</td><td>39</td><td>1</td><td>2</td><td>3</td><td></td></tr> -<tr><td>Ratcliffe, represented by John Allen</td><td>16</td><td>1</td><td>2</td><td></td><td></td></tr> -<tr><td>Brampton, represented by Thomas Tweddle</td><td>40</td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td></td></tr> -<tr><td>Alston, represented by John Sanders</td><td>39</td><td>2</td><td>1</td><td>2</td><td></td></tr> -<tr><td>Newcastle-upon-Tyne, represented by Amos Fielding</td><td>6</td><td></td><td>2</td><td>1</td><td></td></tr> -<tr><td>Manchester, represented by Brigham Young</td><td>364</td><td>4</td><td>27</td><td>6</td><td>1</td></tr> -<tr><td>Ancrum, represented by Orson Pratt</td><td>9</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr> - -</table> -<p> The president brought before the conference the subject of - ordinations, and after various observations thereon, it was - proposed by Elder George A. Smith, that for the future, ordinations - be not attended to, except by the Traveling High Council or under - such restrictions as they may adopt in reference thereto. Elder - Young spoke on the subject of conferences, and also with respect - of restricting ordination; and after taking into consideration the - great expense attendant upon holding general conferences, and the - inconvenience experienced by members attending them, suggested, - that for the future, general conferences should in a great measure - be done away with, or restricted to the Traveling High Council to - hold conferences at such places and times as they may think proper. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="216"></a>{216}</span> The meeting adjourned at 12 o'clock. -</p> -<p> At 2 o'clock the meeting opened with prayer, after which Elder - Kimball spoke on the subject of Elders taking upon themselves the - responsibility of ordaining officers in this Church; after pointing - out the evils that might result therefrom, he proceeded to treat - upon the duty of members towards those who preside over them in - the Lord, and respecting the members administering to the temporal - necessities of those whose calling it is to labor amongst them in - spiritual things. -</p> -<p> Moved by Elder Willard Richards, seconded by Elder Thomas Smith, - and carried unanimously, that all ordinations be confined to or - under the regulations of the Traveling High Council. -</p> -<p> Elder Young called the attention of the conference to the case of - Emma Bolton, a sister from the Potteries, who had conducted herself - disorderly. Elder Johnson and others spoke of several cases of - improper conduct on her part; after which it was moved by Elder - Young, seconded by Elder Kimball, and carried unanimously, that - Emma Bolton be cut off from the Church. -</p> -<p> The president [of the conference, Elder Orson Pratt], then called - the attention of the conference to a letter from Isaac Brown and - other officers of the Church at Macclesfield, concerning Elder - Heath, and also to some half a dozen charges preferred by the said - Isaac Brown, James Galley, Edward Horrocks, and John Horrocks, - against the said Samuel Heath, for several items of misconduct, and - neglecting the duties of his office; to all of which charges Elder - Heath pleaded not guilty. The complainants then entered into proof - of the several items, to which Elder Heath replied by stating that - the charges against him were in consequence of a misunderstanding, - &c. The proceedings opened a wide field for instruction from Elder - Young, followed by the president, who recommended the parties - to become reconciled to each other, stating that he did not - consider the charges preferred against Elder Heath sufficiently - substantiated to withdraw fellowship from him; when it was moved - and seconded, that no further proceeding be taken on this subject; - carried unanimously. -</p> -<p> The conference then adjourned till 7 o'clock. p. m. -</p> -<p> At 7 o'clock the meeting was opened with prayer. -</p> -<p> The president having made such preliminary remarks as the - importance of the subject called forth, proceeded to call upon - those who were willing to volunteer their services to labor in the - vineyard of the Lord, when the officers gave their names as follows: -</p> -<p> High Priests—Hiram Clark, Thomas Smith, Alfred Cordon, Thomas - Kington, Orson Pratt, Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Willard - Richards, Wilford Woodruff, George A. Smith. -</p> -<p> Elders—George D. Watt, John Parkinson, David Moss, Martin <span class="pagenum"><a name="217"></a>{217}</span> - Littlewood, William Parr, Samuel Heath, John Sanders, Theodore - Curtis, Henry Royle, Thomas Tweddle, John Leigh, Amos Fielding, - Thomas Richardson. -</p> -<p> Priests—William Snailam, William Speakman, John Needham, James - Mahon, Frederick Cook, Robert Crooks, William Mitchell, William - Black, Robert Williams, William Jones, Thomas Pollitt, Richard - Steele, John Burns, Joseph Knowles, Richard Benson, John Wyche, - William Roylance, Joseph Street, Joseph White. -</p> -<p> Moved, seconded, and carried, that Elder George D. Watt go to - Edinburgh; Elder Alfred Cordon to Birmingham, and also take charge - of the Staffordshire Potteries Conference, and that John Burns, - Priest, go with him. -</p> -<p> Elder Thomas Kington to take charge of the Herefordshire - Conferences as heretofore, also Garway; and William Snailam and - Joseph Knowles, Priests, to accompany him. -</p> -<p> Robert Crooks, Priest, to go to Bolton; Thomas Richardson, Elder, - and John Needham, Priest, to go to Herefordshire; Elder Hiram Clark - to go to the Isle of Man; Elder Thomas Tweddle to Glasgow; Elder - John Sanders to labor at Alston, and go to Carlisle as soon as - practicable. -</p> -<p> Elder Amos Fielding to go to Newcastle-upon-Tyne; Elder John - Parkinson to Greenock; Elder Henry Royle and Frederick Cook, - Priest, to Cly in Flintshire; William Mitchell, Priest, to Leeds; - Elder Thomas Smith to remain at Clitheroe; Elder John Leigh, and - James Mahon, Priest, to go to Arden, Cheshire, and Joseph White - and Richard Steele, Priests, to labor under the direction of Elder - Cordon. -</p> -<p> Elder John Smith to be ordained High Priest, to take charge of - the church in Manchester and the regions round about: Elder Peter - Melling to take charge of the church as heretofore, in connection - with Elder H. Withnall; and John Wyche, Priest, to go into - Staffordshire, and labor under the direction of Alfred Cordon. -</p> -<p> Moved and seconded, that the remainder of the officers who have - volunteered, be left to the Traveling High Council to dispose of, - and appoint to such places as they may judge expedient; carried. -</p> -<p> Moved and seconded, that in consequence of there not being time to - transact all the business of this conference, the ordination of - officers be left to the Traveling High Council to ordain from time - to time such members as they may consider requisite; carried. -</p> -<p> Elder Young then addressed the meeting on the propriety of - establishing a fund for the support and clothing of such members - as may from time to time be called out to labor in the vineyard, - and whose circumstances may require that their necessities may be - administered unto. The president then addressed the meeting on - the same subject, <span class="pagenum"><a name="218"></a>{218}</span> and pointed out the difference between - preaching for money and the Elders having their necessities - ministered unto, while they are called to labor "without taking - thought for the morrow." Elder Richards followed upon the same - subject; also Elder Kimball; after which Elder Young moved, that - wherever a branch of the Church is established, two members be - appointed to receive the weekly voluntary contributions of the - members, for promoting the spread of the Gospel, and the same to be - disposed of by the vote of the church in council with the Twelve - Apostles; seconded by Elder George A. Smith, and carried. -</p> -<p> The minutes were then read and accepted, and the conference - adjourned <em>sine die</em>. -</p> -<p> Orson Pratt, President, -</p> -<p> George Walker, Secretary. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Thursday, 8</em>. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Minutes of Council of the Twelve in England</em>. -</p> -<p> Minutes of a Council of the Twelve, viz., Brigham Young, Heber - C. Kimball, Orson Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, George A. Smith, and - Willard Richards; also Hiram Clark, and Reuben Hedlock, High - Priests, at the house of Willard Richards, No. 1, Chapman Street, - Manchester; Brigham Young presiding. -</p> -<p> Moved by Elder Kimball, that Elder Willard Richards take charge - of the <em>Millennial Star</em>, seconded and carried. Voted that our - publishing office be removed to London as soon as circumstances - will permit; and that Elders Hedlock and Curtis go where they - please to labor. -</p> -<p> Willard Richards, Clerk. -</p></blockquote> -<h3>Footnotes: -</h3> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERXIfn1"></a><a href="#CHAPTERXIfn1">1</a>. The foregoing is an editorial in the <em>Times and Seasons</em> for -September, 1840. -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERXIfn2"></a><a href="#CHAPTERXIfn2">2</a>. A discourse on the same subject to the Twelve will be found in vol. -iii, p. 385, <em>et seq</em>. -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERXIfn3"></a><a href="#CHAPTERXIfn3">3</a>. This is the report referred to in the conference minutes. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="219"></a>{219}</span> -</p> - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTERXII"></a>CHAPTER XII. -</h2> -<p class="chapterHeading">Progress of the Work in Great Britain—The Saints at Kirtland Reproved -for Their Course During the Missouri Persecutions—The Prophet's -Address to the Twelve and Saints in Great Britain. -</p> -<p><em>Saturday, October 10</em>.—Elder George A. Smith returned to London, and -was soon followed by Elder Woodruff. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Charges against Oliver Walker. -</p> -<p>David Fulmer preferred a charge against Oliver Walker "for reporting -certain slanderous stories of a fallacious and calumniating nature, -calculated to stigmatize, and raise a persecution against the Church -and individuals in it, in this place, [Nauvoo], and for other acts -of unchristianlike conduct," before the High Council at Nauvoo. The -defendant pleaded that "he was not prepared to meet the charge, it -being too indefinite." Council adjourned till next day. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 11</em>.—High Council met according to adjournment. The charge -against Oliver Walker was taken up, and the following substituted for -the first charge: -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Minutes of the High Council</em>. -</p> -<p> <em>To the High Council of the Church of Jesus Christ at Nauvoo</em>: -</p> -<p> For and in behalf of said Church, I prefer a charge against Elder - Oliver Walker, for several different offenses hereinafter set - forth, as said to be by him done, performed, said, and committed, - as well as various duties omitted, all of which was done at - different times, periods, places, and seasons, subsequent to - September 1st, A. D. 1838, to-wit.: -</p> -<p> For a general course of procedure, of acts, doings, and words, - and suggestions by him, the said Elder Oliver Walker, done, - performed, said, spoken, hinted at, and suggested, both directly - and indirectly, and <span class="pagenum"><a name="220"></a>{220}</span> as calculated to be derogatory to the - character of the heads and leaders of the Church, and extremely - injurious and hurtful to the upbuilding, welfare, being, and - advancement of the same, namely, for fleeing from, quitting, and - deserting the society, ranks, and needs of his brethren, in times - of difficulty with, and danger from their enemies, "the mob;" - restraining from the use of his brethren, his influence, efforts, - and needful assistance, at such times of need; as also for joining - with, and strengthening the hands, will, evil pursuits, and designs - of the mob, and Gentile enemies of the Church, by expressions, - hints, and suggestions of wavering and dubious nature, respecting - the faith and order of the Church, and of the professed calling, - qualifications, proceedings, &c., of Joseph Smith, Jun., as a Seer, - Prophet, and one called to bring to light the fullness of the - Gospel, &c., in these last days. -</p> -<p> Likewise for advancing ideas, notions, or opinions, that the - different orders or sects, namely, Methodists and others, could by - a pursuit in their faith, order, and pursuits, as readily obtain - every celestial attainment and Gospel advantage, as they could by - embracing and pursuing the system brought forth by Joseph Smith, - Jun., in these last days. -</p> -<p> And moreover for suggesting within the last six months, at Alton, - Nauvoo, intermediate and adjacent places, that in the Church at - Nauvoo there did exist a set of pilferers, who were actually - thieving, robbing, plundering, taking and unlawfully carrying away - from Missouri, certain goods and chattels, wares and property; - and that the act and acts of such supposed thieving, &c., was - fostered and conducted by the knowledge and approbation of the - heads and leaders of the Church, viz., by the Presidency and High - Council; all of which items set forth as aforesaid, together with - any and all corroborating acts, doings, hints, expressions, and - suggestions in any way belonging to, or connected with, any or all - of the aforesaid accusations, he, the said Oliver Walker, is hereby - notified to prepare to defend in said trial. -</p> -<p> Dated October 11, 1840, Nauvoo. -</p> -<p> David Fulmer. -</p> -<p> Walker pleaded that he was not prepared to defend himself, and the - trial was deferred at his request till April conference. -</p> -<p> <em>Letter of Heber C. Kimball et al. to Messrs. Ebenezer Robinson and - Don Carlos Smith—Reporting Affairs in the British Mission</em>. -</p> -<p> Manchester, England, October 12, 1840. -</p> -<p> <em>Messrs. Ebenezer Robinson, and Don Carlos Smith</em>: -</p> -<p> Dear Brethren:—We left Manchester immediately after the July <span class="pagenum"><a name="221"></a>{221}</span> - conference, for the purpose of visiting the city of London. We - visited the churches which lay on our route through Staffordshire, - Herefordshire, Worcestershire, and Gloucestershire; and we had many - interesting meetings, baptizing and confirming daily, as we passed - along. We baptized forty in one day; many new doors were opening, - and all things indicated a short work in England. -</p> -<p> The last meeting we held among the Saints while on this journey, - was in a field in Leigh, Gloucestershire, on the 16th of August. - We had an interesting time; we baptized fifteen, and ordained one - Elder and two Priests. Two Methodist priests came twelve miles to - hear; we baptized them after the first sermon, and confirmed and - ordained them at the same time, and sent them to preach the Gospel. - We parted with the Saints there on the 17th, went to Cheltenham, - (five miles), and spent the night. There were several Saints in - that place. -</p> -<p> On the 18th we took coach and rode forty miles, through a level - farming country, something like Illinois prairie; we passed through - Oxfordshire, leaving the Oxford University a little upon our left. - This university consists of twenty colleges endowed, and five - halls not endowed; and is considered the largest and most noted - university in the world. We then took the railroad and traveled - seventy miles, had a splendid view of Windsor Castle as we passed - along. We landed at the London terminus of the Great Western - Railway at 4 o'clock in the evening. From thence we took coach and - rode a few miles into the city; we walked over London Bridge, and - called upon Mr. Allgood, 19 King Street, Borough. Mrs. Allgood is - sister to Elder Theodore Turley's wife; she treated us kindly, gave - us such refreshments as we needed, and directed us to lodgings in - the neighborhood, where we spent the night. -</p> -<p> After which we immediately commenced our researches through this - great metropolis, for the honest in heart and the meek of the - earth. We first commenced by visiting the ministers and preachers - of the various orders, and requested the privilege of delivering - our message unto the people in their churches and chapels; but of - course you will not be astonished when we inform you that they - denied us this privilege, and rejected our testimony. -</p> -<p> We went to and fro through the city of London, from day to day, - endeavoring to get some door open whereby we could warn the - people and search out the honest in heart; when on diligent - search we found the whole city given to covetousness, (which is - idolatry), priestcraft, tradition, superstition, and all manner - of abominations, wickedness and uncleanness; and all doors closed - against us. -</p> -<p> We did not hesitate to stand in the midst of the streets, and, - Jonah like, cry repentance unto the inhabitants of that mighty - city—the <span class="pagenum"><a name="222"></a>{222}</span> metropolis of England—the pride and glory of - Britain—the boast of the Gentiles, and the largest commercial city - in the world—containing over one million five hundred thousand - souls, who are ripening in iniquity and preparing for the wrath of - God; and like the ox going to the slaughter, know not the day of - their visitation. -</p> -<p> We shall long remember standing together in the midst of that - people, and bearing a message which will prove a savor of life unto - life, or of death unto death, not only unto them, but unto all - those unto whom the sound of the everlasting Gospel shall come; - even unto the whole world; and the judgment of the great day shall - manifest the truth of it unto all nations. And it will ever sweeten - the memory of that eventful period of our lives, to know that our - labors, on that occasion, were not in vain; but we were enabled - through toil, labor, diligent search, perseverance, and the great - mercy of God, to find some of the blood of Ephraim—a few honest - souls who were willing to receive and obey the Gospel; and that we - were enabled to lay the foundation of a work in the city of London, - which will not be removed until the city is warned, so that they - will be left without excuse; and the Saints gathered out to stand - in holy places, while judgment works. Until that time, the seed - which we have sown there, will bring forth fruit, and the fruit - will redound to the honor and glory of God. -</p> -<p> We have baptized eleven only, in the city of London, but through - the faith and the mercy of God, we ere long expect a harvest of - souls in that place; but we are willing to acknowledge, that in - our travels, either in America or Europe, we have never before - found a people, from whose minds we have had to remove a greater - multiplicity of objections, or combination of obstacles, in order - to excite an interest in the subject and prepare the heart for the - reception of the word of God, than in the city of London. -</p> -<p> While conversing with the common people concerning the Gospel, we - found their highest attainments to be, "Why, I go to church or - chapel and get my children christened, what more is necessary?" - When we conversed with the learned, we found them too wise to be - taught, and too much established in the traditions of their fathers - to expect any change in the last days. While conversing with the - ministers of the various orders of the day, upon the principles of - the Gospel, they would inform us that the ancient order of things - was done away, and no longer needed; and some of them had preached - forty years the good old religion, and God was with them, and they - needed no more revelation, or healing the sick, or anything as - manifest in the days of the Apostles, for we can get along without - them in this day of refinement, light and knowledge. -</p> -<p> When we arose to preach unto the people repentance, and baptism - <span class="pagenum"><a name="223"></a>{223}</span> for the remission of sins, the cry of "Baptist, Baptist," - would be rung in our ears. If we spoke of the Church and body of - Christ being composed of Prophets, and Apostles; as well as other - members, "Irvingites, Irvingites," would immediately dash into the - mind. If in the midst of our remarks, we even for once suffered the - saying to drop from our lips, "The testimony of Jesus is the spirit - of prophecy," "O, you belong to Johanna Southcote," would be heard - from several places at once. If we spoke of the second coming of - Christ, the cry would be, "Aitkenites." If we made mention of the - Priesthood, they would call us "Catholics." If we testified of the - ministering of angels, the people would reply, "The Irvingites have - their angels, and even the Duke of Normandy is ready to swear that - he has the administering of angels every night." -</p> -<p> These salutations, in connection with a multitude of others, of a - similar nature, continued to salute our ears from day to day, until - we were about ready to conclude that London had been such a perfect - depot of the systems of the nineteenth century, that it contained - six hundred three score and six different gods, gospels, redeemers, - plans of salvation, religions, churches, commandments, (essential - and non-essential), orders of preaching, roads to heaven and to - hell; and that this order of things had so affected the minds of - the people, that it almost required a horn to be blown from the - highest heavens, in order to awaken the attention of the people, - and prepare their minds to candidly hear and receive the doctrine - of one Gospel, one faith, one baptism, one Holy Ghost, one God, and - one plan of salvation, and that, such as Christ and the Apostles - preached. -</p> -<p> But notwithstanding this, we do not feel discouraged concerning a - work being perfected in London, but firmly believe that many souls - will embrace the fullness of the Gospel there, though it will be - through faith, diligence, perseverance, and prayer. -</p> -<p> Having spent twenty-three days together in this first mission - in the metropolis, and the time drawing near for our October - conference, Elder Woodruff left the city on the 10th of September - for the purpose of attending several conferences. He attended the - Bran Green and Gadfield Elm conference, held in Worcester on the - 14th of September, and also the Froomes Hill conference, held in - Herefordshire on the 21st of September. At these two conferences, - he heard represented, 40 branches of the Church, containing - 1,007 members, and 113 officers, viz., 19 Elders, 78 Priests, 15 - Teachers, and 1 Deacon; the whole of whom had received the fullness - of the Everlasting Gospel, and been baptized in less than seven - months in that part of the vineyard which he first opened in the - month of March; and the work is still progressing very rapidly - throughout that region; and among the number baptized <span class="pagenum"><a name="224"></a>{224}</span> there - have not been much less than one hundred preachers of various sects. -</p> -<p> He also attended the conference in the Staffordshire Potteries, - which met at Hanley on the 28th of September; where were - represented 231 members, 9 Elders, 32 Priests, 9 Teachers, and 9 - Deacons; most of whom received the work since our arrival there - last winter and spring. While he was attending these conferences, - Elders Kimball and George A. Smith continued their labors in London - until the first of October, at which time we met together again in - Staffordshire, and enjoyed each other's company while journeying - together to Manchester, where the quorum of the Traveling High - Council, with many Elders and Saints had the privilege of once more - sitting in a general conference together, on the 6th of October in - the Carpenter's Hall, where we heard represented 3,636 Saints, and - 383 official members. -</p> -<p> At the July conference there were 2,513 Saints, and 256 official - members, making an increase in three months of 1,113 Saints and 127 - official members, besides over 200 Saints, including many Elders, - Priests, Teachers and Deacons, who have emigrated to America; which - would make over 1,300 additions to the Church in Europe during the - last three months, and over two thousand since our conference in - Preston on the 15th of April; which representation at that time was - 1,671 Saints, and 132 official members. -</p> -<p> Thus you see the Lord hath given us an increase, and blessed the - labors of the servants of God universally in this land, for which - we feel thankful; and our constant prayer to God is that His - kingdom may roll forth, that the messengers bearing the everlasting - Gospel may be diligent, meek, and humble, not weary in well doing, - but waiting with patience for their reward, which lies at the end - of the race, that their joy may be full. -</p> -<p> Heber C. Kimball, -</p> -<p> Wilford Woodruff, -</p> -<p> George A. Smith. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Saturday, 17</em>.—A conference was held in Philadelphia, Elder Orson -Hyde presiding; 896 members were represented, including 24 Elders, 11 -Priests, 6 Teachers, 5 Deacons, in Pennsylvania, New York City, New -Jersey, and vicinity. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Remarkable Visions by Orson Pratt. -</p> -<p>Parley P. Pratt and family arrived in Manchester, and resumed the -editorial labors of the <em>Star</em>. Brother Orson Pratt has recently -published a pamphlet, entitled "An interesting account of several -Remarkable Visions, and of the late Discovery <span class="pagenum"><a name="225"></a>{225}</span> of Ancient American -Records," comprising 31 pages giving a brief sketch of the rise of the -Church. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, 19</em>. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Letter of Joseph and Hyrum Smith to the Saints in - Kirtland—Reproving the Saints for Neglect of their Brethren and - Sisters During the Missouri Persecutions</em>. -</p> -<p> Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, -</p> -<p> October 19th, 1840. -</p> -<p> <em>To the Saints in Kirtland, Ohio</em>: -</p> -<p> Dear beloved brethren in the kingdom and patience of Jesus - Christ:—We take this opportunity of informing you that we yet - remember the Saints scattered abroad in the regions of Kirtland, - and feel interested in their welfare as well as in that of the - Saints at large. We have beheld with feelings peculiar to ourselves - the situation of things in Kirtland and the numerous difficulties - to which the Saints have been subjected, by false friends as well - as open enemies. -</p> -<p> All these circumstances have more or less engaged our attention - from time to time. We likewise must complain of the brethren who - are in office and authority in the stake of Kirtland, for not - writing to us, and making known their difficulties and their - affairs from time to time, so that they might be advised in matters - of importance to the well being of said stake; but above all, for - not sending one word of consolation to us while we were in the - hands of our enemies, and thrust into dungeons. Some of our friends - from various sections sent us letters which breathed a kind and - sympathetic spirit, and which made our afflictions and sufferings - endurable. All was silent as the grave [from Kirtland]; no feelings - of sorrow, sympathy, or affection [was expressed] to cheer the - heart under the gloomy shades of affliction and trouble through - which we had to pass. -</p> -<p> Dear brethren, could you realize that your brethren were thus - circumstanced, and were to bear up under the weight of affliction - and woe which was heaped upon them by their enemies, and you stand - unmoved and unconcerned! Where were the bowels of compassion? - Where was the love which ought to characterize the Saints of the - Most High? Did those high born and noble feelings lie dormant, - or were you insensible to the treatment we received? However, we - are disposed to leave these things to God, and to futurity, and - feel disposed to forget this coldness on the part of the Saints - in Kirtland, and to look to the future with more pleasure than - while we contemplated the past; and shall by the assistance of our - heavenly Father, take such steps as we think best <span class="pagenum"><a name="226"></a>{226}</span> calculated - to promote the interests of the Saints, and for the promotion of - truth and righteousness, and the building up of the kingdom is - these last days. -</p> -<p> The situation of Kirtland was brought before the general - conference, held at this place on the 3rd instant, when it was - resolved that Elder Almon W. Babbitt should be appointed to preside - over the stake of Kirtland, and that he be privileged to choose his - own counselors. We therefore hope that the Saints will hold up the - hands of our beloved brother, and unite with him in endeavoring to - promote the interests of the kingdom. -</p> -<p> It has been deemed prudent to advise the eastern brethren who - desire to locate in Kirtland, to do so; consequently you may - expect an increase of members in your stake, who probably will be - but young in the faith, and who will require kind treatment. We - therefore hope the brethren will feel interested in the welfare of - the Saints, and will use all their endeavors to promote the welfare - of the brethren who may think proper to take up their residence in - that place. -</p> -<p> If you will put away from your midst all evil speaking, backbiting, - and ungenerous thoughts and feelings: humble yourselves, and - cultivate every principle of virtue and love, then will the - blessings of Jehovah rest upon you, and you will yet see good and - glorious days; peace will be within your gates, and prosperity in - your borders; which may our heavenly Father grant in the name of - Jesus Christ, is the prayer of yours in the bonds of the covenant, -</p> -<p> Joseph Smith, -</p> -<p> Hyrum Smith. -</p> -<p> An Epistle of the Prophet to the Twelve. -</p> -<p> <em>To the Traveling High Council and Elders of the Church of Jesus - Christ of Latter-day Saints in Great Britain</em>: -</p> -<p> Beloved Brethren:—May grace, mercy, and peace rest upon you - from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Having several - communications lying before me from my brethren the Twelve, some - of which ere this have merited a reply, but from the multiplicity - of business which necessarily engages my attention, I have delayed - communicating with you to the present time. -</p> -<p> Be assured, beloved brethren, that I am no disinterested observer - of the things which are transpiring on the face of the whole earth; - and amidst the general movements which are in progress, none is - of more importance than the glorious work in which you are now - engaged; consequently I feel some anxiety on your account, that you - may by your virtue, faith, diligence and charity commend yourselves - to one another, <span class="pagenum"><a name="227"></a>{227}</span> to the Church of Christ, and to your Father - who is in heaven; by whose grace you have been called to so holy - a calling; and be enabled to perform the great and responsible - duties which rest upon you. And I can assure you, that from the - information I have received, I feel satisfied that you have not - been remiss in your duty; but that your diligence and faithfulness - have been such as must secure you the smiles of that God whose - servant you are, and also the good will of the Saints throughout - the world. -</p> -<p> The spread of the Gospel throughout England is certainly pleasing; - the contemplation of which cannot but afford feelings of no - ordinary kind, in the bosom of those who have borne the heat and - burden of the day; and who were its firm supporters and strenuous - advocates in infancy, while surrounded with circumstances the most - unpropitious, and its destruction threatened on all hands; like the - gallant bark that has braved the storm unhurt, spreads her canvas - to the breeze, and nobly cuts her way through the yielding wave, - more conscious than ever of the strength of her timbers, and the - experience and capability of her captain, pilot, and crew. -</p> -<p> It is likewise very satisfactory to my mind, that there has been - such a good understanding between you, and that the Saints have so - cheerfully hearkened to council, and vied with each other in this - labor of love, and in the promotion of truth and righteousness. - This is as it should be in the Church of Jesus Christ; unity is - strength. "How pleasing it is for brethren to dwell together - in unity!" Let the Saints of the Most High ever cultivate this - principle, and the most glorious blessings must result, not only - to them individually, but to the whole Church—the order of the - kingdom will be maintained, its officers respected, and its - requirements readily and cheerfully obeyed. -</p> -<p> Love is one of the chief characteristics of Deity, and ought to - be manifested by those who aspire to be the sons of God. A man - filled with the love of God, is not content with blessing his - family alone, but ranges through the whole world, anxious to bless - the whole human race. This has been your feeling, and caused you - to forego the pleasures of home, that you might be a blessing to - others, who are candidates for immortality, but strangers to truth, - and for so doing, I pray that heaven's choicest blessings may rest - upon you. -</p> -<p> Being requested to give my advice respecting the propriety of your - returning in the spring, I will do so willingly. I have reflected - on the subject some time, and am of the opinion that it would be - wisdom in you to make preparations to leave the scene of your - labors in the spring. Having carried the testimony to that land, - and numbers having received it, the leaven can now spread without - your being obliged to stay. -</p> -<p> Another thing—there have been whisperings of the Spirit that <span class="pagenum"><a name="228"></a>{228}</span> - there will be some agitations, excitements, and trouble in the - land in which you are now laboring. I would therefore say, in the - meantime be diligent: organize the churches, and let everyone stand - in his proper place, so that those who cannot come with you in the - spring, may not be left as sheep without a shepherd. -</p> -<p> I would likewise observe, that inasmuch as this place has been - appointed for the gathering of the Saints, it is necessary that it - should be attended to in the order that the Lord intends it should. - To this end I would say, that as there are great numbers of the - Saints in England who are extremely poor, and not accustomed to - the farming business, who must have certain preparations made for - them before they can support themselves in this country, therefore - to prevent confusion and disappointment when they arrive here, - let those men who are accustomed to make machinery, and those who - can command capital, though it be small, come here as soon as - convenient, and put up machinery, and make such other preparations - as may be necessary, so that when the poor come on, they may have - employment to come to. This place has advantages for manufacturing - and commercial purposes, which but very few can boast of; and - the establishing of cotton factories, foundries, potteries, &c., - would be the means of bringing in wealth, and raising it to a very - important elevation. -</p> -<p> I need not occupy more space on this subject, as its reasonableness - must be obvious to every mind. -</p> -<p> In my former epistle I told you my mind respecting the printing of - the Book of Mormon, hymn-book, &c. I have been favored by receiving - a hymn-book from you, and as far as I have examined it, I highly - approve of it, and think it to be a very valuable collection. I am - informed that the Book of Mormon is likewise printed, which I am - glad to hear, and should be pleased to hear that it was printed - in all the different languages of the earth. You can use your own - pleasure respecting the printing of the Doctrine and Covenants. If - there is a great demand for it, I have no objections, but would - rather encourage it. -</p> -<p> I can say, that as far as I have been made acquainted with your - movements, I am perfectly satisfied that they have been in wisdom; - and I have no doubt, but that the Spirit of the Lord has directed - you; and this proves to my mind that you have been humble, and your - desires have been for the salvation of your fellow man, and not - for your own aggrandizement, and selfish interests. As long as the - Saints manifest such a disposition, their counsels will be approved - of, and their exertions crowned with success. -</p> -<p> There are many things of much importance, on which you ask counsel, - but which I think you will be perfectly able to decide upon, as - you are more conversant with the peculiar circumstances than I am; - and I <span class="pagenum"><a name="229"></a>{229}</span> feel great confidence in your united wisdom; therefore - you will excuse me for not entering into detail. If I should see - anything that is wrong, I would take the privilege of making known - my mind to you, and pointing out the evil. -</p> -<p> If Elder Parley P. Pratt should wish to remain in England some - time longer than the rest of the Twelve, he will feel himself at - liberty to do so, as his family are with him, consequently his - circumstances are somewhat different from the rest; and likewise - it is necessary that someone should remain who is conversant with - the rules and regulations of the Church, and continue the paper - which is published. Consequently, taking all these things into - consideration, I would not press it upon Brother Pratt to return in - the spring. -</p> -<p> I am happy to inform you that we are prospering in this place, - and that the Saints are more healthy than formerly; and from the - decrease of sickness this season, when compared with the last, I am - led to the conclusion that this must eventually become a healthy - place. There are at present about 3,000 inhabitants in Nauvoo, - and numbers are flocking in daily. Several stakes have been set - off in different parts of the country, which are in prosperous - circumstances. -</p> -<p> Provisions are much lower than when you left. Flour is about $4 - per barrel. Corn and potatoes about 25 cents per bushel; and other - things in proportion. There has been a very plentiful harvest - throughout the Union. -</p> -<p> You will observe, by the <em>Times and Seasons</em>, that we are about - building a temple for the worship of our God in this place. - Preparations are now making; every tenth day is devoted by the - brethren for quarrying rock, &c. We have secured one of the most - lovely situations for it in this region of country. It is expected - to be considerably larger than the one in Kirtland, and on a more - magnificent scale, and which will undoubtedly attract the attention - of the great men of the earth. -</p> -<p> We have a bill before the legislature for the incorporation of - the city of Nauvoo, and for the establishment of a seminary of - learning, and other purposes—which I expect will pass in a short - time. -</p> -<p> You will also receive intelligence of the death of my father; which - event, although painful to the family and to the Church generally, - yet the sealing testimony of the truth of the work of the Lord was - indeed satisfactory. Brother Hyrum succeeds him as Patriarch of the - Church, according to his last directions and benedictions.<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERXIIfn1"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERXIIfn1">1</a>]</sup> -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="230"></a>{230}</span> Several persons of eminence and distinction in society have - joined the Church and become obedient to the faith; and I am happy - to inform you that the work is spreading very fast upon this - continent. Some of the brethren are now in New Orleans, and we - expect a large gathering from the south. I have had the pleasure of - welcoming about one hundred brethren who came with Brother Turley; - the remainder I am informed stayed in Kirtland, not having means to - get any further. I think that those who came here this fall, did - not take the best possible route, or the least expensive. Most of - the brethren have obtained employment of one kind or another, and - appear tolerably well contented, and seem disposed to hearken to - counsel. -</p> -<p> Brothers Robinson and Smith lately had a letter from Elders - Kimball, Smith and Woodruff, which gave us information of the - commencement of the work of the Lord in the city of London, which - I was glad to hear. I am likewise informed that Elders have gone - to Australia and to the East Indies. I feel desirous that every - providential opening of the kind should be filled, and that you - should, prior to your leaving England, send the Gospel into as many - parts as you possibly can. -</p> -<p> Beloved brethren, you must be aware in some measure of my feelings, - when I contemplate the great work which is now rolling on, and - the relationship which I sustain to it, while it is extending to - distant lands, and thousands are embracing it. I realize in some - measure my responsibility, and the need I have of support from - above, and wisdom from on high, that I may be able to teach this - people, which have now become a great people, the principles of - righteousness, and lead them agreeably to the will of Heaven; so - that they may be perfected, and prepared to meet the Lord Jesus - Christ when He shall appear in great glory. Can I rely on your - prayers to our heavenly Father on my behalf, and on all the prayers - of all my brethren and sisters in England, (whom having not seen, - yet I love), that I may be enabled to escape every stratagem of - Satan, surmount every difficulty, and bring this people to the - enjoyment of those blessings which are reserved for the righteous? - I ask this at your hands in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. -</p> -<p> Let the Saints remember that great things depend on their - individual exertion, and that they are called to be co-workers with - us and the Holy Spirit in accomplishing the great work of the last - days; and in consideration of the extent, the blessings and glories - of the same, let <span class="pagenum"><a name="231"></a>{231}</span> every selfish feeling be not only buried, - but annihilated; and let love to God and man predominate, and - reign triumphant in every mind, that their hearts may become like - unto Enoch's of old, and comprehend all things, present, past and - future, and come behind in no gift, waiting for the coming of the - Lord Jesus Christ. -</p> -<p> The work in which we are unitedly engaged is one of no ordinary - kind. The enemies we have to contend against are subtle and well - skilled in maneuvering; it behooves us to be on the alert to - concentrate our energies, and that the best feelings should exist - in our midst; and then, by the help of the Almighty, we shall go - on from victory to victory, and from conquest to conquest; our - evil passions will be subdued, our prejudices depart; we shall - find no room in our bosoms for hatred; vice will hide its deformed - head, and we shall stand approved in the sight of heaven, and be - acknowledged the sons of God. -</p> -<p> Let us realize that we are not to live to ourselves, but to God; by - so doing the greatest blessings will rest upon us both in time and - in eternity. -</p> -<p> I presume the doctrine of "baptism for the dead" has ere this - reached your ears, and may have raised some inquiries in your minds - respecting the same. I cannot in this letter give you all the - information you may desire on the subject; but aside from knowledge - independent of the Bible, I would say that it was certainly - practiced by the ancient churches; and St. Paul endeavors to prove - the doctrine of the resurrection from the same, and says, "Else - what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead - rise not at all? Why are they then baptized for the dead?" -</p> -<p> I first mentioned the doctrine in public when preaching the funeral - sermon of Brother Seymour Brunson; and have since then given - general instructions in the Church on the subject. The Saints have - the privilege of being baptized for those of their relatives who - are dead, whom they believe would have embraced the Gospel, if they - had been privileged with hearing it, and who have received the - Gospel in the spirit, through the instrumentality of those who have - been commissioned to preach to them while in prison. -</p> -<p> Without enlarging on the subject, you will undoubtedly see its - consistency and reasonableness; and it presents the Gospel of - Christ in probably a more enlarged scale than some have imagined - it. But as the performance of this rite is more particularly - confined to this place, it will not be necessary to enter into - particulars; at the same time I always feel glad to give all the - information in my power, but my space will not allow me to do it. -</p> -<p> We had a letter from Elder Hyde, a few days ago, who is in New - Jersey, and is expecting to leave for England as soon as Elder Page - <span class="pagenum"><a name="232"></a>{232}</span> reaches him. He requested to know if converted Jews are to go - to Jerusalem or to come to Zion. I therefore wish you to inform him - that converted Jews must come here. -</p> -<p> Give my kind love to all the brethren and sisters, and tell them I - should have been pleased to come over to England to see them, but I - am afraid that I shall be under the necessity of remaining here for - some time; therefore I give them a pressing invitation to come and - see me. -</p> -<p> I remain, dear brethren, yours affectionately, -</p> -<p> Joseph Smith. -</p></blockquote> -<h3>Footnotes: -</h3> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERXIIfn1"></a><a href="#CHAPTERXIIfn1">1</a>. The last "directions and benedictions" of the Patriarch Joseph -Smith, Sen., here referred to, are stated by "Mother Lucy Smith" in her -book, "History of the Prophet Joseph" as follows: -</p> -<p>"My son Hyrum, I seal upon your head your patriarchal blessing, which I -placed upon your head before, for that shall be verified. In addition -to this, I now give you my dying blessing. You shall have a season of -peace, so that you shall have sufficient rest to accomplish the work -which God has given you to do. You shall be as firm as the pillars -of heaven unto the end of your days. I now seal upon your head the -patriarchal power, and you shall bless the people. This is my dying -blessing upon your head in the name of Jesus. Amen."—<em>History of the -Prophet Joseph Smith</em>, p. 266. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="233"></a>{233}</span> -</p> - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTERXIII"></a>Chapter XIII. -</h2> -<p class="chapterHeading">Introduction of the Gospel in the Isle of Man—The Nauvoo Charter. -</p> -<p><em>Wednesday, October 21, 1840</em>.—Elder Lorenzo Snow arrived in -Manchester, England, from Nauvoo. -</p> -<p><em>Thursday, 22</em>.—The committee appointed by the general conference of -the Church at Nauvoo on the 3rd inst., (my brother Hyrum presiding) -organized a Stake at Lima this evening, by appointing Isaac Morley, -president; John Murdock and Walter Cox, his counselors; also a Bishop's -Court composed of Gardner Snow, Clark Hulet and Henry Dean, with James -C. Snow, clerk. -</p> -<p><em>Friday, 23</em>.—Gardner Snow was ordained Bishop under the hands of -Hyrum Smith. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 25</em>.—The committee organized a Stake at Quincy. The -presidency were Daniel Stanton, Stephen Jones and Ezra T. Benson; the -latter was ordained a High Priest; also bishop and counselors, George -W. Crouse, Azariah Dustin, and Sylvester B. Stoddard. -</p> -<p><em>Tuesday, 27</em>.—The committee organized a Stake called Mount Hope, at -the steam mills, Columbus, Adams county. President and counselors were -Abel Lamb, Sherman Gilbert and John Smith. Bishop and counselors, were -Daniel A. Miller, Isaac Clark, and John Allen; Simeon J. Comfort, clerk. -</p> -<p>At Freedom Stake, near Payson, Adams county, Henry W. Miller, Duncan -McArthur, and William Tenney were appointed to preside. Bishop and -counselors, Matthew Leach, Horra Kimball, and Jacob Foutz. -</p> -<p><em>Wednesday 28</em>.—[On this date a long communication <span class="pagenum"><a name="234"></a>{234}</span> was sent to -the editors of the <em>Times and Seasons</em> signed by Heber C. Kimball, -Wilford Woodruff and George A. Smith, detailing their visit to various -places in London, but as the communication does not in any way bear -upon the incidents of the history of the Church, it is thought -unnecessary to publish the letter <em>in extenso</em>. The following paragraph -from the letter, however, it is thought should be preserved, because -it refers to the liberty the Elders of the Church incidentally enjoyed -while engaged in the ministry; and also because it breathes that spirit -of liberty in the pursuit of knowledge characteristic of the work of -God in the last days.—Editors.] -</p><blockquote> -<p> We consider it perfectly consistent with our calling, with reason - and revelation that we should form a knowledge of kingdoms and - countries whether at home or abroad, whether ancient or modern, - whether of things past or present or to come; whether it be in - heaven, earth or hell, air or seas; or whether we obtain this - knowledge by being local or traveling, by study or by faith, by - dreams or by visions, by revelation or by prophecy, it mattereth - not unto us; if we can but obtain a correct [view of] principles, - and knowledge of things as they are, in their true light, past, - present and to come. It is under such a view of things that we are - endeavoring to avail ourselves of every opportunity in our travels - among the nations of the earth, to record an account of things as - they pass under our observation. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Thursday, 29</em>.—Elder Woodruff preached twice in London, and baptized -three. -</p> -<p><em>Friday, 30</em>.—Elder Lorenzo Snow had a discussion with Mr. Barker, a -Methodist minister, at Hill Top, near Birmingham, and baptized two. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 31</em>.—I copy the following from the <em>Manx Liberal</em> of this -date: -</p><blockquote> -<p> Mormonism in the Isle of Man. -</p> -<p> <em>To the Editor of the Manx Liberal</em>: -</p> -<p> Sir—I feel rather surprised and chagrined that the modern - delusion, viz., "Mormonism," should have made such rapid strides - in this town, hitherto considered exempt from the many systems of - irreligious creeds which abound in England, America, and elsewhere. - I had thought that <span class="pagenum"><a name="235"></a>{235}</span> the powerful and argumentative addresses - of the dissenting ministers would have checked such a gross piece - of imposition in its infancy, and thus prevented the great mass of - our town's people from becoming dupes of designing knaves, "and - being led away by every wind of doctrine." Above all, I imagined - the two pamphlets issued by that holy, religious and devout man of - God, Mr. Hays, Wesleyan minister, (to which connection I have the - happiness and honor to belong) would have been quite sufficient - to prove the fallacy of such a system, and prevent its further - spread. But, sir, alas! alas! the case is quite the reverse; - numbers continually flock to the Wellington room, and listen with - eagerness to the principles there advocated. The members of our - society (Methodists) seem to be most conspicuous in sanctioning and - promoting this vile and abominable doctrine. -</p> -<p> Oh, sir, the result to our connection will be dreadful! the havoc - tremendous; just think of the majority of our <em>leading</em> and - intelligent men aiding and abetting a cause of this description! - Oh, sir, lamentable and heart-rending to witness the beaming - countenances, and smiles of approbation displayed recently at - Taylor's meeting! I could enumerate a host of our members who - regularly attend those anti-Christian meetings; but I will just - mention, with your permission, the names of a few who attended one - of the last meetings. (Here followed a list of names.) -</p> -<p> O! Mr. Editor! I quake for the consequence; such a wholesale - conversion to Mormonism was never before witnessed in any town or - country. What will become of our society? What will become of our - class meetings? What will become of our brethren in the faith? And - above all, what will become of poor Mr. Hays<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERXIIIfn1"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERXIIIfn1">1</a>]</sup> that nice and - humble man, who so nobly stood forward to expose the errors of the - Mormon system; God bless him and preserve him from want! But, Mr. - Editor, what makes the case worse is, that a rumor is prevalent - that all these pious men are to be baptized! That is duly immersed - in the salt water of Douglas Bay, by that abominable creature, - Taylor! Surely, there must be something enchanting about the vile - man. Immersion! (my hand shakes while I write) and in winter, too! - Oh, sir! the thought chills my very soul; surely this American - dipper intends to drown them; he can have no other object in view, - therefore, brethren of the Methodist society, beware! Drowning is - not to be envied, and that too in your sins. Besides, what would - the venerable John Wesley, (if he <span class="pagenum"><a name="236"></a>{236}</span> were alive) say to such - conduct? What will the conference say? And what will the world say? - I leave these questions to yourselves to answer. In conclusion, - brethren, I recommend you to read, mark, learn and inwardly digest - the things which belong to your eternal peace, and listen no longer - to the follies of men. -</p> -<p> A Staunch Wesleyan. -</p> -<p> Duke Street, Douglas, 29th Oct. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Sunday, November 1, 1840</em>.—The committee organized a Stake, -Geneva, Morgan county, Illinois, and called it Geneva Stake; -presidents—William Bosley, Howard S. Smith, and Samuel Fowler. -Bishop's Court—Gardner Clark, Moses Clare, and David Orton. -</p> -<p>Elder Levi Richards arrived in Manchester. -</p> -<p><em>Tuesday, 3</em>.—The English bombarded St. Jean D'Acre, during which a -powder magazine exploded, killing over two thousand men. -</p> -<p><em>Thursday, 5</em>.—The committee organized a Stake of the Church at -Springfield; presidents—Edwin P. Merriam, Isaac H. Bishop, and Arnold -Stephens. Bishop's Court—Abraham Palmer, Henry Stephens, and Jonathan -Palmer. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, 9</em>.—Elder George A. Smith received counsel to leave London -and go to Staffordshire for his health, as he had injured his lungs by -preaching in the streets, so that he discharged considerable blood from -them. -</p> -<p><em>Tuesday, 10</em>.—Elder Smith took leave of Elder Woodruff and traveled -to Birmingham, met Elder Alfred Cordon, preached and baptized five in -the evening. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Opposition to the Work in England. -</p> -<p><em>Thursday, 12</em>.—The <em>Weekly Dispatch</em>, England, having published a -sarcastic article against the Saints in that country, and blaming the -Bishop of Gloucester, and his tithe-fattened clergy for allowing the -"Mormons" to delude and baptize five hundred in his Diocese, Elder -Wilford Woodruff replied to this, but the <em>Dispatch</em> refused to publish -his reply. -</p> -<p><em>Saturday, 21</em>.—Elders Young, Kimball and Richards, visited the Church -at Bolton. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="237"></a>{237}</span> <em>Thursday, 26</em>.—Elders Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, and -George A. Smith preached to the Saints in Hanley this day, and on the -27th at Stoke-upon-Trent. -</p> -<p><em>Saturday, 28</em>.—Elders Young and Kimball left for London. -</p> -<p>Elders Elias Higbee and Robert B. Thompson, the committee appointed at -the October Conference, wrote a petition to Congress for the redress -of the grievances of the Latter-day Saints in Missouri, setting forth -their wrongs and sufferings, in substance the same as my petition in -connection with Elias Higbee and Sidney Rigdon, of the 28th day of -November, 1839. -</p> -<p><em>Thursday, December 3</em>.—Elders Young, Kimball and Woodruff visited the -tower of London, the Horse Armory, Jewel Room and the Thames Tunnel. -</p> -<p><em>Friday, 4</em>.—Elders Young and Woodruff visited Buckingham Palace and -Westminster Abbey. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Excommunication of Sidney Roberts. -</p> -<p>There was a conference in New York City, Elder Orson Hyde presiding. -The revelations of Elder Sidney Roberts were objected to, which were -that a certain brother must give him a suit of clothes, and a gold -watch, the best that could be had, also his saluting the sisters with -holy kiss. Elder Roberts justified himself in these things. Much good -counsel was given him, but he said he knew the revelations he had -received were from God, and would make no confession; consequently the -conference cut him off, and demanded his license, which he refused to -give up. -</p> -<p>Elder John Taylor has been preaching and baptizing for some time in the -Isle of Man, where the work is now progressing. -</p> -<p><em>Saturday, 5</em>.—Elder Brigham Young writes as follows: -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Letter of Brigham Young to the Presidency, Detailing Movements of - the Mission in England</em>. -</p> -<p> No. 40, Ironmonger Row, St. Luke's, December 5th, 1840. -</p> -<p> Beloved Brethren—I have just returned from a walk with Brothers - Kimball and Woodruff. We have only been as far as St. Paul's and - <span class="pagenum"><a name="238"></a>{238}</span> returned by Smithfield Market about three miles. Brother - Kimball and myself had fine weather for our journey here; it was a - beautiful day that we left Macclesfield for Burslem. We found the - brethren in Macclesfield in good spirits, and in a good state as - to appearance. They appear to be well suited with Brother James - Galley; I think he will be a useful man in this kingdom. We found - Brother George A. Smith in Burslem, not in the best of health. He - is like the rest of us, the climate does not agree with him; he is - affected with a bleeding at the lungs. We stayed with him at the - Potteries. I preached two evenings. The Church is in a good state; - some of the members have a pretty hard time of it. Brother Smith - will stay there for the present. -</p> -<p> Saturday, 28th, left for the next stopping place in Grets Green, - where we spent the Sabbath. On Saturday evening we called to see - Sister Roden, Father Patrick's daughter; she was very glad to see - us, and wanted we should stay all night. Her husband was very - kind to us, and bid us or other Elders welcome to his house at - any time. We could not stay; took tea with them, and agreed to - send Elder Lorenzo Snow there if he could come; blessed them, and - left them. I preached in the morning to the Saints in Grets Green, - stayed afternoon meeting, and then walked to Birmingham; was very - tired; heard Elder Snow preach; he is a nice young man, I think. - Brother Kimball also spoke to the people after Brother Snow had - got through. We found Brother Robert Williams here; he opened the - meeting; he seems to be full of the Spirit. -</p> -<p> On Monday at 12 o'clock, Brother Kimball and myself took the - railway. Brother Williams started on foot for London. We arrived - here on Monday evening about six o'clock; found Brother Woodruff - well and in good spirits. We have been pretty busy since we have - been here. -</p> -<p> Brigham Young. -</p></blockquote> -<p>A great part of the city of Messina, Sicily, was this day destroyed -by an earthquake. Such was the force of the first shock that the -inhabitants of the town were buried in an instant beneath the ruins. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 6</em>.—Elders Young and Kimball preached in Barratt's Academy, -London, and administered the sacrament in the evening. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Elder Taylor's Defense of the Work. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, 7</em>.—Elder John Taylor issued his third pamphlet in defense -of the truth, against the attacks of the Rev. Robert Hays, Wesleyan -Minister, Douglas, Isle of Man; the three containing thirty-five pages -of closely printed matter, <span class="pagenum"><a name="239"></a>{239}</span> which are a complete expose of the -corruptions of the Wesleyan priesthood, and a clear illustration of the -truth of the Latter-day work. -</p> -<p>Elders Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, and Wilford Woodruff, visited -the Anatomical Department of the College of Surgeons, London. -</p> -<p><em>Wednesday, 9</em>.—Elders Young and Kimball visited St. Paul's Cathedral, -the Monument, London and Southwark Bridges and also the British Museum. -</p> -<p><em>Thursday, 10</em>.—Elder Levi Richards left Manchester for Herefordshire. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 13</em>.—I attended the High Council at my office. Robert D. -Foster was on trial for lying, slandering the authorities of the -Church, profane swearing, etc. Witness was examined in part and trial -adjourned to the 20th. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, 14</em>.—Ebenezer Robinson and Don Carlos Smith dissolved -co-partnership. The <em>Times and Seasons</em> is to be continued by Don -Carlos Smith. -</p> -<p><em>Wednesday, 16</em>.—This day the act chartering the "City of Nauvoo," -the "Nauvoo Legion," and the "University of the City of Nauvoo," was -signed by the Governor, having previously passed the House and Senate. -Following is the act <em>in extenso</em>. -</p><blockquote> -<p> An Act to Incorporate the City of Nauvoo. -</p> -<p> Section 1. Be it enacted by the people of the State of Illinois, - represented in the General Assembly, that all that district of - country embraced within the following boundaries, to wit: beginning - at the north east corner of section thirty-one in Township seven, - north of range eight, west of the fourth principal meridian, in the - county of Hancock, and running thence west to the northwest corner - of said section, thence north to the Mississippi river, thence west - to the middle of the main channel of the said river; thence down - the middle of said channel to a point due west of the southeast - corner of fractional section number twelve in township six, north - of range nine, west of the fourth principal meridian, thence east - to the southeast corner of said section twelve, thence north on the - range line between township six north, and range eight and nine - west, to the southwest corner of section six in township six north - of range eight west, thence east to the southeast corner of <span class="pagenum"><a name="240"></a>{240}</span> - said section, thence north to the place of beginning, including - the town plats of Commerce and Nauvoo, shall hereafter be called - and known by the name of the "City of Nauvoo," and the inhabitants - thereof are hereby constituted a body corporate and politic by the - name aforesaid, and shall have perpetual succession, and may have - and use a common seal which they may change and alter at pleasure. -</p> -<p> Sec. 2. Whenever any tract of land adjoining the "City of Nauvoo" - shall have been laid out into town lots, and duly recorded - according to law, the same shall form a part of the "City of - Nauvoo." -</p> -<p> Sec. 3. The inhabitants of said city, by the name and style - aforesaid, shall have power to sue and be sued, to plead and be - impleaded, defend and be defended, in all courts of law and equity, - and all actions whatsoever; to purchase, receive and hold property, - real and personal, in said city, to purchase, receive, and hold - real property beyond the city, for burying grounds, or for other - public purposes, for the use of the inhabitants of said city, to - sell, lease, convey or dispose of property, real or personal, for - the benefit of the city, to improve and protect such property, and - to do all other things in relation thereto as natural persons. -</p> -<p> Sec. 4. There shall be a City Council, to consist of a Mayor, four - Aldermen, and nine Councilors, who shall have the qualifications - of electors of said city, and shall be chosen by the qualified - voters thereof, and shall hold their offices for two years, and - until their successors shall be elected and qualified. The City - Council shall judge of the qualifications, elections and returns of - their own members, and a majority of them shall form a quorum to - do business, but a smaller number may adjourn from day to day, and - compel the attendance of absent members, under such penalties as - may be prescribed by ordinance. -</p> -<p> Sec. 5. The Mayor, Aldermen and Councilors, before entering upon - the duties of their office, shall take and subscribe an oath or - affirmation that they will support the Constitution of the United - States, and of this State and that they will well and truly - perform the duties of their offices to the best of their skill and - abilities. -</p> -<p> Sec. 6. On the first Monday of February next, and every two years - thereafter, an election shall be held for the election of one - Mayor, four Aldermen, and nine Councillors; and at the first - election under the Act, three Judges shall be chosen <em>viva voce</em> - by the electors present. The said Judges shall choose two Clerks, - and the Judges and Clerks, before entering upon their duties, - shall take and subscribe an oath or affirmation such as is now - required by law to be taken by Judges or Clerks of other elections - and at all subsequent elections, the necessary number of Judges - and Clerks shall be appointed by the City Council. At the first - election thus held, the polls shall be opened at 9 o'clock a. m. - and closed at 6 o'clock p. m.; at the close of the polls the votes - shall be counted <span class="pagenum"><a name="241"></a>{241}</span> and a statement thereof proclaimed at the - front door of the house at which said election shall be held; and - the Clerks shall leave with each person elected, or at his place of - residence, within five days after the election, a written notice - of his election; and each person so notified shall within ten - days after the election take the oath or affirmation hereinbefore - mentioned, a certificate of which oath shall be deposited with the - Recorder, whose appointment is hereafter provided for, and be by - him preserved; and subsequent elections shall be held, conducted - and returns thereof made as may be provided for by ordinance of the - City Council. -</p> -<p> Sec. 7. All free white male inhabitants, who are of the age of - twenty one years, who are entitled to vote for State Officers, - and who shall have been actual residents of the city sixty days - next preceding said election, shall be entitled to vote for City - Officers. -</p> -<p> Sec. 8. The City Council shall have authority to levy and collect - taxes, for city purposes, upon all property, real and personal, - within the limits of the city, one-half per cent per annum, upon - the assessed value thereof, and may enforce payment of the same - in any manner, to be provided by ordinance, not repugnant to the - Constitution of the United States or of this State. -</p> -<p> Sec. 9. The City Council shall have power to appoint a Recorder, - Treasurer, Assessor, Marshal, Supervisor of streets, and all such - other officers as may be necessary, and to prescribe their duties - and remove them from office at pleasure. -</p> -<p> Sec. 10. The City Council shall have power to require, of all - officers appointed in pursuance of this Act, bonds, with penalty - and security, for the faithful performance of their respective - duties, such as may be deemed expedient; and also to require all - officers appointed as aforesaid, to take an oath for the faithful - performance of the duties of their respective offices. -</p> -<p> Sec. 11. The City Council shall have power and authority to make, - ordain, establish and execute all such ordinances, not repugnant - to the Constitution of the United States or of this State, as they - may deem necessary for the peace, benefit, good order, regulation, - convenience, and cleanliness of said city: for the protection of - property therein from destruction by fire, or otherwise, and for - the health and happiness thereof: they shall have power to fill all - vacancies that may happen by death, resignation, or removal, in - any of the offices herein made elective; to fix and establish all - the fees of the office of said corporation not herein established; - to impose such fines, not exceeding one hundred dollars, for each - offense, as they may deem just, for refusing to accept any office - under the corporation, or for misconduct therein; to divide the - city into wards; to add to the number of Aldermen and Councillors, - <span class="pagenum"><a name="242"></a>{242}</span> and apportion them among the several wards as may be most - just and conducive to the interests of the city. -</p> -<p> Sec. 12. To license, tax, and regulate auctions, merchants, - retailers, grocers, hawkers, peddlers, butchers, pawnbrokers, and - money-changers. -</p> -<p> Sec. 13. The City Council shall have exclusive power within the - city, by ordinance, to license, regulate, and restrain the keeping - of ferries; to regulate the police of the city; to impose fines, - forfeitures, and penalties for the breach of any ordinance, and - provide for the recovery of such fines and forfeitures, and the - enforcement of such penalties; and to pass such ordinances, as may - be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the powers - specified in this Act; provided such ordinances are not repugnant - to the Constitution of the United States or of this State, and in - fine to exercise such other legislative powers as are conferred on - the City Council of the City of Springfield, by an Act entitled an - Act to Incorporate the City of Springfield, approved February 3rd, - 1840. -</p> -<p> Sec. 14. All ordinances passed by the City Council shall, within - one month after they shall have been passed, be published in some - newspaper printed in the city, or certified copies thereof be - posted up in three of the most public places in the city. -</p> -<p> Sec. 15. All ordinances of the city may be proven by the seal of - the corporation, and when printed or published in book or pamphlet - form purporting to be printed or published by authority of the - corporation, the same shall be received in evidence in all courts - or places without further proof. -</p> -<p> Sec. 16. The Mayor and Aldermen shall be conservators of the peace - within the limits of said city, and shall have all the powers of - Justices of the Peace therein, both in civil and criminal cases, - arising under the laws of the State; they shall, as Justices of the - Peace, within the limits of said city, perform the same duties, be - governed by the same laws, give the same bonds and security, as - other Justices of the Peace, and be commissioned as Justices of the - Peace in and for said city by the Governor. -</p> -<p> Sec. 17. The Mayor shall have exclusive jurisdiction in all - cases arising under the ordinances of the corporation, and shall - issue such process as may be necessary to carry such ordinances - into execution and effect; appeals may be had from any decision - or judgment of said Mayor or Aldermen, arising under the city - ordinances, to the Municipal Court, under such regulations as may - be presented by ordinance; which court shall be composed of the - Mayor as Chief Justice, and the Aldermen as Associate Justices, - and from the final judgment of the Municipal Court to the Circuit - Court of Hancock county, in the same manner of appeals <span class="pagenum"><a name="243"></a>{243}</span> are - taken from judgments of the Justices of the Peace; provided that - the parties litigant shall have a right to a trial by a jury of - twelve men in all cases before the Municipal Court. The Municipal - Court shall have power to grant writs of habeas corpus in all cases - arising under the ordinances of the City Council. -</p> -<p> Sec. 18. The Municipal Court shall sit on the first Monday of every - month, and the City Council at such times and place as may be - prescribed by city ordinance; special meetings of which may at any - time be called by the Mayor or any two Aldermen. -</p> -<p> Sec. 19. All process issued by the Mayor, Aldermen, or Municipal - Court, shall be directed to the Marshal, and, in the execution - thereof, he shall be governed by the same laws as are or may be - prescribed for the direction and compensation of constables in - similar cases. The Marshal shall also perform such other duties as - may be required of him under the ordinances of said city, and shall - be the principal ministerial officer. -</p> -<p> Sec. 20. It shall be the duty of the Recorder to make and keep - accurate records of all ordinances made by the City Council, and - of all their proceedings in their corporate capacity, which record - shall at all times be open to the inspection of the electors of - said city, and shall perform such other duties as may be required - of him by the ordinances of the City Council, and shall serve as - Clerk of the Municipal Court. -</p> -<p> Sec. 21. When it shall be necessary to take private property for - the opening, widening, or altering any public street, lane, avenue, - or alley, the corporation shall make a just compensation therefor - to the person whose property is to be taken, and if the amount of - such compensation cannot be agreed upon, the Mayor shall cause the - same to be ascertained by a jury of six disinterested freeholders - of the city. -</p> -<p> Sec. 22. All jurors compelled to inquire into the amount of - benefits or damages that shall happen to the owners of property - so proposed to be taken, shall first be sworn to that effect, and - shall return to the Mayor their inquest in writing, signed by each - juror. -</p> -<p> Sec. 23. In case the Mayor shall at any time be guilty of a - palpable omission of duty, or shall wilfully, and corruptly be - guilty of oppression, mal conduct, or partiality, in the discharge - of the duties of his office, he shall be liable to be indicted in - the Circuit Court of Hancock county, and on conviction he shall be - fined not more than two hundred dollars, and the Court shall have - power on the recommendation of the jury to add to the judgment of - the Court that he be removed from office. -</p> -<p> Sec. 24. The City Council may establish and organize an institution - of learning within the limits of the city, for the teaching of - the Arts, Sciences, and Learned Professions, to be called the - "University of the City of Nauvoo," which institution shall be - under the control and <span class="pagenum"><a name="244"></a>{244}</span> management of a Board of Trustees, - consisting of a Chancellor, Registrar, and twenty-three Regents, - which Board shall thereafter be a body corporate and politic, with - perpetual succession by the name of the "Chancellor and Regents of - the University of the City of Nauvoo," and shall have full power to - pass, ordain, establish, and execute, all such laws and ordinances - as they may consider necessary for the welfare and prosperity of - said University, its officers and students; provided that the said - laws and ordinances shall not be repugnant to the Constitution of - the United States, or of this State; and provided also, that the - Trustees shall at all times be appointed by the City Council, and - shall have all the powers and privileges for the advancement of the - cause of education which appertain to the Trustees of any other - College or University of this State. -</p> -<p> Sec. 25. The City Council may organize the inhabitants of said - city, subject to military duty, into a body of independent military - men, to be called the "Nauvoo Legion," the Court Martial of which - shall be composed of the commissioned officers of said Legion, - and constitute the law-making department, with full power and - authority to make, ordain, establish, and execute all such laws - and ordinances as may be considered necessary for the benefit, - government, and regulation of said Legion; provided said Court - Martial shall pass no law or act, repugnant to, or inconsistent - with, the Constitution of the United States, or of this State; and - provided also that the officers of the Legion shall be commissioned - by the Governor of the State. The said Legion shall perform the - same amount of military duty as is now or may be hereafter required - of the regular militia of the State, and shall be at the disposal - of the Mayor in executing the laws and ordinances of the city - corporation, and the laws of the State, and at the disposal of the - Governor for the public defense, and the execution of the laws of - the State or of the United States, and shall be entitled to their - proportion of the public arms; and provided also, that said Legion - shall be exempt from all other military duty. -</p> -<p> Sec. 26. The inhabitants of the city of Nauvoo are hereby exempted - from working on any road beyond the limits of the city, and for - the purpose of keeping the streets, lanes, avenues, and alleys in - repair, to require of the male inhabitants of said city, over the - age of twenty-one, and under fifty years, to labor on said streets, - lanes, avenues, and alleys, not exceeding three days in each year; - any person failing to perform such labor, when duly notified by the - Supervisor, shall forfeit and pay the sum of one dollar per day for - each day so neglected or refused. -</p> -<p> Sec. 27. The City Council shall have power to provide for the - punishment of offenders by imprisonment in the county or city jail, - in all cases when such offenders shall fail or refuse to pay the - fines and forfeitures, which may be recovered against them. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="245"></a>{245}</span> Sec. 28. This Act is hereby declared to be a public Act, and - shall take effect on the first Monday of February next. -</p> -<p> Wm. L. D. Ewing, -</p> -<p> Speaker of the House of Representatives. -</p> -<p> S. H. Anderson, -</p> -<p> Speaker of the Senate. -</p> -<p> Approved Dec. 16, 1840. -</p> -<p> Thos. Carlin. -</p> -<p> State of Illinois, Office of Secretary of State. -</p> -<p> I, Stephen A. Douglas, Secretary of State, do hereby certify that - the foregoing is a true and perfect copy of the enrolled law now on - file in my office. -</p> -<p> Witness my hand, and Seal of State, at Springfield, this 18th day - of December, 1840. -</p> -<p> [L. S.] -</p> -<p> S. A. Douglas. -</p> -<p> Secretary of State. -</p></blockquote> -<p>The following are the Legislative powers alluded to in the 13th section -of the foregoing Act, as pertaining to the City Council of the City of -Springfield, and which consequently became a part of the Charter of the -City of Nauvoo, to wit: -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Of the Legislative Powers of the City Council</em>. -</p> -<p> Sec. 1. The City Council shall have powers and authority to levy - and collect taxes upon all property, real and personal, within - the city, not exceeding one-half per cent., per annum, upon the - assessed valuation thereof, and may enforce the payment of the - same in any manner prescribed by ordinance, not repugnant to the - Constitution of the United States and of this State. -</p> -<p> Sec. 2. The City Council shall have power to require of all - officers appointed in pursuance of the Charters, bonds with penalty - and security for the faithful performance of their respective - duties as may be deemed expedient, and also to require all - officers appointed as aforesaid, to take an oath for the faithful - performance of the duties of their respective offices upon entering - upon the discharge of the same. -</p> -<p> Sec. 3. To establish, support, and regulate common schools, to - borrow money on the credit of the city; provided, that no sum or - sums of money shall be borrowed at a greater interest than six per - cent per annum, nor shall the interest on the aggregate of all the - sums borrowed and outstanding ever exceed one half of the city - revenue, arising for taxes assessed on real property within the - corporation. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="246"></a>{246}</span> Sec. 4. To make regulations to prevent the introduction of - contagious diseases into the city, to make Quarantine Laws for that - purpose, and enforce the same. -</p> -<p> Sec. 5. To appropriate and provide for the payment of the debt and - expenses of the city. -</p> -<p> Sec. 6. To establish hospitals, and make regulations for the - government of the same. -</p> -<p> Sec. 7. To make regulations to secure the general health of the - inhabitants, to declare what shall be a nuisance, and to prevent - and remove the same. -</p> -<p> Sec. 8. To provide the city with water, to dig wells and erect - pumps in the streets for the extinguishment of fires, and - convenience of the inhabitants. -</p> -<p> Sec. 9. To open, alter, widen, extend, establish, grade, pave, or - otherwise improve and keep in repair streets, avenues, lanes, and - alleys. -</p> -<p> Sec. 10. To establish, erect, and keep in repair bridges. -</p> -<p> Sec. 11. To divide the city into wards, and specify the boundaries - thereof, and create additional wards, as the occasion may require. -</p> -<p> Sec. 12. To provide for lighting the streets and erecting lamp - posts. -</p> -<p> Sec. 13. To establish, support, and regulate night watches. -</p> -<p> Sec. 14. To erect market houses, establish markets, and market - places, and provide for the government and regulation thereof. -</p> -<p> Sec. 15. To provide for erecting all needful buildings for the use - of the city. -</p> -<p> Sec. 16. To provide for enclosing, improving, and regulating all - public grounds belonging to the city. -</p> -<p> Sec. 17. To license, tax, and regulate auctioneers, merchants, and - retailers, grocers, taverns ordinaries, hawkers, peddlers, brokers, - pawnbrokers, and money changers. -</p> -<p> Sec. 18. To license, tax, and regulate hackney carriages, wagons, - carts and drays, and fix the rates to be charged for the carriage - of persons, and for the wagonage, cartage and drayage of property. -</p> -<p> Sec. 19. To license and regulate porters and fix the rates of - porterage. -</p> -<p> Sec. 20. To license and regulate theatrical and other exhibitions, - shows and amusements. -</p> -<p> Sec. 21. To tax, restrain, prohibit, and suppress, tippling houses, - dram shops, gaming houses, bawdy and other disorderly houses. -</p> -<p> Sec. 22. To provide for the prevention and extinguishment of fires, - and to organize and establish fire companies. -</p> -<p> Sec. 23. To regulate the fixing of chimneys, and the flues thereof, - and stove pipes. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="247"></a>{247}</span> Sec. 24. To regulate the storage of gunpowder, tar, pitch, - rosin, and other combustible materials. -</p> -<p> Sec. 25. To regulate and order parapet walls, and partition fences. -</p> -<p> Sec. 26. To establish standard weights and measures, and regulate - the weights and measures to be used in the city in all other cases - not provided for by law. -</p> -<p> Sec. 27. To provide for the inspection and measuring of lumber and - other building materials, and for the measurement of all kinds of - mechanical work. -</p> -<p> Sec. 28. To provide for the inspection and weighing of hay, lime, - and stone coal, the measuring of charcoal, firewood, and other - fuel, to be sold or used within the city. -</p> -<p> Sec. 29. To provide for and regulate the inspection of tobacco, and - of beef, pork, flour, meal, and whiskey in barrels. -</p> -<p> Sec. 30. To regulate the weight, quality, and price of bread, sold, - and used in the city. -</p> -<p> Sec. 31. To provide for taking the enumeration of the inhabitants - of the city. -</p> -<p> Sec. 32. To regulate the election of city officers, and provide - for removing from office any person holding an office created by - ordinance. -</p> -<p> Sec. 33. To fix the compensation of all city officers, and regulate - the fees of jurors, witnesses, and others, for services rendered - under this Act or any ordinance. -</p> -<p> Sec. 34. To regulate the police of the city, to impose fines, - and forfeitures, and penalties, for the breach of any ordinance, - and provide for the recovery and appropriation of such fines and - forfeitures, and the enforcement of such penalties. -</p> -<p> Sec. 35. The City Council shall have exclusive power within - the city by ordinance, to license, regulate, and suppress, and - restrain, billiard tables, and from one to twenty pin alleys, and - every other description of gaming or gambling. -</p> -<p> Sec. 36. The City Council shall have power to make all ordinances - which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution - the powers specified in this Act, so that such ordinances be not - repugnant to nor inconsistent with, the constitution of the United - States or of this state. -</p> -<p> Sec. 37. The style of the ordinances of the city shall be—"Be it - ordained by the city council of the city of Springfield—[Nauvoo]." -</p> -<p> Sec. 38. All ordinances passed by the city council shall, within - one month after they shall have been passed, be published in some - newspaper published in the city, and shall not be in force until - they shall have been published as aforesaid. -</p> -<p> Sec. 39. All ordinances of the city may be proven by the seal of - the <span class="pagenum"><a name="248"></a>{248}</span> corporation, and when printed and published by authority - of the corporation, the same shall be received in evidence in all - courts and places without further proof. -</p></blockquote> -<p>John C. Bennett who had been delegated to Springfield to carry our -petition for a City Charter, announced the passage of the bill, as -follows— -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Letter of John C. Bennett to the "Times and Seasons"—Announcing - the passage of the act incorporating Nauvoo</em>. -</p> -<p> City Of Springfield, December 16, 1840. -</p> -<p> <em>Editors of the Times and Seasons</em>: -</p> -<p> The act incorporating the city of Nauvoo has just passed the - council of revision, and is now a law of the land, to take effect - and be in force from and after the first Monday in February - next. The aforesaid act contains two additional charters—one - incorporating the "Nauvoo Legion," the other the "University of the - city of Nauvoo." -</p> -<p> All these charters are very broad and liberal, conferring the most - plenary powers on the corporators. Illinois has acquitted herself - with honor, and her state legislators shall never be forgotten. - Every power we asked has been granted, every request gratified, - every desire fulfilled. In the senate Mr. Little cancelled every - obligation to our people, and faithfully, and honestly, and with - untiring diligence, discharged every obligation devolving upon him - as our immediate representative in the Upper House. Mark well that - man, and do him honor. Snyder, and Ralston, and Moore, and Ross, - and Stapp, and numerous others, likewise in that branch of our - state government, rendered as very essential services; and the act - passed that body without a dissenting voice. -</p> -<p> In the House of Representatives, Charles, our immediate - Representative in the Lower House, was at his post and discharged - his duty as a faithful representative; he is an acting, and not - a talking man, and has fulfilled all his obligations to us. Many - members in this house, likewise, were warmly in our favor; and with - only one or two dissenting voices, every representative appeared - inclined to extend to us all such powers as they considered us - justly entitled to, and voted for the law; and here I should not - forget to mention, that Lincoln,<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERXIIIfn2"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERXIIIfn2">2</a>]</sup> whose name we erased from the - electoral ticket in November (not however on account of any dislike - to him as a man, but simply because his was the last name on the - ticket, and we desired to show our friendship to the Democratic - <span class="pagenum"><a name="249"></a>{249}</span> party by substituting the name of Ralston for some one of the - Whigs) had the magnanimity to vote for our act, and came forward, - after the final vote to the bar of the house, and cordially - congratulated me on its passage. -</p> -<p> Our worthy governor is certainly disposed to do us ample justice in - every respect, and to extend to us every facility for our future - happiness and prosperity. -</p> -<p> Illinois has certainly done her duty, and her whole duty; and now - it becomes us to show ourselves upright, honest, just, worthy of - the favors bestowed by noble, generous, and magnanimous statesmen, - I have said that we are a law-abiding people, and we must now show - it. The state has washed her hands in granting all our petitions, - and if we do not now show ourselves approved, the curse must fall - upon our own heads. Justice, equal justice, should be our fixed - object and purpose, and the Great God will prosper us; length of - days will be in our right hand, and in our left, glory and honor. -</p> -<p> Yours, &c., -</p> -<p> John C. Bennett. -</p></blockquote> -<p>The City Charter of Nauvoo is of my own plan and device. I concocted it -for the salvation of the Church, and on principles so broad, that every -honest man might dwell secure under its protective influence without -distinction of sect or party. -</p> -<h3>Footnotes: -</h3> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERXIIIfn1"></a><a href="#CHAPTERXIIIfn1">1</a>. Elder Taylor was also opposed by Rev. Thomas Hamilton, whom he -met in a public debate and easily vanquished. "No great honor, -however," says Elder Taylor in his account of the affair, "as he was -a very ignorant man." Elder Taylor secured for his meeting place the -Wellington rooms, and from the platform he answered all who opposed -him, and succeeded, despite all opposition, in organizing a branch of -the Church in Douglas. -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERXIIIfn2"></a><a href="#CHAPTERXIIIfn2">2</a>. This doubtless refers to Abraham Lincoln who was then a member of -the legislature. See Nicolay and Hay's <em>Abraham Lincoln</em>, Vol. I, p. 42 -<em>et seq</em>. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="250"></a>{250}</span> -</p> - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTERXIV"></a>CHAPTER XIV. -</h2> -<p class="chapterHeading">Vale 1840—Enter 1841—List of Publications for and against -the Church—Whereabouts of the Twelve Apostles—"Election and -Reprobation"—Proclamation to the Saints. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">The acquittal of R.D. Foster. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, December 20, 1840</em>.—I was called upon by the High Council -to decide the adjourned case of Robert D. Foster. Having heard the -witnesses, I decided that he be acquitted of the charges against him, -which decision the Council approved.<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERXIVfn1"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERXIVfn1">1</a>]</sup> -</p> -<p class="sidenote">An Objector Put Down. -</p> -<p>This is a fair specimen of the wisdom of the nineteenth century that -opposes itself to the work of the Most High God. -</p><blockquote> -<p> "Your preacher preaches false doctrine," exclaimed a sectarian in - Manchester to one of the Saints. "Ah!" inquired the other, "wherein - does he teach false doctrine?" "Why, in telling the people to - go to America, to be sure," said the sectarian; "and" continued - he, "there is nothing in the Bible that commands people to go to - America." "Ah!" replied the other, "and there is nothing in the - Bible that commands people to stop in Manchester; so I wonder - how you dare stay in so unscriptural a place another night; for - certainly no one ought to live in England unless they can find - scripture for it, any more than in America." -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Monday, 21</em>.—The petition of Elias Higbee, and Robert B. Thompson, -under date of 28th November, 1840, was presented to the House of -Representatives of the United <span class="pagenum"><a name="251"></a>{251}</span> States, referred to the Committee -on the Judiciary, and ordered to be printed. -</p> -<p><em>Friday, 25</em>.—Elders Brigham Young and George A. Smith attended a -conference at Hanley, Staffordshire Potteries, at which was represented -an increase of six Elders, twenty-six Priests, ten Teachers, nine -deacons, and three hundred and fifty-six members, since last July -Conference; and also ordained six Elders, six Priests, four Teachers, -and three Deacons. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 27</em>.—Elders Kimball and Woodruff occupied a chapel belonging -to the Independents in London. Elder Woodruff preached. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, 28</em>.—There are ninety-five Saints in Edinburgh, Scotland, -raised up by Elder Orson Pratt. Elder George D. Watt is now laboring in -that place. -</p> -<p><em>Wednesday, 30</em>.—Elder Brigham Young writes from Liverpool: -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Brigham Young's Letter to the Prophet Reporting Labors in England</em>. -</p> -<p> Beloved Brother:—I write to inform you of a few particulars of my - journey to London. I left Manchester November 25th, in company with - Elder Kimball; we visited the following places, viz., Macclesfield, - Burslem, Hanley, Lane End, West Bromwich, and Birmingham. We - traveled by coach and railway, and arrived in London on Monday - 30th: found Elder Woodruff in good health. He had baptized three or - four persons the day before we arrived. I stayed in London till the - 11th December, when I left for Herefordshire. Brothers Woodruff and - Williams came with me to the railway station. Elder Kimball stayed - in London. -</p> -<p> The prospect for the spread of the Gospel brightened up while we - were there. Our feelings were very clear and decisive that Elder - Kimball had better stay with Elder Woodruff. I was much interested - while there with my brethren. I pray the Lord to roll on His work - in that great city. I feel much for the people in that place! yea - my feelings are exquisite, for why, God knows; but I believe it - is for the glory of God, and the good of souls. May His name be - glorified. -</p> -<p> I arrived in Cheltenham the same day I left London—only - about seven and a half hours going one hundred and one miles, - thirty-eight of it by coach. I stayed over the Sabbath there; - preached twice to a very attentive congregation. In the afternoon - the house was full to <span class="pagenum"><a name="252"></a>{252}</span> overflowing. Elder Henry Glover is - preaching in this place, and in the region around with much - success. I think he is a humble, good man, and will do much good. - I attended the Gadfield Elm conference. The minutes of the Garway - conference were read, which had been held on the 8th. After this I - visited the brethren till the Stanley Hill conference, which was - held on the 21st. The church in Garway numbers ninety-five members, - one Elder, seven Priests, three Teachers and one Deacon. At - Gadfield Elm conference there were seventeen branches represented, - three hundred and twenty-seven members, thirteen Elders, - thirty-one Priests, nine Teachers. The Stanley Hill conference - contains twenty-five branches, which represented eight hundred and - thirty-nine members, seventeen Elders, fifty-seven Priests, sixteen - Teachers and one Deacon. Including officers there are in these - three conferences twelve hundred and sixty-one members, thirty-one - Elders, ninety-five Priests, twenty-eight Teachers and two - Deacons; making two hundred and fifty-five added since the October - conference. -</p> -<p> I attended the conference in the Staffordshire Potteries on the - 25th; we had a good meeting; but I have not the minutes before me, - so I cannot give a particular statement of the church there, yet I - can say they are prospering. -</p> -<p> In my travels and at the conferences, there were some baptized and - many ordained. We can say truly, that the Lord is doing a great - work in the land. The Gospel is preached to the poor, and signs - follow them that believe. I arrived in Liverpool last evening and - expect to tarry here till the Book of Mormon is completed. -</p> -<p> I am as ever, your brother in the Kingdom of Patience, -</p> -<p> Brigham Young. -</p></blockquote> -<p>About this time, immense quantities of rain fell which produced a flood -in the east and south of France, doing immense damage, carrying with -it buildings, bridges and everything in its way. Earthquakes have been -felt in divers places the past year; and fearful sights and bloody -signs have been witnessed in the heavens, fulfilling the words of the -ancient Prophets concerning the last days. -</p> -<p>I copy the following from a printed sheet: -</p><blockquote> -<p> Signs in the Sky. -</p> -<p> A most wonderful phenomenon was observed last week by the - inhabitants of Hull and the neighborhood. A perfectly blood red - flag was seen flying in the heavens, which illuminated the horizon - for many miles around. At intervals it changed its form, assuming - that of a <span class="pagenum"><a name="253"></a>{253}</span> cross, sword and many other shapes. At one o'clock - on Friday morning, the town was nearly as light as noon-day; the - inhabitant were parading the streets; fear and dismay pictured in - their countenances. This wonder continued until near three o'clock, - when it gradually went to the westward, illuminating the Humber as - it seemed to sink in her waters. Then for a few seconds all became - total darkness, when from the northwest by north, arose the most - beautiful light, which shot away towards the western hemisphere, - leaving in its train the most beautiful and varigated colors, and - which the eye might readily form into armies drawn up in the order - of battle, charging and retreating alternately, and then again all - was wrapped in the sable curtain of night. It appears that many - signs were seen on the same night in different parts of the kingdom. -</p></blockquote> -<p class="sidenote">List of Books. -</p> -<p>The following is a list of books, pamphlets, and letters published for -and against the Latter-day Saints during the past year, so far as such -have come under my observation: -</p> -<p>Fourteen numbers of the <em>Times and Seasons</em> have been issued from the -office in Nauvoo, containing two hundred and twenty-four pages, edited -by Ebenezer Robinson and Don Carlos Smith, three numbers having been -issued during 1839. -</p> -<p>Eight numbers of the <em>Millennial Star</em> have been published at 149 -Oldham Road, Manchester, England, containing two hundred and sixteen -pages, edited by Elder Parley P. Pratt. -</p> -<p>A selection of hymns was published about the first of July, in England, -by Brigham Young, John Taylor, and Parley P. Pratt, for the use of the -Saints in Europe. -</p> -<p>The Rev. Robert Hays, Wesleyan minister, Douglas, Isle of Man, -published three addresses in pamphlet form, against the Latter-day -Saints, which were replied to in the following order: -</p> -<p>"An Answer to Some False Statements and Misrepresentations," published -by the Rev. Robert Hays, Wesleyan minister, in an address to his -society in Douglas, and its vicinity on the subject of Mormonism, by -John Taylor, October 7th, 1840. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="254"></a>{254}</span> "Calumny Refuted, and the Truth Defended," being a reply to -the second address of the Rev. Robert Hays, by John Taylor, Douglas, -October 29, 1840. -</p> -<p>"Truth Defended and Methodism Weighed in the Balances and Found -Wanting," being a reply to the third address of the Rev. Robert Hays -against the Latter-day Saints and also an "Exposure of the Principles -of Methodism," by John Taylor, Liverpool, December 7, 1840. -</p> -<p>"The Latter-day Saints and the Book of Mormon;" being a few words of -warning against the Latter-day Saints, from a minister to his flock. W. -J. Morrish, Ledbury, Herefordshire, September. -</p> -<p>A second warning by the same W. J. Morrish, October 15th. -</p> -<p>"A Few More Facts Relating to the Self-styled "Latter-day Saints," -by John Simmons, Church of England minister, Dymock, Herefordshire, -September 14th." -</p> -<p>Several letters written by Mr. Curran, and published in the <em>Manx -Liberal</em>, Isle of Man, in October, were replied to by John Taylor. -</p> -<p>"Mormonism Weighed in the Balances of the Sanctuary and Found Wanting;" -the substance of four lectures by Samuel Haining, published in Douglas, -Isle of Man; a tract of sixty-six pages. -</p> -<p>Interesting account of several remarkable visions, and of the late -discovery of ancient American Records giving an account of the -commencement of the work of the Lord in this generation, by Elder Orson -Pratt, Edinburgh, September. -</p> -<p>The Word of the Lord to the Citizens of London, of every sect and -denomination; and to every individual into whose hands it may fall; -showing forth the plan of salvation as laid down in the New Testament; -namely, faith in our Lord Jesus Christ—Repentance—Baptism for the -remission of sins—and the Gift of the Holy Ghost, by the laying on of -hands, presented by Heber C. Kimball <span class="pagenum"><a name="255"></a>{255}</span> and Wilford Woodruff, Elders -of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. -</p> -<p>An exposure of the errors and fallacies of the self-named "Latter-day -Saints." By William Hewitt, of Lane End, Staffordshire, Potteries. -</p> -<p>An answer to Mr. William Hewitt's tract against the Latter-day Saints. -By Elder Parley P. Pratt. -</p> -<p>Plain Facts; showing the falsehood and folly of the Rev. C. Bush (the -Church of England minister, of the parish of Peover, Cheshire); being a -reply to his tract against the Latter-day Saints by Parley P. Pratt. -</p> -<p>A few remarks by way of reply to an anonymous scribbler, calling -himself "a Philanthropist," disabusing the Church of Jesus Christ -of Latter-day Saints, of the slanders and falsehoods which he has -attempted to fasten upon it. By Samuel Bennett, Philadelphia. -</p> -<p>Mormonism unmasked, and Mr. Bennett's reply answered and refuted. By a -Philanthropist of Chester county. Published in Philadelphia. -</p> -<p>An Appeal to the American People; being an account of the persecutions -of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the barbarities -inflicted on them by the inhabitants of the State of Missouri, sixty -closely printed pages second edition revised by authority of said -Church, Joseph Smith, Jun., Sidney Rigdon, Hyrum Smith, Presidency. -</p> -<p>A Reply to Mr. Thomas Taylor's Pamphlet, entitled "Complete Failure," -etc., and also to Mr. Richard Livesey's tract, "Mormonism Exposed" by -Parley P. Pratt. -</p> -<p>The editor of the <em>London Dispatch</em>, published an article on November -8th, against the Latter-day Saints, containing some of the false -statements of Captain D. L. St. Clair, in his tract against them, which -was replied to by Elder Parley P. Pratt, in the November number of the -<em>Millennial Star</em>. -</p> -<p>"The Millennium, and other Poems:" to which is annexed, "A Treatise on -the Regeneration and Eternal <span class="pagenum"><a name="256"></a>{256}</span> Duration of Matter," by Parley P. -Pratt, New York. -</p> -<p><em>January 1, 1841</em>.—Elders Brigham Young, Parley P. Pratt, and John -Taylor attended a conference in Liverpool. -</p> -<p>Elders Heber C. Kimball, and Wilford Woodruff are in London. -</p> -<p>Elder Orson Pratt in Edinburgh. -</p> -<p>Elder George A. Smith in Burslem. -</p> -<p>Elder Willard Richards in Preston. -</p> -<p>Elders Orson Hyde and J. E. Page are <em>en route</em> for Jerusalem. -</p> -<p>Elder William Smith, at Plymouth, Hancock county, Illinois. -</p> -<p>The <em>Millennial Star</em> [No. 9, Vol. I] contains the following -communication, which I have read several times. It is one of the -sweetest pieces that has been written in these last days. I therefore -insert it entire. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Election and Reprobation—by Brigham Young and Willard Richards</em>. -</p> -<p> Do you believe in election and reprobation? To prevent the - necessity of repeating a thousand times what may be said at once, - we purpose to answer this oft-asked question in writing, so that - the Saints may learn doctrine, and all who will may understand - that such election and reprobation as is taught in the Old and New - Testaments, and other revelations from God, we fully believe, in - connection with every other principle of righteousness; and we ask - this favor of all into whose hands our answer may come, that they - will not condemn until they have read it through, in the spirit of - meekness and prayer. -</p> -<p> The Lord (Jehovah) hath spoken through Isaiah (xiii:1), saying, - "Behold my servant whom I uphold—mine elect in whom my soul - delighteth;" evidently referring to the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son - of God, chosen, or elected by the Father. (I Peter i:20). "Who - verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was - manifest in these last times for you, who by Him do believe in God - to serve Him in the redemption of the world, to be a covenant of - the people (Isaiah xlii:6), for a light to the Gentiles, and the - glory of His people Israel, having ordained Him to be the judge - of the quick until dead (Acts x:42), that through Him forgiveness - of sins might be preached (Acts xiii:38), unto all who would be - obedient unto His Gospel." (Mark xvi:16, 17). -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="257"></a>{257}</span> Every High Priest must be ordained (Heb. v:1), and if Christ - had not received ordination, He would not have had power to ordain - others, as he did when He ordained the Twelve (Mark iii:14), to - take part in the ministry which He had received of His Father; - also, (John xv:16): "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, - and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit; (Heb. - v:4), for no man taketh this honor unto himself, but he that is - called of God, as was Aaron (v:5), so also Christ glorified not - Himself to be made an High Priest; but He that said unto Him, - Thou art my Son, today have I begotten Thee." No being can give - that which he does not possess; consequently, no man can confer - the Priesthood on another, if he has not himself first received - it; and the Priesthood is of such a nature that it is impossible - to investigate the principles of election, reprobation, &c., - without touching upon the Priesthood also; and although some may - say that Christ, as God, needed no ordination, having possessed - it eternally, yet Christ says, (Matt. xxviii:18), "All power is - <em>given</em> unto me in heaven and in earth;" which could not have been - if He was in eternal possession; and in the previously quoted - verse we discover that He that said unto Him [<em>i. e</em>. His Father] - glorified Him to be made an High Priest, or ordained Him to the - work of creating the world and all things upon it, (Col. i:16), - "For by Him were all things created that are in heaven, and that - are in earth," &c., and of redeeming the same from the fall, and to - the judging of the quick and dead, for the right of judging rests - in the Priesthood, and it is through this medium that the Father - hath committed all judgment unto the Son (John v:22), referring to - His administration on earth. It was necessary that Christ should - receive the Priesthood to qualify Him to minister before His - Father, unto the children of men, so as to redeem and save them. - Does it seem reasonable that any man should take it upon him to do - a part of the same work, or to assist in the same Priesthood, who - has not been called by the spirit of prophecy or revelation as was - Aaron, and ordained accordingly? And can it be expected that a man - will be called by revelation who does not believe in revelation? - Or will any man submit to ordination for the fulfillment of a - revelation or call, in which he hath no faith? We think not. -</p> -<p> That we may learn still further that God calls or elects particular - men to perform particular works, or on whom to confer special - blessings, we read, (Isaiah xlv:4), "For Jacob my servant's sake, - and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee [Cyrus] by thy - name," to be a deliverer to my people Israel, and help to plant - them on my holy mountain, (Isaiah lxv:9, see connection) "for mine - elect shall inherit it, and my servants shall dwell there," even - on the mountains of Palestine, the <span class="pagenum"><a name="258"></a>{258}</span> land of Canaan which God - had before promised to Abraham and his seed; (Gen. xvii:8), and - the particular reason why Abraham was chosen or elected to be the - father of this blessed nation, is clearly told by the Lord, (Gen. - xviii:19), "For I know him, that he will command his children and - his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, - to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham - that which he hath spoken of him;" and this includes the general - principle of election, <em>i. e</em>. that God chose, elected, or ordained - Jesus Christ, His Son, to be the creator, governor, savior, and - judge of the world; and Abraham to be the father of the faithful, - on account of His foreknowledge of their obedience to His will and - commandments, which agrees with the saying in II Tim. ii:21, "If a - man therefore purge himself from these [i. e. iniquities], he shall - be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, - and prepared unto every good work." -</p> -<p> Thus it appears that God has chosen or elected certain individuals - to certain blessings, or to the performance of certain works; and - that we may more fully understand the movements of the Supreme - Governor of the universe, in the order of election, we proceed to - quote the sacred writers, (Rom. viii:29, 30), "For whom He did - foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image - of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. - Moreover, whom He did predestinate, them He also called: and whom - He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He - also glorified." And whom did He foreknow? Those that loved Him, - as we find in the 28th verse of the same chapter—"And we know - that all things work together for good to them that love God, to - them who are the called according to His purpose." And "who are - the called according to His purpose?" Those whom He foreknew, for - He foreknew that those who loved Him would do His will and work - righteousness; and it is vain for men to say they love God, if they - do not keep His commandments. Cain found it so when he presented - an unrighteous offering, for God said unto him, (Gen. iv:7), "If - thou dost well, shalt thou not be accepted?" And yet he was not - accepted. "But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love - of God perfected; and hereby know we that we are in Him," (I John - ii:5), or, that we "are the called according to his purpose." -</p> -<p> The principles of God's kingdom are perfect and harmonious, and - the Scriptures of truth must also agree in all their parts, so - that one sentiment thereof shall not destroy another, and when we - read that, "whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate;" and - that "known unto God are all His works;" so that it might appear - from an abstract <span class="pagenum"><a name="259"></a>{259}</span> view thereof, that God foreknew all, and - consequently predestinated all "to be conformed to the image of - His Son;" we ought also to read, (Mark xvi:16), "He that believeth - not shall be damned;" and (John viii:14), "If ye believe not that - I am he, ye shall die in your sins;" also (Matt. xxv:41), "Depart - from me, ye cursed, * * * for I was an hungered, and ye gave me no - meat," &c. -</p> -<p> Paul, referring to the Saints, (Rom. 1:7), calls them beloved - of God, called to be Saints; and says, (Rom. viii:1), "There is - no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not - after the flesh, but after the Spirit," and goes on to show in his - epistle to the Romans, that the law (the law of carnal commandments - given to the children of Israel, the covenant people), could not - make the comers thereunto perfect (see also Heb. x:1), but was - given for a schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ (Gal. iii:24); - so that when He had come and offered Himself without spot unto - God (Heb. ix:14), the sacrifice of the law should be done away - in him, that the honest in heart all might come unto the perfect - law of liberty (James i:25); or the Gospel of Christ, walking - no longer after the flesh but after the spirit, and be of that - number who love God and keep His commandments, that they might be - called according to His purpose (Rom. viii:28); and these were the - individuals referred to, whom God foreknew; such as Abel, Seth, - Enoch, Noah, Melchisedek, Abraham, Lot, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, - Moses, Caleb, Joshua, the harlot Rahab, who wrought righteousness - by hiding the servants of God, when their lives were sought by - their enemies, Gideon, Barak, Sampson, Jeptha, David, Samuel, and - the Prophets; (Heb. xi), "Who through faith, subdued kingdoms, - wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of - lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the - sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, - and turned to flight the armies of the aliens." These all died - in faith, having kept the commandments of the Most High, having - obtained the promise of a glorious inheritance, and are waiting the - fulfillment of the promise which they obtained; (Heb. xi:40), "God - having provided some better things for us, that they without us - should not be made perfect." -</p> -<p> The Prophet Alma bears a similar testimony to the other Prophets - concerning election, in his 9th chapter [Book of Mormon] saying, - "This is the manner after which they were ordained: being called - and prepared from the foundation of the world, according to the - foreknowledge of God, on account of their exceeding faith and - good works; in the first place being left to choose good or evil; - therefore they have chosen good, and exercising exceeding great - faith, are called with a holy calling, yea, with that holy calling - which was prepared with, and according to, a <span class="pagenum"><a name="260"></a>{260}</span> preparatory - redemption for such; and thus they have been called to this holy - calling on account of their faith, while others would reject the - Spirit of God on account of the hardness of their hearts and - blindness of their minds, while, if it had not been for this, - they might have had as great privilege as their brethren. Or in - fine, in the first place, they were on the same standing with - their brethren; thus, this holy calling being prepared from the - foundation of the world for such as would not harden their hearts, - being in and through the atonement of the only begotten Son, who - was prepared; and thus being called by this holy calling, and - ordained unto the high priesthood of the holy order of God, to - teach His commandments unto the children of men, that they also - might enter into His rest: this high priesthood being after the - order of His Son, which order was from the foundation of the - world: or, in other words, being without beginning of days or end - of years, being prepared from eternity to all eternity, according - to his foreknowledge of all things." (Rom. ix:11, 12), "For the - children being not yet born, neither having done any good or - evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, - not of works, but of Him that calleth; it was said unto her, The - elder shall serve the younger." As we have before shown why God - chose Abraham to be the father of the faithful, viz., because He - knew Abraham would command his children and his household after - him; so now we see, by this, why the purposes of God, according - to election, should stand, and that for His oath's sake." (Gen. - xxii:16, 17, 18), "By myself have I sworn, saith the Lord, for - because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy - son, thine only son, that in blessing I will bless thee, and in - multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of heaven, and as - the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess - the gate of his enemies, and in thy seed shall all the nations of - the earth be blessed because thou hast obeyed my voice." Here the - Lord Jesus, coming through the seed of Abraham, is again referred - to, through whose sufferings and death, or in whom all the nations - of the earth were to be blessed, or made alive, as they had died in - Adam. (1 Cor. xv:22). In this, election is made manifest, for God - elected or chose the children of Israel to be His peculiar people, - and to them belong the covenants and promises, and the blessings - received by the Gentiles come through the covenants to Abraham and - his seed; for through the unbelief of the Jews (Rom. xi: 17) they - were broken off, and the Gentiles were grafted in; but they stand - by faith (Rom. xi: 20), and not by the oath of election; therefore - it becometh them to fear lest they cease quickly to bear fruit and - be broken off (verse 21) that the Jews may be grafted in again; for - they shall be grafted in again (verse 23), if they abide not in - unbelief. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="261"></a>{261}</span> The Gentiles became partakers of the blessings of election - and promises, through faith and obedience, as Peter says, writing - to the strangers scattered abroad (1 Peter, 1st chap.), who were - the Gentiles, the "elect according to the foreknowledge of God the - Father, through sanctification of the spirit unto obedience;" (1 - Peter, ii: 9) for "ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, - an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth - the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His - marvelous light, (verse 10) which in time past were not a people, - but now are the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but - now have obtained mercy." -</p> -<p> Why were they a peculiar people? Because God had chosen that - generation of Gentiles, and conferred on them the blessings which - descended through the Priesthood, and the covenants unto the house - of Israel, or grafted them into the good olive tree (Rom. xi: 17); - and thus the house of Israel became the ministers of salvation to - the Gentiles; and this is what the house of Israel was elected - unto, not only their own salvation, but through them salvation unto - all others; (John iv: 22) "For salvation is of the Jews," (Rom. xi: - 11) and "through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles." -</p> -<p> Among the promised seed we find Jesus Christ neither last nor - least, but the Great High Priest and head of all, who was chosen - to lay down His life for the redemption of the world, for without - the shedding of blood there could be no remission of sins (Heb. - ix: 22). (Deut. vii: 6, 7, 8, 9,) Moses bears a similar testimony - with Peter and Paul to the principles of election—"For thou art - an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God hath chosen - thee to be a special people unto Himself, above all people that are - upon the face of the earth. The Lord did not set His love upon you, - nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; - for ye were the fewest of all people: but because the Lord loved - you, and because He would keep the oath which He had sworn unto - your fathers, hath the Lord brought you out with a mighty hand, and - redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh, - king of Egypt. Know therefore that the Lord thy God, He is God, the - faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love - Him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;" which - proves the long continuance of the blessings of this highly favored - people. -</p> -<p> And the Lord said unto her, (Rebecca, Gen. xxv: 23) "The elder - shall serve the younger." And why? Because that Isaac, the - father of Esau and Jacob, the husband of Rebecca, and the son of - promise to Abraham, was the heir; and as Esau was the elder son - of his father Isaac, he had a legal claim to the heirship; but - through unbelief, <span class="pagenum"><a name="262"></a>{262}</span> hardness of heart, and hunger, he sold - his birthright to his younger brother Jacob (Gen. xxv: 33); and - God knowing beforehand that he would do this of his own free will - and choice, or acting upon that agency which God has delegated to - all men, said to his mother, "The elder shall serve the younger;" - for as the elder son Esau, has sold his birthright, and by that - means lost all claim to the blessings promised to Abraham; those - blessings and promises must have failed, if they had not descended - with the purchased birthright unto the younger son, Jacob, for - there was no other heir in Abraham's family; and if those blessings - had failed, the purposes of God according to election must have - failed in relation to the posterity of Israel, and the oath of - Jehovah would have been broken, which could not be though heaven - and earth were to pass away. (Rom. ix: 13) "As it is written, Jacob - have I loved, but Esau have I hated." Where is it written? (Mal. - i: 1, 2). When was it written? About 397 years before Christ, - (according to the computation of time in Scripture margin), - and Esau and Jacob were born about 1,773 years before Christ, - (according to the computation of time in Scripture margin), so Esau - and Jacob lived about 1,376 years before the Lord spoke by Malachi, - saying, "Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated," as quoted by - Paul. This text is often brought forward to prove that God loved - Jacob and hated Esau before they were born, or before they had done - good or evil; but if God did love one and hate the other before - they had done good or evil, He has not seen fit to tell us of it, - either in the Old or New Testament, or any other revelation: but - this only we learn that 1,376 years after Esau and Jacob were born, - God said by Malachi—"Jacob have I loved, and Esau have I hated;" - and surely that was time sufficient to prove their works, and - ascertain whether they were worthy to be loved or hated. -</p> -<p> And why did He love the one and hate the other? For the same - reason that He accepted the offering of Abel and rejected Cain's - offering. Because Jacob's works had been righteous, and Esau's - wicked, and where is there a righteous father who would not do the - same thing? Who would not love an affectionate and obedient son - more than one who was disobedient, and sought to injure Him and - overthrow the order of His house? (Objection). But God seeth not as - man seeth, and He is no respecter of persons. (Acts x: 34). True, - but what saith the next verse, "He that feareth God and worketh - righteousness is accepted of Him;" but it does not say that he that - worketh wickedness is accepted, and this is a proof that God has - respect to the actions of persons; and if He did not, why should - He commend obedience to His law? For if he had no respect to the - actions of men, He would be just as well pleased with a wicked man - for breaking His law as a righteous man for keeping it; and if - Cain had done well, he would have been accepted as well as Abel - (Gen. iv: 7), and Esau as well as Jacob, which <span class="pagenum"><a name="263"></a>{263}</span> proves that - God does not respect persons, only in relation to their acts, (see - Matt. xxv: 34 to the end) "Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit - the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: - for I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat," &c.; and because - that God blessed Abel and Jacob, this would not have hindered His - blessing Cain and Esau, if their works had been righteous like - unto their brethren; so God's choosing one nation to blessing does - not doom another to cursing or make them reprobate, according to - the reprobation of God, as some suppose; "But by resisting the - truth they became reprobate concerning the faith" (II Tim. iii: - 8); and are "abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work - reprobate" (Titus i: 16); consequently, are not fit subjects for - the blessings of election. -</p> -<p> Rom. ix: 15, "For He saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I - will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have - compassion." (See Exod. xxx: 13 to the 19) "My presence shall go - with thee, and I will give thee rest, * * * for thou hast found - grace in my sight, and I know thee by name, and I will make all my - goodness to pass before thee, * * * and I will proclaim the name - of the Lord before thee; and I will be gracious to whom I will be - gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy." (Rom. - ix: 16) "So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that - runneth, but of God that showeth mercy;" having His eye at the same - time directed towards His covenant people in Egyptian bondage. For - the Scripture saith unto Pharoah (Exod. ix: 16, 17), "And in very - deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to show in thee my - power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth. - As yet exaltest thou thyself, against my people, that thou wilt not - let them go?" -</p> -<p> God has promised to bring the house of Israel up out of the land - of Egypt at his own appointed time; and with a mighty hand and - an outstretched arm, and great terribleness (Deut. xxvi, 8.) He - chose to do this thing that His power might be known and his name - declared throughout all the earth, so that all nations might have - the God of heaven in remembrance, and reverence his holy name; - and to accomplish this it was needful that He should meet with - opposition to give Him an opportunity to manifest His power; - therefore He raised up a man, even Pharaoh, who, He foreknew, would - harden his heart against God of his own free will and choice, and - would withstand the Almighty in His attempt to deliver His chosen - people, and that to the utmost of his ability; and he proved - himself worthy of the choice, for he left no means unimproved - which his wicked heart could devise to vex the sons of Abraham, - and defeat the purposes of the Most High, which gave the God of - Abraham an opportunity to magnify his name in the ears <span class="pagenum"><a name="264"></a>{264}</span> of the - nations, and in sight of this wicked king, by many mighty signs and - wonders, sometimes even to the convincing of the wicked king of his - wickedness, and of the power of God, (Exod. viii: 28, etc.) and - yet he would continue to rebel and hold the Israelites in bondage; - and this is what it meant by God's hardening Pharaoh's heart. - He manifested Himself in so many glorious and mighty ways, that - Pharaoh could not resist the truth without becoming harder; so that - at last, in his madness, to stay the people of God, he rushed his - hosts into the Red Sea and they were covered with the floods. -</p> -<p> Had not the power of God been exerted in a remarkable manner, it - would seem as though the house of Israel must have become extinct, - for Pharaoh commanded the midwives to destroy the sons of the - Israelitish women as soon as they were born (Exod. i: 15, 16), and - called them to account for saving the men children alive (verse - 18), and charged all his people saying, "Every son that is born, - ye shall cast into the river" (verse 22), and yet God would have - mercy on whom He would have mercy (Rom. ix: 18); for he would have - mercy on the goodly child, Moses, when he was hid and laid in the - flags (Exod. xi: 3) by his mother to save him from Pharaoh's cruel - order, and caused that he should be preserved as a Prophet and - deliverer to lead His people up to their own country; and whom He - would He hardened, for He hardened Pharaoh by passing before him - in mighty power and withdrawing His Spirit, and leaving him to his - own inclination, for he had set task-masters over the Israelites - to afflict them with their burdens, and caused them to build - treasure cities for Pharaoh, and made them to serve with rigor; - and made their lives bitter with hard bondage, in mortar and brick - and all manner of service in the field (Exod. 1st chap.); besides - destroying the men children, thus proving to the God of heaven and - all men that he had hardened his own hard heart, until he became a - vessel of wrath fitted for destruction (Rom, ix: 22); all this long - before God said unto Moses, "I will harden his (Pharaoh's) heart" - (Exod. iv: 21). -</p> -<p> Are men, then, to be saved by works? Nay, verily, "By grace are ye - saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift - of God" (Eph. ii: 8); "Not of works, lest any man should boast" - (v. 9); "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but - according to His mercy He saved us" (Titus iii: 5): and yet faith - without works is dead, being alone (James ii: 17). Was not Abraham, - our father, justified by works (v. 21)? Shall we then be saved by - faith? Nay, neither by faith nor works, but by works is faith made - perfect (v. 22); but "by grace are ye saved" (Eph. ii: 8); "And if - by grace, then it is no more of works, otherwise grace is no more - grace; and if it be of works, then it is no more grace; otherwise - works is no works" (Rom. xi: 6); "Ye <span class="pagenum"><a name="265"></a>{265}</span> see then how that a man - is justified by works, and not by faith only" (James ii: 24). -</p> -<p> Rom. x: 3,4, "For they (Israel) being ignorant of God's - righteousness and going about to establish their own righteousness, - have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God; for - Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that - believeth." Thus the righteousness of God is made manifest in the - plan of salvation by His crucified son; for there is none other - name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved, but the - name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth (Acts iv: 10, 12); but of this the - Jews were ignorant, although they themselves crucified Him; and - they have been going about wandering among all the nations of the - earth ever since, for the space of eighteen hundred years, trying - to establish their own righteousness, which is of the law of Moses, - which law can never make the comers thereto perfect (Heb. x: i.); - yet notwithstanding their darkness and long dispersion, there is - a remnant, according to the election of grace (Rom. xi: 5); whom - God will gather from among all people whither they are scattered - and will be sanctified in them in the sight of the heathen; then - shall they dwell in their land which God gave to His servant Jacob, - and they shall dwell safely therein, and shall build houses and - plant vineyards; "Yea, they shall dwell with confidence when I - have executed judgments upon all those that despise them round - about; and they shall know that I am the Lord their God" (Ezek. - xxviii: 25, 26; Is. xi: 11 to 16); and when this gathering shall - be completed, "It shall no more be said, The Lord liveth, that - brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt, but the - Lord liveth that brought up the children of Israel from the land - of the north, and from all the lands whither he had driven them: - and I will bring them again into their land that I gave unto their - fathers" (Jer. xvi: 14 to the end). -</p> -<p> Rom. xi: 7. "What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he - seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it." And why have they - not obtained it? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it - were by the works of the law, for they stumbled at the stumbling - stone; as it is written, "Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone - and rock of offense" (Rom. ix: 32, 33); "to both the houses of - Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. - And many among them shall stumble" (Isaiah viii: 14, 15); but "have - they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid; but rather through - their fall, salvation is come unto the Gentiles" (Rom. xi: 11). - "And Jerusalem shall be trodden down by the Gentiles, until the - times of the Gentiles be fulfilled (Luke xxi: 24); and when the - house of Israel shall be restored to their possessions in Canaan, - it may truly be said, the election hath <span class="pagenum"><a name="266"></a>{266}</span> obtained it; for the - fulfillment of God's oath of election to Abraham as the father of - the faithful, and the promises to His children will obtain that for - Israel, which he has sought for in vain by the law of Moses." -</p> -<p> This is the election that we believe in, viz., such as we find in - the Prophets and Apostles, and the word of the Lord Himself, and as - we have not room to give all the quotations in full, in relation - to election in this epistle, we would invite the Saints to examine - the Scriptures, in connection with these quoted; and whenever they - find election, or any other principle or blessing, given or applied - to the house of Israel, let those principles continue with the - house of Israel, and not apply that to Esau which belongs to Jacob; - or to the churches of modern times which belong to the ancient - covenant people; and always ascertain how the Lord, the Apostles - and Prophets have applied their words, and ever continue the same - application, and knowledge and wisdom will be added unto you; and - in the words of the beloved Peter and Paul, we would exhort you to - "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God - which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure" - (Phil. ii: 12, 13); "Giving all diligence to make your calling and - election sure" (2 Peter i: 10); for this is that sealing power - spoken of in Ephesians (i: 13, 14)—"in whom ye also trusted, after - that ye heard the word of truth; the gospel of your salvation, in - whom also, after that ye believed ye were sealed with that Holy - Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance, until - the redemption of the purchased possession, until the praise of His - glory" (2 Peter i: 11); "For so an entrance shall be ministered - unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and - Savior Jesus Christ." Amen. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Friday, January 8</em>.—Elder Parley P. Pratt wrote President Sidney -Rigdon, from Manchester, England, in part as follows: -</p><blockquote> -<p>* * * * * -</p> -<p> As to the progress of the work of God in this county, it is - increasing at every step. It is now prospering in Ireland and in - Wales, as well as in Scotland and England. It is spreading into - various new places in England. We have several hundred faithful - preachers, and the spirit of inquiry seems to be more generally - awakened. The clergy of the Church of England, the Methodist - priests, the Baptist ministers, and Unitarians, are all in arms, as - it were, against the Saints. -</p> -<p> The country is flooded with pamphlets, tracts, papers, &c., - published against us. * * * * * I must now inform you of the - <span class="pagenum"><a name="267"></a>{267}</span> fact that we have reaped the first fruits of Campbellism in - England, at a place called Nottingham. -</p> -<p> <em>A Proclamation of the First Presidency of the Church to the Saints - Scattered Abroad, Greeting</em>: -</p> -<p> Beloved Brethren:—The relationship which we sustain to the - Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, renders it necessary - that we should make known from time to time, the circumstances, - situation, and prospects of the Church, and give such instructions - as may be necessary for the well being of the Saints, and for the - promotion of those objects calculated to farther their present and - everlasting happiness. -</p> -<p> We have to congratulate the Saints on the progress of the great - work of the "last days," for not only has it spread through the - length and breadth of this vast continent, but on the continent of - Europe, and on the islands of the sea, it is spreading in a manner - entirely unprecedented in the annals of time. This appears the - more pleasing when we consider, that but a short time has elapsed - since we were unmercifully driven from the state of Missouri, - after suffering cruelties and persecutions in various and horrid - forms. Then our overthrow, to many, seemed inevitable, while the - enemies of truth triumphed over us, and by their cruel reproaches - endeavored to aggravate our sufferings. But the Lord of Hosts was - with us, the God of Jacob was our refuge, and we were delivered - from the hands of bloody and deceitful men; and in the state of - Illinois we found an asylum, and were kindly welcomed by persons - worthy the character of freemen. -</p> -<p> It would be impossible to enumerate all those who, in our time of - deep distress, nobly came forward to our relief, and, like the good - Samaritan, poured oil into our wounds, and contributed liberally - to our necessities, and the citizens of Quincy <em>en masse</em>, and the - people of Illinois, generally, seemed to emulate each other in - this labor of love. We would, however, make honorable mention of - Governor Carlin, Judge Young, General Leech, Judge Ralston, Rev. - Mr. Young, Col. Henry, N. Bushnell, John Wood, J. N. Morris, S. - M. Bartlett, Samuel Holmes, and J. T. Holmes, Esquires, who will - long be remembered, by a grateful community, for their philanthropy - to a suffering people, and whose kindness, on that occasion, is - indelibly engraved on the tablets of our hearts in golden letters - of love. -</p> -<p> We would likewise make mention of the legislators of this state, - who, without respect to parties, without reluctance, freely, - openly, boldly, and nobly, have come forth to our assistance, owned - us as citizens and friends, and took us by the hand, and extended - to us all the blessings <span class="pagenum"><a name="268"></a>{268}</span> of civil, political, and religious - liberty, by granting us, under date of December 16, 1840, one - of the most liberal charters, with the most plenary powers ever - conferred by a legislative assembly on free citizens, "The City of - Nauvoo," the "Nauvoo Legion," and the "University of the City of - Nauvoo." -</p> -<p> The first of these charters (that for the "City of Nauvoo") secures - to us, in all time to come, irrevocably, all those great blessings - of civil liberty which of right appertain to all the free citizens - of a great civilized republic; it is all we ever claimed. What a - contrast does the proceedings of the legislators of this state - present when compared with those of Missouri, whose bigotry, - jealousy, and superstition, prevailed to such an extent as to deny - us our liberty and our sacred rights. Illinois has set a glorious - example to the whole United States, and to the world at large, - and has nobly carried out the principles of her Constitution, and - the Constitution of these United States, and while she requires - of us implicit obedience to the laws, (which we hope ever to see - observed) she affords us the protection of law, the security of - life, liberty, and the peaceable pursuit of happiness. -</p> -<p> The name of our city (Nauvoo) is of Hebrew origin, and signifies a - beautiful situation, or place, carrying with it, also, the idea of - rest; and is truly descriptive of the most delightful location. It - is situated on the east bank of the Mississippi river, at the head - of the Des Moines Rapids, in Hancock county, bounded on the east by - an extensive prairie of surpassing beauty, and on the north, west, - and south, by the Mississippi. This place has been objected to by - some on account of the sickness which has prevailed in the summer - months, but it is the opinion of Doctor Bennett, that Hancock - county, and all the eastern and southern portions of the City of - Nauvoo, are as healthful as any other portions of the western - country, to acclimatized citizens; whilst the northwestern portion - of the city has experienced much affliction from fever and ague, - which, however, Doctor Bennett thinks can be easily remedied by - draining the sloughs on the adjacent islands in the Mississippi. -</p> -<p> The population of our city is increasing with unparalleled - rapidity, numbering more than 3,000 inhabitants. Every facility is - afforded, in the city and adjacent country, in Hancock county, for - the successful prosecution of the mechanical arts and the pleasing - pursuits of agriculture. The waters of the Mississippi can be - successfully used for manufacturing purposes to almost an unlimited - extent. -</p> -<p> Having been instrumental, in the hands of our heavenly Father, in - laying a foundation for the gathering of Zion, we would say, let - all those who appreciate the blessings of the Gospel, and realize - the importance of obeying the commandments of heaven, who have - been blessed of heaven with the possession of this world's goods, - first <span class="pagenum"><a name="269"></a>{269}</span> prepare for the general gathering; let them dispose - of their effects as fast as circumstances will possibly admit, - without making too great sacrifices, and remove to our city and - county; establish and build up manufactures in the city, purchase - and cultivate farms in the county. This will secure our permanent - inheritance, and prepare the way for the gathering of the poor. - This is agreeable to the order of heaven, and the only principle on - which the gathering can be effected. Let the rich, then, and all - who can assist in establishing this place, make every preparation - to come on without delay, and strengthen our hands, and assist in - promoting the happiness of the Saints. This cannot be too forcibly - impressed on the minds of all, and the Elders are hereby instructed - to proclaim this word in all places where the Saints reside, - in their public administrations, for this is according to the - instructions we have received from the Lord. -</p> -<p> The Temple of the Lord is in process of erection here, where the - Saints will come to worship the God of their fathers, according - to the order of His house and the powers of the Holy Priesthood, - and will be so constructed as to enable all the functions of the - Priesthood to be duly exercised, and where instructions from the - Most High will be received, and from this place go forth to distant - lands. Let us then concentrate all our powers, under the provisions - of our <em>magna charta</em> granted by the Illinois legislature, at the - "City of Nauvoo" and surrounding country, and strive to emulate - the action of the ancient covenant fathers and patriarchs, in - those things which are of such vast importance to this and every - succeeding generation. -</p> -<p> The "Nauvoo Legion" embraces all our military power, and will - enable us to perform our military duty by ourselves, and thus - afford us the power and privilege of avoiding one of the most - fruitful sources of strife, oppression, and collision with the - world. It will enable us to show our attachment to the state and - nation, as a people, whenever the public service requires our aid, - thus proving ourselves obedient to the paramount laws of the land, - and ready at all times to sustain and execute them. -</p> -<p> The "University of the City of Nauvoo" will enable us to teach - our children wisdom, to instruct them in all the knowledge and - learning, in the arts, sciences, and learned professions. We hope - to make this institution one of the great lights of the world, and - by and through it to diffuse that kind of knowledge which will - be of practicable utility, and for the public good, and also for - private and individual happiness. The Regents of the University - will take the general supervision of all matters appertaining to - education, from common schools up to the highest branches of a most - liberal collegiate course. They will establish a regular system of - education, and hand over the pupil from teacher to <span class="pagenum"><a name="270"></a>{270}</span> professor, - until the regular gradation is consummated and the education - finished. -</p> -<p> This corporation contains all the powers and prerogatives of any - other college or university in this state. The charters for the - University and Legion are <em>addenda</em> to the city charter, making the - whole perfect and complete. -</p> -<p> Not only has the Lord given us favor in the eyes of the community, - who are happy to see us in the enjoyment of all the rights and - privileges of freemen, but we are happy to state that several - of the principal men in Illinois, who have listened to the - doctrines we promulgate, have become obedient to the faith, and - are rejoicing in the same; among whom is John C. Bennett, M. D., - Quartermaster-General of Illinois. We mention this gentleman - first, because, that during our persecutions in Missouri, he - became acquainted with the violence we were suffering while in - that state, on account of our religion; his sympathy for us was - aroused, and his indignation kindled against our persecutors, for - the cruelties practiced upon us, and their flagrant violation of - both the law and the Constitution. Amidst their heated zeal to - put down the truth, he addressed us a letter, tendering to us his - assistance in delivering us out of the hands of our enemies, and - restoring us again to our privileges, and only required at our - hands to point out the way and he would be forthcoming, with all - the forces he could raise for the purpose. He has been one of the - instruments in effecting or safety and deliverance, from the unjust - persecutions and demands of the authorities of Missouri, and also - in procuring the city charter. He is a man of enterprise, extensive - acquirements, and of independent mind, and is calculated to be a - great blessing to our community. -</p> -<p> Dr. Isaac Galland also, who is one of our benefactors, having under - his control a large quantity of land, in the immediate vicinity of - our city, and a considerable portion of the city plat, opened both - his heart and his hands, and "when we were strangers, took us in," - and bade us welcome to share with him in his abundance, leaving - his dwelling house, the most splendid edifice in the vicinity, for - our accommodation, and partook himself to a small, uncomfortable - dwelling. He sold us his large estates on very reasonable terms, - and on long credit, so that we might have an opportunity of paying - for them without being distressed, and has since taken our lands - in Missouri in payment for the whole amount, and has given us a - clear and indisputable title for the same. And in addition to the - first purchase, we have exchanged lands with him in Missouri to the - amount of eighty thousand dollars. He is the honored instrument the - Lord used to prepare a home for us, when we were driven from our - inheritances, having given him control of vast bodies of land, and - prepared his heart to make the use of it the Lord <span class="pagenum"><a name="271"></a>{271}</span> intended he - should. Being a man of extensive information, great talents, and - high literary fame, he devoted all his powers and influence to give - us a standing. -</p> -<p> After having thus exerted himself for our salvation and comfort, - and formed an intimate acquaintance with many of our people, his - mind became wrought up to the greatest feelings, being convinced - that our persecutions were like those of the ancient Saints, - and, after investigating the doctrines we proclaimed, he became - convinced of the truth and of the necessity of obedience thereto, - and, to the great joy and satisfaction of the Church, he yielded - himself to the waters of baptism, and became a partaker with us in - our sufferings, "Choosing rather to suffer afflictions with the - people of God than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season." -</p> -<p> In connection with these, we would mention the names of General - James Adams, judge of probate, of Sangamon county; Dr. Green of - Shelby county, R. D. Foster, and Sidney Knowlton, of Hancock - county; Dr. Knight, of Putnam county, Indiana; many others of - respectability and high standing in society, and nearly all the - old settlers in our immediate neighborhood. We make mention of - this that the Saints may be encouraged, and also that they may see - that the persecutions we suffered in Missouri were but the prelude - to a far more glorious display of the power of truth, and of the - religion we have espoused. -</p> -<p> From the kind, uniform, and consistent course pursued by the - citizens of Illinois, and the great success which has attended us - while here, the natural advantages of this place for every purpose - we require, and the necessity of the gathering of the Saints of the - Most High, we would say—let the brethren who love the prosperity - of Zion, who are anxious that her stakes should be strengthened - and her cords lengthened, and who prefer her prosperity to their - chief joy, come and cast in their lots with us, and cheerfully - engage in a work so glorious and sublime, and say with Nehemiah, - "We, His servants, will arise and build." It probably would hardly - be necessary to enforce this important subject on the attention - of the Saints, as its necessity is obvious, and is a subject of - paramount importance; but as watchmen to the house of Israel—as - shepherds over the flock which is now scattered over a vast - extent of country, and the anxiety we feel for their prosperity - and everlasting welfare, and for the carrying out the great and - glorious purposes of our God, to which we have been called, we - feel to urge its necessity, and say—Let the Saints come here; - this is the word of the Lord, and in accordance with the great - work of the last days. It is true, the idea of a general gathering - has heretofore been associated with the most cruel and oppressing - scenes, owing to our unrelenting persecutions at the hands of - wicked and unjust men; but we hope that <span class="pagenum"><a name="272"></a>{272}</span> those days of - darkness and gloom have gone by, and, from the liberal policy of - our state government, we may expect a scene of peace and prosperity - we have never before witnessed since the rise of our Church, and - the happiness and prosperity which now await us, is, in all human - probability, incalculably great. By a concentration of action, - and a unity of effort, we can only accomplish the great work of - the last days which we could not do in our remote and scattered - condition, while our interests, both temporal and spiritual, will - be greatly enhanced, and the blessings of heaven must flow unto - us in an uninterrupted stream; of this, we think there can be no - question. -</p> -<p> The greatest temporal and spiritual blessings which always flow - from faithfulness and concerted effort, never attended individual - exertion or enterprise. The history of all past ages abundantly - attests this fact. In addition to all temporal blessings, there - is no other way for the Saints to be saved in these last days, - [than by the gathering] as the concurrent testimony of all the - holy Prophets clearly proves, for it is written—"They shall come - from the east, and be gathered from the west; the north shall give - up, and the south shall keep not back." "The sons of God shall be - gathered from far, and His daughters from the ends of the earth." -</p> -<p> It is also the concurrent testimony of all the Prophets, that - this gathering together of all the Saints, must take place before - the Lord comes to "take vengeance upon the ungodly," and "to be - glorified and admired by all those who obey the Gospel." The - fiftieth Psalm, from the first to the fifth verse inclusive, - describes the glory and majesty of that event. -</p> -<p> "The mighty God, and even the Lord hath spoken, and called the - earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof. Out - of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined. Our God shall - come, and shall not keep silence; a fire shall devour before Him, - and it shall be very tempestuous round about Him. He shall call to - the heavens from above, and to the earth (that He may judge the - people). Gather my Saints together unto me; those that have made - covenant with me by sacrifice." -</p> -<p> We might offer many other quotations from the Scriptures, but - believing them to be familiar to the Saints, we forbear. -</p> -<p> We would wish the Saints to understand that, when they come here, - they must not expect perfection, or that all will be harmony, - peace, and love; if they indulge these ideas, they will undoubtedly - be deceived, for here there are persons, not only from different - states, but from different nations, who, although they feel a - great attachment to the cause of truth, have their prejudices of - education, and, consequently, it requires some time before these - things can be overcome. Again, there <span class="pagenum"><a name="273"></a>{273}</span> are many that creep in - unawares, and endeavor to sow discord, strife, and animosity in our - midst, and by so doing, bring evil upon the Saints. These things - we have to bear with, and these things will prevail either to a - greater or less extent until "the floor be thoroughly purged," and - "the chaff be burnt up." Therefore, let those who come up to this - place be determined to keep the commandments of God, and not be - discouraged by those things we have enumerated, and then they will - be prospered—the intelligence of heaven will be communicated to - them, and they will, eventually, see eye to eye, and rejoice in the - full fruition of that glory which is reserved for the righteous. -</p> -<p> In order to erect the Temple of the Lord, great exertions will be - required on the part of the Saints, so that they may build a house - which shall be accepted by the Almighty, and in which His power and - glory shall be manifested. Therefore let those who can freely make - a sacrifice of their time, their talents, and their property, for - the prosperity of the kingdom, and for the love they have to the - cause of truth, bid adieu to their homes and pleasant places of - abode, and unite with us in the great work of the last days, and - share in the tribulation, that they may ultimately share in the - glory and triumph. -</p> -<p> We wish it likewise to be distinctly understood, that we claim - no privilege but what we feel cheerfully disposed to share with - our fellow citizens of every denomination, and every sentiment of - religion; and therefore say, that so far from being restricted - to our own faith, let all those who desire to locate themselves - in this place, or the vicinity, come, and we will hail them as - citizens and friends, and shall feel it not only a duty, but a - privilege, to reciprocate the kindness we have received from the - benevolent and kind-hearted citizens of the state of Illinois. -</p> -<p> Joseph Smith, -</p> -<p> Sidney Rigdon, -</p> -<p> Hyrum Smith, -</p> -<p> Presidents of the Church. -</p> -<p> Nauvoo, January 15th, 1841. -</p></blockquote> -<h3>Footnotes: -</h3> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERXIVfn1"></a><a href="#CHAPTERXIVfn1">1</a>. For the nature of the charges see ch. xiii. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="274"></a>{274}</span> -</p> - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTERXV"></a>CHAPTER XV. -</h2> -<p class="chapterHeading">Reconstruction of Church Affairs at Nauvoo—Revelation—Municipal -Organization of Nauvoo—Installation of Civic and Military Officers. -</p> -<p><em>Friday, January 15, 1841</em>.—I published the following in the <em>Times -and Seasons</em>— -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Reproof of John E. Page and Orson Hyde</em>. -</p> -<p> Elders Orson Hyde and John E. Page are informed that the Lord - is not well pleased with them, in consequence of delaying their - mission, (John E. Page in particular) and they are requested, - by the First Presidency, to hasten their journey towards their - destination. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Sunday, 17</em>.—Elder Brigham Young preached twice in the Music Hall, -Liverpool. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, 18</em>.—Elders Brigham Young and Willard Richards commenced -reading the Book of Mormon, and writing an index to the English edition. -</p> -<p><em>Tuesday, 19</em>.—Elder Amos Fielding has baptized twenty-nine at -Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England. -</p> -<p>I received the following revelation:<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERXVfn1"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERXVfn1">1</a>]</sup> -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Revelation Given to Joseph Smith at Nauvoo, January 19th, 1841</em>. -</p> -<p> Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you, my servant Joseph Smith, I am - well pleased with your offering and acknowledgments, which you have - made, for unto this end have I raised you up, that I might show - forth my wisdom through the weak things of the earth. -</p> -<p> Your prayers are acceptable before me, and in answer to them I say - unto you, that you are now called immediately to make a solemn - proclamation of my Gospel, and of this Stake which I have planted - to be a <span class="pagenum"><a name="275"></a>{275}</span> corner-stone of Zion, which shall be polished with - the refinement which is after the similitude of a palace. -</p> -<p> This proclamation shall be made to all the kings of the world, to - the four corners thereof; to the honorable President elect, and the - high-minded Governors of the nation in which you live, and to all - the nations of the earth, scattered abroad. -</p> -<p> Let it be written in the spirit of meekness and by the power of the - Holy Ghost, which shall be in you at the time of the writing of the - same; -</p> -<p> For it shall be given you by the Holy Ghost to know my will - concerning those kings and authorities, even what shall befall them - in a time to come. -</p> -<p> For, behold! I am about to call upon them to give heed to the light - and glory of Zion, for the set time has come to favor her. -</p> -<p> Call ye, therefore, upon them with loud proclamation, and with your - testimony, fearing them not, for they are as grass, and all their - glory as the flower thereof which soon falleth, that they may be - left also without excuse, -</p> -<p> And that I may visit them in the day of visitation, when I shall - unveil the face of my covering, to appoint the portion of the - oppressor among hypocrites, where there is gnashing of teeth, if - they reject my servants and my testimony which I have revealed unto - them. -</p> -<p> And again, I will visit and soften their hearts, many of them for - your good, that ye may find grace in their eyes, that they may - come to the light of truth, and the Gentiles to the exaltation or - lifting up of Zion. -</p> -<p> For the day of my visitation cometh speedily, in an hour when ye - think not of, and where shall be the safety of my people, and - refuge for those who shall be left of them? -</p> -<p> Awake, O kings of the earth! Come ye, O, come ye, with your gold - and your silver, to the help of my people, to the house of the - daughters of Zion. -</p> -<p> And again, verily I say unto you, let my servant Robert B. Thompson - help you to write this proclamation, for I am well pleased with - him, and that he should be with you; -</p> -<p> Let him, therefore, hearken to your counsel, and I will bless him - with a multiplicity of blessings; let him be faithful and true in - all things from henceforth, and he shall be great in mine eyes; -</p> -<p> But let him remember that his stewardship will I require at his - hands. -</p> -<p> And again, verily I say unto you, blessed is my servant Hyrum - Smith, for I, the Lord, love him because of the integrity of his - heart, and because he loveth that which is right before me, saith - the Lord. -</p> -<p> Again, let my servant John C. Bennett, help you in your labor in - sending my word to the kings and people of the earth, and stand - by <span class="pagenum"><a name="276"></a>{276}</span> you, even you my servant Joseph Smith, in the hour of - affliction, and his reward shall not fail, if he receive counsel; -</p> -<p> And for his love he shall be great, for he shall be mine if he do - this, saith the Lord. I have seen the work which he hath done, - which I accept, if he continue, and will crown him with blessings - and great glory. -</p> -<p> And again, I say unto you, that it is my will that my servant Lyman - Wight should continue in preaching for Zion, in the spirit of - meekness confessing me before the world, and I will bear him up as - on eagle's wings, and he shall beget glory and honor to himself, - and unto my name. -</p> -<p> That when he shall finish his work, that I may receive him unto - myself, even as I did my servant David Patten, who is with me at - this time, and also my servant Edward Partridge, and also my aged - servant Joseph Smith, Sen., who sitteth with Abraham at his right - hand, and blessed and holy is he, for he is mine. -</p> -<p> And again, verily I say unto you, my servant George Miller is - without guile: he may be trusted because of the integrity of his - heart; and for the love which he has to my testimony I, the Lord, - love him; -</p> -<p> I therefore say unto you, I seal upon his head the office of a - bishopric, like unto my servant Edward Partridge, that he may - receive the consecrations of mine house, that he may administer - blessing upon the heads of the poor of my people, saith the Lord. - Let no man despise my servant George, for he shall honor me. -</p> -<p> Let my servant George, and my servant Lyman, and my servant John - Snider, and others, build a house unto my name, such an one as my - servant Joseph shall show unto them; upon the place which he shall - show unto them also. -</p> -<p> And it shall be for a house for boarding, a house that strangers - may come from afar to lodge therein; therefore let it be a good - house, worthy of all acceptation, that the weary traveler may find - health and safety while he shall contemplate the word of the Lord; - and the cornerstone I have appointed for Zion. -</p> -<p> This house shall be a healthy habitation if it be built unto my - name, and if the governor which shall be appointed unto it shall - not suffer any pollution to come upon it. It shall be holy, or the - Lord your God will not dwell therein. -</p> -<p> And again, verily I say unto you, let all my Saints come from afar; -</p> -<p> And send ye swift messengers, yea, chosen messengers, and say - unto them: Come ye, with all your gold, and your silver, and your - precious stones, and with all your antiquities; and with all who - have knowledge of antiquities, that will come, may come, and bring - the box-tree, and the fir-tree, and the pine-tree, together with - all the precious trees of the earth; -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="277"></a>{277}</span> And with iron, with copper, and with brass, and with zinc, - and with all your precious things of the earth, and build a house - to my name for the Most High to dwell therein; -</p> -<p> For there is not a place found on earth that He may come and - restore again that which was lost unto you, or which He hath taken - away, even the fullness of the Priesthood; -</p> -<p> For a baptismal font there is not upon the earth, that they, my - Saints, may be baptized for those who are dead; -</p> -<p> For this ordinance belongeth to my house, and cannot be acceptable - to me, only in the days of your poverty, wherein ye are not able to - build a house unto me. -</p> -<p> But I command you, all ye my Saints, to build a house unto me; and - I grant unto you a sufficient time to build a house unto me, and - during this time your baptisms shall be acceptable unto me. -</p> -<p> But behold, at the end of this appointment, your baptisms for your - dead shall not be acceptable unto me; and if you do not these - things at the end of the appointment, ye shall be rejected as a - church, with your dead, saith the Lord your God. -</p> -<p> For verily I say unto you, that after you have had sufficient time - to build a house to me, wherein the ordinance of baptizing for the - dead belongeth, and for which the same was instituted from before - the foundation of the world, your baptisms for your dead cannot be - acceptable unto me. -</p> -<p> For therein are the keys of the holy Priesthood, ordained that you - may receive honor and glory. -</p> -<p> And after this time, your baptisms for the dead, by those who are - scattered abroad, are not acceptable unto me, saith the Lord; -</p> -<p> For it is ordained that in Zion, and in her stakes, and in - Jerusalem, those places which I have appointed for refuge, shall be - the places for your baptisms for your dead. -</p> -<p> And again, verily I say unto you, how shall your washings be - acceptable unto me, except ye perform them in a house which you - have built to my name? For, for this cause I commanded Moses that - he should build a tabernacle, that they should bear it with them in - the wilderness, and to build a house in the land of promise, that - those ordinances might be revealed which had been hid from before - the world was; -</p> -<p> Therefore, verily I say unto you, that your anointings, and - your washings, and your baptisms for the dead, and your solemn - assemblies, and your memorials for your sacrifices, by the sons of - Levi, and for your oracles in your most holy places, wherein you - receive conversations, and your statutes and judgments, for the - beginning of the revelations and foundation of Zion, and for the - glory, honor, and endowment of all her municipals, are ordained by - the ordinance of my holy house which my people are always commanded - to build unto my holy name. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="278"></a>{278}</span> And verily I say unto you, let this house be built unto my - name, that I may reveal mine ordinances therein, unto my people; -</p> -<p> For I deign to reveal unto my Church things which have been kept - hid from before the foundation of the world, things that pertain to - the dispensation of the fullness of times; -</p> -<p> And I will show unto my servant Joseph all things pertaining to - this house, and the Priesthood thereof; and the place whereon it - shall be built; -</p> -<p> And ye shall build it on the place where you have contemplated - building it, for that is the spot which I have chosen for you to - build it; -</p> -<p> If ye labor with all your might, I will consecrate that spot that - it shall be made holy; -</p> -<p> And if my people will hearken unto my voice, and unto the voice of - my servants whom I have appointed to lead my people, behold, verily - I say unto you, they shall not be moved out of their place. -</p> -<p> But if they will not hearken to my voice, nor unto the voice of - these men whom I have appointed, they shall not be blest, because - they pollute mine holy grounds, and mine holy ordinances, and - charters, and my holy words which I give unto them. -</p> -<p> And it shall come to pass, that if you build a house unto my name, - and do not do the things that I say, I will not perform the oath - which I make unto you, neither fulfill the promises which ye expect - at my hands, saith the Lord; -</p> -<p> For instead of blessings, ye, by your own works, bring cursings, - wrath, indignation, and judgments upon your own heads, by your - follies, and by all your abominations, which you practice before - me, saith the Lord. -</p> -<p> Verily, verily I say unto you, that when I give a commandment to - any of the sons of men, to do a work unto my name, and those sons - of men go with all their might, and with all they have, to perform - that work, and cease not their diligence, and their enemies come - upon them, and hinder them from performing that work; behold, it - behooveth me to require that work no more at the hands of those - sons of men, but to accept of their offerings; -</p> -<p> And the iniquity and transgression of my holy laws and - commandments, I will visit upon the heads of those who hindered my - work, unto the third and fourth generation, so long as they repent - not, and hate me, saith the Lord God. -</p> -<p> Therefore for this cause have I accepted the offerings of those - whom I commanded to build up a city and a house unto my name, in - Jackson county, Missouri, and were hindered by their enemies, saith - the Lord your God. -</p> -<p> And I will answer judgment, wrath, and indignation, wailing, and - <span class="pagenum"><a name="279"></a>{279}</span> anguish, and gnashing of teeth upon their heads, unto the - third and fourth generation, so long as they repent not and hate - me, saith the Lord your God. -</p> -<p> And this I make an example unto you, for your consolation - concerning all those who have been commanded to do a work, and have - been hindered by the hands of their enemies, and by oppression, - saith the Lord your God; -</p> -<p> For I am the Lord your God, and will save all those of your - brethren who have been pure in heart, and have been slain in the - land of Missouri, saith the Lord. -</p> -<p> And again, verily I say unto you, I command you again to build a - house to my name, even in this place that you may prove yourselves - unto me that ye are faithful in all things whatsoever I command - you, that I may bless you, and crown you with honor, immortality, - and eternal life. -</p> -<p> And now I say unto you, as pertaining to my boarding house which I - have commanded you to build for the boarding of strangers, let it - be built unto my name, and let my name be named upon it, and let my - servant Joseph, and his house have place therein, from generation - to generation; -</p> -<p> For this anointing have I put upon his head, that his blessing - shall also be put upon the head of his posterity after him, -</p> -<p> And as I said unto Abraham concerning the kindreds of the earth, - even so I say unto my servant Joseph, in thee and in thy seed, - shall the kindred of the earth be blessed. -</p> -<p> Therefore, let my servant Joseph and his seed after him have place - in that house, from generation to generation, for ever and ever, - saith the Lord. -</p> -<p> And let the name of that house be called Nauvoo House, and let it - be a delightful habitation for man, and a resting place for the - weary traveler, that he may contemplate the glory of Zion, and the - glory of this, the corner-stone thereof; -</p> -<p> That he may receive also the counsel from those whom I have set to - be as plants of renown, and as watchmen upon her walls. -</p> -<p> Behold, verily I say unto you, let my servant George Miller, and - my servant Lyman Wight, and my servant John Snider, and my servant - Peter Haws, organize themselves, and appoint one of them to be a - president over their quorum for the purpose of building that house. -</p> -<p> And they shall form a constitution whereby they may receive stock - for the building of that house. -</p> -<p> And they shall not receive less than fifty dollars for a share of - stock in that house, and they shall be permitted to receive fifteen - thousand dollars from any one man for stock in that house; -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="280"></a>{280}</span> But they shall not be permitted to receive over fifteen - thousand dollars stock from any one man; -</p> -<p> And they shall not be permitted to receive under fifty dollars for - a share of stock from any one man in that house; -</p> -<p> And they shall not be permitted to receive any man as a stockholder - in this house, except the same shall pay his stock into their hands - at the time he receives stock; -</p> -<p> And in proportion to the amount of stock he pays into their hands, - he shall receive stock in that house; but if he pays nothing into - their hands, he shall not receive any stock in that house. -</p> -<p> And if any pay stock into their hands, it shall be for stock in - that house, for himself, and for his generation after him, from - generation to generation, so long as he and his heirs shall hold - that stock, and do not sell or convey the stock away out of their - hands by their own free will and act, if you will do my will, saith - the Lord your God. -</p> -<p> And again, verily I say unto you, if my servant George Miller, - and my servant Lyman Wight, and my servant John Snider, and my - servant Peter Haws, receive any stock into their hands, in moneys - or in properties, wherein they receive the real value of moneys, - they shall not appropriate any portion of that stock to any other - purpose, only in that house; -</p> -<p> And if they do appropriate any portion of that stock anywhere else, - only in that house, without the consent of the stockholder, and do - not repay fourfold for the stock which they appropriate anywhere - else, only in that house, they shall be accursed, and shall be - moved out of their place, saith the Lord God, for I, the Lord, am - God, and cannot be mocked in any of these things. -</p> -<p> Verily I say unto you, let my servant Joseph pay stock into their - hands for the building of that house, as seemeth him good; but my - servant Joseph cannot pay over fifteen thousand dollars stock in - that house, nor under fifty dollars; neither can any other man, - saith the Lord. -</p> -<p> And there are others also who wish to know my will concerning them, - for they have asked it at my hands. -</p> -<p> Therefore I say unto you concerning my servant Vinson Knight, if he - will do my will, let him put stock into that house for himself, and - for his generation after him, from generation to generation, -</p> -<p> And let him lift up his voice long and loud, in the midst of the - people, to plead the cause of the poor and the needy, and let him - not fail, neither let his heart faint, and I will accept of his - offerings, for they shall not be unto me as the offerings of Cain, - for he shall be mine, saith the Lord. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="281"></a>{281}</span> Let his family rejoice, and turn away their hearts from - affliction, for I have chosen him and anointed him, and he shall be - honored in the midst of his house, for I will forgive all his sins, - saith the Lord. Amen. -</p> -<p> Verily I say unto you, let my servant Hyrum put stock into that - house as seemeth him good, for himself and his generation after - him, from generation to generation. -</p> -<p> Let my servant Isaac Galland put stock into that house, for I, the - Lord, love him for the work he hath done, and will forgive all his - sins; therefore, let him be remembered for an interest in that - house from generation to generation. -</p> -<p> Let my servant Isaac Galland be appointed among you, and be - ordained by my servant William Marks, and be blessed of him, to - go with my servant Hyrum, to accomplish the work that my servant - Joseph shall point out to them, and they shall be greatly blessed. -</p> -<p> Let my servant William Marks pay stock into that house, as seemeth - him good, for himself and his generation, from generation to - generation. -</p> -<p> Let my servant Henry G. Sherwood pay stock into that house, - as seemeth him good, for himself and his seed after him from - generation to generation. -</p> -<p> Let my servant William Law pay stock into that house, for himself - and his seed after him, from generation to generation. -</p> -<p> If he will do my will, let him not take his family unto the eastern - lands, even unto Kirtland; nevertheless, I, the Lord, will build - up Kirtland, but I, the Lord, have a scourge prepared for the - inhabitants thereof. -</p> -<p> And with my servant Almon Babbitt, there are many things with which - I am not pleased; behold, he aspireth to establish his council - instead of the council which I have ordained, even the Presidency - of my Church, and he setteth up a golden calf for the worship of my - people. -</p> -<p> Let no man go from this place who has come here essaying to keep my - commandments. -</p> -<p> If they live here let them live unto me; and if they die, let them - die unto me; for they shall rest from all their labors here, and - shall continue their works. -</p> -<p> Therefore let my servant William put his trust in me, and cease to - fear concerning his family, because of the sickness of the land. - If ye love me, keep my commandments, and the sickness of the land - shall redound to your glory. -</p> -<p> Let my servant William go and proclaim my everlasting Gospel with - a loud voice, and with great joy, as he shall be moved upon by - <span class="pagenum"><a name="282"></a>{282}</span> my Spirit, unto the inhabitants of Warsaw, and also unto - the inhabitants of Carthage, and also unto the inhabitants of - Burlington, and also unto the inhabitants of Madison, and await - patiently and diligently for further instructions at my general - conference, saith the Lord. -</p> -<p> If he will do my will, let him from henceforth hearken to the - counsel of my servant Joseph, and with his interest support the - cause of the poor, and publish the new translation of my holy word - unto the inhabitants of the earth; -</p> -<p> And if he will do this, I will bless him with a multiplicity of - blessings, that he shall not be forsaken, nor his seed be found - begging bread. -</p> -<p> And again, verily I say unto you, let my servant William be - appointed, ordained, and anointed as a counselor unto my servant - Joseph, in the room of my servant Hyrum; that my servant Hyrum may - take the office of Priesthood and Patriarch which was appointed - unto him by his father, by blessing and also by right. -</p> -<p> That from henceforth he shall hold the keys of the Patriarchal - blessings upon the heads of all my people, -</p> -<p> That whomsoever he blesses shall be blessed, and whomsoever he - curses shall be cursed; that whatsoever he shall bind on earth - shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever he shall loose on earth - shall be loosed in heaven; -</p> -<p> And from this time forth I appoint unto him that he may be a - prophet, and a seer and a revelator unto my Church, as well as my - servant Joseph. -</p> -<p> That he may act in concert also with my servant Joseph, and that he - shall receive counsel from my servant Joseph, who shall show unto - him the keys whereby he may ask and receive, and be crowned with - the same blessing, and glory, and honor, and Priesthood, and gifts - of the Priesthood, that once were put upon him that was my servant - Oliver Cowdery; -</p> -<p> That my servant Hyrum may bear record of the things which I shall - show unto him, that his name may be had in honorable remembrance - from generation to generation forever and ever. -</p> -<p> Let my servant William Law also receive the keys by which he - may ask and receive blessings; let him be humble before me, and - be without guile, and he shall receive of my Spirit, even the - Comforter, which shall manifest unto him the truth of all things, - and shall give him in the very hour what he shall say. -</p> -<p> And these signs shall follow him; he shall heal the sick, he shall - cast out devils, and shall be delivered from those who would - administer unto him deadly poison; -</p> -<p> And he shall be led in paths where the poisonous serpent cannot lay - <span class="pagenum"><a name="283"></a>{283}</span> hold upon his heel, and he shall mount up in the imagination - of his thoughts as upon eagle's wings; -</p> -<p> And what if I will that he should raise the dead, let him not - withhold his voice. -</p> -<p> Therefore, let my servant William cry aloud and spare not, with - joy and rejoicing, and with hosannas to Him that sitteth upon the - throne forever and ever, saith the Lord your God. -</p> -<p> Behold I say unto you, I have a mission in store for my servant - William and my servant Hyrum, and for them alone; and let my - servant Joseph tarry at home, for he is needed; the remainder I - will show unto you hereafter. Even so. Amen. -</p> -<p> And again, verily I say unto you, if my servant Sidney will serve - me and be counselor unto my servant Joseph, let him arise and come - up and stand in the office of his calling, and humble himself - before me; -</p> -<p> And if he will offer unto me an acceptable offering, and - acknowledgments, and remain with my people, behold, I, the Lord - your God, will heal him that he shall be healed; and he shall lift - up his voice again on the mountains, and be a spokesman before my - face. -</p> -<p> Let him come and locate his family in the neighborhood in which my - servant Joseph resides, -</p> -<p> And in all his journeyings let him lift up his voice as with the - sound of a trump, and warn the inhabitants of the earth to flee the - wrath to come; -</p> -<p> Let him assist my servant Joseph; and also let my servant William - Law assist my servant Joseph, in making a solemn proclamation unto - the kings of the earth, even as I have before said unto you; -</p> -<p> If my servant Sidney will do my will, let him not remove his family - unto the eastern lands, but let him change their habitation even as - I have said. -</p> -<p> Behold, it is not my will that he shall seek to find safety and - refuge out of the city which I have appointed unto you, even the - city of Nauvoo. -</p> -<p> Verily I say unto you, even now, if he will hearken unto my voice, - it shall be well with him. Even so. Amen. -</p> -<p> And again, verily I say unto you, let my servant Amos Davis pay - stock into the hands of those whom I have appointed to build a - house for boarding, even the Nauvoo House; -</p> -<p> This let him do if he will have an interest, and let him hearken - unto the counsel of my servant Joseph, and labor with his own hands - that he may obtain the confidence of men; -</p> -<p> And when he shall prove himself faithful in all things that shall - be entrusted unto his care, yea, even a few things, he shall be - made ruler over many; -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="284"></a>{284}</span> Let him therefore abase himself that he may be exalted. Even - so. Amen. -</p> -<p> And again, verily I say unto you, if my servant Robert D. Foster - will obey my voice, let him build a house for my servant Joseph, - according to the contract which he has made with him, as the door - shall be open to him from time to time. -</p> -<p> And let him repent of all his folly, and clothe himself with - charity, and cease to do evil, and lay aside all his hard speeches, -</p> -<p> And pay stock also into the hands of the quorum of the Nauvoo House - for himself and for his generation after him, from generation to - generation, -</p> -<p> And hearken unto the counsel of my servants Joseph and Hyrum and - William Law, and unto the authorities which I have called to lay - the foundation of Zion, and it shall be well with him for ever and - ever, Even so. Amen. -</p> -<p> And again, verily I say unto you, let no man pay stock to the - quorum of the Nauvoo House, unless he shall be a believer in the - Book of Mormon, and the revelations I have given unto you, saith - the Lord your God; -</p> -<p> For that which is more or less than this cometh of evil, and shall - be attended with cursings and not blessings, saith the Lord your - God. Even so. Amen. -</p> -<p> And again, verily I say unto you, let the quorum of the Nauvoo - House have a just recompense of wages for all their labors which - they do in building the Nauvoo House, and let their wages be as - shall be agreed among themselves, as pertaining to the price - thereof; -</p> -<p> And let every man who pays stock bear his proportion of their - wages, if it must needs be, for their support, saith the Lord; - otherwise, their labors shall be accounted unto them for stock in - that house. Even so. Amen. -</p> -<p> Verily I say unto you, I now give unto you the officers belonging - to my Priesthood, that ye may hold the keys thereof, even the - Priesthood which is after the order of Melchisedek, which is after - the order of my Only Begotten Son. -</p> -<p> First, I give unto you Hyrum Smith, to be a Patriarch unto you, to - hold the sealing blessings of my church, even the Holy Spirit of - promise, whereby ye are sealed up unto the day of redemption, that - ye may not fall, notwithstanding the hour of temptation that may - come upon you. -</p> -<p> I give unto you my servant Joseph, to be a presiding elder over all - my church, to be a translator, a revelator, a seer, and prophet. -</p> -<p> I give unto him for counselors my servant Sidney Rigdon, and my - servant William Law, that these may constitute a quorum and First - Presidency, to receive the oracles for the whole church. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="285"></a>{285}</span> I give unto you my servant Brigham Young, to be a President - over Twelve traveling Council; -</p> -<p> Which Twelve hold the keys to open up the authority of my kingdom - upon the four corners of the earth, and after that to send my word - to every creature. -</p> -<p> They are Heber C. Kimball, Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, Orson - Hyde, William Smith, John Taylor, John E. Page, Wilford Woodruff, - Willard Richards, George A. Smith; -</p> -<p> David Patten I have taken unto myself; behold, his Priesthood no - man taketh from him; but verily I say unto you, another may be - appointed unto the same calling. -</p> -<p> And again, I say unto you, I give unto you a High Council, for the - corner stone of Zion; -</p> -<p> Viz., Samuel Bent, Henry G. Sherwood, George W. Harris, Charles - C. Rich, Thomas Grover, Newel Knight, David Dort, Dunbar Wilson; - (Seymour Brunson I have taken unto myself, no man taketh his - Priesthood, but another may be appointed unto the same Priesthood - in his stead; and verily I say unto you, let my servant Aaron - Johnson be ordained unto this calling in his stead); David Fullmer, - Alpheus Cutler, William Huntington. -</p> -<p> And again, I give unto you Don C. Smith, to be a president over a - quorum of High Priests; -</p> -<p> Which ordinance is instituted for the purpose of qualifying those - who shall be appointed standing presidents or servants over - different Stakes scattered abroad, -</p> -<p> And they may travel also if they choose, but rather be ordained for - standing presidents, this is the office of their calling, saith the - Lord your God. -</p> -<p> I give unto him Amasa Lyman, and Noah Packard, for Counselors, that - they may preside over the quorum of High Priests of my Church, - saith the Lord. -</p> -<p> And again, I say unto you, I give unto you John A. Hicks, Samuel - Williams, and Jesse Baker, which Priesthood is to preside over - the quorum of elders, which quorum is instituted for standing - ministers, nevertheless they may travel, yet they are ordained to - be standing ministers to my Church, saith the Lord. -</p> -<p> And again, I give unto you, Joseph Young, Josiah Butterfield, - Daniel Miles, Henry Harriman, Zera Pulsipher, Levi Hancock, James - Foster, to preside over the quorum of seventies, -</p> -<p> Which quorum is instituted for traveling elders to bear record of - my name in all the world, wherever the traveling High Council, my - apostles, shall send them to prepare a way before my face. -</p> -<p> The difference between this quorum and the quorum of elders, is - <span class="pagenum"><a name="286"></a>{286}</span> that one is to travel continually, and the other is to - preside over the churches from time to time; the one has the - responsibility of presiding from time to time, and the other has no - responsibility of presiding, saith the Lord your God. -</p> -<p> And again, I say unto you, I give unto you Vinson Knight, Samuel H. - Smith and Shadrach Roundy, if he will receive it, to preside over - the bishopric; a knowledge of said bishopric is given unto you in - the book of Doctrine and Covenants. -</p> -<p> And again, I say unto you, Samuel Rolfe and his counselors for - priests, and the president of the teachers and his counselors, and - also the president of the deacons and his counselors, and also the - president of the stake and his counselors; -</p> -<p> The above offices I have given unto you, and the keys thereof, for - helps and for governments, for the work of the ministry, and the - perfecting of my Saints; -</p> -<p> And a commandment I give unto you that you should fill all these - offices and approve of those names which I have mentioned, or else - disapprove of them at my general conference; -</p> -<p> And that ye should prepare rooms for all these offices in my house - when you build it unto my name, saith the Lord your God. Even so. - Amen. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Thursday, 21</em>.—Elders Brigham Young and Willard Richards completed -the index to the Book of Mormon, and it was immediately put in type, -which closed the printing of the first English edition. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 24</em>.—Elder Brigham Young preached twice at Liverpool on -election and reprobation. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Hyrum Smith Installed as Patriarch. -</p> -<p>Hyrum Smith, who received the office of Patriarch in the Church, in -place of Joseph Smith, Sen., deceased, has by revelation been appointed -a Prophet and Revelator. William Law has by revelation been appointed -one of the First Presidency, in place of Hyrum Smith, appointed -Patriarch. George Miller has been appointed, by revelation, Bishop in -place of Edward Partridge, deceased. -</p> -<p><em>Saturday, 30</em>.—At a special conference of the Church of Jesus Christ -of Latter-day Saints, held at Nauvoo pursuant to public notice, I was -unanimously elected sole Trustee-in-Trust for the Church of Jesus -Christ of Latter-day Saints. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="287"></a>{287}</span> Also Saturday the 30th and Sunday 31st, a Conference was held at -Walnut Grove, Knox county, Illinois; Elder William Smith presiding; 113 -members, 14 Elders were present; several branches were represented, and -several persons baptized. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">First Election of Municipal Officers in Nauvoo. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, 1</em>.—The first election in Nauvoo, for members of the -City Council took place, and the following persons were elected by -majorities varying from 330 to 337 votes; to wit, for Mayor, John C. -Bennett; Aldermen, William Marks, Samuel H. Smith, Daniel H. Wells, -Newel K. Whitney; Councilors, Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, Sidney Rigdon, -Charles C. Rich, John T. Barnett, Wilson Law, Don Carlos Smith, John P. -Greene, Vinson Knight. -</p><blockquote> -<p> City Of Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, Feb. 1, A. D. 1841. -</p> -<p> <em>To the County Recorder of the County of Hancock</em>: -</p> -<p> Dear Sir:—At a meeting of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day - Saints, at this place on Saturday, the 30th day of January, A. - D. 1841, I was elected sole Trustee for said Church, to hold my - office during life (my successors to be the First Presidency of - said Church) and vested with plenary powers, as sole Trustee in - Trust for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to - receive, acquire, manage or convey property, real, personal, or - mixed, for the sole use and benefit of said Church, agreeably to - the provisions of an act entitled, "An Act Concerning Religious - Societies," approved February 6, 1835. -</p> -<p> Joseph Smith, (L. S.) -</p> -<p> State Of Illinois Hancock Co., ss. -</p> -<p> This day personally appeared before me, Daniel H. Wells, a justice - of the peace, within and for the county of Hancock, County - aforesaid, Isaac Galland, Robert B. Thompson, and John C. Bennett, - who being duly sworn, depose and say that the foregoing certificate - of Joseph Smith is true. -</p> -<p> Isaac Galland, -</p> -<p> Robert B. Thompson -</p> -<p> John C. Bennett. -</p> -<p> Sworn to and subscribed this third day of February in the year of - our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty-one before me, -</p> -<p> Daniel H. Wells, -</p> -<p> Justice of the Peace. -</p></blockquote> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="288"></a>{288}</span> The above is recorded in the county records at Carthage, in book -No. 1, of Bonds and Mortgages, page 95, No. 87. -</p> -<p><em>Wednesday 3</em>.—Elder Taylor reports 160 baptized in Liverpool, -England; in Ireland about 25; in the Isle of Man, 70; Hawarden, 30. -Elder Lorenzo Snow is laboring in London. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Nauvoo City Council Organized. -</p> -<p>The City Council of Nauvoo was organized; the opening prayer was -offered by myself, after which the Mayor-elect delivered his inaugural -address as published in the <em>Times and Seasons</em>, page 316, as follows: -</p><blockquote> -<p> Inaugural Address. -</p> -<p> City Of Nauvoo, Illinois, Feb. 3rd, 1841. -</p> -<p> <em>Gentlemen of the City Council, Aldermen and Councillors</em>: -</p> -<p> Having been elected to the Mayoralty of this city by the unanimous - suffrage of all parties and interests, I now enter upon the duties - devolving upon me as your Chief Magistrate under a deep sense of - the responsibilities of the station. I trust that the confidence - reposed in me, by my fellow citizens, has not been misplaced, and - for the honor conferred they will accept my warmest sentiments - of gratitude. By the munificence and wise legislation of noble, - high-minded, and patriotic statesmen, and the grace of God, we - have been blessed with one of the most liberal corporate acts ever - granted by a legislative assembly. As the presiding officer of - the law-making department of the municipal government, it will be - expected that I communicate to you, from time to time, by oral or - written messages, for your deliberative consideration and action, - such matters as may suggest themselves to me in relation to the - public weal; and upon this occasion I beg leave to present the - following as matters of paramount importance: -</p> -<p> The 21st section of the addenda to the 13th section of the City - Charter, concedes to you plenary power "to tax, restrain, prohibit - and suppress, tippling houses, dram shops," etc., etc., and I now - recommend, in the strongest possible terms, that you take prompt, - strong, and decisive measures to "prohibit and suppress" all such - establishments. It is true you have the power "to tax," or license - and tolerate, them, and thus add to the city finances; but I - consider it much better to raise revenue by an advalorem tax on the - property of sober men, than by licensing dram shops, or taxing the - signs of the inebriated worshipers at the shrine of Bacchus. The - revels of bacchanalians in the <span class="pagenum"><a name="289"></a>{289}</span> houses of blasphemy and noise - will always prove a disgrace to a moral people. Public sentiment - will do much to suppress the vice of intemperance, and its - concomitant evil results; but ample experience has incontrovertibly - proven that it cannot do all—the law must be brought to the - rescue, and an effective prohibitory ordinance enacted. This cannot - be done at a better time than at the present. Let us commence - correctly, and the great work of reform, at least so far as our - peaceful city is concerned, can be summarily consummated. It would - be difficult to calculate the vast amount of evil and crime that - would be prevented, and the great good that would accrue to the - public at large by fostering the cause of temperance; but suffice - it to say that the one would be commensurate to the other. No - sales of spirituous liquors whatever, in a less quantity than - a quart, except in cases of sickness on the recommendation of - a physician or surgeon duly accredited by the Chancellor and - Regents of the University, should be tolerated. The liberty of - selling the intoxicating cup is a false liberty—it enslaves, - degrades, destroys; and wretchedness and want are attendant on - every step,—its touch, like that of the poison upas, is death. - Liberty to do good should be cheerfully and freely accorded to - every man; but liberty to do evil, which is licentiousness, should - be peremptorily prohibited. The public good imperiously demands - it—and the cause of humanity pleads for help. The protecting - aegis of the corporation should be thrown around every moral and - religious institution of the day, which is in any way calculated to - ennoble, or ameliorate the condition of the human family. -</p> -<p> The immediate organization of the University, as contemplated in - the 24th section of the act incorporating our city, cannot be - too forcibly impressed upon you at this time. As all matters in - relation to mental culture, and public instruction, from common - schools up to the highest branches of a full collegiate course in - the arts, sciences, and learned professions, will devolve upon the - Chancellor and Regents of the University, they should be speedily - elected, and instructed to perfect their plan, and enter upon its - execution with as little delay as possible. The wheels of education - should never be clogged, or retrograde, but roll progressively from - the Alpha to the Omega of a most perfect, liberal, and thorough - course of university attainments. The following observations - in relation to false education, from Alexander's Messenger, so - perfectly accords with my feelings and views on this highly - important subject, that I cannot do better than incorporate them in - this message. -</p> -<p> "Among the changes for the worse, which the world has witnessed - within the last century, we include that specious, superficial, - incomplete way of doing certain things, which were formerly thought - to be deserving of care, labor and attention. It would seem that - appearance is now considered of more moment than reality. The - modern mode of <span class="pagenum"><a name="290"></a>{290}</span> education is an example in point. Children - are so instructed as to acquire a smattering of everything, and as - a matter of consequence, they know nothing properly. Seminaries - and academies deal out their moral and natural philosophy, their - geometry, trigonometry, and astronomy, their chemistry, botany, - and mineralogy, until the mind of the pupil becomes a chaos; and, - like the stomach when it is overloaded with a variety of food, - it digests nothing, but converts the superabundant nutriment to - poison. This mode of education answers one purpose—it enables - people to seem learned; and seemingly, by a great many, is - thought all sufficient. Thus we are schooled in quackery, and are - early taught to regard showy and superficial attainments as most - desirable. Every boarding school Miss is a Plato in petticoats, - without an ounce of that genuine knowledge, that true philosophy, - which would enable her to be useful in the world, and to escape - those perils with which she must necessarily be encompassed. Young - people are taught to use a variety of hard terms, which they - understand but imperfectly—to repeat lessons which they are unable - to apply—to astonish their grandmothers with a display of their - parrot-like acquisitions; but their mental energies are clogged - and torpified with a variety of learned lumber, most of which is - discarded from the brain long before its possessor knows how to use - it. This is the quackery of education. -</p> -<p> "The effects of the erring system are not easily obliterated. The - habit of using words without thought, sticks to the unfortunate - student through life, and should he ever learn to think, he - cannot express his ideas without the most tedious and perplexing - verbosity. This is, more or less, the fault of every writer in - the nineteenth century. The sense is encumbered with sound. The - scribbler appears to imagine that if he puts a sufficient number - of words together he has done his part; and, alas! how many books - are written on this principle. Thus literature, and even science - itself, is overloaded with froth and flummery. Verbalizing has - become fashionable and indispensable, and one line from an ancient - author will furnish the materials for a modern treatise." -</p> -<p> Our University should be a "utilitarian" institution—and - competent, industrious teachers and professors should be - immediately elected for the several departments. "Knowledge is - power,"—foster education and we are forever free! Nothing can be - done which is more certainly calculated to perpetuate the free - institutions of our common country, for which our progenitors - "fought and bled, and died," than the general diffusion of - useful knowledge amongst the people. Education should always - be of a purely practical character, for such, and such alone, - is calculated to perfect the happiness and prosperity of our - fellow-citizens—ignorance, impudence, and false knowledge, are - equally detestible,—shame and confusion follow in their train. As - you now <span class="pagenum"><a name="291"></a>{291}</span> possess the power, afford the most ample facilities - to the Regents to make their plans complete; and thus enable them - to set a glorious example to the world at large. The most liberal - policy should attend the organization of the University, and equal - honors and privileges should be extended to all classes of the - community. -</p> -<p> In order to carry out the provisions of the 25th section of the - act incorporating our city, I would recommend the immediate - organization of the Legion. Comprising, as it does, the entire - military power of our city, with a provision allowing any citizen - of Hancock county to unite by voluntary enrollment, early - facilities should be afforded the court martial for perfecting - their plans of drill, rules, and regulations. Nothing is more - necessary to the preservation of order and the supremacy of the - laws, than the perfect organization of our military forces, under - a uniform and rigid discipline and approved judicious drill; and - to this end I desire to see all the departments and cohorts of - the Legion put in immediate requisition. The Legion should be all - powerful, panoplied with justice and equity, to consummate the - designs of its projectors—at all times ready, as minute men, - to serve the state in such way and manner as may, from time to - time, be pointed out by the Governor. You have long sought an - opportunity of showing your attachment to the state government - of Illinois—it is now afforded; the Legion should maintain the - constitution and the laws, and be ready at all times for the public - defense. The winged warrior of the air perches upon the pole of - American liberty, and the beast that has the temerity to ruffle her - feathers should be made to feel the power of her talons; and until - she ceases to be our proud national emblem we should not cease - to show our attachment to Illinois. Should the tocsin of alarm - ever be sounded, and the Legion called to the tented field by our - Executive, I hope to see it able, under one of the proudest mottoes - that ever blazed upon a warrior's shield—<em>Sicut patribus sit Deus - nobis</em>; "as God was with our fathers, so may He be with us"—to - fight the battles of our country, as victors, and as freemen; the - juice of the uva, or the spirit of insubordination should never - enter our camp,—but we should stand, ever stand, as a united - people—one and indivisible. -</p> -<p> I would earnestly recommend the construction of a wing-dam in the - Mississippi, at the mouth of the ravine at or near the head of - Main street, and the excavation of a ship canal from that point - to a point terminating in a grand reservoir on the bank of said - river, east of the foot of said street, a distance of about two - miles. This would afford, at the various outlets, the most ample - water power for propelling any amount of machinery for mill and - manufacturing purposes, so essentially necessary to the building - up of a great commercial city in the heart of one of the most - productive and delightful countries on earth. I <span class="pagenum"><a name="292"></a>{292}</span> would - advise that an agent be immediately appointed on behalf of the - city corporation, to negotiate with eastern capitalists for the - completion of this great work, on the most advantageous terms, even - to the conveyance of the privilege for a term of years. This work - finished, and the future greatness of this city is placed upon an - imperishable basis. In addition to the great advantages that will - otherwise accrue to the city and country by the construction of - this noble work, it would afford the best harbor for steamboats, - for winter quarters, on this magnificent stream. -</p> -<p> The public health requires that the low lands, bordering on the - Mississippi, should be immediately drained, and the entire timber - removed. This can and will be one of the most healthful cities - in the west, provided you take prompt and decisive action in the - premises. A board of health should be appointed and vested with the - usual powers and prerogatives. -</p> -<p> The Governor, council of revision, and legislature of Illinois, - should be held in everlasting remembrance by our people—they - burst the chains of slavery and proclaimed us forever free! A vote - of thanks, couched in the strongest language possible, should be - tendered them in our corporate capacity; and, when this is done, - Quincy, our first noble city of refuge, when we came from the - slaughter in Missouri with our garments stained with blood, should - not be forgotten. -</p> -<p> As the Chief Magistrate of your city I am determined to execute all - state laws and city ordinances passed in pursuance to law, to the - very letter, should it require the strong arm of military power - to enable me to do so. As an officer I know no man; the peaceful, - unoffending in the full exercise of all his civil, political, and - religious rights, and the guilty violator of law shall be punished, - without respect to persons. -</p> -<p> All of which is respectfully submitted.<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERXVfn2"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERXVfn2">2</a>]</sup> -</p> -<p> John C. Bennett. -</p></blockquote> -<p>The following persons were elected by the council to their offices, -to-wit—Henry G. Sherwood, marshal; James Sloan, recorder; Robert -B. Thompson, treasurer; James Robinson, assessor; Austin Cowles, -supervisor of streets. I presented to the city council the following -resolution, which was unanimously adopted: -</p><blockquote> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="293"></a>{293}</span> Resolved by the City Council of the City of Nauvoo, that the - unfeigned thanks of this community be respectfully tendered to the - Governor, Council of Revision, and Legislature of the state of - Illinois, as a feeble testimonial of their respect and esteem for - noble, high-minded, and patriotic statesmen; and as an evidence of - gratitude for the signal powers recently conferred; also that the - citizens of Quincy be held in everlasting remembrance, for their - unparalleled liberality and marked kindness to our people, when in - their greatest state of suffering and want. -</p></blockquote> -<p>I presented a bill for an ordinance concerning the University of -Nauvoo, which passed as follows: -</p><blockquote> -<p> Sec.1. Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Nauvoo, - that the "University of the City of Nauvoo," be, and the same - is hereby organized by the appointment of the following Board - of Trustees, to-wit—John C. Bennett, chancellor; William Law, - registrar; and Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, Hyrum Smith, William - Marks, Samuel H. Smith, Daniel H. Wells, Newel K. Whitney, Charles - C. Rich, John T. Barnett, Wilson Law, Don Carlos Smith, John P. - Greene, Vinson Knight, Isaac Galland, Elias Higbee, Robert D. - Foster, James Adams, Robert B. Thompson, Samuel Bennett, Ebenezer - Robinson, John Snider, George Miller, and Lenos M. Knight, Regents - of the "University of the City of Nauvoo;" as contemplated in - the 24th section of "An Act to incorporate the City of Nauvoo," - approved December 16, 1840. -</p> -<p> Sec. 2. The board named in the first section of this ordinance, - shall hold its first meeting at the office of Joseph Smith, on - Tuesday, the 9th day of February, 1841, at 2 o'clock p. m. -</p> -<p> Passed February 3, 1841. -</p> -<p> John C. Bennett, Mayor. -</p> -<p> James Sloan, Recorder. -</p></blockquote> -<p>I also presented a bill for an ordinance organizing the Nauvoo Legion, -which passed the same day, as follows: -</p><blockquote> -<p> Sec. 1. Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Nauvoo, - that the inhabitants of the City of Nauvoo, and such citizens of - Hancock county as may unite by voluntary enrollment, be, and they - are hereby organized into a body of independent military men, to be - called the "Nauvoo Legion," as contemplated in the 25th section of - "An Act to incorporate the City of Nauvoo," approved December 16, - 1840. -</p> -<p> Sec. 2. The Legion shall be, and is hereby divided into two - cohorts; the horse troops to constitute the first cohort, and the - foot troops to constitute the second cohort. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="294"></a>{294}</span> Sec. 3. The general officers of the Legion shall consist of a - lieutenant-general, as the chief commanding and reviewing officer, - and president of the court martial and Legion; a major-general, - as the second in command in the Legion, the secretary of the - court martial and Legion, and adjutant and inspector-general; - a brigadier-general, as the commander of the first cohort; and - brigadier-general, as commander of the second cohort. -</p> -<p> Sec. 4. The staff of the lieutenant-general shall consist of two - principal aids-de-camp, with the rank of colonels of cavalry; and a - guard of twelve aids-de-camp, with the rank of captain of infantry; - and a drill officer, with the rank of colonel of dragoons, who - shall likewise be the chief officer of the guard. -</p> -<p> Sec. 5. The staff of the major-general shall consist of an - adjutant, a surgeon-in-chief, a cornet, a quarter-master, a - paymaster, a commissary, and a chaplain, with the rank of colonels - of infantry; a surgeon for each cohort, a quarter-master-sergeant, - sergeant-major, and chief musician, with the rank of captains of - light infantry, and two musicians, with the rank of captains of - infantry. -</p> -<p> Sec. 6. The staff of each brigadier-general shall consist of one - aid-de-camp, with the rank of lieutenant-colonel of infantry, - provided that the said brigadiers shall have access to the staff of - the major-general, when not otherwise in service. -</p> -<p> Sec. 7. No officer shall hereafter be elected by the various - companies of the Legion, except upon the nomination of the - court-martial; and it is hereby made the duty of the court-martial - to nominate at least two candidates for each vacant office, - whenever such vacancies occur. -</p> -<p> Sec. 8. The court-martial shall fill and supply all offices - ranking between captains and brigadier-generals by granting brevet - commissions to the most worthy company officers of the line, who - shall thereafter take rank, and command according to the date of - their brevets, provided that their original place in the line shall - not thereby be vacated. -</p> -<p> Sec. 9. The court-martial, consisting of all the military officers, - commissioned or entitled to commissions, within the limits of the - city corporation, shall meet at the office of Joseph Smith, on - Thursday, the 4th day of February, 1841, at 10 o'clock a. m.; and - then and there proceed to elect the general officers of the Legion, - as contemplated in the 3rd section of this ordinance. -</p> -<p> Sec. 10. The court-martial shall adopt for the Legion, as nearly as - may be, and so far as applicable, the discipline, drill, uniform, - rule, and regulations of the United States army. -</p> -<p> Passed February 8, 1841. -</p> -<p> John C. Bennett, Mayor. -</p> -<p> James Sloan, Recorder. -</p></blockquote> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="295"></a>{295}</span> Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, Don C. Smith, and Charles C. Rich were -duly sworn as members of the City Council.<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERXVfn3"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERXVfn3">3</a>]</sup> -</p> -<p>The following addition has been made to the Charter of the Nauvoo -Legion by the legislature— -</p><blockquote> -<p> Any citizen of Hancock county may, by voluntary enrollment, attach - himself to the Nauvoo Legion, with all the privileges, which - appertain to that independent military body. -</p></blockquote> -<p>I gave a general invitation to my friends to enroll themselves, so as -to have a perfect organization by the fourth of July. I was appointed -chairman of several committees, viz.: "On the Canal," "For Vacating -the Town of Commerce," "Vending Spirituous Liquors," "Code of City -Ordinances", "Board of Health," &c. Council adjourned to the 8th. -</p> -<p><em>Thursday, 4</em>. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Minutes of the Meeting which Organized the Nauvoo Legion</em>. -</p> -<p> Pursuant to an ordinance of the City Council of the City of Nauvoo, - entitled, "An ordinance organizing the Nauvoo Legion," passed - February 3, 1841, a court-martial, composed of the commissioned - officers of the militia of the state of Illinois, within the city - of Nauvoo, assembled at the office of Joseph Smith, on Thursday - at 10 o'clock a. m., the 4th day of February, 1841: present—John - C. Bennett, quarter-master general of the state of Illinois; - Lieutenant-Colonel Don Carlos Smith; Captains Charles C. Rich, - Wilson Law, Albert P. Rockwood, William Law, Titus Billings, - Stephen Markham; first lieutenants, Francis M. Higbee, John T. - Barnett, John D. Parker, Benjamin S. Wilber, Amos Davis; second - lieutenants, Chancy L. Higbee, Nelson Higgins, David H. Redfield, - Hosea Stout, Stephen Winchester, Thomas Rich; third lieutenants, - John C. Annis, and Alexander Badlam. The court was <span class="pagenum"><a name="296"></a>{296}</span> called - to order by General Bennett. On motion, Joseph Smith and Hugh - McFall were requested to sit in the court. The court-martial then - proceeded to the election of the general officers of the Legion; - whereupon Joseph Smith was duly elected lieutenant-general of - the Nauvoo Legion, and John C. Bennett, major-general. Colonel - Wilson Law was elected brigadier-general of the first cohort, and - Lieutenant-Colonel Don Carlos Smith brigadier-general of the second - cohort, by unanimous vote of the court-martial. Lieutenant-general - Joseph Smith, after being duly sworn into office, appointed the - following named persons for his staff, to-wit—Captain A. P. - Rockwood to be drill officer; Captains William Law and Robert B. - Thompson, aids-de-camp; and James Allred, Thomas Grover, C. M. - Kreymeyer, John L. Butler, John Snider, Alpheus Cutler, Reynolds - Cahoon, Elias Higbee, Henry G. Sherwood, Shadrack Roundy, Samuel H. - Smith, and Vinson Knight, guards, and assistant aids-de-camp. The - Legion, at its organization, was composed of six companies. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Friday, 5</em>.—Elder Reuben Hedlock is laboring in Glasgow, Scotland. -The Church in that place numbers 55, and the spirit of enquiry -increases. -</p> -<p><em>Saturday, 6</em>. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Minutes of a Council at Brother Richard Harrison's, 72 Burlington - Street, Liverpool, for organizing a company of Saints going to New - Orleans on the ship "Sheffield," Captain Porter</em>. -</p> -<p> Elders Brigham Young, Willard Richards, John Taylor, and other - officers, present. Elder Hyrum Clark was chosen president, and - Thomas Walmsley, Miles Romney, Edward Martin, John Taylor, Francis - Clark, and John Riley, counselors to President Clark. Edward - Martin, clerk and historian. Peter Maughan and John Taylor were - ordained Elders. President Clark and his counselors were blessed - and set apart for their mission. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Sunday, 7</em>.—Ship <em>Sheffield</em> sailed from Liverpool with 235 Saints. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, 8</em>.—Levi Richards writes from Lugwardine— -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>To the Editor of the Star</em>: -</p> -<p> Since Stanley Hill conference, I have attended about thirty - council meetings of Church officers, in eleven different places - in Herefordshire, Gloucestershire, and Worcestershire, making a - circuit of nearly one hundred miles. Union and harmony prevail - among them, and a <span class="pagenum"><a name="297"></a>{297}</span> disposition to add to their faith. New - places are frequently opened for preaching, which is generally - supplied. Many are baptized every week, although the ice has to - yield its natural claims, and be put aside. The gift of healing is - manifested to quite an extent in this region. The gift of tongues - is received in most of the branches where I am acquainted. The - spirit of persecution is not yet wholly cast out of the world: for - recently preaching was held for the first time in Pendock parish, - eight miles from Ledbury, when a congregation, respectable in - numbers and appearance, were compelled to retire prematurely, in - consequence of the quantity of gravel thrown upon the roof and - against the windows. The mob were numerous, and pelted the Saints - on their way home with mud. The meeting was held at the shop of a - tradesman, who had been clerk of the parish, but was so fortunate - as to obey the Gospel, and be turned out of his stewardship; and - his wife was dismissed from her school, for the same reason, by the - parson of the parish. More or less of the Saints are turned out of - employ, and out of their houses, for obeying the Gospel. -</p></blockquote> -<p class="sidenote">Nauvoo Council Opened by Prayer. -</p> -<p>City Council met according to adjournment and opened by prayer, which -was made a standing rule of the council. I reported a bill for the -survey of a canal through the city, which was accepted; and I was -appointed to contract for its survey. I also reported a bill for an -ordinance on temperance, which was read and laid over. -</p> -<p><em>Wednesday, 10</em>.—Elder James Burnham writes from Overton, Flintshire, -North Wales— -</p><blockquote> -<p> I have organized two branches, with about 150 members; and we are - continually baptizing, whether it be cold or hot. There is great - opposition. -</p></blockquote> -<p class="sidenote">The <em>Echo</em> Company. -</p> -<p><em>Thursday, 11</em>.—Elders Young, Richards, and Taylor, in council at 72 -Burlington Street, Liverpool, set apart, by the laying on of hands, -Elder Daniel Browett, to take charge of a company of Saints, about to -sail for New Orleans on ship <em>Echo</em>, Captain Wood; and John Cheese, -David Wilding, James Lavender, William Jenkins, Robert Harris, and John -Ellison, to be his counselors. Robert Harris was ordained an Elder, and -Elder Browett was appointed clerk and historian of the company. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="298"></a>{298}</span> <em>Saturday, 13</em>.—Elder Orson Hyde sailed from New York for -Liverpool, on his way to Jerusalem, accompanied by Elder George J. -Adams. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 14</em>. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Minutes of the London Conference</em>. -</p> -<p> A conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was - held at Barrett's Academy, 57 King Square, Goswell Road, London, - on Sunday, the 14th of February, 1841, there being present—Elders - Heber C. Kimball, Wilford Woodruff, Lorenzo Snow, William Pitt, - and four Priests. The meeting was called to order by Elder Kimball - at 2 o'clock p. m. Moved by Elder Kimball, seconded by Elder Pitt, - that Elder Woodruff be president of this conference; carried - unanimously. Moved by Elder Kimball, seconded by Elder Woodruff, - that Dr. W. Copeland be clerk; carried unanimously. The meeting - opened by Elder Kimball with prayer and singing. The president then - called upon the official members to represent their respective - branches. The church at Ipswich was represented by Elder Pitt, - as consisting of twelve members, one Elder, one Priest, and one - Teacher. The church at Bedford was represented by Robert Williams, - Priest, as consisting of forty-two members, one Priest, seven - moved, two died. The church at Woolwich was represented by John - Griffith, Priest, as consisting of six members, one Priest. The - church in London was represented by Elder Kimball as consisting of - forty-six members, one Elder, two Priests: excellent prospects of a - continued increase. James Allen was ordained an Elder, and Thomas - Barnes a Priest. Robert Williams was ordained an Elder, to preside - over the branch at Bedford; and William Smith and John Sheffield - were ordained Priests. Richard Bates was ordained a Priest, in the - branch of Woolwich, and A. Painter a Teacher—all under the hands - of Elders Kimball, Woodruff and Snow. It was then moved by Elder - Kimball, seconded by Elder Woodruff, that Elder Snow be appointed - president of this [the Woolwich] conference, also to take the - superintendency of the branch in London. Much valuable instruction - was given by Elders Kimball and Woodruff in relation to the duties - of the official members. It was then moved by Elder Kimball, - and seconded by Elder Snow, that this conference be adjourned - to Sunday, 16th of May, 1841. The conference was then closed at - half-past five, by singing and prayer. -</p> -<p> Dr. W. Copeland, Clerk. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Monday, 15</em>.—As chairman of the committee [on the vending of -spirituous liquors] I reported a bill to the City <span class="pagenum"><a name="299"></a>{299}</span> Council, which, -after a long discussion, passed into "An ordinance in relation to -temperance." -</p><blockquote> -<p> Ordinance. -</p> -<p> Sec. 1. Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Nauvoo, - that all persons and establishments whatever, in this city, are - prohibited from vending whisky in a less quantity than a gallon, or - other spirituous liquors in a less quantity than a quart, to any - person whatever, excepting on the recommendation of a physician, - duly accredited in writing, by the Chancellor and Regents of the - University of the City of Nauvoo; and any person guilty of any act - contrary to the prohibition contained in this ordinance, shall, on - conviction thereof before the Mayor or municipal court, be fined - in any sum not exceeding twenty-five dollars, at the discretion - of said Mayor or municipal court; and any person or persons who - shall attempt to evade this ordinance by giving away liquor, or by - any other means, shall be considered alike amenable, and fined as - aforesaid. -</p> -<p> Passed February 15, 1841. -</p> -<p> John C. Bennett, Mayor. -</p> -<p> James Sloan, Recorder. -</p></blockquote> -<p>In the discussion of the foregoing bill, I spoke at great length on the -use of liquors, and showed that they were unnecessary, and operate as a -poison in the stomach, and that roots and herbs can be found to effect -all necessary purposes. -</p> -<p><em>Tuesday, 16</em>. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Missouri's "White-washing</em>." -</p> -<p> Resolved by the Senate [of the state of Missouri], the House - of Representatives concurring, that two thousand copies of the - evidence taken before the examining court in relation to "Mormon" - difficulties, and such of the letters, orders, and correspondence - on that subject, on file in the office of the secretary of state, - as may be selected by a joint committee of the two houses, shall be - published in pamphlet form, under the direction of the secretary of - state; that one copy, in lieu of the manuscript copies, heretofore - ordered, be sent to our delegation in Congress, to be laid before - the House to which they respectively belong, one to each member of - Congress, and the residue be distributed among the Mormons of the - general assembly. -</p> -<p> Approved February 16, 1841.<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERXVfn4"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERXVfn4">4</a>]</sup> -</p></blockquote> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="300"></a>{300}</span> Is this Missouri's last struggle to retrieve her lost character -to publish to the world a one-sided statement of her robberies, -murders, and extermination which she had committed without provocation, -at a time when not one Saint was left in Missouri to tell the truth -about them? -</p> -<p>The ship <em>Echo</em> sailed from Liverpool for New Orleans, with 109 Saints, -led by Daniel Browett. -</p> -<p><em>Saturday, 20</em>.—Elder Brigham Young went to Harwarden and preached -twice on Sunday. -</p> -<p>Elders William Kay and Thomas Richardson introduced the Gospel into the -City of Hereford. -</p> -<p>The court-martial of the Nauvoo Legion, by a unanimous vote, adopted -the following resolutions, to-wit— -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Legion Resolutions</em>. -</p> -<p> That no person whatever, residing within the limits of the City - of Nauvoo, between the ages of 18 and 45 years, excepting such as - are exempted by the laws of the United States, shall be exempt - from military duty, unless exempted by a special act of this - court; and the fines for neglecting or refusing to appear on the - days of general parade were fixed at the following rates: for - generals, $25; colonels, $20; captains, $15; lieutenants, $10; and - musicians and privates, $5; and for company parade at the following - rates—for commissioned officers, $5; non-commissioned officers, - $3; musicians and privates, $2. The 1st and 6th of April, and the - 3rd of July, were fixed upon as days for general parade for this - year. -</p> -<p> Ordered that Edward P. Duzette enlist and organize a band of music, - not exceeding twenty men. It was also reported that John Scott had - been elected captain in the place of William Law, and Lieutenant - Hosea Stout in the place of Albert P. Rockwood, who has been - promoted. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Monday, 22</em>.—I laid before the City Council the following— -</p><blockquote> -<p> Resolution. -</p> -<p> Resolved by the City Council of the City of Nauvoo, that the - freedom of the city be, and the same hereby is, conferred on the - present Governor, lieutenant-governor, council of revision, and - members of both houses of the general assembly, of the state of - Illinois, as an evidence <span class="pagenum"><a name="301"></a>{301}</span> of our gratitude for their great - liberality and kindness to this community, during the present - winter, which was adopted unanimously. -</p></blockquote> -<p>I also presented the following bill for "An ordinance in relation to -the University." -</p><blockquote> -<p> Ordinance. -</p> -<p> Sec. 1. Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Nauvoo, - that all matters and powers whatever in relation to common schools, - and all other institutions of learning within the City of Nauvoo - be, and the same hereby are transferred from the City Council of - the City of Nauvoo, to the chancellor and regents of the University - of the City of Nauvoo. -</p> -<p> Passed February 22, 1841. -</p> -<p> John C. Bennett, Mayor. -</p> -<p> James Sloan, Recorder. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Tuesday, 23</em>.—Elder Kington writes from Bristol, England, that eight -have been baptized in that place. -</p><blockquote> -<p> An Act to Incorporate the Nauvoo House Association. -</p> -<p> Sec. 1. Be it enacted by the people of the state of Illinois, - represented in the general assembly, that George Miller, Lyman - Wight, John Snider, and Peter Haws, and their associates, are - hereby declared a body corporate, under the name and style of the - "Nauvoo House Association;" and they are hereby authorized to erect - and furnish a public house of entertainment, to be called the - "Nauvoo House." -</p> -<p> Sec. 2. The above-named George Miller, Lyman Wight, John Snider, - and Peter Haws, and their associates, are hereby declared to be the - trustees of the association, with full power and authority to hold - in joint tenancy, by themselves and their successors in office, a - certain lot in the City of Nauvoo, in the county of Hancock, and - state of Illinois, known and designated on the plat of said city, - as the south half of lot numbered fifty-six, for the purpose of - erecting thereon the house contemplated in the first section of - this act. -</p> -<p> Sec. 3. The said trustees are further authorized and empowered - to obtain by stock subscription, by themselves or their duly - authorized agents, the sum of one hundred and fifty thousand - dollars, which shall be divided into shares of fifty dollars each. -</p> -<p> Sec. 4. No individual shall be permitted to hold more than three - hundred, nor less than one share of stock, and certificates of - stock shall <span class="pagenum"><a name="302"></a>{302}</span> be delivered to subscribers, so soon as their - subscriptions are paid in and not before. -</p> -<p> Sec. 5. As soon as the contemplated house shall have been completed - and furnished, the stockholders shall appoint such agents as the - trustees may deem necessary in the management of the affairs of - said association. -</p> -<p> Sec. 6. The trustees shall have power to sue and be sued, plead and - be impleaded in any court in this state, in the name and style of - the "Trustees of the Nauvoo House Association." -</p> -<p> Sec. 7. They shall also take the general care and supervision in - procuring materials for said house, and constructing and erecting - the same, and further to superintend its general management, and to - do and perform all matters and things which may be necessary to be - done, in order to secure the interest and promote the objects of - this association. -</p> -<p> Sec. 8. This association shall continue twenty years from the - passage of this act, and the house herein provided for shall be - kept for the accommodation of strangers, travelers, and all other - persons who may resort therein for rest and refreshment. -</p> -<p> Sec. 9. It is moreover established as a perpetual rule of said - house, to be observed by all persons who may keep or occupy the - same that spirituous liquors of every description are prohibited, - and that such liquor shall never be vended as a beverage, or - introduced into common use, in said house. -</p> -<p> Sec. 10. And whereas Joseph Smith has furnished the said - association with the ground whereon to erect said house, it is - further declared that the said Smith and his heirs shall hold, by - perpetual succession, a suite of rooms in the said house, to be set - apart and conveyed in due form of law to him and his heirs by the - said trustees, as soon as the same are completed. -</p> -<p> Sec. 11. The Board of Trustees shall appoint one of their number as - president thereof. -</p> -<p> Approved February 23, 1841. -</p> -<p> Thomas Carlin, -</p> -<p> Governor. -</p> -<p> W. L. D. Ewing, -</p> -<p> Speaker of the House of Representatives. -</p> -<p> S.H. Anderson, -</p> -<p> Speaker of the Senate. -</p> -<p> State of Illinois, -</p> -<p> Office of Secretary of State, s. s. -</p> -<p> I, Stephen A. Douglas, Secretary of State, do hereby certify the - <span class="pagenum"><a name="303"></a>{303}</span> foregoing to be a true and perfect copy of the enrolled law - on file in my office. -</p> -<p> Witness my hand and the seal of State. -</p> -<p> Springfield, February 24, A. D. 1841. -</p> -<p> [SEAL.] -</p> -<p> S. A. Douglas, -</p> -<p> Secretary of State. -</p> -<p> An Act to Incorporate the Nauvoo Agricultural and Manufacturing - Association in the County of Hancock. -</p> -<p> Sec. 1. Be it enacted by the people of the state of Illinois, - represented in the general assembly, that Sidney Rigdon, George - W. Robinson, Samuel James, Wilson Law, Daniel H. Wells, Hyrum - Smith, George Miller, William Marks, Peter Haws, Vinson Knight, - John Scott, Don Carlos Smith, William Huntington, Sen., Ebenezer - Robinson, Robert B. Thompson, William Law, James Allred, John T. - Barnett, Theodore Turley, John C. Bennett, Elias Higbee, Isaac - Higbee, Joseph Smith, Alpheus Cutler, Israel Barlow, R. D. Foster, - John F. Olney, John Snider, Leonard Soby, Orson Pratt, James - Kelley, Sidney A. Knowlton, John P. Greene, John F. Weld, and - their associates and successors, are hereby constituted a body - corporate and politic, by the name of "The Nauvoo Agricultural and - Manufacturing Association," and by that name shall be capable of - suing and being sued, pleading and being impleaded, answering and - being answered, in all courts and places, and may have a common - seal, and may alter the same at pleasure. -</p> -<p> Sec. 2. The sole object and purpose of said association shall be - for the promotion of agriculture and husbandry in all its branches, - and for the manufacture of flour, lumber, and such other useful - articles as are necessary for the ordinary purposes of life. -</p> -<p> Sec. 3. The capital stock of said association shall be one hundred - thousand dollars, with the privilege of increasing it to the sum - of three hundred thousand dollars, to be divided into shares of - fifty dollars, which shall be considered personal property, and - be assignable in such manner as the said corporation may, by its - by-laws, provide; which capital stock shall be exclusively devoted - to the object and purposes set forth in the second section of this - act, and to no other object and purposes, and to the same end the - said corporation shall have power to purchase, hold, and convey - real estate, and other property, to the amount of its capital. -</p> -<p> Sec. 4. Said corporation shall have power, by the trustees, or a - majority of them present at any regularly called meeting, to make - by-laws for its own government, for the purpose of carrying out - the objects <span class="pagenum"><a name="304"></a>{304}</span> of this association, provided the same are not - repugnant to the laws and constitution of this state, or of the - United States. -</p> -<p> Sec. 5. Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, and William Law shall be - commissioners to receive subscriptions for, and distribute said - capital stock for said corporation; said commissioners, or a - majority of them, shall, within six months after the passage of - this act, either by themselves or their duly appointed agents, open - a subscription book for said stock at such times and places as they - shall appoint, and at the time of subscription for such stock, at - least ten per cent upon each share subscribed for, shall be paid - to said commissioners, or their duly appointed agents; and the - remainder of said stock, so subscribed for, shall be paid in such - sums, and at such times, as shall be provided for by the by-laws of - said corporation. -</p> -<p> Sec. 6. In case the stock of said corporation shall not all - be taken up within one year from the passage of this act, the - duties of said commissioners shall cease, and the trustees of - said corporation, or a quorum thereof, may thereafter receive - subscriptions to said stock, from time to time, until the whole - shall be subscribed. -</p> -<p> Sec. 7. The stock, property, and concerns of said corporation - shall be managed by twenty trustees, who shall be stockholders of - said corporation, any five of whom, to be designated by a majority - of the trustees, shall form a quorum for the transaction of all - ordinary business of said corporation, the election of which - trustees shall be annual. The first mentioned twenty persons, whose - names are recited in the first section of this act, shall be the - first trustees of said corporation, and shall hold their offices - until the first Monday in September, A. D. 1841, and until others - shall be elected in their places. -</p> -<p> Sec. 8. The trustees of said corporation for every subsequent year - shall be elected on the first Monday in September, in each and - every year, at such place as the trustees for the time being shall - appoint, and of which election they shall give at least fifteen - days previous notice by advertisement in some newspaper, in or near - the City of Nauvoo. At every election of trustees, each stockholder - shall be entitled to one vote on each share of stock owned by - him: provided that no stockholder shall be entitled to more than - twenty votes, and said stockholders, may vote either in person or - by proxy. The election for trustees shall be conducted in such - manner as shall be pointed out by the by-laws of said corporation, - and whenever a vacancy shall happen by death, resignation, or - otherwise, among the trustees, the remaining trustees shall have - power to fill such vacancy, until the next general election for - trustees. -</p> -<p> Sec. 9. The trustees of said corporation, as soon as may be, after - their appointment or election under this act, shall proceed to - elect, <span class="pagenum"><a name="305"></a>{305}</span> out of their number, a president, treasurer, and - secretary, who shall respectively hold their offices during one - year, and until others shall be elected to fill their places, and - whose duties shall be defined and prescribed by the by-laws of the - corporation; and said trustees shall also appoint such agents and - other persons as may be necessary to conduct the proper business, - and accomplish the declared objects of said corporation, and shall - likewise have power to fill any vacancy occasioned by the death, - resignation, or removal of any officer of said corporation. -</p> -<p> Sec. 10. This act shall be construed as a public act, and continue - in force for the period of twenty years. And the trustees appointed - under the provisions of this act, shall hold their first meeting at - the City of Nauvoo, on the first Monday of April, A. D. 1841. -</p> -<p> Approved February 27, 1841. -</p> -<p> Thomas Carlin, -</p> -<p> Governor. -</p> -<p> W. L. D. Ewing, -</p> -<p> Speaker of the House of Representatives. -</p> -<p> S. H. Anderson. -</p> -<p> Speaker of the Senate. -</p> -<p> State of Illinois, Office of Secretary of State. -</p> -<p> I, Lyman Trumbull, Secretary of State, do hereby certify the - foregoing to be a true and perfect copy of the enrolled law on the - file in my office. -</p> -<p> Given Under My Hand And Seal Of State, Springfield, March 10, 1841. -</p> -<p> Lyman Trumbull, -</p> -<p> Secretary of State. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Wednesday, 24</em>.—Elder Brigham Young returned to Liverpool, and on the -25th attended a patriarchal blessing meeting at Brother Dumville's. -Father Melling officiated; Elder James Whitehead, scribe. -</p> -<p><em>Saturday, 27</em>.—President Brigham Young went to Manchester, and -preached in Lombard Street room on Sunday, the 28th. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Division of Nauvoo into Municipal Wards. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, March 1</em>.—The City Council divided the city into four wards, -at my suggestion, to-wit: all the district of country within the city -limits, north of the center of Knight street, and west of the center of -Wells street, shall constitute the first ward. North of the center of -Knight street and east of the center of Wells street, the second ward. -South <span class="pagenum"><a name="306"></a>{306}</span> of the center of Knight street, and east of the center of -Wells street, the third ward. South of the center of Knight street, and -west of the center of Wells street, the fourth ward. -</p> -<p>I attended the City Council, and presented a bill for "An ordinance in -relation to Religious Societies." -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Ordinance on Religious Liberty in Nauvoo</em>. -</p> -<p> Sec. 1. Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of - Nauvoo, that the Catholics, Presbyterians, Methodists, Baptists, - Latter-day Saints, Quakers, Episcopals, Universalists, Unitarians, - Mohammedans, and all other religious sects and denominations - whatever, shall have free toleration, and equal privileges, in this - city; and should any person be guilty of ridiculing, and abusing - or otherwise depreciating another in consequence of his religion, - or of disturbing or interrupting any religious meeting within the - limits of this city, he shall, on conviction thereof before the - Mayor or Municipal Court, be considered a disturber of the public - peace, and fined in any sum not exceeding five hundred dollars, or - imprisoned not exceeding six months, or both, at the discretion of - said Mayor or Court. -</p> -<p> Sec. 2. It is hereby made the duty of all Municipal officers to - notice and report to the Mayor any breach or violation of this, - or any other ordinance of this city, that may come within their - knowledge, or of which they may be advised; and any officer - aforesaid, is hereby fully authorized to arrest all such violators - of rule, law and order, either with or without process. -</p> -<p> Passed March 1, 1841. -</p> -<p> John C. Bennett, Mayor. -</p> -<p> James Sloan, Recorder. -</p></blockquote> -<p>I also presented a bill as follows: -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>An Ordinance in Relation to Public Meetings</em>. -</p> -<p> Sec. 1. Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Nauvoo, - that in order to guarantee the constitutional right of free - discussion upon all subjects, the citizens of this city, may - from time to time peaceably assemble themselves together for all - peaceable or lawful purposes whatever; and should any person - be guilty of disturbing or interrupting any such meeting or - assemblage, he shall on conviction thereof before the Mayor or - Municipal Court, be considered a disturber of the public peace, - and fined in any sum not exceeding five hundred <span class="pagenum"><a name="307"></a>{307}</span> dollars, or - imprisoned not exceeding six months, or both, at the discretion of - said mayor or court. -</p> -<p> Sec. 2. Should any person be guilty of exciting the people to riot - or rebellion, or of participating in a mob, or any other unlawful - riotous or tumultuous assemblage of the people, or of refusing to - obey any civil officer, executing the ordinances of the city, or - the general laws of the state or United States, or of neglecting or - refusing to obey promptly, any military order for the due execution - of said law or ordinances, he shall, on conviction thereof as - aforesaid, be fined or imprisoned, or both, as aforesaid. -</p> -<p> Passed March 1, 1841. -</p> -<p> John C. Bennett, Mayor. -</p> -<p> James Sloan, Recorder. -</p></blockquote> -<p>I also offered a bill for "An ordinance, creating certain additional -City Officers." -</p><blockquote> -<p> Ordinance. -</p> -<p> Sec. 1. Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Nauvoo, - that in addition to the city officers heretofore elected, there - shall be elected by the City Council, one high constable for each - ward; one surveyor and engineer, one market master, one weigher - and sealer, and one collector for the city, whose duties shall - hereafter be defined by ordinance. -</p> -<p> Passed March 1, 1841. -</p> -<p> John C. Bennett, Mayor. -</p> -<p> James Sloan, Recorder. -</p></blockquote> -<p>I presented the following report: -</p><blockquote> -<p> Committee's Report. -</p> -<p> Your committee, to whom was referred that portion of the address - of his honor, the Mayor, which recommended the propriety of - vacating the town plats, Commerce, and the City of Commerce, and - incorporating them with the city plat of Nauvoo, would respectfully - report—That they consider the recommendation contained in the - address as one of great importance to the future welfare and - prosperity of this city, and if carried into effect would make the - streets regular and uniform, and materially tend to beautify this - city. We would therefore respectfully recommend that the survey of - the City of Nauvoo be carried through the town plats of Commerce - and the City of Commerce, as soon as it may be practicable. -</p> -<p> We would therefore recommend to the council the passage of the - following resolution—That the town plats of Commerce, and Commerce - City be vacated, and that the same stand vacated from this time - forth, <span class="pagenum"><a name="308"></a>{308}</span> and forever; and that the same be incorporated with - the City of Nauvoo, from this time henceforth and forever. -</p> -<p> All of which is respectfully submitted. -</p> -<p> Joseph Smith, Chairman. -</p></blockquote> -<p>The report was received and adopted, and an ordinance passed -accordingly. -</p> -<p>A vote of thanks, and the freedom of the city were conferred on the -Honorable Richard M. Young, United States Senator for Illinois. -</p> -<p><em>Tuesday, 2</em>.—Elder Brigham Young visited Oldham, and returned on -Wednesday, 3rd, to Manchester. Elders Orson Hyde and George J. Adams -arrived in Liverpool. -</p> -<p><em>Thursday, 4</em>.—Elder Willard Richards left Liverpool for Preston, and -was followed by Elders Hyde, Adams, and Fielding on the 5th. -</p> -<p>General William Henry Harrison was inaugurated President of the United -States. -</p> -<p><em>Friday, 5</em>.—Elder Parley P. Pratt removed the <em>Star</em> office to 47 -Oxford Road, Manchester. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 7</em>.—Elders Young and Kimball preached at the Carpenter's -Hall, Manchester. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Appointment of City Officers. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, 8</em>.—I attended the City Council. The following appointments -were made, viz: Alanson Ripley, city surveyor; Theodore Turley, weigher -and sealer; James Robinson, assessor; Stephen Markham, market master; -James Allred was sworn supervisor of streets, and James Allred, Dimick -B. Huntington, and George Morey, high constables. -</p> -<p>I gave my views on several local measures proposed by the council. -</p> -<p><em>Wednesday, 10</em>. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Letter of Brigham Young to the Editor of the Star—On Family - Prayer</em>. -</p> -<p> Liverpool, March 10, 1841. -</p> -<p> <em>To the Editor of the Star</em>: -</p> -<p> Dear Brother:—I feel anxious to address a few lines to you, on the - subject of family prayer (and shall feel obliged by your inserting - the <span class="pagenum"><a name="309"></a>{309}</span> same in your next <em>Star</em>), for the purpose of imparting - instruction to the brethren in general. Having traveled through - many branches of the Church in England, I have found it to be a - general custom among the brethren I visited, that when any of the - Traveling Elders are present, they wait for the Elder to go forward - in family prayer, instead of attending to that duty themselves. - That is not right; and I would say to them that it would be - better for them to understand their duty on this subject. My dear - brethren, remember that the Lord holds all of us responsible for - our conduct here. He held our father Adam responsible for his - conduct, but no more than He does us, in proportion to the station - we hold. The kings of the earth will have to give an account to - God, for their conduct in a kingly capacity. Kings are heads of - nations, governors are heads of provinces; so are fathers or - husbands governors of their own houses, and should act accordingly. - Heads of families should always take the charge of family worship, - and call their family together at a seasonable hour, and not wait - for every person to get through with all they may have to say or - do. If it were my prerogative to adopt a plan for family prayer, - it would be the following: Call your family or household together - every morning and evening, previous to coming to the table, and - bow before the Lord to offer up your thanksgiving for His mercies - and providential care of you. Let the head of the family dictate; - I mean the man, not the woman. If an Elder should happen to be - present, the head of the house can call upon him, if he chooses so - to do, and not wait for a stranger to take the lead at such times; - by so doing we shall obtain the favor of our Heavenly Father, and - it will have a tendency to teach our children to walk in the way - they should go, which may God grant for Christ's sake. Amen. -</p> -<p> Brigham Young. -</p></blockquote> -<p>Governor Carlin issued the following Commission— -</p><blockquote> -<p> Appointment of Joseph Smith Lieutenant-General of the Nauvoo Legion. -</p> -<p> <em>Thomas Carlin, Governor of the State of Illinois, to all to whom - these presents shall come: Greeting</em>— -</p> -<p> Know ye that Joseph Smith, having been duly elected to the office - of lieutenant-general, Nauvoo Legion, of the militia of the - State of Illinois, I, Thomas Carlin, governor of said state, do - commission him lieutenant-general of the Nauvoo Legion, to take - rank from the fifth day of February, 1841. He is, therefore, - carefully and diligently to discharge the duties of said office, - by doing and performing all manner of things thereunto belonging; - and I do strictly require all officers and soldiers <span class="pagenum"><a name="310"></a>{310}</span> under his - command to be obedient to his orders: and he is to obey such orders - and directions as he shall receive, from time to time, from the - commander-in-chief or his superior officer. -</p> -<p> In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the - great seal of state to be hereunto affixed. Done at Springfield, - this tenth day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight - hundred and forty-one, and of the independence of the United States - the sixty-fifth. -</p> -<p> By the Governor, -</p> -<p> [SEAL] -</p> -<p> Thomas Carlin. -</p> -<p> Lyman Trumball, -</p> -<p> Secretary of State. -</p></blockquote> -<p>The commission was endorsed on the back as follows— -</p><blockquote> -<p> Headquarters, Nauvoo Legion, City of Nauvoo, Illinois, March 15, - 1841—Oath of office administered by me, the day and year above - written. -</p> -<p> John C. Bennett, -</p> -<p> Major-General of the Nauvoo Legion. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Thursday, 11</em>.—Elders Young, Kimball, Richards, and Taylor met in -Liverpool. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, 15</em>.—I attended the City Council, and took part in the -discussion concerning Mr. Annis' mill, in the southwest part of the -city. -</p> -<p>Elder Wilford Woodruff attended a conference at Gadfield Elm; 408 -members in eighteen branches represented. -</p> -<p><em>Thursday, 16</em>.—Elder George A. Smith attended a conference at -Macclesfield, which branch contains ninety one members, one Elder, six -Priests, five Teachers, and three Deacons. In consequence of incessant -preaching, his lungs are much affected. -</p> -<p><em>Wednesday, 17</em>.—Ship <em>Alesto</em> sailed from Liverpool for New Orleans, -with 54 Saints, led by Elders Thomas Smith and William Moss. -</p> -<p>Elders Heber C. Kimball, Willard Richards, and Father Melling went to -Preston; Elders Young and Hedlock to Hawarden, and George A. Smith to -Leek. -</p> -<p><em>Thursday, 18</em>.—Elder George A. Smith attended a <span class="pagenum"><a name="311"></a>{311}</span> council of -the officers and members of the Church at Leek, numbering sixty-three -members, one Elder, six Priests, two Teachers, and two Deacons. Stephen -Nixon was ordained an Elder; and John Hudson, Jacob Gibson, and Joseph -Knight Priests; and Frederick Rushton and Edwin Rushton, Teachers. -</p> -<p><em>Saturday, 20</em>. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>An Inquiry</em>. -</p> -<p> City Of Nauvoo, March 20, 1841. -</p> -<p> Brother William Allred, Bishop of the stake at Pleasant Vale, and - also Brother Henry W. Miller, president of the stake at Freedom, - desire President Joseph Smith to inquire of the Lord His will - concerning them. -</p></blockquote> -<p>I inquired of the Lord concerning the foregoing question, and received -the following answer— -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Revelation</em>. -</p> -<p> Let my servants, William Allred and Henry W. Miller, have an agency - for the selling of stock for the Nauvoo House, and assist my - servants Lyman Wight, Peter Haws, George Miller, and John Snider, - in building said house; and let my servants William Allred and - Henry W. Miller take stock in the house, that the poor of my people - may have employment, and that accommodations may be made for the - strangers who shall come to visit this place, and for this purpose - let them devote all their properties, saith the Lord. -</p></blockquote> -<p>About this time I received a revelation, given in the City of Nauvoo, -in answer to the following interrogatory—"What is the will of the -Lord, concerning the Saints in the Territory of Iowa?"<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERXVfn5"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERXVfn5">5</a>]</sup> -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Revelation</em>. -</p> -<p> "Verily, thus saith the Lord, I say unto you, if those who call - themselves by my name, and are essaying to be my Saints, if they - will do my will and keep my commandments concerning them; let them - gather themselves together, unto the place which I shall appoint - unto them by my servant Joseph, and build up cities unto my name, - that they may be prepared for that which is in store for a time to - come. Let them build up a city unto my name upon the land opposite - to the City of <span class="pagenum"><a name="312"></a>{312}</span> Nauvoo, and let the name of Zarahemla be named - upon it. And let all those who come from the east, and the west, - and the north, and the south, that have desires to dwell therein, - take up their inheritances in the same, as well as in the City of - Nashville, or in the City of Nauvoo, and in all the stakes which I - have appointed, saith the Lord." -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Sunday, 21</em>.—Elder George A. Smith preached at Leek, and confirmed -one. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Organization of the Lesser Priesthood at Nauvoo. -</p> -<p>The Lesser Priesthood was organized in the City of Nauvoo, March 21, -1841, by Bishops Whitney, Miller, Higbee, and Knight. Samuel Rolf -was chosen president of the Priests' quorum, and Stephen Markham and -Hezekiah Peck, his counselors. Elisha Everett was chosen president -of Teachers, and James W. Huntsman and James Hendricks, counselors. -Phinehas R. Bird was chosen president of Deacons, and David Wood and -William W. Lane counselors. -</p> -<h3>Footnotes: -</h3> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERXVfn1"></a><a href="#CHAPTERXVfn1">1</a>. See Doctrine and Covenants, section cxxiv. -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERXVfn2"></a><a href="#CHAPTERXVfn2">2</a>. The foregoing speech is not printed in the "History of Joseph -Smith" as published in the <em>Deseret News</em> and <em>Millennial Star</em>, but -such is the prominence of John C. Bennett in the period of the history -now reached, and such the despicable part he later plays, that, as -affording an insight into his character, the speech becomes important, -hence given here <em>in extenso</em>, as it was published in the <em>Times and -Seasons</em>, Vol. II, No. 8. -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERXVfn3"></a><a href="#CHAPTERXVfn3">3</a>. Following is the form of oath taken: -</p> -<p>We, Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, Don C. Smith, and Charles C. Rich, do -solemnly swear in the presence of Almighty God that we will support the -Constitution of the United States, and of the State of Illinois, and -that we will well and truly perform the duties of councilors of the -City of Nauvoo, according to law, and the best of our abilities. -</p> -<p>Joseph Smith, -</p> -<p>Hyrum Smith, -</p> -<p>Don C. Smith, -</p> -<p>Charles C. Rich. -</p> -<p>December 3, 1841. -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERXVfn4"></a><a href="#CHAPTERXVfn4">4</a>. For a proper characterization of this document see Vol. III, this -History, p. 256. -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERXVfn5"></a><a href="#CHAPTERXVfn5">5</a>. See Doctrine and Covenants, section cxxv. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="313"></a>{313}</span> -</p> - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTERXVI"></a>Chapter XVI. -</h2> -<p class="chapterHeading">The First Foreign Mission of the Church 1837-1841. -</p> -<p><em>Tuesday, March 23, 1841</em>.—Elder Young returned to Liverpool, and -Elder Richards wrote the following history of the "Mission to England, -or the first foreign mission of the Latter-day Saints." -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>History of the British Mission</em>. -</p> -<p> About the first of June, 1837, Elder Heber C. Kimball was called by - the Spirit of Revelation, and set apart by the First Presidency of - the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, then at Kirtland, - Ohio, North America, to preside over a mission to England, - accompanied by Elder Orson Hyde, who was set apart for the same - work at the same time. In a few days Brother Joseph Fielding, - Priest, was set apart; and on the eve of the 12th, Elder Willard - Richards, (having been absent several months on a long journey, and - having returned the day previous) was called and set apart for the - same mission. -</p> -<p> The following morning, Tuesday, 13th, these brethren gave the - parting hand, bid farewell to home, and, without purse or scrip, - started for England. They were accompanied twelve miles to Fairport - on Lake Erie by Elders Brigham Young, John P. Greene and Brother - Levi Richards, and Sisters Kimball, Greene and Fielding (Brother - R. B. Thompson and wife accompanied the mission to Buffalo, and - Brother Fitch Brigham to Utica) and others with whom they parted in - the afternoon, and went on board a steamer for Buffalo; where they - arrived next day. -</p> -<p> At this place the brethren expected to receive some means - from Canada, to assist them on their journey, but they were - disappointed. In the evening they took passage on a canal boat, - and arrived in Albany on the 19th (Elder Hyde having gone forward - to New York from Rochester.) Brother Fielding proceeded to New - York, and on the 20th Elder Kimball accompanied Elder Richards to - his father's house in Richmond, Massachusetts, thirty miles east, - where they spent one day, and having received some assistance - from his friends, bade them <span class="pagenum"><a name="314"></a>{314}</span> farewell for the last time (his - father and mother having since died, also a sister whom he had - left in Kirtland) and on the 21st returned to Albany, and arrived - in New York on the 22nd, where they found Brothers Orson Hyde and - Fielding, also Elders John Goodson and Isaac Russell, John Snider, - Priest,(who had come from Canada to join the mission) anxiously - awaiting their arrival, so that they might take passage on the - <em>United States</em>, which was to sail next day, but they arrived too - late. -</p> -<p> In New York Elder Richards received some further means, quite - providentially, and on the 23rd the brethren engaged passage to - Liverpool, on board the <em>Garrick</em>, which was to sail on the 1st of - July. -</p> -<p> In the meantime the brethren received every possible assistance - from Elder Elijah Fordham. At that time he was the only member of - the Church residing in the city [New York], and having no house of - his own, he procured his father's storehouse for the use of the - brethren, where they lodged on the floor, amid straw and blankets, - one week, eating their cold morsel, and conversing with the people - as they had opportunity; for no place could be procured to preach - in, and there was no one to receive them into their houses. -</p> -<p> Sunday, the 25th, the brethren held a council at their lodgings - (Mr. Fordham's store), and organized ready for taking their - departure. -</p> -<p> On the 29th the brethren sealed, superscribed, and forwarded one - hundred and eighty of Elder Orson Hyde's "Timely Warnings" to the - ministers of the different denominations in the city, and went - on board the <em>Garrick</em>, which hauled out into the river and cast - anchor. -</p> -<p> July 1st, the ship weighed anchor and was towed to Sandy Hook by - a steamer, where she spread sail, and in four hours and a half - was out of sight of land. With the exception of a strong wind on - the 12th, there was generally a gentle breeze from the northwest - during the voyage. On the 16th, Elder Orson Hyde preached on the - aft quarter deck. On the 18th Cape Clear was visible (eighteen days - out of sight of land;) and on the morning of the 20th, the brethren - landed in Liverpool twenty days from New York. Here Elders Kimball, - Hyde, and Richards found themselves on a foreign shore, surrounded - by strangers, without the first farthing in their possession; but - the brethren unitedly took lodgings in a private house in Union - Street, till after the inspection of the ship; and on Saturday, - the 22nd, took coach for Preston. When they had alighted from the - coach, and were standing by their trunks in front of the hotel in - Preston, a large flag was unfurled over their heads on which was - printed in golden letters, "<em>Truth will prevail</em>;" at the sight of - which their hearts rejoiced, and they cried aloud, "Amen, thanks be - unto God, Truth Will Prevail." -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="315"></a>{315}</span> Brother Joseph Fielding lodged with his brother, Rev. - James Fielding, then a preacher in Vauxhall-road Chapel, and the - remainder of the brethren took lodgings in St. Wilford Street, Fox - Street. The same evening the Elders visited the Rev. Mr. Fielding, - by his request at his lodgings. He had previously been apprized of - the coming forth of this work in America, through the medium of - letters from his relatives and others and had requested his church - to pray that God would send them His servants, and exhorted his - people to receive their message when they should come. -</p> -<p> Sunday the 28th. As they had no place in which to preach, the seven - brethren went to Vauxhall Chapel to hear the Rev. Mr. Fielding; - and at the close of the morning service, Mr. Fielding gave public - notice that an Elder of the Latter-day Saints would preach in the - afternoon in his pulpit. This was voluntary with Mr. Fielding as no - one had requested the privilege; and in the afternoon, according to - the notice, Elder Kimball gave a brief history of the rise of the - Church and the first principles of the Gospel, and Elder Hyde bore - testimony; after which the Rev. Mr. Fielding requested the brethren - to give out an appointment for the evening, when Elder Goodson - preached, and Elder Joseph Fielding bore testimony. -</p> -<p> At the close Mr. Fielding again gave leave for preaching at the - same place on Wednesday evening, when Elder Hyde preached and Elder - Richards bore testimony; and from that time the Rev. Mr. Fielding - closed his doors against the Elders and began to oppose the work, - and stated that the Elders promised to say nothing about baptism - in their preaching before he ever consented to let them preach in - his pulpit; whereas the subject of the Elders preaching in his - chapel had not been named between the parties, before Mr. Fielding - gave out the public appointment before referred to: much less (if - possible) that they would "say nothing about baptism." -</p> -<p> Nine of Mr. Fielding's members offered themselves for baptism; and - Mr. Fielding presented himself before the Elders, and forbade their - baptizing them, but he received for answer, that "they were of - age and could act for themselves." On Sunday, the 30th, they were - baptized under the hands of Elder Kimball; Brother George D. Watt - being the first who offered himself for baptism in England, and is - now an Elder laboring in Edinburgh, Scotland. -</p> -<p> Elder Russell preached in the market place in the afternoon, and - from that day the doors of private houses were opened on almost - every hand for the Elders. -</p> -<p> July 31st, a council of the Elders decided that Elders Goodson and - Richards should go on a mission to Bedford, and Elder Russell and - Priest Snider on a mission to Alston, Cumberland; and after a night - <span class="pagenum"><a name="316"></a>{316}</span> of prayer, praise and thanksgiving, the brethren took their - departure on the morning of the first of August for their several - stations. -</p> -<p> The Rev. Mr. Fielding continued to oppose the doctrine of baptism - for a season; but finding that he was likely to lose all his "best - members," he offered to baptize them himself; but they being aware - that he had no authority, declined his friendly offer, whereupon - he engaged the Rev. Mr. Giles, a Baptist minister in Preston, - of as little authority as himself, to do the baptizing for his - flock; but this iniquitous scheme succeeded little better than the - other—only one coming forward to his baptism, so far as we have - heard. Mr. Fielding's people also stated that he acted the part of - a hypocrite and deceived them, when he read the letters to them in - public, which he received from America, by keeping back that part - which treated on baptism, which, since the foregoing failure he has - opposed. -</p> -<p> Elders Kimball and Hyde, and Priest Fielding continued to preach - daily in different parts of Preston, and on Wednesday and Thursday - (August 2nd and 3rd), the meetings were attended by Miss Jeanetta - Richards who was visiting her friends in Preston, and on Friday she - requested baptism, which was attended to by Elder Kimball, after - which she was confirmed at the water side by Elders Kimball and - Hyde, it being the first confirmation in a foreign land in these - last days. -</p> -<p> The day following Sister Richards returned home to her friends, - and informed her father, the Rev. Joseph Richards, an Independent - minister at Walker-fold, Chaidgely, whom she had found at Preston, - what she had done, and requested him to send for Elder Kimball to - preach in his chapel. Mr. Richards complied with his daughter's - request. Elder Kimball arrived at Walker-fold Saturday eve, August - 12, and the day following preached three times in Mr. Richards' - pulpit, to crowded assemblies; also twice during the week, and - twice the Sunday following, being most kindly and cordially - entertained by Mr. and Mrs. Richard's for nine days, during which - time Elder Kimball baptized several in the neighborhood. -</p> -<p> After a short visit to Preston, where Elder Hyde continued to - preach and baptize, Elder Kimball returned to Walker-fold, and - continued to receive the hospitality of Mr. Richards' house for - some days, while the work spread in the neighborhood; and from - thence the work went forth to Clitheroe, Waddington, Downham, - Cathburn, Thornley, and Ribchester, through the labors of Brothers - Kimball and Fielding. -</p> -<p> Elders Goodson and Richards arrived in Bedford on the 2nd of - August, and having letters of introduction to the Rev. Timothy R. - Matthews from Brother Joseph Fielding (Mrs. Matthew's brother), - they immediately waited on Mr. Matthews, who expressed great joy at - their arrival, and manifested his sincerity by walking arm in arm - with the <span class="pagenum"><a name="317"></a>{317}</span> Elders through the streets of Bedford, calling on - the members of his church, and inviting them to attend the lectures - of the Elders at his chapel vestry that evening. Mr. Matthews - had previously been apprized of the Saints in America through - the medium of the Rev. James Fielding of Preston and the letters - from America, before referred to. In the evening, his church - assembled in the vestry, and Elders Goodson and Richards continued - to lecture and testify of the work of God, on that and the three - following evenings in the same place, with the entire approbation - of Mr. Matthews, who, at the close of the lectures, publicly bore - testimony to the truths advanced, and called upon his people to - know why they did not come forward for baptism; while they in - return wished to know why he did not set them the example. -</p> -<p> After this Mr. Matthews engaged another house in the neighborhood - for the Elders to preach in, under the pretense that some of the - proprietors of the chapel might not be pleased with the Elders - occupying the vestry, and Mr. Matthews continued to attend the - preaching of the Elders, and also spent a great share of his time, - from day to day, in conversation with them. -</p> -<p> Mr. Matthews told the Elders that he had received two ordinations, - one from Bishop West, whom he had proved to be an impostor, and - another from the Church of England, which he acknowledged to be - descended from the Church of Rome, and he further acknowledged that - he had no authority from God for administering in the ordinances of - God's house. -</p> -<p> On the 10th Mrs. Braddock and four others were baptized by Elder - Goodson. Soon after this, Mr. Joseph Saville, member of Mr. - Matthews' church, being very desirous of receiving baptism at the - same time with Mr. Matthews, waited on him at his house, in company - with Elders Goodson and Richards and Mr. Matthews, and Mr. Saville - mutually agreed to meet the Elders on the bank of the river Ouse - at a specified hour in the afternoon, and attend to the ordinance - of baptism. At the hour appointed Mr. Saville met the Elders at - the place previously designated by Mr. Matthews; but as he (the - latter) did not make his appearance according to promise, after - waiting for him an hour, Mr. Saville was baptized, when the Elders - repaired to Mr. Matthews' to learn the cause of his not fulfilling - his engagement, and were informed by Mr. Matthews' family that he - had gone out into the country to preach. -</p> -<p> In a day or two it was currently rumored that Mr. Matthews had - baptized himself, and this rumor was afterwards confirmed by - Mrs. Matthews, who stated to Elder Kimball at Preston, that Mr. - Matthews had baptized himself, reasoning upon this principle within - himself: "If I <span class="pagenum"><a name="318"></a>{318}</span> have authority to administer the sacrament - to my people, why not have authority to baptize myself," &c.—and - all this after Mr. Matthews had acknowledged to Elders Goodson and - Richards that he had no authority to administer in the ordinances - of God's house; and altogether regardless of the words of the - Apostles (Heb. v: 4), "No man taketh this honor unto himself but he - that is called of God as was Aaron." -</p> -<p> By the foregoing it is plainly to be seen, that Mr. Matthews has - attempted to take that upon himself which was never conferred upon - him by the spirit of revelation, either by God, His angels, or His - servants; viz., the holy Priesthood; and from that period, Mr. - Matthews began to preach baptism, and baptized those who felt it - their duty to be baptized, and then invited them to the penitent - form to get remission of their sins; but finding that would not - answer all the design which he intended, he afterwards began to - baptize for the remission of sins. -</p> -<p> Mr. Matthews appears to have well understood that counterfeit - coin is more current the nearer it approximates to the true, and - governed himself accordingly; for he continued to preach faith, - repentance, baptism for the remission of sins, the second coming - of Christ, &c., &c., adding one thing to another in imitation of - truth, as fast as it answered his purpose, from those doctrines - which he had heard from the Latter-day Saints; but it was some - time before he arrived at that heaven-daring conscience-seared - hardihood, to lay hands on those whom he had baptized for the - reception of the Holy Ghost, and at the same time he acknowledged - that he had not got the Holy Ghost himself, by praying that he - might receive it—(Query. How can a man communicate that which he - is not in possession of?) and he now calls his church "The Church - of Latter-day Saints." -</p> -<p> Thus has Mr. Matthews been running about from Bedford to Liverpool, - from Liverpool to Northampton, from Northampton to Bedford, - and other places, crying aloud in public and private, that the - Latter-day Saints and their doctrines came from hell; at the same - time he has been preaching the same doctrines, calls his church by - the same name, is administering in the same ordinances, just as - though he fully believed that the doctrines and sacraments of hell - would be sanctified and made holy and heavenly, when administered - by the tongue and hands of an impostor. -</p> -<p> About the time that Mr. Matthews rejected the truth in Bedford, his - son (as Mr. Matthews called him), the Rev. Robert Aitkin, commenced - his attack on the principles of righteousness in Preston; and while - furiously pounding his pulpit with the Book of Mormon, and warning - his people to beware of the Latter-day Saints and their doctrines, - saying, that they and their record came from hell; called upon his - people to use all their efforts to put down the work of God, or - stop the progress of the <span class="pagenum"><a name="319"></a>{319}</span> Latter-day Saints; and, if it could - not be put down without, prayed that God would smite the leaders; - and from that time to the present, his prayer has been answered on - his own head. -</p> -<p> After Mr. Aitkin had preached against the corruptions of the Church - of England for years, and established many flourishing chapels in - Liverpool, Preston, Manchester, Burslem, London, &c.; after he had - been visited by the Elders of the Church of Latter-day Saints, - and acknowledged to them at one time that baptism was right, but - he could find no man who had authority to baptize; and at another - time, that he was afraid of them, and rejected their testimony; and - last of all would not receive the Elders into his house; after all - this, and deserted by a part of his flock, he has fled from the - remainder because he was an hireling, and cared not for the sheep; - yes, he has deserted his "Christian Society"—ceased to be an - Aitkenite, and dissolved his co-partnership with Father Matthews, - as may well be supposed, returned, and, taken "holy order" in - "Mother Church," against the corruptions of which he testified so - diligently from year to year, and is now about to enter on his - parochial duties in St. John the Evangelist's Church, Hope street, - Liverpool, for no other reason, that the writer knows of, only that - he could find no one who had authority to baptize for the remission - of sins, and not possessing the faith of his father, Matthews, to - believe that the doctrines of the pit would become holy and gospel - doctrines when taught by the tongue of wickedness and imposture, - he has concluded thus publicly to acknowledge himself a servant of - those very errors he has so long contended against, for the sake of - filthy lucre. -</p> -<p> About the 12th of September, Elder Goodson and Priest Snider - returned to Preston, and soon after sailed for America. -</p> -<p> Some years previously, the principles of the Temperance Society - (originally established in America), were introduced into England, - and Preston was the first town to receive them. Among the many - interesting and valuable items held forth by the Temperance people, - it was often remarked by them that Temperance was the fore-runner - of the Gospel, which prophecy proved true; for when the fullness - of the Gospel came from America to England, it was first preached - in Preston, and through the influence of the Temperance Society, - the Latter-day Saint, procured the use of the Temperance Hall - in Preston (a commodious building, originally erected for cock - fighting) for their chapel, and commenced meeting therein on the - 3rd of September, 1837, and continued until they were ejected - through the influence of others, the Temperance Society not having - it entirely at their control. Similar favors have been received - from several other Temperance Societies in England, for which the - Lord reward them. -</p> -<p> Elder Richards continued to labor against much opposition in <span class="pagenum"><a name="320"></a>{320}</span> - Bedford, and the region round about, until the 7th of March, 1838, - when he returned to Preston, leaving about forty members in charge - of Elder James Lavender. Elder Russell continued to labor in - Alston, Brampton, &c, and returned to Preston near the same time, - leaving about sixty member in the care of Elder Jacob Peart. -</p> -<p> At Christmas, 1837, Priest Joseph Fielding was ordained Elder, and - several were ordained Teachers, &c., at Preston; and in March, - 1838, the Church had extended from Preston to Penwortham, Longton, - Southport, Eccleston Whittle, Hunter's Hill, Chorley, and the - intermediate region, through the labors of Elders Hyde, Kimball, - and Fielding, and the members amounted to several hundreds in the - regions of Preston and Clitheroe. During this month, Elders Kimball - and Hyde were diligently engaged in organizing the different - branches; and on the first of April a general conference was called - at Preston, when the organization of the churches was completed, - and many were ordained, among whom were Elders Joseph Fielding, - Willard Richards, and William Clayton to the High Priesthood, [<em>i. - e</em>. they were ordained High Priests], and set apart by Elders - Kimball and Hyde to preside over all the churches in England. -</p> -<p> On the 9th, Elders Kimball, Hyde and Russell took leave of the - Saints in Preston, and went to Liverpool, where they were visited - by Elders Fielding, Richards, Clayton, and others, and on the 20th - of April, sailed for New York, on board the <em>Garrick</em>, the same - ship they came out on to England. -</p> -<p> When Elders Fielding and Richards had returned to Longton, they - found a pamphlet, purporting to be written by the Rev. Richard - Livesey, a Methodist minister, who had spent some time on a mission - to the United States, as he says, and having nothing more important - to attend to during his mission, it appears that he spent his - time in gathering up a heap of lies and filth from the American - papers, and imported them to England on his return; and finding - that the work of God had commenced in his native land, and was - likely to destroy his craft, set himself at work to condense his - heterogeneous mass of trans-Atlantic lies, and form the wonderful - production of the Rev. Richard Livesey's tract against the - Latter-day Saints; it being the first thing of the kind that the - enemy of all righteousness had found means to export from America, - and circulate in England; but since which he has found servants in - abundance, to assist in this nefarious merchandise of his heart's - delight. -</p> -<p> The Church at this time was in its infancy, and needed much - instruction, which necessarily occupied the attention of the - presiding Elders to a great extent; and as there were few laborers - in the field, the spread of the work was not very rapid for some - time. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="321"></a>{321}</span> Sister Alice Hodgin died at Preston on the 2nd of September, - 1838; and it was such a wonderful thing for a Latter-day Saint - to die in England, that Elder Richards was arraigned before the - Mayor's Court at Preston, on the 3rd of October, charged with - "killing and slaying" the said Alice with a "black stick," &c., but - was discharged without being permitted to make his defense, as soon - as it was discovered that the iniquity of his accusers was about to - be made manifest. -</p> -<p> October 19, 1838, Elder Clayton gave himself wholly to the work, - and soon after commenced preaching and baptizing in Manchester, and - from thence the work spread into Stockport, and other places in - the neighborhood, through the labors of Elders Clayton, Fielding, - John Moon, and David Wilding. A small church had previously sprung - up in Bolton, through the labors of Elder David Wilding, and was - continued by Elder Amos Fielding. -</p> -<p> In the summer of 1839 Elders Clayton Richards, and John Moon, - labored in Burslem, with some success, and a small church was - planted in Burnley by Elder Thomas Richardson, besides many who - were added in the older branches, through the instrumentality of - the local Elders and Priests, who were generally very faithful. -</p> -<p> December 8, 1839, Elders Hiram Clark, Alexander Wright, and Samuel - Mulliner arrived in Preston from America; and on the 25th, Brothers - Wright and Mulliner started for Scotland and soon commenced - preaching and baptizing in Paisley and vicinity. -</p> -<p> January 13, 1840, Elders Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, and - Theodore Turley arrived in Preston, from America; and on the - 18th Brothers Woodruff and Turley started for the Potteries in - Staffordshire, passing through Manchester; and on the 22nd, Elder - Taylor left for Liverpool. -</p> -<p> April 6, 1840, just ten years from the organization of the Church, - Elders Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Parley P. Pratt, Orson - Pratt, George A. Smith, and Reuben Hedlock, landed in Liverpool - from New York; and on the 9th Elder Kimball arrived in Preston, - just two years from the day he left for America. -</p> -<p> The arrival of the Elders caused the Saints to rejoice exceedingly, - for it had been prophesied by many (not of the Church), that they - would never come, and that Elders Kimball and Hyde would never - return, but they are both now in England, Elder Orson Hyde having - arrived in Liverpool on the 3rd instant from New York. -</p> -<p> Heber C. Kimball, -</p> -<p> Orson Hyde, -</p> -<p> Willard Richards. -</p> -<p> Preston, March 24, 1841. -</p></blockquote> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="322"></a>{322}</span> -</p> - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTERXVII"></a>Chapter XVII. -</h2> -<p class="chapterHeading">Celebration of the Twelfth Anniversary of the Organization of the -Church—Order of Laying Corner-Stones of Temples—Council Meetings of -the Twelve in England. -</p> -<p><em>March, 25, 26 and 27, 1841</em>.—Elders Young and Richards were detained -at the Liverpool post office, as witnesses in the case of "The Queen -vs. Joseph Holloway," for detaining letters. -</p> -<p><em>Saturday, 27</em>.—Elders Wilford Woodruff, and Geo. A. Smith attended -a council of the official members of the Staffordshire Conference, at -Hanley. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Staffordshire Conference. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 28</em>.—Elders Wilford Woodruff and George A. Smith attended -a general meeting of the Staffordshire Conference at Hanley, when 13 -branches were represented, containing 1 High Priest, 17 Elders, 55 -Priests, 25 Teachers, 14 Deacons, and 663 members. Thomas J. Filcher, -J. Taylor, Osmond Shaw, W. Ridge, and H. Ridge were ordained Elders, -also 8 Priests, 7 Teachers, and 2 Deacons, under the hands of Wilford -Woodruff, Geo. A. Smith, and Alfred Cordon. There have been 141 -baptized during the past three months. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Union of Commerce and Nauvoo Plats. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, 29</em>.—I attended city council, and moved that the city -surveyor be ordered to survey Commerce, and plat the same so as to -correspond with the city plat of Nauvoo, and make out a map to be -recorded, which was carried by the Council. Much was said in council -about fining the owners of dogs, and I contended that it was right to -fine individuals <span class="pagenum"><a name="323"></a>{323}</span> who would keep unruly dogs, to worry cattle, -sheep, or the citizens, and an ordinance was passed to that effect. -</p> -<p>William Marks, president of the stake at Nauvoo, made choice of Charles -C. Rich and Austin Cowles as his counselors. -</p> -<p>Elders Young and Richards were at Liverpool packing Books of Mormon, to -pay off those who had loaned them money in order to carry forward the -printing and binding. -</p> -<p>The following are extracts from Elder Woodruff's letter. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Letter of Wilford Woodruff to Don C. Smith—Relating to Affairs in - England</em>. -</p> -<p> Burslem, March 29, 1841. -</p> -<p> Brother Don Carlos Smith:—The following is a brief sketch of my - journey from London to this place. Elder Kimball left London on - the 19th February. I left on the 26th, and arrived at Bristol on - the same day, where I found Elder Kington, who was busily engaged - in the work of the Lord in that city, and had established a small - branch of fourteen members. I tarried there a short time and - preached three times in a theatre, had large congregations, good - attention, and baptized one, and there appears a good prospect of - a work being done in that city. Population of Bristol, 200,000. - While there I visited the suspension bridge, now erecting across - the river Avon, at St. Vincent's Rocks, Clifton; which bridge is - one hundred feet in height above the river, and seven hundred in - length. I spent one evening in Monmouth, on the borders of Wales; - preached to a large congregation; several applied for baptism - after meeting. On the 8th of March I attended a conference in - Garway; Elder Levi Richards was chosen president, and James Morgan, - clerk; heard four branches represented, containing one hundred - and thirty-four members; three were ordained to the ministry. I - also preached at Lugwardine, Shucknall Hill, Ledbury, Dymock, and - Turkey Hall to large congregations, and find the work of the Lord - still progressing throughout that region. The excitement upon the - subject in the city of Hereford has been so great, that it has - assembled together in the market place three thousand persons at - a time to hear something upon the cause of the Latter-day Saints. - On the 15th of March I attended the Gadfield Elm conference, which - met at the Gadfield Elm Chapel. Elder Wilford Woodruff was chosen - president; John Hill, clerk; 18 branches represented, containing - 408 members, 8 Elders, 32 Priests, 11 Teachers <span class="pagenum"><a name="324"></a>{324}</span> and 1 Deacon; - when such business was transacted as was deemed necessary. I also - met large congregations at Keysend Street, Coldville, Browcut; - Dunclose, Froom's Hill, and Stanley Hill, and left many churches - on the right and left, which time would not permit me to visit. - I also met with the Froom's Hill conference, on the 22nd March, - at Stanley Hill, Herefordshire, there being present one of the - traveling High Council, 2 High Priests, 20 Elders, 30 Priests, 9 - Teachers, two Deacons. Elder Levi Richards was chosen president, - and Elder Woodruff, clerk. On this occasion I heard represented - 30 branches, containing 997 members, 24 Elders, 66 Priests, 27 - Teachers, 7 Deacons, and 6 were ordained to the ministry. The - sum total represented at these conferences was 1,539 members, 36 - Elders, 103 Priests, 41 Teachers, 7 Deacons; all of whom have - embraced the work in that part of the vineyard in one year, besides - many members and officers who have emigrated to America; and I am - happy to say that the officers and members, have universally been - ready to hearken to counsel, and give heed to our instructions, and - it was with no ordinary feelings that I took my farewell of those - churches who have been so ready to receive and embrace the truth. I - called upon the Saints in Birmingham and Gret's Green, but had not - time to hold any meetings among them. I arrived in Hanley on the - 25th, where I had the privilege of again meeting with Elder Geo. A. - Smith, and was rejoiced to find the churches universally prospering - in Staffordshire. I spent one evening with the church at Longton, - and baptized seven. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Tuesday, 30</em>.—Elders Woodruff and Geo. A. Smith arrived in -Manchester, after a ride of forty miles. -</p> -<p><em>Wednesday, 31</em>.—Elders Young and Richards attended conference in -Liverpool. -</p> -<p><em>Thursday, April 1, 1841</em>.—Elders Young and Richards went to -Manchester, where they found Elders Kimball, Hyde, Woodruff and Smith, -and had a happy meeting. -</p> -<p><em>Friday, 2</em>.—Elders Orson Pratt and John Taylor arrived at Manchester -and went into council. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Minutes of a Council Meeting of the Twelve</em>. -</p> -<p> Manchester, England, April 2, 1841. -</p> -<p> This day Elders Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Orson Hyde, Parley - P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, Willard Richards, Wilford Woodruff, John - Taylor and Geo. A. Smith, of the quorum of the Twelve, met together - at the house of Brother James Bushaw, coachman No. 4, Gray Street, - near Oxford road, in this city, in council, after having been <span class="pagenum"><a name="325"></a>{325}</span> - separated and sent into various counties. To meet once more in - council after a long separation, and having passed through many - sore and grievous trials, exposing our lives and our characters - to the slanders and violence of wicked and murderous men, caused - our hearts to swell with gratitude to God for His providential - care over us. Elder Young opened the council by prayer. Elders - Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, and Parley P. Pratt, the committee - appointed about a year ago to secure a copyright for the Book of - Mormon, in the name of Joseph Smith, Jun., presented the following - certificate: -</p> -<p> "Feb. 8, 1841. Then entered for his copy—the property of Joseph - Smith, Jun.,—'The Book of Mormon; an account written by the hand - of Mormon, upon plates taken from the plates of Nephi; translated - by Joseph Smith, Jun. First European, from the second American - edition. Received five copies. -</p> -<p> "George Greenhill." -</p> -<p> "The above is a true copy of an entry in the register book of - the Company of Stationers kept, at the hall of the said company. - Witness my hand, this 17th day of February, 1841. -</p> -<p> "George Greenhill, -</p> -<p> Warehouse-keeper of the Company of Stationers." -</p> -<p> The quorum voted that they accepted the labors of said Committee. -</p> -<p> <em>Resolved</em>: That as the quorum of the Twelve have had nothing to - do with the printing of the Book of Mormon, they will not now - interfere with it, but that the said Committee settle the financial - or business matters thereof with Joseph Smith, Jun., to whom the - profits rightly belong. -</p> -<p> <em>Resolved</em>: That Elder Amos Fielding be appointed to superintend - fitting out the Saints from Liverpool to America, under the - instruction of Parley P. Pratt. -</p> -<p> <em>Resolved</em>: That Brother Geo. J. Adams go to Bedford and - Northampton and labor in that region. -</p> -<p> Adjourned till tomorrow at 10 o'clock, a. m.; Elder Kimball closed - by prayer. -</p> -<p> Orson Hyde, Clerk. -</p> -<p> <em>Council Meeting of the Twelve—Continued</em>. -</p> -<p> Manchester, April 3, 1841. -</p> -<p> This day the quorum of the Twelve met pursuant to adjournment. The - president called upon Elder Hyde to open by prayer. The quorum then - signed a letter of commendation to the churches in England for - Elder Hyde. -</p> -<p> The business of publishing the <em>Star</em> and hymn-book was then taken - into consideration. Brother John Taylor moved that those who have - had the care and superintendence of publishing the <em>Star</em> and - hymn-book, <span class="pagenum"><a name="326"></a>{326}</span> should dispose of them according to their own - wishes, and dispose of the proceeds in the same way; seconded by - Elder Orson Pratt, and carried by unanimous vote. Moved by Elder - Young, and seconded by Elder Kimball, that Elder Parley P. Pratt - conduct the publication of the <em>Millennial Star</em> as editor of the - same, after the close of the present volume. <em>Resolved</em>, that Elder - Parley P. Pratt reprint the hymn-book if he deem it expedient. - The hymn-book is not to be altered, except the typographical - errors. The above resolution was moved by Elder Geo. A. Smith, and - seconded by Elder Wilford Woodruff; carried unanimously. Conference - adjourned. -</p> -<p> Orson Hyde, Clerk. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Sunday, 4</em>.—The President of the United States, William Henry -Harrison died at Washington of the pleurisy. -</p> -<p>Nine of the Twelve at Manchester attended meeting at Carpenter's hall, -and individually bore testimony of the fulness of the everlasting -Gospel. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Council Meeting of the Twelve—Continued</em>. -</p> -<p> Manchester, April 5, 1841. -</p> -<p> Met pursuant to adjournment. Elder Orson Pratt opened the council - by prayer. It was resolved that the 17th day of April be the day - appointed for the Twelve who are going to America, to set sail from - Liverpool. Moved by Elder Kimball and seconded by Elder Woodruff - that the Twelve do business at the conference as a quorum, and call - upon the Church or conference to sanction it. Adjourned till the - 6th instant, to meet in general conference at Carpenter's Hall, at - 10 o'clock a. m. -</p> -<p> O. Hyde, Clerk. -</p></blockquote> -<p class="sidenote">Twelfth Anniversary of the Organization of the Church. -</p> -<p><em>April 6, 1841</em>.—The first day of the twelfth year of the Church -of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! At an early hour the several -companies comprising the "Nauvoo Legion," with two volunteer companies -from Iowa Territory, making sixteen companies in all, assembled at -their several places of rendezvous, and were conducted in due order -to the ground assigned for general review. The appearance, order and -movements of the Legion, were chaste, grand and imposing, and reflected -great credit upon the taste, skill and tact of the men comprising said -Legion. We doubt whether the like can be presented in <span class="pagenum"><a name="327"></a>{327}</span> any other -city in the western country. At half-past seven o'clock a. m., the -fire of artillery announced the arrival of Brigadier-Generals Law and -Don Carlos Smith, at the front of their respective cohorts; and at 8 -o'clock Major-General Bennett was conducted to his post, under the -discharge of cannon, and took command of the Legion. -</p> -<p>At half-past nine o'clock a. m., Lieutenant-General Smith, with his -guard, staff and field officers arrived at the ground, and were -presented with a beautiful silk national flag by the ladies of Nauvoo, -which was respectfully received and hailed by the firing of cannon, and -borne off by Colonel Robinson, the cornet, to the appropriate position -in the line; after which the Lieutenant-General with his suite passed -the lines in review. -</p> -<p>At twelve m., the procession arrived upon the Temple ground, -enclosing the same in a hollow square, with Lieutenant-General -Smith, Major-General Bennett, Brigadier-Generals Wilson Law and -Don Carlos Smith, their respective staffs, guard, field officers, -distinguished visitors, choir, band, &c., in the centre, and the ladies -and gentlemen, citizens, surrounding in the interior. The superior -officers, together with the banner, architects, principal speaker, &c., -were duly conducted to the stand at the principal corner stone, and the -religious services were commenced by singing from page 65 of the new -hymn book. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Sidney Rigdon's Speech. -</p> -<p>President Sidney Rigdon then addressed the assembly, and remarked the -circumstances under which he addressed the people were of no ordinary -character, but of peculiar and indescribable interest, that it was the -third occasion of a similar nature, wherein he had been called upon -to address the people, and to assist in laying the corner stones of -houses to be erected in honor of the God of the Saints. Various scenes -had transpired since the first was laid—he with some who were with -him on that occasion, had waded through scenes that no other people -had ever seen—not cursed, but blessed <span class="pagenum"><a name="328"></a>{328}</span> with. They had seen the -blood of the innocent flow, and heard the groans of those dying for the -witness of Jesus; in all those scenes of tribulation, his confidence, -his courage and his joy had been increasing instead of diminishing. -Now the scene had changed; persecution had in a measure subsided; -peace and safety, friendship and joy crowned their assembling; and -their endeavors to serve God were respected and viewed with interest. -The Saints had assembled, not to violate law and trample upon equity -and good social order; not to devastate and destroy; but to lift up -the standard of liberty and law, to stand in defense of civil and -religious, rights, to protect the innocent, to save mankind, and -to obey the will and mandate of the Lord of glory; to call up to -remembrance the once crucified, but now exalted and glorified Savior; -to say that He is again revealed, that He speaks from the heavens, -that He reigns; in honor of Him to tell the world that He lives, and -speaks, and reigns and dictates—that not every people can build a -house to Him, but that people whom He Himself directs—that the present -military display is not to usurp authority, but to obey as they are -commanded and directed; to honor, not the world, but Him that is alive -and reigns, the all in all, the invisible, but beholding, and guiding -and directing—that the Saints boast of their King; of His wisdom, His -understanding, His power and His goodness—that they honor a God of -unbounded power and glory—that He is the chief corner stone in Zion, -also the top stone—that He cannot be conquered—that He is working -in the world to guide, to conquer, and to subdue—that as formerly, -so now He works by revelation—that this is the reason why we are -here, and why we are thus—that the Saints have sacrificed all things -for the testimony of Jesus Christ—that some from different parts of -Europe and from Canada, as well as the different parts of the United -States, are present, and among all, a unanimity of purpose and feeling -prevails—and why? Because the same God over all had spoken <span class="pagenum"><a name="329"></a>{329}</span> from -the heavens and again revealed Himself. He remarked that he defied -the devil to collect such an assembly; none but Jesus would or could -accomplish such things as we are about to behold; the devil will not -build up, but tear down and destroy; the work of Jesus is like Himself -in all ages—that as light shines from the east, and spreads itself -to the west, so is the progress of spiritual light and truth—that -Jesus is a God of order, regularity and uniformity—that he works now -by revelation and by messengers as anciently—shows Himself—lifts -the veil; that such things are marvelous, but nevertheless true—that -the order of laying the corner stones was expressive of the order of -the kingdom—that the minutia were subject matter of revelation, and -all the scenery, acts of obedience are understood by the Saints—that -the ancient Prophets beheld and rejoiced at this scene, and are near -to witness the fulfillment of their predictions—that we are highly -favored of God, and brought near to the spirits of just men made -perfect. He then closed by exhortation, first to the multitude, and -lastly to the Church. The speaker then gave out a hymn, page 205, and -closed by prayer. -</p> -<p>The architects then, by the direction of the First Presidency, lowered -the first (the south-east corner) stone to its place, and President -Joseph Smith pronounced the benediction as follows: -</p><blockquote> -<p> This principal corner stone in representation of the First - Presidency, is now duly laid in honor of the Great God; and may - it there remain until the whole fabric is completed; and may the - same be accomplished speedily; that the Saints may have a place to - worship God, and the Son of Man have where to lay His head. -</p></blockquote> -<p>President Sidney Rigdon then pronounced the following: -</p><blockquote> -<p> May the persons employed in the erection of this house be preserved - from all harm while engaged in its construction, till the whole is - completed, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the - Holy Ghost. Even so. Amen. -</p></blockquote> -<p>Adjourned for one hour. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="330"></a>{330}</span> Assembled according to adjournment, and proceeded to lay the -remaining corner stones, according to previous order. -</p> -<p>The second (south-west corner) stone, by the direction of the president -of the High Priesthood, with his council and President Marks, was -lowered to its place, when the president of the High Priesthood -pronounced the following: -</p><blockquote> -<p> The second corner stone of the Temple now building by the Church - of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in honor of the Great God, - is duly laid, and may the same unanimity, that has been manifested - on this occasion continue till the whole is completed; that peace - may rest upon it to the laying of the top stone thereof, and the - turning of the key thereof; that the Saints may participate in the - blessings of Israel's God, within its walls, and the glory of God - rest upon the same. Amen. -</p></blockquote> -<p>The third (the north-west corner) stone, superintended by the High -Council, was then lowered to its place, with the benediction of Elias -Higbee, as follows: -</p><blockquote> -<p> The third corner stone is now duly laid; may this stone be a firm - support to the building that the whole may be completed as before - proposed. -</p></blockquote> -<p>The fourth (the north-east corner) stone, superintended by the Bishops, -was then lowered to its place, and Bishop Whitney pronounced the -following: -</p><blockquote> -<p> The fourth and last corner stone, expressive of the Lesser - Priesthood, is now duly laid, and may the blessings before - pronounced, with all others desirable, rest upon the same forever. - Amen. -</p></blockquote> -<p>The services were then declared closed, and the military retired to the -parade ground and were dismissed with the approbation and thanks of the -commanding officer. The military band, under the command of Captain -Duzette, made a conspicuous and dignified appearance, and performed -their part honorably. Their soul-stirring strains met harmoniously the -rising emotions that swelled each bosom, and stimulated us onward to -the arduous but pleasing and honorable duties of the day. The choir -also, under the direction of B. S. Wilber, deserve commendation. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Conduct of the People. -</p> -<p>What added greatly to the happiness we experienced on this interesting -occasion, is the fact that we heard no <span class="pagenum"><a name="331"></a>{331}</span> obscene or profane -language; neither saw we any one intoxicated. Can the same be said of -a similar assemblage in any other city in the Union? Thank God that -the intoxicating beverage, the bane of humanity in these last days, is -becoming a stranger in Nauvoo. -</p> -<p>In conclusion, we will say we never witnessed a more imposing spectacle -than was presented on this occasion, and during the sessions of -the conference. Such a multitude of people moving in harmony, in -friendship, in dignity, told in a voice not easily misunderstood, that -they were a people of intelligence, and virtue and order; in short, -that they were <em>Saints</em>; and that the God of love, purity and light, -was their God, their Examplar, and Director; and that they were blessed -and happy. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Order of Laying Corner Stones of Temples. -</p> -<p>If the strict order of the Priesthood were carried out in the building -of Temples, the first stone would be laid at the south-east corner, by -the First Presidency of the Church. The south-west corner should be -laid next. The third, or north-west corner next; and the fourth, or -north-east corner last. The first Presidency should lay the south-east -corner stone and dictate who are the proper persons to lay the other -corner stones. -</p> -<p>If a Temple is built at a distance, and the First Presidency are not -present, then the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles are the persons to -dictate the order for that Temple; and in the absence of the Twelve -Apostles, then the Presidency of the Stake will lay the south-east -corner stone; the Melchisedec Priesthood laying the corner stones on -the east side of the Temple, and the Lesser Priesthood those on the -west side. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Conference at Philadelphia. -</p> -<p>A Conference was held at Philadelphia; President Hyrum Smith presiding; -many branches were represented and the branch at Philadelphia was -organized by electing Benjamin Winchester, President, and Edson -Whipple, and William Wharnot, his Counselors. Jacob Syphret was elected -Bishop, and Jesse Prince and James Nicholson his Counselors. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="332"></a>{332}</span> <em>Meeting of the Council of the Twelve in Manchester</em>. -</p> -<p> The Council of the Twelve assembled at Manchester, in Carpenter's - Hall, on the 7th day of April, 1841, for the first time to transact - business as a quorum in the presence of the Church, in a foreign - land; being the first day of the 12th year of the rise of the - Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Nine of the quorum - were present; viz., Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Orson Hyde, - Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, Willard Richards, - John Taylor and Geo. A. Smith, President Young having called the - meeting to order, and organized, the conference then opened by - prayer. Elder Thomas Ward was chosen Clerk. The President then - made some introductory remarks relative to the organization of the - Church in the House of the Lord in America, in reference to the - different quorums in their respective orders and authorities in the - Church. -</p> -<p> The representation of the churches and conferences throughout the - kingdom was then called for. -</p> -<table> -<tr><td>Location.</td><td>By Whom Represented</td><td>Members.</td><td>Elders.</td><td>Priests.</td><td>Teachers.</td><td>Deacons.</td></tr> -<tr><td>Manchester</td><td>Parley P. Pratt</td><td>443</td><td>7</td><td>15</td><td>9</td><td>0</td></tr> -<tr><td>Clitheroe Conference</td><td>Heber C. Kimball</td><td>318</td><td>6</td><td>12</td><td>13</td><td>3</td></tr> -<tr><td>Presten Conference</td><td>Peter Melling</td><td>675</td><td>11</td><td>15</td><td>13</td><td>3</td></tr> -<tr><td>Liverpool</td><td>John Taylor</td><td>190</td><td>9</td><td>8</td><td>4</td><td>3</td></tr> -<tr><td>Isle of Man</td><td>John Taylor</td><td>90</td><td>2</td><td>4</td><td>2</td><td>0</td></tr> -<tr><td>London Conference</td><td>Lorenzo Snow</td><td>137</td><td>3</td><td>8</td><td>4</td><td>2</td></tr> -<tr><td>Birmingham Conference</td><td>Alfred Cordon</td><td>110</td><td>4</td><td>13</td><td>4</td><td>1</td></tr> -<tr><td>Staffordshire Conference</td><td>Alfred Cordon</td><td>574</td><td>19</td><td>49</td><td>28</td><td>16</td></tr> -<tr><td>Garway Conference</td><td>Wilford Woodruff</td><td>134</td><td>5</td><td>6</td><td>4</td><td>1</td></tr> -<tr><td>Gadfield Elm Conference</td><td>Wilford Woodruff</td><td>408</td><td>8</td><td>33</td><td>11</td><td>1</td></tr> -<tr><td>Froom's Hill Conference</td><td>Wilford Woodruff</td><td>1008</td><td>27</td><td>67</td><td>27</td><td>8</td></tr> -<tr><td>Edingburgh</td><td>Orson Pratt</td><td>203</td><td>6</td><td>9</td><td>6</td><td>2</td></tr> -<tr><td>Glasgow, Paisley, Johnstone, Bridge of Weir, and Thorney Bank</td><td>Reuben Hedlock</td><td>368</td><td>12</td><td>15</td><td>13</td><td>11</td></tr> -<tr><td>Ireland</td><td>Theodore Curtis</td><td>35</td><td>2</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td></tr> -<tr><td>Wales</td><td>James Burnham</td><td>170</td><td>2</td><td>5</td><td>3</td><td>3</td></tr> -<tr><td>Newcastle-upon-Tyne</td><td>Amos Fielding</td><td>23</td><td>1</td><td>3</td><td>1</td><td>0</td></tr> -<tr><td>Alston</td><td>John Sanders</td><td>26</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td></tr> -<tr><td>Brampton</td><td>John Sanders</td><td>46</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>0</td></tr> -<tr><td>Carlisle</td><td>John Sanders</td><td>43</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td></tr> -<tr><td>Bolton</td><td>Robert Crooks</td><td>189</td><td>1</td><td>11</td><td>8</td><td>1</td></tr> -<tr><td>Dukinfield</td><td>John Albertson</td><td>120</td><td>2</td><td>4</td><td>3</td><td>2</td></tr> -<tr><td>Northwich, Middlewich, &c</td><td>Samuel Heath</td><td>112</td><td>2</td><td>6</td><td>6</td><td>6</td></tr> -<tr><td>Oldham</td><td>William Black</td><td>86</td><td>1</td><td>4</td><td>1</td><td>2</td></tr> -<tr><td>Stockport</td><td>Elder Magan</td><td>161</td><td>1</td><td>5</td><td>2</td><td>2</td></tr> -<tr><td>Eccles</td><td>Elder Magan</td><td>24</td><td>1</td><td>3</td><td>1</td><td>0</td></tr> -<tr><td>Pendlebury</td><td>Elder Magan</td><td>62</td><td>0</td><td>2</td><td>1</td><td>1</td></tr> -<tr><td>Whitefield</td><td>Elder Magan</td><td>41</td><td>1</td><td>2</td><td>3</td><td>0</td></tr> -<tr><td>Radcliffe Bridge</td><td>Elder Magan</td><td>18</td><td>1</td><td>3</td><td>0</td><td>0</td></tr> -<tr><td></td><td>Total</td><td>5814</td><td>136</td><td>304</td><td>169</td><td>68</td></tr> -</table> -<p> Nearly eight hundred Saints have emigrated to America during the - past season. These are not included in this representation. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="333"></a>{333}</span> Conference adjourned till 2 p. m. -</p> -<p> Conference met pursuant to adjournment; opened by prayer. -</p> -<p> Scattering members were then represented, consisting of nearly - fifty, not included in any of the above branches. -</p> -<p> President Young then proceeded to make some remarks on the office - of Patriarch, and concluded by moving that Elder John Albertson<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERXVIIfn1"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERXVIIfn1">1</a>]</sup> - be ordained to that office. Seconded by Elder Kimball, and carried - unanimously. -</p> -<p> <em>Resolved</em>: That George D. Watt, George J. Adams, Amos Fielding, - William Kay, John Sanders, Thomas Richardson, James Whitehead, - Thomas Domville, James Galley and George Simpson be ordained High - Priests. -</p> -<p> <em>Resolved</em>: That the following persons be ordained Elders—William - Miller, William Leach, John Sands, William Moon, William Hardman, - William Black, John Goodfellow, Joseph Brotherton, Richard Benson, - Theophilus Brotherton, John McIlwick, and William Green. -</p> -<p> <em>Resolved</em>: That Manchester, Stockport, Dukinfield, Oldham, Bolton, - and all the neighboring branches be organized into one conference, - to be called the Manchester Conference. -</p> -<p> That the Church in Brampton, Alston, and Carlisle be included in - one conference. -</p> -<p> That the churches of Liverpool, Isles of Man, Wales, viz., Overton, - Harding and Ellsmere, be organized into one conference, to be - called the Liverpool conference. -</p> -<p> <em>Resolved</em>: That the Macclesfield Conference include Macclesfield, - Northwich, Middlewich, and Lostock. -</p> -<p> That Edinburgh Conference include Glasgow, Paisley, Bridge of Weir, - Johnstone and Thorney Bank. -</p> -<p> That George D. Watt preside over the Edinburgh Conference. -</p> -<p> That John Greenhow preside over the Liverpool Conference. -</p> -<p> That Thomas Ward preside over the Clitheroe Conference. -</p> -<p> That Lorenzo Snow preside over the London Conference. -</p> -<p> That James Galley preside over the Macclesfield Conference. -</p> -<p> That Alfred Cordon preside over the Staffordshire Conference. -</p> -<p> That James Riley be ordained a High Priest, and preside over the - Birmingham Conference. -</p> -<p> That James McAnley preside over the Glasgow Conference. -</p> -<p> That Thomas Richardson preside over the Gadfield Elm Conference. -</p> -<p> That William Kay preside over the Froom's Hill Conference. -</p> -<p> That Levi Richards have the superintendence of the Garway - Conference. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="334"></a>{334}</span> That Peter Melling preside over the Preston Conference. -</p> -<p> That John Sanders preside over the Brampton Conference. -</p> -<p> Adjourned till seven o'clock, p. m. -</p> -<p> Met pursuant to adjournment; commenced by singing, "When shall we - all meet again," and prayer. -</p> -<p> The Patriarch Peter Melling, was then called upon to pronounce a - patriarchal blessing upon the head of John Albertson, previous to - his being ordained to the office of Patriarch. Laying his hands - upon him he blessed him in the following words: -</p> -<p> "John, I lay my hands upon thy head, in the name of Jesus Christ; - and by the authority of the Holy Priesthood committed unto me, I - pronounce upon thy head the blessings of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; - and I say unto thee, that, inasmuch as it is in thy heart to do - the will of the Lord, thou shalt be blessed, and the desires of - thy heart shall be granted thee; and the Lord God will enlarge thy - heart; and, inasmuch as thou wilt be humble and faithful before - the Lord in thy calling, even that of a Patriarch, thou shalt be - blessed, strengthened, and have great wisdom and understanding; - thy bowels shall be filled with compassion for the widow and - fatherless; and I pray that our Father in Heaven will take thee - into His own care, and as He feels for thy welfare, thou shalt - be made strong in faith, and the Lord shall bless thee and open - thy understanding. Thou shalt know the doctrine of Jesus Christ, - and the mysteries of heaven shall be opened to thy mind. Thou - shalt also have the gift of prophecy and revelation, and thou - shalt predict those things that shall take place to the latest - generation. I pray that our Father in heaven may confer these - blessings upon thy head; yea, thou shalt be a mighty man, if thou - wilt be a faithful man, and a humble man, so that thou mayst be an - ornament to thy calling, and a blessing to thy posterity; yea, thy - posterity shall be blessed, and they shall become mighty upon the - earth, and become blessed inasmuch as thou wilt be faithful in all - things, and watch unto prayer. Thou shalt finally overcome, and - be lifted up on high, and inherit the mansions prepared for thee - in the kingdom of our God. Thou art of the blood of Ephraim; and - I seal these blessings upon thy head in the name of Jesus Christ. - Amen, and amen." -</p> -<p> The Apostles then laid hands on John Albertson, and ordained him to - the office of Patriarch. -</p> -<p> The ordinations of the High Priests then took place; but, from the - pressure of business, it was directed that the High Priests who - were present should retire to the vestry, with those who were to be - ordained Elders, and there ordain them at the same time that the - ordinations of the High Priests were proceeding. -</p> -<p> Several appropriate discourses were delivered by different - members <span class="pagenum"><a name="335"></a>{335}</span> of the Twelve Apostles in relation to the duties - of the officers in their respective callings, and the duties and - privileges of the members; also of the prosperity of the work in - general. -</p> -<p> A very richly ornamented cake, a present from New York, from - Elder George J. Adams' wife to the Twelve, was then exhibited to - the meeting. This was blessed by them and distributed to all the - officers and members, and the whole congregation, consisting, - perhaps, of seven hundred people; a large fragment was still - preserved for some who were not present. During the distribution - several appropriate hymns were sung, and a powerful and general - feeling of delight universally pervaded the meeting. -</p> -<p> While this was proceeding, Elder Parley P. Pratt composed, and - handed over to the clerk, the following lines, which the clerk then - read to the meeting: -</p><blockquote> -<p class="poetry"> When in far distant regions,<br> - As strangers we roam,<br> - Far away from our country,<br> - Our friends and our home:<br> -</p> -<p class="poetry"> When sinking in sorrow,<br> - Fresh courage we'll take,<br> - As we think of our friends,<br> - And remember the <em>cake</em>.<br> -</p></blockquote> -<p> Elder Orson Hyde appealed powerfully to the meeting, and covenanted - with the Saints present, in a bond of mutual prayer, during his - mission to Jerusalem and the East, which was sustained on the part - of the hearers with a hearty amen. -</p> -<p> Elder Fielding remarked respecting the rich cake of which they had - been partaking, that he considered it a type of the good things of - that land from whence it came, and from which they had received the - fullness of the Gospel. -</p> -<p> The number of official members present at this conference was then - taken, viz., quorum of the Twelve Apostles, 9; Patriarchs, 2; High - Priests, 16; quorum of the Seventies, 2; Elders, 31; Priests, 28; - Teachers, 17; Deacons, 2. -</p> -<p> Elders Brigham Young and William Miller then sang the hymn - "Adieu, my dear brethren," &c., and President Young blessed the - congregation and dismissed them. -</p> -<p> Brigham Young, Chairman. -</p> -<p> Thomas Ward, Clerk. -</p></blockquote> -<h3>Footnotes: -</h3> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERXVIIfn1"></a><a href="#CHAPTERXVIIfn1">1</a>. John Albertson was the second Patriarch ordained in England, Peter -Melling being the first, he was ordained the 17th of April, 1840. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="336"></a>{336}</span> -</p> - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTERXVIII"></a>CHAPTER XVIII. -</h2> -<p class="chapterHeading">General Conference at Nauvoo—Epistle of the Twelve to the Saints in -England—Difference between Baptists and Latter-Day Saints. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Minutes of the General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ - of Latter-day Saints held in Nauvoo, Illinois, on the 7th day of - April, one thousand eight hundred and forty-one</em>. -</p> -<p> The names of the presidents of the several quorums were called, - and they took their seats on the stand, with their counselors in - front. The meeting was called to order. Choir sang a hymn; prayer - by William Law. -</p> -<p> The clerk then read the report of the First Presidency, as follows— -</p> -<p> Report of the First Presidency. -</p> -<p> The Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, - feel great pleasure in assembling with the Saints at another - general conference, under circumstances so auspicious and cheering; - and with greatful hearts to Almighty God for His providential - regard, they cordially unite with the Saints, on this occasion, in - ascribing honor, glory, and blessing to His Holy name. -</p> -<p> It is with unfeigned pleasure that they have to make known the - steady and rapid increase of the Church in this state, the United - States, and Europe. The anxiety to become acquainted with the - principles of the Gospel, on every hand is intense, and the cry of - "come over and help us," is reaching the Elders on the wings of - every wind; while thousands who have heard the Gospel have become - obedient thereto, and are rejoicing in its gifts and blessings. - Prejudice, with its attendant train of evil, is giving way before - the force of truth, whose benign rays are penetrating the nations - afar off. -</p> -<p> The reports from the Twelve Apostles in Europe are very - satisfactory, and state that the work continues to progress with - unparalleled rapidity, and that the harvest is truly great. In the - Eastern States the faithful laborers are successful, and many are - flocking to the standard of truth <span class="pagenum"><a name="337"></a>{337}</span> Nor is the South keeping - back. Churches have been raised up in the Southern and Western - States, and a very pressing invitation has been received from New - Orleans, for some of the Elders to visit that city; which has - been complied with. In our own state and immediate neighborhood, - many are avowing their attachment to the principles of our holy - religion, and have become obedient to the faith. -</p> -<p> Peace and prosperity attend us; and we have favor in the sight - of God and virtuous men. The time was, when we were looked upon - as deceivers, and that "Mormonism" would soon pass away, come to - nought, and be forgotten. But the time has gone by when it is - looked upon as a transient matter, or a bubble on the wave, and - it is now taking a deep hold in the hearts and affections of all - those who are noble-minded enough to lay aside the prejudice of - education, and investigate the subject with candor and honesty. The - truth, like the sturdy oak, has stood unhurt amid the contending - elements, which have beat upon it with tremendous force. The - floods have rolled, wave after wave, in quick succession, and have - not swallowed it up. "They have lifted up their voice, O Lord; - the floods have lifted up their voice; but the Lord of Hosts is - mightier than the mighty waves of the sea;" nor have the flames of - persecution, with all the influence of mobs, been able to destroy - it; but like Moses' bush, it has stood unconsumed, and now at this - moment presents an important spectacle both to men and angels. - Where can we turn our eyes to behold such another? We contemplate a - people who have embraced a system of religion, unpopular, and the - adherence to which has brought upon them repeated persecutions. - A people who, for their love to God, and attachment to His - cause, have suffered hunger, nakedness, perils, and almost every - privation. A people who, for the sake of their religion, have - had to mourn the premature death of parents, husbands, wives, - and children. A people, who have preferred death to slavery and - hypocrisy, and have honorably maintained their characters, and - stood firm and immovable, in times that have tried men's souls. - Stand fast, ye Saints of God, hold on a little while longer, and - the storm of life will be past, and you will be rewarded by that - God whose servants you are, and who will duly appreciate all - your toils and afflictions for Christ's sake and the Gospel's. - Your names will be handed down to posterity as Saints of God and - virtuous men. -</p> -<p> But we hope that those scenes of blood will never more occur, but - that many, very many, such scenes as the present will be witnessed - by the Saints, and that in the Temple, the foundation of which has - been so happily laid, will the Saints of the Most High continue to - congregate from year to year in peace and safety. -</p> -<p> From the kind and generous feelings, manifested by the citizens of - <span class="pagenum"><a name="338"></a>{338}</span> this state, since our sojourn among them, we may continue - to expect the enjoyment of all the blessings of civil and - religious liberty, guaranteed by the Constitution. The citizens - of Illinois have done themselves honor, in throwing the mantle of - the Constitution over a persecuted and afflicted people: and have - given evident proof that they are not only in the enjoyment of the - privileges of freemen themselves, but also that they willingly and - cheerfully extend that invaluable blessing to others, and that they - freely award to faithfulness and virtue their due. -</p> -<p> The proceedings of the legislature, in regard to the citizens of - this place, have been marked with philanthropy and benevolence; and - they have laid us under great and lasting obligations, in granting - us the several liberal charters we now enjoy, and by which we hope - to prosper until our city becomes the most splendid, our University - the most learned, and our Legion the most effective of any in the - Union. In the language of one of our own poets, we would say— -</p><blockquote> -<p class="poetry"> In Illinois we've found a safe retreat,<br> - A home, a shelter from oppression dire;<br> - Where we can worship God as we think right,<br> - And mobbers come not to disturb our peace;<br> - Where we can live and hope for better days,<br> - Enjoy again our liberty, our rights:<br> - That social intercourse which freedom grants,<br> - And charity requires of man to man.<br> - And long may charity pervade each breast,<br> - And long may Illinois remain the scene<br> - Of rich prosperity, by <em>peace secured</em>.<br> -</p></blockquote> -<p> In consequence of the impoverished condition of the Saints, the - buildings which are in course of erection do not progress as fast - as could be desired; but from the interest which is generally - manifested by the Saints at large, we hope to accomplish much by a - combination of effort, and a concentration of action, and erect the - Temple and other public buildings, which we so much need for our - mutual instruction and the education of our children. -</p> -<p> From the reports which have been received, we may expect a large - emigration this season. The proclamation which was sent, some time - ago, to the churches abroad, has been responded to, and great - numbers are making preparations to come and locate themselves in - this city and vicinity. -</p> -<p> From what we now witness, we are led to look forward with pleasing - anticipation to the future, and soon expect to see the thousands - of Israel flocking to this region in obedience to the heavenly - command; numerous inhabitants—Saints—thickly studding the flowery - and <span class="pagenum"><a name="339"></a>{339}</span> wide-spread prairies of Illinois; temples for the worship - of our God erecting in various parts, and great peace resting upon - Israel. -</p> -<p> We would call the attention of the Saints more particularly to the - building of the Temple, for on its speedy erection great blessings - depend. The zeal which is manifested by the Saints in this city is, - indeed, praiseworthy, and, we hope will be imitated by the Saints - in the various stakes and branches of the Church, and that those - who cannot contribute labor will bring their gold and their silver, - their brass and their iron, with the pine tree, and box tree, to - beautify the same. -</p> -<p> We are glad to hear of the organization of the different quorums in - this city, and hope that their organization will be attended to in - every stake and branch of the Church, for the Almighty is a lover - of order and good government. -</p> -<p> From the faith and enterprise of the Saints generally, we feel - greatly encouraged and cheerfully attend to the important duties - devolving upon us, knowing that we not only have the approval of - heaven, but also that our efforts for the establishment of Zion and - the spread of truth, are cheerfully seconded by the thousands of - Israel. -</p> -<p> In conclusion we would say, brethren, be faithful, let your love - and moderation be known unto all men; be patient, be mindful to - observe all the commandments of your Heavenly Father, and the God - of all grace shall bless you. Even so, Amen. -</p> -<p> Joseph Smith, President, -</p> -<p> Robert B. Thompson, Clerk. -</p> -<p> On motion, Resolved that the report be printed in the <em>Times and - Seasons</em>. -</p> -<p> President Rigdon arose and stated that, in consequence of weakness - from his labors of yesterday, he would call upon General John C. - Bennett to officiate in his place. -</p> -<p> General Bennett then read the revelations from "The Book of the - Law of the Lord," which had been received since the last general - conference, in relation to writing a proclamation to the kings of - the earth, building a temple in Nauvoo, the organization of the - Church, &c.<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERXVIIIfn1"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERXVIIIfn1">1</a>]</sup> -</p> -<p> President Joseph Smith rose, and made some observations in - explanation of the same; and likewise of the necessity which - existed of building the Temple, that the Saints might have a - suitable place for worshiping the Almighty; and also the building - of the Nauvoo Boarding House, that suitable accommodations may be - afforded for the strangers who visit this city. -</p> -<p> The choir sung a hymn, and the meeting adjourned for one hour. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="340"></a>{340}</span> Conference met pursuant to adjournment, and was called to - order by William Law. -</p> -<p> Choir sung a hymn, and President William Marks addressed the throne - of grace. -</p> -<p> General Bennett read the charters granted by the legislature of - this state, for incorporating "the City of Nauvoo," "the Nauvoo - Legion," "the University of the City of Nauvoo," "the Agricultural - and Manufacturing Association," and "the Nauvoo House Association." -</p> -<p> On motion, Resolved that the charters now read be received by the - Church. -</p> -<p> President Don Carlos Smith arose, and gave an exhortation to the - assembly. -</p> -<p> General John C. Bennett then spoke at some length on the present - situation, prospects, and condition of the Church, and remarked - that the hand of God must indeed be visible, in accomplishing the - great blessings and prosperity of the Church, and called upon the - Saints to be faithful and obedient in all things, and likewise - forcibly and eloquently urged the necessity of being united in all - their movements; and before he sat down, he wished to know how many - of the Saints who were present felt disposed to continue to act - in concert and follow the instructions of the First Presidency; - and called upon all those who did so, to arise on their feet—when - immediately the Saints, almost without exception, arose. -</p> -<p> The choir sung a hymn, and the meeting, after prayer, adjourned - until tomorrow morning. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Thursday, 8th</em>. -</p><blockquote> -<p> Thursday morning, April 8. At an early hour this morning the - different quorums, who had previously been organized, came to the - ground and took their seats as follows: The First Presidency, with - the presidents of the quorums on the stand, the High Council on the - front of the stand, the High Priests on the front to the right of - the stand, the Seventies immediately behind the High Priests, the - Elders in the front to the left, the Lesser Priesthood on the right. -</p> -<p> On motion, Resolved, that this conference continue until Sunday - evening. -</p> -<p> President Joseph Smith declared the rule of voting to be, a - majority in each quorum; exhorted them to deliberation, faith, - and prayer; and that they should be strict and impartial in - their examinations. He then told them that the presidents of - the different quorums would be presented before them for their - acceptance or rejection. -</p> -<p> Bishop Whitney then presented the First Presidency to the Lesser - <span class="pagenum"><a name="341"></a>{341}</span> Priesthood. President John A. Hicks presented them to the - Elders' quorum. President Joseph Young presented them to the - quorums of the Seventies. President Don Carlos Smith presented - them to the High Priests' quorum. Counselor Elias Higbee presented - them to the High Council; and the clerk then presented them to - the presidents of all the quorums on the stand, and they were - unanimously accepted. John C. Bennett was presented, with the First - Presidency, as Assistant President until President Rigdon's health - should be restored. -</p> -<p> The presidents and counselors belonging to the several quorums - were then presented to each quorum separately, for approval or - rejection, when the following persons were objected to, viz., John - A. Hicks, president of the Elders' quorum; Alanson Ripley, Bishop; - Elder John E. Page, one of the Twelve Apostles; and Noah Packard, - High Priest. Bishop Newel K. Whitney moved their cases be laid - over, to be tried before the several quorums. -</p> -<p> President Joseph Smith presented the building committee of the - "House of the Lord," viz., Alpheus Cutler, Reynolds Cahoon, and - Elias Higbee, to the several quorums collectively, and they were - unanimously received. -</p> -<p> President Smith observed that it was necessary that someone should - be appointed to fill the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, in the - room of the late Elder David W. Patten; whereupon President Rigdon - nominated Elder Lyman Wight to that office; and he was unanimously - accepted. Elder Wight stated that it was an office of great honor - and responsibility, and he felt inadequate to the task; but, - inasmuch as it was the wish of the authorities of the Church that - he should take that office, he would endeavor to magnify it. -</p> -<p> <em>Resolved</em>: That James Allred be appointed to the office of High - Councilor, in the place of Charles C. Rich, who had been chosen a - counselor to the president of this stake, and that Leonard Soby - be appointed one of the High Council, in the room of David Dort, - deceased. -</p> -<p> The choir sung a hymn, and after prayer by President Rigdon, the - meeting adjourned for two hours. -</p> -<p> Conference met pursuant to adjournment. A hymn was sung by the - choir. -</p> -<p> President Rigdon delivered an interesting discourse on the subject - of "Baptism for the dead." -</p> -<p> President Joseph Smith followed on the same subject; and threw - considerable light on the doctrine which had been presented. -</p> -<p> The choir then sung a hymn; and after prayer by Elder William - Smith, conference adjourned until tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock. -</p> -<p> Friday morning, the 9th, conference met pursuant to adjournment. -</p> -<p> The quorums reported that they had investigated the conduct of the - <span class="pagenum"><a name="342"></a>{342}</span> persons who had been objected to, and that they had rejected - Alanson Ripley and James Foster. Leave was given to James Foster to - make a few remarks respecting the charges preferred against him: - after which it was resolved that Elder James Foster continue his - standing in the Church. <em>Resolved</em>: That, as Alanson Ripley has - not appeared to answer the charges preferred against him, that his - Bishopric be taken from him. -</p> -<p> President Joseph Smith made some observations respecting the duty - of the several quorums, in sending their members into the vineyard, - and also stated that labor on the Temple would be as acceptable to - the Lord, as preaching in the world, and that it was necessary that - some agents should be appointed to collect funds for building the - Temple. -</p> -<p> <em>Resolved</em>: That John Murdock, Lyman Wight, William Smith, Henry - William Miller, Amasa Lyman, Leonard Soby, Gehiel Savage, and Zenos - H. Gurley be appointed to travel and collect funds for the same. -</p> -<p> A hymn was then sung by the choir. Prayer by President Don Carlos - Smith. -</p> -<p> President Joseph Smith then stated that he should resign the - meeting to the presidency of the stake, and the president of the - High Priests' quorum. -</p> -<p> The building committee were called upon to address the assembly. - Elder Cahoon spoke at length on the importance of building the - Temple, and called upon the Saints to assist them in their great - undertaking. Elder Alpheus Cutler made some very appropriate - remarks. -</p> -<p> Conference adjourned one hour. -</p> -<p> Conference met pursuant to adjournment. -</p> -<p> Elias Higbee spoke on the same subject [<em>i. e</em>. importance of - building the Temple]. Elder Lyman Wight then came forward and - addressed the meeting at considerable length. -</p> -<p> The clerk read a letter from Elder John Taylor in England, to - President Joseph Smith, which gave an account of the prosperity of - the work of the Lord in that land. -</p> -<p> On motion, adjourned until tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock. -</p> -<p> Saturday, 10th. The weather was unfavorable, consequently no - business was transacted. -</p> -<p> Sunday, 11th. The conference again met. -</p> -<p> Elder Zenos H. Gurley preached on the literal fulfillment of - prophecy. -</p> -<p> President Rigdon made some observations on baptism for the - remission of sins. -</p> -<p> Conference adjourned for one hour. -</p> -<p> Conference met, and was addressed by the Bishops of the stake, - who stated the situation of the poor who had to be supported, and - called upon the Saints to assist in relieving the necessities of - the widows and fatherless. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="343"></a>{343}</span> Elder Lyman Wight made some observations on the subject. -</p> -<p> President Joseph Smith then addressed the assembly, and stated that - in consequence of the severity of the weather the Saints had not - received as much instruction as he desired, and that some things - would have to be laid over until the next conference. As there were - many who wished to be baptized, they would now go to the water, and - give them opportunity. -</p> -<p> The procession was then organized, and proceeded to the Mississippi. -</p> -<p> After the baptisms were over, the conference adjourned to the first - of October next. -</p> -<p> Joseph Smith, President. -</p> -<p> R. B. Thompson, Clerk. -</p></blockquote> -<p>On the 7th of April, 1841, the Twelve Apostles were in England and -were busy in council, visiting the Saints in Manchester, and in the -evening supped at "Mother Miller's." On the 9th, they visited the -Zoological Gardens, Manchester, England. Elder W. J. Barratt writes -from Australia, "he had arrived safe at Adelaide after a rough passage, -but had not baptized any persons. Obstacles to the introduction of the -work of the Lord are very great." -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Letter of George A. Smith to the Star—Report of Labors</em>. -</p> -<p> Bolton, April 11, 1841. -</p> -<p> <em>Elder P. P. Pratt</em>: -</p> -<p> I thought good to give your readers (through the medium of the - <em>Star</em>) a short account of my labors in England. I landed in - Liverpool on the 6th of April, 1840; and, after attending the - Preston conference, I went to the Staffordshire Potteries, where - there were about 100 Saints; I remained there three months. The - work continued to prosper, and 80 were added to the church in that - time. I then left the church there to the care of Elder Alfred - Cordon, and, in company with Elders Kimball and Woodruff, visited - the churches in Herefordshire and vicinity. Hundreds received our - testimony, and were baptized. From thence we proceeded to London, - where we met with much difficulty in introducing the fullness of - the Gospel; the hearts of the people were barred against the truth, - but the Lord blessed our labors, and we succeeded in establishing a - branch of the Church there. My health being poor, I was counseled - by my brethren of the Twelve Apostles to return to the field of - my former labors in Staffordshire; which I did, leaving in London - <span class="pagenum"><a name="344"></a>{344}</span> but eleven members. Since that time, my labors have been - chiefly confined to the limits of the Staffordshire conference, - which has, until lately, included Birmingham and Macclesfield, - containing eighteen branches of the Church, 580 members having - been added since the time I commenced laboring there. Many have - been called to the ministry, who are faithful men, and willing to - receive counsel. Although I have suffered much bodily affliction - during the past year, the Lord has blessed my labors abundantly, - and I can say I never enjoyed myself better in the discharge of my - duty, than I have on this mission. Among the greatest blessings - I have enjoyed, has been the privilege of attending four general - conferences, and meeting in council with the Twelve Apostles. I - can assure you that a meeting with those in whose company I have - suffered so much tribulation for the Gospel's sake, both at home - and abroad, by land and sea, is to me a privilege indeed. I am - now preparing to return home with my brethren, according to the - instructions of the First Presidency of the Church; and, as I take - my leave of the Saints in this land, my prayer to God is that He - will preserve His people from the hand of Satan, and prepare them - for the coming Redeemer, who is near at hand. -</p> -<p> I remain your servant for the Gospel's sake, -</p> -<p> George A. Smith. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Tuesday, 13</em>.—Elder Heber C. Kimball left Manchester for Preston. -</p> -<p><em>Thursday 15</em>. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Conference in New York City</em>. -</p> -<p> A conference of the Church was held in New York City. Elder George - W. Harris, of Nauvoo, chairman. Lucien R. Foster was elected - president of the branch, and Addison Everett and George Holmes, - his counselors. John M. Bernhisel was elected Bishop, and Richard - Burge and William Acker his counselors. These six, having been - chosen, were ordained and set apart to the several offices under - the direction of Elder Harris, he having been specially appointed - and authorized by President Hyrum Smith, at the Philadelphia - conference, to organize more perfectly the branch in New York. -</p> -<p> Lucien R. Foster, Secretary. -</p> -<p> <em>An Epistle of the Twelve Apostles to the Church of Jesus Christ - of Latter-day Saints in England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and the - Isle of Man, Greeting</em>: -</p> -<p> Beloved Brethren:—Inasmuch as we have been laboring for some time - in this country, and most of us are about to depart for the land - of <span class="pagenum"><a name="345"></a>{345}</span> our nativity; and, feeling anxious for your welfare and - happiness in time and in eternity, we cheerfully offer you our - counsel in the closing number of the first volume of the <em>Star</em>, - hoping you will peruse it when we are far away, and profit by the - same. -</p> -<p> First of all, we would express our joy and thanksgiving to Him who - rules, and knows the hearts of men, for the heed and diligence - with which the Saints in this county have hearkened to the counsel - of those whom God has seen fit to send among them, and who hold - the keys of this ministry. By this means a spirit of union, and, - consequently, of power, has been generally cultivated among you. - And now let the Saints remember that which we have ever taught - them, both by precept and example, viz., to beware of an aspiring - spirit, which would lift you up one above another, to seek to be - the greatest in the kingdom of God. This is that spirit which - hurled down the angels. It is that spirit which actuates all - the churches of the sectarian world, and most of the civil and - military movements of the men of the world. It is that spirit - which introduces rebellion, confusion, misrule, and disunion, and - would, if suffered to exist among us, destroy our union, and, - consequently, our power, which flows from the Spirit, through the - Priesthood; which Spirit, and power, and Priesthood, can only exist - with the humble and meek of the earth. Therefore, beware, O ye - Priests of the Most High! lest ye are overcome by that spirit which - would exalt you above your fellow-laborers, and thus hurl you down - to perdition, or do much injury to the cause of God. -</p> -<p> Be careful to respect, not the eloquence, not the smooth speeches, - not the multitude of words, not the talents of men, but the offices - which God has placed in the Church. Let the members hearken to - their officers, let the Priests, Teachers, and Deacons hearken to - the Elders, and let the Elders hearken to the presiding officers of - each church or conference, and let all the churches and conferences - hearken to the counsel of those who are still left in this country - to superintend the affairs of the Church; and, by so doing, a - spirit of union will be preserved, and peace and prosperity will - attend the people of God. -</p> -<p> We have seen fit to appoint our beloved brethren and - fellow-laborers, Levi Richards and Lorenzo Snow to travel from - conference to conference, and to assist Brother Pratt in the - general superintendency of the Church in this country. These are - men of experience and soundness of principle, in whose counsel the - Church may place entire confidence, as long as they uphold them by - the prayer of faith. -</p> -<p> The spirit of emigration has actuated the children of men, from - the time our first parents were expelled from the garden until - now. It was this spirit that first peopled the plains of Shinar, - and all other places; yes, it was emigration that first broke upon - the death-like silence and <span class="pagenum"><a name="346"></a>{346}</span> loneliness of an empty earth, - and caused the desolate land to teem with life, and the desert to - smile with joy. It was emigration that first peopled England, once - a desolate island, on which the foot of man had never trod, but - now abounding in towns and cities. It was emigration that turned - the wilds of America into a fruitful field, and besprinkled the - wilderness with flourishing towns and cities, where a few years - since the war hoop of the savage, or the howl of the wild beasts - was heard in the distance. In short, it is emigration that is - the only effectual remedy for the evils which now afflict the - over-peopled countries of Europe. With this view of the subject, - the Saints, as well as thousands of others, seem to be actuated - with the spirit of enterprise and emigration, and as some of them - are calculating to emigrate to America, and settle in the colonies - of our brethren, we would here impart a few words of counsel on the - subject of emigration. -</p> -<p> It will be necessary, in the first place, for men of capital to - go on first and make large purchases of land, and erect mills, - machinery, manufactories, &c., so that the poor who go from this - country can find employment. Therefore, it is not wisdom for the - poor to flock to that place extensively, until the necessary - preparations are made. Neither is it wisdom for those who feel a - spirit of benevolence to expend all their means in helping others - to emigrate, and thus all arrive in a new country empty-handed. In - all settlements there must be capital and labor united, in order to - flourish. The brethren will recollect that they are not going to - enter upon cities already built up, but are going to "build cities - and inhabit them." Building cities cannot be done without means - and labor. On this subject we would call the particular attention - of the Saints to the Epistle, and also to the proclamation signed - by the First Presidency of the Church, published in the eleventh - number of this work (the <em>Star</em>), and would earnestly exhort them - to observe the order and instructions there given. -</p> -<p> We would also exhort the Saints not to go in haste, nor by flight, - but to prepare all things in a proper manner before they emigrate; - and especially in regard to their dealings with the world, let them - be careful to settle everything honestly, as becometh Saints, as - far as lies in their power, and not go away in debt, so far as they - have the means to pay. And if any go away in debt, because they - have not the means to pay, let it be with the design of paying as - industry shall put it in their power, so that the cause of truth be - not evil spoken of. -</p> -<p> We have found that there are so many "pick-pockets," and so many - that will take every possible advantage of strangers in Liverpool, - that we have appointed Elder Amos Fielding as the agent of the - Church to superintend the fitting out of the Saints from Liverpool - to America. -</p> -<p> Whatever information the Saints may want about the preparation - for <span class="pagenum"><a name="347"></a>{347}</span> a voyage, they are advised to call on Elder Fielding - at Liverpool, as their first movement when they arrive there - as emigrants. There are some brethren who have felt themselves - competent to do their own business in these matters and, rather - despising the counsel of their friends, have been robbed and - cheated out of nearly all they had. A word of caution to the wise - is sufficient. It is also a great saving to go in companies, - instead of going individually. -</p> -<p> First, a company can charter a vessel, so as to make the passage - much cheaper than otherwise. -</p> -<p> Secondly, provisions can be purchased at wholesale, for a company, - much cheaper than otherwise. -</p> -<p> Thirdly, this will avoid bad company on the passage. -</p> -<p> Fourthly, when a company arrives at New Orleans they can charter a - steamboat, so as to reduce the passage near one-half. This measure - will save some hundreds of pounds on each ship load. -</p> -<p> Fifthly, a man of experience can go as leader of each company, who - will know how to avoid rogues and knaves. -</p> -<p> Sovereigns are more profitable than silver or any other money, in - emigrating to America; and the brethren are also cautioned against - the American money, when they arrive in that country. Let them not - venture to take paper money of that country, until they become well - informed in regard to the different banks, for very few of them - will pass current very far from the place where they are issued, - and banks are breaking almost daily. -</p> -<p> It is much cheaper going by New Orleans than by New York; but it - will never do for emigrants to go by New Orleans in the summer, on - account of the heat and sickness of the climate. It is, therefore, - advisable for the Saints to emigrate in autumn, winter, or spring. -</p> -<p> Let the Saints be careful also to obtain a letter of - recommendation, from the Elders where they are acquainted, to the - brethren where they are going, certifying their membership; and - let the Elders be careful not to recommend any who do not conduct - themselves as Saints; and especially those who would go with a - design to defraud their creditors. -</p> -<p> In regard to ordaining and licensing officers, each conference is - now organized under the care of their respective presidents, who, - with the voice of the Church, may ordain, according to the gifts - and callings of God, by the Holy Spirit, and under the general - superintendence of Elders Pratt, Richards, and Snow. Licenses - should be signed by the presiding officers. -</p> -<p> There are many other items of importance, which we would gladly - mention, had we time and space sufficient; but this must suffice - for the present; and may the God of our fathers bless you all with - wisdom and <span class="pagenum"><a name="348"></a>{348}</span> grace to act each your part in the great work - which lies before you, that the world may be warned, and thousands - brought to the knowledge of the truth; and may He bless and - preserve you blameless until the day of His coming. Brethren and - sisters, pray for us. -</p> -<p> We remain, your brethren in the new and everlasting covenant, -</p> -<p> Brigham Young, -</p> -<p> Heber C. Kimball, -</p> -<p> Orson Hyde, -</p> -<p> Parley P. Pratt, -</p> -<p> Orson Pratt, -</p> -<p> Willard Richards, -</p> -<p> Wilford Woodruff, -</p> -<p> John Taylor, -</p> -<p> Geo. A. Smith. -</p> -<p> Manchester, April 15, 1841. -</p></blockquote> -<p>Elders Brigham Young, Orson Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, George A. Smith, -and Levi Richards went from Manchester to Liverpool to attend a -tea-party at the Music Hall. -</p><blockquote> -<p> Difference Between the Baptist and Latter-Day Saints, from the - "North Staffordshire Mercury." -</p> -<p> Sir:—In a late publication, you reported the case of some - persons who were taken before T. B. Ross, Esq., for disturbing a - congregation of Latter-day Saints, or believers in the "Book of - Mormon." A teacher of that sect, on being asked by the magistrate - wherein they differed from the Baptists, replied, "In the laying - on of hands;" but declined making an honest confession of those - peculiarities which separate them as widely from the Baptists, as - from every other denomination of the Christian church. This was - certainly prudent; but as the Baptists feel themselves dishonored - by such an alliance, they would be unjust to themselves were they - to leave unanswered such a libel upon their denomination. The - following very prominent marks of difference will enable your - readers to judge for themselves. -</p> -<p> 1. The Saints admit all persons indiscriminately to baptism, - encouraging them to pass through that rite, with the promise that - great spiritual improvement will follow. They baptize for remission - of sins, without waiting for creditable evidence of repentance - for sin. But the Baptists admit none to that ordinance who do not - exhibit this qualification in the most satisfactory manner; and if - they found a candidate looking to the water of baptism as having - virtue to cleanse him from sin, he would be put back until better - instructed. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="349"></a>{349}</span> 2. After baptism the Saints kneel down, and their Priest, - laying on his hands, professes to give them the Holy Ghost. If - effects similar to those produced by the laying on of the Apostles' - hands were seen to follow, skepticism must yield to the force of - such evidence; but in their case no such effects are produced; the - baptized sinner is a sinner still, though flattered and deluded - with the epithet "Latter-day Saint." The Baptists regard such - mummery with as much disgust as all Christians do. -</p> -<p> 3. Having, as they suppose, the extraordinary gifts of the Spirit, - the Saints consistently pretend to have the power of working - wonders, and process to heal the sick with holy oil; also to the - power of prophecy. As most moral evils bring with them their - own remedy, these lofty pretensions will ruin them in due time, - by opening the eyes of the most deluded, as in the case of the - countless sects of impostors who have appeared upon the stage - before them. It need not be added, that the Baptists stand far - removed from such conceits, and have no part in them. -</p> -<p> 4. Not satisfied with the Bible as a complete revelation from God, - the "Latter-day Saints" have adopted a romance, written in America, - as a fresh revelation, and have added a trashy volume of 600 pages - to that book, which we are forbidden to add to, or take from, - under the most awful penalties! But even this is not enough for - their impious resumption. They have published a monthly magazine, - in which "new revelations" are served up fresh, as they arrive, - for the use of all who can swallow them. The disgust with which - the Baptists regard such a melancholy exhibition of human folly - and wickedness, separates them to an impassable distance from such - people. -</p> -<p> 5. In order to carry on this order of things, the Latter-day Saints - have appointed two Priesthoods. "The Lesser, or Aaronic Priesthood, - is to hold the keys of the ministering of angels, and to administer - in outward ordinances. The power and authority of the higher, or - Melchisedek Priesthood, is to hold the keys of all the spiritual - blessings of the Church—to have the privilege of receiving the - mysteries of the Kingdom of heaven—to have the heavens opened - to them—to commune with the general assembly and Church of the - First-born; and to enjoy the communion and presence of God the - Father, and of Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant," (see page - 13). So that, in this wonderful Priesthood, they have provided for - an ample supply of new things, in endless variety, and without - end, from the hands of wretched men, who blasphemously aspire to a - dignity which belongs alone to Him who is the only "Priest forever - after the order of Melchisedek." -</p> -<p> The fear of trespassing upon your valuable columns, Mr. Editor, - prevents my enlarging upon these and very many other points of - <span class="pagenum"><a name="350"></a>{350}</span> difference; but enough has been done to show your readers, - that no two sects can differ more widely from each other, than the - Baptists and the Latter-day Saints; and that to confound them in - any way together is not only unjust to the former, but involves - them in the disgrace of being partakers in a bold imposition, or - a pitiable delusion, which they regard with equal abhorrence and - disgust. -</p> -<p> A Baptist. -</p> -<p> Hanley, Feb. 16, 1841. -</p></blockquote> -<p>The foregoing article attempts to show the difference between the -Baptists and Latter-day Saints. We will now attempt to show the -difference between the Baptists and Former-day Saints. -</p><blockquote> -<p> The Difference Between the Baptists and the Former-Day Saints. -</p> -<p> 1st. The Former-day Saints baptized <em>for remission of sins, </em>Acts - ii: 38. The Baptists baptize those only who are supposed to have - their sins forgiven before they are baptized. -</p> -<p> 2nd. The Former-day Saints admitted all persons indiscriminately - to baptism, as soon as they professed faith and repentance, - encouraging them to pass through that rite, with the promise that - great spiritual improvement would follow, Acts ii: 38-41 inclusive. - But if the Baptists found the penitent believer looking for - remission of sins through that rite, they would be put back to "get - religion" where they could find it. -</p> -<p> 3rd. After baptism, the Former-day Saints prayed for, and laid - hands on the disciples in the name of Jesus, and professed to - give them the Holy Ghost, Acts viii: 17, also Acts xix: 6. The - Baptists say, "They regard such mummery with as much disgust as all - Christians do." -</p> -<p> 4th. Having, as they supposed, the extraordinary gifts of the - Spirit, the Former-day Saints consistently pretended to have the - power of working wonders, and professed to heal the sick with - holy oil; James v: 14, 15. Also to the power of prophecy; First - Corinthians from 12th to 14th chapter. It need not be added that - the Baptists stand far removed from "such conceits," and have no - part in them; nor in anything pertaining to the gifts and power - of God: or, to use the Apostle's own words, "they have a form of - godliness, denying the power." -</p> -<p> 5th. Not satisfied with the Bible as a complete revelation from - God, the Former-day Saints have added a volume of several hundred - pages (the New Testament), to that book, which (according to - Baptist logic) <span class="pagenum"><a name="351"></a>{351}</span> Moses forbid them to add to, or take from; but - new revelations were served up almost daily, fresh as they arrived, - for all those who could swallow them. "The disgust with which the - Baptists regard such things, considering them but a melancholy - exhibition of human folly and wickedness," separates them to an - impassable distance from the Former-day Saints; and how, with all - these differences, the Baptists should ever have been thought, - by themselves, or anybody else, to be the Church of Christ, is - difficult to imagine! -</p> -<p> 6th. In order to carry on their strange work, or order of things, - the Former-day Saints had two Priesthoods. The Aaronic Priesthood - administered in outward ordinances, as in the case of John the - Baptist. The power and authority of the higher, or Melchisedek - Priesthood, was to hold the keys of all the spiritual blessing - of the Church, as Jesus said, "I give unto thee the keys of the - kingdom of heaven—whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be - bound in heaven," &c. They were to have the privilege of knowing - the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven. "To you it is given to know - the mysteries of the kingdom"—to have the heavens opened unto - them—to commune with the general assembly and Church of the First - born; and to enjoy the communion and presence of God the Father, - and of Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant: Heb. xii: 22, 23, - 24. So that in this wonderful Priesthood, they have provided for - an ample supply of new things, in endless variety, and without - end, from those who are and were counted the off-scouring of all - things; and who, as the Baptists would insinuate, "did aspire to - a dignity," which they say, "Belongs alone to Him who is the only - Priest forever after the order of Melchisedek." -</p> -<p> The fear of trespassing upon the time and patience of our readers, - prevents our enlarging upon these and many other points of - difference; but enough has been said to show, that no two sects can - possibly differ more widely from each other than do the Baptists - and Former-day Saints, and to amalgamate the two systems in any way - is not only an act of injustice—but would involve the Baptists, - who by the way are an honorable body, in the disgrace of that sect - which was "everywhere spoken against." See Acts 28:23. -</p></blockquote> -<h3>Footnotes: -</h3> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERXVIIIfn1"></a><a href="#CHAPTERXVIIIfn1">1</a>. This is the revelation of 19th January, 1841, now section cxxi, -Doctrine and Covenants. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="352"></a>{352}</span> -</p> - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTERXIX"></a>CHAPTER XIX. -</h2> -<p class="chapterHeading">Organization of the Nauvoo Legion—Notable Persons at Nauvoo—The -Prophet's Sermon on Individual Responsibility for Sin and the Doctrine -of Election. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">The Twelve Embark for Home. -</p> -<p><em>Tuesday, 20</em>.—Elders Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Orson Pratt, -Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, George A. Smith and Willard Richards -and family, went on board of the ship <em>Rochester</em>, at Liverpool, -Captain Woodhouse (who delayed his sailing two days, to accommodate the -Elders), bound for New York with a company of 130 Saints. -</p> -<p>Elder Parley P. Pratt tarried in England to preside over the Church, -and continue the publication of the <em>Millennial Star</em>, and Elder Hyde -to pursue his mission to Jerusalem. -</p> -<p>Mr. James Robinson, Assessor for the City of Nauvoo, died, aged 30. He -had resided in this county many years, and for his business habits and -kind disposition, he was highly respected. -</p> -<p><em>Wednesday, 21</em>.—The <em>Rochester</em> sailed. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Changes in the Iowa Stake. -</p> -<p><em>Saturday, 24</em>.—The High Council of Iowa selected David Pettigrew -and Moses Nickerson Counselors to President John Smith, in place -of Reynolds Cahoon and Lyman Wight, removed by appointment; James -Emmett in the place of David Pettigrew in the High Council, Joseph C. -Kingsbury in place of George W. Pitkin, removed to Nauvoo, and William -Clayton in place of Erastus Snow, absent. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, 26</em>.—I attended the City Council. Several members being -absent, I moved that the Marshall be ordered to enforce the attendance -of Aldermen and <span class="pagenum"><a name="353"></a>{353}</span> Councillors, at one o'clock on Saturday next, and -Council adjourned. -</p> -<p><em>Wednesday, 28</em>.—The ship <em>Rochester</em> encountered a tempest, shipped a -heavy sea, Wilford Woodruff got thoroughly drenched; Willard Richards -escaped under the bulwarks. -</p> -<p><em>Saturday, May 1</em>.—Elder Robert B. Thompson became associate editor of -the <em>Times and Seasons</em>. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Organization of the Legion. -</p> -<p>The first Regiment, first cohort of the Nauvoo Legion, consisting of -four companies, was organized, and Captain George Miller was elected -colonel; Captain Stephen Markham, lieutenant-colonel, and Captain -William Wightman, major. -</p> -<p>The first regiment, second cohort, consisting of four companies, was -also organized, and Captain Charles C. Rich was elected colonel, -Captain Titus Billings, lieutenant-colonel, and Captain John Scott, -major. -</p> -<p>Also the second regiment, second cohort, consisting of four companies, -was organized, and Captain Francis M. Higbee was elected colonel; -Captain Nelson Higgins, lieutenant-colonel, and Aaron H. Golden, major. -</p> -<p>I attended the City Council, and moved that the sympathies of the -Council be tendered to the relatives of James Robinson, deceased, the -late assessor and collector for the city, which was carried. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">New Burying Ground for Nauvoo. -</p> -<p>I also moved that a new burying ground be procured, outside the city -limits, and purchased at the expense of the corporation; which was -carried; and Alderman Daniel H. Wells, and councillors Wilson Law and -John T. Barnett were appointed a committee, and ten acres were ordered -to be purchased. -</p> -<p>I spoke at length on the rights and privileges of the owners of the -ferry, showing that the City Council has no right to take away ferry -privileges, once granted, without damages being paid to the proprietor; -and also moved that an ordinance be passed to protect citizens killing -<span class="pagenum"><a name="354"></a>{354}</span> dogs running at large, which were set upon cattle or hogs, or -molest individuals. And also spoke on other subjects before the council. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 2</em>.—The Teachers' quorum was organized in Nauvoo, Elisha -Averett, President, James Hendricks and James W. Huntsman, Counselors. -</p> -<p><em>Tuesday, 4</em>.— -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Nauvoo Legion Affairs</em>. -</p> -<p> Headquarters, Nauvoo Legion, City of -</p> -<p> Nauvoo, Illinois, May 4, 1841. -</p> -<p> General Orders. Pursuant to an act of the Court Martial, the troops - attached or belonging to the Legion will parade at the place of - general rendezvous, in the City of Nauvoo, for drill, review and - inspection, on Saturday, the 3rd day of July, at half-past nine - o'clock a. m., armed and equipped according to law. At ten o'clock - the line will be formed and the general officers conducted to - their posts, under a fire of artillery. The commandants of the 1st - and 2nd companies, 2nd battalion, 1st regiment, 2nd cohort, are - directed to enroll every man residing within the bounds of their - respective commands, and not attached to any other company of the - Legion, between the ages of eighteen and forty-five years, and - notify them of their attachment to the service, and their legal - liabilities. -</p> -<p> As will be seen by the following legal opinion of Judge Douglas, - of the Supreme Court of the State of Illinois, than whom no man - stands more deservedly high in the public estimation, as an able - and profound jurist, politician and statesman; the officers and - privates, belonging to the Legion, are exempt from all military - duty, not required by the legally constituted authorities thereof. - They are, therefore, expressly inhibited from performing any - military services, not ordered by the general officers, or directed - by the court martial: -</p> -<p> City Of Nauvoo, Illinois, May 3, 1841. -</p> -<p> <em>General Bennett</em>: -</p> -<p> Dear Sir.—In reply to your request, I have examined so much of the - Nauvoo City Charter, and Legislative Acts, as relate to the "Nauvoo - Legion," and am clearly of opinion, that any citizen of Hancock - county, who may attach himself to the Nauvoo Legion, has all the - privileges that appertain to which independent military body, and - is exempt from all other military duty, as provided in the 25th - section of the City Charter; and cannot, therefore, be fined any - military or civil court, for neglecting or refusing to parade with - any other military body, or <span class="pagenum"><a name="355"></a>{355}</span> under the command of any officers - who are not attached to said Legion. The language of the laws upon - this subject, is so plain and specific as to admit of no doubt as - to its true meaning and intent. I do not consider it necessary, - therefore, to enter into an argument to prove a position which is - evident from an inspection of the laws themselves. -</p> -<p> I am very respectfully, your friend, -</p> -<p> S. A. Douglas. -</p> -<p> The Legion is not, as has been falsely represented by its enemies, - exclusively a "Mormon" military association, but a body of citizen - soldiers, organized (without regard to political preferences or - religious sentiments) for the public defense, the general good, - and the preservation of law and order—to save the innocent, - unoffending citizens from the iron grasp of the oppressor and - perpetuate and sustain our free institutions against misrule, - anarchy, and mob violence; no other views are entertained or - tolerated. The general parades of the Legion will be in the City - of Nauvoo, but all other musters will be within the bounds of the - respective companies, battalions, regiments and cohorts. -</p> -<p> The 8th section of "An Act for the Organization and Government of - the Militia of this State," in force July 2, 1833, provides that - "when any person shall enroll himself in a volunteer company, he - shall forthwith give notice in writing to the commanding officer - of the company in which he was enrolled," &c., and that the - commanding officer of a regiment or battalion, may, in a certain - contingency, dissolve such company and some of the petty, ignorant, - and imprudent militia officers maintain that such is still the - law; but those blind leaders of the blind are informed that the - 11th section of "An Act Encouraging Volunteer Companies," approved - March 2, 1837, reads as follows: "So much of the 8th section of - an Act entitled, "An Act for the Organization and Government of - the Militia of this State," in force July 2, 1833, as requires a - volunteer to give notice in writing to the commanding officer of - the company in which he was enrolled, and authorizes commandants - of regiments to disband independent companies, be and the same is - hereby repealed." -</p> -<p> If officers act upon the obsolete laws of the "little book" which - have been repealed, years since, it will be sweet to the taste, but - "make the belly bitter;" and should any civil or military officer - attempt to enforce the collection of any military fines upon the - members of the Legion, excepting when such fines are assessed by - the court martial of the Legion, such persons are directed to apply - to the master in chancery, for Hancock county, for an injunction to - stay the illegal proceedings. -</p> -<p> The militia companies of Hancock county, and citizens generally, - are respectfully invited to unite with the Legion, and partake of - its privileges. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="356"></a>{356}</span> All officers are required to enforce the most rigid - discipline on all days of public parade. -</p> -<p> Persons holding enrolling orders are directed to act with energy; - consummate their trust, and make prompt returns to the office of - the Major-General. -</p> -<p> The Lieutenant-General desires that all his friends should attach - themselves to some company, either in the first or second cohort. - This will enable them to receive correct military instruction, - under the teachings of experienced officers, according to the drill - and discipline of the United States army—and qualify them for - efficient service in the cause of their beloved country and state, - in the hour of peril. -</p> -<p> The eleven companies of minute men will, at all times, hold - themselves in readiness to execute the laws, as originally - instructed by the general officers. -</p> -<p> The officers and troops of the Legion are directed to treat with - proper respect and decorum, all other officers and troops in the - service of this state, or of the United States. -</p> -<p> Officers are ordered to treat their troops with marked respect; - and, while they discharge their duties with promptitude and - boldness as officers, they must not forget or neglect to observe - the requisites of gentlemen. -</p> -<p> The second company (light infantry), 1st battalion, 1st regiment, - 2nd cohort; and the 1st company (lancers), 1st battalion, 3rd - regiment, 2nd cohort of the Legion, will act as an escort for the - reception of such visiting companies from Illinois and Iowa, as may - be present. Should the Governor be present, it will be announced by - a fire of artillery, by the 1st and 2nd companies, 1st battalion, - 1st regiment, 1st cohort, and the 1st company, 1st battalion, - 1st regiment, 2nd cohort, when he will be received by the entire - Legion, with the honors due so conspicuous a personage as the - Commander-in-Chief of the forces of the state. -</p> -<p> Officers, receiving copies of these orders, will promulgate the - same without delay, throughout the bounds of their respective - commands. -</p> -<p> Joseph Smith, Lieutenant-General. -</p> -<p> <em>Letter of the Prophet to the "Times and Seasons"—Visit of Notable - Persons to Nauvoo</em>. -</p> -<p> City Of Nauvoo, May 6, 1841. -</p> -<p> <em>To the Editors of the "Times and Seasons</em>:" -</p> -<p> Gentlemen:—I wish, through the medium of your paper, to make known - that, on Sunday last, I had the honor of receiving a visit from - the Hon. Stephen A. Douglas, Justice of the Supreme Court, and - Judge of the Fifth Judicial Circuit of the state of Illinois, and - Cyrus Walker <span class="pagenum"><a name="357"></a>{357}</span> Esq., of Macomb, who expressed great pleasure in - visiting our city, and were astonished at the improvements which - were made. They were officially introduced to the congregation - who had assembled on the meeting ground, by the mayor; and they - severally addressed the assembly. -</p> -<p> Judge Douglas expressed his satisfaction of what he had seen and - heard respecting our people, and took that opportunity of returning - thanks to the citizens of Nauvoo, for conferring upon him the - freedom of the city; stating that he was not aware of rendering - us any service sufficiently important to deserve such marked - honor; and likewise spoke in high terms of our location and the - improvements we had made, and that our enterprise and industry were - highly creditable to us, indeed. -</p> -<p> Mr. Walker spoke much in favor of the place, the industry of the - citizens, &c., and hoped they would continue to enjoy all the - blessings and privileges of our free and glorious Constitution, - and, as a patriot and a freeman, he was willing, at all times, to - stand boldly in defense of liberty, and law. -</p> -<p> It must indeed be satisfactory to this community to know that kind - and generous feelings exist in the hearts of men of such high - reputation and moral and intellectual worth. -</p> -<p> Judge Douglas has ever proved himself friendly to this people, and - interested himself to obtain for us our several chartes, holding at - that time the office of Secretary of State. -</p> -<p> Mr. Walker also ranks high, and has long held a standing at the - bar, which few attain, and is considered one of the most able and - profound jurists in the state. -</p> -<p> The sentiments they expressed on the occasion were highly honorable - to them as American citizens, and as gentlemen. How different - their conduct from that of the official characters in the state - of Missouri, whose minds were prejudiced to such an extent that, - instead of mingling in our midst and ascertaining for themselves - our character, kept entirely aloof, but were ready, at all times, - to listen to those who had the "poison of adders under their - tongues," and who sought our overthrow. -</p> -<p> Let every person who may have imbibed sentiments prejudicial to - us, imitate the honorable example of our distinguished visitors - (Douglas and Walker), and I believe they will find much less to - condemn than they anticipated, and probably a great deal to commend. -</p> -<p> What makes the late visit more pleasing, is the fact that Messrs. - Douglas and Walker have long been held in high estimation as - politicians, being champions of the two great parties that exist - in the state; but laying aside all party strife, like brothers, - citizens, and friends, <span class="pagenum"><a name="358"></a>{358}</span> they mingle with us, mutually disposed - to extend to us that courtesy, respect, and friendship, which I - hope we shall ever be proud to reciprocate. -</p> -<p> I am, very respectfully, yours, &c., -</p> -<p> Joseph Smith. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Saturday, 8</em>.—Brother William Smith is preaching in Pennsylvania. -</p> -<p>Accounts of the progress of the Gospel from the Elders abroad are very -encouraging. -</p> -<p>A magazine of 300 barrels of gunpowder, at Fort Moultrie, South -Carolina, exploded, blowing the fort, seven other buildings, and forty -persons to atoms. -</p> -<p><em>Wednesday, 12</em>.—The <em>Rochester</em>, with the Elders, came in sight of -Cape Sable, Nova Scotia. -</p> -<p><em>Saturday, 15</em>.—Good news has recently reached us from Tennessee, New -York, Upper Canada, and New Orleans. The Elders are baptizing in all -directions. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 16</em>.—I addressed the Saints. The following is a sketch of my -sermon by the editor of the <em>Times and Seasons</em>: -</p><blockquote> -<p> The Prophet's Discourse. -</p> -<p> At 10 o'clock a. m., a large concourse of the Saints assembled on - the meeting ground, and were addressed by President Joseph Smith, - who spoke at considerable length. -</p> -<p> He commenced his observations by remarking that the kindness of - our Heavenly Father called for our heartfelt gratitude. He then - observed that Satan was generally blamed for the evils which we - did, but if he was the cause of all our wickedness, men could - not be condemned. The devil could not compel mankind to do evil; - all was voluntary. Those who resisted the Spirit of God, would - be liable to be led into temptation, and then the association - of heaven would be withdrawn from those who refused to be made - partakers of such great glory. God would not exert any compulsory - means, and the devil could not; and such ideas as were entertained - [on these subjects] by many were absurd. The creature was made - subject to vanity, not willingly, but Christ subjected the same in - hope—all are subjected to vanity while they travel through the - crooked paths and difficulties which surround them. Where is the - man that is free from vanity? None ever were perfect but Jesus; - and why was He perfect? Because He was the Son of God, and had the - fullness of the Spirit, and greater power than any man. But <span class="pagenum"><a name="359"></a>{359}</span> - notwithstanding their vanity, men look forward with hope (because - they are "subjected in hope") to the time of their deliverance. -</p> -<p> The speaker then made some observations on the first principles of - the Gospel, observing, that many of the Saints who had come from - different states and nations had only a very superficial knowledge - of these principles, not having heard them fully investigated. -</p> -<p> He then briefly stated the principles of faith, repentance, and - baptism for the remission of sins, these were believed by some of - the righteous societies of the day, but the doctrine of laying on - of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost was discarded by them. -</p> -<p> The speaker then referred to the 6th chapter of Hebrews, 1st - and 2nd verses. "Not laying again the foundation of repentance - from dead works," &c, but of the doctrines of baptisms, laying - on of hands, the resurrection, and eternal judgment, &c. That - the doctrine of eternal judgment was perfectly understood by the - Apostles, is evident from several passages of Scripture. Peter - preached repentance and baptism for the remission of sins to the - Jews who had been led to acts of violence and blood by their - leaders; but to the rulers he said, "I would that through ignorance - ye did it, as did also those ye ruled." "Repent, therefore, and be - converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of - refreshing (redemption) shall come from the presence of the Lord, - for He shall send Jesus Christ, who before was preached unto you," - &c. The time of redemption here had reference to the time when - Christ should come; then, and not till then, would their sins be - blotted out. Why? Because they were murderers, and no murderer hath - eternal life. Even David must wait for those times of refreshing, - before he can come forth and his sins be blotted out. For Peter, - speaking of him says, "David hath not yet ascended into heaven, for - his sepulchre is with us to this day." His remains were then in the - tomb. Now, we read that many bodies of the Saints arose at Christ's - resurrection, probably all the Saints, but it seems that David - did not. Why? Because he had been a murderer. If the ministers of - religion had a proper understanding of the doctrine of eternal - judgment, they would not be found attending the man who forfeited - his life to the injured laws of his country, by shedding innocent - blood; for such characters cannot be forgiven, until they have paid - the last farthing. The prayers of all the ministers in the world - can never close the gates of hell against a murderer. -</p> -<p> He then spoke on the subject of election, and read the 9th chapter - of Romans, from which it was evident that the election there - spoken of was pertaining to the flesh, and had reference to the - seed of Abraham, according to the promise God made to Abraham, - saying, "In thee, and in thy seed, all the families of the earth - shall be <span class="pagenum"><a name="360"></a>{360}</span> blessed." To them belonged the adoption and the - covenants, &c. Paul said, when he saw their unbelief, "I wish - myself accursed"—according to the flesh—not according to the - spirit. Why did God say to Pharaoh, "For this cause have I raised - thee up"? Because Pharaoh was a fit instrument—a wicked man, and - had committed acts of cruelty of the most atrocious nature. The - election of the promised seed still continues, and in the last day, - they shall have the Priesthood restored unto them, and they shall - be the "saviors on Mount Zion," the ministers of our God; if it - were not for the remnant which was left, then might men now be as - Sodom and Gomorrah. The whole of the chapter had reference to the - Priesthood and the house of Israel; and unconditional election of - individuals to eternal life was not taught by the Apostles. God did - elect or predestinate, that all those who would be saved, should be - saved in Christ Jesus, and through obedience to the Gospel; but He - passes over no man's sins, but visits them with correction, and if - His children will not repent of their sins He will discard them. -</p> -<p> This is an imperfect sketch of a very interesting discourse, which - occupied more than two hours in delivery, and was listened to with - marked attention, by the vast assembly present. -</p> -<p> In the afternoon the assembly was addressed by President Hyrum - Smith. -</p> -<p> <em>Minutes of a Conference in London</em>. -</p> -<p> Conference met in London pursuant to adjournment. -</p> -<p> Elder Orson Hyde (of the Twelve Apostles) Lorenzo Snow, George J. - Adams (High Priest), two Elders, several Priests, Teachers, and - Deacons, with a respectable company of members present. -</p> -<p> Elder Snow represented the London branch, consisting of 74 members, - and good prospect for increase. The branch at Bedford, represented - by George J. Adams, consisted of 68 member, 8 Priests, 1 Teacher. - John Griffith, Priest, represented the branch at Woolwich, - consisted of 6 members. Elder John Bourne, who was sent to labor at - Ipswich, was obliged to leave, there being no prospect of success, - and the brethren refusing to entertain him, so that he had to sleep - on the ground. In consequence of this the conference passed a - resolution condemnatory of their conduct. -</p></blockquote> -<p class="sidenote">Arrival of <em>Rochester</em> at New York. -</p> -<p><em>Wednesday, 19</em>.—The <em>Rochester</em> arrived at quarantine ground, New -York, after a toilsome passage. At one time they were beset with head -winds and a tedious storm, when the Twelve Apostles united in prayer, -the storm abated, the sea became calm, and they went on their way -rejoicing. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="361"></a>{361}</span> The following is copied from the <em>Times and Seasons</em>: -</p><blockquote> -<p> The Healing of one who was Deaf. -</p> -<p> Batavia, N. Y., May 19, 1841. -</p> -<p> <em>To the Saints scattered abroad, and to all whom it may concern, - greeting</em>: -</p> -<p> Be it known that on or about the first of December last, we, J. - Shamp and Margaret Shamp, of the town of Batavia, Gennesee county, - N. Y., had a daughter that had been deaf and dumb four and a half - years, and was restored to her hearing, the time aforesaid, by the - laying on of the hands of the Elders (Nathan R. Knight and Charles - Thompson) of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, - commonly called Mormons, through the power of Almighty God, and - faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, as believed and practiced by them - in these last days. -</p> -<p> [Signed] -</p> -<p> J. Shamp -</p> -<p> M. Shamp. -</p></blockquote> -<p>Several other instances of healing are mentioned by Brother Shamp; and -such things are common in the Church at this day, according to the -faith of the Saints. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Rowdyism in New York Harbor. -</p> -<p><em>Thursday, 20</em>.—The Twelve Apostles arrived at the dock in New York -about four o'clock p. m., but were prevented from landing by the -carters and rowdies, until late in the evening. Such is the confusion -in New York on the arrival of a ship, steamboat, or coach, that -strangers may well suppose the city is without mayor, marshal, police, -or any other officer, to keep the peace. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Mob Violence in England. -</p> -<p>Elder A. Cordon attempted to speak several times at Swan Village, near -Birmingham, England, but was interrupted by a mob. Several of the -Saints were struck with stones, but none of them seriously hurt. -</p> -<p><em>Friday, 21</em>.—I attended City Council, and moved that Parley Street be -opened and improved to the state road. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Conference in Kirtland. -</p> -<p><em>Saturday, 22</em>.—A conference was held at Kirtland, Ohio, Elder Almon -W. Babbitt presiding. Elder Babbitt was elected president of that -stake, and Lester Brooks and Zebedee Coltrin his <span class="pagenum"><a name="362"></a>{362}</span> counselors. -Thomas Burdick was elected Bishop of Kirtland, and Hiram Winters and -Reuben McBride his counselors. Hiram Kellogg was elected president of -the High Priests' quorum, and Amos Babcock, president of the Elders' -quorum. By-laws were adopted for the preservation of the Lord's House. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 23</em>.—The Twelve addressed the Saints at the Columbian Hall, -Grand Street, New York. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, 24</em>. -</p><blockquote> -<p> Letter of the Presidency to the Saints—Concentration at Nauvoo. -</p> -<p> <em>To the Saints abroad</em>— -</p> -<p> The First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day - Saints, anxious to promote the prosperity of said Church, feel it - their duty to call upon the Saints who reside out of this county - [Hancock], to make preparations to come in without delay. This is - important, and should be attended to by all who feel an interest in - the prosperity of this corner-stone of Zion. Here the Temple must - be raised, the University built, and other edifices erected which - are necessary for the great work of the last days, and which can - only be done by a concentration of energy and enterprise. Let it, - therefore, be understood, that all the stakes, excepting those in - this county, and in Lee county, Iowa, are discontinued, and the - Saints instructed to settle in this county as soon as circumstances - will permit. -</p> -<p> Joseph Smith, President. -</p> -<p> City of Nauvoo, Hancock county, -</p> -<p> Illinois, May 24, 1841. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Tuesday, 25</em>. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Legion Affairs</em>. -</p> -<p> Headquarters Nauvoo Legion, -</p> -<p> City Of Nauvoo, Illinois, May 25, 1841. -</p> -<p> General Orders—The 1st company (riflemen) 1st battalion, 2nd - regiment, 2nd cohort, will be attached to the escort, contemplated - in the general orders of the 4th inst., for the 3rd of July next. - See p. 354. -</p> -<p> In forming the Legion, the adjutant will observe the rank of - companies in the order they are named, to-wit—1st cohort; flying - artillery lancers, visiting companies of dragoons, cavalry, - lancers, riflemen. Second <span class="pagenum"><a name="363"></a>{363}</span> cohort: artillery, lancers, - riflemen, light infantry, infantry. Visiting companies in their - appropriate places on the right of the troops of their own grade. -</p> -<p> The ranking company of the 1st cohort will be formed on the right - of said cohort; and the ranking company of the 2nd cohort will be - formed on the left of said cohort; the next on the left of the - right, the next on the right of the left, and so on to the center. -</p> -<p> The escort will be formed on the right of the forces. -</p> -<p> Joseph Smith, Lieutenant-General. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Wednesday, 26</em>.—Elder Lorenzo Snow writes from London, that the -Church there numbers 74 members, having baptized 18 since his return -from Manchester conference, and that Elder Orson Hyde was at the London -conference on the 16th instant. -</p> -<p>Elder Joseph Fielding was at the Isle of Man. -</p> -<p><em>Thursday, 27</em>.—Elders Willard Richards, Wilford Woodruff, George -A. Smith, and John M. Bernhisel visited the shipping and principal -buildings in New York. -</p> -<p>Sir Hugh Gough being about to storm Canton with the British forces, the -Chinese agreed to pay a ransom of $6,000,000. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, 31</em>.—Elder Brigham Young visited the Saints on Long Island. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="364"></a>{364}</span> -</p> - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTERXX"></a>CHAPTER XX. -</h2> -<p class="chapterHeading">Arrest of the Prophet on Demand of Missouri—Trial at Monmouth—The -Acquittal. -</p> -<p><em>Tuesday, June 1, 1841</em>.—I accompanied my brother Hyrum and William -Law, as far as Quincy, on their mission to the East. -</p> -<p>Elder Sidney Rigdon has been ordained a Prophet, Seer, and Revelator. -</p> -<p>Elder Brigham Young returned from Long Island to New York, Elder -Willard Richards started to Richmond, Massachusetts with his family and -Elder Wilford Woodruff to Portland, Maine. -</p> -<p><em>Friday, 4</em>.—Elders Young, Kimball and Taylor left New York for -Nauvoo, by way of Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and St. Louis. Geo. A. -Smith, and Reuben Hedlock started at the same time, and went to New -Egypt, New Jersey. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">The Prophet's Visit with Governor Carlin. -</p> -<p>I called on Governor Carlin, at his residence in Quincy. During my -visit with the governor, I was treated with the greatest kindness and -respect; nothing was said about any requisition having come from the -Governor of Missouri for my arrest. In a very few hours after I had -left the Governor's residence he sent Thomas King, Sheriff of Adams -county, Thomas Jasper, a constable of Quincy, and some others as a -posse, with an officer from Missouri, to arrest me and deliver me up to -the authorities of Missouri. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">The Arrest of the Prophet -</p> -<p><em>Saturday, 5</em>.—While I was staying at Heberlin's Hotel, <span class="pagenum"><a name="365"></a>{365}</span> Bear -Creek, about twenty-eight miles south of Nauvoo, Sheriff King and posse -arrested me. Some of the posse on learning the spirit of the officer -from Missouri, left the company in disgust and returned to their -own homes. I accordingly returned to Quincy and obtained a writ of -<em>habeas corpus</em> from Charles A. Warren, Esq., Master in Chancery; and -Judge Stephen A. Douglas happening to come to Quincy that evening, he -appointed to give a hearing on the writ on the Tuesday following, in -Monmouth, Warren county, where the court would then commence a regular -term. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Apostles in New Jersey. -</p> -<p>Elders William Smith, and George A. Smith attended a meeting in the -woods near New Egypt, New Jersey, and preached to a large assembly; -also preached on Sunday 6th, and three were baptized; and after -preaching on the 7th four more were baptized. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">News of the Prophet's Arrest Reaches Nauvoo. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 6</em>.—News of my arrest having arrived in Nauvoo last night, -and being circulated through the city, Hosea Stout, Tarleton Lewis, -William A. Hickman, John S. Higbee, Elijah Able, Uriel C. Nickerson, -and George W. Clyde started from the Nauvoo landing, in a skiff in -order to overtake me and rescue me, if necessary. They had a heavy head -wind, but arrived in Quincy at dusk; went up to Benjamin Jones's house, -and found that I had gone to Nauvoo in charge of two officers. -</p> -<p>I returned to Nauvoo in charge of the officers (Sheriff King had been -suddenly seized with sickness; I nursed and waited upon him in my -own house, so that he might be able to go to Monmouth), and notified -several of my friends to get ready and accompany me the next morning. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, 7</em>.—I started very early for Monmouth, seventy-five miles -distant (taking Mr. King along with me and attending him during his -sickness), accompanied by Charles C. Rich, Amasa Lyman, Shadrack -Roundy, Reynolds Cahoon, Charles Hopkins, Alfred Randall, Elias <span class="pagenum"><a name="366"></a>{366}</span> -Higbee, Morris Phelps, John P. Greene, Henry G. Sherwood, Joseph -Younger, Darwin Chase, Ira Miles, Joel S. Miles, Lucien Woodworth, -Vinson Knight, Robert B. Thompson, George Miller and others. We -traveled very late, camping about midnight in the road. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">The Prophet at Monmouth. -</p> -<p><em>Tuesday, 8</em>.—Arrived at Monmouth and procured breakfast at the -tavern; found great excitement prevailing in the public mind, and great -curiosity was manifested by the citizens who were extremely anxious to -obtain a sight of the Prophet, expecting to see me in chains. Mr. King, -(whose health was now partly restored) had considerable difficulty -in protecting me from the mob that had gathered there. Mr. Sidney A. -Little, for the defense, moved "That the case of Mr. Smith should be -taken up," but was objected to by the States' Attorney, <em>pro tem</em>., on -account of his not being prepared, not having had sufficient notice -of the trial. By mutual consent it was accordingly postponed until -Wednesday morning. -</p> -<p>In the evening, great excitement prevailed, and the citizens employed -several attorneys to plead against me. -</p> -<p>I was requested to preach to the citizens of Monmouth; but as I was a -prisoner, I kept closeted in my room, for I could not even come down -stairs to my meals, but the people would be crowding the windows to get -a peep at me, and therefore appointed Elder Amasa Lyman to preach in -the Court House on Wednesday evening. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">The Trial. -</p> -<p><em>Wednesday, 9</em>.—At an early hour the Court House was filled with -spectators desirous to hear the proceedings. -</p> -<p>Mr. Morrison, on behalf of the people, wished for time to send to -Springfield for the indictment, it not being found with the rest of the -papers. This course would have delayed the proceedings, and, as it was -not important to the issue, the attorneys for the defense admitted that -there was an indictment, so that the investigation might proceed. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="367"></a>{367}</span> Mr. Warren, for the defense, then read the petition, which stated -that I was unlawfully held in custody, and that the indictment, in -Missouri, was obtained by fraud, bribery and duress, all of which I was -prepared to prove. -</p> -<p>Mr. Little then called upon the following witnesses, viz.,—Morris -Phelps, Elias Higbee, Reynolds Cahoon and George W. Robinson, who were -sworn. The counsel on the opposite side objected to hearing evidence -on the merits of the case, as they could not go beyond the indictment. -Upon this a warm and long discussion occurred, which occupied the -attention of the court during the entire day. -</p> -<p>All the lawyers on the opposite side, excepting two, viz. Messrs. -Knowlton and Jennings, confined themselves to the merits of the case, -and conducted themselves as gentlemen; but it was plainly evident that -the design of Messrs. Knowlton and Jennings; was to excite the public -mind still more on the subject and inflame the passions of the people -against me and my religion. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Honorable Conduct of Counsel. -</p> -<p>The counsel on behalf of the defense, Messrs. Charles A. Warren, -Sidney B. Little, O. H. Browning, James H. Ralston, Cyrus Walker, -and Archibald Williams, acted nobly and honorably, and stood up in -the defense of the persecuted, in a manner worthy of high-minded and -honorable gentlemen. -</p> -<p>Some had even been told that if they engaged on the side of the -defense, they need never look to the citizens of that county for any -political favors. But they were not to be overawed by the popular -clamor or deterred from an act of public duty by any insinuations or -threats whatever, and stated, that if they had not before determined -to take a part in the defense, they, after hearing the threats of the -community, were now fully determined to discharge their duty. The -counsel for the defense spoke well without exception; and strongly -urged the legality of the court examining the testimony to prove that -the whole <span class="pagenum"><a name="368"></a>{368}</span> proceedings on the part of Missouri, were base and -illegal, and that the indictment was obtained through fraud, bribery -and corruption. -</p> -<p>The court, after hearing the counsel, adjourned about half past six p. -m. -</p> -<p>When I was at dinner, a man rushed in and said, "Which is Jo Smith? I -have got a five dollar Kirtland bill, and I'll be damned if he don't -take it back I'll sue him, for his name is to it." I replied, "I am -the man;" took the bill and paid him the specie, which he took very -reluctantly, being anxious to kick up a fuss. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Judge Douglas. -</p> -<p>The crowd in the court was so intense that Judge Douglas ordered the -sheriff of Warren county to keep the spectators back, but he neglected -doing so when the judge fined him ten dollars. In a few minutes he -again ordered the sheriff to keep the men back from crowding the -prisoner and witnesses. He replied, "I have told a constable to do it," -when the judge immediately said, "Clerk, add ten dollars more to that -fine." The sheriff, finding neglect rather expensive, then attended to -his duty. -</p> -<p>A young lawyer from Missouri volunteered to plead against me; he tried -his utmost to convict me, but was so high with liquor, and chewed so -much tobacco, that he often called for cold water. Before he had spoken -many minutes, he turned sick, requested to be excused by the court and -went out of the court house, puking all the way down stairs. As the -Illinoians call the Missouri people "pukes," this circumstance caused -considerable amusement to the members of the bar. During his plea, his -language was so outrageous that the judge was twice under the necessity -of ordering him to be silent. -</p> -<p>Mr. O. H. Browning then commenced his plea, and in a short time the -puking lawyer returned, and requested the privilege of finishing his -plea, which was allowed. -</p> -<p>Afterwards Mr. Browning resumed his pleadings which were powerful; -and when he gave a recitation of what he <span class="pagenum"><a name="369"></a>{369}</span> himself had seen at -Quincy, and on the banks of the Mississippi river' when the Saints were -"exterminated from Missouri," where he tracked the persecuted women and -children by their bloody footmarks in the snow, they were so affecting -that the spectators were often dissolved in tears. Judge Douglas -himself and most of the officers also wept. -</p> -<p>Elder Amasa Lyman during the evening, preached a brilliant discourse in -the Court House, on the first principles of the Gospel, which changed -the feelings of the people very materially. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>A Letter from the Editor<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERXXfn1"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERXXfn1">1</a>]</sup> of the "Times and Seasons" to that - Journal Giving an Account of the Trial at Monmouth</em>. -</p> -<p> American Hotel, Monmouth, Warren County, Illinois, -</p> -<p> June 9, 1841. Wednesday Evening. -</p> -<p> We have just returned from the Court House, where we have listened - to one of the most eloquent speeches ever uttered by mortal man, - in favor of justice and liberty, by O. H. Browning, Esq., who has - done himself immortal honor in the sight of all patriotic citizens - who listened to the same. He occupied the attention of the court - for more than two hours, and showed the falsity of the arguments - of the opposite counsel, and laid down principles in a lucid and - able manner which ought to guide the court in admitting testimony - for the defendant, Joseph Smith. We have heard Browning on former - occasions, when he has frequently delighted his audience by his - eloquence; but on this occasion he exceeded our most sanguine - expectations. The sentiments he advanced were just, generous and - exalted; he soared above the petty quibbles which the opposite - counsel urged, and triumphantly, in a manner and eloquence peculiar - to himself, avowed himself the friend of humanity, and boldly, - nobly and independently stood up for the rights of those who had - waded through seas of oppression and floods of injustice, and - had sought a shelter in the State of Illinois. It was an effort - worthy of a high-minded and honorable gentleman, such as we ever - considered him to be, since we have had the pleasure of his - acquaintance. Soon after we came out of Missouri, he sympathized - with us in our afflictions, and we are indeed rejoiced to know that - he <span class="pagenum"><a name="370"></a>{370}</span> yet maintains the same principles of benevolence. His was - not an effort of a lawyer anxious to earn his fee, but the pure and - patriotic feelings of Christian benevolence, and a sense of justice - and of right. While he was answering the monstrous and ridiculous - arguments urged by the opposing counsel, that Joseph Smith might - go to Missouri and have his trial; he stated the circumstances of - our being driven from that State, and feelingly and emphatically - pointed out the impossibility of our obtaining justice there. There - we were forbidden to enter in consequence of the order of the - Executive, and that injustice and cruelties of the most barbarous - and atrocious character had been practiced upon us, until the - streams of Missouri had run with blood, and that he had seen women - and children, barefoot and houseless crossing the Mississippi - to seek refuge from ruthless mobs. He concluded his remarks by - saying that to tell us to go to Missouri for a trial was adding - insult to injury; and then he said: "<em>Great God! have I not seen - it? Yes, my eyes have beheld the blood-stained traces of innocent - women and children, in the drear winter, who had traveled hundreds - of miles barefoot, through frost and snow, to seek a refuge from - their savage pursuers. 'Twas a scene of horror sufficient to enlist - sympathy from an adamantine heart. And shall this unfortunate man, - whom their fury has seen proper to select for sacrifice, be driven - into such a savage land and none dare to enlist in the cause of - Justice? If there was no other voice under heaven ever to be heard - in this cause, gladly would I stand alone, and proudly spend my - latest breath in defense of an oppressed American citizen</em>." -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Thursday, 10</em>.—The court was opened about 8 o'clock a. m. when Judge -Douglas delivered his opinion on the case. He said: -</p><blockquote> -<p> That the writ being once returned to the Executive by the sheriff - of Hancock county was dead, and stood in the same relationship - as any other writ which might issue from the Circuit Court, and - consequently the defendant could not be held in custody on that - writ. The other point, whether evidence in the case was admissible - or not, he would not at that time decide, as it involved great - and important considerations relative to the future conduct of - the different states. There being no precedent, as far as they - had access to authorities to guide them, but he would endeavor - to examine the subject, and avail himself of all the authorities - which could be obtained on the subject, before he would decide that - point. But on the other, the defendant must be liberated. -</p></blockquote> -<p class="sidenote">The Prophet Set Free. -</p> -<p>This decision was received with satisfaction by myself and the -brethren, and all those whose minds were free from <span class="pagenum"><a name="371"></a>{371}</span> prejudice. It -is now decided that before another writ can issue, a new demand must be -made by the Governor of Missouri. Thus have I been once more delivered -from the fangs of my cruel persecutors, for which I thank God, my -Heavenly Father. -</p> -<p>I was discharged about 11 a. m., when I ordered dinner for my company -now increased to about sixty men; and when I called for the bill, the -unconscionable fellow replied, "Only one hundred and sixty dollars." -</p> -<p>About 2 p. m., the company commenced their return, traveled about -twenty miles, and camped by the wayside. -</p> -<p><em>Friday, 11</em>.—Started very early, arrived at La Harpe for dinner -and returned safely to Nauvoo by 4 p. m., where I was met by the -acclamation of the Saints. -</p> -<h3>Footnotes: -</h3> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERXXfn1"></a><a href="#CHAPTERXXfn1">1</a>. Don Carlos Smith and Robert B. Thompson were at this time editors -and publishers of the <em>Times and Seasons</em>, and the above letter was -doubtless written by Thompson as he is named as among those who -accompanied the Prophet to Monmouth, while Don Carlos Smith is not -named as being in the company. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="372"></a>{372}</span> -</p> - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTERXXI"></a>CHAPTER XXI. -</h2> -<p class="chapterHeading">The Mission to Jerusalem—Progress of Orson Hyde in His Journey. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Elder John E. Page—a Laggard. -</p> -<p>Elder George A. Smith met Elder John E. Page at Philadelphia, and -advised him to take up contributions to enable him to sail within -three days in the <em>Garrick</em> for England, and overtake Elder Orson Hyde -and accompany him to Jerusalem, promising to use all the influence -and exertion in his power to assist him. Elder Page rejected the -proposition. Elder Smith subsequently learned that Elder Page had -sufficient money, without collections to have taken him through to -England. -</p> -<p><em>Tuesday, 15</em>. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Letter from Elder Orson Hyde to President Joseph Smith—Recounting - Incidents of his Journey en Route for Jerusalem</em>. -</p> -<p> London, June 15, 1841. -</p> -<p> <em>President Smith</em>: -</p> -<p> Sir—With pleasure I take my pen to write you at this time, and - through you to the <em>Times and Seasons</em>, and through it to the - Saints at large, and to all whom it may concern. May grace, mercy, - and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, rest - upon you abundantly, and enable you to serve Him acceptably, secure - to yourself that honor which cometh from above, guide the counsels - of the Saints in wisdom, that peace and good will may reign - predominant in Zion, and joy and gladness swell every grateful - heart. Most gladly would I embrace an opportunity of a personal - interview with you, did one offer, but such a favor is beyond my - reach at this time. I have just seen the 12th number of the <em>Times - and Seasons</em>, containing the minutes of your conference, the report - of the Presidency, the celebration of the <span class="pagenum"><a name="373"></a>{373}</span> anniversary of the - Church and the laying of the foundation of the Temple. This, to me - was a precious gem; it brought tidings from my own country, and - from the place rendered doubly endearing from the fact that there - is the home of my wife and children. -</p> -<p> I was sorry that Elder Page had been so tardy in his movements - that objections were made to him. Most gladly would I have hailed - him as a companion to the oriental continent; but my hopes of - that are fled. I shall go alone or find some other person, in all - probability, to go with me. -</p> -<p> I have written a book to publish in the German language, setting - forth our doctrine and principles in as clear and concise a manner - as I possibly could. After giving a history of the rise of the - Church, in something the manner that Brother Orson Pratt did, I - have written a snug little article on every point of doctrine - believed by the Saints; I began with the Priesthood and showed that - the Saints were not under the necessity of tracing back the dark - and bloody stream of papal superstition to find their authority; - neither were they compelled to seek for it among the floating and - transient notions of Protestant reformers; but God has sent His - holy angel directly from heaven with this seal and authority, and - conferred it upon men with His own hands—quoting the letter and - testimony of Oliver Cowdery; next was on the use and validity of - the holy scriptures in the Church; next on faith, set forth from - the scriptures and the Book of Covenants; then on repentance, - baptism; laying on of hands; then the different offices of the - Church; next the power and authority of each one; and, in fine, - the whole order, doctrine and government of the Church. I have - not written it as a law binding on the <em>German Saints</em>; but have - taken this course to illustrate and set forth the true principles - of our doctrine to them, fully believing that it would meet with - the cordial approbation of those whom I have the distinguished - honor to represent, could they but see it. I have written a lengthy - preface and introduction to it. I here copy an extract from the - introduction: "When in the course of divine Providence it becomes - our duty to record one of those remarkable events which gives - birth to a new era, and lays the foundation for the renovation of - the moral world, it fills the mind with wonder, astonishment and - admiration. How welcome are the rays of the morning light, after - the shades of darkness have clothed the earth in gloom! So after - a long and tedious night of moral darkness under which the earth - has rolled, and her inhabitants groaned for the last fourteen - hundred years, an angel commissioned from the Almighty, descended - and rolled back the curtains of night from the minds of some and - caused the sunbeams of truth to enlighten, cheer, and warm the - hearts of many. Welcome, welcome to our earth, thou messenger of - <span class="pagenum"><a name="374"></a>{374}</span> the Most High! and thrice welcome the tidings which thou - hast borne! O Gracious Father! I ask Thee, in the name of Thy holy - child, Jesus, to bless with Thy royal favor, the weak exertions - of Thy humble servant, and make this production a blessing to all - people who may be favored with a perusal of its pages. Wherever it - shall go let it be a messenger of conviction to the wicked, and a - harbinger of peace to the righteous. Let its contents be borne upon - every breeze, and wafted to the remotest climes. Let the angel of - the covenant go before it, and prepare its way. Let its heavenly - influence be distilled upon the rich and fertile soil of humble - and honest hearts. Go forth, therefore, little volume to other - nations and tongues, and may the Almighty speed your way, and like - a sharp, two-edged sword cut the way through the prejudices of - this generation; encamp with all thy virtues in the hearts of the - people, and there let thy principles be enthroned." -</p> -<p> One thing I was pleased with, which I noticed in the <em>Times and - Seasons</em>—the remarks made on the use of intoxicating spirits. In - my heart they found a corresponding echo. I should not be willing - to indulge the thought for a moment that the Saints in Nauvoo would - quietly stand by and see a brother gorge himself with that strong - drink which makes a hell of his home, and rolls the fiery flood of - ruin over the affections of his once happy family. No! they will - dash from his lips the cup of wretchedness, and sharply rebuke - the homicide that sells to him the wine of wrath, and measures to - him his wife's tears. * * * May the lightnings of heaven forever - blast (I had almost said) those brewers of strong drink which send - forth their corrupt and poisonous streams to sweep down in their - filthy current men of sterling talents to an untimely grave. May - the Saints of God stand as far from them as Lot stood from Sodom in - its evil day. This dizzy flood has sometimes entered the house of - worship, invaded the sacred desk, and hushed in death forever the - voice that could plead like an angel, the cause of God and man. -</p> -<p> I have just received a note from Dr. S. Hirschell, President Rabbi - of the Hebrew community of this country, in reply to a very polite - note which I sent him, requesting the indulgence of a personal - interview with him. But in consequence of a very severe accident - which befell him he is confined to his room, and unable at this - time to grant the asked indulgence. (His leg is broken.) -</p> -<p> I have addressed to him a communication upon the subject of - my mission, a copy of which I transmit to you. It may not be - altogether uninteresting to the Saints and friends in America. -</p> -<p> <em>Elder Hyde's Letter to Rabbi Hirschell</em>. -</p> -<p> Rev. Sir:—I cannot but express my sorrow and regret at the <span class="pagenum"><a name="375"></a>{375}</span> - misfortune under which you labor, in consequence of the severe - accident which befell you, and by which you are confined to your - room. Please accept, sir, the sincere wishes of a stranger, - that you may speedily recover from the injury you sustained in - consequence of the accident, and resume the labors which your high - and responsible station calls you to perform. -</p> -<p> Feeling that I may not enjoy the privilege and happiness of a - personal interview with you, I hope you will indulge the liberty - which I now presume to take, in addressing a written communication - to you, embracing some of those things which I had fondly hoped - would have been the foundation of a mutual interchange of thought - between us. But as Providence has laid an embargo upon that - distinguished privilege, I must forego, at this time, the pleasure - of a verbal relation of those things pertaining to your nation, - with which my mind is deeply affected. -</p> -<p> Since I have arrived to years of more mature reflection, and become - religiously inclined, the writings of the Jewish Prophets have won - my affections; and the scattered and oppressed condition of that - people has enlisted the finest sympathies of my heart. Believing, - therefore, that the words of Hosea, the Prophet, ii: 23, connected - with your magnanimity, will prohibit the indulgence of any - prejudices in your feelings against the author of this production, - in consequence of his not being able by any existing document or - record, to identify himself with your nation. -</p> -<p> "About nine years ago, a young man with whom I had had a short - acquaintance, and one, too, in whom dwelt much wisdom and - knowledge—in whose bosom the Almighty had deposited many secrets, - laid his hand upon my head and pronounced these remarkable - words—'in due time thou shalt go to Jerusalem, the land of thy - fathers, and be a watchman unto the house of Israel; and by thy - hands shall the Most High do a great work, which shall prepare the - way and greatly facilitate the gathering together of that people.' - Many other particulars were told me by him at that time, which I do - not write in this letter. But sufficient is written to show that - divine appointment is claimed as the mainspring that has sent me - forth from the embraces of an affectionate family and kind friends, - as well as from the land that gave me birth." -</p> -<p> My labors since that period have been bestowed upon the Gentiles - in various countries, and on both sides of the Atlantic, until - in the early part of March, 1840, I retired to my bed one night - as usual; and while meditating and contemplating the field of - my future labors, the vision of the Lord, like clouds of light, - burst into my view (see Joel ii:28). <span class="pagenum"><a name="376"></a>{376}</span> The cities of London, - Amsterdam, Constantinople and Jerusalem, all appeared in succession - before me, and the Spirit said unto me, "Here are many of the - children of Abraham whom I will gather to the land that I gave to - their fathers; and here also is the field of your labors. Take, - therefore, proper credentials from my people, your brethren, and - also from the Governor of your state, with the seal of authority - thereon, and go ye forth to the cities which have been shown you, - and declare these words unto Judah, and say, blow ye the trumpet - in the land; cry, gather together, and say, assemble yourselves, - and let us go into the defensed cities. Set up the standard towards - Zion—retire, stay not, for I will bring evil from the north and a - great destruction. The lion is come up from his thicket, and the - destroyer of the Gentiles is on his way—he is gone forth from - his place to make thy land desolate, and thy cities shall be laid - waste, without an inhabitant. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, - and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished—that her - iniquity is pardoned, for she hath received of the Lord's hand - doubly for all her sins. Let your warning voice be heard among the - Gentiles as you pass; and call yet upon them in my name for aid - and for assistance. With you it mattereth not whether it be little - or much; but to me it belongeth to show favor unto them who show - favor unto you." The vision continued open about six hours, that I - did not close my eyes in sleep. In this time many things were shown - unto me which I have never written; neither shall I write them - until they are fulfilled in Jerusalem. -</p> -<p> It appears from the Prophets, that Jerusalem has none to - guide—none to take her by the hand among all the sons whom she - hath brought forth and reared. But these two sons are come unto - thee! the sons of strangers shall build up thy walls. -</p> -<p> Permit me now, Rev. Sir, to trouble you with the reflections of a - mind that feels completely untrammelled from every party interest, - and from every sectarian influence. -</p> -<p> When I look at the condition of your fathers in the days of David - and Solomon, and contrast that with the present condition of their - descendants, I am led to exclaim, "How are the mighty fallen." Then - they possessed a kingdom—a land flowing with milk and honey—then - the strong arm of Jehovah taught the surrounding nations to pay - tribute and homage to them—then their standard was raised high, - their banner floated on every breeze; and under its shade the - sons and daughters of Israel reposed in perfect safety; and the - golden letters of light and knowledge were inscribed on its folds. - But now, no kingdom—no country—no tribute of gain or honor—no - standard—no security: Their sceptre has departed! and instead of - that light and knowledge which once gave them a transient elevation - above other nations, the height of <span class="pagenum"><a name="377"></a>{377}</span> their ambition is now - (with some honorable exceptions) the accumulation of sordid gain, - by buying and selling the stale refuse with which their fathers - would never have defiled their hands. -</p> -<p> Why this wonderful change? Is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob - a just God? Most certainly He is. If, then, He is a just God, of - course He will mete out and apportion the chastisement or penalty - to the magnitude of the offense or crime committed. Allowing, - then, the law of Moses to be the standard by which actions are - weighed: were not idolatry and the shedding of innocent blood - the greatest sins which your fathers committed? And was not the - penalty inflicted upon them for that transgression, captivity in - Babylon seventy years? Have they ever been guilty of idolatry at - all since their return from Babylon? No! Have they been guilty of - shedding innocent blood, to that extent since their return, that - they were before they were taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar? The - Jew says, No! Very well; there will none deny, with any claim upon - your credulity, but that the disaster and overthrow that befell - the Jewish nation in the days of Vespasian, very far exceeded in - severity, in almost every particular, the disaster and overthrow - that befell them in the days of Nebuchadnezzar. -</p> -<p> Now, then, if God be just and mete out and apportion the - chastisement or penalty to the magnitude of the offense or crime - committed, it follows, of course, that your fathers committed some - far greater crime subsequent to their return to Babylon, than ever - they before committed. Be that crime whatever it may; know ye that - for it, or because of it, the Roman armies were permitted to crowd - their conquests to the heart of your city—burn your temple—kill - your men, women and children, and disperse your remnant to the four - quarters of the earth. The fiery storm that burst upon your nation - at that time, and the traces of blood which they have ever since - left behind them in their flight and dispersion, together with the - recent cursed cruelties inflicted upon them in Damascus and Rhodes, - but too plainly declare that the strong imprecation which they - uttered on a certain occasion has been fulfilled upon them to the - letter. "Let his blood be on us and on our children." If condemning - and crucifying Jesus of Nazareth was not the cause of this great - evil, what was the cause of it? -</p> -<p> Aware that I have written very plainly upon these points, that have - come within my notice, you believe me, sir, when I assure you, - that my pen is pointed with friendship, and dipped in the fountain - of love and good will toward your nation. The thoughts which it - records have proceeded from a heart grateful to the Almighty, that - the time has arrived when the day-star of your freedom already - begins to dispel the dark and gloomy clouds which have separated - you from the favor of your God. Ere long it will be said to you, - "Arise, shine, for thy light has <span class="pagenum"><a name="378"></a>{378}</span> come, and the glory of the - Lord has risen upon thee." -</p><blockquote> -<p class="poetry"> The morning breaks, the shadows flee,<br> - Lo! Zion's standard is unfurled;<br> - The dawning of a brighter day<br> - Majestic rises on the world.<br> -</p> -<p class="poetry"> The Gentile fulness now comes in,<br> - And Israel's blessings are at hand:<br> - Lo! Judah's remnant, cleansed from sin,<br> - Shall in their promised Canaan stand.<br> -</p></blockquote> -<p> Now, therefore, O ye children of the covenant, repent of all your - backslidings, and begin, as in days of old, to turn to the Lord - your God. Arise! arise! and go out from among the Gentiles; for - destruction is coming from the north to lay their cities waste. - Jerusalem is thy home. There the God of Abraham will deliver thee - (Joel ii: 32.) There the bending heavens shall reveal thy long - looked-for Messiah in fleecy clouds of light and glory, to execute - vengeance upon thine enemies; and lead thee and thy brethren of the - ten tribes to sure conquest and certain victory. Then shall thrones - be cast down, and the kingdoms of this world become the kingdoms of - our God. Then will they come from the east, west, north, south,, - and sit down in the kingdom of God with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. - But the children of the kingdom (Gentiles) shall be cast out, and - the kingdom restored to Israel. -</p> -<p> With sentiments of distinguished consideration, I have the honor, - sir, to subscribe myself, -</p> -<p> Your most obedient servant, -</p> -<p> Orson Hyde. -</p> -<p> Rev. Dr. Solomon Hirschell, President Rabbi of the Hebrew Society - in England. -</p> -<p> <em>Conclusion of Elder Hyde's Letter to the Prophet</em>. -</p> -<p> It is very hard times in England. Thousands have nothing to do, - and are literally starving. Trade of all sorts is at the lowest - ebb. Very cold and dry. No harvest unless rain come soon. You will - discover that the greater part of the English brethren have always - worked under masters; and they have not so much notion of planning - and shifting for themselves, particularly in a strange country, as - the Americans. They want some one to be a kind of father to them, - to give them plenty of work, and plenty to eat; and they will be - content. They are a very industrious people whenever they can get - employment: and by a little fatherly care, they will soon get - way-wised to the country, and be enabled to shift for themselves. I - trust that exertions are made to give <span class="pagenum"><a name="379"></a>{379}</span> employment to as many - as possible. You know the reasons there better than I do, and you - have received a specimen of the English Saints. Now if you have - any counsel to give concerning the gathering, in addition to that - already given, I shall be happy to receive and execute it, as far - as opportunity offers. -</p> -<p> I shall not remain here long, it is true; but Brother Pratt is - here, and I shall return here some time if the Lord will. -</p> -<p> I must now close by saying for one and all, God bless Zion for ever - and ever. -</p> -<p> Your brother in Christ, -</p> -<p> Orson Hyde. -</p></blockquote> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="380"></a>{380}</span> -</p> - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTERXXII"></a>CHAPTER XXII. -</h2> -<p class="chapterHeading">Sundry Events at Nauvoo and Throughout the World—The Mission of the -Twelve Noted by the Prophet. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Press Misrepresentations. -</p> -<p>The newspapers of the United States are teeming with all manner of -lies, abusing the Saints of the Most High, and striving to call down -the wrath of the people upon His servants. -</p> -<p><em>Wednesday, 16</em>.—Elder Brigham Young and company arrived at Wheeling -at 4 p. m., and Sunday, 29th, visited the brethren at Cincinnati. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, 21</em>.—Hyrum Smith and William Law visited the Saints in -Chester county, Pennsylvania, on their mission east; and there met -Elder George A. Smith on his return home. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Imprisonment of Theodore Curtis. -</p> -<p><em>Tuesday, 22</em>.—Elder Theodore Curtis, having previously been arraigned -before a magistrate, and bound over in the sum of forty pounds, for -"blasphemy," <em>i. e</em>., preaching the Gospel, appeared at the court of -Sessions, at Gloucester, England, and after remaining five days [in -prison], was informed on inquiry, that no bill was found against him, -and he was suffered to go at large again after paying one pound and one -shilling cost. Thus we see that the same opposition to truth prevails -in other countries, as well as in this. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Extract from a Letter in the "Juliet Courier"—Describing the - Prophet's Trial at Monmouth, and Affairs at Nauvoo</em>. -</p> -<p> Monmouth, June, 1841. -</p> -<p> My Dear Sir:—Before this reaches you, I have no doubt you will - have heard of the trial of Joseph Smith, familiarly known as the - <span class="pagenum"><a name="381"></a>{381}</span> Mormon Prophet. As some misrepresentations have already gone - abroad, in relation to Judge Douglas' decision, and the merits - of the question decided by the judge; permit me to say, the only - question decided, though many were debated, was the validity of the - executive writ which had once been sent out, I think in September, - 1840, and a return on it that Mr. Smith could not be found. The - same writ was issued in June, 1841. There can really be no great - difficulty about this matter, under this state of facts. -</p> -<p> The judge acquitted himself handsomely, and silenced clamors that - had been raised against the defendant. -</p> -<p> Since the trial I have been at Nauvoo, on the Mississippi, in - Hancock county, Illinois; and have seen the manner in which things - are conducted among the Mormons. In the first place, I cannot - help noticing the plain hospitality of the Prophet, Smith, to all - strangers visiting the town, aided as he is, in making the stranger - comfortable by his excellent wife, a woman of superior ability. The - people of the town appear to be honest and industrious, engaged - in their usual vocations of building up a town, and making all - things around them comfortable. On Sunday I attended one of their - meetings, in front of the Temple now building, and one of the - largest buildings in the state. There could not have been less - than 2,500 people present, and as well appearing as any number - that could be found in this or any state. Mr. Smith preached in - the morning, and one could have readily learned, then, the magic - by which he has built up this society, because, as we say in - Illinois, "they believe in him," and in his honesty. It has been - a matter of astonishment to me, after seeing the Prophet, as he - is called, Elder Rigdon, and many other gentlemanly men anyone - may see at Nauvoo, who will visit there—why it is, that so many - professing Christianity, and so many professing to reverence the - sacred principles of our Constitution (which gives free religious - toleration to all), have slandered, and persecuted this sect of - Christians. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Saturday, 26</em>.—Elder Young and company arrived on the steamer -<em>Mermaid</em>, at the mouth of the Ohio river. -</p> -<p><em>Thursday, July 1</em>.—Elders Young, Kimball, and Taylor arrived at -Nauvoo, after an interesting mission to England. The accounts of their -missions are highly satisfactory. -</p> -<p>During a heavy thunderstorm at Derby, England, hundreds of small fish -and frogs descended, and were picked up alive by the people. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="382"></a>{382}</span> <em>Saturday, 3</em>.—The following is an extract from the -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Legion Minutes</em>: -</p> -<p> The second regiment, first cohort, consisting of four companies, - was organized, and Captain George Coulson was elected colonel, - Josiah Ells lieutenant-colonel, and Hyrum Kimball major. On the - same day, the third regiment, second cohort, consisting of four - companies, was organized; Samuel Bent was elected colonel, George - Morey, lieutenant-colonel, and William Niswanger, major; and the - Legion was called out to celebrate our National Independence (the - 4th being Sunday), and was reviewed by Lieutenant-General Joseph - Smith, who made an eloquent and patriotic speech to the troops, and - strongly testified of his regard for our national welfare, and his - willingness to lay down his life in defense of his country, and - closed with these remarkable words, "I would ask no greater boon, - than to lay down my life for my country." -</p></blockquote> -<p>An elaborate dinner was got up in the grove, of which I partook, in -company with the officers of the Legion, President Rigdon and many -others, with their ladies. -</p> -<p>Elder Willard Richards left his family with his sisters at Richmond, -Massachusetts, and started for Nauvoo. -</p> -<p>Elder Orson Pratt has published in New York an edition of his History -of the Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon, first printed in Edinburgh. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Revelation given to Joseph Smith, in the house of Brigham Young, - in Nauvoo City, July 9, 1841</em>.<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERXXIIfn1"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERXXIIfn1">1</a>]</sup> -</p> -<p> Dear and well beloved Brother Brigham Young, verily thus saith the - Lord unto you, my servant Brigham, it is no more required at your - hands to leave your family as in times past, for your offering is - acceptable to me; I have seen your labor and toil in journeyings - for my name. I therefore command you to send my word abroad, and - take special care of your family from this time, henceforth and - forever. Amen. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Monday, 12</em>.—Elder William Clayton was appointed clerk of the High -Council of Iowa, and John Patton recorder of baptisms for the dead in -Iowa. -</p> -<p>At the urgent solicitations of the brethren at Zarahemla, <span class="pagenum"><a name="383"></a>{383}</span> I had -consented, at a previous date, that they might baptize for the dead on -the Iowa side of the river. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Liquor Selling Licensed in Nauvoo. -</p> -<p>I was in the City Council, and moved that any person in the City of -Nauvoo be at liberty to sell vinous liquors in any quantity, subject to -the city ordinances. -</p> -<p><em>Tuesday, 13</em>.—Elder George A. Smith returned from his mission in -England. -</p> -<p>A treaty was signed between Turkey, Russia, England, France, Austria, -and Prussia, whereby the Dardanelles are closed to all foreign ships of -war, as long as the Ottoman Porte enjoys peace. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Manna Rain in Aleppo. -</p> -<p><em>Wednesday, 14</em>.—The following is translated from the Arabic, in the -<em>Malta Times</em>—"Aleppo, 3rd May. A great famine has happened in Aleppo, -Malitia, and Karbat, insomuch that many people died with hunger, and -others sold their sons and daughters to get bread to eat. But the -Almighty God rained upon them seed (manna), and fed them withal." "Of -the veracity of these words," adds the <em>Malta Times</em>, "extracted from -an Arabic letter, we are perfectly satisfied. The seed alluded to is -known in Malta, being nearly like 'hab' or 'dazz,' and which being kept -a little while becomes white, like 'semola' (very fine wheaten flour)." -</p> -<p>Immense quantities of locusts have appeared in Spain this year, -devouring everything in their way; and a shower of flesh and blood is -reported in the southern part of the United States. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Press Falsehoods. -</p> -<p><em>Thursday, 15</em>.—Many of the newspapers are publishing lies about me -by the wholesale; should I attempt to enumerate them, I could write -nothing else; suffice it to say, every falsehood wicked men can invent, -assisted by their father the devil, is trumpeted to the world as sound -doctrine, which proves the words of Jesus, "They have persecuted me, -they will persecute you also." -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="384"></a>{384}</span> I spent considerable part of the day with several of the Twelve -Apostles. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Letter of Elder Orson Hyde to President Smith—Detailing Events - while en Route to Jerusalem</em>. -</p> -<p> Ratisbon On The Danube, July 17, 1841. -</p> -<p> Dear Brother Joseph, and all whom it may concern: With pleasure I - take my pen to write to you at this time, hoping this communication - may find you as it leaves me, in good health and enjoying a - comfortable measure of the Holy Spirit. -</p> -<p> On the twentieth of June last, I left London for Rotterdam in - Holland, after writing a lengthy epistle to you, and also the copy - of a letter addressed to the Rev. Dr. S. Hirschell, President Rabbi - of the Hebrews in London; which I hope you have received ere this; - the work of the Lord is steadily advancing in London under the - efficient and zealous labors of our worthy brother, Elder Lorenzo - Snow. -</p> -<p> The fine steamer <em>Batavier</em> brought me safely over the billows of a - tremendous rough sea in about thirty hours. Never did I suffer more - from sea sickness, than during this short voyage; but it was soon - over, and we landed safely in Rotterdam. I took my lodgings at the - London Hotel, at two florins per diem, about three shillings and - five pence sterling, or seventy-five cents. Here I called on the - Hebrew Rabbi, and proposed certain questions to him; but as he did - not understand a word of English, it was hard for me to enter into - particulars with him; I asked, him, however, whether he expected - his Messiah to come directly from heaven, or whether he expected - Him to be born of a woman on earth? He replied that he expected Him - to be born of a woman of the seed and lineage of David. At what - period do you look for this event? Answer. "We have been looking - a long time, and are now living in constant expectation of His - coming." Do you believe in the restitution of your nation to the - land of your fathers, called the land of <em>promise</em>? "We hope it - will be so," was the reply. He then added, "We believe that many - Jews will return to Jerusalem and rebuild the city—rear a temple - to the name of the Most High, and restore our ancient worship; - Jerusalem shall be the capital of our nation—the centre of our - union and the standard and ensign of our national existence. But we - do not believe that all the Jews will go there, for the place is - not large enough to contain them. They are now gathering there," - continued he, "almost continually." I told him I had written an - address to the Hebrews, and was about procuring its publication - in his own language (Dutch), and when completed I would leave him - a copy. He thanked <span class="pagenum"><a name="385"></a>{385}</span> me for this token of respect, and I bade - him adieu. I soon obtained the publication of five hundred copies - of the address, and left one at the house of the Rabbi—he being - absent from home, I did not see him. -</p> -<p> After remaining here about one week, I took the coach for - Amsterdam, distance seven hours or about thirty English miles. - Rotterdam is a fine town of about eighty thousand inhabitants. The - cleanliness of its streets, the antique order of its architecture, - the extreme height of its buildings, the numerous shade trees - with which it is beautified, and the great number of canals, - through almost every part of the town, filled with ships of - various sizes from different parts of the world; all these, with - many other things not mentioned, contributed to give this place a - peculiarity resembled no where else in the course of my travels, - except in Amsterdam. Most of the business men here speak a little - English—some speak it very well. -</p> -<p> In ascending the waters of the Rhine from the sea to Rotterdam, - the numerous windmills which I beheld in constant operation, led - me to think, almost, that all Europe came here for their grinding. - But I ascertained that they were grinding for distilleries, where - the floods of gin are made, which not only deluge our beloved - country, with fatal consequences, but many others. Gin is one of - the principal articles of exportation from this country. -</p> -<p> In going to Amsterdam, I passed through a very beautiful town - called "The Hague," the residence of the King of Holland. I saw - his palace, which was guarded by soldiers both horse and foot. For - grandeur it bore here a faint resemblance to Buckingham Palace, - in London. But the beautiful parks and picturesque scenery in and - about the Hague, I have never seen equalled in any country. -</p> -<p> I remained in Amsterdam only one night and a part of two days. I - called on the President Rabbi here, but he was gone from home. I - left at his house a large number of the addresses for himself and - his people, and took coach for Arnhem on the Rhine. Took boat the - same evening for Mainz. Traveling by coach and steam is rather - cheaper in this country than in the United States. We were three - days in going up the river to Mainz. -</p> -<p> Holland and the lower part of Prussia are very low, flat countries. - The French and German languages are spoken all along the Rhine; but - little or no English. The Rhine is about like the Ohio for size, - near its mouth where it empties into the Mississippi. Its waters - resemble the Mississippi waters, dark and muddy. The scenery and - landscapes along this river have been endowed with art and nature's - choicest gifts. -</p> -<p> I have been made acquainted with Europe in America, by books, to - a certain extent; yet now my eyes behold! It is impossible for - a written <span class="pagenum"><a name="386"></a>{386}</span> description of a stranger's beauty to leave the - same impression upon the mind, as is made by an ocular view of - the lovely object. This is the difference between reading of and - seeing the countries of Europe. From Mainz I came to Frankfort - on the Maine by railroad—distance seven hours. From Frankfort I - came to this place—distance about thirty hours, where Napoleon - gained a celebrated victory over the Prussians and Austrians. The - very ground on which I now write this letter was covered by about - sixty thousand slain in that battle. It is called the battle of - Ackeynaeal. -</p> -<p> It was my intention to have gone directly down the Danube to - Constantinople, but having neglected to get my passport vised - by the Austrian Ambassador at Frankfort, I had to forward it to - the Austrian Ambassador at Munich and procure his permission, - signature and seal before I could enter the Austrian dominions. - This detained me five days, during which time I conceived the idea - of sitting down and learning the German language scientifically. - I became acquainted with a lady here who speaks French and German - to admiration, and she was very anxious to speak the English—she - proposed giving me instruction in the German, if I would instruct - her in English. I accepted her proposal. I have been engaged - eight days in this task. I have read one book through and part of - another, and translated and written considerable. I can speak and - write considerable German already, and the lady tells me that I - make astonishing progress. From the past experience I know that - the keen edge of any work translated by a stranger, in whose heart - the spirit of the matter does not dwell, is lost—the life and - animation thereof die away into a cold monotony, and it becomes - almost entirely another thing. This step is according to the best - light I can get, and hope and trust that it is according to the - mind of the Lord. The people will hardly believe but that I have - spoken German before; but I tell them <em>nein</em> (no). The German is - spoken in Prussia, Bavaria, and all the states of Germany, Austria, - the south of Russia, and in fine, more or less all over Europe. - It appears to me, therefore, that some person of some little - experience ought to know this language so as to translate himself, - without being dependent on strangers. If I am wrong in my movement - pray that the Spirit of the Lord may direct me aright. If I am - right, pray that heaven may speedily give me this language. -</p> -<p> It is very sickly in Constantinople and Syria and Alexandria at - present. I would rather, therefore, wait until cool weather before - I go there. I might have written most of this letter in German, but - as you would more readily understand it in English, I have written - it in English. -</p> -<p> With pleasure I leave the historical part of my letter to touch - a softer note, and give vent to the feelings of my heart. I hope - and trust that <span class="pagenum"><a name="387"></a>{387}</span> the cause which you so fearlessly advocate, - is rolling forth in America, with that firm and steady motion - which characterizes the work of Jehovah. The enemies which we are - forced to encounter are numerous, strong, shrewd and cunning. - Their leader transfuses into them his own spirit, and brings them - into close alliance with the numerous hosts of precious immortals - who have been earlier taken captives by the haughty tyrant, and - sacrificed upon the altar of iniquity, transgression and sin. May - it please our Father in heaven to throw around thee his protecting - arms, to place beneath thee almighty strength ever buoy thy head - above the raging waves of tribulation, through which the chart - of destiny has evidently marked thy course. I am happy in the - enjoyment of the distinguished consideration with which heaven's - favor alone has endowed me, of bearing with you some humble part - in laying the foundation of the glorious kingdom of Messiah, which - is destined in its onward course to break in pieces and destroy - all others, and stand for ever. The friendship and good will which - are breathed towards me through all your letters, are received as - the legacy which noble minds and generous hearts are ever anxious - to bequeath. They soften the hard and rugged path in which heaven - has directed my course. They are buoyancy in depression—joy in - sorrow; and when the dark clouds of despondency are gathering thick - around the mental horizon, like kind angels from the fountain of - mercy, they dispel the gloom, dry the tear of sorrow, and pour - humanity's healing balm into my grieved and sorrowful heart. Be - assured, therefore, Brother Joseph, that effusions from the altar - of a grateful heart, are smoking to heaven daily in thy behalf; and - not only in thine, but in behalf of all Zion's suffering sons and - daughters. Though now far separated from you, and also from her, - who, with me, has suffered the chilling blasts of adversity, yet - hope lingers in this bosom, brightened almost into certainty by the - implicit confidence reposed in the virtue of that call which was - born on the gentle breeze of the Spirit of God, through the dark - shades of midnight gloom, till it found a mansion in my anxious and - inquiring heart, that my feet shall once more press the American - soil; and under the shade of her streaming banner, embrace again - the friends I love. -</p> -<p> I never knew that I was in reality an American, until I walked out - one fine morning in Rotterdam along the wharf where many ships lay - in the waters of the Rhine. Suddenly my eye caught a broad pendant - floating in a gentle breeze over the stern of a fine ship at mizzen - half mast; and when I saw the wide spread eagle perched on her - banner with the stripes and stars under which our fathers were led - to conquest and victory, my heart leaped into my mouth, a flood - of tears burst from my eyes, and before reflection could mature a - sentence, my mouth involuntarily gave birth to these words, "I am - an American." To see the <span class="pagenum"><a name="388"></a>{388}</span> flag of one's country in a strange - land, and floating upon strange waters, produces feelings which - none can know except those who experience them. I can now say that - I am an American. While at home the warmth and fire of the American - spirit lay in silent slumber in my bosom; but the winds of foreign - climes have fanned it into a flame. -</p> -<p> I have seen some of the finest specimens of painting and - sculpture of both ancient and modern times. The vast varieties of - curiosities, also, from every country on the globe, together with - every novelty that genius could invent or imagination conceive, - which I have been compelled to witness in the course of my travels, - would be too heavy a tax upon my time to describe, and upon your - patience to read. I have witnessed the wealth and splendor of - many of the towns in Europe—have gazed with admiration upon - the widely-extended plains, her lofty mountains, her mouldering - castles, and her extensive vineyards: for at this season nature is - clad in her bridal robes, and smiles under the benign jurisprudence - of her Author. I have also listened to the blandishments, gazed - upon the pride and fashion of a world grown old in luxury and - refinement, viewed the pageantry of kings, queens, lords, and - nobles; and am now where military honor, and princely dignity, - must bow at the shrine of clerical superiority. In fine, my mind - has become cloyed with novelty, pomp, and show; and turns with - disgust from the glare of fashion to commune with itself in retired - meditation. -</p> -<p> Were it consistent with the will of Deity, and consonant with the - convictions of my own bosom, most gladly would I retreat from - the oppressing heat of public life, and seek repose in the cool - and refreshing shades of domestic endearments, and bask in the - affections of my own little family circle. But the will of God be - done! Can the Messiah's kingdom but be advanced through my toil, - privation, and excessive labors, and at last sanctify my work - through the effusion of my blood! I yield, O Lord! I yield to thy - righteous mandate! Imploring help from thee in the hour of trial, - and strength in the day of weakness to faithfully endure until my - immortal spirit shall be driven from its earthly mansion to find a - refuge in the bosom of its God. -</p> -<p> If the friends in America shall be edified in reading this letter - from Brother Hyde, I hope they will remember one thing; and that is - this, that he hopes he has a wife and two children living there; - but the distance is so great between him and them, that his arm is - not long enough to administer to their wants. I have said enough. - Lord, bless my wife and children, and the hand that ministers good - to them, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. Adieu for the present. -</p> -<p> Good rest on all the Saints throughout the world. -</p> -<p> Orson Hyde. -</p></blockquote> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="389"></a>{389}</span> A violent and destructive hurricane swept over portions of -France, Germany, and Switzerland. -</p> -<p>Death of Senator Little. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 18</em>.—This day was observed as a day of fasting and prayer by -the Saints in Nauvoo, that they might mourn with them that mourn, "and -weep with them that weep," on account of the death of Honorable Sidney -H. Little of the Senate, who was killed by jumping from a wagon last -Sunday, while his horse was unmanageable. Mr. Little was a patriot, -statesman, and lawyer. -</p> -<p>Meeting was held in the grove, west of the Temple; Elders Sidney -Rigdon, John Taylor, and Geo. A. Smith preached. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, 19</em>.—Council of the Twelve, viz.—Brigham Young, Heber C. -Kimball, John Taylor, Orson Pratt, and George A. Smith met at Elder -Young's house, conversing with Lyman E. Johnson, who formerly belonged -to the quorum. President Rigdon and myself were with them part of the -time. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">General Funeral Sermon. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 25</em>.—Attended meeting in the grove. Elders Orson Pratt and -George A. Smith preached in the forenoon. In the afternoon Elder Sidney -Rigdon preached a general funeral sermon, designed to comfort and -instruct the Saints, especially those who had been called to mourn the -loss of relatives and friends. I followed him, illustrating the subject -of the resurrection by some familiar figures. -</p> -<p>Elder George A. Smith married Bathsheba W. Bigler. Don Carlos Smith -performed the ceremony, which was the last official act of his life, he -being very feeble at the time. -</p> -<p>Brother William Yokum had his leg amputated by Dr. John F. Weld, who -operated free of charge; he was wounded in the massacre at Haun's Mill, -October 30th, 1838, and had lain on his back ever since; and now it was -found the only chance to save his life was to have his leg <span class="pagenum"><a name="390"></a>{390}</span> cut -off. He was also shot through the head at the same massacre. -</p> -<p><em>Wednesday, 28</em>.—The Jewish quarter of Smyrna was burned. Three -thousand houses and eight synagogues were destroyed. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">The Prophet's Account of the Mission of the Twelve. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, August 1</em>.—All the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles who were -expected here this season, with the exception of Elders Willard -Richards and Wilford Woodruff, have arrived. We have listened to the -accounts which they give of their success, and the prosperity of -the work of the Lord In Great Britain with pleasure. They certainly -have been the instruments in the hands of God of accomplishing much, -and must have the satisfaction of knowing that they have done their -duty. Perhaps no men ever undertook such an important mission under -such peculiarly distressing and unpropitious circumstances. Most of -them when they left this place, nearly two years ago, were worn down -with sickness and disease, or were taken sick on the road. Several of -their families were also afflicted and needed their aid and support. -But knowing that they had been called by the God of Heaven to preach -the Gospel to other nations, they conferred not with flesh and blood, -but obedient to the heavenly mandate, without purse or scrip, they -commenced a journey of five thousand miles entirely dependent on the -providence of that God who had called them to such a holy calling. -While journeying to the sea board they were brought into many trying -circumstances; after a short recovery from severe sickness, they -would be taken with a relapse, and have to stop among strangers, -without money and without friends. Their lives were several times -despaired of, and they have taken each other by the hand, expecting it -would be the last time they should behold one another in the flesh. -However, notwithstanding their afflictions and trials, the Lord always -interposed in their behalf, and did not suffer them to sink <span class="pagenum"><a name="391"></a>{391}</span> in -the arms of death. Some way or other was made for their escape—friends -rose up when they most needed them, and relieved their necessities; -and thus they were enabled to pursue their journey and rejoice in the -Holy One of Israel. They, truly, "went forth weeping, bearing precious -seed," but have "returned with rejoicing, bearing their sheaves with -them." -</p> -<p>The minds of thousands are already prepared to hear of the sacking -of cities—the marching and countermarching of armies—the burning -of towns and villages—the flight of citizens—the rising of the -Indians—the commotion in Illinois—the distress in Iowa—the -consternation and flight of the Missourians, the exploits of mighty -chieftains, &c.—on account of the fooleries and lies which have been -trumpeted forth from the press in the United States. -</p> -<p><em>Thursday, 5</em>.—Letters from London, state that there are a -number—more or less—baptized every week. -</p> -<p>There was a general election of members of Parliament last month. -Serious riots occurred in different parts of the kingdom between the -Whigs and Tories. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Letter of William Smith to President Smith—Land Transactions</em>. -</p> -<p> Chester County, Pennsylvania, -</p> -<p> August 5th, 1841. -</p> -<p> Brother Joseph:—I expect to leave here for the Jersey country next - week. Doctor Galland left for Nauvoo last week. In the Hotchkiss - business, Hyrum requested me to do all I could. Brother James - Ivins has received orders on you from Doctor Galland to the amount - of twenty-five hundred dollars. The property that he has given - these orders for, is well worth the money. I expect Mr. Hotchkiss - in new Jersey in a few days to receive this property, which is - Cook's Mills Tavern stand, attached to six acres of ground with - all the appurtenances. Some of the Jersey people think it worth - three thousand dollars. Now the question is, shall I let Mr. - Hotchkiss have this property for less than twenty-five hundred, - since that is the price you will have to pay at Nauvoo. Why I ask - this <span class="pagenum"><a name="392"></a>{392}</span> question is—I have understood that Hotchkiss has said - that he would not allow over twenty-two hundred dollars. I got - hold of another small piece of land, worth five hundred; and if - Hotchkiss will take all at a fair price, I shall be enabled to - settle the amount of three thousand dollars soon. Please write me - an answer to the above question. The cause in these eastern lands - is flourishing, and we want more laborers; fifty doors opened for - preaching where there is but one laborer. I wish you would send us - help. -</p> -<p> Yours in the bonds of the covenant, -</p> -<p> William Smith. -</p></blockquote> -<h3>Footnotes: -</h3> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERXXIIfn1"></a><a href="#CHAPTERXXIIfn1">1</a>. Doctrine and Covenants, sec. cxxvi. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="393"></a>{393}</span> -</p> - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTERXXIII"></a>CHAPTER XXIII. -</h2> -<p class="chapterHeading">The Death of Don Carlos Smith—His Life and Labors—Special Conference -at Nauvoo. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">The Death of Don Carlos Smith. -</p> -<p><em>Saturday, August 7</em>.—My youngest brother, Don Carlos Smith, died -at his residence in Nauvoo this morning, at twenty minutes past two -o'clock, in the 26th year of his age. He was born 25th March, 1816, -was one of the first to receive my testimony, and was ordained to the -Priesthood when only 14 years of age. The evening after the plates of -the Book of Mormon were shown to the eight witnesses, a meeting was -held, when all the witnesses, as also Don Carlos bore testimony to -the truth of the latter-day dispensation. He accompanied father to -visit grandfather, Asael Smith, and relatives in St. Lawrence county, -New York, in August, 1830. During that mission he convinced Solomon -Humphrey, a licentiate of the Baptist order, of the truth of the work. -He was one of the 24 Elders who laid the corner stones of the Kirtland -Temple. In the fall of 1833, he entered the office of Oliver Cowdery -to learn the art of printing. On the 30th July, 1835, he married -Agnes Coolbrith, in Kirtland, Ohio. On the 15th January, 1836, he was -ordained President of the High Priests' quorum. He took a mission with -Wilber Denton in the spring and summer of 1836, in Pennsylvania and New -York. On the commencement of the publication of the <em>Elders' Journal</em> -in Kirtland, he took the control of the establishment until the -office was destroyed by fire in December, 1837, when, in consequence -of persecution, he moved his family to <span class="pagenum"><a name="394"></a>{394}</span> New Portage. Early in -the spring of 1838 he took a mission through the states of Virginia, -Pennsylvania and Ohio, and raised means to assist his father; and -immediately after his return he started to Missouri with his family, -in company with father and family, and purchased a farm in Daviess -county. On the 26th September he started on a mission to the states -of Tennessee and Kentucky, to collect means to buy out the claims -and property of the mobbers in Daviess county, Missouri. During his -absence, his wife and two little children were driven by the mob from -his habitation, and she was compelled to carry her children three -miles, through snow three inches deep, and wade through Grand river, -which was waist deep, during the inclement weather. He returned about -the 25th of December, after a very tedious mission, having traveled -1,500 miles, 650 of which were on foot. -</p> -<p>I extract the following from his journal— -</p><blockquote> -<p> On the 30th of September, 1838, in company with George A. Smith, - Lorenzo D. Barnes, and Harrison Sagers, I went on board the - <em>Kansas</em> (which had one wheel broken); the Missouri river was - very low, and full of snags and sand bars. General Samuel Lucas - and Moses Wilson, of Jackson county, Colonel Thompson, from Platt - Purchase, and many others of the active mobbers were on board, - as also General David R. Atchison. On touching at De Witt, on - 1st October, for wood, we found about seventy of the brethren, - with their families, surrounded by an armed mob of upwards of - two hundred. The women and children there were much frightened, - expecting it was a boat loaded with mobbers. We would have stopped - and assisted them, but being unarmed, we thought it best to - fulfill our mission. From this onward the "Mormons" were the only - subject of conversation, and nothing was heard but the most bitter - imprecations against them. General Wilson related many of his deeds - of noble daring in the Jackson mob, one of which was the following: - "I went, in company with forty others, to the house of Hiram Page, - a Mormon, in Jackson county. We got logs and broke in every door - and window at the same instant; and pointing our rifles at the - family, we told them, we would be d—d if we didn't shoot every - one of them, if Page didn't come out. At that, a tall woman made - her appearance, with a child in her arms. I told the boys she was - too d—d tall. In a moment the boys stripped her, and found it was - Page. I told them <span class="pagenum"><a name="395"></a>{395}</span> to give him a d—d good one. We gave him - sixty or seventy blows with hickory withes which we had prepared. - Then after pulling the roof off the house, we went to the next - d—d Mormon's house, and whipped him in like manner. We continued - until we whipped ten or fifteen of the d—d Mormons, and demolished - their houses that night. If the Carroll boys would do that way they - might conquer; but it is no use to think of driving them without - four or five to one. I wish I could stay, I would help drive the - d—d Mormons to hell, Old Joe, and all the rest." At this I looked - the General sternly in the face, and told him, that he was neither - a republican nor a gentleman, but a savage, without a single - principle of honor, or humanity. "If," said I, "the 'Mormons' have - broken the law, let it be strictly executed against them; but such - anti-republican, and unconstitutional acts as these, related by - you, are beneath the brutes." We were upon the hurricane deck, and - a large company present were listening to the conversation. While - I was speaking, Wilson placed his hand upon his pistol, which was - belted under the skirt of his coat; but Cousin George stood by - his side, watching every move of his hand, and would have knocked - him into the river instantly, had he attempted to draw a deadly - weapon. But General Atchison saved him the trouble, by saying, - "I'll be d—d to hell if Smith ain't right." At this, Wilson left - the company crest-fallen. In the course of the conversation, Wilson - said that the best plan was to rush into the Mormon settlements, - murder the men, make slaves of the children, take possession of the - property, and use the women as they pleased. -</p> -<p> A gentleman, present from Baltimore, Maryland, said he never was - among such a pack of d—d savages before: he had passed through - Far West, and saw nothing among the "Mormons" but good order. Then - drawing his pistols, he discharged them, and re-loading, said, "If - God spares my life till I get out of Upper Missouri, I will never - be found associating with such devils again." -</p> -<p> Shortly after this we were invited to preach on board, Elder Barnes - and I preached. The rest of the way we were treated more civilly; - but being deck passengers, and having very little money, we - suffered much for food. -</p> -<p> We continued our journey together through every species of hardship - and fatigue, until the 11th of October, when Elders Barnes and - Harrison Sagers left us at Paducah, after our giving them all the - money we had, they starting up the Ohio river, and we to visit the - churches in west Tennessee and Kentucky. Soon after this, Julian - Moses gave us a five-franc piece, and bade us farewell. -</p> -<p> We soon found that the mob spirit was in Kentucky, as well as in - Missouri; we preached in a small branch of the Church in Calloway - county, and stayed at the house of Sister Selah Parker, which was - <span class="pagenum"><a name="396"></a>{396}</span> surrounded in the night by about twenty armed men, led by - John McCartney, a Campbellite priest, who had sworn to kill the - first "Mormon" Elder who should dare to preach in that place. - The family were very much terrified. After trying the doors, the - mobbers finally went away. We visited a number of small branches in - Tennessee; the brethren generally arranged to be on hand with their - money, or lands for exchange in the spring. Brother Samuel West - gave us twenty-eight dollars to help defray our traveling expenses. - We also received acts of kindness from others, which will never be - forgotten. -</p> -<p> About this time our minds were seized with an awful - foreboding—horror seemed to have laid his grasp upon us—we lay - awake night after night for we could not sleep. Our forebodings - increased, and we felt sure that all was not right; yet we - continued preaching until the Lord showed us that the Saints would - be driven from Missouri. We then started home, and, on arriving - at Wyatt's Mills, we were told that if we preached there it would - cost us our lives. We had given out an appointment at the house of - Mrs. Foster, a wealthy widow. She also advised us to give it up; - but, as she had no fears for herself, her property or family, we - concluded to fill our appointment. The hour of meeting came, and - many attended. George A. preached about an hour: during which time - Captain Fitch came in at the head of twelve other mobbers, who had - large hickory clubs, and they sat down with their hats on. When - George A. took his seat, I arose and addressed them for an hour and - a half, during which time, I told them that I was a patriot—that - I was free—that I loved my country—that I loved liberty—that I - despised both mobs and mobbers—that no gentleman, or Christian at - heart would ever be guilty of such things, or countenance them. - Whereupon the mob pulled off their hats, laid down their clubs, and - listened with almost breathless attention. -</p> -<p> After meeting Mr. Fitch came to us and said that he was ashamed of - his conduct, and would never do the like again; that he had been - misinformed about us by some religious bigots, and begged of us to - forgive him, which we did. -</p> -<p> We continued our journey to Columbus, Hickman county, Kentucky, and - put up with Captain Robinson, formerly an officer in the army, who - treated us very kindly, assuring us that we were welcome to stay - at his house until a boat should come, if it were three months. - We stayed nine days, during which a company of thirteen hundred - Cherokee Indians were ferried over the river. -</p> -<p> We went on board the steamer <em>Louisville</em>, and had to pay all our - money for a deck passage. About ninety miles from St. Louis our - boat got aground, where it lay three days. We had nothing to eat - but a little parched corn. We then went on board of a little boat, - <em>The Return</em>, <span class="pagenum"><a name="397"></a>{397}</span> which landed us in St. Louis the next morning. - Here we found Elder Orson Pratt, and learned that Joseph was a - prisoner with many others, and that David Patten was killed, and of - the sufferings of the Saints, which filled our hearts with sorrow. -</p> -<p> The next morning we started on foot for home; at Huntsville, about - 200 miles, we stopped at the house of George Lyman to rest. George - A.'s feet had now become very sore from walking. -</p> -<p> We had not been long in Huntsville before the mob made a rally to - use us up, as they said, with the rest of the Smiths: and, at the - earnest request of our friends, we thought best to push on, and - started about ten at night. The wind was in our faces, the ground - slippery, and the night very dark; nevertheless we proceeded on - our journey. Traveling twenty-two miles, we came to the Chariton - river, which we found frozen over, but the ice too weak to bear us, - and the boat on the west side of the river. We went to the next - ferry, but finding there was no boat, and knowing that in the next - neighborhood a man's brains were beaten out for being a "Mormon," - we returned to the first ferry, and tried by hallowing to raise - the ferryman on the opposite side of the river, but were not able - to awake him. We were almost benumbed with the cold, and to warm - ourselves we commenced scuffling and jumping: we then beat our feet - upon the logs and stumps, in order to start a circulation of blood; - but at last George A. became so cold and sleepy, that he could - not stand it any longer, and lay down. I told him he was freezing - to death; I rolled him on the ground, pounded and thumped him; I - then cut a stick and said I would thrash him. At this he got up, - and undertook to thrash me; this stirred his blood a little, but - he soon lay down again. By this time the ferryman came over, and - set us across the river, where we warmed ourselves a little, and - pursued our journey until about breakfast time, when we stopped at - the house of a man, who we afterwards learned was a leader of the - mob at Haun's Mill massacre. The next morning we started without - breakfast. Our route lay through a wild prairie, where there was - but very little track, and only one house in forty miles. The - northwest wind blew fiercely in our faces, and the ground was so - slippery that we could scarcely keep our feet, and when the night - came on, to add to our perplexity, we lost our way; soon after - which, I became so cold that it was with great difficulty I could - keep from freezing. We also became extremely thirsty; however, we - found a remedy for this by cutting through ice three inches thick - with a penknife. While we were drinking, we heard a cowbell; this - caused our hearts to leap for joy, and we arose and steered our - coarse towards the sound. We soon entered Tenny's Grove, which - sheltered us from the wind, and we felt more comfortable. In a - short time we came to the house of Whitford G. Wilson, where we - were made <span class="pagenum"><a name="398"></a>{398}</span> welcome and kindly entertained. We lay down to rest - about two o'clock in the morning, after having traveled one hundred - and ten miles in two days and two nights. After breakfast I set out - for Far West, leaving George A. sick, with our hospitable friends. - When I arrived on the evening of December 25th, I was fortunate - enough to find my family alive, and in tolerable health, which - was more than I could have expected, considering the scenes of - persecution through which they had passed. -</p></blockquote> -<p class="sidenote">The Visits of Don Carlos to Liberty Prison. -</p> -<p>Don Carlos visited us several times while we were in Liberty jail, and -brought our wives to see us, and some money and articles to relieve -our necessities. He took charge of father's family in his flight from -Missouri, and saw them removed to Quincy, Illinois. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">His Ministrations to the Sick. -</p> -<p>In June, 1839, he commenced making preparations for printing the <em>Times -and Seasons</em>. The press and type had been resurrected by Elias Smith, -Hyrum Clark, and others, from its grave in Dawson's yard, Far West, -where it was buried for safety the night that General Lucas surrounded -the city with the mob militia. The form for a number of the <em>Elders' -Journal</em> was buried with the ink on it. The types were considerably -injured by the damp; it was therefore necessary to get them into use -as soon as possible, and in order to do this, Don Carlos was under -the necessity of cleaning out a cellar through which a spring was -constantly flowing, as the only place where he could put up the press. -Ebenezer Robinson and wife being sick, threw the entire burden on him. -</p> -<p>As a great number of brethren lay sick in the town, on Tuesday, 23rd -July, 1839, I told Don Carlos and George A. Smith to go and visit all -the sick, exercise mighty faith, and administer to them in the name of -Jesus Christ, commanding the destroyer to depart, and the people to -arise and walk; and not leave a single person on the bed between my -house and Ebenezer Robinson's, two miles distant; they administered to -over sixty persons, many <span class="pagenum"><a name="399"></a>{399}</span> of whom thought they would never sit up -again; but they were healed, arose from their beds, and gave glory to -God; some of them assisted in visiting and administering to others who -were sick. -</p> -<p>Working in the damp cellar, and administering to the sick impaired his -health so that the first number of the <em>Times and Seasons</em> was not -issued until November. He edited thirty-one numbers. -</p> -<p>He was elected major in the Hancock county militia, and on the death of -Seymour Brunson, was made lieutenant-colonel. -</p> -<p>He was elected on 1st February, 1841, a member of the City Council of -Nauvoo, and took the necessary oath on 3rd February, and on the fourth -he was elected brigadier-general of the second cohort of the Nauvoo -Legion. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Personal Appearance of Don Carlos Smith. -</p> -<p>He was six feet four inches high, was very straight and well made, had -light hair, and was very strong and active. His usual weight when in -health was 200 pounds. He was universally beloved by the Saints. -</p> -<p>He left three daughters, namely, Agnes C., Sophronia C., and Josephine -D. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">The Iowa Stake of Zion. -</p> -<p>President John Smith was unanimously acknowledged as the president of -the stake in Iowa, David Pettigrew, M. C. Nickerson, counselors. Elias -Smith was sustained as Bishop and Joseph B. Noble and Joseph Mecham as -his counselors. -</p> -<p>A conference of the Church was held at Zarahemla, and the branches in -Iowa, so far as represented, consisted of 750 members. -</p> -<p>Shocks of an earthquake felt at several places in Spain. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 8</em>.—A water-spout destroyed twenty houses of Portpatrick, -Scotland. -</p> -<p>The funeral of Brother Don Carlos was attended by a vast concourse of -friends and relatives; he was buried with military honors. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="400"></a>{400}</span> The Zarahemla conference appointed George W. Gee, Church -Recorder, and was addressed by Elders John Taylor and George A. Smith, -on building the Temple, and on temperance. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, 9</em>.—The steamboat <em>Erie</em> was burned on Lake Erie, thirty -miles from Buffalo, and eight from the shore, two hundred persons on -board, of whom one hundred and seventy-five perished. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">New Mission Movement Planned. -</p> -<p><em>Tuesday, 10</em>—I spent the day in council with Brigham Young, Heber -C. Kimball, John Taylor, Orson Pratt, and George A. Smith, and -appointed a special conference for the 16th instant. I directed them -to send missionaries to New Orleans; Charleston, South Carolina; -Salem, Massachusetts; Baltimore, Maryland; and Washington, District -of Columbia. I also requested the Twelve to take the burthen of the -business of the Church in Nauvoo, and especially as pertaining to the -selling of Church lands. -</p> -<p>The department of English literature and mathematics, of the University -of the City of Nauvoo, is in operation under the tuition of Professor -Orson Pratt. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>General Orders, Nauvoo Legion</em>. -</p> -<p> Headquarters, Nauvoo Legion, -</p> -<p> City Of Nauvoo, Aug. 10, 1841. -</p> -<p> It becomes our painful duty to officially notify the troops - of our command of the untimely decease of that noble chief, - Brigadier-General Don Carlos Smith—he fell, but not in battle—he - perished, but not by the weapons of war—at his burial you paid him - honor, but he is gathered to his fathers to receive greater honor. -</p> -<p> In consequence of this afflicting dispensation of Divine - Providence, the commissioned officers of the staff and line will - wear crape on the left arm for thirty days. The commissioned - officers of the second cohort will convene at General Smith's - office, on Saturday, the 4th day of September, at 10 o'clock a. m., - for the purpose of electing a brigadier-general, at which time and - place the court of appeals will sit. -</p> -<p> The legion will assemble at the usual place of rendezvous, in - the city of Nauvoo, on Saturday, the 11th day of September, at - 10 o'clock a. m., for the purpose of general parade. The militia - officers of the county of <span class="pagenum"><a name="401"></a>{401}</span> Hancock, Illinois; and the county - of Lee, Iowa, are respectfully invited to attend. The adjutants - of regiments will form their respective regiments at 9 o'clock - and at 10 o'clock; the adjutant of the Legion will form the line - by regiments, and not by companies as heretofore. A special - court-martial will convene at the usual place, on Saturday, the - 28th day of August, at 10 o'clock a. m., for the transaction of - business. -</p> -<p> Joseph Smith, Lieutenant-General. -</p></blockquote> -<p>A shower of meteoric stones fell at Iwan in Hungary. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Depression of the Times. -</p> -<p>Letters from various parts of England and Scotland show that numbers -are daily added to the Church; while shipwrecks, floods, houses -and workshops falling, great and destructive fires, sudden deaths, -banks breaking, men's hearts failing them for fear, shop-keepers and -manufacturers failing, because no man buyeth their merchandise, many -accidents on the railways, etc., betoken the coming of the Son of Man. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Visit of the Sac and Fox Indians to Nauvoo. -</p> -<p><em>Thursday, 12</em>.—A considerable number of the Sac and Fox Indians -have been for several days encamped in the neighborhood of Montrose. -The ferryman brought over a great number on the ferryboat and two -flat boats for the purpose of visiting me. The military band and a -detachment of Invincibles [part of the Legion] were on shore ready -to receive and escort them to the grove, but they refused to come on -shore until I went down. I accordingly went down, and met Keokuk, -Kis-ku-kosh, Appenoose, and about one hundred chiefs and braves of -those tribes, with their families. At the landing, I was introduced -by Brother Hyrum to them; and after salutations, I conducted them to -the meeting grounds in the grove, and instructed them in many things -which the Lord had revealed unto me concerning their fathers, and -the promises that were made concerning them in the Book of Mormon. I -advised them to cease killing each other and warring with other tribes; -also to keep peace with the whites; all of which was interpreted to -them. -</p> -<p>Keokuk replied that he had a Book of Mormon at his <span class="pagenum"><a name="402"></a>{402}</span> wigwam which I -had given him some years before. "I believe," said he, "you are a great -and good man; I look rough, but I also am a son of the Great Spirit. I -have heard your advice—we intend to quit fighting, and follow the good -talk you have given us." -</p> -<p>After the conversation they were feasted on the green with good -food, dainties, and melons by the brethren; and they entertained the -spectators with a specimen of their dancing. -</p> -<p><em>Saturday, 14</em>.—Sir J. M. Brunel, the engineer, with fifty ladies and -gentlemen, made the first passage under the river Thames, England. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 15</em>.—My infant son, Don Carlos, died, aged 14 months, 2 days. -</p> -<p>Conference met in Zarahemla, and was addressed by Elders Brigham Young -and George Miller on building the Temple in Nauvoo. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, 16</em>.—Elder Willard Richards arrived at Nauvoo this morning. -</p> -<p>Ebenezer Robinson succeeded Brother Don Carlos as editor of the <em>Times -and Seasons</em>, with Elder Robert B. Thompson assistant editor. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Minutes of a Special Conference at Nauvoo—Important Action in - Relation to the Twelve</em>. -</p> -<p> At a special conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day - Saints, held in the city of Nauvoo, August 16, 1841, Elder Brigham - Young was unanimously appointed to preside over the conference, and - Elias Smith and Lorenzo D. Barnes were appointed clerks. -</p> -<p> Singing by the choir; conference opened by prayer, by the president. -</p> -<p> The object of the conference was then presented by the president, - who stated that President Joseph Smith (who was then absent on - account of the death of his child) had called a special conference - to transact certain items of business necessary to be done previous - to the October conference—such as to select men of experience to - send forth into the vineyard, take measures to assist emigrants - who may arrive at the places of gathering, and prevent impositions - being practiced upon them by unprincipled speculators. The speaker - hoped that no one would view him and his brethren as aspiring, - because they had come forward <span class="pagenum"><a name="403"></a>{403}</span> to take part in the proceedings - before the conference; he could assure the brethren that nothing - could be further from his wishes, and those of his quorum, than - to interfere with Church affairs in Zion and her stakes. He had - been in the vineyard so long, he had become attached to foreign - missions, and nothing could induce him to retire therefrom and - attend to the affairs of the Church at home but a sense of duty, - the requirements of heaven, or the revelations of God; to which - he would always submit, be the consequence what it might; and the - brethren of his quorum responded, Amen. -</p> -<p> A list of names of Elders and cities were read by the president, - and a few were selected by nomination, and designated as follows: - Voted that Elders Henry G. Sherwood go to New Orleans; Abraham O. - Smoot to Charleston, South Carolina; Erastus Snow and Benjamin - Winchester to Salem, Massachusetts; John Murdock to Baltimore, - Maryland; and Samuel James to Washington, D. C. -</p> -<p> On motion of Vinson Knight, seconded by Samuel Bent, resolved: that - the quorum of the Twelve select the individuals to go and preach in - such places as they may judge expedient, and present the same to - the conference, with a view of expediting the business of the day. -</p> -<p> The situation of the poor of Nauvoo City was then presented by - Bishops Knight and Miller, and a collection taken for their benefit. -</p> -<p> After singing, conference adjourned until 2 o'clock p. m. -</p> -<p> All of the Twelve present at the conference went and visited - President Joseph Smith to comfort him in his affliction. -</p> -<p> Conference assembled at 2 p. m., and was addressed by Elders - Lorenzo D. Barnes and Henry G. Sherwood, concerning the spread of - the Gospel and the building up of the kingdom of God in these last - days. -</p> -<p> President Joseph Smith now arriving, proceeded to state to the - conference at considerable length, the object of their present - meeting, and, in addition to what President Young had stated in - the morning, said that the time had come when the Twelve should be - called upon to stand in their place next to the First Presidency, - and attend to the settling of emigrants and the business of - the Church at the stakes, and assist to bear off the kingdom - victoriously to the nations, and as they had been faithful, and - had borne the burden in the heat of the day, that it was right - that they should have an opportunity of providing something for - themselves and families, and at the same time relieve him, so that - he might attend to the business of translating. -</p> -<p> Moved, seconded and carried, that the conference approve of the - instructions of President Smith in relation to the Twelve, and that - they proceed accordingly to attend to the duties of their office. -</p> -<p> Moved, seconded and carried unanimously, that every individual who - <span class="pagenum"><a name="404"></a>{404}</span> shall hereafter be found trying to influence any emigrants - belonging to the Church, either to buy of them (except provisions) - or sell to them (except the Church agents), shall be immediately - tried for fellowship, and dealt with as offenders, and unless they - repent shall be cut off from the Church. -</p> -<p> President Rigdon then made some appropriate remarks on speculation. -</p> -<p> Moved, that the conference accept the doings of the Twelve, - in designating certain individuals to certain cities, &c.; - when President Smith remarked that the conference had already - sanctioned the doings of the Twelve; and it belonged to their - office to transact such business, with the approbation of the First - Presidency; and he would then state what cities should now be built - up—viz., Nauvoo, Zarahemla, Warren, Nashville, and Ramus. -</p> -<p> <em>Resolved</em>: That this conference adjourn to the general conference - in October next. -</p> -<p> Closed with prayer by President Young. -</p> -<p> Brigham Young, President. -</p> -<p> Elias Smith, -</p> -<p> Lorenzo Barnes, -</p> -<p> Clerks. -</p></blockquote> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="405"></a>{405}</span> -</p> - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTERXXIV"></a>CHAPTER XXIV. -</h2> -<p class="chapterHeading">Hotchkiss Land Purchase Troubles—Death's Harvest, Oliver Granger, -Robert B. Thompson—Important Action Relating to the Twelve—The -Mission in Fox Island. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">The Founding of Warren. -</p> -<p><em>Thursday, July 19, 1841</em>.—Elders Young, Kimball and Richards went to -Warsaw, and examined the town plat of Warren which is situated about a -mile south of the village of Warsaw, and made some arrangements with -the proprietors for building up the place. -</p> -<p>The plat designed for the city of Warren is the school section, No. -16, and opposite the first permanent and good landing place on the -Mississippi River below the falls; which is about two miles below the -Warsaw landing, which is filling up with sand bars. -</p> -<p>The brethren returned about eleven p. m., quite exhausted. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 22</em>.—I preached at the stand, on wars and desolations that -await the nations. -</p> -<p><em>Wednesday, 25</em>.—I received the following letter: -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Letter of Horace R. Hotchkiss to Joseph Smith—Land Affairs in - Nauvoo</em>. -</p> -<p> Fair Haven, 24th July, 1841. -</p> -<p> <em>Rev. Joseph Smith</em>: -</p> -<p> Dear Sir:—I have this moment received a letter from Dr. Galland, - dated yesterday, at New York, in which he states his intention of - leaving for the west. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="406"></a>{406}</span> It certainly was my expectation that I should again see him - before his departure, and be able to make some arrangement with him - respecting the interest due to myself, Mr. Tuttle and Mr. Gillet. - In this I am disappointed, and considering that a proposition for - effecting this object emanated from your brother Hyrum and the - doctor, [Isaac Galland] to which no allusion has since been made - by them or anybody else, I and Mr. Tuttle think that we have much - reason to be dissatisfied at this silence and apparent neglect. -</p> -<p> Now, all the transactions relating to Nauvoo have by me and my - friends been entered into in the most perfect good faith, and will - continue to be conducted on the most honorable principles. -</p> -<p> Permit me to ask whether this is a proper return for the confidence - we have bestowed, and for the indulgence we have extended? -</p> -<p> If you have not already requested your brother Hyrum to call on me - when he arrives east, will you write him immediately, and say that - it is my urgent wish? -</p> -<p> Relative to the Ivins note the Doctor has written me, and referred - to Mr. William Smith at New Egypt, on whom I shall call next week. -</p> -<p> Your obedient servant, -</p> -<p> Horace R. Hotchkiss. -</p></blockquote> -<p>I wrote the following answer: -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Letter of the Prophet to Horace R. Hotchkiss—Nauvoo Land - Transactions</em>. -</p> -<p> Nauvoo, August 25, 1841. -</p> -<p> <em>To Horace R. Hotchkiss, Esq., New Haven, Connecticut</em>: -</p> -<p> Dear Sir:—Yours of the 24th ultimo came to hand this day, the - contents of which I duly appreciate. I presume you are well aware - of the difficulties that occurred before, and at the execution - of the writings in regard to the land transaction between us, - touching the annual payment of interest: if you have forgotten, - I will here remind you, you verbally agreed on our refusal and - hesitancy to execute the notes for the payment of the land, that - you would not exact the payment of the interest that would accrue - on them under five years, and that you would not coerce the payment - even then; to all this you pledged your honor; and upon an after - arrangement you verbally agreed to take land in some one of the - Atlantic States, that would yield six per cent interest (to you) - both for the principal and interest, and in view of that matter, - I delegated my brother Hyrum and Dr. Isaac Galland to go east and - negotiate for lands with our friends, and pay you off for the - <span class="pagenum"><a name="407"></a>{407}</span> whole purchase that we made of you; but upon an interview - with you, they learned that you were unwilling to enter into an - arrangement according to the powers that I had delegated to them; - that you would not receive any of the principal at all, but the - interest alone, which we never considered ourselves in honor or in - justice bound to pay under the expiration of five years. I presume - you are no stranger to the part of the city plat we bought of you - being a deathly sickly hole, and that we have not been able in - consequence to realize any valuable consideration from it, although - we have been keeping up appearances, and holding out inducements - to encourage immigration, that we scarcely think justifiable in - consequence of the mortality that almost invariably awaits those - who come from far distant parts (and that with a view to enable us - to meet our engagements), and now to be goaded by you, for a breach - of good faith, and neglect and dishonorable conduct, seems to me to - be almost beyond endurance. -</p> -<p> You are aware that we came from Missouri destitute of everything - but physical force, had nothing but our energies and perseverance - to rely upon to meet the payment of the extortionate sum that - you exacted for the land we had of you. Have you no feelings of - commiseration? Or is it your design to crush us with a ponderous - load before we are able to walk? Or can you better dispose of - the property than we are doing for your interest? If so, to the - alternative. -</p> -<p> I therefore propose, in order to avoid the perplexity and annoyance - that has hitherto attended the transaction, that you come and take - the premises, and make the best you can of it, or stand off and - give us an opportunity that we may manage the concern, and enable - ourselves by the management thereof to meet our engagements, as was - originally contemplated. -</p> -<p> We have taken a city plat at Warsaw (at the head of navigation - for vessels of heavy tonnage) on the most advantageous terms: the - proprietors waiting upon us for the payment of the plat, until we - can realize the money from the sales, leaving to ourselves a large - and liberal net profit. We have been making every exertion, and - used all the means at our command to lay a foundation that will now - begin to enable us to meet our pecuniary engagements, and no doubt - in our minds to the entire satisfaction of all those concerned, - if they will but exercise a small degree of patience, and stay a - resort to coercive measures which would kill us in the germ, even - before we can (by reason of the season) begin to bud and blossom in - order to bring forth a plentiful yield of fruit. -</p> -<p> I am, with considerations of high respect, -</p> -<p> Your obedient servant, -</p> -<p> Joseph Smith. -</p></blockquote> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="408"></a>{408}</span> [Sidenote: Location and Character of the Hotchkiss Lands.] -</p> -<p>The Hotchkiss purchase, to which the foregoing letters relate includes -all the land lying north of the White purchase to the river and thence -on the river south, including the best steamboat landing, but is the -most sickly part of Nauvoo. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Death of Oliver Granger. -</p> -<p>Elder Oliver Granger died at Kirtland, Lake county, Ohio, aged -forty-nine years. He was the son of Pierce and Clarissa Granger, born -in the town of Phelps, Ontario county, New York, 7th February, 1794; -received a common school education, was two years a member of the -Methodist Church and was a licensed exhorter. On the 8th September, -1813, he married Lydia Dibble; in the year 1827, he in a great measure -lost his sight by cold and exposure; he was sheriff of Ontario county, -and colonel of the militia. He received the Gospel on reading the Book -of Mormon, which he providentially obtained, and was baptized at Sodus, -Wayne county, and ordained an Elder by Brigham and Joseph Young, they -being the first Elders he saw, and immediately devoted his time to -preaching and warning the people. -</p> -<p>In the year 1833 he moved to Kirtland, and then took a mission to -the east with Elder Samuel Newcomb; returned and was ordained a High -Priest; took another mission in the spring of 1836 to New York with -John P. Greene; and after his return built up a branch at Huntsburg, -Geauga county, Ohio; also a branch at Perry, Richfield county, where he -baptized Bradley Wilson and his seven sons and their wives. When the -Church left Kirtland he was appointed to settle the Church business. -</p> -<p>In June, 1838, he went to Far West, and returned in August of same -year; in October he again started, taking his family; he went seventy -miles into Missouri, and was driven back by the mob; in the spring of -1839 he went to Nauvoo; in 1840 removed to Kirtland with his family, -where he remained until his death. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="409"></a>{409}</span> [Sidenote: Character.] -</p> -<p>He was a man of good business qualifications, but had been for many -years nearly blind. His funeral was attended by a vast concourse of -people from the neighboring towns, although there were but few Saints -in the country. -</p> -<p><em>Thursday, 26</em>. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>An Epistle of the Twelve Apostles to the Saints Scattered Abroad - Among the Nations, Greeting</em>. -</p> -<p> Nauvoo, August 26, 1841. -</p> -<p> Beloved Brethren:—You will perceive by the minutes of a - conference, held in this city, on the 16th instant, that we have - returned from a mission which was required of us by the Lord, and - have now been called upon to assist in building up the stakes of - Zion, and of planting the Saints upon the lot of their inheritance; - and feeling as we do a humble reliance upon divine aid at all - times, in our unremitting desire to be useful to our fellow men, - and especially to the household of faith, that they may be prepared - for the great things which God is about to reveal, and which - speedily await this generation, we feel anxious to improve the - earliest opportunity to make known unto you the mind of the Spirit - concerning those things which require your more immediate attention. -</p> -<p> It will be discovered, in the minutes before referred to, that we - have already begun to select such individuals as have been with the - Church and have had the opportunity of becoming acquainted with - the principles thereof to some extent; and to designate certain - towns and cities where they will locate themselves and build up - churches, inasmuch as the people are willing to receive them. These - generally will not take their departure from this to their several - stations, until after the October conference, previous to which - they will have the opportunity of receiving particular instructions - in relation to their mission, and of becoming more perfectly - acquainted with those principles which are necessary to be acted - upon in order that they may become highly useful in helping to roll - forth the kingdom of God in these last days. -</p> -<p> All those Elders and Priests who are now in the vineyard, will - communicate with us immediately, and inform us of their situations, - designs, and all things relating to their ministry, and improve the - earliest opportunity of repairing hither, where they will have the - privilege of instruction from the First Presidency, and thereby - understanding principle and doctrine, not to be learned elsewhere, - and which is necessary for them to know, that they may become wise - stewards in their Master's house. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="410"></a>{410}</span> We are engaged in a great work, and but little comparatively - can be known of the magnitude thereof, of the revelations of - heaven, and the order of the kingdom by the Saints, while they - are scattered to the four winds; and this being well understood - by the ancient prophets and apostles, was the reason why they so - often spoke of the gathering in the last days, and as this is - the place where the Elders are to receive instruction concerning - their ministry, so as to become successful ministers of the - dispensation of the fulness of times, so also this is the place - where the brethren may receive such instructions as are necessary - to constitute them a righteous and holy people, prepared for the - reception of the Lord Jesus; therefore, we say to all Saints who - desire to do the will of heaven, Arise, and tarry not, but come - up hither to the places of gathering as speedily as possible, for - the time is rapidly approaching when the Saints will have occasion - to regret that they have so long neglected to assemble themselves - together and stand in holy places, awaiting those tremendous events - which are so rapidly approaching the nations of the earth. -</p> -<p> It will be recollected that in a recent communication from the - First Presidency, all places of gathering are discontinued, - excepting Hancock county, Illinois, and Zarahemla, in Lee county, - Iowa territory, opposite Nauvoo, and we would suggest to those - coming up the Mississippi particularly, and all others who are - disposed, to look at Warsaw, a beautifully located village about - twenty miles below Nauvoo, consisting of about five hundred - inhabitants, a steam flour and lumber mill; one mile below is a - section already surveyed, on which the town of Warren is to be - built, and every facility is now offered to the brethren, for the - immediate erection of houses, the location being very desirable at - the lowest point of the DesMoines rapids. -</p> -<p> As we have been called upon to act as agents for the Church, it may - be expected that some one or more of our quorum may be found at - Nauvoo, Zarahemla, and Warren, ready to render every assistance in - our power, towards the location of immigrants; and that we shall - occasionally visit the other places of gathering, as necessity - requires. -</p> -<p> We recommend to the brethren in England to emigrate in the fall or - winter; by so doing they will be likely to spare themselves much - affliction in becoming accustomed to this climate. -</p> -<p> Further communications may be expected from the Twelve. -</p> -<p> Brigham Young, -</p> -<p> Heber C. Kimball, -</p> -<p> Orson Pratt, -</p> -<p> Willard Richards, -</p> -<p> John Taylor, -</p> -<p> Geo. A. Smith. -</p></blockquote> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="411"></a>{411}</span> [Sidenote: Death of Robert B. Thompson.] -</p> -<p><em>Friday, 27</em>.—Elder Robert Blashel Thompson died at his residence in -Nauvoo, in the 30th year of his age, in the full hope of a glorious -resurrection. He was associate editor of the <em>Times and Seasons</em>, -colonel in the Nauvoo Legion and had done much writing for myself and -the Church. -</p> -<p>The following synopsis of his life is from the pen of his widow: -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Biography of Robert Blashel Thompson</em>. -</p> -<p> Robert Blashel Thompson was born October 1st, 1811, in Great - Driffield, Yorkshire, England, was educated at Dunnington, in the - same county. He united with the Methodists at an early age and - preached what he believed to be the Gospel in connection with that - sect for a number of years. Emigrated to Upper Canada in 1834. - Embraced the Gospel there; being baptized and confirmed by Elder - Parley P. Pratt in May, 1836. Was ordained an Elder by Elder John - Taylor, at a conference held in Upper Canada, July 22nd, 1836. - Removed to Kirtland in May, 1837, where he married Mercy Rachel - Fielding, June 4th, 1837, and being appointed to take a mission to - Upper Canada, he returned the same month, and commenced preaching - in Churchville and the villages adjacent, baptized a considerable - number, continued his labors there until he was called upon to - remove to Missouri. -</p> -<p> He arrived at Kirtland in March, and started from thence in company - with Hyrum Smith and family, arrived in Far West June 3rd, where - his daughter, Mary Jane, was born on the 14th of June. He remained - there until November, when he, with many of the brethren had to - flee into the wilderness to escape the fury of the mob, who swore - they would kill every man who had been engaged in the Crooked River - battle. -</p> -<p> He stood near to Brother Patten when he [Patten] fell. With the - rest of the brethren he suffered much from exposure and lack of - food, He arrived at Quincy, I believe, in December, where he - engaged as clerk in the court house, and remained there until the - liberation of Joseph and Hyrum from prison; when the Saints settled - in Commerce, he removed there, and was engaged as a scribe to - Brother Joseph; he was also Church clerk. -</p> -<p> When the Nauvoo Legion was formed, he received the office of - colonel and also aid-de-camp. In May, 1841, he became associated - with Don Carlos Smith in the editing of the <em>Times and Seasons</em>. - On the 16th of August he was seized with the same disease of which - Don Carlos had died on the 7th. The attachment between them was so - strong, it <span class="pagenum"><a name="412"></a>{412}</span> seemed as though they could not long be separated. - He died on the 27th, leaving one child; was interred in the burying - ground on the 29th. By his special request no military procession - was formed at his funeral. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Saturday, 28</em>.—At a conference held at Attica, New York, six -branches, ten Elders, seven Priests, five Teachers, two Deacons and one -hundred and forty-six members were represented. -</p> -<p><em>Tuesday, 21</em>. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Minutes of a Council Meeting of the Twelve Apostles at the House - of Brigham Young, Nauvoo</em>. -</p> -<p> At a council of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles at the house of - President Brigham Young, Nauvoo, August 31, 1841, for the purpose - of taking into consideration the situation of the Church, it was - resolved unanimously, that as we [the Twelve] have been called upon - by the voice of the conference to attend to the business of the - Church, assist the Trustee in Trust in his arduous duties, attend - to the settling of immigrants, &c.; we sensibly feel the great - responsibility that is resting upon us, and will do all in our - power to carry out the wishes of the Church, and prove ourselves - worthy of the trust imposed in us by the brethren. -</p> -<p> <em>Resolved</em> unanimously, that, so far as may be practicable, we will - attend to the counseling and locating of immigrants in person, and - at present we will appoint no agents for that purpose out of our - own body. -</p> -<p> Voted, that Elder Willard Richards be requested to locate himself - for a season at Warsaw, or vicinity, for the purpose of selling - lots on the town plat of Warren, counseling the brethren, and - attending to such other business as may be necessary relating to - the Church. The foregoing vote was taken after hearing a favorable - report from Elders Young, Kimball, and Richards, of the quorum, for - building the town called Warren, they having visited the location, - accompanied by Mr. Mark Aldrich and other proprietors of the plat. -</p> -<p> <em>Resolved</em>, unanimously, that we deeply feel for our beloved - President Joseph Smith, and his father's family, on account of the - great losses they have sustained in property by the unparalleled - persecutions in Missouri, as well as the other many persecutions - they have sustained since the rise of the Church, which has brought - them to their present destitute situation. Therefore, voted - unanimously, that we for ourselves, and the Church we represent, - approve of the proceedings of President Smith, so far as he has - gone, in making over certain properties to his wife, children, and - friends for their support, and that he <span class="pagenum"><a name="413"></a>{413}</span> continue to deed and - make over certain portions of Church property which now exist, or - which may be obtained by exchange, as in his wisdom he shall judge - expedient, till his own, and his father's household, shall have an - inheritance secured to them in our midst, agreeably to the vote of - the general conference of the Church held at Commerce in October, - 1839. -</p> -<p> <em>Resolved</em>: that on account of the peculiar situation of the Church - hitherto, it has been expedient and necessary, that the deeds, - bonds, and properties of the Church should be, and have been taken - and holden by committees of the Church, and private individuals; - but that we now have a trustee-in-trust, viz., President Joseph - Smith, appointed according to the laws of the land. Therefore, - voted unanimously, that we advise the trustee-in-trust to gather up - all deeds, bonds, and properties belonging to the Church, and which - are now held either by committees or individuals, and take the same - in his own name as trustee-in-trust for the Church of Jesus Christ - of Latter-day Saints, as soon as such arrangements can be made - consistently with his various and multiplied cares and business; - and that we individually and collectively will use all diligence to - render him every assistance possible to accomplish this desirable - object. -</p> -<p> Voted, that Elder Lorenzo D. Barnes proceed on his mission to - England without delay. -</p> -<p> Voted, that Elder Harrison Sagers proceed immediately on his - mission to Jamaica, West Indies; and Elder Joseph Ball to South - America, according to their appointment on the 16th, and that they - accompany each other to New Orleans. -</p> -<p> It was proposed, that Elder Simeon Carter go on a mission to - Germany; but the vote being taken, it was decided that his mission - be suspended for the present. -</p> -<p> After much deliberation on the situation of the Church at home and - abroad, temporarily and spiritually, and in view of the poverty - and distress of many who had been robbed of all by unrelenting - mobbers, and of others who have sacrificed all they possessed to - assist those who had thus been robbed, and others who had borne - the burden in the heat of the day; it was voted unanimously, that - President Smith, as trustee-in-trust, be requested and instructed - by this conference in behalf of the Church, to extend relief to - such indigent suffering brethren, either by land or goods, as - the properties of the Church will admit, and his wisdom shall - judge expedient; so that no one shall be denied the privilege of - remaining in our midst and enjoying the necessaries of life, who - has been faithful in his duties to God and the Church. -</p> -<p> Brigham Young, President. -</p> -<p> Willard Richards, Clerk. -</p></blockquote> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="414"></a>{414}</span> <em>Wednesday, Sept. 1</em>.—The <em>New York Sun</em> contains an account of -some singular phenomena; viz., a shower of flesh and blood, a pillar of -smoke, and a shower of manna. -</p> -<p><em>Thursday, 2</em>.—The town of Cartago, on the isthmus of Darien, -containing 10,000 inhabitants, destroyed by an earthquake. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Changes of Officers in the Legion. -</p> -<p><em>Saturday, 4</em>.—Colonel Charles C. Rich was elected brigadier-general -of the second cohort, to fill the vacancy of General Don Carlos Smith, -deceased, and Lieutenant-Colonel Titus Billings was elected colonel in -the place of Colonel Rich, promoted, and Major John Scott was elected -lieutenant-colonel in his place, and Captain Hosea Stout was elected -major in his place. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Changes Among the Civil Officers of Nauvoo. -</p> -<p>The City Council elected Brigham Young councilor in place of Don Carlos -Smith, deceased; and John Taylor and Heber C. Kimball were elected -regents of the University, in place of Don Carlos Smith and Robert B. -Thompson, deceased. -</p> -<p>Orson Pratt was elected professor of mathematics in the University of -the City of Nauvoo, and the degree of master of arts conferred on him -by the chancellor and board of regents. -</p> -<p>A committee was instructed to purchase two blocks for a burying -ground; and the city recorder was instructed to procure a seal for the -corporation. -</p> -<p>Elder Orson Spencer arrived in the city. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">The Prophet on Medicine. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 5</em>.—I preached to a large congregation at the stand, on the -science and practice of medicine, desiring to persuade the Saints to -trust in God when sick, and not in an arm of flesh, and live by faith -and not by medicine, or poison; and when they were sick, and had called -for the Elders to pray for them, and they were not healed, to use herbs -and mild food. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">A Shower of "Flesh." -</p> -<p><em>Tuesday, 7</em>.—Another shower of flesh and blood is reported in the -Boston papers to have fallen in <span class="pagenum"><a name="415"></a>{415}</span> Kensington. "There had been a -drizzling rain during a great part of the day, until about 4 o'clock -in the afternoon, when the rain stopped and the dark clouds began -gradually to assume a brassy hue, until the whole heavens above seemed -a sea of fire. The sky continued to grow more bright until about -a quarter past five, when almost instantly it became of burnished -red, and in a few moments it rained moderately a thick liquid of -the appearance of blood, clothing fields and roads for two miles in -circumference in a blood-stained garment. The bloody rain continued for -about ten minutes, when it suddenly cleared away, and the atmosphere -became so intensely cold that overcoats were needed." -</p> -<p>Elder Willard Richards went to Warsaw, and located himself, for the -purpose of counseling the Saints, and settling the town of Warren, and -the day following made sale of three city lots. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">British-Chinese War. -</p> -<p>The war between England and China continues. The English have fitted -out a new expedition to proceed against China with the utmost rigor, -and his celestial majesty on the other hand has issued orders for the -raising of a "grand army," and the extermination of the English. -</p> -<p><em>Wednesday, 8</em>.—Wars and rumors of wars, earthquakes, tempests, -pestilence, and great fires, connected with every kind of wickedness, -distress and destruction of property are heard in almost every land and -nation. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 11</em>. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Extracts from Legion Minutes</em>. -</p> -<p> The Legion was out for general parade, in conformity with a special - act of the court martial, and was reviewed by Lieutenant-General - Joseph Smith, who delivered a military speech to the troops in his - usual energetic style. The official returns of the Legion show the - aggregate to be 1,490 men. -</p> -<p> Hosea Stout, Clerk. -</p></blockquote> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="416"></a>{416}</span> [Sidenote: The Coming of Edward Hunter to Nauvoo.] -</p> -<p><em>Monday, 13</em>.—Brother Edward Hunter, Sen,<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERXXIVfn1"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERXXIVfn1">1</a>]</sup> of Chester county, -Pennsylvania, visited Nauvoo, and invested $4,500 in town lots and -farming land; paid me $2,000 in cash, and made arrangements to pay the -balance in two months. -</p> -<p>Received an invitation from Brigadier-General Ezekiel W. Swazey, and -Colonel Amos B. Fuller, of the militia of Lee county, Iowa, to attend -the military parade tomorrow, at Montrose, as visitor. Generals Hyrum -Smith and John C. Bennett received a similar invitation. -</p> -<p><em>Tuesday, 14</em>.—Went over to Montrose, accompanied by Brothers Edward -Hunter and William A. Gheen. I was very courteously received by General -Swazey, the officers and militia. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Bitterness of D. W. Kilbourn. -</p> -<p>Mr. D. W. Kilbourn attempted to get up an ill feeling by reading the -following proclamation at noon, during the recess of exercise, to a -considerable number of persons collected round his store, which I -insert verbatim— -</p><blockquote> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="417"></a>{417}</span> <em>Citizens of Iowa</em>:—The laws of Iowa do not require you to - muster under, or be <em>reviewed</em> by <em>Joe Smith</em> or <em>General Bennett</em>, - and should they have the impudence to attempt it, it is hoped that - every person having a proper respect for himself, will at once - leave the ranks. -</p></blockquote> -<p>This, however, had no effect whatever on the people. -</p> -<p>Myself and brother were not in military uniform, but were treated with -every respect that visiting officers of our rank could be, through -the entire day. At the dismissal of the military, I went to Mr. -Kilbourn's store, and desired to have some conversation with him, but -was peremptorily ordered out of doors. This conduct greatly disgusted -his few friends, who upbraided Kilbourn with his ungentlemanly conduct, -and accompanied me to the ferry, where I left them, showing me every -manifestation of friendship. -</p> -<p><em>Tuesday, 21</em>.—The ship <em>Tyrean</em> sailed from Liverpool to New Orleans, -with 204 Saints, bound for Nauvoo. -</p> -<p>Her British Majesty's war steamer <em>Madagascar</em>, totally destroyed by -fire in the Chinese seas, and fifty-seven lives lost. -</p> -<p><em>Wednesday, 22</em>.—The High Council of Nauvoo adopted the following -preamble and resolution— -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>High Council Resolution</em>. -</p> -<p> Whereas this High Council in times past, had of necessity, and by - the advice and instruction of the First Presidency, to transact - business of a temporal nature for the Church, and thereby involve - itself with debts and other temporal burdens which, under other - circumstances would not have devolved upon it; and as the proper - authorities to which such temporalities belong are now organized - and acting in their proper places; therefore, be it -</p> -<p> <em>Resolved</em>, that this High Council is prepared to transfer all - debts and temporal business; and that all business of a temporal - nature, be, and the same is in readiness to be transferred to the - proper authorities. -</p> -<p> Alpheus Cutler stated [to the council] that he was going to the - pineries the ensuing winter, and nominated Elias Higbee, counselor<em> - pro tem</em>. -</p></blockquote> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="418"></a>{418}</span> [Sidenote: Lumber for the Temple.] -</p> -<p>A company of the brethren started for the pinery, some five or six -hundred miles north, on the river, for the purpose of procuring lumber -for the Temple and Nauvoo House. -</p> -<p>The Jews in Smyrna are suffering great persecutions on account of their -religion—"one was thrown into prison because a cat was missing"—say -the journals. -</p> -<p><em>Saturday 25</em>.—Hyrum Smith, son of Hyrum and Jerusha Smith, died, aged -seven years, four months, and twenty-eight days. -</p> -<p>A conference was held at Vinal Haven, Fox Island; eight Elders, one -Priest, two Teachers, one Deacon, and one hundred and forty members -were represented, and the work is progressing. -</p> -<p>I extract the following from Elder Wilford Woodruff's journal— -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>The Work on Fox Island</em>. -</p> -<p> We left Manitou Island, Lake Michigan, at 4 o'clock p. m., on the - steamer <em>Chesapeake</em>, which contained 300 passengers, six of whom - were members of the Church; a large quantity of freight and coal, - eighty cords of wood, eighty mules, besides pigs, chickens, geese, - ducks, &c. -</p> -<p> We continued our journey towards Chicago without any interruption, - until half-past eleven p. m., when we were overtaken by a - tremendous storm of wind and rain; it blew a hurricane, and the - lake became as rough as it could be by the force of wind, and such - a scene as quickly followed I never before witnessed in my travels, - either by land or sea. The captain, officers, hands, and most of - the passengers expected to go to the bottom of the lake. To have - judged from outward appearances I should think there were twenty - chances of being lost to one of being saved, yet I did not once - expect to be lost, for I believed the Lord would by some means save - me and my wife and child, who were with me, from a watery grave. -</p> -<p> We were some forty miles from land when the gale struck us, and I - was awakened from a sound sleep by the cry, "We are all lost." The - first thought that entered my mind was, "No, we shall not be lost." -</p> -<p> I immediately leaped out of my berth and went on to the upper deck. - I saw we were in imminent danger of being wrecked; the bow of the - boat was heavily laden, and frequently engulfed by the heavy waves - that washed over her; there were judged to be fifty tons of water - at a <span class="pagenum"><a name="419"></a>{419}</span> time on her bow; at one time her bow ran under water, - and some thought she would never rise; the water set the mules - and all the livestock afloat; washed away the partition; and the - mules, pigs, chickens, ducks, and geese, were all hurled in one - mass down into the steerage cabin, mixed pell mell with sixty Irish - passengers, men, women, and children; at that moment the roaring of - the wind, the rush of the waters, the peals of thunder, the flashes - of lightning, the braying of asses, the squealing of pigs, the - quacking of ducks, geese and chickens, the praying, swearing and - screaming of men, women and children, created a confusion of sounds - which rent the air, and sent a gloomy thrill through the heart. -</p> -<p> We immediately went to work, and helped all the passengers out of - the water, and from among the beasts, upon the deck, so their lives - were preserved, while all the fowls, pigs, and part of the mules - were drowned or killed; many tons of water rushed through the boat, - until the water stood nearly to the boilers; it drove the firemen - from their places. -</p> -<p> About this time when the boat was laboring against wind and tide - one of the wheel chains broke, and the boat rolled over on to one - side. I again heard the cry that "all was lost," but about thirty - of us caught hold of the two detached pieces of chain, and held - them together until the engineer mended them with wire. -</p> -<p> It took three strong men to manage the wheel; while the boat lay - upon her side, it washed away a part of the state rooms; orders - were given to clear the boat of everything that was movable; all - the wood was fastened with stanchions, on the side that was down, - the stanchions were knocked out by the passengers, and forty cords - of wood tumbled into the sea at one surge; this caused the boat - to right up, and we expected every moment our state room would be - washed away. I left it three times with my wife and child, and - stepped upon the main deck, expecting to see it washed away; and to - add to the horror of the situation, we were wrapped in darkness, as - all the lanterns were dashed to pieces. -</p> -<p> The men at the wheel labored hard for five hours to turn the boat - round, before they accomplished it, so that they could run before - the storm. At length daylight appeared, and with it a cessation of - the storm in a measure. We returned to Manitou Island at 4 o'clock, - being twenty-fours hours out, mostly in the storm. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Thursday, 30</em>.—The following is a copy of a statement of expenses -consequent upon the arrest of Joseph Smith, upon demand from Governor -Boggs, and sent to the <span class="pagenum"><a name="420"></a>{420}</span> deputy sheriff of Adams county, he having -officiated June, 1841. -</p><blockquote> -<p> Nauvoo, September 30, 1841. -</p> -<p> <em>The Deputy Sheriff of Adams County</em>: -</p> -<p> The following is a statement of my expenses, costs, and - liabilities, consequent upon my arrest and trial while in your - custody, to-wit— -</p> -<p> To amount of fees in Esquires Ralston, Warren, and Co.......$250.00 -</p> -<p> To Esquires Little, Williams, Walker, and Browning............100.00 -</p> -<p> To seven days for self, horse, and carriage, at - $5.00............35.00 -</p> -<p> To money expended during that time, consequent upon the - arrest...60.00 -</p> -<p> To twelve witnesses, to-wit: Elias Higbee, John P. Greene, Amasa - Lyman, Darwin Chase, Francis Higbee, Chauncy Higbee, Reynolds - Cahoon, George W. Robinson, J. Younger, L. Woodworth, Vinson - Knight, and Robert B. Thompson, four days each; their time, - carriages, horses and expenses, at $5.00 each day...240.00 -</p> -<p> $685.00 -</p> -<p> Dear Sir:—You will please take such measures as to put me in - possession of the above amount, which is justly due me as above - stated; to say nothing of false imprisonment and other expenses. - This would have been presented earlier, but for the sickness and - death of Robert B. Thompson, my clerk. -</p> -<p> Receive my respects, &c., -</p> -<p> Joseph Smith. -</p> -<p> Per John S. Fullmer. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Friday, October 1</em>.—Among the interesting relics of antiquity which -have been brought to light in these days, is the following sentence -from the <em>Courier des Etats Unis</em>: -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Sentence Rendered by Pontius Pilate, Acting Governor of Lower - Galilee, Stating that Jesus of Nazareth shall Suffer Death on the - Cross</em>. -</p> -<p> In the year seventeen of the Emperor Tiberius Caesar, and the 25th - day of March, the city of the Holy Jerusalem, Anna and Caiaphas - being priests, sacrificators of the people of God, Pontius Pilate, - governor of Lower Galilee, sitting on the presidential chair of - the Praetory, condemns Jesus of Nazareth to die on the cross - between two thieves—the great and notorious evidence of the people - saying—1. Jesus is a <span class="pagenum"><a name="421"></a>{421}</span> seducer. 2. He is seditious. 3. He is - an enemy of the law. 4. He calls himself falsely the Son of God. - 5. He calls himself falsely the King of Israel. 6. He entered into - the temple, followed by a multitude bearing palm branches in their - hands. Order the first centurion, Quills Cornelius, to lead him to - the place of execution. Forbid to any person whomsoever, either - poor or rich, to oppose the death of Jesus. -</p> -<p> The witnesses who signed the condemnation of Jesus are, viz.—1. - Daniel Robani. 2. Raphel Robani. 3. Capet, a citizen. Jesus shall - go out of the city of Jerusalem by the gate of Struenus. -</p> -<p> The above sentence is engraved on a copper plate; on one side are - written these words—"A similar plate is sent to each tribe." It - was found in an antique vase of white marble, while excavating - in the ancient city of Aquilla, in the kingdom of Naples, in the - year 1820, and was discovered by the Commissaries of Arts attached - to the French armies. At the expedition of Naples, it was found - enclosed in a box of ebony, in the Sacristy of the Chartrem. The - vase in the Chapel of Caserta. The French translation was made - by the members of the Commission of Arts. The original is in the - Hebrew language. The Chartrem requested earnestly that the plate - should not be taken away from them. The request was granted as a - reward for the sacrifice they had made for the army. M. Denon, - one of the Savans, caused a plate to be made of the same model, - on which he had engraved the above sentence. At the sale of his - collection of antiquities, &c., it was bought by Lord Howard for - 2,890 francs. Its intrinsic value and interest are much greater. -</p> -<p> A few years ago, there was found at Catskill, in New York, a - shekel of Israel, of the time of our Savior. On one side was the - representation of a palm leaf, on the other a picture of the - temple, with the words underneath, "Holy Jerusalem," in the Hebrew - tongue. -</p></blockquote> -<p>Relics like these, properly authenticated, have about them an -inexpressible sacredness.<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERXXIVfn2"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERXXIVfn2">2</a>]</sup> -</p> -<h3>Footnotes: -</h3> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERXXIVfn1"></a><a href="#CHAPTERXXIVfn1">1</a>. Edward Hunter was the second son and seventh child of Edward and -Hannah Hunter. He was born in Newtown Township, Delaware county, -Pennsylvania. June 22, 1793. His paternal ancestors were from the -north of England, and on his mother's side he was of Welsh extraction. -John Hunter, his great-grandfather, passed over to Ireland some time -in the seventeenth century and served as a lieutenant of cavalry -under William of Orange at the battle of the Boyne, where he was -wounded. He afterwards came to America and settled in Delaware county, -Pennsylvania, about twelve miles from Philadelphia. Edward Hunter, -Esq., the Bishop's father, was justice of the peace in Delaware county -for forty years. On his mother's side three generations back was Robert -Owen of North Wales, a man of wealth and character, a firm sympathizer -with Cromwell and the Protectorate, who on the restoration of Charles -the Second, refused to take the oath of allegiance, and was imprisoned -for five years. After his release he emigrated to America and purchased -property near the "City of Brotherly Love." Like the founder of that -city, Robert Owen was a Quaker. His son George sat in the state -legislature and held various positions of public trust (Whitney). -</p> -<p>Edward Hunter finally settled in Chester county, Pennsylvania, where -he purchased an extensive farm, and married Ann Standley, daughter of -Jacob and Martha Standley. Here Mormonism found him in 1839, through -the preaching of some of the Elders laboring in that vicinity, and Mr. -Hunter extended to them the hospitality of his home. En route from -Washington to Nauvoo, in the winter of 1839-40, the Prophet Joseph -visited him, and for several days preached in the vicinity of the -Hunter homestead. Other prominent Elders of the Church also visited the -Hunter home, among them the Prophet's brother, Hyrum. Finally on the -8th of October, 1841, Edward Hunter was baptized by Elder Orson Hyde, -then on his way to Jerusalem. This brings the biography of the future -Bishop of the Church up to the time of his first appearance in Nauvoo, -on the 13th of September, 1841, and henceforth the events of his life -will be closely interwoven in the history of the Church. -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERXXIVfn2"></a><a href="#CHAPTERXXIVfn2">2</a>. To the sentiment here expressed by the Prophet, no one will withhold -his assent, but he will need to emphasize the phrase "properly -authenticated," because it is unquestionably the case that many -alleged early Christian documents of the character of the above are -spurious: and whether the above alleged formal sentence was really -rendered by Pontius Pilate or not, may not be determined. As remarked -by nearly all authorities upon this subject, it is probable that -Pilate made an official report to Tiberius of both the condemnation -and punishment of Jesus Christ. Rev. J. R. Beard, D. D., member of the -Historico-Theological society of Liepzig, and author of the article -"Pilate," in Kitto's Biblical Literature, says: "The voice of antiquity -intimates that Pilate did make such a report; the words of Justin -Martyr are: [second century] 'That these things were so done you may -know from the 'Acts' made in the time of Pontius Pilate.' A similar -passage is found a little further on in the same work [i. e. Justin's -apology]. Now when it is considered that Justin's Apology was a set -defense of Christianity, in the shape of an appeal to the heathen -world through the persons of its highest functionaries, it must seem -very unlikely that the words would have been used had no such document -existed; and nearly as improbable that these 'Acts' [of Pilate] would -have been referred to had they not been genuine." Dr. Lardner, who -has, perhaps, more fully discussed the subject than any other writer -upon it, decides that, "It must be allowed by all that Pontius Pilate -composed some memoirs concerning our Savior, and sent them to the -emperor." (See Lardner, Vol. vi, p. 610.) And yet this very author says -that the Acts of Pontius Pilate, "and his letter to Tiberius which we -now have, are not genuine, but manifestly spurious." -</p> -<p>In Smith's Dictionary of the Bible, it is stated that "We learn from -Justin Martyr, Tertullian, Eusebius and others, that Pilate made an -official report to Tiberius of our Lord's trial and condemnation, and -in a homily ascribed to, though marked as spurious by his Benedictine -editors, certain 'acts' or 'comments' of Pilate, are spoken of as well -known documents in common circulation." (Article Pilate.) Then the -author of this article on Pilate—Rev. Henry Wright Phillott, student -of Christ Church, Oxford, adds: "That he, (Pilate) made such a report -is highly probable, and it may have been in existence in Chrysostom's -time; but the 'Acts of Pilate,' (Acta Pilati,) now extant in Greek, and -two Latin epistles from him to the emperor, are certainly spurious;" -and it is further said, "The number of extant 'Acta Pilati,' in various -forms, is so large as to show that very early the demand created a -supply of documents manifestly spurious, and we have no reason for -looking on any one of those that remain as more authentic than the -others." -</p> -<p>Whether or not the above document in the text, purported to be Pilate's -formal sentence of death upon Jesus is among the early Christian -documents that are spurious, I am not able to determine by any works -at my command, and the modification in the sentence of the Prophet -above, which states, that "relics like these, <em>property authenticated</em>, -have about them an inexpressible sacredness," would rather indicate -the existence of doubt in his own mind as to the absolute certainty of -the above document being genuine; and I by no means consider that he -commits himself to the genuineness of the document by publishing it in -the annals of the Church. Such documents are only inexpressibly sacred -if the authentication is beyond question; and he does not here discuss -that question. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="422"></a>{422}</span> -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="423"></a>{423}</span> -</p> - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTERXXV"></a>CHAPTER XXV. -</h2> -<p class="chapterHeading">The General Conference of the Church at Nauvoo—Doctrinal Sermon by the -Prophet—Baptism for the Dead—Angels and Ministering Spirits—Epistle -of the Twelve Reviewing Status of the Church. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Suit Against Geo. M. Hinckle. -</p> -<p>George M. Hinckle, who robbed my house in Far West while I was in -prison, passing down the river with a flat boat, I commenced suit -against him before the District Court, now sitting at Burlington, Iowa. -I sent Elias Smith, and Geo. W. Gee to attend to the suit; but Hinckle -gave security, and got it put off till spring. -</p> -<p>Day stormy and cold, a few assembled, but conference did not organize. -</p> -<p>I received a letter from Benjamin Winchester, requesting to be -excused from accompanying Elder Erastus Snow on his mission to Salem, -Massachusetts, on account of ill health and pecuniary embarrassments, -and expressing his conviction that Elder John E. Page had means enough -to accompany Elder Orson Hyde to Jerusalem. -</p> -<p><em>Saturday, October 2, 1841</em>. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Minutes of the General Conference of the Church Held at Nauvoo</em>. -</p> -<p> Conference met in the Grove. The Presidency being absent laying the - corner stone of the Nauvoo House, the meeting was called to order - by President Brigham Young; the several quorums were arranged and - seated in order. -</p> -<p> President Brigham Young opened conference by prayer. -</p> -<p> The conference then made choice of President Joseph Smith to - preside, and Elias Smith and Gustavus Hills, Clerks. Meeting - adjourned until 2 p. m. -</p> -<p> Prayer by Orson Pratt. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="424"></a>{424}</span> <em>2 p. m</em>., President Joseph Smith opened the meeting. Choir - sung the 18th hymn. -</p> -<p> The President then read a letter from Elder Orson Hyde, dated - Ratisbon, July 17, 1841, giving an account of his journey and - success in his mission, which was listened to with intense - interest; and the conference by vote, expressed their approbation - of the style and spirit of said letter. The President then made - remarks on the inclemency of the weather, and the uncomfortable - situation of the Saints with regard to a place of worship, and a - place of public entertainment. -</p> -<p> The conference was then called upon by the President, to elect a - general Church clerk, in place of Robert B. Thompson, deceased. - James Sloan was nominated and elected. -</p> -<p> Elder Lyman Wight nominated Bishop George Miller to preside over - the High Priests' quorum in place of Don Carlos Smith, deceased. He - was duly elected. -</p> -<p> President Brigham Young then presented the business commenced at - the late special conference of the 16th of August with regard - to the appointment of suitable and faithful men to the several - important stations of labor in this and other countries. -</p> -<p> Elder Lyman Wight addressed the conference on the importance of - order, uniformity of instruction, and unanimity of effort to spread - the work of the kingdom. -</p> -<p> President Joseph Smith made some corrections of doctrine, quoting - I Cor. xii: 28, showing the principle of order and unity in the - offices of the Priesthood. -</p> -<p> The Patriarch Hyrum Smith made remarks disapproving of the course - pursued by some Elders in counteracting the efforts of the - presidency to gather the Saints, and in enticing them to stop in - places not appointed for the gathering, particularly referring to - the conduct of Elder Almon W. Babbitt of Kirtland. -</p> -<p> Elders Lyman Wight, and Henry W. Miller testified that they had - traveled in places where Elder Babbitt had been, on his return - from his visit to Nauvoo, [he had] taught doctrine contrary to the - revelations of God, and detrimental to the interests of the Church. -</p> -<p> Moved and carried that Elder Almon W. Babbitt be disfellowshiped - until he shall make satisfaction. -</p> -<p> Choir sang Hymn 124. Prayer by Elder George A. Smith. -</p> -<p> Conference adjourned until tomorrow at nine o'clock. -</p> -<p> <em>Sunday, 3</em>. -</p> -<p> Conference assembled in Nauvoo according to adjournment; prayer by - Elder Heber C. Kimball. -</p> -<p> President Joseph Smith, by request of the Twelve Apostles gave - instructions on the doctrine of baptism for the dead, which were - listened <span class="pagenum"><a name="425"></a>{425}</span> to with intense interest by the large assembly. He - presented baptism for the dead as the only way that men can appear - as saviors on Mount Zion. -</p> -<p> The proclamation of the first principles of the Gospel was a - means of salvation to men individually; and it was the truth, - not men, that saved them; but men, by actively engaging in rites - of salvation substitutionally became instrumental in bringing - multitudes of their kindred into the kingdom of God. -</p> -<p> He explained the difference between an angel and a ministering - spirit; the one a resurrected or translated body, with its spirit - ministering to embodied spirits—the other a disembodied spirit, - visiting and ministering to disembodied spirits. Jesus Christ - became a ministering spirit (while His body was lying in the - sepulchre) to the spirits in prison, to fulfill an important part - of His mission, without which He could not have perfected His work, - or entered into His rest. After His resurrection He appeared as an - angel to His disciples. -</p> -<p> Translated bodies cannot enter into rest until they have undergone - a change equivalent to death. Translated bodies are designed for - future missions. -</p> -<p> The angel that appeared to John on the Isle of Patmos was a - translated or resurrected body [i. e. personage], Jesus Christ went - in body after His resurrection, to minister to resurrected bodies. - There has been a chain of authority and power from Adam down to the - present time. -</p> -<p> The best way to obtain truth and wisdom is not to ask it from - books, but to go to God in prayer, and obtain divine teaching. It - is no more incredible that God should <em>save</em> the dead, than that he - should <em>raise</em> the dead. -</p> -<p> There is never a time when the spirit is too old to approach - God. All are within the reach of pardoning mercy, who have not - committed the unpardonable sin, which hath no forgiveness, neither - in this world, nor in the world to come. There is a way to release - the spirits of the dead; that is by the power and authority of - the Priesthood—by binding not loosing on earth. This doctrine - appears glorious, inasmuch as it exhibits the greatness of divine - compassion and benevolence in the extent of the plan of human - salvation. -</p> -<p> This glorious truth is well calculated to enlarge the - understanding, and to sustain the soul under troubles, difficulties - and distresses. For illustration, suppose the case of two men, - brothers, equally intelligent, learned, virtuous and lovely, - walking in uprightness and in all good conscience, so far as they - have been able to discern duty from the muddy stream of tradition, - or from the blotted page of the book of nature. -</p> -<p> One dies and is buried, having never heard the Gospel of - reconciliation; to the other the message of salvation is sent, - he hears and <span class="pagenum"><a name="426"></a>{426}</span> embraces it, and is made the heir of eternal - life. Shall the one become the partaker of glory and the other be - consigned to hopeless perdition? Is there no chance for his escape? - Sectarianism answers "none." Such an idea is worse than atheism. - The truth shall break down and dash in pieces all such bigoted - Pharisaism; the sects shall be sifted, the honest in heart brought - out, and their priests left in the midst of their corruption. -</p> -<p> Many objections are urged against the Latter-day Saints for not - admitting the validity of sectarian baptism, and for withholding - fellowship from sectarian churches. Yet to do otherwise would - be like putting new wine into old bottles, and putting old wine - into new bottles. What! new revelations in the old churches? New - revelations would knock out the bottom of their bottomless pit. New - wine into old bottles! The bottles burst and the wine runs out! - What! Sadducees in the new church! Old wine in new leathern bottles - will leak through the pores and escape. So the Sadducee saints mock - at authority, kick out of the traces, and run to the mountains of - perdition, leaving the long echo of their braying behind them. -</p> -<p> He then referred to the [lack of] charity of the sects, in - denouncing all who disagree with them in opinion, and in joining in - persecuting the Saints, who believe that even such may be saved, - in this world and in the world to come (murderers and apostates - excepted). -</p> -<p> This doctrine presents in a clear light the wisdom and mercy of - God in preparing an ordinance for the salvation of the dead, - being baptized by proxy, their names recorded in heaven and they - judged according to the deeds done in the body. This doctrine - was the burden of the scriptures. Those Saints who neglect it - in behalf of their deceased relatives, do it at the peril of - their own salvation. The dispensation of the fullness of times - will bring to light the things that have been revealed in all - former dispensations; also other things that have not been before - revealed. He shall send Elijah, the Prophet, &c., and restore all - things in Christ. -</p> -<p> President Joseph Smith then announced: "There shall be no more - baptisms for the dead, until the ordinance can be attended to in - the Lord's House; and the Church shall not hold another General - Conference, until they can meet in said house. <em>For thus saith the - Lord</em>!" -</p> -<p> Prayer by President Hyrum Smith. -</p> -<p> Adjourned for one hour. -</p> -<p> Afternoon conference opened by the choir singing hymn 105, and - prayer by Elder Lyman Wight. -</p> -<p> President Brigham Young addressed the Elders at some length, on - the importance of teaching abroad the first principles of the - Gospel, leaving the mysteries of the kingdom to be taught among the - Saints, <span class="pagenum"><a name="427"></a>{427}</span> also on the propriety of many of the Elders remaining - at home, and working on the Lord's House; and that their labors - will be as acceptable to the Lord as their going abroad, and more - profitable for the Church. That those who go abroad must take a - recommend from the proper authorities, without which they will not - be fellowshiped; and that those who go, and those who remain make - consecrations more abundantly than heretofore. -</p> -<p> Elder Lyman Wight followed with remarks of a similar purport; - resigning his mission of gathering means for the Temple and Nauvoo - House. -</p> -<p> The conference appointed Elias Higbee, John Taylor, and Elias - Smith, to petition Congress for redress of wrongs sustained in - Missouri; and Elder John Taylor to present the petition. -</p> -<p> Closed by the choir singing hymn 125, and prayer by President John - Smith. -</p> -<p> Conference assembled on the morning of Monday, the 4th. -</p> -<p> Prayer by Elder George A. Smith. -</p> -<p> President Joseph Smith made a lengthy exposition of the condition - of the temporal affairs of the Church, the agency of which had been - committed to him at a general conference in Quincy—explaining the - manner that he had discharged the duties involved in the agency, - and the conditions of the lands and other property of the Church. -</p> -<p> On motion, resolved: that Elder Reuben McBride be invested with - power of attorney to settle the business at Kirtland, left in an - uncertain condition by Elder Oliver Grange, deceased. -</p> -<p> Prayer by Elder Lyman Wight. -</p> -<p> Adjourned for one hour. -</p> -<p> Afternoon conference opened. Prayer by President John Smith. -</p> -<p> Elder Lyman Wight spoke at some length on the subject introduced in - the former part of the day, and on the old debts and obligations - that are frequently brought up from Kirtland and Missouri; one - of which, in the form of a $50 note, he held in his hand, and - proclaimed it as his text. -</p> -<p> On motion, voted unanimously, that the trustee-in-trust be - instructed not to appropriate Church property to liquidate old - claims that may be brought forward from Kirtland and Missouri. -</p> -<p> President Hyrum Smith presented to the notice of the conference - some embarrassment growing out of his signing as security, a - certain obligation in Kirtland in favor of Mr. Eaton. -</p> -<p> Voted, that Church property here shall not be appropriated to - liquidate said claim. -</p> -<p> President Brigham Young made some appropriate and weighty remarks - on the importance of more liberal consecrations and more <span class="pagenum"><a name="428"></a>{428}</span> - energetic efforts to forward the work of building the Temple and - Nauvoo House; and after purchasing Elder Wight's text, by paying - him fifty cents, tore it in pieces and gave it to the winds, - saying, "Go ye and do likewise, with all old claims against the - Church." -</p> -<p> Choir sang hymn 104, and President Hyrum Smith closed by prayer. -</p> -<p> <em>Tuesday, 5th</em>. Conference opened by the choir singing hymn 274, - and prayer by Elder Orson Pratt. -</p> -<p> Elder Orson Pratt, by request of President Joseph Smith, read a - letter from Smith Tuttle, Esq., one of the proprietors of the - Hotchkiss purchase, in reference to some misunderstanding in the - adjustment of their claims, and conciliatory of any hard feelings - growing out of such misunderstanding. -</p> -<p> President Brigham Young spoke on the contents of the letter, and - expressed his earnest desire that the business might be speedily - adjusted, and a proper title obtained by the Church. -</p> -<p> Elders Lyman Wight and Hyrum Smith followed with appropriate - remarks. -</p> -<p> On motion, voted, That President Joseph Smith write to Mr. - Hotchkiss on the subject. -</p> -<p> On motion by President Joseph Smith, voted, that the Twelve write - an epistle to the Saints abroad, to use their influence and - exertions to secure by exchange, purchase, donation, &c., a title - to the Hotchkiss purchase. -</p> -<p> President Brigham Young presented an appeal from the decision of - the Elders' quorum on a charge made against Elder John A. Hicks by - Dimick B. Huntington for a breach of the ordinances of the city, - for falsehood and schismatical conversation. After hearing the - testimony in the case it was voted that Elder John A. Hicks be cut - off from the Church. -</p> -<p> Closed by the choir singing hymn 275; prayer by President Brigham - Young. -</p> -<p> Adjourned for one hour. -</p> -<p> Afternoon conference opened by the choir singing hymn 104, and - prayer by Elder Orson Pratt, who then read the minutes of a special - conference held in Nauvoo, August 16, 1841. -</p> -<p> President Joseph Smith made remarks explanatory of the importance - of the resolutions and votes passed at that time -</p> -<p> On motion, voted, that this conference sanction the doings of said - special conference. -</p> -<p> President Brigham Young proposed to the congregation, that those - who would take laborers on the Lord's House to board, while thus - laboring, should manifest their willingness by rising and giving - their names. About sixty persons arose. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="429"></a>{429}</span> Conference closed by the choir singing hymn 284, and prayer - by President Brigham Young. -</p> -<p> Conference adjourned <em>sine die</em>. -</p> -<p> Although the conference commenced under discouraging circumstances - owing to the inclemency of the weather, yet a vast number of the - brethren and visitors from abroad were present, and on Saturday and - Sunday, the weather having become favorable, the congregation was - immense. The greatest unanimity prevailed; business was conducted - with the most perfect harmony and good feelings, and the assembly - dispersed with new confidence in the great work of the last days. -</p> -<p> Joseph Smith, President. -</p> -<p> Elias Smith, -</p> -<p> Gustavus Hills, -</p> -<p> Clerks. -</p></blockquote> -<p>An earthquake at Constantinople, occasioning extensive destruction of -property. -</p> -<p>Elder Joseph Beebee writes from New York that he has been preaching in -that city, and has baptized twenty-nine. -</p> -<p><em>Wednesday, 6</em>.—Elder Woodruff arrived in Nauvoo. -</p> -<p>Elders Kimball, Richards, and Woodruff laid hands on President Young, -who was very sick, and he recovered. -</p> -<p><em>Thursday, 7</em>. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Minutes of a Meeting of the Council of the Twelve</em>. -</p> -<p> Elders Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Orson Pratt, Lyman Wight, - John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, and Willard Richards, of the quorum - of the Twelve Apostles, assembled in council at the house of Elder - John Taylor. Voted, that -</p> -<p> Elder John D. Lee go on a mission to Jackson and Rutherford - counties, Tennessee. -</p> -<p> Elder David Evans, to Augusta, Iowa Territory. -</p> -<p> Elder Elisha H. Groves, to Iowa county, Wisconsin. -</p> -<p> Elder Hiram Clark, to Pike, Brown, and Adams counties, Illinois. -</p> -<p> Elder Joseph Ball, to South America. -</p> -<p> Elder Harrison Sagers, to Jamaica. -</p> -<p> Elder William Bosley, to Utica, New York. -</p> -<p> Elder Amasa Lyman, to New York City. -</p> -<p> Elder Arza Adams to Kingston, Canada. -</p> -<p> Elder Lyman Stoddard, to go with Elisha H. Groves to Wisconsin. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="430"></a>{430}</span> Elder Phinehas H. Young, to Cincinnati, Ohio. -</p> -<p> Elder Abraham Palmer, to Chicago, Illinois. -</p> -<p> Elder George W. Gee, to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. -</p> -<p> Elder James Blakesley, to Nauvoo, Illinois. -</p> -<p> Elder John D. Parker, to New Orleans, Louisiana. -</p> -<p> Voted, that Phinehas H. Young be ordained to a High Priest and - recommended accordingly. -</p> -<p> That Daniel Garns be nominated for president of the Elders' quorum. -</p> -<p> That a conference be held at Father Morley's, at Lima, on Saturday - and Sunday, the 23rd and 24th instant. -</p> -<p> That a committee of three, namely, Brigham Young, Willard Richards, - and John Taylor be a committee to draft an address to the eastern - churches, as directed by the general conference. -</p> -<p> Adjourned to Bishop Miller's tomorrow evening at 6 o'clock. -</p> -<p> Brigham Young, President. -</p> -<p> Willard Richards, Clerk. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Saturday, 9</em>. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Copy of a Letter to Smith Tuttle, Esq.—The Hotchkiss Land - Troubles</em>. -</p> -<p> Dear Sir:—Your kind letter of September was received during our - conference, which is just over, containing a full and particular - explanation of everything which gave rise to some feelings of - disappointment in relation to our business transactions; and I - will assure you it has allayed on our part every prejudice. It - breathes the spirit of kindness and truth. I will assure you that - we exceedingly regret that there has been any ground for hardness - and disappointment. But as far as I am concerned, I must plead - innocent, and you will consider me so, when you come to know all - the facts. I have done all that I could on my part. I will still do - all that I can. I will not leave one stone unturned. -</p> -<p> Now the facts are these: I sent my brother Hyrum, and Doctor - Galland with means in their hands—say not money—but with power to - obtain either property or money which was necessary to enable them - to fulfill the contract I made with Mr. Hotchkiss. My brother Hyrum - was under the necessity of returning to this place on account of - his ill health, leaving the business in the hands of Dr. Galland, - with the fullest expectation that he would make over the property - or money to Mr. Hotchkiss, and make everything square so far as the - interest is concerned, if not the principal. He was instructed to - pay the interest that had accrued, and should accrue up to the fall - of 1842, so as to be in advance of our indebtedness. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="431"></a>{431}</span> I had also made arrangements with the eastern churches, and - had it in my power to deed over lands for the whole debt, and had - expected that an arrangement of that kind would have been entered - into. -</p> -<p> I am well assured that Dr. Galland did not look for any means - whatever, to pay the interest at any rate, if not the principal; - and, why he has not done according to my instructions, God only - knows. I do not feel to charge him with having done wrong, until I - can investigate the matter, and ascertain to a certainty where the - fault lies. It may be through sickness or disaster, this strange - neglect has happened. I would to God the thing had not happened. -</p> -<p> When I read Mr. Hotchkiss' letter, I learned that he was - dissatisfied. I thought that he meant to oppress me, and felt - accordingly mortified and sorrowful in the midst of affliction, to - think that he should distrust me for a moment that I would not do - all that was within my power. -</p> -<p> But upon having an explanation of the whole matter, my feelings are - changed, and I think that you all have had cause for complaining. - But you will in the magnanimity of your good feelings, certainly - not blame me when you find that I have discharged an honorable duty - on my part. -</p> -<p> I regret exceedingly that I did not know some time since what I - now know, that I might have made another effort before it got so - late. Cold weather is now rolling in upon us. I have been confined - here this season by sickness, and various other things that were - beyond my control; such as having been demanded by the governor of - Missouri, of the governor of this state, and he did not have moral - courage enough to resist the demand, although it was founded in - injustice and cruelty. I accordingly was taken prisoner, and they - put me to some ten or eleven hundred dollars' expense and trouble, - such as lawyer's fees, witnesses, &c., &c., before I could be - redeemed from under the difficulty. But I am now clear of them once - more. -</p> -<p> And now in contemplating the face of the whole subject, I - find that I am under the necessity of asking a little further - indulgence—say, till next spring, so that I may be enabled to - recover myself, and then, if God spares my life, and gives me power - to do so, I will come in person to your country, and will never - cease my labors until the whole matter is completely adjusted to - the full satisfaction of all of you. The subject of your debt was - fairly presented before our general conference held on the first of - this month, consisting of ten thousand people for their decision on - the wisest and best course in relation to meeting your demands. -</p> -<p> The Twelve, as they are denominated in the <em>Times and Seasons</em> - were ordered by the conference to make arrangements in the Eastern - branches of the Church, ordering them to go to you and turn over - their <span class="pagenum"><a name="432"></a>{432}</span> property as you and they might agree, and take up our - obligations and bring them here, and receive property here for - them; and I have been ordered by the conference to write this - letter to you, informing you of the measures which are about to be - taken to make all things right. -</p> -<p> I would inform you that Dr. Galland has not returned to the western - country as yet. He has a considerable amount of money in his hands, - which was to have been paid to you, as we intended. He is on his - way, for aught we know, and is retarded in his journey by some - misfortune or other. He may return, however, as yet, and give a - just and honorable account of himself. We hope this may be the - case. I am sorrowful on account of your disappointments. It is a - great disappointment to me, as well as to yourselves. -</p> -<p> As to the growth of our place, it is very rapid, and it would be - more so, were it not for sickness and death. There have been many - deaths, which leaves a melancholy reflection, but we cannot help - it. When God speaks from the heavens to call us hence, we must - submit to His mandates. -</p> -<p> And as for your sincerity and friendship, gentlemen, we have not - the most distant doubt of it. We will not have any. We know it is - for your interest to do us good, and for our welfare and happiness - to be punctual in fulfillment of all our vows, and we think for the - future you will have no cause for complaint. We intend to struggle - with all our misfortunes in life, and shoulder them up handsomely, - like men. -</p> -<p> We ask nothing, therefore, but what ought to be required between - man and man, and by those principles which bind man to man, by - kindred blood, in bearing our own part in everything which duty - calls us to do, as not inferior to any of the human race; and we - will be treated as such, although we differ with some in matters - of opinion in things (viz., religious matters), for which we only - feel ourselves amenable to the Eternal God. And may God forbid that - pride, ambition, a want of humanity, in any degree of importance, - should have any unjust dominion in our bosoms. -</p> -<p> We are the sons of Adam. We are the free born sons of America, and - having been trampled upon, and our rights taken from us—even our - constitutional rights, by a good many who boast themselves of being - valiant in freedom's cause, while their hearts possess not a spark - of its benign and enlightening influence—will afford a sufficient - excuse, we hope, for any harsh remarks that may have been dropped - by us, when we thought there was an assumption of superiority - designed to gall our feelings. -</p> -<p> We are very sensitive as a people—we confess it: but we want to - be pardoned for our sins, if any we have committed. With regard to - the <span class="pagenum"><a name="433"></a>{433}</span> time when the first payment of interest should be called - for, it appears we misunderstood each other, but suffice it to - say, that it shall not prevent our making arrangements concerning - the whole matter. It is still, however, my firm conviction that my - understanding concerning the interest was correct. -</p> -<p> I remain, gentlemen, with sentiments of respect, yours, &c., -</p> -<p> Joseph Smith. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Monday, 10</em>.—The Twelve met for the purpose of counsel, and spent -most of the day in visiting the sick. -</p> -<p>Elder Erastus Snow writes from Northbridge, Massachusetts. He had been -laboring in Salem and vicinity four weeks, organized a branch of thirty -members, and the prospects are flattering. -</p> -<p><em>Tuesday, 12</em>. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>An Epistle of the Twelve Apostles, to the Brethren Scattered - Abroad on the Continent of America, Greeting</em>: -</p> -<p> Beloved Brethren:—It seemeth good to us to write unto you at this - time concerning the great things of the kingdom of our God, and - more especially as we have been called upon by the late general - conference so to do, that the work may not be hindered, but that - all may understand their privilege and duty in this day of glorious - events, so that by exercising themselves therein, they may attain - unto those blessings which God has in store for His people in the - last days. -</p> -<p> We have abundant occasion, and we rejoice exceedingly at the - privilege we have had of beholding so many thousands of our - brethren and sisters as were assembled at the late conference; - and for the perfect harmony and good feeling which prevailed - throughout all their deliberations; for the great amount of - valuable instructions by President Joseph Smith and others; and - for the disposition which we have seen manifested, by all who were - present, to carry into effect all those noble plans and principles - which were derived from heaven, and have been handed down to earth - to carry forward the great and glorious work which is already - commenced, and which must be consummated to secure the salvation of - Israel. -</p> -<p> While the minutes of the general conference are before you, which - will be read with interest by every lover of Zion, we shall - recapitulate some items, and detail more particularly to the - understanding of those who had not the privilege of being present - on that interesting occasion, <span class="pagenum"><a name="434"></a>{434}</span> the past, present and future - situation and prospects of the Church, and the stakes, and those - things which immediately concern their best interests. -</p> -<p> A short time since, and the Saints were fleeing from their enemies. - Whippings, imprisonments, tortures, and death stared them in the - face, and they were compelled to seek an asylum in a land of - strangers. They sought, they found it within the peaceful bosom - of Illinois—a state whose citizens are inspired with a love of - liberty, whose souls are endowed with those noble principles of - charity and benevolence which ever bid the stranger welcome, and - minister to his wants; in this state, whose soil is vieing with - its citizens in all that is good and lovely, the Saints have found - a resting place where, freed from tyranny and mobs, they are - beginning to realize the fulfillment of the ancient prophets—"They - shall build houses and inhabit them, plant vineyards and eat the - fruit thereof, having none to molest or make afraid." -</p> -<p> In this city, the Church has succeeded in securing several - extensive plats of land, which have been laid out in city lots, a - part of which have been sold, a part has been distributed to the - widow and orphan, and a part remains for sale. These lots are for - the inheritance of the Saints, a resting place for the Church, a - habitation for the God of Jacob; for here He has commanded a house - to be built unto His name where He may manifest Himself unto His - people as in former times, when He caused the ark, the tabernacle, - and the temple to be reared, and the cloud, and the fire to rest - down thereon; and not that the temple be built only, but that - it be completed quickly, and that no more general conference be - held, till it shall be held therein; and that the Nauvoo House be - finished for the accommodation of the brethren from afar, and the - stranger who shall come up hither to inquire after the work of the - Lord, and worship in His temple. -</p> -<p> Scores of brethren in this city have offered to board one and two - laborers each, till the temple is completed, many have volunteered - to labor continually, and the brethren generally are giving - one-tenth part of their time, or one-tenth part of their income, - according to circumstances; while those sisters who can do nothing - more, are knitting socks and mittens, and preparing garments for - the laborers, so that they may be made as comfortable as possible - during the coming winter. In view of these things we would invite - our brethren for many miles distant around us, to send in their - teams for drawing stone, lumber, and materials for the building; - and at the same time load their wagons with all kinds of grain - and meat, provisions, and clothing, and hay, and provender in - abundance, that the laborer faint not, and the teams be made - strong; also that journeymen stonecutters, &c., come, bringing - their tools with them, and enlist in the glorious enterprise. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="435"></a>{435}</span> Most of the plats in this city before referred to, as well - as several farms and large lots of land in this, and adjoining - counties are paid for, and secured to the Church by good and - sufficient titles; while the town plat for the town of Warren, - near Warsaw, is secured on such conditions that the brethren can - be accommodated with lots on very reasonable terms; but the large - plat in Nauvoo, purchased of Messrs. Hotchkiss, Tuttle & Co., of - New Haven, Connecticut, remains unpaid for, and the time has now - arrived, when it is very desirable on the part of the Church, as - well as on the part of the gentlemen of whom it was purchased, - that payment should be made, and a warrantee title secured; to - accomplish which we have been called upon by the united voice of - the general conference to address the churches in the eastern - states, to advise with the brethren in those regions, and devise - ways and means whereby this debt may be liquidated, Hotchkiss & Co. - satisfied, the plat secured to the Church, and the brethren in the - East at the same time transfer their real estate from the place - where it now is, to this city or region of country, according to - their desire. -</p> -<p> The contract for the "Hotchkiss purchase" in Nauvoo, consisting - of upwards of five hundred acres, was entered into on or about - the 9th of August, 1839, for the specified sum of fifty-three - thousand five hundred dollars, and security was given to Messrs. - Horace R. Hotchkiss, Smith Tuttle and John Gillet, for the amount - of the same, in two notes of equal amount, one payable in ten - years, and the other in twenty years from the date thereof; signed - by Messrs. Hyrum Smith, Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon. In August - last interest to the amount of six thousand dollars or upwards - had accumulated on said notes, which it has not been in the power - of the Church to pay up to the present time. The nature of this - purchase and the situation of the Church is such, that it is - necessary that the notes should be taken up, the interest stopped, - and a warrantee title secured immediately; a correspondence is now - in progress with Messrs. Hotchkiss and Co., to effect this thing, - and bring forward a final settlement. -</p> -<p> But, say you, what can we do to accomplish this great and desirable - object? Let the brethren in the eastern states who have lands which - they wish to dispose of, so that they may remove hither, and secure - to themselves an inheritance among the Saints either in the cities - or farms in the vicinity, and are willing to have their lands in - the East made over to Messrs. Hotchkiss and Co. towards the payment - of the foregoing notes, communicate with us immediately, at this - place, stating to us the extent and value of their property. -</p> -<p> Then, as soon as we shall have received communications concerning - property, sufficient to cancel the obligations, and the necessary - preliminaries are understood with Messrs. Hotchkiss and Co., - we will dispatch <span class="pagenum"><a name="436"></a>{436}</span> an agent to New Haven to complete the - negotiation, transfer your property, take up the notes and secure - a deed; and those whose property is thus transferred can have the - value thereof here in city lots or lands in the vicinity; and thus - your property will prove to you as good as money, inasmuch as you - desire to emigrate; and you will no longer be obliged to tarry - afar off because that money is so scarce you cannot sell and get - your pay. If there are those among you to whom God has given in - abundance, and they desire to appropriate some portion thereof - for the benefit of His people, for the redemption of Zion, for a - blessing to the widows of those who have been slain for the word - of God,—and been buried in a well,—for a sustenance to their - fatherless children, and provide for them a habitation, they - cannot do it more effectually than by devoting a portion of their - sustenance toward liquidating this claim. -</p> -<p> To those brethren who live so far distant that they cannot send - in their loaded teams, and yet desire to assist in building the - Lord's house, we would say, gather yourselves together and bring - of your substance, your silver, and gold, and apparel, and of your - superabundance cast into the treasury of the Lord, and see if He - will not pour you out a blessing till there is not room enough to - receive it. -</p> -<p> Brethren, the blessings of the kingdom are for you, for the body of - Christ, for all the members, and God will help those who will help - themselves, and bless those who will bless each other, and do as - they would be done unto. The gold and the silver is the Lord's; all - the treasures of the earth, the flocks and the herds of the fields, - and the cattle on the thousand hills are His; if He were hungry, - would He crave thy food, or thirsty, would He ask thy drink? Nay! - He would only ask that which was His own, He would feast on His own - flocks and quench His thirst at His own springs. This God is the - God of the Saints, He is your God and He has made you stewards of - all that has been committed to you, and will require His own with - usury, and will you not be faithful in a little, that you may be - made rulers over many cities? Yes, you will, we know you will. -</p> -<p> The journeyings, and gatherings and buildings of the Saints are - nothing new, and as they are expecting, looking and praying for the - completion of the dispensation of the fullness of times, they must - also expect that their progress will be onward, or they will be - of no avail, for what is not of faith is sin, and can you believe - that God will hear your prayers and bring you on your journey, - gather you and build your houses, and you not put forth your hand - or make one exertion to help yourselves? No. Therefore, inasmuch - as the Saints believe that Father Abraham journed to a distant - land at the command of the Highest, where himself and household, - (whose household we are if we keep the commandments) might enjoy - the fruits of their labors unmolested, <span class="pagenum"><a name="437"></a>{437}</span> and worship the God - of heaven according to the dictates of their own conscience and - His law; that his seed afterwards gathered to Canaan, the land of - promise; that the people of God were commanded to build a house - where the Son of Man might have a place to lay his head, and the - disciples be endowed with power from on high, and were with one - accord in one place; they must also believe that this dispensation - comprehends all the great works of all former dispensations; and - that the children must gather as did the fathers, must build a - house where they may be endowed, and be found together worshiping - and doing as their fathers did when Jehovah spake, and the angels - of heaven ministered unto them; and if these things are not in this - generation, then we have not arrived at the dispensation of the - fullness of times as we anticipate, and our faith and prayers are - vain. -</p> -<p> Is it possible that we labor in vain and toil for nought, and that - we shall be disappointed at the last? No! We know assuredly that - the set time to favor Zion has come, and her sons and daughters - shall rejoice in her glory. The time has come when the great - Jehovah would have a resting place on earth, a habitation for - His chosen where His law shall be revealed, and His servants be - endowed from on high, to bring together the honest in heart from - the four winds; where the Saints may enter the baptismal font for - their dead relatives, so that they may be judged according to men - in the flesh, and live according to God in the spirit, and come - forth in the celestial kingdom; a place over which the heavenly - messengers may watch and trouble the waters as in days of old, so - that when the sick are put therein, they shall be made whole; a - place wherein all the ordinances shall be made manifest, and the - Saints shall unite in the songs of Zion, even praise, thanksgiving - and hallelujahs to God and the Lamb, that He has wrought out their - deliverance, and bound Satan fast in chains. -</p> -<p> What then shall we do? Let us all arise, and with one united and - mighty exertion, by the strength of Israel's God, oppose the powers - of darkness, and every being and principle that may rise up against - us and complete the work already commenced. Let us not for a moment - lend an ear to evil and designing men who would subvert the truth - and blacken the character of the servant of the Most High God, by - publishing abroad that the Prophet is enriching himself on the - spoils of the brethren. -</p> -<p> When Brother Joseph stated to the general conference the amount - and situation of the property of the Church, of which he is - Trustee-in-Trust by the united voice of the Church, he also stated - the amount of his own possessions on earth; and what do you think - it was? We will tell you: his old Charley (a horse) given him in - Kirtland, two pet deer, two old turkeys and four young ones, the - old cow given him by a <span class="pagenum"><a name="438"></a>{438}</span> brother in Missouri, his old Major, - (a dog) his wife, children and a little household furniture; and - this is the amount of the great possessions of that man whom God - has called to lead His people in these last days, this is the - sum total of the great estates, the splendid mansions and noble - living of him who has spent a life of toil and suffering, of - privation and hardships, of imprisonments and chains, of dungeons - and vexatious lawsuits, and every kind of contumely and contempt - ungodly men could heap upon him, and last of all report him as - rolling in wealth and luxury which he had plundered from the spoils - of those for whose good he had thus toiled and suffered. Who would - be willing to suffer what he has suffered, and labor near twenty - years, as he has done, for the wealth he is in possession of? -</p> -<p> Brethren, in view of all these things, let us be up and doing. Let - those in the eastern states use all diligence in communicating to - us their ability to assist in the Hotchkiss payment, being assured - that no exertion they can make will equal what has already been - made for them and the Church generally; and let all the Saints - come up to the places of gathering, and with their mites and their - abundance as God has given them in trust, help to build up the old - waste places which have been thrown down for many generations, - knowing that when they are completed they will belong unto the - people of the Most High God, even the meek, the honest in heart, - they shall possess all things, in the due time of the Lord. Be not - covetous, but deal in righteousness, for what the Saints shall not - possess by purchase and in righteousness they shall not possess, - for no unrighteous thing can enter into the kingdom; therefore - beloved brethren, deal gently, love mercy, walk humbly before God, - and whatever your hands find to do, do it with your might, keeping - all the commandments, and then, whether in life or in death, all - things will be yours, whether they be temples or lands, houses or - vineyards, baptisms or endowments, revelations or healings, all - things will be yours, for you will be Christ's and Christ is God's. -</p> -<p> Brigham Young, -</p> -<p> Heber C. Kimball, -</p> -<p> Orson Pratt, -</p> -<p> Lyman Wight, -</p> -<p> John Taylor, -</p> -<p> Wilford Woodruff, -</p> -<p> George A. Smith, -</p> -<p> Willard Richards. -</p> -<p> Nauvoo, October 12, 1841. -</p></blockquote> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="439"></a>{439}</span> -</p> - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTERXXVI"></a>CHAPTER XXVI. -</h2> -<p class="chapterHeading">Affairs in Kirtland and Nauvoo—Epistle of the Twelve to the Saints -in the British Islands—Orson Hyde's Prayer on the Mount of Olives, -Dedicating the Holy Land Preparatory to the Return of the Tribes of -Israel. -</p> -<p><em>Wednesday, October 20, 1841</em>.—The following extract of a letter from -Elder Hyde, dated Jaffa, October 20, 1841, on his way to Jerusalem. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Extract from Orson Hyde's Letter</em>. -</p> -<p> On my passage from Beyrut to this place (Jaffa) night before last, - at one o'clock, as I was meditating on the deck of the vessel, - as she was beating down against a sultry wind, a very bright - glittering sword appeared in the heavens, about six feet in length, - with a beautiful hilt, as plain and complete as any cut you ever - saw; and what is still more remarkable, an arm with a perfect hand - stretched itself out, and took hold of the hilt of the sword. The - appearance really made my hair rise, and the flesh, as it were, - crawl on my bones. The Arabs made a wonderful outcry at the sight. - Allah! Allah! Allah! [O Lord, O Lord, O Lord] was their exclamation - all over the vessel. I mention this because you know there is a - commandment of God for me, which says, "Unto you it shall be given - to know the signs of the times, and the sign of the coming of the - Son of Man." -</p> -<p> Yours in Christ, -</p> -<p> Orson Hyde. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Saturday, 23</em>.—I attended the city council. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Minutes of Conference held at Lima</em>. -</p> -<p> Lima [Adams county, Illinois] conference convened pursuant to - previous appointment. Elders Brigham Young, John Taylor, and - Willard <span class="pagenum"><a name="440"></a>{440}</span> Richards, of the Twelve Apostles, were in attendance. - Elder Brigham Young was unanimously chosen president, and James C. - Snow, clerk of the conference. -</p> -<p> President Young then made some preliminary remarks, setting forth - and explaining the object of the meeting; followed by President - Isaac Morley. Elder James C. Snow then represented the branch of - the Church at Lima, consisting of 424 members, including 9 High - Priests, 32 Elders, 4 Priests, 5 Teachers, and 4 Deacons, mostly in - good standing. -</p> -<p> President Young, Elders Taylor and Richards, then made some very - appropriate remarks, showing and proving the absolute necessity - of finishing and completing the House of the Lord now building in - Nauvoo, in preference to anything else that can be done, either by - mental or physical exertion, in spreading light, knowledge, and - intelligence among the nations of the earth. -</p> -<p> Conference adjourned till tomorrow, ten o'clock. -</p> -<p> In the evening President Morley met with his counselors together - with President Young, Elders Taylor, and Richards, and brethren - of the Lima branch, for the purpose of entering into certain - resolutions necessary, in order to become more active in forwarding - the work on the House of the Lord. -</p> -<p> After much deliberation, it was moved and seconded, that all those - who are willing to consecrate one tenth of their time and property - to the building of the temple at Nauvoo, under the superintendence - of President Morley and counselors, to signify it by the uplifted - hands; when the motion was carried unanimously. -</p> -<p> Sunday morning, at ten o'clock conference met pursuant to - adjournment. -</p> -<p> Elder John Taylor delivered an address, upon the object of Christ's - mission into this world, the resurrection and redemption of the - Saints, and pointed out very clearly the course to be pursued in - order to become the sons of God, through the ordinances of the - gospel, that the Saints may, at last, be exalted at the right hand - of God, to dwell with Him eternally in the heavens. -</p> -<p> After an intermission of one hour, the sacrament was administered - by President Young and Elder Richards. The minutes of the - conference were then read and accepted. -</p> -<p> President Young made some very just remarks on the priesthood, - authority, and calling. -</p> -<p> Conference adjourned <em>sine die</em>. -</p> -<p> Benediction by President Morley. -</p> -<p> Brigham Young, President, -</p> -<p> James C. Snow, Clerk. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="441"></a>{441}</span> <em>Extract of a Letter from Parley P. Pratt—Emigration of - Saints, and Status of the Work in England</em>. -</p> -<p> Manchester, England. -</p> -<p> On the 20th of September, the ship <em>Tyrean</em> sailed from Liverpool - for New Orleans, under a charter of the Latter-day Saints; she had - upwards of two hundred Saints on board, with Elder Joseph Fielding - at their head. By chartering [the vessel] we saved the company [of - Saints] at least 500 or 600 dollars. The splendid new ship <em>Chaos</em>, - 1,200 tons burthen, will sail on the 5th of November, under our - charter. She will have from one to two hundred Saints on board, - with Patriarch Peter Melling at their head. -</p> -<p> The Saints in this country are generally rejoicing, and filled with - the testimony of Jesus. Great zeal is manifested by the officers in - general, of whom there are probably more than a thousand. We are - increasing in numbers, and in gifts and blessings. New branches of - the Church are rising in many places, and great additions made to - the old ones. Manchester and vicinity has poured forth a stream of - emigration for the last eighteen months, and still we numbered at - our conference, two weeks ago, nearly sixteen hundred members, and - between one and two hundred officers; all these within one hour's - journey of Manchester. -</p> -<p> There has been a general time of pruning; we have cut off upwards - of one hundred members from this conference in a few months; this - causes the young and tender branches to grow with double vigor. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Thursday, 28</em>. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Copy of a Letter of Attorney from Joseph Smith, "Sole Trustee in - Trust for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints," to - Reuben McBride, of Kirtland, Ohio</em>. -</p> -<p> Know all men by these presents, that I, Joseph Smith, of Nauvoo, - Hancock county, and State of Illinois, "sole trustee in trust - for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints," have - made, constituted and appointed, and by these presents do make, - constitute, and appoint, Reuben McBride, of Kirtland, Lake county, - and state of Ohio, my true and lawful attorney for me and in my - name, and for my use as "sole trustee in trust for the Church - of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints," to ask, demand, sue for, - recover, and receive all such sum or sums of money, debts, goods, - wares, and other demands which are or shall be due, owing, payable, - or belonging to me, as trustee in trust as aforesaid, by any manner - or means whatsoever; also, to dispose of in my name, to grant, - bargain, sell, release, and confirm all or any part of my real - estate as trustee in trust as aforesaid, in and about Kirtland, - Lake county, and state of Ohio, and throughout any of the northern - and <span class="pagenum"><a name="442"></a>{442}</span> eastern states, and to receive all such sum or sums of - money accruing therefrom, for me and for my use as sole trustee - in trust for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and - to take up the power of attorney which I gave to Oliver Granger, - and all the papers and obligations of every description specified - therein, or in his possession by virtue thereof, and to settle the - same in my name, for me and for my use as above described; and I, - as trustee in trust as aforesaid, hereby give and grant unto the - said Reuben McBride, my attorney, full power and authority in and - about the premises, to have, use, and take all lawful ways and - means in my name for the purposes aforesaid, and upon the receipt - of any such debts, dues, or sums of money (as the case may be), - acquittances, or other sufficient discharges, for me and in my name - as aforesaid Trustee, to make and give, and generally to do all - other acts and things in the law whatsoever needful and necessary - to be done, in the before mentioned places, for me and in my name - as aforesaid Trustee, to do, execute, and perform, as fully and to - all intents and purposes, as I might or could do, if personally - present. Hereby ratifying all and whatsoever my said attorney - shall, in the place above specified, by virtue hereof. -</p> -<p> In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 28th - day of October, 1841. -</p> -<p> Joseph Smith, (L. S.) -</p> -<p> Witness: John Taylor, John S. Fullmer. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Friday, 29</em>.—Those of the Twelve Apostles who were in Nauvoo, met in -council. -</p> -<p><em>Saturday, 30</em>.—I attended the city council, and spoke against the -council remitting a fine assessed against John Eagle by a jury of -twelve men, considering that the jury might be as sensible men as any -of the city council, and I asked the council not to remit the fine. -</p> -<p>Lyman Wight, Willard Richards, and Wilford Woodruff were elected -councilors, and Hiram Kimball and George W. Harris, Aldermen. -</p> -<p>In obedience to an order from the mayor, I called out two companies of -the Nauvoo Legion, and removed a grog shop kept by Pulaski S. Cahoon, -which had been declared a nuisance by the city council. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 31</em>.—I was in council with the brethren at brother Hyrum's -office. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="443"></a>{443}</span> Attended a council with the Twelve Apostles. Benjamin Winchester -being present, complained that he had been neglected and misrepresented -by the Elders, and manifested a contentious spirit. I gave him a -severe reproof, telling him of his folly and vanity, and showing him -that the principles which he suffered to control him would lead him -to destruction. I counseled him to change his course, govern his -disposition, and quit his tale-bearing and slandering his brethren. -</p> -<p>I instructed the council on many principles pertaining to the gathering -of the nations, the wickedness and downfall of this generation, &c. -</p> -<p>After having received the following minutes—"A conference was held at -Kirtland, Ohio, Oct. 2, 1841. Almon W. Babbitt, president, and William -W. Phelps, clerk. Resolved, that Thomas Burdick, Bishop of Kirtland, -and his counselors, be constituted a company to establish a press in -Kirtland, and publish a religious paper, entitled <em>The Olive Leaf</em>, and -that the Saints adjacent be solicited to carry the above resolution -into effect"—my brother Hyrum wrote to the brethren in Kirtland, of -which the following is an extract— -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Excerpt of Hyrum Smith's Letter to the Saints in - Kirtland—Disapproving of Certain Plans for Building up Kirtland</em>. -</p> -<p> All the Saints that dwell in that land are commanded to come away, - for this is "Thus saith the Lord;" therefore pay out no moneys, - nor properties for houses, nor lands in that country, for if you - do you will lose them, for the time shall come, that you shall not - possess them in peace, but shall be scourged with a sore scourge; - yet your children may possess them, but not until many years shall - pass away; and as to the organization of that branch of the Church, - it is not according to the Spirit and will of God; and as to the - designs of the leading members of that branch relative to the - printing press, and the ordaining of Elders, and sending out Elders - to beg for the poor, are not according to the will of God; and in - these things they shall not prosper, for they have neglected the - House of the Lord, the baptismal font, in this place, wherein their - dead may be redeemed, and the key of knowledge that unfolds the - dispensation of the fullness of times may be turned, and the <span class="pagenum"><a name="444"></a>{444}</span> - mysteries of God be unfolded, upon which their salvation, and the - salvation of the world, and the redemption of their dead depends; - for "thus saith the Lord," there shall not be a general assembly - for a general conference assembled together until the House of - the Lord and the baptismal font shall be finished; and if we are - not diligent the Church shall be rejected, and their dead also, - saith the Lord. "Therefore, dear brethren, any proceedings of the - Saints otherwise than to put forth their hands with their might to - do this work, is not according to the will of God, and shall not - prosper; therefore, tarry not in any place whatever, but come forth - unto this place from all the world, until it is filled up, and - polished, and sanctified according to my word, saith the Lord. Come - ye forth from the ends of the earth, that I may hide you from mine - indignation that shall scourge the wicked, and then I will send - forth and build up Kirtland, and it shall be polished and refined - according to my word; therefore your doings and your organizations - and designs in printing, or any of your councils, are not of me, - saith the Lord, even so. Amen." -</p> -<p> Hyrum Smith, -</p> -<p> Patriarch for the whole Church. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Monday, November 1</em>.—I attended the city council, spoke and acted -on many local matters, and contended at great length against paying -the owner of a city nuisance, damages sustained by the removal of that -nuisance.<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERXXVIfn1"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERXXVIfn1">1</a>]</sup> -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="445"></a>{445}</span> Sidney Rigdon resigned his seat in the city council, on account -of ill health. -</p> -<p><em>Tuesday, 2</em>.—I executed letters today revoking the power of attorney -given to Almon W. Babbitt. -</p> -<p><em>Saturday, 6</em>.—Wilford Woodruff took the oath as a councilor in the -city council. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 7</em>.—Elder William O. Clark preached about two hours, -reproving the Saints for a lack of sanctity, and a want of holy living, -enjoining sanctity, solemnity, and temperance in the extreme, in the -rigid sectarian style. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Reproof of William O. Clark. -</p> -<p>I reproved him as Pharisaical and hypocritical and not edifying the -people; and showed the Saints what temperance, faith, virtue, charity, -and truth were. I charged the Saints not to follow the example of the -adversary in accusing the brethren, and said, "If you do not accuse -each other, God will not accuse you. If you have no accuser you will -enter heaven, and if you will follow the revelations and instructions -which God gives you through me, I will take you into heaven as my back -load. If you will not accuse me, I will not accuse you. If you will -throw a cloak of charity over my sins, I will over yours—for charity -covereth a multitude of sins. What many people call sin is not sin; I -do many things to break down superstition, and I will break it down;" I -referred to the curse of Ham for laughing at Noah, while in his wine, -but doing no harm. Noah was a righteous man, and yet he drank wine -and became intoxicated; the Lord did not forsake him in consequence -thereof, for he retained all the power of his priesthood, and when he -was accused by Canaan, he cursed him by the priesthood which he held, -and the Lord had respect <span class="pagenum"><a name="446"></a>{446}</span> to his word, and the priesthood which -he held, notwithstanding he was drunk, and the curse remains upon the -posterity of Canaan until the present day. -</p> -<p>In the p. m., I attended a council of the Elders at my council room, -relative to some affairs in which my brother William was interested. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Dedication of the Baptismal Font. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, 8</em>.—At five o'clock p. m., I attended the dedication of -the baptismal font in the Lord's House. President Brigham Young was -spokesman. -</p> -<p>The baptismal font is situated in the center of the basement room, -under the main hall of the Temple; it is constructed of pine timber, -and put together of staves tongued and grooved, oval shaped, sixteen -feet long east and west, and twelve feet wide, seven feet high from -the foundation, the basin four feet deep, the moulding of the cap and -base are formed of beautiful carved work in antique style. The sides -are finished with panel work. A flight of stairs in the north and south -sides lead up and down into the basin, guarded by side railing. -</p> -<p>The font stands upon twelve oxen, four on each side, and two at each -end, their heads, shoulders, and fore legs projecting out from under -the font; they are carved out of pine plank, glued together, and copied -after the most beautiful five-year-old steer that could be found in the -country, and they are an excellent striking likeness of the original; -the horns were formed after the most perfect horn that could be -procured. -</p> -<p>The oxen and ornamental mouldings of the font were carved by Elder -Elijah Fordham, from the city of New York, which occupied eight months -of time. The font was enclosed by a temporary frame building sided up -with split oak clapboards, with a roof of the same material, and was -so low that the timbers of the first story were laid above it. The -water was supplied from a well thirty feet deep in the east end of the -basement. -</p> -<p>This font was built for the baptisms for the dead until <span class="pagenum"><a name="447"></a>{447}</span> the -Temple shall be finished, when a more durable one will supply its place. -</p> -<p>I received a letter from N. K. Whitney, stating that he had purchased -$5,000 worth of goods for me; and that he should visit Kirtland before -his return home. -</p> -<p>Up to this period a series of storms and earthquakes have desolated -parts of the two Sicilies. -</p> -<p>A second English edition of the Saints' hymn book has been issued by -Elder Parley P. Pratt. -</p> -<p>A great part of Vicksburg, Mississippi, has been consumed by fire. -</p> -<p><em>Saturday, 13</em>.—I attended the city council, and moved that the mayor -and recorder of the city receive each one hundred dollars per annum for -their services, which became a law. -</p> -<p>I also presented a bill for "An ordinance concerning vagrants and -disorderly persons," which passed into an ordinance as follows— -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>An Ordinance Concerning Vagrants and Disorderly Persons</em>. -</p> -<p> Be it ordained by the city council of the city of Nauvoo, that - all vagrants, idle, or disorderly persons; persons found drunk in - or about the streets; all suspicious persons; persons who have no - fixed place of residence, or visible means of support, or cannot - give a good account of themselves; persons guilty of profane and - indecent language or behavior; persons guilty of using indecent, - impertinent, or unbecoming language towards any city officer when - in the discharge of his duty, or of menacing, threatening or - otherwise obstructing said officer, shall on conviction thereof - before the mayor or municipal court, be required to enter into - security for good behavior for a reasonable time, and indemnify the - corporation against any charge, and in case of refusal or inability - to give security, they shall be confined to labor for a time not - exceeding ninety days, or be fined in any sum not exceeding five - hundred dollars, or be imprisoned not exceeding six months or all, - [i. e. or both imprisonment and fine] at the discretion of said - mayor or court. -</p></blockquote> -<p>I also presented a bill for "An ordinance in relation to appeals," -which passed unanimously. -</p> -<p>I also argued before the council the right of taxation, but <span class="pagenum"><a name="448"></a>{448}</span> that -the expense of the city did not require it at present. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 14</em>.—I preached to a large congregation at the Temple. -</p> -<p>Nine of the Twelve Apostles met in council, to prepare an epistle to -the Saints in Europe. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, 15</em>. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>An Epistle of the Twelve Apostles to the Saints Scattered Abroad - in England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, the Isle of Man, and the - Eastern Continent, Greeting</em>: -</p> -<p> Beloved Brethren:—We rejoice and thank our Heavenly Father daily - in your behalf, that we hear of your faithfulness and diligence in - the great work unto which you have been called, by the Holy Spirit, - through the voice of the servants of the Most High, who have been, - and are now amongst you, for the purpose of instructing you in - those principles which are calculated to prepare the children of - men for the renovation of the earth, and the restitution of all - things spoken by the Prophets. -</p> -<p> Several months have passed away, since we bid adieu to our brethren - and sisters on the islands of the sea, and passed over the great - deep to our homes, our kindred, the bosom of the Church, and the - stakes of Zion: but neither time nor distance can efface from our - memories the many expressions of kindness which we have heard from - your lips and experienced from your hands, which have so often - ministered to our necessities, while we were wandering in your - midst, like our Master, having no place to lay our heads, only as - furnished by your liberality and benevolence; and it is a subject - of no small consolation to us that we have this testimony of so - many of you, that you are the disciples of the Lord Jesus;<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERXXVIfn2"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERXXVIfn2">2</a>]</sup> and - we give you our warmest thanks, and our blessing, that you have not - only ministered unto us, but that you continue to minister to our - brethren who are still laboring amongst you, for which an hundred - fold shall be returned unto your bosoms. -</p> -<p> After parting with the Saints in Liverpool, and sailing thirty - days, much of the time against head winds, with rough seas, which - produced much sea sickness among the brethren and sisters who - accompanied us, we arrived in the city of New York, where we were - received by the brethren with open hearts, and by whom we were - entertained most cordially some days, till we were rested from the - fatigues of the ship: we were then assisted on our journey, and - taking different routes, and <span class="pagenum"><a name="449"></a>{449}</span> visiting many of the churches in - different states, we have all safely arrived in this city. -</p> -<p> In our travels in this land, we have discovered a growing interest - among the people generally, in the great work of the Lord. - Prejudice is giving way to intelligence; darkness to light; and - multitudes are making the important discovery that error is abroad - in the earth, and that the signs of the times proclaim some mighty - revolution among the nations. The cry is from all quarters, send us - Elders to instruct us in the principles of your religion, that we - may know why it is that you are had in derision by the multitude, - more than other professors are. Teach us of your principles and - your doctrines, and if we find them true we will embrace them. -</p> -<p> The Saints are growing in faith, and the intelligence of heaven - is flowing into their understanding, for the Spirit of the Lord - is with them, and the Holy Ghost is instructing them in things to - come. The spirit of union is increasing, and they are exerting - themselves to come up to the gathering of the faithful, to build up - the waste places and establish the stakes of Zion. -</p> -<p> Since our arrival in this place there has been one special and one - general conference of the Church, and the Twelve have been called - to tarry at home for a season, and stand in their lot next to the - First Presidency, and assist in counseling the brethren, and in the - settling of immigrants, &c.; and the first great object before us, - and the Saints generally, is to help forward the completion of the - Temple and the Nauvoo House—buildings which are now in progress - according to the revelations, and which must be completed to secure - the salvation of the Church in the last days; for God requires - of His Saints to build Him a house wherein his servants may be - instructed, and endowed with power from on high, to prepare them to - go forth among the nations, and proclaim the fullness of the Gospel - for the last time, and bind up the law, and seal up the testimony, - leaving this generation without excuse, and the earth prepared for - the judgments which will follow. In this house all the ordinances - will be made manifest, and many things will be shown forth, which - have been hid from generation to generation. -</p> -<p> The set time to favor the stakes of Zion is at hand, and soon the - kings and the queens, the princes and the nobles, the rich and the - honorable of the earth will come up hither to visit the Temple of - our God, and to inquire concerning His strange work; and as kings - are to become nursing fathers, and queens nursing mothers in the - habitations of the righteous, it is right to render honor to whom - honor is due; and therefore expedient that such, as well as the - Saints, should have a comfortable house for boarding and lodging - when they come hither, and it is according to the revelations that - such a house should be built. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="450"></a>{450}</span> The foundations of this house, and also of the Temple, - are laid; and the walls of the basement stories of each nearly - completed; and the finishing of the whole is depending on the - exertions of the Saints. Every Saint on earth is equally interested - in these things, and all are under equal obligations to do all in - their power to complete the buildings by their faith, and by their - prayers, with their thousands and their mites, their gold and their - silver, their copper and their zinc, their goods and their labors, - until the top stone is laid with shoutings, and the place is - prepared to be filled with the glory of the Highest; and if there - are those among you who have more than they need for the gathering, - and for assisting the destitute who desire to gather with them, - they cannot make a more acceptable offering unto the Lord, than by - appropriating towards the building of His Temple. -</p> -<p> He that believeth shall not make haste, but let all the Saints who - desire to keep the commandments of heaven and work righteousness, - come to the place of gathering as soon as circumstances will - permit. It is by united efforts that great things are accomplished, - and while the Saints are scattered to the four winds, they cannot - be united in action, if they are in spirit; they cannot all build - at one city, or lift at one stone of the great Temple, though - their hearts may all desire the same thing. We would not press the - subject of the gathering upon you, for we know your hearts, and - your means; and so far as means fail, let patience have its perfect - work in your souls, for in due time you shall be delivered, if you - faint not. -</p> -<p> We are not altogether ignorant of the increase of difficulty among - the laboring classes in England since our departure through the - stoppage of factories and similar occurrences, and we would counsel - those who have, to impart unto those who have not, and cannot - obtain; remembering that he who giveth unto the poor lendeth unto - the Lord, and he shall receive in return four fold. -</p> -<p> The idler shall not eat the bread of the laborer; neither must he - starve who would [labor] but cannot find employment. Inasmuch as ye - desire the fullness of the earth, let not the cries of the widow, - the fatherless and the beggar ascend to heaven, or salute your ears - in vain, but follow the example we have set before you, and give - liberally of your abundance, even if it be but a penny, and it - shall be returned unto you. Good measure pressed down and running - over, shall the Lord return into your store house. -</p> -<p> Cultivate the spirit of patience, long-suffering, forbearance and - charity among yourselves, and ever be as unwilling to believe - an evil report about a brother or a sister as if it were about - yourself, and as you dislike to be accused, be slow to accuse the - brethren, for the measure you mete shall be measured to you again, - and the Judge condemneth no man who is not accused. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="451"></a>{451}</span> Keep all the commandments, nothing fearing, nothing doubting, - for this is virtue, this is wisdom, and the wise, the virtuous - and the meek shall inherit the earth and the fullness thereof. In - all things follow the counsel which you shall receive from the - president and council who are among you; and inasmuch as you uphold - Elders Pratt, Richards and Snow by the prayer of faith, you shall - receive right counsel. -</p> -<p> Remember that those whom John saw on Mount Zion were such as had - come up through great tribulation; and do not imagine that you can - ever constitute a part of that number without sharing a part of - their trials. You must necessarily pass through perils and trials, - and temptations and afflictions by sea and land in your journeyings - hither, and if you cannot settle it in your hearts to endure unto - the end as good soldiers, you may as well remain where you are - to be destroyed, as to suffer all the privations and hardships - you will be obliged to suffer before the walls of Zion shall be - built, no more to be thrown down, and after all to turn away and be - destroyed. -</p> -<p> The ancient prophet has said, they shall wear out the Saints of the - Most High. This has already been fulfilled to some extent, for many - through the abundance of their persecutions have become exhausted, - and laid their bodies down to rest, to rise no more till the morn - of the first resurrection; and although the people of these states - are at peace with us, yet there are those who would gladly wear - out and destroy the weak in faith, through the influence of their - foolish lies. When you arrive on our shores, and while sailing up - our rivers, you need not be surprised if your ears are saluted by - the false and filthy language of wicked and designing men who are - ever ready to speak evil of the things they understand not, and who - would gladly blast the character of the Prophet of the Most High - God, and all connected with him, with their foul anathemas, beyond - anything you ever thought of. We would not dishearten you, neither - would we have you ignorant of the worst that awaits the righteous. -</p> -<p> If the Saints are not prepared to rejoice and be glad when they - hear the name of the Prophet and their own name cast out as evil, - as gluttonous, wine-bibber, friend of publicans and sinners, - Beelzebub, thief, robber and murderer, they are not prepared for - the gathering. The wheat and tares must grow together till the - harvest; at the harvest the wheat is gathered together into the - threshing floor, so with the Saints—the stakes are the threshing - floor. Here they will be threshed with all sorts of difficulties, - trials, afflictions and everything to mar their peace, which they - can imagine, and thousands which they cannot imagine, but he that - endures the threshing till all the chaff, superstition, folly and - unbelief are pounded out of him, and does not suffer himself to - be blown away as chaff by the foul blast of slander, but endures - faithfully <span class="pagenum"><a name="452"></a>{452}</span> to the end, shall be saved. If you are prepared - for all these things; if you choose rather to suffer afflictions - with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a - little moment, come up hither; come direct to New Orleans, and - up the Mississippi river, for the expense is so much less, and - the convenience of water navigation is so much greater than it is - by Montreal, New York or Philadelphia, that it is wisdom for the - Saints to make New Orleans their general established port, and - be sure to start at such times that they may arrive here during - the cold months, for the change from the cold climate of England - to this place in the hot season, is too great for the health of - immigrants, till there is more faith in the Church. -</p> -<p> In this region of country there are thousands and millions of - acres of beautiful prairie unoccupied, which can be procured on - reasonable terms, and we will hail the time with joy when these - unoccupied lands shall be turned into fruitful fields, and the - hands of those who are now idle for want of employment shall be - engaged in the cultivation of the soil. -</p> -<p> When the brethren arrive they will do well to call on some of the - Twelve, inasmuch as they desire counsel, for by so doing they may - escape the influence of designing men who have crept in unawares, - and would willingly subvert the truth by conniving to their own - advantage, if they have the opportunity. -</p> -<p> The Church has commenced a new city twenty miles below this, and - one mile below Warsaw, called Warren, where many city lots and - farms in the vicinity can be had on reasonable terms; and it will - be wisdom for many of the brethren to stop at that place, for the - opportunity for erecting temporary buildings will be greater than - at this place, also the chance for providing food will be superior - to those who wish to labor for it. -</p> -<p> Warsaw is at the foot of the Des Moines Rapids, and one of the best - locations for mercantile purposes there is in this western country. -</p> -<p> So far as the brethren have the means they will do well to come - prepared with a variety of mechanical tools according to their - professions, such as carpenters, joiners, cabinet-makers, hatters, - coopers, masons, printers, binders, tanners, curriers, &c., and - all sorts of manufactory and foundry implements convenient for - transportation, so that when they arrive they may be prepared to - establish themselves in business, and give employment to spinners, - weavers, moulders, smelters and journeymen of every description; - for all sorts of woollens, cottons, hardware, &c., will find a - ready market in new countries, and a great field is now open to the - capitalists in this vicinity, even though the capital be small, - and we would urge the importance of the immediate establishment of - all kinds of manufactories among us, as well for the <span class="pagenum"><a name="453"></a>{453}</span> best - interests of the individuals concerned, as for the Church generally. -</p> -<p> Cities cannot be built without houses, houses cannot be built - without materials, or occupied without inhabitants, the inhabitants - cannot exist without food and clothing; food and clothing cannot - be had without planting, sowing, and manufacturing, so that Zion - and her stores cannot be built without means, without industry, - without manufacturing establishments unless the windows of heaven - were opened, and cities and their appendages were rained down among - us. But this we do not expect until the new Jerusalem descends, - and that will be some time hence; therefore it is necessary and - according to godliness and the plan of salvation in these last - days, that the brethren should see to all these things, and clothe - and adorn themselves with the labor of their own hands, build - houses and inhabit them, plant vineyards and eat the fruit thereof. -</p> -<p> Brethren, pray for us and the First Presidency, the leader of the - people, even Joseph, that his life and health may be precious in - the sight of heaven, till he has finished the work which he has - commenced: and for the Elders of Israel, that every man may be - faithful in his calling, the whole household of faith, and all - subjects of prayer. -</p> -<p> Brethren, farewell; may the blessings of heaven and earth be - multiplied unto you in spirit and in body, in basket and in store, - in the field and in the shop, on the land and on the sea, in the - house and by the way, and in all situations and circumstances, - until you shall stand on Mount Zion, and enter the celestial city; - in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. -</p> -<p> Brigham Young, -</p> -<p> Heber C. Kimball. -</p> -<p> Orson Pratt, -</p> -<p> William Smith, -</p> -<p> Lyman Wight, -</p> -<p> Wilford Woodruff, -</p> -<p> John Taylor, -</p> -<p> Geo. A. Smith, -</p> -<p> Willard Richards, -</p> -<p> Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, Nov. 15, 1841. -</p></blockquote> -<p>The greater part of the city of St. John's, New Brunswick, and a large -quantity of shipping, destroyed by fire. -</p> -<p><em>Wednesday, 17</em>.—Elders Brigham Young and Willard Richards went to La -Harpe. -</p> -<p><em>Thursday, 18</em>. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Minutes of a Meeting at Ramus, Illinois—Alanson Brown, et al. - Disfellowshiped</em>. -</p> -<p> Proceedings of a meeting of the Church of Jesus Christ of - Latter-day <span class="pagenum"><a name="454"></a>{454}</span> Saints, held at Ramus, November 18, 1841, opened - by singing and prayer by Elder Brigham Young. The object of the - meeting was then stated by the president, which was for the purpose - of taking into consideration the cases of Alanson Brown, James B. - T. Page and William H. Edwards, who stand indicted for larceny, &c. -</p> -<p> After the evidence was brought forward, it was unanimously - resolved, that said persons be expelled from the Church. - Appropriate remarks for the occasion were then made by Elders - Young, Richards, Savage, Gurley, and others. -</p> -<p> A charge was then preferred against Thomas S. Edwards for assault - and battery, with evidence that a warrant was issued for his - apprehension, and against William W. Edwards for being accessory - to the same. Unanimously resolved, that Thomas S. Edwards also be - expelled from the Church; and that the proceedings of this meeting - be published in the <em>Times and Seasons</em>. -</p> -<p> Joel H. Johnson, President. -</p> -<p> Joseph E. Johnson, Church Recorder. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Saturday, 20</em>.—Seven of the Twelve Apostles met in council at the -house of President Young, on the subject of the <em>Times and Seasons</em>; -they not being satisfied with the manner in which Gustavus Hills -had conducted the editorial department since the death of Robert B. -Thompson. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 21</em>.—My brother Hyrum and Elder John Taylor preached. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Baptisms for the Dead. -</p> -<p>The Twelve met in council at President Young's, and at four o'clock, -repaired to the baptismal font in the basement of the Temple. Elders -Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball and John Taylor baptized about forty -persons for the dead. Elder Willard Richards, Wilford Woodruff and -George A. Smith confirming. These were the first baptisms for the dead -in the font. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, 22</em>.—The following letter from Elder Orson Hyde, is from the -<em>Millennial Star</em>. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Elder Orson Hyde's Letter—His Prayer of Dedication on the Mount - of Olives</em>. -</p> -<p> Alexandria, Nov. 22, 1841. -</p> -<p> Dear Brother Pratt:—A few minutes now offer for me to write, and I - improve them in writing to you. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="455"></a>{455}</span> I have only time to say that I have seen Jerusalem precisely - according to the vision which I had. I saw no one with me in the - vision; and although Elder Page was appointed to accompany me - there, yet I found myself there alone. -</p> -<p> The Lord knows that I have had a hard time, and suffered much, - but I have great reason to thank Him that I enjoy good health at - present, and have a prospect before me of soon going to a civilized - country, where I shall see no more turbans or camels. The heat is - most oppressive, and has been all through Syria. -</p> -<p> I have not time to tell you how many days I have been at sea, - without food, or how many snails I have eaten; but if I had had - plenty of them, I should have done very well. All this is contained - in a former letter to you written from Jaffa. -</p> -<p> I have been at Cairo, on the Nile, because I could not get - a passage direct. Syria is in a dreadful state—a war of - extermination is going on between the Druses and Catholics. At the - time I was at Beyroot, a battle was fought in the mountains of - Lebanon, near that place, and about 800 killed. Robberies, thefts - and murders are daily being committed. It is no uncommon thing to - find persons in the streets without heads. An English officer, in - going from St. Jean D'Acre to Beyroot, found ten persons murdered - in the street, and was himself taken prisoner, but was rescued by - the timely interference of the pasha. The particulars of all these - things are contained in a former letter. -</p> -<p> An American traveler, by the name of Gager, who was a licensed - minister of the Congregational or Presbyterian church, left - Jerusalem in company with me. He was very unwell with the jaundice - when we left, and at Damietta, we had to perform six days - quarantine before we ascended the Nile. On our passage up, he was - taken very ill with a fever, and became helpless. I waited and - tended upon him as well as our circumstances would allow; and when - we landed at Bulack, I got four men to take him to the American - consuls at Cairo, on a litter; I also took all his baggage there, - and assisted in putting him upon a good bed—employed a good - faithful Arabian nurse, and the English doctor. After the physician - had examined him, he told me that he was very low with a typhus - fever, and that it would be doubtful whether he recovered. Under - these circumstances I left him to obtain a passage to this place. - After I had gone on board a boat, and was just about pushing off, - a letter came from the doctor, stating that poor Mr. Gager died in - about two hours after I left him. He told me before we arrived at - Cairo that he was twenty-seven years of age, and his friends lived - in Norwich, Connecticut, near New London, I think. There are many - particulars concerning his death, which would be interesting to his - friends, but I have no time to write them now. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="456"></a>{456}</span> On Sunday morning, October 24, a good while before day, I - arose from sleep, and went out of the city as soon as the gates - were opened, crossed the brook Kedron, and went upon the Mount of - Olives, and there, in solemn silence, with pen, ink, and paper, - just as I saw in the vision, offered up the following prayer to Him - who lives forever and ever— -</p> -<p> <em>Prayer of Orson Hyde on the Mount of Olives</em>. -</p> -<p> "O Thou! who art from everlasting to everlasting, eternally and - unchangeably the same, even the God who rules in the heavens - above, and controls the destinies of men on the earth, wilt Thou - not condescend, through thine infinite goodness and royal favor, - to listen to the prayer of Thy servant which he this day offers - up unto Thee in the name of Thy holy child Jesus, upon this land, - where the Son of Righteousness set in blood, and thine Anointed One - expired. -</p> -<p> "Be pleased, O Lord, to forgive all the follies, weaknesses, - vanities, and sins of Thy servant, and strengthen him to resist all - future temptations. Give him prudence and discernment that he may - avoid the evil, and a heart to choose the good; give him fortitude - to bear up under trying and adverse circumstances, and grace to - endure all things for Thy name's sake, until the end shall come, - when all the Saints shall rest in peace." -</p> -<p> Now, O Lord! Thy servant has been obedient to the heavenly - vision which Thou gavest him in his native land; and under the - shadow of Thine outstretched arm, he has safely arrived in this - place to dedicate and consecrate this land unto Thee, for the - gathering together of Judah's scattered remnants, according to the - predictions of the holy Prophets—for the building up of Jerusalem - again after it has been trodden down by the Gentiles so long, and - for rearing a Temple in honor of Thy name. Everlasting thanks be - ascribed unto Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that Thou - hast preserved Thy servant from the dangers of the seas, and from - the plague and pestilence which have caused the land to mourn. The - violence of man has also been restrained, and Thy providential care - by night and by day has been exercised over Thine unworthy servant. - Accept, therefore, O Lord, the tribute of a grateful heart for all - past favors, and be pleased to continue Thy kindness and mercy - towards a needy worm of the dust. -</p> -<p> "O Thou, Who didst covenant with Abraham, Thy friend, and Who didst - renew that covenant with Isaac, and confirm the same with Jacob - with an oath, that Thou wouldst not only give them this land for - an everlasting inheritance, but that Thou wouldst also remember - their seed forever. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob have long since - closed their eyes <span class="pagenum"><a name="457"></a>{457}</span> in death, and made the grave their mansion. - Their children are scattered and dispersed abroad among the nations - of the Gentiles like sheep that have no shepherd, and are still - looking forward for the fulfillment of those promises which Thou - didst make concerning them; and even this land, which once poured - forth nature's richest bounty, and flowed, as it were, with milk - and honey, has, to a certain extent, been smitten with barrenness - and sterility since it drank from murderous hands the blood of Him - who never sinned. -</p> -<p> "Grant, therefore, O Lord, in the name of Thy well-beloved Son, - Jesus Christ, to remove the barrenness and sterility of this land, - and let springs of living water break forth to water its thirsty - soil. Let the vine and olive produce in their strength, and the - fig-tree bloom and flourish. Let the land become abundantly - fruitful when possessed by its rightful heirs; let it again flow - with plenty to feed the returning prodigals who come home with a - spirit of grace and supplication; upon it let the clouds distil - virtue and richness, and let the fields smile with plenty. Let - the flocks and the herds greatly increase and multiply upon the - mountains and the hills; and let Thy great kindness conquer and - subdue the unbelief of Thy people. Do Thou take from them their - stony heart, and give them a heart of flesh; and may the Sun of Thy - favor dispel the cold mists of darkness which have beclouded their - atmosphere. Incline them to gather in upon this land according - to Thy word. Let them come like clouds and like doves to their - windows. Let the large ships of the nations bring them from the - distant isles; and let kings become their nursing fathers, and - queens with motherly fondness wipe the tear of sorrow from their - eye. -</p> -<p> "Thou, O Lord, did once move upon the heart of Cyrus to show favor - unto Jerusalem and her children. Do Thou now also be pleased to - inspire the hearts of kings and the powers of the earth to look - with a friendly eye towards this place, and with a desire to see - Thy righteous purposes executed in relation thereto. Let them - know that it is Thy good pleasure to restore the kingdom unto - Israel—raise up Jerusalem as its capital, and constitute her - people a distinct nation and government, with David Thy servant, - even a descendant from the loins of ancient David to be their king. -</p> -<p> "Let that nation or that people who shall take an active part in - behalf of Abraham's children, and in the raising up of Jerusalem, - find favor in Thy sight. Let not their enemies prevail against - them, neither let pestilence or famine overcome them, but let the - glory of Israel overshadow them, and the power of the Highest - protect them; while that nation or kingdom that will not serve Thee - in this glorious work must perish, according to Thy word—Yea, - those nations shall be utterly wasted." -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="458"></a>{458}</span> "Though Thy servant is now far from his home, and from the - land bedewed with his earliest tear, yet he remembers, O Lord, his - friends who are there, and family, whom for Thy sake he has left. - Though poverty and privation be our earthly lot, yet ah! do Thou - richly endow us with an inheritance where moth and rust do not - corrupt, and where thieves do not break through and steal. -</p> -<p> "The hands that have fed, clothed, or shown favor unto the family - of Thy servant in his absence, or that shall hereafter do so, let - them not lose their reward, but let a special blessing rest upon - them, and in Thy kingdom let them have an inheritance when Thou - shalt come to be glorified in this society. -</p> -<p> "Do Thou also look with favor upon all those through whose - liberality I have been enabled to come to this land; and in the - day when Thou shalt reward all people according to their works, - let these also not be passed by or forgotten, but in time let - them be in readiness to enjoy the glory of those mansions which - Jesus has gone to prepare. Particularly do Thou bless the stranger - in Philadelphia, whom I never saw, but who sent me gold, with a - request that I should pray for him in Jerusalem. Now, O Lord, let - blessings come upon him from an unexpected quarter, and let his - basket be filled, and his storehouse abound with plenty, and let - not the good things of the earth be his only portion, but let him - be found among those to whom it shall be said, 'Thou hast been - faithful over a few things, and I will make thee ruler over many.' -</p> -<p> "O my Father in heaven! I now ask Thee in the name of Jesus to - remember Zion, with all her Stakes, and with all her assemblies. - She has been grievously afflicted and smitten; she has mourned; - she has wept; her enemies have triumphed, and have said, 'Ah, - where is thy God?' Her Priests and Prophets have groaned in chains - and fetters within the gloomy walls of prisons, while many were - slain, and now sleep in the arms of death. How long, O Lord, shall - iniquity triumph, and sin go unpunished? -</p> -<p> "Do Thou arise in the majesty of Thy strength, and make bare Thine - arm in behalf of Thy people. Redress their wrongs, and turn their - sorrow into joy. Pour the spirit of light and knowledge, grace and - wisdom, into the hearts of her Prophets, and clothe her Priests - with salvation. Let light and knowledge march forth through the - empire of darkness, and may the honest in heart flow to their - standard, and join in the march to go forth to meet the Bridegroom." -</p> -<p> Let a peculiar blessing rest upon the Presidency of Thy Church, for - at them are the arrows of the enemy directed. Be Thou to them a sun - and a shield, their strong tower and hiding place; and in the time - of distress or danger be Thou near to deliver. Also the quorum of - the Twelve, do Thou be pleased to stand by them for Thou knowest - the <span class="pagenum"><a name="459"></a>{459}</span> obstacles which they have to encounter, the temptations - to which they are exposed, and the privations which they must - suffer. Give us, [the Twelve] therefore, strength according to our - day, and help us to bear a faithful testimony of Jesus and His - Gospel, to finish with fidelity and honor the work which Thou hast - given us to do, and then give us a place in Thy glorious kingdom. - And let this blessing rest upon every faithful officer and member - in Thy Church. And all the glory and honor will we ascribe unto God - and the Lamb forever and ever. Amen. -</p> -<p> On the top of Mount Olives I erected a pile of stones as a witness - according to ancient custom. On what was anciently called Mount - Zion, [Moriah?] where the Temple stood, I erected another, and used - the rod according to the prediction upon my head. -</p> -<p> I have found many Jews who listened with intense interest. The idea - of the Jews being restored to Palestine is gaining ground in Europe - almost every day. Jerusalem is strongly fortified with many cannon - upon its walls. The wall is ten feet thick on the sides that would - be most exposed, and four or five feet where the descent from the - wall is almost perpendicular. The number of inhabitants within the - walls is about twenty thousand. About seven thousand of this number - are Jews, the balance being mostly Turks and Armenians. Many of the - Jews who are old go to this place to die, and many are coming from - Europe into this eastern world. The great wheel is unquestionably - in motion, and the word of the Almighty has declared that it shall - roll. -</p> -<p> I have not time to write particulars now, but suffice it to say - that my mission has been quite as prosperous as I could expect. -</p> -<p> I am now about to go on board a fine ship for Trieste, and from - thence I intend to proceed to Regensburg and there publish our - faith in the German language. There are those who are ready and - willing to assist me. -</p> -<p> I send you this letter by Captain Withers, an English gentleman, - who goes direct to England, on board the Oriental steamer. He has - come with me from Jerusalem. If I had money sufficient I should be - almost tempted to take passage on board of her to England, but this - I cannot do. -</p> -<p> On receipt of this, I wish you to write to me immediately, and - direct to Regensburg, on the Danube, Bayern, or Bavaria. If you - know anything of my family tell me. -</p> -<p> My best respects to yourself and your family, to Brothers Adams and - Snow, and to all the Saints in England. -</p> -<p> May grace, mercy and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord - Jesus Christ, rest upon you all from this time, henceforth and for - ever. Amen. -</p> -<p> Your brother in Christ, -</p> -<p> Orson Hyde. -</p></blockquote> -<h3>Footnotes: -</h3> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERXXVIfn1"></a><a href="#CHAPTERXXVIfn1">1</a>. The circumstances of removing the nuisance here referred to, for -which damages were demanded, is related in an editorial note in the -<em>Times and Seasons</em> as follows: The "Mr. Kilbourn," referred to in the -editorial, was very bitter anti-Mormon, and became one of the Prophet's -most deadly enemies. -</p> -<p>THE NUISANCE -</p> -<p>"It is known to many of our patrons, that a certain young man very -injudiciously, and contrary to the remonstrances of his friends, and -in violation of the ordinances of this city, not long since erected -a small building, near the Temple square avowedly for the purpose -of transacting the business of the grocer. Said building was for a -short time occupied for that purpose; but so heavy did the from of -public disapprobation rest upon it, that it was finally vacated, and -stood some time, a lonely wreck of folly. In the meantime, the very -sanctimonious and extremely unfortunate Mr. Kilbourn of Montrose, threw -out to the public, ungentlemanly and slanderous imputations concerning -the matter, saying that the Presidency of the Church abetted and -approbated the concern, etc., and the building having become a monument -for every fool to write upon and exhibit his folly, to the annoyance of -the citizens, the city council very judiciously ordered the building -removed as a nuisance. Some opposition to the execution of this order -was exhibited, and the authorities called out a few of the military and -demolished the building. The city authorities manifest a determination -to carry out strictly the temperance ordinances of the city, and in -this we wish them 'God speed.' We suppose, however, that Kilbourn and -his junto will bray worse than ever, and 'Mormonism' be adjudged by -'witch law.' 'Take the accused, bind him head and foot, and cast him -into the pool; if he sinks and drowns he is innocent, if he floats take -him out and hang him or burn in with fire.' We say, let the poor fools -judge till they themselves are overtaken by judgment, and let they bray -till they burst their wind chests." (<em>Times and Seasons</em>, Vol. III, pp. -559-560). -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERXXVIfn2"></a><a href="#CHAPTERXXVIfn2">2</a>. "Whoso receiveth you receiveth me, and the same will clothe you -and give you money. And he who feeds you, or clothes you or gives you -money, shall in no wise lose his reward: and he who doeth not these -things is not my disciple; by this you may know my disciples." (Doc. & -Cov., sec. lxxxiv.) -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="460"></a>{460}</span> -</p> - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTERXXVII"></a>CHAPTER XXVII. -</h2> -<p class="chapterHeading">Official Denunciation of Thieves at Nauvoo—The Moral Law of the -Church—Abandonment of Ramus as a Stake of Zion—Baptism for the Dead, -an Epistle. -</p> -<p><em>Wednesday, 24</em>.—Elder Joseph Fielding, who sailed from Liverpool, on -the <em>Tyrean</em>, with 204 Saints, arrived at Warsaw with his company; and -Elders Willard Richards and John Taylor went to meet them and to give -such counsel as their situation required. -</p> -<p><em>Friday, 26</em>. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Affidavit of Hyrum Smith—Denouncing Theft</em>. -</p> -<p> Whereas it hath been intimated to me by persons of credibility - that there are persons in the surrounding country, who profess to - be members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, - who have been using their influence and endeavors to instil into - the minds of good and worthy citizens in the state of Illinois, - and the adjoining states, that the First Presidency, and others - in authority and high standing in said Church, do sanction and - approbate the members of said Church in stealing property from - those persons who do not belong to said Church, and thereby to - induce persons to aid and abet them in the act of stealing, and - other evil practices; I therefore, hereby disavow any sanction - or approbation by me, of the crime of theft, or any other evil - practice, in any person or persons whatever, whereby either the - lives or property of our fellow men may be unlawfully taken or - molested; neither are such things sanctioned or approbated by - the First Presidency, or any other person in authority or good - standing in said Church, but such acts are altogether in violation - of the rules, order, and regulations of the Church, contrary to - the teachings given in said Church, and the laws of both God and - man. I caution the unwary, who belong to the aforesaid Church, - and all other persons, against being duped or led into any act or - scheme which may endanger their character, lives, or property, or - bring reproach upon the Church; and I certify that I hold my person - <span class="pagenum"><a name="461"></a>{461}</span> and property ready to support the laws of the land, in the - detection of any person or persons who may commit any breach of the - same. To which I subscribe my name, and testify, this 26th day of - November, 1841. -</p> -<p> Hyrum Smith. -</p> -<p> Sworn to and subscribed before me this 26th day of November, 1841. -</p> -<p> Ebenezer Robinson, J. P. -</p></blockquote> -<p>I attended city council and presented a bill for "an ordinance in -relation to Hawkers, Pedlars, Public Shows, and Exhibitions, in order -to prevent any immoral or obscene exhibition," which passed the council -by unanimous vote. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">The Prophet's Estimate of the Book of Mormon. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 28</em>.—I spent the day in the council with the Twelve Apostles -at the house of President Young, conversing with them upon a variety -of subjects. Brother Joseph Fielding was present, having been absent -four years on a mission to England. I told the brethren that the Book -of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone -of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its -precepts, than by any other book. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, 29</em>.—I gave the following affidavit, and published it in the -<em>Times and Seasons</em>. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>The Prophet's Denunciation of Thieves</em>. -</p> -<p> City Of Nauvoo, Illinois, November 29, A. D. 1841. -</p> -<p> To The Public. -</p> -<p> The occurrence of recent events makes it criminal for me to remain - longer silent. The tongue of the vile yet speaks, and sends forth - the poison of asps, the ears of the spoiler yet hear, and he - puts forth his hands to iniquity. It has been proclaimed upon - the house top and in the secret chamber, in the public walks and - private circle, throughout the length and breadth of this vast - continent, that stealing by the Latter-day Saints has received - my approval; nay, that I have taught the doctrine, encouraged - them in plunder, and led on the van—than which nothing is more - foreign from my heart. I disfellowship the perpetrators of all such - abominations—they are devils and not Saints, totally unfit for the - society of Christians or men. It is true that some <span class="pagenum"><a name="462"></a>{462}</span> professing - to be Latter-day Saints have taught such vile heresies, but all - are not Israel that are of Israel; and I wish it to be distinctly - understood in all coming time, that the Church, over which I have - the honor of presiding, will ever set its brows like brass, and - its face like steel, against all such abominable acts of villainy - and crime; and to this end I append my affidavit of disavowal, - taken this day before General Bennet, that there may be no mistake - hereafter as to my real sentiments, or those of the leaders of the - Church, in relation to this important matter. -</p> -<p> State Of Illinois, Hancock County. -</p> -<p> Before me, John C. Bennett, Mayor of the City of Nauvoo, personally - came Joseph Smith, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of - Latter-day Saints (commonly called the Mormon Church), who being - duly sworn according to law, deposeth and saith, that he has never - directly or indirectly encouraged the purloining of property, - or taught the doctrine of stealing, or any other evil practice, - and that all such vile and unlawful acts will ever receive his - unreserved and unqualified disapproval, and the most vigorous - opposition of the Church over which he presides; and further this - deponent saith not. -</p> -<p> Joseph Smith, -</p> -<p> President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. -</p> -<p> Sworn to and subscribed before me, at my office, in the city of - Nauvoo, this 29th day of November, A. D. 1841. -</p> -<p> John C. Bennett, -</p> -<p> L. S. Mayor of the City of Nauvoo. -</p> -<p> Now it is to be hoped that none will hereafter be so reckless - as to state that I, or the Church to which I belong, approve of - thieving—but that all the friends of law and order will join in - ferreting out thieves wherever and whenever they may be found, - and assist in bringing them to that condign punishment which such - infamous crimes so richly merit. -</p> -<p> Joseph Smith, -</p> -<p> President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. -</p></blockquote> -<p class="sidenote">Conference in New York. -</p> -<p>A conference was held in New York City, Elder John E. Page presiding; -in which were represented New York City, 17 Elders, 2 Priests, 1 -Teacher, 2 Deacons, 179 members. Five branches were <span class="pagenum"><a name="463"></a>{463}</span> represented, -including 5 Elders, 6 Priests, 3 Teachers, 3 Deacons, 149 members. 3 -Elders, 2 Priests, 1 Teacher, were ordained. There were present at -the conference, 1 Apostle, 6 High Priests, 16 Elders, 3 Priests, 2 -Teachers, 2 Deacons. -</p> -<p><em>Tuesday, 30</em>.—Attended a council of the Twelve Apostles at President -Brigham Young's home. President Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, -Willard Richards, Orson Pratt, Lyman Wight, John Taylor, and Wilford -Woodruff were present. -</p> -<p>It was voted that Ebenezer Robinson be solicited to give up the -department of printing the <em>Times and Seasons</em> to Elder Willard -Richards. -</p> -<p>Voted, that if Brother Robinson does not comply with this solicitation, -Elder Richards be instructed to procure a press and type, and publish a -paper for the Church. -</p> -<p>Moved by Elder Young, and seconded by Elder Woodruff, that Lyman Wight -and John Taylor present these resolutions to Brother Robinson. -</p> -<p><em>Wednesday, December 1</em>.—In view of the proceedings of the meeting of -the Church at Ramus, on the 18th November, when certain individuals -were cut off from the Church for stealing, the Twelve issued the -following epistle: -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Warning of the Twelve Apostles Against Thieves</em>. -</p> -<p> We are glad that the perpetrators of the above crime have been - caught in their iniquitous practices; and we are only sorry that - anybody should be found who would bail them out of prison, for such - individuals, if the charges are true, ought to be made an example - of, and not be suffered to run at large. -</p> -<p> We have been informed that some of them have been talking of - moving into this place, but we would here inform them that persons - whose conduct has exposed them to the just censure of an indignant - public, can have no fellowship amongst us, as we cannot, and will - not countenance rogues, thieves, and scoundrels knowingly; and, - we hereby warn them that the law will be as rigorously enforced - against them in <span class="pagenum"><a name="464"></a>{464}</span> this place as in any other, as we consider - such characters a curse to society, whose pestilential breath - withers the morals, and blasts the fame and reputation of any - people among whom they may sojourn. There is no person that is, - and ought to be despised more than the thief, by any respectable - community; yet more especially ought such persons to be abhorred - who have taken upon them the name of Christ, and thus with the - pretext of religion, and garb of sanctity, cloak their nefarious - practices. -</p> -<p> We have been told that some individual or individuals have, under - false pretenses, been wishing to palm their wicked and devilish - principles upon the authorities of the Church, stating that it was - part and parcel of the Gospel which God had revealed, and that it - is one of the mysteries which the initiated only are acquainted - with. We know not how to express our abhorrence at such an idea, - and can only say that it is engendered in hell, founded in - falsehood, and is the offspring of the devil; and it is at variance - with every principle of righteousness and truth, and will damn all - that are connected with it, for all mysteries are only such to the - ignorant, and vanish as soon as men have sufficient intelligence - to comprehend them; and there are no mysteries connected with - godliness and our holy religion, but what are pure, innocent, - virtuous, just, and righteous. If this [the foregoing practice of - thieving] is a mystery, it is the "mystery of iniquity." We are - at a loss to know who could be vile enough to propagate such base - and unfounded statements, and we would say to the Church, beware - of such men! Set them down as the worst of scoundrels, and reject - their foul insinuations with the indignation and disgust that such - unhallowed and vile insinuations deserve; for such men are either - avowed apostates, or on the eve of apostasy, or have only taken - the name of religion to cloak their hypocrisy; we fear the latter, - in some instances is the case, and that Mississippi scoundrels<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERXXVIIfn1"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERXXVIIfn1">1</a>]</sup> - palm themselves upon us to cover their guilt. We <span class="pagenum"><a name="465"></a>{465}</span> further - call upon the Church to bring all such characters before the - authorities, that they may be tried, and dealt with according to - the law of God, and delivered up unto the laws of the land. -</p> -<p> It is scarcely possible that any virtuous man could be made to - believe any such statements, however ignorant; yet lest through - false pretenses the innocent might be drawn into a snare, we would - quote the following from the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, - section 42, paragraph 84, 85, "And if any man or woman shall rob, - he or she shall be delivered up unto the law of the land. And if - he or she shall steal, he or she shall be delivered up unto the - law of the land." Again, section 42, paragraph 20,<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERXXVIIfn2"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERXXVIIfn2">2</a>]</sup> "Thou shalt - not steal, and he that stealeth and will not repent shall be cast - out." The broad law of God is, "Thou shalt not steal," and thieves, - together with "liars and whoremongers," will eventually be found - without the city, with dogs and sorcerers. We need only say that - if we find such characters engaged in their nefarious practices, - whether in or out of the Church, we shall take them up, and deal - with them according to the law of God and man; and we wish the - Church to inform us of such delinquents, or the sin will lie at - their own door. -</p> -<p> As there are gangs of robbers up and down this river, from whom - we have suffered much, having had many horses, cattle and other - property stolen, we purpose instituting a police for the protection - of our property, and the rigorous enforcement of the laws of our - country; and should any, who call themselves Latter-day Saints, be - found in their midst, they will be cut off from the Church, and - handed over to the law of the land. -</p> -<p> We hope that what we have written may suffice, and take - this opportunity of expressing our decided and unqualified - disapprobation of anything like theft in all its bearings, as being - calculated to destroy the peace of society, to injure the Church - of Jesus Christ, to wound the character of the people of God, and - to stamp with eternal infamy all <span class="pagenum"><a name="466"></a>{466}</span> who follow such diabolical - practices; to blast their character on earth, and to consign them - to eternal perdition. -</p> -<p> Brigham Young, -</p> -<p> Heber C. Kimball, -</p> -<p> Parley P. Pratt, -</p> -<p> Orson Hyde, -</p> -<p> William Smith, -</p> -<p> Orson Pratt, -</p> -<p> John E. Page, -</p> -<p> Willard Richards, -</p> -<p> Lyman Wight, -</p> -<p> Wilford Woodruff, -</p> -<p> John Taylor, -</p> -<p> George A. Smith. -</p> -<p> Nauvoo, Illinois, December 1, 1841.<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERXXVIIfn3"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERXXVIIfn3">3</a>]</sup> -</p></blockquote> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="467"></a>{467}</span> <em>Thursday, 2</em>.—I received the following revelation to Nancy -Marinda Hyde— -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Revelation</em>. -</p> -<p> Verily thus saith the Lord unto you my servant Joseph, that - inasmuch as you have called upon me to know my will concerning my - handmaid Nancy Marinda Hyde—behold it is my will that she should - have a better place prepared for her, than that in which she now - lives, in order that her life may be spared unto her; therefore - go and say unto my servant, Ebenezer Robinson, and to my handmaid - his wife—Let them open their doors and take her and her children - into their house and take care of them faithfully and kindly until - my servant Orson Hyde returns from his mission, or until some - other provision can be made for her welfare and safety. Let them - do these things and spare not, and I the Lord will bless them and - heal them if they do it not grudgingly, saith the Lord God; and she - shall be a blessing unto them; and let my handmaid Nancy Marinda - Hyde hearken to the counsel of my servant Joseph in all things - whatsoever he shall teach unto her, and it shall be a blessing upon - her and upon her children after her, unto her justification, saith - the Lord. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Saturday, 4</em>.—I attended the city council, and spoke in defense of -the marshal, in his not serving a warrant, when his life would have -been endangered. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Conference at Ramus. -</p> -<p>A conference was held at Ramus on the 4th and 5th of December, 1841, -over which the Patriarch of the Church, Hyrum Smith, presided; Joseph -Johnson acted as clerk; Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Willard -Richards and John Taylor, of the <span class="pagenum"><a name="468"></a>{468}</span> quorum of the Twelve Apostles -were present. It was unanimously resolved by the conference that the -organization of the Church at Ramus as a Stake be discontinued and that -John Lawson be presiding Elder over the branch at Ramus, and Joseph -Johnson, clerk; and that William Wightman, the Bishop, transfer all the -Church property in Ramus to the sole Trustee in Trust, Joseph Smith, -President of the whole Church. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Prophet Proof Reads Book of Mormon. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 5</em>.—I commenced to proof read the Book of Mormon, previous to -its being stereotyped; read sixty pages. -</p> -<p>In the evening Brother Wilford Woodruff and wife visited me. We -conversed about the Missouri troubles, and the death of David W. -Patten; also his last request.<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERXXVIIfn4"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERXXVIIfn4">4</a>]</sup> -</p> -<p><em>Tuesday, 7</em>.—The following is a copy of a letter to Lawyers Bushnell -and Browning of Quincy: -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Letter of the Prophet to Esquires Browning and Bushnell—Payment - of Notes</em>. -</p> -<p> <em>Esquires Browning and Bushnell</em>: -</p> -<p> Gentlemen:—Your letter of the 23rd ultimo, concerning two notes - placed in your hands by Messrs. Halsted, Haines and Co., against - myself and thirty-one others, for collection, was duly received. - In reply, I must inform you, that I am not in possession of means, - belonging to me individually to liquidate those notes at present; - the reason is apparent to every one; I need not relate to you - the persecution I have suffered, and the loss and confiscation - of all my effects at various times as a reason of my inability; - you know it all, and so do the gentlemen whose notes you hold for - collection. But I wish you to say to them that if they will give - me my time (and no more than I must necessarily have), they shall - have their pay in some way or other. I have the means at command - in the East, which, with a sufficient indulgence, will enable me - to pay them every whit, but unless this is granted me, it will be - impossible for me to do so. All I ask of those gentlemen and this - generation is that they should not tie up my hands, nor thwart me - in my operations. If this is granted me, I pledge my word, yea, - my sacred honor, that all that can in fairness be demanded at my - hands, either now or at any time shall ultimately be adjusted to - the satisfaction of all concerned. This is all that I can say at - this time, or do, <span class="pagenum"><a name="469"></a>{469}</span> hoping that you will communicate to Messrs. - Holsted, Haines and Co. the contents, or at all events the purport - of this letter, together with my sincere regard for their welfare, - and as regards you, gentlemen, -</p> -<p> I remain very respectfully, -</p> -<p> Your obedient servant, -</p> -<p> Joseph Smith. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Wednesday, 8</em>.—The Twelve who attended the Ramus conference on the -4th instant returned with nearly a thousand dollars worth of property, -consisting of horses, wagons, provisions, clothing, etc., for the -Temple, which had been donated by the Saints at Ramus. -</p> -<p><em>Friday 10</em>.—I wrote to Horace R. Hotchkiss, Esq. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>The Prophet's Letter to Mr. Hotchkiss—Commerce Lands</em>. -</p> -<p> Dear Sir:—Your letters, dated October, 11th and November 9th, - 1841, have both been received, and that of the 9th of November is - now before me. I am glad that you are pleased with the proceedings - of our last conference relative to "Mr. Hotchkiss purchase," - concerning which there had been some unpleasant feeling which had - originated partly from a misunderstanding between us, and partly - through the inefficiency, neglect or sickness of Dr. Galland. I - wrote a letter to your friend and partner, Esquire Tuttle, some - time since, which no doubt you have seen before now, and with which - I hope you are also satisfied. I have handed your request to the - editor of the <em>Times and Seasons</em>, who will forward you the desired - papers. I am glad that James Ivins settled with you the $2,500 - note, but sorry that you suffered yourself to lose in the sale of - the land you had of him. As regards the Cook's Mill Tavern stand, - and the one hundred and thirty-seven acres of pine land, which you - propose to allow the Church three thousand dollars for, I have to - say in reply, that I have consulted, not only my own feelings as - sole Trustee in Trust for the Church; but also the feelings of - those of the Church whose opinions I can always rely upon in such - matters, and the conclusion is that thirty-two hundred dollars is - the least the property ought to be sold for. You can, therefore, - have it for three thousand two hundred, which is considerably less - than it cost the Church; we are willing to make a partial sacrifice - in the property, but under the circumstances, think that you can - afford to give us two hundred dollars more than you proposed. The - health of our place is at this time pretty good, and we hope it may - continue to improve, with the improvements of the city. -</p> -<p> I remain very respectfully yours, &c., -</p> -<p> Joseph Smith. -</p></blockquote> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="470"></a>{470}</span> <em>Saturday, 11</em>.—Late this evening, while sitting in council with -the Twelve in my new store on Water street, I directed Brigham Young, -President of the Twelve Apostles, to go immediately and instruct the -building committee in their duty, and forbid them receiving any more -property for the building of the Temple, until they received it from -the Trustee in Trust, and if the committee did not give heed to the -instruction, and attend to their duty, to put them in the way so to do. -</p> -<p>Elder Willard Richards has left Warsaw for Nauvoo, it being considered -unnecessary for him to tarry there any longer. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">The Prophet's Difficulties in Writing the Annals of the -Church. -</p> -<p>Since I have been engaged in laying the foundation of the Church of -Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I have been prevented in various -ways from continuing my journal and history in a manner satisfactory -to myself or in justice to the cause. Long imprisonments, vexatious -and long-continued law-suits, the treachery of some of my clerks, the -death of others, and the poverty of myself and brethren from continued -plunder and driving, have prevented my handing down to posterity a -connected memorandum of events desirable to all lovers of truth; yet I -have continued to keep up a journal in the best manner my circumstances -would allow, and dictate for my history from time to time, as I have -had opportunity so that the labors and suffering of the first Elders -and Saints of this last kingdom might not wholly be lost to the world. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 12</em>.—I preached in the morning at Snyder's Hotel. -</p> -<p>In the evening, the Twelve met in council at Brother Heber C. Kimball's. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, 13</em>.—I appointed Willard Richards recorder for the Temple, -and my private Secretary and general Clerk, and he commenced his labors -in my new office in the brick store. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Anti Mormonism at Warsaw. -</p> -<p>Some time in the fall of 1839, Daniel S. Witter, of the <span class="pagenum"><a name="471"></a>{471}</span> steam -mill at Warsaw, solicited the First Presidency of the Church to make -a settlement on the school section No. 16, one mile south of Warsaw, -and the solicitations were continued by Daniel S. Witter, Mark Aldrich -and others, from time to time, till the spring or summer of 1841, when -articles of agreement were entered into between Calvin A. Warren, Esq., -Witter, Aldrich and others, owners of the school section and the First -Presidency, giving the Saints the privilege of settling on the school -section, which had been surveyed and laid out in town lots, and called -<em>Warren</em>, on certain conditions, and Willard Richards went to Warsaw -on the 8th of September, and spent several weeks to prepare for the -reception of immigrants. In the meantime the inhabitants of Warsaw -attempted to form an anti-Mormon society, and were much enraged because -Esquire Davis (who had spoken favorably of the Saints) was appointed -clerk of the county by Judge Stephen A. Douglas. -</p> -<p>In November two hundred and four Saints arrived at Warsaw, from -England, led by Joseph Fielding, and were visited on the 24th of -November by Elders Willard Richards, and John Taylor of the Twelve, and -counseled to tarry at Warsaw according to the instruction of the First -Presidency. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Further Trouble at Warsaw. -</p> -<p><em>December 13</em>.—Isaac Decker, presiding Elder at Warsaw, stated to the -Presidency of Nauvoo, that Mr. Witter had raised one dollar per barrel -on flour, and sold the sweepings of his mill to the Saints at $2.25 per -hundred; and that Witter and Aldrich had forbidden the brethren the -privilege of getting the old wood on the school section, which they had -full liberty to get; that the price of wood on the wharf had fallen -twenty-five cents per cord since the arrival of the Saints; that the -citizens had raised their rent, &c.; and the First Presidency decided -that the Saints should remove from <span class="pagenum"><a name="472"></a>{472}</span> Warsaw to Nauvoo immediately; -and that the proceedings at Warsaw be published in the <em>Times and -Seasons</em>. -</p> -<p>This morning President Young delivered the message I gave him on -Saturday evening to Reynolds Cahoon and Elias Higbee, the Temple -Committee, in presence of Elders Kimball, Woodruff, and Richards. -</p> -<p>Elder Richards by letter instructed the Saints at Warsaw to remove to -Nauvoo. -</p><blockquote> -<p> Baptism For The Dead. -</p> -<p> <em>An Epistle of the Twelve Apostles to the Saints of the Last Days</em>. -</p> -<p> The building of the Temple of the Lord in the city of Nauvoo, is - occupying the first place in the exertions and prayers of many of - the Saints at the present time, knowing, as they do, that if this - building is not completed speedily, "we shall be rejected as a - Church with our dead;" for the Lord our God hath spoken it. -</p> -<p> But while many are thus engaged in laboring and watching and - praying for this all important object, there are many, very - many more, who do not thus come up to their privilege and their - duty in this thing, and in many instances we are confident that - their neglect arises from a want of proper understanding of the - principles upon which this building is founded, and by which it - must be completed. -</p> -<p> The children of Israel were commanded to build a house in the - land of promise; and so are the Saints of the last days, as you - will see in the Revelation given to Joseph the Seer, January 19, - 1841, wherein those ordinances may be revealed which have been hid - for ages, even their anointings and washings, and baptisms for - the dead; wherein they may meet in solemn assemblies for their - memorials, sacrifices, and oracles in their most holy places; and - wherein they may receive conversations and statutes, and judgments, - for the beginning of the revelations and foundations of Zion, and - the glory and honor and adornment of all her municipals through the - medium which God has ordained. -</p> -<p> In the same revelation the command is to "all the Saints from afar" - as well as those already gathered to this place: to arise with one - consent and build the Temple; to prepare a place where the Most - High may manifest Himself to His people. No one is excepted who - hath aught in his possession, for what have ye that ye have not - received? And I will require mine own with usury, saith the Lord; - so that those <span class="pagenum"><a name="473"></a>{473}</span> who live thousands of miles from this place, - come under the same law, and are entitled to the same blessings and - privileges as those who have already gathered. But some may say, - how can this be, I am not there, therefore I cannot meet in the - Temple, cannot be baptized in the font? The command of heaven is - to you, to all, gather; and when you arrive here, if it is found - that you have previously sent of your gold, or your silver, or - your substance, the tithing and consecrations which are required - of you for this building, you will find your names, tithings and - consecrations written in the Book of the Law of the Lord, to be - kept in the Temple, as a witness in your favor, showing that you - are a proprietor in that building, and are entitled to your share - of the privileges thereunto belonging. -</p> -<p> One of those privileges which is particularly attracting the notice - of the Saints at the present moment, is baptism for the dead, in - the font which is so far completed as to be dedicated, and several - have already attended to this ordinance by which the sick have - been made whole, and the prisoner set free; but while we have been - called to administer this ordinance, we have been led to inquire - into the propriety of baptizing those who have not been obedient, - and assisted to build the place for baptism; and it seems to us - unreasonable to expect that the Great Jehovah will approbate - such administration; for if the Church must be brought under - condemnation, and rejected with her dead, if she fail to build the - house and its appurtenances, why should not individuals of the - Church, who thus neglect, come under the same condemnation? For - if they are to be rejected, they may as well be rejected without - baptism as with it; for their baptism can be of no avail before - God, and the time to baptize them may be appropriated to building - the walls of the house, and this is according to the understanding - which we have received from him who is our spokesman. -</p> -<p> Let it not be supposed that the sick and the destitute are to be - denied the blessings of the Lord's house; God forbid; His eye is - ever over them for good. He that hath not, and cannot obtain, but - saith in his heart, if I had, I would give freely, is accepted - as freely as he that gives of his abundance. The Temple is to be - built by tithing and consecration, and every one is at liberty to - consecrate all they find in their hearts so to do; but the tithings - required, is one-tenth of all anyone possessed at the commencement - of the building, and one-tenth part of all his increase from that - time until the completion of the same, whether it be money, or - whatever he may be blessed with. -</p> -<p> Many in this place are laboring every tenth day for the house, - and this is the tithing of their income, for they have nothing - else; others would labor the same, but they are sick, therefore - excusable; when they get well, let them begin; while there are - others who appear to <span class="pagenum"><a name="474"></a>{474}</span> think their own business of more - importance than the Lord's. Of such we would ask, who gave you your - time, health, strength, and put you into business? And will you not - begin quickly to return with usury that which you have received? - Our God will not wait always. -</p> -<p> We would remind some two or three hundred Elders, who offered to go - on missions, some six months, others one year, and some two years, - and had their missions assigned them at the general conference to - labor on the Temple, that most of their names are still with us, - and we wish them to call and take their names away, and give them - up to the building committee. -</p> -<p> Brethren, you have as great an interest at stake in this thing as - we have, but as our Master, even the Master-builder of the Temple, - whose throne is on high, has seen fit to constitute us stewards in - some parts of His household; we feel it important for us to see - to it that our Master is not defrauded, and especially by those - who have pledged their word, their time, their talents, to His - services; and we hope this gentle hint will suffice, that we may - not be compelled to publish the names of those referred to. -</p> -<p> Probably some may think they could have gone on a mission, but - cannot labor, as they have no means of boarding themselves, but - let such remember that several score of brethren and sisters in - this city, offered at the general conference, to board one or more - laborers on the Temple till the same should be completed, and but - few of those as yet have had the opportunity of boarding any one. - To all such we would say, you are not forgotten, we have your names - also, and we expect soon to send someone to your table, therefore - put your houses in order and never be ready to refuse the first - offer of a guest. -</p> -<p> Large stores of provisions will be required to complete the work, - and now is the time for securing it, while meat is plenty and can - be had for one half the value that it can at other seasons of the - year, and the weather is cool and suitable for packing. Let the - brethren for two hundred miles around drive their fat cattle and - hogs to this place, where they may be preserved, and there will be - a supply till another favorable season rolls around, or till the - end of the labor. -</p> -<p> Now is the time to secure food, now is the time that the trustee - is ready to receive your droves. Not the maimed, the lean, the - halt, and the blind, and such that you cannot use; it is for the - Lord, and He wants no such offering; but if you want His blessing, - give Him the best, give Him as good as He has given you. Beds and - bedding, socks, mittens, shoes, clothing of every description, - and store goods are needed for the comfort of the laborers this - winter; journeymen, stone cutters, quarrymen, teams and teamsters - for drawing stone and all kinds of provision for men and beast, are - needed in abundance. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="475"></a>{475}</span> There are individuals who have given nothing as yet, either - as tithing or consecration, thinking that they shall be able to do - a great deal some time hence if they continue their present income - to their own use, but this is a mistaken idea. Suppose that all - should act upon this principle, no one would do ought at present, - consequently the building must cease, and this generation remain - without a house, and the Church be rejected; then suppose the next - generation labor upon the same principle, and the same in all - succeeding generations, the Son of God would never have a place on - the earth to lay His head. -</p> -<p> Let every individual remember that their tithings and consecrations - are required from what they have, and not what they expect to - have some time hence, and are wanted for immediate use. All money - and other property designed for tithing and consecrations to the - building of the Temple must hereafter be presented to the Trustee - in Trust, President Joseph Smith, and entered at the recorder's - office, in the book before referred to; and all receipts now holden - by individuals, which they have received of the building committee - for property delivered to them, must also be forwarded to the - recorder's office for entry, to secure the appropriation of said - property according to the original design. -</p> -<p> The Elders everywhere will instruct the brethren both in public - and in private, in the principles and doctrines set forth in this - Epistle, so that every individual in the Church may have a perfect - understanding of his duty and privileges. -</p> -<p> Brigham Young, -</p> -<p> Heber C. Kimball, -</p> -<p> Orson Pratt, -</p> -<p> William Smith, -</p> -<p> Lyman Wight, -</p> -<p> Wilford Woodruff, -</p> -<p> John Taylor, -</p> -<p> Geo. A. Smith, -</p> -<p> Willard Richards. -</p> -<p> Nauvoo, Illinois, December 13, 1841. -</p></blockquote> -<h3>Footnotes: -</h3> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERXXVIIfn1"></a><a href="#CHAPTERXXVIIfn1">1</a>. This has reference to the blacklegs that infested the upper -Mississippi region, and who plied their trade in disposing of -counterfeit money and stolen goods along the river. The character of -the old inhabitants in Northern Illinois at this time, (1840-44), -Governor Ford describes in his "<em>History of Illinois</em>" as follows: -"Then, again, the northern part of the State was not destitute -of its organized bands of rogues, engaged in murders, robberies, -horse-stealing, and in making and passing counterfeit money. These -rogues were scattered all over the north; but the most of them were -located in the counties of Ogle, Winnebago, Lee, and DeKalb. In the -county of Ogle, they were so numerous, strong, and well-organized, that -they could not be convicted for their crimes. By getting some of their -numbers on the juries, by producing hosts of witnesses to sustain their -defense by perjured evidence, and by changing the venue from one county -to another, and by continuances from term to term, and by the inability -of witnesses to attend from time to time at a distant and foreign -county, they most generally managed to be acquitted." -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERXXVIIfn2"></a><a href="#CHAPTERXXVIIfn2">2</a>. The above references are published to correspond in current editions -of the Doctrine and Covenants. The revelation quoted was given as a law -to the Church, February 9, 1831. It was given in the presence of twelve -Elders, at Kirtland, in fulfillment of the promise that the Lord made -to the church while yet located in New York, in a revelation commanding -them to move from the eastern countries to the Ohio; "And there," said -the Lord, "I will give unto you my law, and there you shall be endowed -with power from on high." (Doctrine and Covenants, section 38: 32.) As -introductory to the revelation the Prophet said under date of February -9: "According to the promise heretofore made, the Lord gave the -following revelation embracing the Law of the Church;" and indeed, it -is appropriately so called, for it embraces well nigh every moral law -of the Gospel, and is a most valuable chapter of divine instructions to -the Church. -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERXXVIIfn3"></a><a href="#CHAPTERXXVIIfn3">3</a>. About this time there were gangs of robbers operating up and down -the Mississippi River, from which the Saints suffered, as many of their -horses and cattle were stolen, but more serious injury arose from the -fact that the acts of these robbers were attributed to the Saints -themselves, and did much to prejudice the minds of the public against -them. Governor Ford in his "History of Illinois," from 1814 to 1847 in -referring to these charges against the Saints, and speaking of events -taking place about this time in Nauvoo, said: "It was a fact also, -that some larcenies and robberies had been committed, and that Mormons -had been convicted of the crimes, and that other larcenies had been -committed by persons unknown, but suspected to be Mormons. Justice, -however, requires me here to say, that upon such investigation as I -then could make, the charge of promiscuous stealing appeared to be -exaggerated." (History of Illinois, Ford, p. 329.) -</p> -<p>The practice of charging these robberies upon members of the Church -continued through the next three or four years. Speaking of the time -somewhat later than the period with which our annals above deal, the -Governor said: "On my late visit to Hancock county, I was informed -by some of their violent enemies, that the larcenies of the Mormons -had become unusually numerous and insufferable. They indeed admitted -that but little had been done in this way in their immediate vicinity. -But they insisted that sixteen horses had been stolen by the Mormons -in one night, near Lima in the county of Adams. At the close of the -expedition, I called at this same town of Lima, and upon inquiry was -told that no horses had been stolen in that neighborhood, but that -sixteen horses had been stolen in one night in Hancock county. This -last informant being told of the Hancock story, again changed the venue -to another distant settlement in the northern edge of Adams." (History -of Illinois, p. 331.) -</p> -<p>And thus sensational reports of "Mormon stealings" were made the -shuttle-cock between the battle-doors of various neighborhoods. -</p> -<p>In addition to the very emphatic utterances of the Prophet Joseph, his -brother Hyrum, and the Twelve, the <em>Times and Seasons</em> editorially said: -</p> -<p>"THIEVES. -</p> -<p>"We are highly pleased to see the very energetic measures taken by -our citizens to suppress thieving. It has been a source of grief unto -us that there were any in our midst who would wilfully take property -from any person which did not belong to them, knowing that if any -person, who does, or ever did belong to this Church, should steal, -the whole Church would have to bear the stigma, and the sound goes -abroad that the Mormons are a set of thieves and robbers, a charge -which we unequivocally deny, and pronounce a falsehood of the basest -kind. That there are some amongst us base enough to commit such acts -we do not pretend to deny, but whether they are all members of this -Church or not, we do not know; but some who are have been caught in -their iniquity, and one was among the missing after a warrant was -out for him; circumstantial proof is so strong against him, that his -guilt is established without a doubt. We have heard that some of those -characters have said that such things are sanctioned by the authorities -of the Church, this is the most base of all lies: and we would here -warn all well disposed persons, to be aware of such characters, and if -any such thing is ever intimated to them, to heed it not, unless it be -to report such persons to the proper authorities so that they can be -brought to condign punishment; for know assuredly that if you listen to -them, they will prove an adder in your path, and eventually lead you -down to destruction."—<em>Times and Seasons</em>, p. 615. -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERXXVIIfn4"></a><a href="#CHAPTERXXVIIfn4">4</a>. See Vol. III., p. 171. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="476"></a>{476}</span> -</p> - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTERXXVIII"></a>CHAPTER XXVIII. -</h2> -<p class="chapterHeading">Kirtland <em>vs</em>. Nauvoo—Political Attitude of the People of Nauvoo -Declared—Publications Mormon and Anti-Mormon for 1841—Close of the -Year. -</p> -<p><em>Tuesday, December 14, 1841</em>.—I commenced opening, unpacking, and -assorting a lot of dry goods in the second story of my new store, -situate on the northwest corner of block 155.<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERXXVIIIfn1"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERXXVIIIfn1">1</a>]</sup> The joiners and -masons are yet at work in the lower part of the building. -</p> -<p><em>Wednesday, 15</em>.—In reply to inquiries concerning Almon W. Babbitt, -and the printing press at Kirtland, contained in a letter written at -Kirtland, November 16, 1841, by Lester Brooks and Zebedee Coltrin, -acting presidents, and Thomas Burdick, Bishop and council, to President -Joseph Smith and Brigham Young, it was decided as follows: -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Decision in the Case of Almon W. Babbitt and Kirtland</em>. -</p> -<p> It remains for Almon W. Babbitt to offer satisfaction, if he - wishes so to do, according to the minutes of the conference. You - are doubtless all well aware that all the stakes, except those in - Hancock county, Illinois, and Lee county, Iowa, were discontinued - some time since by the First Presidency, as published in the <em>Times - and Seasons</em>; but as it appears that there are many in Kirtland - who desire to remain there, and build up that place, and as you - have made great exertions according to your letter, to establish a - printing press, and take care of the poor, &c., since that period, - you may as well continue operations according to your designs, and - go on with your printing, and do what you can in righteousness to - build up Kirtland, but do not suffer yourselves to harbor the idea - that Kirtland will rise on the ruins of Nauvoo. It is the privilege - of brethren emigrating from any quarter to come to this place, and - it is not right to attempt to persuade those who desire it, to stop - short. -</p></blockquote> -<p>The foregoing is an extract from my letter in reply. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="477"></a>{477}</span> The Twelve Apostles were in council at Elder Kimball's. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Affairs at Ramus. -</p> -<p><em>Tuesday, 16</em>.—William Wightman of Ramus, delivered to President -Joseph Smith, sole trustee-in-trust, the deed to the unsold and bonded -lots of land in the town of Ramus, bearing date December 8, 1841; also -the plat of the "first addition to Ramus," and the notes which have -been received of individuals who have purchased lots, and the bonds -of William Miller, September 21, 1840, and of Ute Perkins, November -26, 1840, and of William J. Perkins, November 7, 1840, and of John -F. Charles, November 16, 1841, for lots of land adjoining Ramus, and -which may hereafter be added to the town plats (a part of the land -included in William Miller's bond is included in the first addition to -Ramus, and the notes were transferred to the sole trustee-in-trust, for -the benefit of the whole Church, by a vote of the Ramus conference, -December 4 and 5, 1841), after applying sufficient of said property to -liquidate the claims of those from whom the town was purchased, and -also paying two notes given by William Wightman for money borrowed to -pay for the above property, viz., to Lyman Prentice $11.45, and James -Cummins $50.00, and some other small demands against said Wightman -which have been contracted for the benefit of the Church in Ramus. -</p> -<p><em>Saturday, 18</em>.—I attended the city council, and stated circumstances -which I had heard concerning mobocracy, from a person late from -Macombe, and requested an ordinance passed, so that persons ordering -any person to leave their peaceful homes could be dealt with -rigorously; also presented the following— -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Expressions of Gratitude to James Gordon Bennett and the New York - Herald</em>. -</p> -<p> Resolved by the city council of the city of Nauvoo, that the - high-minded and honorable editor of the <em>New York Weekly Herald</em>, - James Gordon Bennett, Esq., is deserving of the lasting gratitude - of this <span class="pagenum"><a name="478"></a>{478}</span> community, for his very liberal and unprejudiced - course towards us as a people, in giving us a fair hearing in his - paper, thus enabling us to reach the ears of a portion of the - community, who, otherwise would ever have remained ignorant of our - principles and practices. -</p> -<p> Resolved, That we recommend our fellow citizens to subscribe for - the <em>New York Weekly Herald</em>, and thus be found patronizing true - merit, industry, and enterprise. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Sunday, 19</em>.—The Twelve were in council at Elder Brigham -Young's—morning. -</p> -<p>Meeting at my house in the evening. -</p> -<p>The subjoined minutes are from Elder Wilford Woodruff's journal— -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Minutes of a Meeting of the Twelve in the House of the Prophet</em>. -</p> -<p> Elder Heber C. Kimball preached at the house of President Joseph - Smith, on the parable in the 18th chapter of Jeremiah, of the clay - in the hands of the potter, that when it marred in the hands of the - potter it was cut off the wheel and then thrown back again into - the mill, to go into the next batch, and was a vessel of dishonor; - but all clay that formed well in the hands of the potter, and was - pliable, was a vessel of honor; and thus it was with the human - family, and ever will be: all that are pliable in the hands of God - and are obedient to His commands, are vessels of honor, and God - will receive them. -</p> -<p> President Joseph arose and said—"Brother Kimball has given you a - true explanation of the parable," and then read the parable of the - vine and its branches, and explained it, and said, "if we keep the - commandments of God, we should bring forth fruit and be the friends - of God, and know what our Lord did. -</p> -<p> "Some people say I am a fallen Prophet, because I do not bring - forth more of the word of the Lord. Why do I not do it? Are we able - to receive it? No! not one in this room. He then chastened the - congregation for their wickedness and unbelief, 'for whom the Lord - loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son and daughter whom - he receiveth,' and if we do not receive chastisements then we are - bastards and not sons." -</p> -<p> On the subject of revelation, he said, a man would command his son - to dig potatoes and saddle his horse, but before he had done either - he would tell him to do something else. This is all considered - right; but as soon as the Lord gives a commandment and revokes that - decree and commands something else, then the Prophet is considered - fallen. Because we will not receive chastisement at the hand of the - Prophet and <span class="pagenum"><a name="479"></a>{479}</span> Apostles, the Lord chastiseth us with sickness - and death. Let not any man publish his own righteousness, for - others can see that for him; sooner let him confess his sins, and - then he will be forgiven, and he will bring forth more fruit. When - a corrupt man is chastised he gets angry and will not endure it. - The reason we do not have the secrets of the Lord revealed unto us, - is because we do not keep them but reveal them; we do not keep our - own secrets, but reveal our difficulties to the world, even to our - enemies, then how would we keep the secrets of the Lord? I can keep - a secret till Doomsday. What greater love hath any man than that he - lay down his life for his friend; then why not fight for our friend - until we die? -</p> -<p> Elder Brigham Young said—one thing lay with weight on his mind; - that is, that we should be prepared to keep each commandment as it - came from the Lord by the mouth of the Prophet, and as the Lord had - commanded us to build a temple, we should do it speedily. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Monday, 20</em>.—I communicated to the <em>Times and Seasons</em>, as follows— -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>The Prophet on the Attitude of the Saints in Politics</em>. -</p> -<p> To My Friends In Illinois—The Gubernatorial Convention of the - state of Illinois has nominated Colonel Adam W. Snyder<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERXXVIIIfn2"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERXXVIIIfn2">2</a>]</sup> for - Governor, and Colonel John Moore for Lieutenant-Governor, of the - state of Illinois, election to take place in August next. -</p> -<p> Colonel Moore, like Judge Douglas and Esquire Warren, was an - intimate friend of General Bennett long before that gentleman - became a member of our community; and General Bennett informs us - that no men were <span class="pagenum"><a name="480"></a>{480}</span> more efficient in assisting him to procure - our great chartered privileges, than were Colonel Snyder, and - Colonel Moore. They are sterling men, and friends of equal rights, - opposed to the oppressor's grasp, and the tyrant's rod. With - such men at the head of our State, government will have nothing - to fear. In the next canvass, we shall be influenced by no party - consideration, and no Carthagenian coalescence or collusion with - our people will be suffered to effect, or operate against General - Bennett, or any other of our tried friends, already semi-officially - in the field; so the partizans in this county, who expect to divide - the friends of humanity and equal rights, will find themselves - mistaken—we care not a fig for Whig or Democrat; they are both - alike to us, but we shall go for our friends, our tried friends, - and the cause of human liberty, which is the cause of God. We - are aware that "divide and conquer" is the watchword with many, - but with us it cannot be done—we love liberty too well—we have - suffered too much to be easily duped—we have no catspaws amongst - us. We voted for General Harrison because we loved him—he was a - gallant officer and a tried statesman; but this is no reason why - we should always be governed by his friends. He is now dead, and - all of his friends are not ours. We claim the privilege of freemen, - and shall act accordingly. Douglas is a master spirit, and his - friends are our friends—we are willing to cast our banners in - the air, and fight by his side in the cause of humanity and equal - rights—the cause of liberty and the law. Snyder and Moore are his - friends—they are ours. These men are free from the prejudices - and superstitions of the age, and such men we love, and such men - will ever receive our support, be their political predilections - what they may. Snyder and Moore are known to be our friends; their - friendship is vouched for by those whom we have tried. We will - never be justly charged with the sin of ingratitude—they have - served us, and we will serve them.<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERXXVIIIfn3"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERXXVIIIfn3">3</a>]</sup> -</p> -<p> Joseph Smith. -</p> -<p> Lieutenant-General of the Nauvoo Legion. -</p></blockquote> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="481"></a>{481}</span> <em>Tuesday, 21</em>.—I received from Edward Hunter a letter on -business, to which I wrote the following reply— -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>The Prophet's Letter to Edward Hunter—Business Affairs at Nauvoo</em>. -</p> -<p> Nauvoo, Dec. 21, 1841. -</p> -<p> <em>Mr. Edward Hunter</em>, -</p> -<p> Beloved Brother:—Yours of the 27th of October came to hand at - a late date, but I am now able to say to you that the power of - attorney is executed and sent up to the clerk's office for the seal - of the state, and <span class="pagenum"><a name="482"></a>{482}</span> will be forwarded direct from them; it is - now on the way most probably. -</p> -<p> Your letter did not arrive till after Mr. Potter returned with the - goods, which I received in safety; and Brother Potter has started - on a mission to the inhabitants of Jamaica, one of the West India - isles. -</p> -<p> I will accept the goods as you propose, on your debt, so far as it - goes, and answer the remainder on the payments which you mention, - as they become due. -</p> -<p> I have purchased ninety acres of timber land in the vicinity - of Nauvoo, a little up the river, and have made proposals to - McFall, but as yet, am waiting for him to receive answers from his - correspondent in the east. I shall be able to purchase all the wood - land you will want, in a little time. -</p> -<p> As respects steam engines and mills, my opinion is, we cannot have - too many of them. This place has suffered exceedingly from the want - of such mills in our midst, and neither one nor two can do the - business of this place another season. We have no good grain or - board mill in this place; and most of our flour and lumber has to - be brought twenty miles; which subjects us to great inconvenience. -</p> -<p> The city is rapidly advancing, many new buildings have been erected - since you left us, and many more would have arisen, if brick and - lumber could have been obtained. There is scarcely any limits which - can be imagined to the mills and machinery and manufacturing of all - kinds which might be put into profitable operation in this city, - and even if others should raise a mill before you get here, it need - be no discouragement either to you or Brother Buckwalter, for it - will be difficult for the mills to keep pace with the growth of - the place, and you will do well to bring the engine. If you can - persuade any of the brethren who are manufacturers of woollens or - cottons to come on and establish their business, do so. -</p> -<p> I have not ascertained definitely as yet how far the goods will go - towards liquidating Dr. Fosters's note, or finishing your house; - but this I can say, I will make the most of it, and benefit you - every possible way. -</p> -<p> Your message is delivered to Mrs. Smith, and she will be glad - to have returns on her letter of attorney, as speedily as - circumstances will permit, according to the understanding thereof. -</p> -<p> I am happy to hear of your welfare, and the health of your family; - and also to inform you that the health of Nauvoo has much improved - since last summer, and considering the very mild state of the - weather most of the time, it is excellent. -</p> -<p> Myself and family are in health, and our enemies are at peace with - us, as much as can be expected in this generation. Should anything - <span class="pagenum"><a name="483"></a>{483}</span> new occur, which may be for our advantage, you will please - write, and I will do the same. I remain, yours in the Gospel of - Christ, -</p> -<p> Joseph Smith. -</p> -<p> P.S.—You will endeavor to have the money on your letter of - attorney from Mrs. Smith, ready to furnish a fresh supply of goods - early in the spring. J. S. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Wednesday, 22</em>. -</p><blockquote> -<p> Nauvoo, December 22, 1841. -</p> -<p> <em>Revelation to John Snyder and Amos B. Fuller</em>. -</p> -<p> The word of the Lord came unto Joseph the Seer, verily thus saith - the Lord, let my servant John Snyder take a mission to the eastern - continent, unto all the conferences now sitting in that region; and - let him carry a package of epistles, that shall be written by my - servants the Twelve making known unto them their duties concerning - the building of my houses which I have appointed unto you, saith - the Lord, that they may bring their gold and their silver, and - their precious stones, and the box-tree, and the fir-tree, and all - fine wood to beautify the place of my sanctuary, saith the Lord; - and let him return speedily with all means which shall be put into - his hands, even so. Amen. -</p></blockquote> -<p>Elder Amos B. Fuller, of Zarahemla, stated to me that he had settled -all his debts, made all necessary provision for his family, and desired -to know the will of God concerning him. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Revelation</em>. -</p> -<p> "Verily thus saith the Lord unto my servants the Twelve, let them - appoint unto my servant A. B. Fuller a mission to preach my Gospel - unto the children of men, as it shall be manifested unto them by my - Holy Spirit. Amen." -</p></blockquote> -<p>This day I commenced receiving the first supply of groceries at the -new store. Thirteen wagons arrived from Warsaw, loaded with sugar, -molasses, glass, salt, tea, coffee, &c., purchased in St. Louis. The -original stock purchased in New Orleans having been detained at St. -Louis by one Holbrook, innkeeper, under false pretenses. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Work on the Proclamation to Kings of the Earth. -</p> -<p>This evening I commenced giving instructions to the scribe concerning -writing the <span class="pagenum"><a name="484"></a>{484}</span> proclamation to the kings of the earth, mentioned in -the revelation given January 19, 1841. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Immigration Agency in England. -</p> -<p><em>Friday, 24</em>.—This evening I had a consultation with President Young -and Bishop Whitney about establishing an agency in England for the -cheap and expeditious conveyance of the Saints to Nauvoo, and for our -convenience in merchandise; and I said, "in the name of the Lord we -will prosper, if we will go forward in this thing." -</p> -<p>Elder Truman Gillett, Jun., returned from a short mission to Van Buren -county, Iowa, where he baptized fourteen, bringing $20 as a donation to -the building of the Temple, from Samuel Moore. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Xmas at Nauvoo, 1841. -</p> -<p><em>Saturday, 25</em>.—Being Christmas, Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, -Orson Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, and their wives, and -Willard Richards spent the evening at Hiram Kimball's; and after -supper, Mr. Kimball gave each of the Twelve Apostles a fractional lot -of land lying on the west side of his second addition to Nauvoo. -</p> -<p>Alpheus Gifford, a member of the Church since 1831, and a faithful -Elder in the Church [it was he who baptized Heber C. Kimball] died at -his home some five miles above Nauvoo.<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERXXVIIIfn4"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERXXVIIIfn4">4</a>]</sup> -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Conference Minutes—New York and Maine</em>. -</p> -<p> At a conference held in Batavia, Genessee county, New York, 11 - branches, comprising 15 Elders, 7 Priests, 7 Teachers, 4 Deacons, - and 207 members were represented. -</p> -<p> A conference met in the Universalist Church, in Hope, Waldo <span class="pagenum"><a name="485"></a>{485}</span> - county, Maine, when Fox Islands, with five Elders, 1 Priest, 2 - Teachers, 1 Deacon, and 100 members, also the Main Land, with - 6 Elders, 2 Priests, 3 Teachers, 1 Deacon, and 68 members were - represented; Otis Shaw, president, and Calvin C. Pendleton, clerk. -</p></blockquote> -<p class="sidenote">Purpose of the Gift of Tongues. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 26</em>.—The public meeting of the Saints was at my house this -evening, and after Patriarch Hyrum Smith and Elder Brigham Young had -spoken on the principles of faith, and the gifts of the Spirit, I read -the 13th chapter of First Corinthians, also a part of the 14th chapter, -and remarked that the gift of tongues was necessary in the Church; -but that if Satan could not speak in tongues, he could not tempt a -Dutchman, or any other nation, but the English, for he can tempt the -Englishman, for he has tempted me, and I am an Englishman; but the gift -of tongues by the power of the Holy Ghost in the Church, is for the -benefit of the servants of God to preach to unbelievers, as on the day -of Pentecost. When devout men from every nation <span class="pagenum"><a name="486"></a>{486}</span> shall assemble -to hear the things of God, let the Elders preach to them in their own -mother tongue, whether it is German, French, Spanish or "Irish," or any -other, and let those interpret who understand the language spoken, in -their own mother tongue, and this is what the Apostle meant in First -Corinthians xiv: 27.<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERXXVIIIfn5"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERXXVIIIfn5">5</a>]</sup> -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Instructions to the Twelve. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, 27</em>.—I was in council with Brothers Brigham Young, Heber C. -Kimball, Willard Richards and John Taylor, at my office, instructing -them in the principles of the kingdom, and what the Twelve should do in -relation to the mission of John Snyder, and the European conferences, -so as to forward the gathering of means for building the Temple and -Nauvoo House; that Brigham might go with John Snyder on his mission if -he chose, but the object of the mission could be accomplished without. -</p> -<p><em>Tuesday, 28</em>.—I baptized Sidney Rigdon in the font, for and in behalf -of his parents; also baptized Reynolds Cahoon and others. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Warren and Warsaw Affairs. -</p> -<p><em>Thursday and Friday, December 30th and 31st</em>—Calvin A. Warren, Esq., -Mark Aldrich and Daniel S. Witter, visited me at my office, and after -much explanation and conversation concerning Warren and Warsaw, In -which Esquire Warren manifested the kindest and most confidential -feelings and Aldrich and Witter expressed their entire approbation of -past proceedings of the Presidency, they all agreed that if I did not -succeed in the next attempt to establish and build up Warren, that -they would fully excuse me from all censure, and would feel satisfied -that I had done all that could reasonably be required of any man in a -like case, be the consequence what it might to themselves; and Esquire -Warren frankly acknowledged that his temporal salvation depended on -the success of the enterprise, and <span class="pagenum"><a name="487"></a>{487}</span> made liberal proposals for -the benefit of the brethren, to help forward the undertaking. The -party retired manifesting the best of feeling, and expressing the most -perfect satisfaction with their visit, with me and all concerned. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">A Prophecy Respecting Warsaw. -</p> -<p>Thursday evening at the office, while conversing with Calvin A. Warren, -Esq., about the proceedings at Warsaw, I prophesied in the name of the -Lord, that the first thing toward building up Warsaw was to break it -down, to break down them that are there, that it never would be built -up till it was broken down, and after that keep them entirely in the -dark concerning our movements; and it is best to let Sharp<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERXXVIIIfn6"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERXXVIIIfn6">6</a>]</sup> publish -what he pleases and go to the devil, and the more lies he prints the -sooner he will get through; not buy him out or hinder him; and after -they have been in the dark long enough, let a certain set of men go -there who will do as I tell them, a certain kind of men, some of those -capitalists from the Eastern States, say from Pennsylvania; wise men -who will take the lead of business, and go ahead of those that are -there before they know what we are about, and the place will prosper, -and not till then. -</p> -<p>The following list shows some of the books, pamphlets, letters, &c., -published for and against the Latter-day Saints in 1841. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Mormon Literature, (pro et con) 1841</em>. -</p> -<p> "A Proclamation to the Saints Scattered Abroad:" January 15, by - Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, Hyrum Smith. -</p> -<p> Twenty-three numbers of the "Times and Seasons," published at - Nauvoo. -</p> -<p> Twelve numbers of the "Millennial Star," published in England by - Parley P. Pratt. -</p> -<p> First European edition of the Book of Mormon, published in England, - 21st January, by Elders Brigham Young, and Willard Richards. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="488"></a>{488}</span> A third edition of the "Voice of Warning" was published in - Manchester, England, by Parley P. Pratt. -</p> -<p> "A Letter to Queen Victoria of England, Touching the Signs of the - Times, and the Political Destiny of the World:" in pamphlet form, - by Parley P. Pratt, Manchester, England. -</p> -<p> Five hundred copies of "An Address to the Hebrews," in the Dutch - language, by Orson Hyde. Published in Rotterdam, Holland, in July; - being the first pamphlet pertaining to the Church of Jesus Christ - of Latter-day Saints, written in a foreign language. -</p> -<p> A pamphlet containing 116 pages, 8vo., by Orson Hyde, containing "A - Synopsis of the Faith of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day - Saints:" addressed to the German nation in their own language. -</p> -<p> A Small Collection of Hymns, by Christopher Merkley. -</p> -<p> "Evidences in Proof of the Book of Mormon:" a work of 256 pages, 32 - mo. Published at Batavia, New York, by Charles Thompson. -</p> -<p> A lengthy "Address to the Citizens of Salem, Massachusetts, and - Vicinity," by Erastus Snow, and Benjamin Winchester, October. -</p> -<p> "Gospel Reflector," a monthly periodical, by Benjamin Winchester, - published in Philadelphia. -</p> -<p> "Proclamation and Warning to the Inhabitants of America," by - Charles Thompson. -</p> -<p> The editor of the "Times and Seasons" noticed the following "From - the 'Upper Mississippian,' a series of letters, entitled 'Nauvoo - Mormon Religion,' &c., the writer no doubt intended to give a fair - statement, and in the main did so; but respecting our faith (on - some points), the Book of Mormon, &c., he is wide of the mark." -</p> -<p> An article published in the "North Staffordshire Mercury," showing - the difference between the Baptists and Latter-day Saints. - Hanley, February, 16, signed "A Baptist." Replied to by Parley - P. Pratt, who showed the difference between the Baptists and - Former-day-Saints. -</p> -<p> A severe article against the Latter-day Saints, which filled - several columns of fine print, was published in "Edinburgh - Intelligencer" of April 7th, taken from the "Athenaeum" on the - subject of the "Book of Mormon and the Latter-day Saints." Replied - to by Parley P. Pratt. May. -</p> -<p> Mr. J. B. Rollo, of Edinburgh, Scotland, published a pamphlet - entitled "Mormonism Exposed." Replied to by Parley P. Pratt, July - 10. -</p> -<p> The "Preston Chronicle" of April 24, published a long article - against the Latter-day Saints, which was replied to by Parley P. - Pratt, in the "Millennial Star," July 10. -</p> -<p> A bitter article was published in the "Cheltenham Free Press" of - <span class="pagenum"><a name="489"></a>{489}</span> August 23rd, headed "Latter-day Saints' Swindle," replied to - by Parley P. Pratt in the "Star" of October. -</p> -<p> "A Few Plain Facts, Showing the Folly, Wickedness and Imposition of - the Rev. Timothy R. Matthews." By George J. Adams, Bedford, England. -</p> -<p> The St. Louis, Missouri, "Atlas" published a favorable article - entitled, "The Latter-day Saints." -</p> -<p> The "Juliet Courier" published a favorable account of the late - trial of Joseph Smith. Monmouth, June. -</p> -<p> The "Philadelphia Saturday Courier" and the "Public Ledger" on July - 10, published several articles anathematizing the Latter-day Saints. -</p> -<p> A slanderous pamphlet entitled "Mormonism Unmasked," by A. Gardner, - of Rochdale, England. -</p> -<p> "The Mormons—Arrest of Joe Smith" was the heading of an article - published in the "New York Herald of Commerce," and copied in many - of the Eastern papers. -</p> -<p> "The Christian Messenger and Reformer" published an account of the - Latter-day Saints, collected from the book of Edward D. Howe, of - Painsville, Ohio. -</p> -<p> Thomas Sharp, editor of the "Warsaw Signal," devoted his entire - time to slandering, to lying against and misrepresenting the - Latter-day Saints. -</p></blockquote> -<h3>Footnotes: -</h3> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERXXVIIIfn1"></a><a href="#CHAPTERXXVIIIfn1">1</a>. On the corner of Granger and Water streets, in the southwest part of -the city. -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERXXVIIIfn2"></a><a href="#CHAPTERXXVIIIfn2">2</a>. Governor Ford, in his "History of Illinois," gives the following -biographical information about Adam W. Snyder, and as I can find -nothing concerning him elsewhere, I quote Ford:— -</p> -<p>"In December, 1841, a state Democratic convention assembled at -Springfield, and nominated Adam W. Snyder as the Democratic candidate -for governor, to be elected in August, 1842. Mr. Snyder was a native -of Pennsylvania, and a distant relative of Gov. Snyder of that state. -In his early youth, he learned the trade of a fuller and woolcarder. -He came to Illinois when he was about eighteen years old; settled -in the French village of Cahokia: followed his trade for several -years: studied law; removed to the county seat, where he commenced -his profession, in which he was successful in getting practice. In -1830 he was elected to the State Senate, and was afterwards elected -to Congress, from his district; and was again elected to the State -Senate in 1840. Mr. Snyder was a very showy, plausible and agreeable -man in conversation, and was gifted with a popular eloquence, which was -considerably effective. He was a member of the Senate when the Mormon -charters were passed, and had taken an active part in furthering their -passage." In fact Mr. Snyder was chairman of the Judiciary committee, -to which the charters were referred, and he reported them to the Senate -with a recommendation that they pass. -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERXXVIIIfn3"></a><a href="#CHAPTERXXVIIIfn3">3</a>. For some time there had been an agitation going on in respect -of the Saints and their relationship to the politics of the State; -and political capital was sought to be made by manifestations of -friendliness or of hostility towards them. Although, in the main, the -people of Nauvoo had sustained the Whig candidates, both locally and -nationally, in the preceding election, including the Whig candidate for -Congress, Mr. John J. Stuart, yet there were outbreaks against them -both among the Whig politicians and in the Whig press of Illinois. "The -Whig newspapers," writes Governor Ford, in his "History of Illinois," -"teemed with accounts of the wonders and enormities of Nauvoo, and of -the awful wickedness of a party which could consent to receive the -support of such miscreants. Governor Duncan, [nominated in opposition -to Snyder] who was really a brave, honest man, and who had nothing to -do with getting the Mormon charters passed through the legislature, -took the stump on this subject in good earnest, and expected to be -elected governor almost on this question alone" (History of Illinois, -Ford, p. 269.) -</p> -<p>The position of the Saints in their relation to the political parties -in the state of Illinois is tersely set forth by the late President -John Taylor in his review of affairs at Nauvoo, leading up to the -martyrdom of the Prophet; which document was prepared at the request of -the Historians of the Church, and filed in the archives of the Church -as the testimony of an eye witness and participant in those events. -The document, under the title of "The Martyrdom of Joseph Smith," was -published by permission of the author in Tyler's "History of the Mormon -Battalion." Of the political situation at Nauvoo—which was forming -at the period to which the political announcement of the text above -belongs—President Taylor says: -</p> -<p>"There were always two parties, the Whigs and Democrats, and we could -not vote for one without offending the other; and it not unfrequently -happened that candidates for office would place the issue of their -election upon opposition to the 'Mormons,' in order to gain political -influence from religious prejudice, in which case the 'Mormons' were -compelled, in self-defense, to vote against them, which resulted almost -invariably against our opponents. This made them angry; and although -it was of their own making, and the 'Mormons' could not be expected -to do otherwise, yet they raged on account of their discomfiture, and -sought to wreak their fury on the 'Mormons.' As an instance of the -above, when Joseph Duncan was candidate for the office of governor of -Illinois, [in the campaign to which the document in the body of the -text above relates] he pledged himself to his party that, if he could -be elected, he would exterminate or drive the 'Mormons' from the state. -The consequence was that Governor Ford was elected." (History of the -Mormon Battalion, Introduction, pp. 12 and 13.) -</p> -<p>It cannot in truth be claimed that any favor shown by the Democratic -party, as such, to the Mormon people was the cause of the announcement -of the above independent attitude in politics. For while Judge Douglas, -a leading Democrat, had recently rendered a decision favorable to the -Prophet, liberating him from the clutches of Missouri, it should be -remembered that the Judge had but pronounced upon the course of the -officers of the states of Missouri and Illinois and found that course -at variance with the law, and there was no alternative but to set -the Prophet free. But it was the law that vindicated Joseph Smith, -not the favor of Judge Douglas. And then, if a Democratic Judge had -decided a case in favor of the Prophet, it should be remembered that -it was the act, and I might say the unwarranted, the illegal act, of a -Democrat, Governor Carlin, which had put the life and liberty of the -Prophet in jeopardy by issuing an illegal requisition for his arrest -and deliverance to Missouri, This to show that it was not any favor -that had been shown by the Democratic party, as such, that prompted -the assumption of an independent attitude in politics by the Prophet; -but that for weal or woe, the attitude was taken as a measure of -self-defense, and for the protection of the people in whose interest it -was announced. -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERXXVIIIfn4"></a><a href="#CHAPTERXXVIIIfn4">4</a>. Alpheus Gifford was born in Adams township, Berkshire county, -Massachusetts, August 25, 1793. At the age of eighteen, having scarcely -sufficient learning to enable him to read the Bible, he commenced -preaching the Gospel, not for hire, but for the salvation of souls. -</p> -<p>In 1817, he married Anna Nash, who bore him seven sons and three -daughters. In the spring of 1831, hearing of the doctrines taught by -Joseph Smith, he made diligent inquiry, and found they were scriptural, -and was baptized and ordained a priest; he brought home five Books of -Mormon which he distributed among his friends; he was then living in -Tioga county, Pennsylvania. Soon after he went to Kirtland, Ohio, to -see the Prophet Joseph Smith and the brethren, when he was ordained an -Elder; he was accompanied by his brother Levi Elial Strong, Eleazar -Miller, Enos Curtis and Abraham Brown, who were baptized. On returning -to Pennsylvania he preached and baptized many, among whom was Heber C. -Kimball. The gifts of the Gospel were enjoyed by many; signs following -those that believed, devils were cast out; the sick were healed; many -prophesied; some spake with new tongues; while others interpreted the -same. Mr. Calvin Gilmour, with whom Brother Gifford had previously been -associated in preaching, heard him speak in tongues and interpret. -Gilmour declared he understood the languages and that they were -interpreted correctly, but that he would rather be damned than believe -in Mormonism. -</p> -<p>In June, 1832, Brother Gifford started for Missouri; traveled to -Cincinnati and wintered there with a few Saints, who had been baptized -by Lyman Wight. He arrived in Jackson county, Mo., in March, 1833, -where he preached much. He was driven with the saints in the fall -of that year. He removed to Clay county, and subsequently went to -Kirtland, Ohio, and attended the dedication of the Temple and received -the ordinances there administered. He returned to Missouri, and removed -with the Saints to Far West, Caldwell county. In the winter of 1839 -he was driven from Missouri. He located in the Morley settlement near -Lima, Illinois, and subsequently removed five miles above Nauvoo, where -he died December 25, 1841. (The above is taken from a sketch of his -father's life by Samuel K. Gifford, furnished the Church Historian in -November, 1861, and filed in the History of the Church under date of -December, 1841.) -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERXXVIIIfn5"></a><a href="#CHAPTERXXVIIIfn5">5</a>. "If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, at the -most by three, and that by course, and let one interpret. But if there -be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the Church; and let him -speak to himself and to God." -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERXXVIIIfn6"></a><a href="#CHAPTERXXVIIIfn6">6</a>. This reference is to Thomas Sharp, editor of the Warsaw <em>Signal</em>, a -bitter anti-Mormon, and described by the late President John Taylor, as -"a violent and unprincipled man, who shrank not from any enormity." -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="490"></a>{490}</span> -</p> - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTERXXIX"></a>CHAPTER XXIX. -</h2> -<p class="chapterHeading">The Opening of the Year 1842—Whereabouts of the Twelve -Apostles—Correspondence of Elder Hyde from Trieste—Report of High -Council on Affairs in Nauvoo—Events and Conditions in British Mission. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Sundry Labors of the Prophet. -</p> -<p><em>Saturday, January 1, 1842</em>.—I again have the pleasure to report the -location of the Twelve Apostles. Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, -Orson Pratt, John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff and Willard Richards are in -Nauvoo. George A. Smith, in Zarahemla, Ohio. Orson Hyde in quarantine -at Trieste, Italy. Parley P. Pratt in Liverpool. Lyman Wight in Ohio. -William Smith in New Jersey. John E. Page somewhere in the Eastern -States. -</p> -<p>I commenced placing goods on the shelves of my new store, assisted by -Bishop Newel K. Whitney and others; and in the evening attended city -council. -</p> -<p>Five hundred and twelve Saints were reported at the Glasgow Conference -of this date. -</p> -<p>Several of the Twelve spent the day at Sylvester B. Stoddard's and in -the city council, which lasted from 6 p. m. until midnight, on the -trial of Gustavus Hills. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 2</em>.—Meeting at my house, day and evening; Brother Hyrum and -Elder Woodruff preached. -</p> -<p><em>Tuesday, 4</em>.—I wrote Dr. John M. Bernhisel, of New York, on business. -</p> -<p>Joseph Duncan, candidate for Governor of Illinois, made an inflammatory -speech against the Saints at Edwardsville, a mass of falsehoods. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="491"></a>{491}</span> <em>Wednesday, 5</em>.—William Wightman signed over and delivered the -town plat of Ramus to me, as sole Trustee in Trust for the Church of -Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. -</p> -<p>My new store was opened for business this day for the first time, it -was filled with customers, and I was almost continually behind the -counter, as clerk, waiting on my friends. -</p> -<p>I dictated a letter to Edward Hunter, West Nantmeal, Pennsylvania, as -follows: -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>The Prophet's Letter to Edward Hunter—Reports Opening of the New - Store</em>. -</p> -<p> Nauvoo, January 5, 1842. -</p> -<p> <em>Mr. Edward Hunter</em>. -</p> -<p> Beloved Brother:—I am happy that it is my privilege to say to you - that the large new building which I had commenced when you were - here is now completed, and the doors are opened this day for the - sale of goods for the first time. The foundation of the building is - somewhat spacious (as you will doubtless recollect) for a country - store. -</p> -<p> The principal part of the building below, which is ten feet high, - is devoted exclusively to shelves and drawers, except one door - opening back into the space, on the left of which are the cellar - and chamber stairs, and on the right the counting room; from the - space at the top of the chamber stairs opens a door into the large - front room of the same size with the one below, the walls lined - with counters, covered with reserved goods. -</p> -<p> In front of the stairs opens the door to my private office, or - where I keep the sacred writings, with a window to the south, - overlooking the river below, and the opposite shore for a great - distance, which, together with the passage of boats in the season - thereof, constitutes a peculiarly interesting situation, in - prospect, and no less interesting from its retirement from the - bustle and confusion of the neighborhood and city, and altogether - is a place the Lord is pleased to bless. -</p> -<p> The painting of the store has been executed by Edward Martin, one - of our English brethren; and the counters, drawers, and pillars - present a very respectable representation of oak, mahogany and - marble for a backwoods establishment. -</p> -<p> The Lord has blessed our exertions in a wonderful manner, and - although some individuals have succeeded in detaining goods to a - considerable amount for the time being, yet we have been enabled to - secure goods in the building sufficient to fill all the shelves as - soon as they were completed, and have some in reserve, both in loft - and cellar. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="492"></a>{492}</span> Our assortment is tolerably good—very good, considering the - different purchases made by different individuals at different - times, and under circumstances which controlled their choice to - some extent; but I rejoice that we have been enabled to do as well - as we have, for the hearts of many of the poor brethren and sisters - will be made glad with those comforts which are now within their - reach. -</p> -<p> The store has been filled to overflowing, and I have stood behind - the counter all day, dealing out goods as steady as any clerk you - ever saw, to oblige those who were compelled to go without their - usual Christmas and New Year's dinners, for the want of a little - sugar, molasses, raisins, &c., &c; and to please myself also, for I - love to wait upon the Saints, and be a servant to all, hoping that - I may be exalted in the due time of the Lord. -</p> -<p> With sentiments of high consideration, I remain your brother in - Christ. -</p> -<p> Joseph Smith. -</p></blockquote> -<p class="sidenote">Rejoicing of the Prophet. -</p> -<p><em>Thursday, 6</em>.—The new year has been ushered in and continued thus far -under the most favorable auspices, and the Saints seem to be influenced -by a kind and indulgent Providence in their dispositions and [blessed -with] means to rear the Temple of the Most High God, anxiously looking -forth to the completion thereof as an event of the greatest importance -to the Church and the world, making the Saints in Zion to rejoice, and -the hypocrite and sinner to tremble. Truly this is a day long to be -remembered by the Saints of the last days,—a day in which the God of -heaven has begun to restore the ancient order of His kingdom unto His -servants and His people,—a day in which all things are concurring to -bring about the completion of the fullness of the Gospel, a fullness -of the dispensation of dispensations, even the fullness of times; a -day in which God has begun to make manifest and set in order in His -Church those things which have been, and those things which the ancient -prophets and wise men desired to see but died without beholding them; -a day in which those things begin to be made manifest, which have -been hid from before the foundation of the world, and which <span class="pagenum"><a name="493"></a>{493}</span> -Jehovah has promised should be made known in His own due time unto -His servants, to prepare the earth for the return of His glory, even -a celestial glory, and a kingdom of Priests and kings to God and the -Lamb, forever, on Mount Zion, and with him the hundred and forty and -four thousand whom John the Revelator saw, all of which is to come to -pass in the restitution of all things. -</p> -<p>Conference held at Zarahemla, at which that stake was discontinued; -a branch was organized in place thereof, and John Smith appointed -president. -</p> -<p><em>Wednesday, 12</em>.—The ship <em>Tremont</em> sailed from Liverpool for New -Orleans with the Saints, about this time. -</p> -<p>The following notice was published in the <em>Times and Seasons</em>: -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Tithings and Consecrations for the Temple of the Lord</em>. -</p> -<p> From this time the Recorder's Office will be opened on the Saturday - of each week for the reception of the tithings and consecrations - of the brethren, and closed on every other day of the week. This - regulation is necessary, to give the Trustee and Recorder time to - arrange the Book of Mormon, translation of the Bible, Hymn Book, - and Doctrine and Covenants for the press, all of which the brethren - are anxious to see in their most perfect form, consequently the - Saints should be particular to bring their offerings on the day - specified, until further notice, but not relax their exertions to - carry on the work. -</p> -<p> The Elders will please give the above notice in all public meetings - until the plan is understood. -</p> -<p> Willard Richards, -</p> -<p> Recorder for the Temple. -</p> -<p> Nauvoo, January 12, 1842. -</p></blockquote> -<p>I rode south about seven miles to my wood land, accompanied by Brother -John Sanders and Peter Maughan,<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERXXIXfn1"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERXXIXfn1">1</a>]</sup> <span class="pagenum"><a name="494"></a>{494}</span> and found a vein of coal -about eighteen inches thick, apparently of good quality for the western -country. -</p> -<p>Elder Benjamin Winchester was suspended by the quorum of the Twelve -until he made satisfaction for disobedience to the First Presidency. -</p> -<p><em>Thursday, 13</em>.—My clerk, Willard Richards, commenced boarding with me. -</p> -<p>The British forces having evacuated Cabul,<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERXXIXfn2"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERXXIXfn2">2</a>]</sup> they were attacked in -the Pass, a few miles from the city, and after three days' fighting; -they were nearly all slaughtered. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Book of Mormon Corrections. -</p> -<p><em>Saturday, 15</em>.—I commenced reading the Book of Mormon at page 54, -American stereotype edition (the previous pages having been corrected), -for the purpose of correcting the stereotype plates of some errors -which escaped notice in the first edition. -</p> -<p>Attended city council, and was appointed on committee of ways and means -and municipal laws. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 16</em>.—I preached at my house, morning and evening, -illustrating the nature of sin, and showing that it is not right to sin -that grace may abound. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, 17</em>.—Transacted a variety of business in the city. Myself and -Brother Willard Richards dined with Sister Agnes M. Smith.<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERXXIXfn3"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERXXIXfn3">3</a>]</sup> -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Meeting with the Twelve. -</p> -<p>In the evening I attended a council of the Twelve at my office; -present, Elders Young, Kimball, Orson Pratt, Taylor, Woodruff, George -A. Smith and Richards—appointed Elder Amos B. Fuller a mission to -Chicago, according to the revelation of the 22nd of December, and Elder -Henry Jacobs to accompany him. The council were unanimously opposed to -<span class="pagenum"><a name="495"></a>{495}</span> Robinson's son's publishing the Book of Mormon and other books. -</p> -<p><em>Tuesday, 18</em>.—This day revoked my power of attorney given to Dr. -Isaac Galland to transact business for the Church. -</p> -<p>After transacting a variety of business, sleeping an hour from bodily -infirmities, I read for correction in the Book of Mormon, and debated -in the evening with the mayor [John C. Bennett] concerning the -Lamanites and Negroes. -</p> -<p>For an extract of a letter from Elder Orson Hyde, "Trieste, January 1 -and 18, 1842," see <em>Millennial Star</em>, vol. II, pages 166-169.<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERXXIXfn4"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERXXIXfn4">4</a>]</sup> -</p><blockquote> -<p> Highly Interesting from Jerusalem. -</p> -<p> We have lately received two lengthy and highly interesting - communications from Elder Orson Hyde, dated at Trieste, January - 1st, and 18th, containing a sketch of his voyages and travels in - the East, his visit to Jerusalem, a description of ancient Zion, - the pool of Siloam, and many other places famous in holy writ, - with several illustrations of the manners and customs of the - East, as applicable to Scripture texts, and several conversations - held between himself and some of the Jews, missionaries, etc., - in Jerusalem, together with a masterly description of a terrible - tempest and thunder storm at sea, with a variety of miscellaneous - reflections and remarks, all written in an easy, elegant, and - masterly style, partaking of the eloquent and sublime, and - breathing a tone of that deep feeling, tenderness, and affection so - characteristic of his mission and the spirit of his holy and sacred - office. -</p> -<p> Elder Hyde has by the grace of God been the first proclaimer of - the fullness of the Gospel both on the continent of Europe and in - far off Asia, among the nations of the East. In Germany, Turkey - (Constantinople), Egypt, and Jerusalem. He has reared as it were - the ensign of the latter-day glory, and sounded the trump of truth, - calling upon the people of those regions to awake from their - thousand years' slumber, and to make ready for their returning Lord. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="496"></a>{496}</span> In his travels he has suffered much, and has been exposed to - toils and dangers, to hunger, pestilence and war. He has been in - perils by land and sea, in perils among robbers, in perils among - heathens, Turks, Arabs, and Egyptians; but out of all these things - the Lord hath delivered him, and hath restored him in safety to the - shores of Europe, where he is tarrying for a little season, for - the purpose of publishing the Truth in the German language, having - already published it in French and English in the various countries - of the East, and we humbly trust that his labors will be a lasting - blessing to Jew and Gentile. -</p> -<p> We publish the following extract of his communication, and we shall - soon issue the whole from the press in pamphlet form. It will, no - doubt, meet with a ready sale; and we purpose devoting the profits - to his benefit, to assist him in his mission. -</p> -<p> <em>Excerpts from Elder Hyde's Letters</em>. -</p> -<p> "Summoning up, therefore, what little address I had, I procured - a <em>valet d'place</em>, or lackey, and proceeded to the house of Mr. - Simons, a very respectable Jew, who with some of his family had - lately been converted and joined the English Church. I entered - their dwelling. They had just sat down to enjoy a dish of coffee, - but immediately arose from the table to meet me. I spoke to them - in German and asked them if they spoke English. They immediately - replied 'Yes,' which was a very agreeable sound to my ear. They - asked me in German if I spoke English; I replied, 'Ya, mein Herr.' - I then introduced myself to them, and with a little apology it - passed off as well as though I had been introduced by the pasha. - With that glow of warmth and familiarity which is a peculiar trait - in the German character, they would have me sit down and take a - dish with them; and as I began to relate some things relative to - my mission, the smiles of joy which sat upon their countenances - bespoke hearts not altogether indifferent. There were two ministers - of the Church of England there. One was confined to his bed by - sickness, and the other, a German, and a Jew by birth, soon came - in. After an introduction, I took the liberty to lay open to him - some of our principles, and gave him a copy of the communication - to the Jews in Constantinople to read. After he had it, he said - that my motives were undoubtedly very good, but questioned the - propriety of my undertaking from the fact that I claimed God had - sent me. If, indeed, I had gone to Jerusalem under the direction of - some missionary board or society, and left God out of the question - altogether, I should have been received as a celestial messenger. - How truly did our Savior speak, when He said, 'I am come in my - Father's name, and ye receive me not; but if another were to come - in his own name, him ye would receive.' I replied, however, that - so far as I could know my own heart, <span class="pagenum"><a name="497"></a>{497}</span> my motives were most - certainly good; yet, said I, no better than the cause which has - brought me here. But he, like all others who worship a God 'without - body or parts,' said that miracles, visions, and prophecy had - ceased. -</p> -<p> "The course which the popular clergy pursue at this time in - relation to the Divine economy looks to me as though they would - say, 'O Lord, we will worship Thee with all our hearts, serve - Thee with all our souls, and be very pious and holy; we will even - gather Israel, convert the heathen, and bring in the millennium, - if Thou wilt only let us alone that we may do it in our own way, - and according to our own will; but if Thou speakest from heaven to - interfere with our plan, or cause any to see visions or dreams, or - prophesy, whereby we are disturbed or interrupted in our worship, - we will exert all our strength and skill to deny what Thou sayest, - and charge it home upon the devil or some wild, fanatic spirit, as - being its author.' -</p> -<p> "That which was looked upon by the ancient saints as among the - greatest favors and blessings, viz., revelation from God and - communion with Him by dreams and by visions, is now looked upon by - the religious world as the height of presumption and folly. The - ancient saints considered their condition most deplorable when - Jehovah would not speak to them; but the most orthodox religionists - of this age deem it quite heterodox to even admit the probability - that He ever will speak again. O my soul! language fails to - paint the absurdity and abomination of such heaven-opposing and - truth-excluding dogmas; and were it possible for those bright - seraphs that surround the throne above, and bask in the sunbeams - of immortality, to weep over the inconsistency and irrationality - of mortals, the earth must be bedewed with celestial tears. My - humble advice to all such is, that they repent and cast far from - them these wicked traditions, and be baptized into the new and - everlasting covenant, lest the Lord speak to them in His wrath, and - vex them in His sore displeasure. -</p> -<p> "After some considerable conversation upon the priesthood and the - renewal of the covenant, I called upon him [i. e. the aforesaid - German-Jew church of England minister] to be baptized for the - remission of his sins, that he might receive the gift of the - Holy Ghost. 'What' said he, 'I be baptized?' 'Yes,' said I, 'you - be baptized.' 'Why,' saith he, 'I have been baptized already.' - I replied something after the following: You have probably been - sprinkled, but that has no more to do with baptism than any other - ordinance of man's device; and even if you had been immersed, you - would not have bettered your condition, for your priesthood is - without power. If, indeed, the Catholic church has power to give - you an ordination, and by that ordination confer the priesthood - upon you, they certainly had power to nullify that act, and take - the <span class="pagenum"><a name="498"></a>{498}</span> priesthood from you; and this power they exercised when - you dissented from their communion, by excluding you from their - church. But, if the Catholic church possessed not the priesthood, - of course your claims to it are as groundless as the airy phantoms - of heathen mythology. So, view the question on which side you may, - there is no possible chance of admitting the validity of your - claims to it. Be it known, therefore, that ordinances performed - under the administration of such a priesthood, though they may - even be correct in form, will be found destitute of the seal of - that authority by which heaven will recognize His [own] in the day - when every man's work shall be tried. Though a priesthood may be - clothed with the wealth and honors of a great and powerful nation - and command the respect and veneration of multitudes whose eyes are - blinded by the thick veil of popular opinion, and whose powers of - reflection and deep thought are confused and lost in the general - cry of 'Great is Diana of the Ephesians,' yet all this does not - impart to it the Divine sanction, or animate it with the spirit of - life and power from the bosom of the living God; and there is a - period in future time when, in the smoking ruins of Babel's pride - and glory, it must fall and retire to the shades of forgetfulness, - to the grief and mortification of its unfortunate votaries.' -</p> -<p> "In consequence of his great volubility, I was under the - disagreeable necessity of tuning my voice to a pretty high key, - and of spacing short between words, determining that neither his - greatness or learning should shield him from the shafts of a - faithful testimony. But there is more hope of those Jews receiving - the fullness of the gospel, whose minds have never been poisoned by - the bane of modern sectarianism, which closes the mouth of Deity - and shuts up in heaven all the angels, visions, and prophesyings. - Mrs. Whiting told me that there had been four Jewish people in - Jerusalem converted and baptized by the English minister, and four - only; and that a part of the ground for an English church had been - purchased there. It was by political power and influence that the - Jewish nation was broken down, and her subjects dispersed abroad; - and I will here hazard the opinion, that by political power and - influence they will be gathered and built up; and further, that - England is destined in the wisdom and economy of heaven to stretch - forth the arm of political power, and advance in the front ranks - of this glorious enterprise. The Lord once raised up a Cyrus to - restore the Jews, but that was not evidence that He owned the - religion of the Persians. This opinion I submit, however, to your - superior wisdom to correct if you shall find it wrong. -</p> -<p> "There is an increasing anxiety in Europe for the restoration of - that people [the Jews]; and this anxiety is not confined to the - pale of any religious community, but it has found its way to the - courts of kings. Special <span class="pagenum"><a name="499"></a>{499}</span> ambassadors have been sent, and - consuls and consular agents have been appointed. The rigorous - policy which has hitherto characterized the course of other nations - towards them now begins to be softened by the oil of friendship, - and modified by the balm of humanity. The sufferings and privations - under which they have groaned for so many centuries have at length - touched the main-springs of Gentile power and sympathy; and may the - God of their fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, fan the flame by - celestial breezes, until Israel's banner, sanctified by a Savior's - blood, shall float on the walls of old Jerusalem, and the mountains - and valleys of Judea reverberate with their songs of praise and - thanksgiving to the Lamb that was slain. -</p> -<p> "The imperial consul of Austria, at Galatz, near the mouth of the - Danube, to whom I had a letter of introduction from his cousin in - Vienna, told me that in consequence of so many of their Jewish - subjects being inclined, of late, to remove to Syria and Palestine, - his government had established a general consul at Beyroot for - their protection. There are many Jews who care nothing about - Jerusalem, and have no regard for God. Their money is the god they - worship, yet there are many of the most pious and devout among them - who look towards Jerusalem as the tender and affectionate mother - looks upon the home where she left her lovely little babe." -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Wednesday, 19</em>.—I wrote Dr. Galland as follows: -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>The Prophet's Letter to Isaac Galland—On Settlement of Accounts</em>. -</p> -<p> Dear Sir:—By your reply of the 18th instant to my note of the - 17th, I am led to conclude that you received my communication in - a manner altogether unintended by me, and that there may be no - misunderstanding between us, and that you may be satisfied that I - did not intend, and that I do not now intend anything, only upon - the principles of the strictest integrity and uprightness before - God, and to do as I would be done unto, I will state I have become - embarrassed in my operations to a certain extent, and partly from a - presentation of notes, which you, as my agent, had given for lands - purchased in the eastern states, they having been sent to me. I - have been obliged to cash them, and having no returns from you to - meet those demands, or even the trifling expenses of your outfit, - it has placed me in rather an unpleasant situation, and having a - considerable amount of your scrip on hand, enough, as I suppose, to - counterbalance the debts due you, and leave a balance in my favor, - to some extent, even if it were small; and as I was pressed for - funds, from the causes above mentioned, as well as others, I had - hoped it would be convenient for you to lend me some assistance at - the present time, and this was the reason why I sent a messenger to - you as I did. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="500"></a>{500}</span> And now, sir, that we may have no misunderstanding in this - matter, I think we had better have a settlement, and if I am owing - you, I will pay you as soon as I can, and if you owe me, I shall - only expect the same in return, for it is an old and trite maxim, - that short reckonings make long friends. With this view of the - matter, I would request you to call as soon as you possibly can - make it convenient, and compare accounts, so that all things may - be understood most perfectly between us in future time, and that - all occasion for unpleasant feelings, if any such there be, may be - entirely obliterated. -</p> -<p> I remain, sir, most respectfully yours, &c., -</p> -<p> Joseph Smith. -</p></blockquote> -<p>Read in the Book of Mormon, and in the evening visited Bishop Miller's -wife, who was very sick, and the Bishop absent, collecting the funds -for building the Temple and Nauvoo House. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Isaac Galland Affair. -</p> -<p><em>Thursday, 20</em>.—I attended a special conference of the Church at 10 -o'clock a. m., concerning Dr. Galland. The conference voted to sanction -the revocation of Dr. Galland's agency, dated the 18th of January, -as published in the <em>Times and Seasons</em>, and also instructed the -trustee-in-trust to proceed with Dr. Galland's affairs in relation to -the Church, as he shall judge most expedient. -</p> -<p>Six o'clock evening, attended a special council in the upper room of -the new store. -</p> -<p>George Washington Gee died today.<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERXXIXfn5"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERXXIXfn5">5</a>]</sup> -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="501"></a>{501}</span> <em>Friday, 21</em>.—I read the Book of Mormon, transacted a variety -of business in the store and city, and spent the evening in the office -with Elders Taylor and Richards, interpreting dreams, &c. -</p> -<p>The presidents of the different quorums met with the High Council -at Brother Hyrum's office, to receive instructions, according to -appointment of the council on the 18th. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Seventies' Quorum Affairs. -</p> -<p>President Joseph Young stated the reasons why the quorum of Seventies -had granted licenses; that he applied to President Joseph Smith for -permission, on the solicitations of the quorums; that their reasons -for so doing were because licenses could not be obtained from the -Church clerk. President Joseph Butterfield testified to the same, and -the council was satisfied with the testimony. The council was then -addressed by President Hyrum Smith on the Word of Wisdom. -</p> -<p><em>Saturday, 22</em>.—I was very busy in appraising tithing property, and in -the evening revised the rules of the city council, attended council, -and spoke on their adoption, and was elected mayor, <em>pro tem</em>. of the -city of Nauvoo. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 23</em>.—Spent the day mostly at the office, and on the -presentation of charges by Elder William Draper, Jun., silenced Elder -Daniel Wood, of Pleasant Vale, for preaching that the Church ought -to unsheath the sword, and Elder A. Litz for preaching that the -authorities of the Church were done away, &c., and cited him to appear -before the High Council of Nauvoo for trial. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, 24</em>.—Reckoned with William and Wilson Law in the counting -room, and examined the lots on which they are about to build a steam, -grain, and sawmill. -</p> -<p><em>Tuesday, 25</em>.—Signed deeds for lots, to Law; transacted a variety -of business in the city and office. In the evening debated with John -C. Bennett and others to show that the Indians have greater cause to -complain of the treatment of the whites, than the negroes, or sons of -Cain. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="502"></a>{502}</span> Nauvoo Legion Headquarters, -</p> -<p> Nauvoo Legion, City Of Nauvoo, Illinois, -</p> -<p> January 23rd, 1842. -</p> -<p> General Orders. All the public arms will be required to be in the - best possible condition, at the general inspection and parade, - on the 7th of May proximo, and no deficiency whatever will be - countenanced, overlooked, or suffered to pass without fine, on that - occasion. All persons, therefore, holding said arms, will take - notice, and govern themselves accordingly; and in order that the - general inspection may pass off in a truly military style, alike - honorable to the Legion, and creditable to the citizen soldiers, - the brigadiers are required to attend the battalion parades within - their respective commands, and inspect said arms in <em>propria - personae</em>, prior to the general parade. Persons disregarding these - general orders, whether officers or privates, will find themselves - in the <em>vocative</em>. The invincibles (Captain Hunter's company of - light infantry), will be detailed for fatigue duty, on escorts and - special service, and will take post by assignment, and receive - their orders direct from the major general, through his herald - and armor bearer. His Excellency the Governor of Illinois, the - circuit judge of the judicial circuit, and the members of the - bar, the officers of Hancock county, Colonel Williams and Colonel - Deming, with their respective field and staff officers of the - Illinois militia, and General Swazey and Colonel Fuller, with their - respective field and staff officers, and Captain Davis and Avery's - companies of cavalry of Iowa militia, are respectfully invited to - attend and participate in the general parade on the 7th May. -</p> -<p> Joseph Smith, Lieutenant General. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Wednesday, 26</em>.—Rode out to borrow money, to refund for money -borrowed of John Benbow, as outfit for Dr. Galland in his agency. -Transacted a variety of business, explained scripture to Elder Orson -Spencer in my office, read in the Book of Mormon in the evening. Wrote -a long letter to Edward Hunter, West Nantmeal, on temporal business. -</p> -<p>The Church is in a prosperous condition, and the Saints are exerting -themselves to build the Temple. The health of the city is good. -</p> -<p>Upwards of twenty-three vessels wrecked on different parts of the -British coast. -</p> -<p><em>Thursday, 27</em>.—Attended to baptism in general; in the afternoon, in -council with the recorder, and gave some <span class="pagenum"><a name="503"></a>{503}</span> particular instructions -concerning the order of the kingdom, and the management of business; -placed the carpet given by Carlos Granger on the floor of my office; -and spent the evening in general council in the upper room. -</p> -<p>In the course of the day, Brigham Young, and James Ivins returned, and -gave a favorable report from Dr. Galland, with his letter of attorney, -letters and papers which he had received of me and the Church. -</p> -<p><em>Friday, 28</em>.—While I was at my office, Emma and Sister Whitney came -in and spent an hour. -</p> -<p>I received the following revelation to the Twelve concerning the <em>Times -and Seasons</em>, given January 28, 1842— -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Revelation</em>. -</p> -<p> Verily thus saith the Lord unto you, my servant Joseph, go and say - unto the Twelve, that it is my will to have them take in hand the - editorial department of the <em>Times and Seasons</em>, according to that - manifestation which shall be given unto them by the power of my - Holy Spirit in the midst of their counsel, saith the Lord. Amen. -</p></blockquote> -<p>I also decided that Elder John Snyder should go out on a mission, and -if necessary some one go with him and raise up a church, and get means -to go to England, and carry the epistle required in the revelation -of December 22nd; and instructed the Twelve, Brigham Young, Heber C. -Kimball, Wilford Woodruff and Willard Richards being present, to call -Elder Snyder into their council and instruct him in these things, and -if he will not do these things he shall be cut off from the Church, and -be damned. -</p> -<p>Elias Higbee, of the temple committee, came into my office, and I -said unto him; The Lord is not well pleased with you; and you must -straighten up your loins and do better, and your family also; for you -have not been as diligent as you ought to have been, and as spring is -approaching, you must arise and shake yourself, and be active, and make -your children industrious, and help build the Temple. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="504"></a>{504}</span> Elder Snyder had appeared very backward about fulfilling the -revelation concerning him, and felt that he could not do it unless -the Twelve would furnish him means, when he was more able to furnish -his own means, as all the Elders were obliged to do when they went on -missions, or go without. -</p> -<p>The High Council heard and accepted the report of their committee of -the 18th instant, as follows— -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Report of High Council Committee</em>. -</p> -<p> The High Council of the Church of Jesus Christ to the Saints of - Nauvoo, greeting— -</p> -<p> Dear Brethren:—As watchmen upon the walls of Zion, we feel it to - be our duty to stir up your minds, by way of remembrance, of things - which we conceive to be of the utmost importance to the Saints. -</p> -<p> While we rejoice at the health and prosperity of the Saints, and - the good feeling which seems to prevail among them generally, and - their willingness to aid in the building of the "House of the - Lord," we are grieved at the conduct of some, who seem to have - forgotten the purpose for which they have gathered. -</p> -<p> Instead of promoting union, they have appeared to be engaged in - sowing strifes and animosities among their brethren, spreading evil - reports, brother going to law with brother for trivial causes, - which we consider a great evil, and altogether unjustifiable, - except in extreme cases, and then not before the world. -</p> -<p> We feel to advise taking the word of God for our guide, and exhort - you not to forget that you have come up as saviors upon Mount Zion, - consequently to seek each other's good—to become one, inasmuch as - the Lord has said, "Except ye become one, ye are not mine." -</p> -<p> Let us always remember the admonition of the Apostle—"Dare any of - you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, - and not before the Saints? Do ye not know the Saints shall judge - the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy - to judge the smallest matters? Know ye not that we shall judge - angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? If, then, - ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to - judge who are least esteemed in the Church. I speak to your shame. - Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that - shall be able to judge between his brethren. But brother goeth to - law with brother, and that before the unbelievers. Now therefore - there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with - another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? <span class="pagenum"><a name="505"></a>{505}</span> why do ye not - rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded? Nay, ye do wrong, and - defraud, and that your brethren. Know ye not that the unrighteous - shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived; neither - fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor - abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, - nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the - kingdom of God" (I Cor. 6: 1-10). Who, observing these things, - would go to law distressing his brother, thereby giving rise to - hardness, evil speaking, strifes and animosities among those who - have covenanted to keep the commandments of God—who have taken - upon them the name of Saints, and if Saints are to judge angels, - and also to judge the world—why then are they not competent to - judge in temporal matters, especially in trivial cases, taking the - law of the Lord for their guide, brotherly kindness, charity, &c., - as well as the law of the land? Brethren, these are evils which - ought not to exist among us. We hope the time will speedily arrive - when these things will be done away, and everyone stand in the - office of his calling, as a faithful servant of God, building each - other up, bearing each other's infirmities, and so fulfill the law - of Christ. -</p> -<p> <em>William Marks, President; Samuel Bent, Lewis D. Wilson, David - Fullmer, Thomas Grover, Newel Knight, Leonard Soby, James Allred, - Elias Higbee, George W. Harris, Aaron Johnson, William Huntington, - Sen., Daniel Carrier, Austin Cowles, Charles C. Rich, Counselors</em>. -</p> -<p> <em>Attest: Hosea Stout, Clerk</em>. -</p></blockquote> -<p>Sir Robert Sale [commander of the British forces in Afghanistan] -received a letter from Sha-Shoojah, requiring him to evacuate -Jellalabad, with which he refused to comply. -</p> -<p><em>Saturday, 29</em>.—I was much engaged with the tithings; in the afternoon -in my office, counseling various individuals: and in the evening in -council with Brothers Young, Kimball, Richards and others, showing -forth the Kingdom and the order thereof concerning many things, and the -will of God concerning His servants. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Letter of G. Walker to Elder Brigham Young et al.—Affairs in - England since Departure of the Apostles</em>. -</p> -<p> Manchester, England, Jan. 29, 1842. -</p> -<p> <em>To President Young, Elders Kimball and Richards</em>. -</p> -<p> Beloved Brethren:—Soon after your departure, a clergyman of the - <span class="pagenum"><a name="506"></a>{506}</span> church of England called upon my employer, to request that - he might have an interview with me, as he had a wish to propound - certain questions to me; upon his request being complied with, - we retired to a private room, when he produced a long list of - questions, written down, opposite to which he wrote my answers. - The rise of the Church, Priesthood, doctrines offices, sacraments, - &c., were the principal queries he advanced. When he demurred - to any of our principles I was proceeding to explain, he cut my - discourse short by saying he would not hold any controversy, his - object being only to obtain information. After the disposal of his - queries, he wished to be informed where he could obtain the whole - of the publications of the Latter-day Saints, as he wished to be in - possession of them; I informed him at 47 Oxford street, Manchester, - and he promised to send for them. -</p> -<p> Soon after the visit of this reverend gentleman, I had reason to - suspect that undermining operations were in progress against me, I - therefore tendered my resignation to the directors, but they would - not accept it; and very soon after a public accountant was employed - by them to investigate their accounts for several years back, and I - was happy to be able to answer satisfactorily every question that - was asked of me respecting them. -</p> -<p> After this another minister sent a lengthy article extracted from - an American paper, purporting to be the production of a Mr. Anthon, - with a request that I would "read, mark, learn, and inwardly - digest" the same. I replied to the statements of Mr. Anthon, and - after disposing of them paragraph for paragraph, I told him that I - was obliged by his favoring me with it, inasmuch as it satisfied - my mind, and was confirmatory of the prediction of Isaiah being - fulfilled, seeing that Mr. Anthon admitted that "the words of - the book were delivered to the learned," &c. I then proceeded to - contrast the church of England with churches established by the - Apostles; but he has not acknowledged the receipt of my letter as - yet. The clergy are building ten new churches in this town and - neighborhood, and are employing additional curates to go round to - the houses of their parishoners, to coerce or intimidate them into - an attendance upon their services in fulfillment of the words of - Paul, In the last days perilous times will come, &c., that they - would have a form of godliness, but deny the power, and would creep - into houses to lead captive silly women, &c. (See II Timothy, 1st - chapter, 1st to 8th verses.) These curates make repeated visits, - generally when the heads of families are from home, and take - special care to enquire where the family are employed, and what - place of worship they attend, &c., and leave tracts for the family - to read. -</p> -<p> One of the Rev. Hugh Stowell's curates has paid several visits to - my house, but always in my absence, although he was requested to - call <span class="pagenum"><a name="507"></a>{507}</span> when I was at home, and informed of the time when he - might meet with me. -</p> -<p> The following discourse took place in our own neighborhood: Curate: - What religion may you be, my good woman? I am a churchwoman, sir. - What church do you usually attend? I never attend any, sir. -</p> -<p> After reprimanding the woman for pretending to be one of his flock, - while she absented herself from the fold, he went to the house of a - poor woman who had lately joined the Saints. I am a minister of the - Church of Jesus Christ in England, and have called to inquire what - school you send your children to, and what religion you profess? - The woman replied she was a "Latter-day Saint." "Oh! delusion, - delusion!" he rejoined, and began to rail against the Saints, - whereupon she handed him the Bible, and requested him to read the - place where she casually opened to, namely the third chapter of - Micah, and to preach a discourse from that part of the Bible; but - he retreated from before her and has not troubled her since. -</p> -<p> The Lord Bishop of Chester and the Protestant clergymen, have hired - a person of the name of Brindley to go about lecturing against - the Saints, and have commenced a monthly periodical in which the - foul slanders heaped upon the Saints in America and elsewhere are - retailed out to satisfy the malice of the enemies of truth. The - <em>Manchester Courier</em> has had several articles against our society - and principles, and the old Spaulding romance has been resuscitated - for the occasion. The Rev. Charles Burton, Doctor of Laws, minister - of "All Saints," has been several times to see me lately, and upon - one occasion invited me to his house, where I went and discussed - our principles for several hours, until he was glad to withdraw - from the contest; I found him ignorant in a great measure of what - the Bible contains respecting the latter-days. He admitted that the - Saints would reign on earth. -</p> -<p> The great work of the Lord is still progressing in spite of all the - opposition of lying priests and their auxiliaries of the newspaper - press. I baptized Elizabeth Smith, who resided with us when you - were in England, and she purposes coming out to America along with - us. -</p> -<p> There is very great distress among the operatives and the poor - generally, and great excitement respecting the agitation of the - repeal of the corn laws. Great fires have frequently occurred at - the commencement of this year; a large carrier's warehouse was - consumed by fire, about from £200,000 to £300,000 ($1,000,000 to - $1,500,000) worth of cotton and grain, &c., destroyed. It was the - Union Company's carrying ware house, Piccadilly. There is great - depression in almost every branch of manufactures, and great - perplexity; and I am daily more and more convinced that the time - is not far distant when Babylon the great will be <span class="pagenum"><a name="508"></a>{508}</span> fallen and - become a desolation, and the kings and the merchants of the earth - will weep and mourn over her, and she will be cast down, even as a - great mill-stone cast into the sea, and will be found no more at - all. -</p> -<p> I opened a place for preaching at Blakesley, about six week's ago; - and there were three baptized and confirmed there last week. I was - with Elder John Brotherton at Middleton on Sunday last, where he - and Elder Hardman had obtained a room to preach to the Chartists. - <sup>[<a name="CHAPTERXXIXfn6"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERXXIXfn6">6</a>]</sup> We have also a place opened at Disbury and Heaton. -</p> -<p> About three weeks ago there was a letter inserted in the - <em>Manchester Courier</em>, by a writer who signs himself R. P., calling - upon the clergymen of the church of England, and the respectable - inhabitants, and the most respectable and intelligent of the - police, to attend our meetings at the Carpenters' Hall, as they had - fondly hoped that the system would have fallen to the ground by the - weight of its own absurdity; but they found that there was method - and consistency in the apparent madness of these deluded people, - and that experience had taught them that such expectations were - vain; as they had observed that there was considerable consistency - displayed, and method attending our arrangements, there being - an emigration office established in this town, &c. The writer - suspected there was a genuine American trick being practiced by the - interested parties at the head of the system, to decoy the ignorant - and unwary to perish in the swamps of New Orleans, and that they - were draining the country of their best artists; and it was high - time some steps were taken to put a stop to such practices. -</p> -<p> We have since discovered that the writer is no other than Robert - <span class="pagenum"><a name="509"></a>{509}</span> Philips, Esq., an extensive manufacturer and merchant, - brother to Mark Philips, Esq., another great manufacturer and - member of parliament for the Borough of Manchester. The editor of - the <em>Courier</em> has been playing upon the same string for several - weeks since, and feels satisfied that from the exposure he has - given the whole system, it must inevitably die away. He was - therefore satisfied with having done his duty, and could safely - leave them to the management of the proper parties, and recommend - the police to do their duty. It appears that the gallant officer at - the head of the police (Sir Charles Shaw), has too much discretion - and good sense to be set on like a dog to worry out a society of - Christians, because the editor of the Puseyite Oracle pointed - the finger of scorn at them, because they dared to worship God - according to the dictates of their own consciences. I should have - liked very well for the police to have been there on Sunday last, - for three persons had to be put out by the brethren for disturbing - the meeting in the sacrament services. -</p> -<p> I remain, beloved brethren, your brother and fellow laborer, -</p> -<p> G. Walker. -</p> -<p> P. S.—I omitted to say that the writer in the paper alluded to, - informed the public that he was endeavoring to obtain information - respecting the movements of the people. He had previously sent a - person to Elder Pratt to get him to state something in writing - respecting emigration, and after the publication of the letter - before referred to, he again sent to Elder Pratt for additional - information in writing. I happened to be at Elder Pratt's when he - made the second application, and I told Elder Pratt that he was the - individual who had published the letter in the <em>Courier</em>. Elder - Pratt sent him another letter containing the required information; - and also stated that he had no objection to submit to him, or to - the government of this country, or any of its departments, the - religious principles of our society, our place of emigration, and - indeed the whole of our movements in this and other countries, for - the strictest investigation. -</p> -<p> The manufacturers are evidently beginning to be jealous of the - mechanics and workmen emigrating with people having so systematic - an organization as the Latter-day Saints display in their - arrangements in this town. -</p> -<p> I remain yours, &c. G. W. -</p></blockquote> -<h3>Footnotes: -</h3> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERXXIXfn1"></a><a href="#CHAPTERXXIXfn1">1</a>. Peter Maughan was born May 7, 1811, at Breckenridge, in the parish -of Parley, county of Cumberland, England. He married Miss Ruth Harrison -in 1829. He was baptized into the Church by Elder Isaac Russell -in 1838, and emigrated to Nauvoo with his family of six children, -now motherless, his wife having died in 1841. He came on the ship -<em>Rochester</em>, in company with Brigham Young and several other members -of the quorum of the Twelve on their return home. He was a man of keen -intelligence and commanding personal influence. -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERXXIXfn2"></a><a href="#CHAPTERXXIXfn2">2</a>. Cabul is the capital of Afghanistan, situated on the river Kabul. -It is noted as a commercial and strategic center, and the event named -in the text above is an incident in what is usually called the first -Afghan War. While the British were compelled to evacuate the place, as -stated in the text, they re-took it in September following. -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERXXIXfn3"></a><a href="#CHAPTERXXIXfn3">3</a>. Widow of the late Don Carlos Smith, the Prophet's brother. -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERXXIXfn4"></a><a href="#CHAPTERXXIXfn4">4</a>. The article from the <em>Star</em> here referred to is inserted <em>in -extenso</em>, and that for the reason that so many letters of Elder Hyde's -concerning his journey to Jerusalem have already appeared in this -volume, that this one seems necessary to the completion of the history -of that mission, which must be regarded as an important movement on the -part of the Church at this period. -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERXXIXfn5"></a><a href="#CHAPTERXXIXfn5">5</a>. George W. Gee was the first son of Solomon and Sarah W. Gee, born -in Rome, Ashtabula county, Ohio, August 13, 1815. Was baptized at -Kirtland, Geauga county, Ohio, February 17, 1833. Married Mary Jane -Smith in Kirtland, February 5, 1838, by whom he had two sons named -Elias S. and George W. Went to Caldwell county, Missouri, 1838. Was -driven out by a mob in the spring of 1839. Went to Nauvoo, and was -ordained an Elder in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, -at the first conference held at Nauvoo, in October, 1839. Removed to -Ambrosa, Lee county, Iowa, where he was appointed postmaster and deputy -county surveyor; he surveyed the city plats of Nashville and Zarahemla, -under the direction of President Joseph Smith. Was sent by the fall -conference in 1841, to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he died, January -20, 1842, while in discharge of his duties, having won the affections -of all the Saints with whom he had become acquainted, by his integrity -and perseverance. His opportunity for schooling had been limited, -but by his own exertion he attained to an excellent education, and -collected quite a respectable library. -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERXXIXfn6"></a><a href="#CHAPTERXXIXfn6">6</a>. "Chartism" and the "Chartists," may be said to have come into -existence early in the reign of Queen Victoria, in consequence of the -formal declarations of the leaders of the Liberal party in parliament -not to proceed further in the reforms to which it was generally -understood they were pledged. "Quietly studied now," says Justin -McCarthy (1878) "the people's charter does not seem a very formidable -document. There is so little smell of gun-powder about it. Its 'points' -as they were called were six:" Manhood suffrage; annual parliaments; -vote by ballot; abolition of the "property qualification" for -members of parliament; payment of the members of parliament; and the -division of the country into equal electoral districts. "There's your -charter," said Daniel O'Connel, to the secretary of the Workingmen's -Association—"There's your charter, agitate for it, and never be -content with anything less." It was this circumstance that gave the -movement and to its supporters the same "chartism" and "chartists." -"Nothing," to again quote McCarthy, "can be more unjust than to -represent the leaders and promoters of the movement as mere factions -and self-seeking demagogues. Some of them were impassioned young poets -drawn from the class whom Kingsley has described in 'Alton Locke;' some -were men of education; many were earnest and devoted fanatics; and so -far as we can judge, all, or nearly all, were sincere." <em>History of Our -Own Times</em>, Vol. I, Chapter V. This to show that the preaching of the -Elders of the Church to the "Chartists," was no effort to unite Church -work with any wild and disorderly political movement in England. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="510"></a>{510}</span> -</p> - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTERXXX"></a>CHAPTER XXX. -</h2> -<p class="chapterHeading">Emigration of the Saints from England to Nauvoo—The Book of Abraham. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, January 30, 1842</em>.—I preached at my house morning and -evening, concerning the different spirits, their operations, designs, -&c. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, 31</em>.—Assisted in appraising the tithings of Saturday with -Emma. Received many calls. Read in the Book of Mormon. After dinner -visited Brother Chase who was very sick, and in the evening was in -council with Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Orson Pratt, Wilford -Woodruff, and Willard Richards concerning Brother Snyder and the -printing office; spent the evening very cheerfully, and retired about -ten o'clock. -</p> -<p><em>Tuesday, February 1</em>.—Two large stones, for door sills, for the -Nauvoo House, were landed. -</p> -<p>The following article is from the <em>Millennial Star</em> of this date: -</p><blockquote> -<p> Emigration. -</p> -<p> In the midst of the general distress which prevails in this - country on account of the want of employment, the high price of - provisions, the oppression, priestcraft, and iniquity of the - land, it is pleasing to the household of faith to contemplate a - country reserved by the Almighty as a sure asylum for the poor - and oppressed,—a country every way adapted to their wants and - conditions—and still more pleasing to think that thousands of the - Saints have already made their escape from this country, and all - its abuses and distress, and that they have found a home, where, by - persevering industry, they may enjoy all the blessings of liberty, - peace and plenty. -</p> -<p> It is not yet two years since the Saints in England, in obedience - to the command of their heavenly Father, commenced a general plan - of emigration to the land of Zion. -</p> -<p> They were few in number, generally poor, and had every opposition - <span class="pagenum"><a name="511"></a>{511}</span> to encounter, both from a want of means and from the enemies - of truth, who circulated every falsehood calculated to hinder or - discourage them. Newspapers and tracts were put in circulation, - sermons and public speeches were delivered in abundance, to warn - the people that Nauvoo was a barren waste on the sea shore—that - it was a wild and uninhabited swamp—that it was full of savages, - wild beasts and serpents—that all the English Saints who should - go there would be immediately sold for slaves by the leaders of - the Church—that there was nothing to eat, no water, and no way - possible to obtain a living; that all who went there would have - their money taken from them, and themselves imprisoned, &c. But - notwithstanding all these things, thousands have emigrated from - this country, and now find themselves comfortably situated, and in - the enjoyment of the comforts of life, and in the midst of society - where God is worshiped in the spirit of truth and union, and where - nearly all are agreed in religious principles. They all find plenty - of employment and good wages, while the expense of living is about - one-eighth of what it costs in this country. For instance—beef and - pork costs about one penny per pound, flour from 2s to 3s for forty - pounds, and Indian meal about one shilling for sixty pounds; butter - from 4d to 6d per pound, while milch cows are to be had in plenty - for about £3 per head, and other things in proportion. Millions on - millions of acres of land lie before them unoccupied, with a soil - as rich as Eden, and a surface as smooth, clear, and ready for the - plough as the park scenery of England. -</p> -<p> Instead of a lonely swamp or dense forest filled with savages, wild - beasts and serpents, large cities and villages are springing up - in their midst, with schools, colleges, and temples. The mingled - noise of mechanism, the bustle of trade, the song of devotion, are - heard in the distance, while thousands of flocks and herds are seen - grazing peacefully on the plains, and the fields and gardens smile - with plenty, and the wild red men of the forest are only seen as - they come on a friendly visit to the Saints and to learn the way of - the Lord. -</p> -<p> Several large ships have been chartered by the Saints during the - present fall and winter, and have been filled with emigrants, who - have gone forth with songs of joy; and some of them have already - arrived safely in the promised land, while others are, doubtless, - still tossing upon the ocean. -</p> -<p> The expense of passage and provisions to New Orleans has, at no - time this season, exceeded £4, and it is generally as low as three - pounds fifteen shillings. This is remarkable when we reflect that - each passenger has provisions and water provided in plenty for ten - weeks. But it is obtained at this low price by a union of effort - among the Saints, and by the faithful and persevering exertions - of their agents. For instance <span class="pagenum"><a name="512"></a>{512}</span> they purchase provisions by - the quantity, and duty free, and the moment they bid farewell to - their native shores they hoist the <em>Flag of Liberty</em>—the Ensign of - Zion—the stars and stripes of the American Union; and under its - protection they completely and practically nullify the bread tax. - They eat free bread, free tea, free sugar, free everything, and - thus accomplish a journey of five thousand miles on the same money - that is would cost to feed them for the same length of time in - England. -</p> -<p> Who that has a heart to feel, or a soul to rejoice, will not be - glad at so glorious a plan of deliverance? Who will not hail the - messengers of the Latter-day Saints as the friends of humanity—the - benefactors of mankind. -</p><blockquote> -<p class="poetry"> Thousands have gone, and millions more must go,<br> - The Gentiles as a stream to Zion flow.<br> -</p></blockquote> -<p> Yes, friends, this glorious work has but just commenced; and we - now call upon the Saints to come forward with united effort, with - persevering exertion, and with union of action, and help yourselves - and one another to emigrate to the Land of Promise. -</p> -<p> In this way we shall not only bring about the deliverance of tens - of thousands, who must otherwise suffer in this country, but we - shall add to the strength of Zion, and help to rear her cities and - temples—"to make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the - garden of the Lord," while the young men and the middle aged will - serve to increase her legions—to strengthen her bulwarks—that the - enemies of law and order who have sought her destruction, may stand - afar off and tremble, and her banner become terrible to the wicked. -</p> -<p> Ye children of Zion, once more we say, in the name of Israel's God, - arise, break off your shackles, loose yourselves from the bands of - your neck, and go forth to inherit the earth, and to build up waste - places of many generations. -</p> -<p> All who would go before September next, should go in the early part - of March, as it is as late as is advisable to venture by way of - New Orleans, on account of the extreme heat of summer; and to go - by New York or Quebec, will be double the expense. Experience has - taught us that an emigrant can go from Liverpool to New Orleans, - and from thence 1,500 miles up the river to Nauvoo for something - like £5 per head, including all provisions and expenses; while by - way of New York or Quebec it will cost from ten to thirteen pounds; - and besides there is another consideration, and that is, goods will - cost but a trifle for freight up the Mississippi on a steamer, - while the expense would be immense the other way. -</p> -<p> Therefore the Saints will please take notice, that after the 10th - of March next, emigration had better entirely cease, till about the - 20th of <span class="pagenum"><a name="513"></a>{513}</span> September following. If thousands should wish to go - between this time and the 10th of March, they have only to furnish - us with their names and about £4 per head (children under fourteen - years half price), and we will provide them passage and provisions, - for the voyage, and return the overplus, if any, at Liverpool. -</p> -<p> We would again urge upon emigrants the important fact that if - they make known to us their intentions, and send their money and - names some weeks beforehand, it will be a great convenience, and - save confusion, trouble and expense. All applications should - be addressed to Messrs. Pratt and Fielding, 36 Chapel street, - Liverpool, or to the <em>Star</em> office, 47 Oxford street, Manchester. -</p> -<p> We do not wish to confine the benefit of our emigration plan to - the Saints, but are willing to grant all industrious, honest, and - well-disposed persons who may apply to us the same information and - assistance as emigrants to the western states, there being abundant - room for more than a hundred millions of inhabitants. -</p></blockquote> -<p class="sidenote">Death of Laura Phelps. -</p> -<p><em>Wednesday, 2</em>.—Sister Laura Phelps, wife of Morris Phelps, died, -aged 36 years. She was driven from Jackson county in 1833, was in the -persecution of Missouri, in 1838, and went from Iowa to Missouri to -assist in liberating her husband, and was left in the prison yard when -he made his escape, willing to suffer all the abuses a savage horde -could inflict upon her to set her companion free from the grasp of his -murderous enemies. Her rest is glorious. -</p> -<p>I spent the day in council with Dr. Isaac Galland and Calvin A. Warren, -Esq. -</p> -<p><em>Thursday, 3</em>.—In council with Calvin A. Warren, Esq., concerning a -settlement with the estate of Oliver Granger, and delivered him the -necessary papers. -</p> -<p>Elder Woodruff took the superintendence of the printing office, and -Elder Taylor the editorial department of the <em>Times and Seasons</em>; and -he commenced by taking an inventory of the establishment this day. -</p> -<p><em>Friday, 4</em>.—Instructed that an invoice of Dr. Galland's scrip be made. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Debates in Nauvoo. -</p> -<p>Closed a contract with Ebenezer Robinson for the printing office on -the corner of Bain and Water streets, also <span class="pagenum"><a name="514"></a>{514}</span> the paper fixtures, -bookbindery, and stereotype foundry, by proxy, namely, Willard -Richards, cost between 7,000 and 8,000 dollars. In the evening attended -a debate. At this time debates were held weekly, and entered into by -men of the first talents in the city, young and old, for the purpose of -eliciting truth, acquiring knowledge, and improving in public speaking. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Vindication of Daniel Wood. -</p> -<p><em>Saturday, 5</em>.—Elder Daniel Wood, who had been silenced by Presidents -Smith and Young, on a complaint for teaching false doctrine, came -before the High Council at Nauvoo, and proved that he had not taught -false doctrine, but had been complained of by those who had prejudice -and hardness against him, and was restored to his former standing in -the Church. -</p> -<p>This being Tithing Day, upwards of $1,000 worth of property was -received. -</p> -<p>The ship <em>Hope</em> sailed from Liverpool for New Orleans with 270 Saints. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 6</em>.—Elders Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball went to La -Harpe to hold a two-days meeting. -</p> -<p>From this time I was engaged in counseling the brethren and attending -to the common vocations of life and my calling, reading the Book of -Mormon, &c. -</p> -<p><em>Thursday, 10</em>.—I was sick and kept my bed. -</p> -<p>The war continues to rage between England and China. -</p> -<p><em>Friday, 11</em>.—I was convalescent, and walked twice to the store. -</p> -<p><em>Saturday, 12</em>.—An ordinance regulating weights and measures was -passed, also an ordinance regulating auctions, by the city council -which I attended. During the sitting of the council the subject of our -chartered rights was discussed. -</p> -<p>In the afternoon, plead in an action of slander before the mayor, in -behalf of the city against Lyman O. <span class="pagenum"><a name="515"></a>{515}</span> Littlefield, and obtained -judgment of $500 bonds to keep the peace. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 13</em>—In council with the mayor, Brother Hyrum and Elder -Willard Richards, and visited Samuel Bennett (who was sick) in company -with William Law and wife. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, 14</em>.—Spent the day at my office, transacting a variety of -business, and continued to do the same from day to day till the 17th. -</p> -<p><em>Thursday, 17</em>.—I attended a special session of the city council, when -an ordinance was passed authorizing and regulating marriages in the -city of Nauvoo. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Letter of Alfred Cordon to Joseph Smith—Reporting Affairs in - England</em>. -</p> -<p> Hanley, Stafford County, England, February 17, 1842. -</p> -<p> President Joseph Smith:—The work in which we are engaged rolls - on in this lands and in spite of all its enemies, moves onward - in majesty and power; there are many who devote all their time - and talent in endeavoring to overthrow it; but I discover that - they can "do nothing against the truth but for the truth." Many - tracts have been published against us, containing all manner of - lies, but in the end good will be the result. "He that knoweth - God, heareth us." Some of the tools of Satan are doing more in - spreading the truth than we are able to do; one in particular, a - Mr. Brindley, is publishing a periodical showing the "errors and - blasphemies" of "Mormonism;" and in order to do this, he publishes - many of the revelations of God given to us, and through this means, - the testimony is visiting the mansions of the high and mighty - ones—the "reverends, right reverends" and all the noble champions - of sectarians receive them as a precious morsel; and they are - read with much interest; whereas, if we had sent them, they would - have been spurned from their dwellings, and would not have been - considered worth reading. -</p> -<p> The state of this country is very awful, and is, according to - prospects, on the eve of a mighty revolution; all confidence is - gone between master and man, and men are afraid of each other; - peace is fast removing from this land; in the course of the last - few days, in many parts of this isle, they have been burning - the effigy of the great men of this nation—poverty, distress - and starvation abound on every hand. The groans, and tears and - wretchedness of the thousands of people are enough to rend the - hearts of demons; many of the Saints are suffering much <span class="pagenum"><a name="516"></a>{516}</span> - through hunger and nakedness; many with large families can scarcely - get bread and water enough to hold the spirit in the tabernacle; - many, very many, are out of employment, and cannot get work to do, - and others that do work hard fourteen or fifteen hours per day, can - scarcely earn enough to enable them to live upon the earth. Surely - there is need of deliverance in Zion, and I am ready to exclaim, - thanks be to Thy name, O Lord, for remembering Thy covenants! and - that the "set time to favor Zion has come," and that He has chosen - the west for a refuge for His people. -</p> -<p> Wishing you all success, I remain, yours in the new and everlasting - covenant. -</p> -<p> Alfred Cordon. -</p></blockquote> -<p class="sidenote">Confidence in the Nauvoo Charter. -</p> -<p><em>Friday, 18</em>.—I attended an adjourned city council, and spoke at -considerable length in committee of the whole on the great privileges -of the Nauvoo Charter, and especially on the registry of deeds for -Nauvoo, and prophesied in the name of the Lord God, that Judge Douglas -and no other judge of the Circuit Court will ever set aside a law of -the city council, establishing a registry of deeds in the city of -Nauvoo. -</p> -<p><em>Saturday, 19</em>.—I was engaged in the Recorder's Office (in the first -story of the Brick Store), on the tithings, and in council in my office -with Elders Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball and others. -</p> -<p>A severe shock of an earthquake threw down all the parapets, bastions, -and guard houses constructed by Sir Robert Sale, and demolished a third -part of the town of Jellalabad, India. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 20</em>.—I attended the meeting on the hill. About this time the -ship <em>John Cummins</em> sailed from Liverpool for New Orleans with Saints. -The <em>Tremont</em> sailed on the 12th of January with 143 passengers, mostly -Saints. The expenses of passage from Liverpool to New Orleans averages -from £3, 15s to £4, including provisions. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, 21</em>.—I was visiting in the city in the morning, and -transacting a variety of business at the office in the afternoon and -evening. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="517"></a>{517}</span> <em>Announcement of the Trustee in Trust for the Church - Respecting Work on the Temple</em>. -</p> -<p> To The Brethren In Nauvoo City: Greeting—It is highly important - for the forwarding of the Temple, that an equal distribution of - labor should be made in relation to time; as a superabundance of - hands one week, and none the next, tends to retard the progress of - the work: therefore every brother is requested to be particular - to labor on the day set apart for the same, in his ward; and to - remember that he that sows sparingly, shall also reap sparingly, so - that if the brethren want a plentiful harvest, they will do well to - be at the place of labor in good season in the morning, bringing - all necessary tools, according to their occupation, and those who - have teams bring them also, unless otherwise advised by the Temple - Committee. Should any one be detained from his labor by unavoidable - circumstances on the day appointed, let him labor the next day, or - the first day possible. -</p> -<p> N. B—The captains of the respective wards are particularly - requested to be at the place of labor on their respective days, - and keep an accurate account of each man's work, and be ready to - exhibit a list of the same when called for. -</p> -<p> The heart of the Trustee is daily made to rejoice in the good - feelings of the brethren, made manifest in their exertion to carry - forward the work of the Lord, and rear His Temple; and it is hoped - that neither planting, sowing, or reaping will hereafter be made to - interfere with the regulations hinted at above. -</p> -<p> Joseph Smith, Trustee in Trust. -</p> -<p> <em>An Additional Word from the Twelve</em>. -</p> -<p> Recorders Office Febr. 21, 1842. -</p> -<p> We would also say to all the churches, that inasmuch as they want - the blessings of God and angels, as also of the Church of Jesus - Christ, and wish to see it spread and prosper through the world, - and Zion built up and truth and righteousness prevail,—let all - the different branches of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day - Saints in all the world, call meetings in their respective places - and tithe themselves and send up to this place to the Trustee in - Trust, so that his hands may be loosed, and the Temple go on, and - other works be done, such as the new translation of the Bible, and - the record of Father Abraham published to the world. -</p> -<p> Beloved brethren, we as the messengers of the Lord feel to call - upon you to help roll on the mighty work, it is our duty so to do, - and it is your reasonable service—and the Lord will bless you in - so doing. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="518"></a>{518}</span> We subscribe ourselves your humble servants, and standard - bearers to the world. Brigham Young, President, -</p> -<p> Willard Richards, Clerk of the Twelve. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Tuesday, 22</em>.—Attended to a variety of business as usual. -</p> -<p><em>Wednesday, 23</em>.—Settled with and paid Brother Chase, and assisted -in the counting room in settling with Ebenezer Robinson, visiting the -printing office, and gave Reuben Hedlock instruction concerning the cut -for the altar and gods in the Records of Abraham, as designed for the -<em>Times and Seasons</em>. -</p> -<p><em>Thursday, 24</em>.—Engaged in council with the brethren, attended to -business at the general office. In the afternoon explained the records -of Abraham to the recorder. Sisters Marinda, Mary, and others present -to hear the explanations. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Letter of the Prophet's to an Unknown Brother on Tithing</em>. -</p> -<p> Nauvoo, Feb. 24, 1842. -</p> -<p> Beloved Brother—Yours of the 24th ult. is received, in relation - to certain tithings of your neighborhood being transferred to your - account, which you hold against the Church to the amount of $305, - including $150 of your own. -</p> -<p> There are no receipts issued for property received on tithing; but - an entry is made in the Book of the Law of the Lord, and parties - living at a distance notified of the same. -</p> -<p> If the parties named will pay you the sum specified in your letter, - and you will endorse the same, i. e. $305, on the obligation you - hold against the Church, and give me notice accordingly, with a - schedule of individuals' names and payments, the same shall be - entered to their credit on tithing. Yours, &c. -</p> -<p> Joseph Smith, -</p> -<p> Willard Richards, Scribe. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Friday, 25</em>.—Engaged in counseling and general business. -</p> -<p><em>Saturday, 26</em>.—At the recorder's office engaged in the tithing, and -at the court at the office of the Patriarch. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 27</em>.—Engaged in counseling the Saints. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, 28</em>.—I offered a settlement to Father Snow by <span class="pagenum"><a name="519"></a>{519}</span> Jenkins' -notes, which he declined, choosing to take land in Ramus; paid Brother -Robert Pierce $2,700, the balance due him for a farm Dr. Galland bought -of Brother Pierce in Brandywine Township, Chester county, Pennsylvania, -for $5,000, namely a deed for lot 2, block 94, $1,100, and lot 1, -block 95, $800, and lot 4, block 78, $806, the remainder having been -previously paid. The bond was cancelled and given up, and Brother -Pierce expressed his satisfaction of the whole, in the <em>Times and -Seasons</em>, as follows— -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Note of Robert Pierce—Expressing Satisfaction at Financial - Settlement</em>. -</p> -<p> Nauvoo, Feb. 28, 1842. -</p> -<p> <em>President Joseph Smith</em>. -</p> -<p> Dear Sir—I feel anxious to express my feelings concerning the - business transactions between the Church and myself; as it is well - known to many, that Dr. Galland, as agent for the Church, purchased - my farm while I was living in Brandywine Township, Chester county, - Pennsylvania, and many supposed, or pretended to suppose, I would - get nothing in return; but I wish to say to all my old friends - and enemies in Pennsylvania, through the medium of the <em>Times and - Seasons</em>, that I have received my pay in full from the Church of - Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, through yourself, sir, as their - trustee in trust, according to the original contract; and that from - my acquaintance with yourself, and those brethren who are assisting - you in the great and increasing business of the Church, I have the - fullest confidence in all the transactions of the Church, and I - request those papers in Philadelphia, who published concerning my - sale and loss, with such bitter lamentations, to publish this also. -</p> -<p> I am, sir, your brother and well-wisher, -</p> -<p> Robert Pierce. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Thursday, March 1, 1842</em>.—During the forenoon I was at my office and -the printing office, correcting the first plate or cut of the records -of Father Abraham, prepared by Reuben Hedlock, for the <em>Times and -Seasons</em>, and in council in my office, in the afternoon; and in the -evening with the Twelve and their wives at Elder Woodruff's, at which -time I explained many important principles in relation to progressive -improvement in the scale of intelligent existence. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="520"></a>{520}</span> I commenced publishing my translations of the Book of Abraham in -the <em>Times and Seasons</em> as follows— -</p> -<p>Fac-Simile From the Book of Abraham—No. 1. -</p> -<p>Explanation of the Above Cut. -</p> -<p>Fig. 1. The Angel of the Lord. -</p> -<p>Fig. 2. Abraham fastened upon an altar. -</p> -<p>Fig. 3. The idolatrous priest of Elkenah attempting to offer up Abraham -as a sacrifice. -</p> -<p>Fig. 4. The altar for sacrifice by the idolatrous priests, standing -before the gods of Elkenah, Libnah, Mahmackrah, Korash, and Pharaoh. -</p> -<p>Fig. 5. The idolatrous god of Elkenah. -</p> -<p>Fig. 6. The idolatrous god of Libnah. -</p> -<p>Fig. 7. The idolatrous god of Mahmackrah. -</p> -<p>Fig. 8. The idolatrous god of Korash. -</p> -<p>Fig. 9. The idolatrous god of Pharaoh. -</p> -<p>Fig. 10. Abraham in Egypt. -</p> -<p>Fig. 11. Designed to represent the pillars of heaven, as understood by -the Egyptians. -</p> -<p>Fig. 12. Raukeeyang, signifying expanse, or the firmament over our -heads; but in this case, in relation to this subject, the Egyptians -meant it to signify Shaumau, to be high, or the heavens; answering to -the Hebrew word, Shaumahyeem. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="521"></a>{521}</span> -</p> -<p>Fac-Simile From the Book of Abraham—No. 2. -</p> -<p>Explanation of the Above Cut. -</p> -<p>Fig. 1. Kolob, signifying the first creation, nearest to the celestial, -or the residence of God. First in government, the last pertaining to -the measurement of time. The measurement according to celestial time; -which celestial time signifies one day to a cubit. One day in Kolob is -equal to a thousand years according to the measurement of this earth, -which is called by the Egyptians Jah-oh-eh. -</p> -<p>Fig. 2. Stands next to Kolob, called by the Egyptians Oliblish, which -is the next grand governing creation near to the celestial or the place -where God resides; holding the key of power also, pertaining to other -planets; as revealed from God to Abraham, as he offered sacrifice upon -an altar, which he had built unto the Lord. -</p> -<p>Fig. 3. Is made to represent God, sitting upon His throne, clothed -with power and authority; with a crown of eternal light upon his -head; representing, also, the grand key words of the Holy Priesthood, -as revealed to Adam in the Garden of Eden, as also to Seth, Noah, -Melchisedek, Abraham, and all to whom the Priesthood was revealed. -</p> -<p>Fig. 4. Answers to the Hebrew word Raukeeyang, signifying expanse or -the firmament of the heavens; also a numerical figure, in Egyptian -signifying one thousand; answering to the measuring of the time of -Oliblish, which is equal with Kolob in its revolution and in its -measuring of time. -</p> -<p>Fig. 5. Is called in Egyptian Enish-go-on-dosh; this is one of the -governing planets also, and is said by the Egyptians to be the -Sun, and to borrow its light <span class="pagenum"><a name="522"></a>{522}</span> from Kolob, through the medium -of Kae-e-vanrash, which is the grand Key, or, in other words, the -governing power, which governs fifteen other fixed planets or stars, -as also Floeese or the Moon, the Earth and the Sun in their annual -revolutions. This planet receives its power through the medium of -Kli-flos-is-es, or Hah-ko-kau-beam, the stars represented by numbers -22, and 23, receiving light from the revolutions of Kolob. -</p> -<p>Fig. 6. Represents this earth in its four quarters. -</p> -<p>Fig. 7. Represents God sitting upon His throne, revealing through the -heavens the grand Key-words of the Priesthood; as also the sign of the -Holy Ghost unto Abraham, in the form of a dove. -</p> -<p>Fig. 8. Contains writings that cannot be revealed unto the world; but -is to be had in the Holy Temple of God. -</p> -<p>Fig. 9. Ought not to be revealed at the present time. -</p> -<p>Fig. 10. Also. -</p> -<p>Fig. 11. Also.—If the world can find out these numbers, so let it be. -Amen. -</p> -<p>Figures 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20, will be given in the -own due time of the Lord. -</p> -<p>The above translation is given as far as we have any right to give at -the present time. -</p> -<p>Explanation on Cut No. 3. -</p> -<p>Fig. 1. Abraham sitting upon Pharaoh's throne, by the politeness of -the king, with a crown upon his head, representing the Priesthood, as -emblematical of the grand Presidency in Heaven, with the scepter of -justice and judgment in his hand. -</p> -<p>Fig. 2. King Pharaoh, whose name is given in the characters above his -head. -</p> -<p>Fig. 3. Signifies Abraham in Egypt; referring to Abraham, as given also -in the ninth number of the Times and Seasons. (Also as given in the -first fac-simile of this book.) -</p> -<p>Fig. 4. Prince of Pharaoh, King of Egypt, as written above the hand. -</p> -<p>Fig. 5. Shulem, one of the king's principal waiters, as represented by -the characters above his hand. -</p> -<p>Fig. 6. Olimlah, a slave belonging to the prince. -</p> -<p>Abraham is reasoning upon the principles of Astronomy, in the king's -court. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="523"></a>{523}</span> Fac-Simile From The Book of Abraham—No 3. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="524"></a>{524}</span> -</p> -<p>The Book Of Abraham.<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERXXXfn1"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERXXXfn1">1</a>]</sup> -</p> -<p>Translated from the Papyrus, by Joseph Smith.<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERXXXfn2"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERXXXfn2">2</a>]</sup> -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>A Translation of some Ancient Records that have fallen into our - hands, from the Catacombs of Egypt, purporting to be the writings - of Abraham, while he was in Egypt, called the Book of Abraham, - written by his own hand upon papyrus</em>. -</p> -<p> In the land of the Chaldeans, at the residence of my father, I - Abraham, saw that it was needful for me to obtain another place - of residence, and finding there was greater happiness, and peace - and rest for me, I sought for the blessings of the fathers, and - the right whereunto I should be ordained to administer the same; - having been myself a follower of righteousness, desiring also to - be one who possessed great knowledge, and to be a greater follower - of righteousness, and to possess a greater knowledge, and to be a - father of many nations, a prince of peace; and desiring to receive - instructions and to keep the commandments of God, I became a - rightful heir, a High Priest, holding the right belonging to the - fathers; it was conferred upon me from the fathers; it came down - from the fathers, from the beginning of time, yea, even from the - beginning, or before the foundations of the earth, to the present - time, even the right of the first born, or the first man, who is - Adam, our first Father, through the fathers, unto me. -</p> -<p> 2. I sought for mine appointment unto the Priesthood according to - the appointment of God unto the fathers, concerning the seed. My - <span class="pagenum"><a name="525"></a>{525}</span> fathers having turned from their righteousness, and from the - holy commandments which the Lord their God had given unto them, - unto the worshiping of the gods of the heathen, utterly refused to - hearken to my voice; for their hearts were set to do evil, and were - wholly turned to the god of Elkenah, and the god of Libnah, and the - god of Mahmackrah, and the god of Korash, and the god of Pharaoh, - king of Egypt, therefore they turned their hearts to the sacrifice - of the heathen in offering up their children unto their dumb idols, - and hearkened not unto my voice, but endeavored to take away my - life by the hand of the priest of Elkenah—the priest of Elkenah - was also the priest of Pharaoh. -</p> -<p> 3. Now at this time it was the custom of the priest of Pharaoh, - the king of Egypt, to offer up upon the altar which was built in - the land of Chaldea, for the offering unto these strange gods, - men, women and children. And it came to pass that the priest - made an offering unto the god of Pharaoh, and also unto the god - of Shagreel, even after the manner of the Egyptians. Now the god - of Shagreel was the Sun. Even the thank-offering of a child did - the priest of Pharaoh offer upon this altar, which stood by the - hill called Potiphar's hill, at the head of the plain of Olishem. - Now, this priest had offered upon the altar three virgins at one - time, who were the daughters of Onitah, one of the royal descent, - directly from the loins of Ham. These virgins were offered up - because of their virtue; they would not bow down to worship gods of - wood, or of stone, therefore they were killed upon this altar, and - it was done after the manner of the Egyptians. -</p> -<p> 4. And it came to pass that the priests laid violence upon me, - that they might slay me also, as they did those virgins, upon this - altar; and that you may have a knowledge of this altar, I will - refer you to the representation at the commencement of this record. - It was made after the form of a bedstead, such as was had among - the Chaldeans, and it stood before the gods of Elkenah, Libna, - Mahmackrah, Korash, and also a god like unto that of Pharaoh, king - of Egypt. That you may have an understanding of these gods, I have - given you the fashion of them in the figures at the beginning, - which manner of the figures is called by the Chaldeans Rahleenos, - which signifies hieroglyphics. -</p> -<p> 5. And as they lifted up their hands upon me, that they might offer - me up and take away my life, behold I lifted up my voice unto the - Lord my God; and the Lord hearkened and heard, and he filled me - with a vision of the Almighty, and the angel of his presence stood - by me, and immediately unloosed my bands, and his voice was unto - me, Abraham! Abraham! behold my name is JEHOVAH, and I have heard - thee, and have come down to deliver thee, and to take thee away - from thy father's house, and from all thy kinsfolk, into a strange - land that thou knowest <span class="pagenum"><a name="526"></a>{526}</span> not of, and this because they have - turned their hearts away from me, to worship the god of Elkenah, - and the god of Libnah, and the god of Mahmackrah, and the god of - Korash, and the god of Pharaoh, king of Egypt; therefore I have - come down to visit them, and to destroy him who hath lifted up his - hand against thee, Abraham my son, to take away thy life. Behold I - will lead thee by my hand, and I will take thee to put upon thee my - name, even the Priesthood of thy father; and my power shall be over - thee; as it was with Noah so shall it be with thee, but through thy - ministry my name shall be known in the earth for ever, for I am thy - God. -</p> -<p> 6. Behold Potiphar's Hill was in the land of Ur, of Chaldea; and - the Lord broke down the altar of Elkenah, and of the gods of the - land, and utterly destroyed them, and smote the priest that he - died; and there was great mourning in Chaldea, and also in the - court of Pharaoh, which Pharaoh signifies king by royal blood. - Now this king of Egypt was a descendant from the loins of Ham, - and was a partaker of the blood of the Canaanites by birth. From - this descent sprang all the Egyptians, and thus the blood of the - Canaanites was preserved in the land. -</p> -<p> 7. The land of Egypt being first discovered by a woman, who - was the daughter of Ham, and the daughter of Egyptus, which, - in the Chaldean, signifies Egypt, which signifies, that which - is forbidden. When this woman discovered the land it was under - water, who afterwards settled her sons in it: and thus from Ham, - sprang that race which preserved the curse in the land. Now the - first government of Egypt was established by Pharaoh, the eldest - son of Egyptus, the daughter of Ham, and it was after the manner - of the government of Ham, which was patriarchal. Pharaoh being a - righteous man, established his kingdom and judged his people wisely - and justly all his days, seeking earnestly to imitate that order - established by the fathers in the first generations, in the days of - the first patriarchal reign, even in the reign of Adam, and also of - Noah, his father, who blessed him with the blessings of the earth, - and with the blessings of wisdom, but cursed him as pertaining to - the Priesthood. -</p> -<p> 8. Now Pharaoh being of that lineage by which he could not have - the right of Priesthood, notwithstanding the Pharaohs would fain - claim it from Noah, through Ham, therefore my father was led away - by their idolatry; but I shall endeavor hereafter to delineate - the chronology, running back from myself to the beginning of the - creation, for the records have come into my hands which I hold unto - this present time. -</p> -<p> 9. Now, after the priest of Elkenah was smitten, that he died, - there came a fulfillment of those things which were said unto me - concerning the land of Chaldea, that there should be a famine in - the land. Accordingly a famine prevailed throughout all the land of - Chaldea, and my <span class="pagenum"><a name="527"></a>{527}</span> father was sorely tormented because of the - famine, and he repented of the evil which he had determined against - me, to take away my life. But the records of the fathers, even the - patriarchs, concerning the right of Priesthood, the Lord my God - preserved in mine own hands, therefore a knowledge of the beginning - of the creation, and also of the planets, and of the stars, as - they were made known unto the fathers, have I kept even unto this - day, and I shall endeavor to write some of these things upon this - record, for the benefit of my posterity that shall come after me. -</p> -<p> 10. Now, the Lord God caused the famine to wax sore in the land of - Ur, insomuch that Haran, my brother died, but Terah, my father, - yet lived in the land of Ur of the Chaldees. And it came to pass - that I, Abraham, took Sarai to wife, and Nehor, my brother, took - Milcah to wife, who were the daughters of Haran. Now the Lord said - unto me, Abraham, get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred - and from thy father's house unto a land that I will show thee. - Therefore I left the land of Ur, of the Chaldees, to go into the - land of Canaan; and I took Lot, my brother's son, and his wife, and - Sarai, my wife, and also my father followed after me, unto the land - which we denominated Haran. And the famine abated; and my father - tarried in Haran and dwelt there, as there were many flocks in - Haran; and my father turned again unto his idolatry, therefore he - continued in Haran. -</p> -<p> 11. But I, Abraham, and Lot, my brother's son, prayed unto the - Lord, and the Lord appeared unto me, and said unto me, arise, and - take Lot with thee, for I have purposed to take thee away out of - Haran, and to make of thee a minister, to bear my name in a strange - land which I will give unto thy seed after thee for an everlasting - possession, when they hearken to my voice, for I am the Lord thy - God; I dwell in heaven, the earth is my footstool; I stretch my - hand over the sea, and it obeys my voice; I cause the wind and the - fire to be my chariot; I say to the mountains depart hence, and - behold they are taken away by a whirlwind, in an instant, suddenly. - My name is Jehovah, and I know the end from the beginning, - therefore, my hand shall be over thee, and I will make of thee a - great nation, and I will bless thee above measure; and make thy - name great among all nations, and thou shalt be a blessing unto thy - seed after thee, that in their hands they shall bear this ministry - and Priesthood unto all nations; and I will bless them through thy - name; for as many as receive this Gospel shall be called after - thy name, and shall be accounted thy seed, and shall rise up and - bless thee, as their father, and I will bless them that bless - thee, and curse them that curse thee, and in thee (that is, in thy - Priesthood), and in thy seed (that is thy Priesthood), for I give - unto thee a promise that this right shall continue in thee, and in - thy seed after thee (that is to say, the <span class="pagenum"><a name="528"></a>{528}</span> literal seed, or the - seed of the body) shall all the families of the earth be blessed, - even with the blessings of the Gospel, which are the blessings of - salvation, even of life eternal. -</p> -<p> 12. Now, after the Lord had withdrawn from speaking to me, and - withdrawn his face from me, I said in my heart, thy servant has - sought thee earnestly, now I have found thee. Thou didst send thine - angel to deliver me from the gods of Elkenah, and I will do well - to hearken unto thy voice, therefore let thy servant rise up and - depart in peace. So I, Abraham, departed as the Lord had said unto - me, and Lot with me, and I, Abraham, was sixty and two years old - when I departed out of Haran. And I took Sarai, whom I took to - wife when I was in Ur in Chaldea, and Lot, my brother's son, and - all our substance that we had gathered, and the souls that we had - won in Haran, and came forth in the way to the land of Canaan, and - dwelt in tents, as we came on our way; therefore, eternity was our - covering, and our rock, and our salvation, as we journeyed from - Haran by the way of Jershon, to come to the land of Canaan. -</p> -<p> 13. Now I, Abraham, built an altar in the land of Jershon, and - made an offering unto the Lord, and prayed that the famine might - be turned away from my father's house, that they might not perish; - and then we passed from Jershon through the land, unto the place - of Sechem. It was situated in the plains of Moreh, and we had - already come into the borders of the land of the Canaanites, and I - offered sacrifice there in the plains of Moreh, and called on the - Lord devoutly, because we had already come into the land of this - idolatrous nation. -</p> -<p> 14. And the Lord appeared unto me in answer to my prayers, and - said unto me, unto thy seed will I give this land. And I, Abraham - arose from the place of the altar which I had built unto the Lord, - and removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Bethel, and - pitched my tent there; Bethel on the west, and Hai on the east; and - there I built another altar unto the Lord, and called again upon - the name of the Lord. -</p> -<p> 15. And I, Abraham, journeyed, going on still towards the south; - and there was a continuation of a famine in the land, and I, - Abraham, concluded to go down into Egypt, to sojourn there, for the - famine became very grievous. And it came to pass when I was come - near to enter into Egypt, the Lord said unto me, behold Sarai, thy - wife, is a very fair woman to look upon, therefore it shall come - to pass, when the Egyptians shall see her they will say, she is - his wife; and they will kill you, but they will save her alive: - therefore, see that ye do on this wise, let her say unto the - Egyptians she is thy sister, and thy soul shall live. And it came - to pass that I, Abraham, told Sarai, my wife, all that the Lord had - said unto me; therefore, say unto them, I pray thee, thou art <span class="pagenum"><a name="529"></a>{529}</span> - my sister, that it may be well with me for thy sake, and my soul - shall live because of thee. -</p> -<p> 16. And I, Abraham, had the Urim and Thummim, which the Lord my - God had given unto me, in Ur of the Chaldees; and I saw the stars, - that they were very great, and that one of them was nearest unto - the throne of God: and there were many great ones which were near - unto it: and the Lord said unto me, these are the governing ones; - and the name of the great one is Kolob, because it is near unto me; - for I am the Lord thy God. I have set this one to govern all those - which belong to the same order as that upon which thou standest. - And the Lord said unto me, by the Urim and Thummim, that Kolob was - after the manner of the Lord, according to its times and seasons - in the revolutions thereof, that one revolution was a day unto the - Lord, after His manner of reckoning, it being one thousand years - according to the time appointed unto that whereon thou standest; - this is the reckoning of the Lord's time, according to the - reckoning of Kolob. -</p> -<p> 17. And the Lord said unto me, the planet which is the lesser - light, lesser than that which is to rule the day, even the night, - is above, or greater than that upon which thou standest in point - of reckoning, for it moveth in order more slow; this is in order, - because it standeth above the earth upon which thou standest, - therefore the reckoning of its time is not so many as to its number - of days, and of months and of years. And the Lord said unto me, Now - Abraham, these two facts exist, behold thine eyes see it; it is - given unto thee to know the times of reckoning, and the set time, - yea, the set time of the earth upon which thou standest, and the - set time of the greater light, which is set to rule the day, and - the set time of the lesser light, which is set to rule the night. -</p> -<p> 18. Now the set time of the lesser light, is a longer time as to - its reckoning than the reckoning of the time of the earth upon - which thou standest; and where these two facts exist, there shall - be another fact above them; that is, there shall be another planet - whose reckoning of time shall be longer still; and thus there shall - be the reckoning of the time of one planet above another, until - thou come nigh unto Kolob, which Kolob is after the reckoning of - the Lord's time; which Kolob is set nigh unto the throne of God, - to govern all those planets which belong to the same order as that - upon which thou standest. And it is given unto thee to know the set - time of all the stars, that are set to give light, until thou come - near unto the throne of God. -</p> -<p> 19. Thus I, Abraham, talked with the Lord face to face, as one man - talketh with another; and He told me of the works which His hands - had made; and He said unto me, My son, my son, (and His hand was - stretched out,) behold, I will show you all these. And He put His - hand upon mine eyes, and I saw those things which His hands had - made, <span class="pagenum"><a name="530"></a>{530}</span> which were many; and they multiplied before mine eyes, - and I could not see the end thereof; and He said unto me this is - Shinehah which is the sun. And He said unto me, Kokob, which is - star. And He said unto me, Olea, which is the moon. And He said - unto me, Kokaubeam, which signifies stars, or all the great lights - which were in the firmament of heaven. And it was in the night time - when the Lord spake these words unto me: I will multiply thee and - thy seed after thee, like unto these; and if thou canst count the - number of sands so shall be the number of thy seeds. -</p> -<p> 20. And the Lord said unto me, Abraham, I show these things unto - thee, before ye go into Egypt, that ye may declare all these words. - If two things exist, and there be one above the other, there shall - be greater things above them; therefore Kolob is the greatest of - all the Kokaubeam that thou hast seen, because it is nearest unto - me; now if there be two things, one above the other, and the moon - be above the earth, then it may be that a planet, or a star may - exist above it, (and there is nothing that the Lord thy God shall - take in His heart to do, but what He will do it;) howbeit that He - made the greater star; as, also, if there be two spirits, and one - shall be more intelligent than the other, yet these two spirits, - notwithstanding one is more intelligent than the other, have no - beginning, they existed before; they shall have no end, they shall - exist after, for they are gnolaum or eternal. -</p> -<p> 21. And the Lord said unto me, these two facts do exist, that there - are two spirits, one being more intelligent than the other, there - shall be another more intelligent than they: I am the Lord thy God, - I am more intelligent than they all. The Lord thy God sent His - angel to deliver thee from the hands of the priest of Elkenah. I - dwell in the midst of them all; I, now, therefore, have come down - unto thee, to deliver unto thee the works which my hands have made, - wherein my wisdom excelleth them all, for I rule in the heavens - above, and in the earth beneath, in all wisdom and prudence, over - all the intelligences thine eyes have seen from the beginning; I - came down in the beginning in the midst of all the intelligences - thou hast seen. -</p> -<p> 22. Now the Lord had shown unto me, Abraham, the intelligences that - were organized before the world was; and among all these there were - many of the noble and great ones, and God saw these souls that they - were good, and He stood in the midst of them, and He said, These I - will make my rulers; for He stood among those that were spirits, - and he saw that they were good; and He said unto me, Abraham, thou - art one of them, thou wast chosen before thou wast born. And there - stood one among them that was like unto God, and he said unto those - who were with Him, We will go down, for there is space there, and - we will take of these materials, and we will make an earth whereon - these may <span class="pagenum"><a name="531"></a>{531}</span> dwell; and we will prove them herewith, to see if - they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command - them; and they who keep their first estate, shall be added upon; - and they who keep not their first estate shall not have glory in - the same kingdom with those who keep their first estate; and they - who keep their second estate, shall have glory added upon their - heads for ever and ever. -</p> -<p> 23. And the Lord said: Whom shall I send? And one answered like - unto the Son of Man: Here am I, send me and another answered and - said: Here am I, send me. And the Lord said: I will send the first. - And the second was angry, and kept not his first estate, and at - that day many followed after him. And then the Lord said: Let us - go down; and they went down at the beginning, and they (that is, - the Gods), organized and formed the heavens and the earth. And the - earth, after it was formed, was empty and desolate; because they - had not formed anything but the earth; and darkness reigned upon - the face of the deep, and the Spirit of the Gods was brooding upon - the face of the waters. -</p> -<p> 24. And they (the Gods), said; Let there be light, and there was - light. And they, the Gods, comprehended the light for it was - bright; and they divided the light, or caused it to be divided from - the darkness, and the Gods called the light day, and the darkness - they called night. And it came to pass that from the evening until - morning they called night; and from the morning until the evening - they called day; and this was the first, or the beginning of that - which they called day and night. -</p> -<p> 25. And the Gods also said: Let there be an expanse in the midst of - the waters and it shall divide the waters from the waters. And the - Gods ordered the expanse, so that it divided the waters which were - under the expanse, from the waters which were above the expanse, - and it was so, even as they ordered. And the Gods called the - expanse heaven. And it came to pass that it was from evening until - morning that they called night; and it came to pass that it was - from morning until evening that they called day; and this was the - second time that they called night and day. -</p> -<p> 26. And the Gods ordered, saying: Let the waters under the heaven - be gathered together unto one place, and let the earth come up dry, - and it was so, as they ordered; and the Gods pronounced the dry - land earth and the gathering together of the waters, pronounced - they great waters: and the Gods saw that they were obeyed. And the - Gods said: Let us prepare the earth to bring forth grass; the herb - yielding seed; the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose - seed in itself yieldeth its own likeness upon the earth; and it - was so, even as they ordered. And the Gods organized the earth to - bring forth grass from its own seed, and the herb to bring forth - herb from its own seed, yielding seed <span class="pagenum"><a name="532"></a>{532}</span> after his kind, and the - earth to bring forth the tree from its own seed, yielding fruit, - whose seed could only bring forth the same, in itself after his - kind; and the Gods saw that they were obeyed. And it came to pass - that they numbered the days: from the evening until the morning - they called night. And it came to pass from the morning until the - evening they called day; and it was the third time. -</p> -<p> 27. And the Gods organized the lights in the expanse of the - heavens, and caused them to divide the day from the night; and - organized them to be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and - for years and organized them to be for lights in the expanse of the - heaven, to give light upon the earth; and it was so. And the Gods - organized the two great lights, the greater light to rule the day, - and the lesser light to rule the night, with the lesser light they - set the stars, also; and the Gods set them in the expanse of the - heavens, to give light upon the earth, and to rule over the day and - over the night, and to cause to divide the light from the darkness. - And the Gods watched those things which they had ordered, until - they obeyed. And it came to pass that it was from evening until - morning that it was night; and it came to pass that it was from - morning until evening that it was day; and it was the fourth time. -</p> -<p> 28. And the Gods said, Let us prepare the waters to bring forth - abundantly the moving creatures that have life; and the fowl that - they may fly above the earth, in the open expanse of heaven, And - the Gods prepared the waters that they might bring forth great - whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters - were to bring forth abundantly after their kind; and every winged - fowl after their kind; and the Gods saw that they would be obeyed, - and that their plan was good. And the Gods said, We will bless them - and cause them to be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in - the seas, or great waters; and cause the fowl to multiply in the - earth. And it came to pass that it was from evening until morning - that they called night; and it came to pass that it was from - morning until evening that they called day; and it was the fifth - time. -</p> -<p> 29. And the Gods prepared the earth to bring forth the living - creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping things, and beasts - of the earth after their kind; and it was so as they had said. And - the Gods organized the earth to bring forth the beasts after their - kind, and cattle after their kind, and everything that creepeth - upon the earth after its kind; and the Gods saw they would obey. - And the Gods took counsel among themselves, and said: Let us go - down, and form man in our image, after our likeness, and we will - give them dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of - the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over - every creeping thing, that creepeth upon the earth. So the Gods - went down <span class="pagenum"><a name="533"></a>{533}</span> to organize man in their own image, in the image - of the Gods, to form they him male and female, to form they them; - and the Gods said We will bless them. And the Gods said, We will - cause them to be fruitful, and multiply and replenish the earth, - and subdue it, and to have dominion over the fish of the sea, and - over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth - upon the earth. And the Gods said, Behold, we will give them every - herb bearing seed that shall come upon the face of all the earth, - and every tree which shall have fruit upon it, yea the fruit of - the tree, yielding seed to them we will give it, it shall be for - their meat; and to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of - the air, and to everything that creepeth upon the earth, behold we - will give them life, and also we will give to them every green herb - for meat, and all these things shall be thus organized. And the - Gods said, We will do everything that we have said, and organize - them; and behold, they shall be very obedient. And it came to pass - that it was from evening until morning that they called night; and - it came to pass that it was from morning until evening that they - called day, and they numbered the sixth time. -</p> -<p> 30. And thus we will finish the heavens and the earth, and all the - hosts of them. And the Gods said among themselves, On the seventh - time, we will end our work, which we have counseled; and we will - rest on the seventh time from all our work which we have counseled. - And the Gods concluded upon the seventh time, because that on the - seventh time they would rest from all their works, which they, the - Gods, counseled among themselves to form, and sanctified it. And - thus were their decisions, at the time that they counseled among - themselves to form the heavens and the earth. And the Gods came - down and formed these, the generations of the heavens and of the - earth, when they were formed, in the day that the Gods formed the - earth and the heavens, according to all that which they had said, - concerning every plant of the field, before it was in the earth, - and every herb of the field, before it grew; for the Gods had not - caused it to rain upon the earth, when they counseled to do them; - and had not formed a man to till the ground; but there went up a - mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground. - And the Gods formed man from the dust of the ground, and took his - spirit, that is the man's spirit, and put it into him, and breathed - into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul. -</p> -<p> 31. And the Gods planted a garden, eastward in Eden, and there they - put the man, whose spirit they had put into the body, which they - had formed. And out of the ground made the Gods to grow every tree - that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life - also, in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good - <span class="pagenum"><a name="534"></a>{534}</span> and evil. There was a river running out of Eden, to water the - garden, and from thence it was parted and became into four heads. - And the Gods took the man and put him in the garden of Eden, to - dress it and to keep it; and the Gods commanded the man, saying: Of - every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat, but of the tree - of knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it; for in - the time that thou eatest thereof, thou shalt surely die. Now I, - Abraham, saw that it was after the Lord's time, which was after the - time of Kolob; for as yet, the Gods had not appointed unto Adam his - reckoning. -</p> -<p> 32. And the Gods said, Let us make an helpmeet for the man, for it - is not good that the man should be alone, therefore we will form - an helpmeet for him. And the Gods caused a deep sleep to fall upon - Adam; and he slept, and they took one of his ribs, and closed up - the flesh in the stead thereof, and of the rib which the Gods had - taken from man, formed they a woman, and brought her unto the man. - And Adam said this was bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh, - now she shall be called woman, because she was taken out of man; - therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother and shall - cleave unto his wife, and they shall be one flesh. And they were - both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed. And out of - the ground the Gods formed every beast of the field, and every fowl - of the air, and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call - them, and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that should - be the name thereof. And Adam gave names to all cattle, to the fowl - of the air, to every beast of the field; and for Adam, there was - found an helpmeet for him. -</p></blockquote> -<h3>Footnotes: -</h3> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERXXXfn1"></a><a href="#CHAPTERXXXfn1">1</a>. For an account of how the Prophet came into possession of the Book -of Abraham see this History Vol. II, pp. 235, 6, 8; also 286, and more -especially pp. 349-50, and <em>note</em> p. 350. -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERXXXfn2"></a><a href="#CHAPTERXXXfn2">2</a>. The Book of Abraham was first published in the <em>Times and Seasons</em> -in two numbers, Vol. III, Nos. 9 and 10, March 1 and March 15, 1842, -respectively. In this form it was copied into the Prophet's history -with the several historical items which occurred between the dates of -the publication of the two parts, and in this form is found in the -<em>Millennial Star</em>, Vol. XIX, pp. 100-103 and 164-168; but it is now -thought proper to publish the Book of Abraham entire without dividing -it into two articles, as in the above named periodicals. -</p> -<p>It is important to note also that the Book of Abraham was published in -the <em>Times and Seasons</em> when the Prophet was responsible editor of the -periodical (he announces his editorial responsibility in No. 9 of Vol. -III, p. 710). Attention is called to this fact, in passing, because it -is contended on the part of some, that the doctrine of the plurality -of divine personages, as now understood by the Church, was not a -doctrine taught by Joseph Smith; whereas it is a doctrine of the Book -of Abraham, as will be seen by reference to it, published by him in a -periodical of which he was the responsible editor; and, moreover, the -Book of Abraham was often referred to by the Prophet in approving terms. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="535"></a>{535}</span> -</p> - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTERXXXI"></a>CHAPTER XXXI. -</h2> -<p class="chapterHeading">The Wentworth Letter.<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERXXXIfn1"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERXXXIfn1">1</a>]</sup> -</p> -<p><em>March 1, 1842</em>.—At the request of Mr. John Wentworth, Editor and -Proprietor of the <em>Chicago Democrat</em>, I have written the following -sketch of the rise, progress, persecution, and faith of the Latter-day -Saints, of which I have the honor, under God, of being the founder. Mr. -Wentworth says that he wishes to furnish Mr. Bastow, a friend of his, -who is writing the history of New Hampshire, with this document. As Mr. -Bastow has <span class="pagenum"><a name="536"></a>{536}</span> taken the proper steps to obtain correct information, -all that I shall ask at his hands, is, that he publish the account -entire, ungarnished, and without misrepresentation. -</p><blockquote> -<p> I was born in the town of Sharon, Windsor County, Vermont, on - the 23rd of December, A. D. 1805. When ten years old, my parents - removed to Palmyra, New York, where we resided about four years, - and from thence we removed to the town of Manchester. My father was - a farmer and taught me the art of husbandry. When about fourteen - years of age, I began to reflect upon the importance of being - prepared for a future state, and upon inquiring [about] the plan - of salvation, I find that there was a great clash in religious - sentiment; if I went to one society they referred me to one plan, - and another to another; each one pointing to his own particular - creed as the <em>summum bonum</em> of perfection. Considering that all - could not be right, and that God could not be the author of so much - confusion, I determined to investigate the subject more fully, - believing that if God had a Church it would not be split up into - factions, and that if He taught one society to worship one way, and - administer in one set of ordinances, He would not teach another, - principles which were diametrically opposed. -</p> -<p> Believing the word of God, I had confidence in the declaration of - James—"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth - to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given - him." I retired to a secret place in a grove, and began to call - upon the Lord; while fervently engaged in supplication, my mind was - taken away from the objects with which I was surrounded, and I was - enwrapped in a heavenly vision, and saw two glorious personages, - who exactly resembled each other in features and likeness, - surrounded with a brilliant light which eclipsed the sun at noon - day. They told me that all religious denominations were believing - in incorrect doctrines, and that none of them was acknowledged of - God as His Church and kingdom: and was expressly commanded "to go - not after them," at the same time receiving a promise that the - fullness of the Gospel should at some future time be made known - unto me. -</p> -<p> On the evening on the 21st of September, A. D. 1823, while I was - praying unto God, and endeavoring to exercise faith in the precious - promises of Scripture, on a sudden a light like that of day, only - of a far purer and more glorious appearance and brightness, burst - into the room, indeed the first sight was as though the house was - filled with consuming fire; the appearance produced a shock that - affected the whole body; in a moment a personage stood before me - surrounded with a glory yet greater than that with which I was - already surrounded. This messenger <span class="pagenum"><a name="537"></a>{537}</span> proclaimed himself to be - an angel of God, sent to bring the joyful tidings that the covenant - which God made with ancient Israel was at hand to be fulfilled, - that the preparatory work for the second coming of the Messiah was - speedily to commence; that the time was at hand for the Gospel in - all its fullness to be preached in power, unto all nations that a - people might be prepared for the Millennial reign. I was informed - that I was chosen to be an instrument in the hands of God to bring - about some of His purposes in this glorious dispensation. -</p> -<p> I was also informed concerning the aboriginal inhabitants of this - country and shown who they were, and from whence they came; a brief - sketch of their origin, progress, civilization, laws, governments, - of their righteousness and iniquity, and the blessings of God being - finally withdrawn from them as a people, was made known unto me; - I was also told where were deposited some plates on which were - engraven an abridgment of the records of the ancient Prophets that - had existed on this continent. The angel appeared to me three times - the same night and unfolded the same things. After having received - many visits from the angels of God unfolding the majesty and glory - of the events that should transpire in the last days, on the - morning of the 22nd of September, A. D. 1827, the angel of the Lord - delivered the records into my hands. -</p> -<p> These records were engraven on plates which had the appearance of - gold, each plate was six inches wide and eight inches long, and not - quite so thick as common tin. They were filled with engravings, - in Egyptian characters, and bound together in a volume as the - leaves of a book, with three rings running through the whole. - The volume was something near six inches in thickness, a part of - which was sealed. The characters on the unsealed part were small, - and beautifully engraved. The whole book exhibited many marks - of antiquity in its construction, and much skill in the art of - engraving. With the records was found a curious instrument, which - the ancients called "Urim and Thummim," which consisted of two - transparent stones set in the rim of a bow fastened to a breast - plate. Through the medium of the Urim and Thummim I translated the - record by the gift and power of God. -</p> -<p> In this important and interesting book the history of ancient - America is unfolded, from its first settlement by a colony that - came from the Tower of Babel, at the confusion of languages to - the beginning of the fifth century of the Christian Era. We are - informed by these records that America in ancient times has been - inhabited by two distinct races of people. The first were called - Jaredites, and came directly from the Tower of Babel. The second - race came directly from the city of Jerusalem, about six hundred - years before Christ. They were principally Israelites, of the - descendants of Joseph. The Jaredites were destroyed about the time - that the Israelites came from Jerusalem, who succeeded <span class="pagenum"><a name="538"></a>{538}</span> them - in the inheritance of the country. The principal nation of the - second race fell in battle towards the close of the fourth century. - The remnant are the Indians that now inhabit this country. This - book also tells us that our Savior made His appearance upon this - continent after His resurrection; that He planted the Gospel here - in all its fulness, and richness, and power, and blessing; that - they had Apostles, Prophets, Pastors, Teachers, and Evangelists; - the same order, the same priesthood, the same ordinances, - gifts, powers, and blessings, as were enjoyed on the eastern - continent, that the people were cut off in consequence of their - transgressions, that the last of their prophets who existed among - them was commanded to write an abridgment of their prophecies, - history, &c, and to hide it up in the earth, and that it should - come forth and be united with the Bible for the accomplishment of - the purposes of God in the last days. For a more particular account - I would refer to the Book of Mormon, which can be purchased at - Nauvoo, or from any of our Traveling Elders. -</p> -<p> As soon as the news of this discovery was made known, false - reports, misrepresentation and slander flew, as on the wings of - the wind, in every direction; the house was frequently beset by - mobs and evil designing persons. Several times I was shot at, and - very narrowly escaped, and every device was made use of to get the - plates away from me; but the power and blessing of God attended me, - and several began to believe my testimony. -</p> -<p> On the 6th of April, 1830, the "Church of Jesus Christ of - Latter-day Saints" was first organized in the town of Fayette, - Seneca county, state of New York. Some few were called and - ordained by the Spirit of revelation and prophecy, and began to - preach as the Spirit gave them utterance, and though weak, yet - were they strengthened by the power of God, and many were brought - to repentance, were immersed in the water, and were filled with - the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands. They saw visions and - prophesied, devils were cast out, and the sick healed by the laying - on of hands. From that time the work rolled forth with astonishing - rapidity, and churches were soon formed in the states of New York, - Pennsylvania Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri; in the last - named state a considerable settlement was formed in Jackson county: - numbers joined the Church and we were increasing rapidly; we made - large purchases of land, our farms teemed with plenty, and peace - and happiness were enjoyed in our domestic circle, and throughout - our neighborhood; but as we could not associate with our neighbors - (who were, many of them, of the basest of men, and had fled from - the face of civilized society, to the frontier country to escape - the hand of justice,) in their midnight revels, their Sabbath - breaking, horse racing and gambling; they commenced at first to - ridicule, then to persecute, <span class="pagenum"><a name="539"></a>{539}</span> and finally an organized mob - assembled and burned our houses, tarred and feathered and whipped - many of our brethren, and finally, contrary to law, justice and - humanity, drove them from their habitations; who, houseless and - homeless, had to wander on the bleak prairies till the children - left the tracks of their blood on the prairie. This took place - in the month of November, and they had no other covering but the - canopy of heaven, in this inclement season of the year; this - proceeding was winked at by the government, and although we had - warrantee deeds for our land, and had violated no law, we could - obtain no redress. -</p> -<p> There were many sick, who were thus inhumanly driven from their - houses, and had to endure all this abuse and to seek homes - where they could be found. The result was, that a great many of - them being deprived of the comforts of life, and the necessary - attendances, died; many children were left orphans, wives, widows - and husbands, widowers; our farms were taken possession of by the - mob, many thousands of cattle, sheep, horses and hogs were taken, - and our household goods, store goods, and printing press and type - were broken, taken, or otherwise destroyed. -</p> -<p> Many of our brethren removed to Clay county, where they continued - until 1836, three years; there was no violence offered, but there - were threatenings of violence. But in the summer of 1836 these - threatenings began to assume a more serious form, from threats, - public meetings were called, resolutions were passed, vengeance and - destruction were threatened, and affairs again assumed a fearful - attitude, Jackson county was a sufficient precedent, and as the - authorities in that county did not interfere they boasted that they - would not in this; which on application to the authorities we found - to be too true, and after much privation and loss of property, we - were again driven from our homes. -</p> -<p> We next settled in Caldwell and Daviess counties, where we made - large and extensive settlements, thinking to free ourselves from - the power of oppression, by settling in new counties, with very - few inhabitants in them; but here we were not allowed to live in - peace, but in 1838 we were again attacked by mobs, an exterminating - order was issued by Governor Boggs, and under the sanction of - law, an organized banditti ranged through the country, robbed us - of our cattle, sheep, hogs, &c., many of our people were murdered - in cold blood, the chastity of our women was violated, and we - were forced to sign away our property at the point of the sword; - and after enduring every indignity that could be heaped upon us - by an inhuman, ungodly band of marauders, from twelve to fifteen - thousand souls, men, women, and children were driven from their - own firesides, and from lands to which they had warrantee deeds, - houseless, friendless, and homeless (in the depths of winter) to - wander as exiles on the earth, or to seek an asylum in a more <span class="pagenum"><a name="540"></a>{540}</span> - genial clime, and among a less barbarous people. Many sickened and - died in consequence of the cold and hardships they had to endure; - many wives were left widows, and children, orphans, and destitute. - It would take more time than is allotted me here to describe the - injustice, the wrongs, the murders the bloodshed, the theft, misery - and woe that have been caused by the barbarous, inhuman, and - lawless proceedings of the state of Missouri. -</p> -<p> In the situation before alluded to, we arrived in the state of - Illinois in 1839, where we found a hospitable people and a friendly - home; a people who were willing to be governed by the principles - of law and humanity. We have commenced to build a city called - "Nauvoo," in Hancock county. We number from six to eight thousand - here, besides vast numbers in the county around, and in almost - every county of the state. We have a city charter granted us, - and charter for a Legion, the troops of which now number 1,500. - We have also a charter for a University, for an Agricultural and - Manufacturing Society, have our own laws and administrators, and - possess all the privileges that other free and enlightened citizens - enjoy. -</p> -<p> Persecution has not stopped the progress of truth, but has only - added fuel to the flame, it has spread with increasing rapidity. - Proud of the cause which they have espoused, and conscious of our - innocence, and of the truth of their system, amidst calumny and - reproach, have the Elders of this Church gone forth, and planted - the Gospel in almost every state in the Union; it has penetrated - our cities, it has spread over our villages, and has caused - thousands of our intelligent, noble, and patriotic citizens to - obey its divine mandates, and be governed by its sacred truths. It - has also spread into England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, where, - in the year 1840, a few of our missionaries were sent, and over - five thousand joined the Standard of Truth; there are numbers now - joining in every land. -</p> -<p> Our missionaries are going forth to different nations, and in - Germany, Palestine, New Holland, Australia, the East Indies, and - other places, the Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed - hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, - mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the - truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it - has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every - country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall - be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done. -</p> -<p> We believe in God the eternal Father, and in His Son Jesus Christ, - and in the Holy Ghost. -</p> -<p> We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not - for Adam's transgression. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="541"></a>{541}</span> We believe that through the atonement of Christ all mankind - may be saved by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel. -</p> -<p> We believe that the first principle and ordinances of the Gospel - are: (1) Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; (2) Repentance; (3) - Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; (4) Laying on of - hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. -</p> -<p> We believe that a man must be called of God by prophecy and by - the laying on hands, by those who are in authority, to preach the - Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof. -</p> -<p> We believe in the same organization that existed in the primitive - Church, viz.: apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, - etc. -</p> -<p> We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, - healing, interpretation of tongues, etc. -</p> -<p> We believe the Bible to be the word of God, as far as it is - translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the - word of God. -</p> -<p> We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, - and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important - things pertaining to the kingdom of God. -</p> -<p> We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the - restoration of the Ten Tribes: that Zion will be built upon this - [the American] continent; that Christ will reign personally upon - the earth; and that the earth will be renewed and receive its - paradisiacal glory. -</p> -<p> We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to - the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same - privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may. -</p> -<p> We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers and - magistrates, in obeying honoring and sustaining the law. -</p> -<p> We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, - and in doing good to <em>all men</em>; indeed we may say that we follow - the admonition of Paul, "We believe all thing, we hope all things, - we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all - things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report, - or praiseworthy, we seek after these things." -</p> -<p> Respectfully, &c., -</p> -<p> Joseph Smith. -</p></blockquote> -<h3>Footnotes: -</h3> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERXXXIfn1"></a><a href="#CHAPTERXXXIfn1">1</a>. The "Wentworth Letter" is one of the choicest documents in our -Church literature; as also it is the earliest published document by the -Prophet making any pretension to consecutive narrative of those events -in which the great latter-day work had its origin. It was published in -number 9 of Volume III of the "Times and Seasons," March 1st, 1841; -while the publication of that more pretentious History of the Church -under the title "History of Joseph Smith," of which these volumes are -but a reproduction, was not commenced until number 10, Volume III, of -the "Times and Seasons," March 15th, 1841. Introducing this "History -of Joseph Smith," in the "Times and Seasons" (Vol. III, p. 726) is -the following note referring to the Wentworth Letter and the more -pretentious "History." -</p> -<p>"In the last number I gave a brief history of the rise and progress -of the Church, I now enter more particularly into that history, and -extract from my journal." -</p> -<p>Referring again to this Wentworth Letter, I may say that for combining -conciseness of statement with comprehensiveness of treatment of the -subject with which it deals, it has few equals among historical -documents, and certainly none that excel it in our Church literature. -In it one has in a few pages (less than six of these pages) a -remarkably full history of the leading events in the Church, and -an epitome of her doctrines, from the beginning (the birth of the -Prophet, 1805) up to the date of publication, March, 1841, a period of -thirty-six years. The epitome of the doctrines of the Church, since -called "The Articles of Faith," and published by millions, has been -carried to all the nations of the earth and tribes of men where the -gospel has been preached. These Articles of Faith were not produced -by the labored efforts and harmonized contentions of scholastics, but -were struck off by one inspired mind at a single effort to make a -declaration of that which is most assuredly believed by the Church, for -one making earnest inquiry about the truth. The combined directness, -perspicuity, simplicity and comprehensiveness of this statement of the -principles of our religion may be relied upon as strong evidence of a -divine inspiration resting upon the Prophet, Joseph Smith. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="542"></a>{542}</span> -</p> - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTERXXXII"></a>CHAPTER XXXII. -</h2> -<p class="chapterHeading">The Bennett-Dyer Correspondence—The Prophet's Discourse on the Subject -of the Resurrection, and the Salvation of Children—Epistle of the -Twelve to the Saints in England Concerning Their Emigration to America. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Tax Controversy. -</p> -<p><em>Wednesday, March 2</em>.—I read the proof of the <em>Times and Seasons</em>, -as editor for the first time, No. 9, Vol. III, in which is the -commencement of the Book of Abraham;<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERXXXIIfn1"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERXXXIIfn1">1</a>]</sup> paid taxes to Mr. Bagby, in -the general business office for county and state purposes, but refused -to pay the taxes in the city and town of Commerce, as the demand was -illegal, there being no such place known in law, the city and town of -Commerce having been included in the city plat of Nauvoo, but continued -by our enemies on the tax list for the purpose of getting more money -from the Saints; I commenced a settlement with Gilbert Granger on the -estate [Kirtland] of his father, Oliver Granger; and continued in my -office till nine in the evening, having received a visit from General -Dudley of Connecticut. -</p> -<p><em>Thursday, 3</em>.—I attended council in the general business office (over -the store) at nine o'clock a. m. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Attempted Settlement with Gilbert Granger. -</p> -<p>In the afternoon, continued the settlement with Gilbert Granger, but -finally failed to effect anything, except to get Newel's note.<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERXXXIIfn2"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERXXXIIfn2">2</a>]</sup> -Granger refused to give up the papers to me, which he had received -of his father, the same being Church property, although I presented -him deeds, <span class="pagenum"><a name="543"></a>{543}</span> mortgages and paper to the amount of some thousands -against his father, more than he had against the Church. -</p> -<p>I also wrote Hiram Barney, Esq., of New York, in reply to his letter -of the 24th of January, offering him one hundred dollars per acre, for -his twenty acres of land in this city, lying somewhere between the -Hotchkiss purchase on the north, and Galland's purchase on the south, -or to take an agency to sell the same. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Book of Abraham Fac-simile. -</p> -<p><em>Friday, 4</em>.—At my office exhibiting the Book of Abraham in the -original to Brother Reuben Hedlock, so that he might take the size of -the several plates or cuts, and prepare the blocks for the <em>Times and -Seasons</em>; and also gave instruction concerning the arrangement of the -writing on the large cut,<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERXXXIIfn3"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERXXXIIfn3">3</a>]</sup> illustrating the principles of astronomy, -with other general business. -</p> -<p>Attended city council, and moved "that when property is sold at -sheriff's, marshal's or constable's sale under ordinance of this city, -the persons having their property sold shall have the privilege of -redeeming the same, by paying the principal and fifteen per cent on -principal, with cost and charges, within thirty days after sale." -</p> -<p><em>Saturday, 5</em>.—Attended the city council, and spoke at considerable -length on the powers and privileges of our city charter; among -other business of importance, the office of registrar of deeds was -established in the city of Nauvoo, and I was chosen registrar by the -city council. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday 6</em>.—I preached at Elder Orson Spencer's near the Temple. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, 7</em>.—At the general business office. Peter Melling, the -Patriarch from England, brought to the office cash $13.47 1/2, and -clothing $65 from Parley P. Pratt and Amos Fielding, of England; I -transacted much general business and wrote the mayor as follows: -</p><blockquote> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="544"></a>{544}</span> <em>Letter of the Prophet to John C. Bennett—on Bennett's - Correspondence Anent Slavery</em>. -</p> -<p> Editor's Office, Nauvoo, Illinois, March 7, 1842. -</p> -<p> <em>General Bennett</em>: -</p> -<p> Respected Brother:—I have just been perusing your correspondence - with Doctor Dyer, on the subject of American slavery, and the - students of the Quincy Mission Institute, and it makes my blood - boil within me to reflect upon the injustice, cruelty, and - oppression of the rulers of the people. When will these things - cease to be, and the Constitution and the laws again bear rule? I - fear for my beloved country—mob violence, injustice and cruelty - appear to be the darling attributes of Missouri, and no man taketh - it to heart! <em>O tempora! O mores</em>! What think you should be done? -</p> -<p> Your friend, -</p> -<p> Joseph Smith. -</p> -<p> <em>Correspondence between Dr. C. V. Dyer and General J. C. Bennett</em>. - <sup>[<a name="CHAPTERXXXIIfn4"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERXXXIIfn4">4</a>]</sup> -</p> -<p> Chicago, January 3, 1842. -</p> -<p> Dear Sir:—I am not sure that I am not indebted to you for your - last letter, not having answered it, as I remember. But as I - have been very sick during the long interval of my silence, you - will readily excuse any apparent neglect on my part. I thank you - for your paper sent me, the <em>Times and Seasons</em>, and have got - much information from it, and since that, from other sources, in - relation to the outrages committed upon the Latter-day Saints by - the authorities as well as the people of the state of Missouri; - and my blood boiled with indignation to see the whole Christian - world—and the whole political world, too, look tamely on, and - never raise a warning voice—a voice of expostulation, nor even - giving the facts in the case! O what outrages will not be allowed - or winked at by those in authority, and the people generally, if - they happen to be inflicted upon those who bear an <span class="pagenum"><a name="545"></a>{545}</span> unpopular - name, espouse an unpopular cause, and are poor and obscure! It - seems as if we had again fallen upon the middle ages, when the - privileged classes could pour out their sympathies by the hour, - and the very circumstantial and minute details of the loss of - the life, or any other serious evil that befell one of their own - number; but they could write [of] of hear without emotion, and - even with satisfaction and joy, the history of the massacre of a - thousand defenseless women and children, if they belonged to the - common sort of people. Just read, for example, Madame de Sevigne's - account in a letter to her daughter, dated "Aux Rochers," 30 - Oct., 1675, in the second volume of De Toquerville's Democracy in - America. What, my dear sir, do you think of the treatment which the - subject of American slavery receives at the hands of the American - press—amongst the people generally, and especially in the halls - of Congress? What think you of the sentencing of three men from - the Quincy Mission Institute in this state, a short time since, - to twelve years confinement in the penitentiary of Missouri, for - no crime at all, or only such as God would regard as a virtue? - Please look into this matter, and see if you cannot join with the - benevolent and fearless, and call the attention of the nation or - the state, to these outrages of Missouri, I send you a paper, and - mark one of the pieces for your perusal. Read it. I do not know - whether you have examined the whole subject of American slavery; - but if you have not, I beseech you to do so, and let me hear from - you. Is it not sin? Yes. Then is it not right to repent of it? Yes. - When? God allows not a moment. Is not repentance and abandonment - of sin safe, so long as God commands, and stands ready to look - after the consequences? Certainly so. Well, can any court, either - state or national, rob me of liberty for twelve years (even against - their own state laws), for acting precisely in accordance with the - letter and spirit of the Constitution of the United States, and the - precepts of Jesus Christ? Is it to be submitted to tamely, that - three men shall be immured in a dungeon for twelve years, torn from - their families and friends, and from society and usefulness, for - barely teaching a fellow being how to go to a place where he may - learn the sciences—have his own wages, aye, and his own person? - Let me hear from you. Have we not a right to sympathize with each - other? -</p> -<p> I am, very sincerely, your friend and obedient servant, -</p> -<p> Charles V. Dyer. -</p> -<p> <em>Gen. John C. Bennett</em>. -</p> -<p> Nauvoo, Hancock county, Illinois. -</p> -<p> Nauvoo, Ill., January 20th, A. D. 1842. -</p> -<p> Dear Sir:—Yours of the 3rd inst., accompanied by the <em>Genius - of Liberty</em>, containing the address of Alvin Stewart, Esq., is - before me, <span class="pagenum"><a name="546"></a>{546}</span> and I seize upon this, the first, opportunity to - reply. You refer me to Madame de Sevigne's letter to her daughter, - dated "Aux Rochers," 30th Oct., A. D. 1675, in the second volume - of De Toquerville's Democracy in America; and ask me to examine - the subject of American slavery. I have done so: I gave it a full - and fair investigation years ago—I swore in my youth that my - hands should never be bound nor my feet fettered, nor my tongue - palsied—I am the friend of liberty, "Universal liberty," both - civil and religious. I ever detested servile bondage. I wish to see - the shackles fall from the feet of the oppressed, and the chains of - slavery broken. I hate the oppressor's grasp, and the tyrant's rod; - against them I set my brows like brass, and my face like steel; and - my arm is nerved for the conflict. Let the sons of thunder speak, - achieve victories before the cannon's mouth, and beard the lion in - his den; till then the cry of the oppressed will not be heard; till - then the wicked will not cease to trouble, nor the weary bondman be - at rest. Great God, has it come to this—that the free citizens of - the sovereign state of Illinois can be taken and immured within the - walls of a Missouri penitentiary for twelve long years, for such a - crime as God would regard as a virtue! simply for pointing bondsmen - to a state of liberty and law! and no man take it to heart? Never, - no never, no never! Let the friends of freedom arise and utter - their voice, like the voice of ten thousand thunders—let them take - every constitutional means to procure a redress of grievances—let - there be a concerted effort, and the victory is ours. Let the broad - banners of freedom be unfurled, and soon the prison doors will be - opened, the captive set at liberty, and the oppressed go free. - Missouri will then remember the unoffending Mormons in the days - of their captivity and bondage—when murder and rapine were her - darling attribute,—why, my heart is filled with indignation, and - my blood boils within me, when I contemplate the vast injustice and - cruelty which Missouri has meted out to that great philanthropist - and devout Christian, General Joseph Smith, and his honest and - faithful adherents—the Latter-day Saints, or Mormons; but the - time has passed, and God will avenge their wrongs in His own good - time. Dr. Dyer, put your hand upon your heart, and remember Zion. - Just investigate the wrongs which our people have suffered in their - unprecedented privations, the confiscation of their property, and - the murder of their friends—the persecutions of the Waldenses in - former ages were not to be compared to it, and history affords - not a parallel. Now let us make a strong, concerted, and vigorous - effort, for Universal Liberty, to every soul of man—civil, - religious and political. With high considerations of respect and - esteem, suffer me to subscribe myself, -</p> -<p> Yours respectfully, -</p> -<p> <em>Charles V. Dyer, M. D</em>. John C. Bennett. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="547"></a>{547}</span> P. S. Gen. Smith informs me that there are white slaves in - Missouri<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERXXXIIfn5"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERXXXIIfn5">5</a>]</sup> (Mormons) in as abject servitude as the blacks, and - we have, as yet, no means of redress! God grant that the day of - righteous retribution may not be procrastinated. -</p> -<p> J. C. B. -</p> -<p> <em>Letter of John C. Bennett to Joseph Smith—Anent the Dyer-Bennett - Correspondence</em>.<sup>[<a name="CHAPTERXXXIIfn6"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERXXXIIfn6">6</a>]</sup> -</p> -<p> Mayor's Office, City of Nauvoo, Illinois, -</p> -<p> March 8, A. D., 1842. -</p> -<p> <em>Esteemed Friend</em>: -</p> -<p> Yours of the 7th inst. has been received, and I proceed to reply, - without undue emotion or perturbation. You ask, "When will these - things cease to be, and the Constitution and the laws again - bear rule?" I reply—once that noble bird of Jove, our grand - national emblem, soared aloft, bearing in her proud beak the - words "Liberty and Law," and that man that had the temerity to - ruffle her feathers, was made to feel the power of her talons; but - a wily archer came, and with his venomed arrow dipped in Upas' - richest sap, shot the flowing label from the eagle's bill—it - fell inverted, and the bird was sick, and is—the label soon was - trampled in the dust—the eagle bound and caged. The picture is - now before you in bold relief. What think you should be done? The - master spirits of the age must rise and break the cage, restore - the label, unbind the bird, and let her tower unfettered in the - air—then will the nation have repose, and the present minions of - power hide their faces in the dust. Many of Missouri's noble sons - detest her acts of cruelty and crime, and gladly would they wipe - them from the escutcheon of her fame, and will; yes they will lend - a helping hand—and all must help, for the time is at hand—and if - man, rebellious, cowardly, faltering man, will not do the work, - the thunderings of Sinai will wind up the scene—the blood of the - murdered Mormons cries aloud for help, and the restoration of the - inheritances of the Saints; and God has <span class="pagenum"><a name="548"></a>{548}</span> heard the cry—and - the moral battle must be fought, and the victory won, he who - answers by fire will cause sword and flame to do their office, - and again make the Constitution and the laws paramount to every - other consideration—and I swear by the Lord God of Israel, that - the sword shall not depart from my thigh, nor the buckler from my - arm, until the trust is consummated, and the hydra-headed, fiery - dragon slain. This done the proud southron will no longer boast of - ill-gotten gain, or wash his hands in the blood of the innocent, or - immure the freemen of the prairie State within Missouri's sullied, - poisoned, deathly prison walls. Let us always take refuge under the - broad folds of the Constitution and the laws, and fear no danger, - for the day of vengeance will assuredly come when the Omnipotent - hand of the Great God will effect the restitution of the trophies - of the brigand victories of Missouri, and again place the Saints on - high. -</p> -<p> Yours respectfully, -</p> -<p> John C. Bennett. -</p> -<p> <em>General Joseph Smith</em>. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Tuesday, 8</em>.—Recommenced translating from the Records of Abraham for -the tenth number of the <em>Times and Seasons</em>, and was engaged at my -office day and evening. -</p> -<p><em>Wednesday, 9</em>.—Examining copy for the <em>Times and Seasons</em>, presented -by Messrs. Taylor and Bennett, and a variety of other business in my -office, in the morning; in the afternoon continued the translation of -the Book of Abraham, called at Bishop Knight's and Mr. Davis', with the -recorder, and continued translating and revising, and reading letters -in the evening, Sister Emma being present in the office. -</p> -<p>I also wrote Edward Hunter, as follows— -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Letter of the Prophet to Edward Hunter—Business Transactions</em>. -</p> -<p> Dear Sir:—I yesterday had the pleasure of receiving your letter of - February 10. Am much pleased that you have effected a sale, and are - so soon to be with us, &c. -</p> -<p> I have purchased the lands you desired, and will use my influence - to have the improvements made which you wish. Brother Weiler - received your letter and says he will do what he can to have all - done. -</p> -<p> The eight hundred dollars for the Temple and Nauvoo House, I wish - you to bring in goods, for which I will give you stock and credit - as soon as received. -</p> -<p> I wish you to invest as much money as you possibly can in goods, to - <span class="pagenum"><a name="549"></a>{549}</span> bring here, and I will purchase them of you when you come, if - we can agree on terms; or you can have my new brick store to rent. - I wish the business kept up by some one in the building, as it is - a very fine house, and cost me a handsome amount to build it. Some - eight or ten thousand dollars worth of goods would be an advantage - to this place; therefore, if you or some of the brethren, would - bring them on, I have no doubt but that I can arrange for them in - some way to your or their advantage. -</p> -<p> As to money matters here, the State Bank is down, and we cannot - tell you what bank would be safe a month hence. I would say that - gold and silver is the only safe money a man can keep these times, - you can sell specie here for more premium than you have to give; - therefore there would be no loss and it would be safe. The bank you - deposit in might fail before you had time to draw out again. -</p> -<p> I am now very busily engaged in translating, and therefore cannot - give as much time to public matters as I could wish, but will - nevertheless do what I can to forward your affairs. I will send you - a memorandum of such goods as will suit this market. -</p> -<p> Yours affectionately, -</p> -<p> Joseph Smith. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Thursday, 10</em>.—Gave instructions concerning a deed to Stephen -Markham, Shadrack Roundy, and Hiram Clark, and letter of attorney from -Miss Smith to Edward Hunter, and did a great variety of business; rode -out; and in the evening attended trial at Brother Hyrum's office, the -City of Nauvoo <em>versus</em> Amos Davis, for indecent and abusive language -about me while at Mr. Davis' the day previous. The charges were clearly -substantiated by the testimony of Dr. Foster, Mr. and Mrs. Hibbard, and -others. Mr. Davis was found guilty by the jury, and by the municipal -court, bound over to keep the peace six months, under $100 bond; after -which I retired to the printing office with Emma, and supped with the -Twelve and their wives, who were spending the evening with Sister Hyde. -</p> -<p><em>Friday, 11</em>. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Extract from the Legion Minutes</em>. -</p> -<p> The Nauvoo Legion was on parade, commanded by Lieutenant-General - Joseph Smith in person. Several of the Twelve Apostles rode in - <span class="pagenum"><a name="550"></a>{550}</span> the general staff as Chaplains. The line was formed at ten - o'clock, a. m., and soon the Legion marched from their usual place - of parade, below the Temple, to Water-street, in front of General - Smith's house, where the troops were inspected, and after a recess - marched west on the bank of the river, and taking a circuitous - route, resumed their usual post on the parade ground, and closed - the day in good order and with good feelings, and to the full - satisfaction of the Commander-in-Chief. -</p> -<p> <em>Extract of High Council Minutes</em>. -</p> -<p> In the evening President Smith attended the trial of Elder Francis - Gladden Bishop, at his (the president's) house. Elder Bishop - appeared before the High Council of Nauvoo on complaint of having - received, written, and published or taught certain "revelations" - and doctrines not consistent with the Doctrine and Covenants of the - Church. Mr. Bishop refusing to present the written "revelation" the - Mayor, (John C. Bennett) issued his warrant and brought them before - the council, when parts of the same were read by Mr. Bishop himself - to council, the whole mass of which appeared to be the extreme of - folly, nonsense, absurdity, falsehood and bombastic egotism—so - much so as to keep the Saints laughing, when not overcome by sorrow - and shame. President Joseph explained the nature of the case and - gave a very clear elucidation of the tendency of such prophets and - prophesyings, and gave Mr. Bishop over to the buffetings of Satan - until he shall learn wisdom. After a few appropriate observations - from Patriarch Hyrum and some of the council, the council voted - unanimously that Francis Gladden Bishop be removed from the - fellowship of the Church; President Joseph having previously - committed the "revelation" above referred to, to the flames. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Saturday, 12</em>.—I presided over a court-martial of the officers of -the Nauvoo Legion at my own house, for the purpose of deciding upon -the rank and station of the several officers, and the more perfect -organization of the Legion. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 13</em>.—I was with my family. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, 14</em>.—Transacted a great variety of business at the office. -</p> -<p><em>Tuesday, 15</em>.—I officiated as grand chaplain at the installation of -the Nauvoo Lodge of Free Masons, at the Grove near the Temple. Grand -Master Jonas, of Columbus, being present, a large number of people -assembled <span class="pagenum"><a name="551"></a>{551}</span> on the occasion. The day was exceedingly fine; all -things were done in order, and universal satisfaction was manifested. -In the evening I received the first degree in Free Masonry in the -Nauvoo Lodge, assembled in my general business office. -</p> -<p>Some time previous to this [March 15th] Sister Elizabeth Morgan died at -London without medical aid, after calling for the Elders, &c., which -created much excitement, and a coroner's inquest was called by Mr. -Baker, who brought in a verdict of "natural death." -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>The Prophet Becomes Editor of the Times and Seasons</em>. -</p> -<p> This paper commences my editorial career: I alone stand responsible - for it, and shall do for all papers [i. e. Nos. of the <em>Times and - Seasons</em>,] having my signature henceforward. I am not responsible - for the publication or arrangement of the former paper; the matter - did not come under my supervision. -</p> -<p> Joseph Smith. -</p></blockquote> -<p>We extract the following from the New York <em>Tribune</em>: -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Honor Among Thieves</em>. -</p> -<p> "The paymaster of the Missouri Militia, called out to put down the - Mormons some two years since, was supplied with money some time - since, and started for Western Missouri, but has not yet arrived - there. It is feared he has taken the Saline slope." -</p> -<p> We are not surprised that persons who could wantonly, barbarously, - and without shadow of law, drive fifteen thousand men, women and - children from their homes, should have among them a man who was so - lost to every sense of justice, as to run away with the wages for - this infamous deed; it is not very difficult for men who can blow - out the brains of children; who can shoot down and hew to pieces - our ancient veterans who fought in defense of our country, and - delivered it from the oppressor's grasp; who could deliberately and - in cold blood, murder men and rob them of their boots, watches, - &c., and whilst their victims were yet weltering in their blood, - and grappling with death, proceed to rob the widows' houses. Men - who can deliberately do this, and steal nearly all the horses, - cattle, sheep, hogs, and property of a whole community, and drive - them from their homes <em>en masse</em>, in an <span class="pagenum"><a name="552"></a>{552}</span> inclement season of - the year, will not find many qualms of conscience in stealing the - pay of his brother thieves, and taking the "Saline slope." The very - idea of Government paying these men for their bloody deeds, must - cause the sons of liberty to blush, and to hang their harps upon - the willow, and make the blood of every patriot run chill. -</p> -<p> The proceedings of that state have been so barbarous and inhuman - that our indignation is aroused when we reflect upon the scene. We - are here reminded of one of the patriotic deeds of the government - of that state, who after they had robbed us of everything we had in - the world, and taken from us many hundred thousand dollars' worth - of property, had their sympathies so far touched (<em>alias</em> their - good name) that they voted two thousand dollars to the relief of - the "<em>suffering Mormons</em>," and choosing two or three of her noblest - sons, to carry their heavenly boon, these angels of salvation - came in the plentitude of their mercy and in the dignity of their - office to Far West. To do what? To feed its hungry and clothe its - naked with the $2,000? Verily nay! but to go into Daviess county - and steal the Mormons' hogs (which they were prohibited themselves - from obtaining under penalty of death) to distribute among the - destitute, and to sell where they could obtain the money. These - hogs thus obtained were shot down in their blood and not otherwise - bled; they were filthy to a degree. These, the Mormons' own - hogs, and a few goods, the sweepings of an old store in Liberty, - were what these patriotic and noble-minded men gave to the "poor - Mormons," and then circulated to the world how sympathetic, - benevolent, kind and merciful the Legislature of the State of - Missouri was, in giving two thousand dollars to the "suffering - Mormons." Surely "the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel." -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Wednesday, March 16</em>.—I was with the Masonic Lodge and rose to the -sublime degree. -</p> -<p><em>Thursday, 17</em>.—The High Council withdrew the hand of fellowship from -Elder Oliver Olney for setting himself up as a prophet, and took his -license. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Origin of the Female Relief Society. -</p> -<p>I assisted in commencing the organization of "The Female Relief Society -of Nauvoo" in the Lodge Room. Sister Emma Smith, President, and Sister -Elizabeth Ann Whitney and Sarah M. Cleveland, Counselors. I gave much -instruction, read in the New Testament, and Book of Doctrine and -Covenants, concerning the Elect Lady, and showed that the elect meant -to be elected to a certain work, &c., and <span class="pagenum"><a name="553"></a>{553}</span> that the revelation -was then fulfilled by Sister Emma's election to the Presidency of the -Society, she having previously been ordained to expound the Scriptures. -Emma was blessed, and her counselors were ordained by Elder John Taylor. -</p> -<p><em>Friday, 18 and Saturday 19</em>.—At home and at my office engaged in -business, temporal and spiritual. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 20</em>.—I preached to a large assembly in the grove, near the -Temple on the west. The body of a deceased child of Mr. Windsor P. Lyon -being before the assembly, changed my design in the order of my remarks. -</p><blockquote> -<p> [The following is a brief synopsis of the Prophet's remarks, by - Elder Wilford Woodruff:] -</p> -<p> <em>The Prophet's Sermon on Life and Death; the Resurrection and the - Salvation of Children</em>. -</p> -<p> President Smith read the 14th chapter of Revelation, and said—We - have again the warning voice sounded in our midst, which shows - the uncertainty of human life; and in my leisure moments I have - meditated upon the subject, and asked the question, why it is that - infants, innocent children, are taken away from us, especially - those that seem to be the most intelligent and interesting. The - strongest reasons that present themselves to my mind are these: - This world is a very wicked world; and it is a proverb that the - "world grows weaker and wiser;" if that is the case, the world - grows more wicked and corrupt. In the earlier ages of the world a - righteous man, and a man of God and of intelligence, had a better - chance to do good, to be believed and received than at the present - day: but in these days such a man is much opposed and persecuted - by most of the inhabitants of the earth, and he has much sorrow to - pass through here. The Lord takes many away, even in infancy, that - they may escape the envy of man, and the sorrows and evils of this - present world; they were too pure, too lovely, to live on earth; - therefore, if rightly considered, instead of mourning we have - reason to rejoice as they are delivered from evil, and we shall - soon have them again. -</p> -<p> What chance is there for infidelity when we are parting with - our friends almost daily? None at all. The infidel will grasp - at every straw for help until death stares him in the face, and - then his infidelity takes its flight, for the realities of the - eternal world are resting upon him in mighty power; and when every - earthly support and prop fails him, he <span class="pagenum"><a name="554"></a>{554}</span> then sensibly feels - the eternal truths of the immortality of the soul. We should take - warning and not wait for the death-bed to repent, as we see the - infant taken away by death, so may the youth and middle aged, as - well as the infant be suddenly called into eternity. Let this, - then, prove as a warning to all not to procrastinate repentance, - or wait till a deathbed for it is the will of God that man should - repent and serve Him in health, and in the strength and power of - his mind, in order to secure His blessing, and not wait until he is - called to die. -</p> -<p> The doctrine of baptizing children, or sprinkling them, or they - must welter in hell, is a doctrine not true, not supported in Holy - Writ, and is not consistent with the character of God. All children - are redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ, and the moment that - children leave this world, they are taken to the bosom of Abraham. - The only difference between the old and young dying is, one lives - longer in heaven and eternal light and glory than the other, - and is freed a little sooner from this miserable, wicked world. - Notwithstanding all this glory, we for a moment lose sight of it, - and mourn the loss, but we do not mourn as those without hope. -</p> -<p> My intention was to have spoken on the subject of baptism, but - having a case of death before us, I thought proper to refer to that - subject. I will now, however say a few words upon baptism, as I - intended. -</p> -<p> God has made certain decrees which are fixed and immovable: for - instance,—God set the sun, the moon, and the stars in the heavens, - and gave them their laws, conditions and bounds, which they cannot - pass, except by His commandments; they all move in perfect harmony - in their sphere and order, and are as lights, wonders and signs - unto us. The sea also has its bounds which it cannot pass. God - has set many signs on the earth, as well as in the heavens; for - instance, the oak of the forest, the fruit of the tree, the herb - of the field—all bear a sign that seed hath been planted there; - for it is a decree of the Lord that every tree, plant, and herb - bearing seed should bring forth of its kind, and cannot come forth - after any other law or principle. Upon the same principle do I - contend that baptism is a sign ordained of God, for the believer in - Christ to take upon himself in order to enter into the kingdom of - God, "for except ye are born of water and of the Spirit ye cannot - enter into the kingdom of God," said the Savior. It is a sign and - a commandment which God has set for man to enter into His kingdom. - Those who seek to enter in any other way will seek in vain; for God - will not receive them, neither will the angels acknowledge their - works as accepted, for they have not obeyed the ordinances, nor - attended to the signs which God ordained for the salvation of man, - to prepare him for, and give him a title to, a celestial glory; and - God had decreed that all who will not <span class="pagenum"><a name="555"></a>{555}</span> obey His voice shall - not escape the damnation of hell. What is the damnation of hell? To - go with that society who have not obeyed His commands. -</p> -<p> Baptism is a sign to God, to angels, and to heaven that we do the - will of God, and there is no other way beneath the heavens whereby - God hath ordained for man to come to Him to be saved, and enter - into the kingdom of God, except faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, - and baptism for the remission of sins, and any other course is in - vain; then you have the promise of the gift of the Holy Ghost. -</p> -<p> What is the sign of the healing of the sick? The laying on of hands - is the sign or way marked out by James, and the custom of the - ancient Saints as ordered by the Lord, and we cannot obtain the - blessing by pursuing any other course except the way marked out by - the Lord. What if we should attempt to get the gift of the Holy - Ghost through any other means except the signs or way which God - hath appointed—would we obtain it? Certainly not; all other means - would fail. The Lord says do so and so, and I will bless you. -</p> -<p> There are certain key words and signs belonging to the Priesthood - which must be observed in order to obtain the blessing. The sign of - Peter was to repent and be baptized for the remission of sins, with - the promise of the gift of the Holy Ghost; and in no other way is - the gift of the Holy Ghost obtained. -</p> -<p> There is a difference between the Holy Ghost and the gift of - the Holy Ghost. Cornelius received the Holy Ghost before he was - baptized, which was the convincing power of God unto him of the - truth of the Gospel, but he could not receive the gift of the Holy - Ghost until after he was baptized. Had he not taken this sign or - ordinance upon him, the Holy Ghost which convinced him of the truth - of God, would have left him. Until he obeyed these ordinances and - received the gift of the Holy Ghost, by the laying on of hands, - according to the order of God, he could not have healed the sick or - commanded an evil spirit to come out of a man, and it obey him; for - the spirits might say unto him, as they did to the sons of Sceva: - "Paul we know and Jesus we know, but who are ye?" It mattereth - not whether we live long or short on the earth after we come to a - knowledge of these principles and obey them unto the end. I know - that all men will be damned if they do not come in the way which He - hath opened, and this is the way marked out by the word of the Lord. -</p> -<p> As concerning the resurrection, I will merely say that all men will - come from the grave as they lie down, whether old or young; there - will not be "added unto their stature one cubit," neither taken - from it; all will be raised by the power of God, having spirit in - their bodies, and not blood. Children will be enthroned in the - presence of God and the <span class="pagenum"><a name="556"></a>{556}</span> Lamb with bodies of the same stature - <sup>[<a name="CHAPTERXXXIIfn7"></a><a href="#txtCHAPTERXXXIIfn7">7</a>]</sup> that they had on earth, having been redeemed by the blood of - the Lamb; they will there enjoy the fullness of that light, glory - and intelligence, which is prepared in the celestial kingdom. - "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord, for they rest from their - labors and their works do follow them." -</p> -<p> The speaker, before closing, called upon the assembly before him - to humble themselves in faith before God, and in mighty prayer and - <span class="pagenum"><a name="557"></a>{557}</span> fasting to call upon the name of the Lord, until the elements - were purified over our heads, and the earth sanctified under our - feet, that the inhabitants of this city may escape the power of - disease and pestilence, and the destroyer that rideth upon the face - of the earth, and that the Holy Spirit of God may rest upon this - vast multitude. -</p> -<p> At the close of the meeting, President Smith said he should attend - to the ordinance of baptism in the river, near his house, at two - o'clock, and at the appointed hour, the bank of the Mississippi - was lined with a multitude of people, and President Joseph Smith - went into the river and baptized eighty persons for the remission - of their sins, and what added joy to the scene was, that the - first person baptized was M. L. D. Wasson, a nephew of Mrs. Emma - Smith—the first of her kindred that has embraced the fullness of - the Gospel. -</p> -<p> At the close of this interesting scene, the administrator lifted - up his hands towards heaven, and implored the blessing of God to - rest upon the people; and truly the Spirit of God did rest upon the - multitude, to the joy and consolation of our hearts. -</p> -<p> After baptism, the congregation again repaired to the grove, near - the Temple, to attend to the ordinance of confirmation, and, - notwithstanding President Smith had spoken in the open air to the - people, and stood in the water and baptized about eighty persons, - about fifty of those baptized received their confirmation under his - hands in the after part of the day. -</p> -<p> While this was progressing, great numbers were being baptized in - the font. -</p></blockquote> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="558"></a>{558}</span> After this, I baptized a large number in the font myself. -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>An Epistle of the Twelve to the Church of Jesus Christ of - Latter-day Saints in its Various Branches and Conferences in - Europe. Greeting</em>: -</p> -<p> Beloved Brethren.—We feel it our privilege and a duty we owe - to the great and glorious cause in which we have enlisted, to - communicate to you at this time, some principles which if carried - into effect, will facilitate the gathering of the Saints, and - tend to ameliorate the condition of those who are struggling - with poverty and distress, in this day when the usual means of - support seem to be cut short to the laboring classes, through the - depression that everywhere prevails in the general business mart - of the civilized world. Our situation is such in these last days, - and our salvation spiritually is so connected with our salvation - temporally, that if one fail, the other necessarily must be - seriously affected, if not wholly destroyed. God has made us social - beings; He has endowed us with capacities for enjoying each other's - society, and it is our duty to bring those powers and privileges - into exercise, so far as we can, and for this it is our duty to - strive by all lawful and expedient measures within our reach. -</p> -<p> While we remain in this state of existence, we need food and - raiment, habitations and society, and without these our enjoyments - must be greatly limited, and the real object of our existence - diminished, if not wholly destroyed. Though the Saints should - possess all the common gifts of the Spirit of God, and yet remain - destitute of those comforts so much needed for the sustenance of - their bodies, they would be comparatively miserable; but when they - arrive at that state of perfection, and are clothed upon with the - more special gifts and power of increasing the widow's oil and - meal, or if receiving their food from the ravens, like Elijah, - they will not need to bestow so much attention on every trifle of - the passing moments, as they now do; and until that period arrives - they will recollect that to be in the exercise of the fullness of - spiritual blessings they must be watchful and careful to provide - things honest in the sight of all men for the sustenance and - comfort of all these frail, perishable bodies. That we may be - instruments in the hands of God of thus promoting your present and - future temporal and spiritual welfare, we write you at the present - time. -</p> -<p> Many of you are desirous of emigrating to this country, and many - have not the means to accomplish their wishes, and if we can assist - you by our prayers and our counsels to accomplish the desires of - your hearts in this thing, so far we will rejoice and be satisfied. - You not only wish to emigrate to this section of the earth, but you - desire also to have some laudable means of comfortable subsistence - after you arrive <span class="pagenum"><a name="559"></a>{559}</span> here, and this also is important. How then, - shall these things be accomplished and your souls be satisfied? We - answer, by united understanding and concert of action. -</p> -<p> You all, or most of you, have trades or different kinds of - business, with which you have been long familiarized, and in - which you would like to continue for the purpose of procuring a - subsistence; and a great proportion of your occupation is such that - no employment can be had in this city or vicinity; for instance: - there are no cotton manufactories established here, and many of you - know no other business. You want to come here, and when here, want - to continue your labors in your accustomed branches of business; - but you have no means to get here, and when here there are no - factories, and yet factories are needed here, and there would be a - ready market for all the fabrics which could be manufactured. -</p> -<p> Now comes the concert of action; if the Church will arise unitedly; - if the brethren will individually feel that the great work of - the Lord is depending on themselves as instruments to assist in - carrying it forward; and will unite all their means, faith and - energy, in one grand mass, all that you desire can speedily be - accomplished. A short time only will elapse before you yourselves - will be astonished at the result, and you will feel that your - desires are more than realized. -</p> -<p> While the Saints are united, no power on the earth, or under - the earth can prevail against them; but while each one acts for - himself, many, very many, are in danger of being overthrown. - God has promised all things to those who love Him and keep His - commandments; then why be afraid that one should get a little more - than another, or that one should gain, for a little moment, what - another might lose; when Jesus has promised that the faithful shall - be one with Him, as He is one with the Father, and shall possess - all things in the due time of the Lord; not by stealth, not by - force, not by the sword, but by the gift of the Father, through - faithfulness to His commands; and the more they shall suffer, while - they work in righteousness on the earth, the greater will be their - reward, the more glorious their kingdom, the more extended their - power, when they shall arrive in the celestial paradise. -</p> -<p> Knowing and feeling these things as we do, and having respect unto - the recompense of reward to be revealed hereafter, regardless of - all necessary privation and labor to accomplish what our Master has - given us to do, and desiring not to possess the kingdom alone, but - that all the honest in heart should be united with us in the great - and glorious work of building up Zion and her stakes, we will call - upon you, dear brethren, to unite with us, all with one accord, to - do what? To do the very things you desire should be done; to convey - you to the place where you are, and then put you in possession of - all the means <span class="pagenum"><a name="560"></a>{560}</span> you may need for your support; so that you - may enjoy the fullness of the blessings belonging to the sons and - daughters of Zion's King. -</p> -<p> Had we means we would not ask your aid; we would gladly send the - ships of Tarshish to bear you across the great waters, we would - bring you to our homes, to our firesides; we would provide you - habitations, lands and food, when you arrive among us. Our hearts - are large enough to do all this, and a great deal more; but we have - not the means; we have to labor for our own subsistence, as well - as attend to those things which are laid upon us of the Lord, and - which concern the whole Church as much as ourselves. -</p> -<p> It is not the will of heaven that any one should be put in - possession of all things without striving for them. Where much is - given, much is required; and he who has but one talent, must be as - diligent in the use thereof as he that has ten, or he will lose his - talent and his blessing; and it becometh him who hath but one, five - or ten, to use them in the most economical manner possible, or he - will not have enough to bring him hither; and that he who hath five - pounds may have enough and to spare to him who hath but one, or in - other words to help the brethren to accomplish with a little what - otherwise would require much more than they can command, is the - object of this Epistle. -</p> -<p> Had we the means we would send vessels of our own, laden with - flour, meats, fruits, and all sea stores necessary for the comfort - of the brethren on the water, so that they would have nothing more - to do than go on shipboard, and land at New Orleans; from thence we - would take them on our steamers, and bring them to this place, for - this is the best place for the Saints to stop at for the present. -</p> -<p> There may be other places where individuals might have the prospect - of adding at once, more rapidly to their pecuniary interest, - than they could here; but we can only say, it is the will of the - Lord that the Saints build Nauvoo, and settle therein or in the - vicinity; and we know assuredly that those who give heed to every - word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord, will be richer - eventually—and not far distant—than those who may seem to prosper - more by following their own inclinations. -</p> -<p> Brethren, we wish not to control you or your means; it is not - for our peace or interest; nay, rather, it is a source of labor, - trouble and anxiety to have ought to do with the pecuniary business - of the Church, which we would gladly avoid, could we do it, and do - our duty—could we do it, and the things desired be accomplished, - and we stand guiltless where God hath placed us—and for this - reason we desire to make such arrangements as will most tend to - leave the business in your own hands, or in the hands of those - whom you shall select; men of your own acquaintance, in whom you - can repose confidence that they will execute <span class="pagenum"><a name="561"></a>{561}</span> their trust - in righteousness. And that our plans may be understood by you, - and carried into execution, we have sent unto you our beloved - brother, Elder John Snyder, the bearer of this Epistle, and other - Epistles also, previously written by us to you; and we beseech you, - brethren, to receive him as a servant of the Most High, authorized - according to the order of the kingdom of heaven, and assist him by - all lawful means in your power, to execute the mission entrusted - to him; for great events depend upon his success; but to none will - they be greater than to yourselves. -</p> -<p> Our authority for thus sending Brother Snyder to you, is found in - the "Book of the Law of the Lord," page 36, as follows— -</p> -<p> "Nauvoo, December 22, 1841. The word of the Lord came unto Joseph - the Seer; verily thus saith the Lord—Let my servant John Snyder - take a mission to the Eastern continent, unto all the conferences - now sitting in that region, and let him carry a package of epistles - that shall be written by my servants the Twelve, making known unto - the Saints their duties concerning the building of my houses, which - I have appointed unto you, saith the Lord, that they may bring - their gold, and their silver, and their precious stones, and the - box tree, and the fir tree, and all fine wood to beautify the place - of my sanctuary, saith the Lord, and let him return speedily, with - all means which shall be put into his hands: even so. Amen." -</p> -<p> In this revelation, the brethren will discover their duty in - relation to the building of the Temple of the Lord in Nauvoo, and - the Nauvoo House; and we call upon them with united cry to give - heed unto the things written, and help to build the houses which - God has commanded, so that Brother Snyder may speedily return - with means to strengthen the hands of the laborers, and adorn and - beautify the Tabernacle of Jehovah. -</p> -<p> Brethren, while you are thus preparing to send up your offerings - to this place, if you will act in concert with our well beloved - brother, Elder Parley P. Pratt, and the regularly constituted - authorities of the Church in England; and collect as great an - amount of cotton, linen, and woollen goods, silks, cutlery, and - hardware, &c., even all the varieties of goods which might be - useful in this country, and which can be obtained by the brethren - in this time of monied scarcity, and forward the same to us - by Brother Snyder, or your own agent, in company with him, or - otherwise, and at other times, we will pay you for those goods, in - lands, in or out of the city, in houses, cattle, and such kind of - property as you may need; and with those goods we will purchase - lands, &c., flour, meat, and all things necessary for a sea voyage, - which can be had cheaper here than in England, and charter ships, - and forward the same to England, or such places as emigration may - require, and bring back <span class="pagenum"><a name="562"></a>{562}</span> in return a ship load of emigrants, - at a cheaper rate than they can now emigrate; while, at the - same time, those who remain can continue to collect and forward - merchandize as before, which will give us the means of continuing - our purchases here, of keeping ships passing and repassing, and of - building manufacturing establishments ready for the brethren when - they arrive in our midst. -</p> -<p> While the great depression of the moneyed institutions continues - as it now is, the people are compelled to resort to all laudable - measures to effect those exchanges of property which are necessary - to accomplish their designs in removing from one place to another, - and from one kingdom to another; and by a faithful execution of - the plans proposed above, much, very much, may be effected in - emigration without the aid of cash, or with very little, at the - most; and goods may be obtained to advantage for houses and lands - which the brethren may have to dispose of, and in payment of debts - due them, when it would be impossible for them to sell for cash - at any price, or get their pay for debts due them even at a great - discount, and thus thousands and tens of thousands may be made to - rejoice in this land of plenty, while, were it not for a concert - of action, they might remain where they are for years, or never - have the opportunity of appearing among us on this side the great - waters, until the morning of the first resurrection. -</p> -<p> But, brethren, we want to see you here. We long to see all here who - want to be here, and none others, for we desire the increase of - those who love God and work righteousness, that Zion's cords may be - lengthened, and her stakes strengthened; though the country is free - to all who will abide her laws, and we have no disposition to cast - out any from our midst who will submit thereto. -</p> -<p> For many particulars in relation to the times and course of - emigration, and many other important items connected with the - general and particular interest of the Church, we would refer - you to our former epistles, as to enter into a particular and - minute detail of all items referred to in this epistle, would - be impossible. Brother Snyder will enter into the subject more - minutely, and with the assistance of the presidency among you, will - unfold the same, so that no one need misunderstand. -</p> -<p> The brethren need not suppose that this thing is of our own - imagination, simply; or that the result thereof, if fully carried - into execution, will be of doubtful character. We have been - guided by the Spirit of the Lord in our deliberations concerning - the matter; and have been instructed by the Prophet of the Most - High, even Joseph, the Seer and Revelator, for the Church, whose - instructions to us are as the voice of the Lord, and whose - admonitions we ever regard as true and faithful, and worthy the - confidence of al who profess the Gospel of Jesus Christ. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="563"></a>{563}</span> We have been with him in prosperity and adversity, in - sickness and health, in public and private, in all situations - where men may reasonably associate with each other, and know that - his words are true, his teachings sacred, his character unsullied - among men of truth, and that he is what the Church acknowledge him - to be, a man of God, and the spokesman of the Most High unto His - people; and we bear this testimony unto the world, calling on all - the honest in heart to uphold him by their faith and prayers, that - he may live long, enjoy much, and accomplish great things for the - kingdom which he has been the honored instrument of establishing - on the earth in these last days, even that he may lead a great - multitude into the celestial kingdom. -</p> -<p> That the Saints may enjoy the teachings of the Prophet; those - teachings which can be had only at this place, so that they may - go on from knowledge to knowledge even to perfection, they want - to come up hither; and that the plans before suggested may by - facilitated, let some individuals with capital come immediately and - build factories—individuals who have the means, understand the - business, and are capable of superintending the concerns thereof. -</p> -<p> There is every natural advantage at this place for facilitating - such an order of things; water, wood, and coal in abundance, and - it only wants the hand of the laborer to bring them forth in form - suited to their several uses; and, while the gold and the silver - are secreted by the hands of unprincipled speculators, let us go - forward and accomplish without gold or silver, that which might be - more easily and expeditiously done with it. -</p> -<p> Let the brethren ever remember the admonitions we have so often - given, that Zion is not to be built up without labor, fatigue, and - trial of the faith of many; that when John saw the great company on - Mount Zion, he saw those who had come up through great tribulation; - he also saw those who had endured great tribulation after they had - arrived, and before the kingdom was completed. -</p> -<p> The Saints of this day are of the number John saw, and those—and - those only who are willing to endure tribulation, as good soldiers, - without murmuring—will eventually find their names enrolled in the - Lamb's Book of Life, and obtain an inheritance in the holy city. -</p> -<p> To all those who are desirous of sharing in the poverty and - sufferings incident to new countries and the children of the - kingdom, we would say, come up hither, and help us to bear the - burden, and you shall share the riches, glory and honors of the - kingdom. And those who are not willing to suffer afflictions, - losses, crosses, and disappointments with the people of God, may as - well stay away and be destroyed, as to come here and perish, for - perish they must who cannot abide a celestial law, and endure to - the end in all meekness, patience, and faithfulness. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="564"></a>{564}</span> Inasmuch as Elder Levi Richards has asked for counsel, we - would recommend him to return to Nauvoo, as soon as circumstances - shall permit. -</p> -<p> Praying that you may be blessed with wisdom, intelligence, and - perseverance, in every good word and work, so that you may - accomplish your desires, and help to roll on the great work in - which you have enlisted, we subscribe ourselves your brethren and - fellow laborers in the kingdom of patience. Amen. -</p> -<p> Brigham Young, President. -</p> -<p> Heber C. Kimball, -</p> -<p> William Smith, -</p> -<p> Orson Pratt, -</p> -<p> John E. Page, -</p> -<p> Lyman Wight, -</p> -<p> Wilford Woodruff, -</p> -<p> John Taylor, -</p> -<p> Geo. A. Smith. -</p> -<p> Willard Richards, Clerk. -</p> -<p> City of Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, March 20, 1842. -</p></blockquote> -<h3>Footnotes: -</h3> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERXXXIIfn1"></a><a href="#CHAPTERXXXIIfn1">1</a>. No. 9 of the <em>Times and Seasons</em> was evidently not published on -time, since it is supposed to have been published on March the first, -and here is an account of the proofs being read on the second of March. -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERXXXIIfn2"></a><a href="#CHAPTERXXXIIfn2">2</a>. This refers doubtless to Bishop Newel K. Whitney. -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERXXXIIfn3"></a><a href="#CHAPTERXXXIIfn3">3</a>. This refers to Fac-simile No. 2, p. 521, which was published in the -<em>Times and Seasons</em> in double page size. -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERXXXIIfn4"></a><a href="#CHAPTERXXXIIfn4">4</a>. The correspondence between Dr. Dyer, Chicago, and Dr. John C. -Bennett, referred to in the Prophet's letter above, is thought to be -of sufficient importance to be inserted in the body of the History, -though heretofore, when the history of the Prophet has been published, -it has been omitted. The case of the three men from the Quincy -Mission Institute being imprisoned for twelve years; in the Missouri -penitentiary "for no crime at all, or only as such us God would regard -as a virtue"—"for barely teaching a fellow being," as Dr. Dyer naively -put it, "how to go to a place where he may learn the sciences, have his -own wages, aye, and his own person." This case was one in which the -three men had violated some local law of the state of Missouri against -encouraging slaves to leave their masters for the purpose of going -into free states as the national fugitive slave law was not then in -existence, and was not enacted until 1850. -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERXXXIIfn5"></a><a href="#CHAPTERXXXIIfn5">5</a>. The "slaves" here referred to are explained in an editorial note -in the <em>Times and Seasons</em> in which the above correspondence appears -(Vol. III, No. 10) to mean children of Mormon parentage still in -Missouri—"the children of murdered parents; others of Mormon parents -now in this city"—Nauvoo. The charge of their being "slaves" is -far-fetched and was made only because of the severe stress of feeling -experienced by the Saints when contemplating things that related to -Missouri, and some allowance must be made for the bombast, bragadocio -and hypocrisy of John C. Bennett. -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERXXXIIfn6"></a><a href="#CHAPTERXXXIIfn6">6</a>. Because of its bearing upon the character of John C. Bennett, as -also to complete this Dyer-Bennett correspondence, the letter of -John C. Bennett to the Prophet in answer to the note of the latter, -introducing this whole correspondence, the following communication is -inserted. -</p> -<p><a name="txtCHAPTERXXXIIfn7"></a><a href="#CHAPTERXXXIIfn7">7</a>. It must be remembered that the above report of the Prophet's -remarks, as also the report of the King Follett sermon (preached in -April, 1844, and which will appear in Volume V of this history), where -the same matter of infants being enthroned in power while remaining of -the same stature as when on earth, and at the time of their death, is -mentioned—were reported in long hand and from memory, so that they -are very likely to contain inaccuracies and convey wrong impressions. -This matter of children after the resurrection remaining of the same -stature as at their death is well known to be such an error. The writer -of this note distinctly remembers to have heard the late President -Wilford Woodruff, who reported the above sermon, say, that the Prophet -corrected the impression that had been made by his King Follett sermon, -that children and infants would remain fixed in the stature of their -infancy and childhood in and after the resurrection. President Woodruff -very emphatically said on the occasion of the subject being agitated -about 1888-9, that the prophet taught subsequently to his King Follett -sermon that children while resurrected in the stature at which they -died would develope to the full stature of men and women after the -resurrection; and that the contrary impression created by the report -of the Prophet's King Follett sermon was due to a misunderstanding -of his remarks and erroneous reporting. In addition to this personal -recollection of the writer as to the testimony of the late President -Wilford Woodruff, the following testimony of Elder Joseph Horne and -his wife, M. Isabella Horne, on the same subject is important. The -statements here copied were delivered in the presence of President -Angus M. Cannon, of the Salt Lake Stake of Zion, and Elder Arthur -Winter, at the residence of Brother Horne, in Salt Lake City, on -November 19, 1896, and were reported stenographically by Arthur Winter, -the Church official reporter. -</p> -<p><em>Sister M. Isabella Horne said</em>: -</p> -<p>"In conversation with the Prophet Joseph Smith once in Nauvoo, the -subject of children in the resurrection was broached. I believe it was -in Sister Leonora Cannon Taylor's house. She had just lost one of her -children, and I had also lost one previously. The Prophet wanted to -comfort us, and he told us that we should receive those children in the -morning of the resurrection just as we laid them down, in purity and -innocence, and we should nourish and care for them as their mothers. -He said that children would be raised in the resurrection just as -they were laid down, and that they would obtain all the intelligence -necessary to occupy thrones, principalities and powers. The idea that -I got from what he said was that the children would grow and develop -in the Millennium, and that the mothers would have the pleasure of -training and caring for them, which they had been deprived of in this -life. -</p> -<p>"This was sometime after the King Follett funeral, at which I was -present." -</p> -<p><em>Brother Joseph Horne</em> said: -</p> -<p>"I heard the Prophet Joseph Smith say that mothers should receive their -children just as they laid them down, and that they would have the -privilege of doing for them what they could not do here, the Prophet -remarked: "How would you know them if you did not receive them as you -laid them down?" I also got the idea that children would grow and -develop after the resurrection, and that the mothers would care for -them and train them." -</p> -<p>"We hereby certify that the foregoing is a full, true and correct -account of the statements made by Joseph and M. Isabella Horne on the -subject mentioned." -</p> -<p>Angus M. Cannon. -</p> -<p>Arthur Winter. -</p> -<p>We have read the foregoing, and certify that it is correct. -</p> -<p>Joseph Horne. -</p> -<p>M. Isabella Horne. -</p> -<p>In the Improvement Era for June, 1904, President Joseph F. Smith in an -editorial on the Resurrection said: -</p> -<p>"The body will come forth as it is laid to rest, for there is no growth -or development in the grave. As it is laid down, so will it arise, and -changes to perfection will come by the law of restitution. But the -spirit will continue to expand and develop, and the body, after the -resurrection will develop to the full stature of man." -</p> -<p>This may be accepted as the doctrine of the Church in respect to the -resurrection of children and their future development to the full -stature of men and women; and it is alike conformable to that which -will be regarded as both reasonable and desirable. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="565"></a>{565}</span> -</p> - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTERXXXIII"></a>CHAPTER XXXIII. -</h2> -<p class="chapterHeading">A Mason's Estimate of Nauvoo and the Prophet—Organization of the -Female Relief Society—"Try the Spirits"—The Prophet's Editorial. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, March 21, 1842</em>.—I commenced a settlement with William Marks, -who had loaned money and property to the Church at various times. -</p> -<p><em>Tuesday, 22</em>.—I was at the general business office through the day, -and at home in the evening. -</p> -<p>The following is from the <em>Advocate</em>, printed at Columbus, the -residence of Grand Master [i. e. grand master mason] Jonas: -</p><blockquote> -<p> Nauvoo and the Mormons. -</p> -<p> Mr. Editor.—Having recently had occasion to visit the city of - Nauvoo, I cannot permit the opportunity to pass without expressing - the agreeable disappointment that awaited me there. I had - supposed, from what I had previously heard, that I should witness - an impoverished, ignorant and bigotted population, completely - priest-ridden, and tyrannized over by Joseph Smith, the great - prophet of these people. -</p> -<p> On the contrary, to my surprise, I saw a people apparently happy, - prosperous and intelligent. Every man appeared to be employed in - some business or occupation. I saw no idleness, no intemperance, - no noise, no riot—all appeared to be contented, with no desire to - trouble themselves with anything except their own affairs. With - the religion of these people I have nothing to do; if they can be - satisfied with the doctrines of their new revelation, they have a - right to be so. The Constitution of the country guarantees to them - the right of worshiping God according to the dictates of their own - conscience, and if that can be so easily satisfied, why should we - who differ from them complain? -</p> -<p> But I protest against the slanders and persecutions that are - continually heaped upon these people. I could see no disposition on - their part to be otherwise than a peaceable and law-abiding people, - and all they ask of the country is to permit them to live under the - protection of the <span class="pagenum"><a name="566"></a>{566}</span> laws, and to be made amenable for their - violations. They may have among them bad and desperate characters, - and what community has not? But I am satisfied the Mormon people, - as a body, will never be the aggressors or violators of the law. -</p> -<p> While at Nauvoo I had a fine opportunity of seeing the people in - a body. There was a Masonic celebration, and the Grand Master of - the state was present for the purpose of publicly installing the - officers of a new lodge. An immense number of persons assembled - on the occasion, variously estimated from five to ten thousand - persons, and never in my life did I witness a better-dressed or - a more orderly and well-behaved assemblage; not a drunken or - disorderly person to be seen, and the display of taste and beauty - among the females could not well be surpassed anywhere. -</p> -<p> During my stay of three days, I became well acquainted with - their principal men, and more particularly with their Prophet, - the celebrated "Old Joe Smith." I found them hospitable, polite, - well-informed and liberal. With Joseph Smith, the hospitality of - whose house I kindly received, I was well pleased; of course on - the subject of religion, we widely differed, but he appeared to - be quite as willing to permit me to enjoy my right of opinion, - as I think we all ought to be to let the Mormons enjoy theirs; - but instead of the ignorant and tyrannical upstart, judge my - surprise at finding him a sensible, intelligent, companionable and - gentlemanly man. In frequent conversations with him he gave me - every information that I desired, and appeared to be only pleased - at being able to do so. He appears to be much respected by all the - people about him, and has their entire confidence. He is a fine - looking man about thirty-six years of age, and has an interesting - family. -</p> -<p> The incorporated limits of Nauvoo contains, it is said, about - seven thousand persons; the buildings are generally small and - much scattered. The Temple and Nauvoo House, now building, will - probably, in beauty of design, extent and durability, excel any - public building in the state, and will both be enclosed before - winter. -</p> -<p> From all I saw and heard, I am led to believe that, before many - years, the city of Nauvoo will be the largest and most beautiful - city of the west, provided the Mormons are unmolested in the - peaceable enjoyment of their rights and privileges, and why - they should be troubled while acting as good citizens, I cannot - imagine; and I hope and trust that the people of Illinois have no - disposition to disturb unoffending people who have no disposition - but to live peaceably under the laws of the country, and to worship - God under their own vine and fig tree.—An Observer, Adams County. -</p> -<p> <em>Extract from a Letter from Elder E. P. Maginn, Salem, - Massachusetts</em>. -</p> -<p> I am on a visit to assist Elder Erastus Snow in his successful - and <span class="pagenum"><a name="567"></a>{567}</span> extended field of labor in this branch. Sixty-five have - been obedient to the faith of the Gospel, and hundreds of others - almost persuaded. In Boston near forty have obeyed through the - faithful labors of Elder Freeman Nickerson. I have been absent - from Peterborough two weeks; have preached three or four times in - Boston, Salem, Marblehead, Chelsea, &c., and purpose returning to - Peterborough next Sunday, where I have been laboring with good - success, thirty-six have obeyed since last fall; at New Salem, - Massachusetts, thirty-five to forty have obeyed since August last; - Leverett, eighteen or twenty; Gilsum, New Hampshire, twenty to - thirty. I have preached from one to three times every day, and - cannot fill one in twenty of the calls for preaching; there is the - greatest excitement in this country that I ever beheld during my - travels since I left Nauvoo—a period of near three years, in which - I have traveled through eighteen states and British provinces. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Wednesday, 23</em>.—In council with Heber C. Kimball, Willard Richards -and others at my office. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Organization of the Relief Society. -</p> -<p><em>Thursday, 24</em>.—I attended by request, the Female Relief Society, -whose object is the relief of the poor, the destitute, the widow -and the orphan, and for the exercise of all benevolent purposes. -Its organization was completed this day. Mrs. Emma Smith takes the -presidential chair; Mrs. Elizabeth Ann Whitney and Sarah M. Cleveland -are her counselors; Mrs. Elvira Cole is treasurer, and our well-known -and talented poetess, Miss Eliza R. Snow, secretary. There was a -very numerous attendance at the organization of the society, and -also at the subsequent meetings, of some of our most intelligent, -humane, philanthropic and respectable ladies; and we are well assured -from a knowledge of those pure principles of benevolence that flow -spontaneously from their humane and philanthropic bosoms, that with the -resources they will have at command, they will fly to the relief of -the stranger; they will pour in oil and wine to the wounded heart of -the distressed; they will dry up the tears of the orphan and make the -widow's heart to rejoice. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Character of the Mormon Women. -</p> -<p>Our women have always been signalized for their acts of benevolence -and kindness; but the cruel usage that they <span class="pagenum"><a name="568"></a>{568}</span> received from the -barbarians of Missouri, has hitherto prevented their extending the -hand of charity in a conspicuous manner; yet in the midst of their -persecution, when the bread has been torn from their helpless offspring -by their cruel oppressors, they have always been ready to open their -doors to the weary traveler, to divide their scant pittance with the -hungry, and from their robbed and impoverished wardrobes, to divide -with the more needy and destitute; and now that they are living upon -a more genial soil, and among a less barbarous people, and possess -facilities that they have not heretofore enjoyed, we feel convinced -that with their concentrated efforts, the condition of the suffering -poor, of the stranger and the fatherless will be ameliorated. -</p> -<p>We had the privilege of being present at their organization, and were -much pleased with their <em>modus operandi</em>, and the good order that -prevailed. They are strictly parliamentary in their proceedings. -</p> -<p>An earthquake at Falmouth this morning. -</p> -<p><em>Friday, 25</em>.—Attending to a variety of business; counseling, &c. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Mission of John Snyder. -</p> -<p><em>Saturday, 26</em>.—Elder John Snyder received his final instructions from -the President, and received his blessing from Elder Brigham Young, with -the laying on of the hands of President Joseph Smith, John E. Page and -Willard Richards, and started for England this day. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 27</em>.—After speaking to the Saints for some time on the -subject of baptism for the dead, I baptized one hundred and seven -individuals. -</p><blockquote> -<p> [The following brief extract is from Elder Woodruff's journal.] -</p> -<p> <em>Synopsis of the Prophet's Sermon on Baptism for the Dead</em>. -</p> -<p> This was an interesting day. A large assembly met in the grove near - the Temple. Brother Amasa Lyman addressed the people in a very - <span class="pagenum"><a name="569"></a>{569}</span> interesting manner. He was followed by Joseph, the Seer, - who made some highly edifying and instructive remarks concerning - baptism for the dead. He said the Bible supported the doctrine, - quoting 1 Cor., xv: 29: "Else what shall they do which are baptized - for the dead, if the dead rise not at all, why are they then - baptized for the dead?" If there is one word of the Lord that - supports the doctrine of baptism for the dead, it is enough to - establish it as a true doctrine. Again; if we can, by the authority - of the Priesthood of the Son of God, baptize a man in the name of - the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, for the remission of - sins, it is just as much our privilege to act as an agent, and be - baptized for the remission of sins for and in behalf of our dead - kindred, who have not heard the Gospel, or the fullness of it. -</p> -<p> After meeting closed, the congregation again assembled upon the - banks of the river, and Joseph, the Seer, went into the river, and - baptized all that came unto him. -</p></blockquote> -<p>I also witnessed the landing of 170 English brethren from the steamer -<em>Ariel</em>, under the presidency of Elder Lyman Wight; also about $3,000 -worth of goods for the Temple and Nauvoo House. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, 28</em>.—I was at the office. Received Parley P. Pratt's -donations from England, and attended to a variety of business; as also -on the 29th and 30th. -</p> -<p>The following extract is from a letter received from Elder Lorenzo D. -Barnes— -</p><blockquote> -<p> Bristol, March 28, 1842. -</p> -<p> <em>Letter of Lorenzo D. Barnes to Parley P. Pratt—Reporting Labors</em>. -</p> -<p> <em>Elder Pratt</em>. -</p> -<p> Much Esteemed Brother:—I am happy to be able to state to you - that I arrived here in safety and in health on Saturday, the 26th - instant, after making a tour through a number of churches on my - way from Cheltenham, which place I left in the evening of the - 14th; visited the church at Lea; in the neighborhood of which I - preached twice. I then went to Garway, where I preached five times - to overflowing congregations; from thence visited Abergavenny, and - preached three times. The work appears to be upon the onward march - in all these places. Many are inquiring after truth and embracing - it. The brethren and friends appeared very anxious for me to tarry - longer, but being desirous to commence my labors in this city, I - took my leave on Saturday, the 26th, and came <em>via</em> Newport, by - the packet to this city, and preached <span class="pagenum"><a name="570"></a>{570}</span> three times yesterday. - There appears to be a good feeling manifested here at present. - In the evening our hall was quite full, and the people listened - very attentively; persons of respectable appearance were present. - We intend getting a large hall, and putting out bills shortly. - Enclosed is an order for ten shillings, it being a donation for the - building of the Temple at Nauvoo, mostly from the branch of the - Church at Frogmarsh. -</p> -<p> Yours in the bonds of the new covenant, -</p> -<p> Lorenzo D. Barnes. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Wednesday, 30</em>.—I met with the Female Relief Society, and gave them -some instructions, of which the following brief sketch was reported by -Miss Eliza R. Snow— -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Synopsis of the Prophet's Remarks to the Female Relief Society</em>. -</p> -<p> President Joseph Smith arose. Spoke of the organization of the - Female Relief Society; said he was deeply interested, that it - might be built up to the Most High in an acceptable manner; that - its rules must be observed; that none should be received into - it but those who were worthy; proposed a close examination of - every candidate; that the society was growing too fast. It should - grow up by degrees, should commence with a few individuals, thus - have a select society of the virtuous, and those who would walk - circumspectly; commended them for their zeal, but said sometimes - their zeal was not according to knowledge. One principal object - of the institution was to purge out iniquity; said they must be - extremely careful in all their examinations, or the consequences - would be serious. -</p> -<p> All difficulties which might and would cross our way must be - surmounted. Though the soul be tried, the heart faint, and the - hands hang down, we must not retrace our steps; there must be - decision of character, aside from sympathy. When instructed, we - must obey that voice, deserve the laws of the kingdom of God, that - the blessing of heaven may rest down upon us. All must act in - concert, or nothing can be done, and should move according to the - ancient Priesthood; hence the Saints should be a select people, - separate from all the evils of the world—choice, virtuous, and - holy. The Lord was going to make of the Church of Jesus Christ - a kingdom of Priests, a holy people, a chosen generation, as in - Enoch's day, having all the gifts as illustrated to the Church in - Paul's epistles and teachings to the churches in his day—that it - is the privilege of each member to live long and enjoy health. He - then blessed the Saints. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Monday, 31</em>.—In council at my office with Elders <span class="pagenum"><a name="571"></a>{571}</span> Brigham Young, -John Taylor, Willard Richards, &c., and wrote an epistle to the Female -Relief Society, and spoke to the society in the afternoon. -</p> -<p><em>Friday, April 1, 1842</em>.—I was engaged in the general business office. -</p><blockquote> -<p> "<em>Try the Spirits"—The Prophet's Editorial in the Times and - Seasons</em>. -</p> -<p> Recent occurrences that have transpired amongst us render it an - imperative duty devolving upon me to say something in relation to - the spirits by which men are actuated. -</p> -<p> It is evident from the Apostles' writings, that many false spirits - existed in their day, and had "gone forth into the world," and - that it needed intelligence which God alone could impart to detect - false spirits, and to prove what spirits were of God. The world in - general have been grossly ignorant in regard to this one thing, and - why should they be otherwise—"for no man knows the things of God, - but by the Spirit of God." -</p> -<p> The Egyptians were not able to discover the difference between the - miracles of Moses and those of the magicians until they came to - be tested together; and if Moses had not appeared in their midst, - they would unquestionably have thought that the miracles of the - magicians were performed through the mighty power of God, for they - were great miracles that were performed by them—a supernatural - agency was developed, and great power manifested. -</p> -<p> The witch of Endor is a no less singular personage; clothed with a - powerful agency she raised the Prophet Samuel from his grave, and - he appeared before the astonished king, and revealed unto him his - future destiny. Who is to tell whether this woman is of God, and - a righteous woman—or whether the power she possessed was of the - devil, and she a witch as represented by the Bible? It is easy for - us to say now, but if we had lived in her day, which of us could - have unravelled the mystery? -</p> -<p> It would have been equally as difficult for us to tell by what - spirit the Apostles prophesied, or by what power the Apostles spoke - and worked miracles. Who could have told whether the power of - Simon, the sorcerer, was of God or of the devil? -</p> -<p> There always did, in every age, seem to be a lack of intelligence - pertaining to this subject. Spirits of all kinds have been - manifested, in every age, and almost amongst all people. If we go - among the pagans, they have their spirits; the Mohammedans, the - Jews, the Christians, the Indians—all have their spirits, all have - a supernatural agency, and all contend that their spirits are of - God. Who shall solve the mystery? "Try the spirits," says John, but - who is to do it? The learned, the <span class="pagenum"><a name="572"></a>{572}</span> eloquent, the philosopher, - the sage, the divine—all are ignorant. The heathens will boast - of their gods, and of the great things that have been unfolded by - their oracles. The Mussulman will boast of his Koran, and of the - divine communications that his progenitors have received. The Jews - have had numerous instances, both ancient and modern, among them - of men who have professed to be inspired, and sent to bring about - great events, and the Christian world has not been slow in making - up the number. -</p> -<p> "Try the spirits," but what by? Are we to try them by the creeds of - men? What preposterous folly—what sheer ignorance—what madness! - Try the motions and actions of an eternal being (for I contend that - all spirits are such) by a thing that was conceived in ignorance, - and brought forth in folly—a cobweb of yesterday! Angels would - hide their faces, and devils would be ashamed and insulted, and - would say, "Paul we know, and Jesus we know, but who are ye?" Let - each man of society make a creed and try evil spirits by it, and - the devil would shake his sides; it is all that he would ask—all - that he would desire. Yet many of them do this, and hence "many - spirits are abroad in the world." -</p> -<p> One great evil is, that men are ignorant of the nature of - spirits; their power, laws, government, intelligence, &c., and - imagine that when there is anything like power, revelation, or - vision manifested, that it must be of God. Hence the Methodists, - Presbyterians, and others frequently possess a spirit that will - cause them to lie down, and during its operation, animation is - frequently entirely suspended; they consider it to be the power - of God, and a glorious manifestation from God—a manifestation of - what? Is there any intelligence communicated? Are the curtains - of heaven withdrawn, or the purposes of God developed? Have they - seen and conversed with an angel—or have the glories of futurity - burst upon their view? No! but their body has been inanimate, the - operation of their spirit suspended, and all the intelligence that - can be obtained from them when they arise, is a shout of "glory," - or "hallelujah," or some incoherent expression; but they have had - "the power." -</p> -<p> The Shaker will whirl around on his heel, impelled by a - supernatural agency or spirit, and think that he is governed by the - Spirit of God; and the Jumper will jump and enter into all kinds of - extravagances. A Primitive Methodist will shout under the influence - of that spirit, until he will rend the heavens with his cries; - while the Quakers (or Friends) moved as they think, by the Spirit - of God, will sit still and say nothing. Is God the author of all - this? If not of all of it, which does He recognize? Surely, such a - heterogeneous mass of confusion never can enter into the kingdom of - heaven. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="573"></a>{573}</span> Every one of these professes to be competent to try his - neighbor's spirit, but no one can try his own, and what is the - reason? Because they have not a key to unlock, no rule wherewith - to measure, and no criterion whereby they can test it. Could any - one tell the length, breadth or height of a building without a - rule? test the quality of metals without a criterion, or point - out the movements of the planetary systems, without a knowledge - of astronomy? Certainly not; and if such ignorance as this is - manifested about a spirit of this kind, who can describe an angel - of light? If Satan should appear as one in glory, who can tell his - color, his signs, his appearance, his glory?—or what is the manner - of his manifestation? Who can detect the spirit of the French - prophets with their revelations and their visions, and power of - manifestations? Or who can point out the spirit of the Irvingites, - with their apostles and prophets, and visions and tongues, and - interpretations, &c., &c. Or who can drag into daylight and develop - the hidden mysteries of the false spirits that so frequently are - made manifest among the Latter-day Saints? We answer that no man - can do this without the Priesthood, and having a knowledge of - the laws by which spirits are governed; for as "no man knows the - things of God, but by the Spirit of God," so no man knows the - spirit of the devil, and his power and influence, but by possessing - intelligence which is more than human, and having unfolded through - the medium of the Priesthood the mysterious operations of his - devices; without knowing the angelic form, the sanctified look and - gesture, and the zeal that is frequently manifested by him for the - glory of God, together with the prophetic spirit, the gracious - influence, the godly appearance, and the holy garb, which are so - characteristic of his proceedings and his mysterious windings. -</p> -<p> A man must have the discerning of spirits before he can drag into - daylight this hellish influence and unfold it unto the world in all - its soul-destroying, diabolical, and horrid colors; for nothing - is a greater injury to the children of men than to be under the - influence of a false spirit when they think they have the Spirit of - God. Thousands have felt the influence of its terrible power and - baneful effects. Long pilgrimages have been undertaken, penances - endured, and pain, misery and ruin have followed in their train; - nations have been convulsed, kingdoms overthrown, provinces laid - waste, and blood, carnage and desolation are habiliments in which - it has been clothed. -</p> -<p> The Turks, the Hindoos, the Jews, the Christians, the Indian; in - fact all nations have been deceived, imposed upon and injured - through the mischievous effects of false spirits. -</p> -<p> As we have noticed before, the great difficulty lies in the - ignorance of the nature of spirits, of the laws by which they are - governed, and the signs by which they may be known; if it requires - the Spirit of God <span class="pagenum"><a name="574"></a>{574}</span> to know the things of God; and the spirit - of the devil can only be unmasked through that medium, then it - follows as a natural consequence that unless some person or persons - have a communication, or revelation from God, unfolding to them the - operation of the spirit, they must eternally remain ignorant of - these principles; for I contend that if one man cannot understand - these things but by the Spirit of God, ten thousand men cannot; it - is alike out of the reach of the wisdom of the learned, the tongue - of the eloquent, the power of the mighty. And we shall at last have - to come to this conclusion, whatever we may think of revelation, - that without it we can neither know nor understand anything of God, - or the devil; and however unwilling the world may be to acknowledge - this principle, it is evident from the multifarious creeds and - notions concerning this matter that they understand nothing of - this principle, and it is equally as plain that without a divine - communication they must remain in ignorance. The world always - mistook false prophets for true ones, and those that were sent of - God, they considered to be false prophets, and hence they killed, - stoned, punished and imprisoned the true prophets, and these had - to hide themselves "in deserts and dens, and caves of the earth," - and though the most honorable men of the earth, they banished them - from their society as vagabonds, whilst they cherished, honored and - supported knaves, vagabonds, hypocrites, impostors, and the basest - of men. -</p> -<p> A man must have the discerning of spirits, as we before stated, - to understand these things, and how is he to obtain this gift - if there are no gifts of the Spirit? And how can these gifts be - obtained without revelation? Christ ascended into heaven, and - gave gifts to men; and He gave some Apostles, and some Prophets, - and some Evangelists, and some Pastors and Teachers. And how were - Apostles, Prophets, Pastors, Teachers and Evangelists chosen? By - prophecy (revelation) and by laying on of hands:—by a divine - communication, and a divinely appointed ordinance—through the - medium of the Priesthood, organized according to the order of God, - by divine appointment. The Apostles in ancient times held the - keys of this Priesthood—of the mysteries of the kingdom of God, - and consequently were enabled to unlock and unravel all things - pertaining to the government of the Church, the welfare of society, - the future destiny of men, and the agency, power and influence of - spirits; for they could control them at pleasure, bid them depart - in the name of Jesus, and detect their mischievous and mysterious - operations when trying to palm themselves upon the Church in a - religious garb, and militate against the interest of the Church and - spread of truth. We read that they "cast out devils in the name of - Jesus," and when a woman possessing the spirit of divination, cried - before Paul and Silas, "these are the servants of the Most High God - that show unto us the way of salvation," they detected the <span class="pagenum"><a name="575"></a>{575}</span> - spirit. And although she spake favorably of them, Paul commanded - the spirit to come out of her, and saved themselves from the - opprobrium that might have been heaped upon their heads, through - an alliance with her, in the development of her wicked principles, - which they certainly would have been charged with, if they had not - rebuked the evil spirit. -</p> -<p> A power similar to this existed through the medium of the - Priesthood in different ages. Moses could detect the magician's - power, and show that he [himself] was God's servant—he knew when - he was upon the mountain (through revelation) that Israel was - engaged in idolatry; he could develop the sin of Korah, Dathan and - Abiram, detect witches and wizards in their proceedings, and point - out the true prophets of the Lord. Joshua knew how to detect the - man who had stolen the wedge of gold and the Babylonish garment. - Michaiah could point out the false spirit by which the four hundred - prophets were governed; and if his advice had been taken, many - lives would have been spared, (II Chronicles xviii) Elijah, Elisha, - Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and many other prophets possessed this - power. Our Savior, the Apostles, and even the members of the - Church were endowed with this gift, for, says Paul, (I Corinthians - xii), "To one is given the gift of tongues, to another the - interpretation of tongues, to another the working of miracles, to - another prophecy, to another the discerning of spirits." All these - proceeded from the same Spirit of God, and were the gifts of God. - The Ephesian church were enabled by this principle, "to try those - that said they were apostles, and were not, and found them liars," - (Revelation ii: 2.) -</p> -<p> In tracing the thing to the foundation, and looking at it - philosophically, we shall find a very material difference between - the body and the spirit; the body is supposed to be organized - matter, and the spirit, by many, is thought to be immaterial, - without substance. With this latter statement we should beg leave - to differ, and state that spirit is a substance; that it is - material, but that it is more pure, elastic and refined matter - than the body; that it existed before the body, can exist in the - body; and will exist separate from the body, when the body will - be mouldering in the dust; and will in the resurrection, be again - united with it. -</p> -<p> Without attempting to describe this mysterious connection, and - the laws that govern the body and the spirit of man, their - relationship to each other, and the design of God in relation to - the human body and spirit, I would just remark, that the spirits - of men are eternal, that they are governed by the same Priesthood - that Abraham, Melchizedek, and the Apostles were: that they are - organized according to that Priesthood which is everlasting, - "without beginning of days or end of years,"—that they all move in - their respective spheres, and are governed by the law of God; that - when they appear upon the earth they are in a <span class="pagenum"><a name="576"></a>{576}</span> probationary - state, and are preparing, if righteous, for a future and greater - glory; that the spirits of good men cannot interfere with the - wicked beyond their prescribed bounds, for Michael, the Archangel, - dared not bring a railing accusation against the devil, but said, - "The Lord rebuke thee, Satan." -</p> -<p> It would seem also, that wicked spirits have their bounds, limits, - and laws by which they are governed or controlled, and know their - future destiny; hence, those that were in the maniac said to our - Savior, "Art thou come to torment us before the time," and when - Satan presented himself before the Lord, among the sons of God, he - said that he came "from going to and fro in the earth, and from - wandering up and down in it;" and he is emphatically called the - prince of the power of the air; and, it is very evident that they - possess a power that none but those who have the Priesthood can - control, as we have before adverted to, in the case of the sons of - Sceva. -</p> -<p> Having said so much upon general principles, without referring to - the peculiar situation, power, and influence of the magicians of - Egypt, the wizards and witches of the Jews, the oracles of the - heathen, their necromancers, soothsayers, and astrologers, the - maniacs or those possessed of devils in the Apostles' days, we will - notice, and try to detect (so far as we have the Scriptures for our - aid) some few instances of the development of false spirits in more - modern times, and in this our day. -</p> -<p> The "French Prophets" were possessed of a spirit that deceived; - they existed in Vivaris and Dauphany, in great numbers in the year - 1688; there were many boys and girls from seven to twenty-five; - they had strange fits, as in tremblings and faintings, which made - them stretch out their legs and arms, as in a swoon; they remained - awhile in trances, and coming out of them, uttered all that came in - their mouths [see Buck's Theological Dictionary]. -</p> -<p> Now God never had any prophets that acted in this way; there was - nothing indecorous in the proceeding of the Lord's prophets in any - age; neither had the apostles, nor prophets in the apostles's day - anything of this kind. Paul says, "Ye may all prophesy, one by - one; and if anything be revealed to another let the first hold his - peace, for the spirit of the prophets is subject to the prophets;" - but here we find that the prophets are subject to the spirit, and - falling down, have twitchings, tumblings, and faintings through the - influence of that spirit, being entirely under its control. Paul - says, "Let everything be done decently and in order," but here we - find the greatest disorder and indecency in the conduct of both men - and women, as above described. The same rule would apply to the - fallings, twitchings, swoonings, shaking, and trances of many of - our modern revivalists. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="577"></a>{577}</span> Johanna Southcott professed to be a prophetess, and wrote a - book of prophecies in 1804, she became the founder of a people that - are still extant. She was to bring forth, in a place appointed, - a son, that was to be the Messiah, which thing has failed. - Independent of this, however, where do we read of a woman that was - the founder of a church, in the word of God? Paul told the women in - his day, "To keep silence in the church, and that if they wished to - know anything to ask their husbands at home;" he would not suffer a - woman "to rule, or to usurp authority in the church;" but here we - find a woman the founder of a church, the revelator and guide, the - Alpha and Omega, contrary to all acknowledged rule, principle, and - order. -</p> -<p> Jemimah Wilkinson was another prophetess that figured largely - in America, in the last century. She stated that she was taken - sick and died, and that her soul went to heaven, where it still - continues. Soon after, her body was reanimated with the spirit and - power of Christ, upon which she set up as a public teacher, and - declared that she had an immediate revelation. Now the Scriptures - positively assert that "Christ is the first fruit, afterwards - those that are Christ's at His coming, then cometh the end." But - Jemimah, according to her testimony, died, and rose again before - the time mentioned in the Scriptures. The idea of her soul being in - heaven while her body was [living] on earth, is also preposterous. - When God breathed into man's nostrils, he became a living soul, - before that he did not live, and when that was taken away his body - died; and so did our Savior when the spirit left the body, nor - did His body live until His spirit returned in the power of His - resurrection. But Mrs. Wilkinson's soul [life] was in heaven, and - her body without the soul [or life] on earth, living [without the - soul, or] without life! -</p> -<p> The Irvingites, are a people that have counterfeited the truth, - perhaps the nearest of any of our modern sectarians. They commenced - about ten years ago in the city of London, in England; they have - churches formed in various parts of England and Scotland, and some - few in Upper Canada. Mr. Irving, their founder, was a learned - and talented minister of the Church of Scotland, he was a great - logician, and a powerful orator, but withal wild and enthusiastic - in his views. Moving in the higher circles, and possessing talent - and zeal, placed him in a situation to become a conspicuous - character, and to raise up a society similar to that which is - called after his name. -</p> -<p> The Irvingites have apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, - evangelists, and angels. They profess to have the gift of tongues, - and the interpretation of tongues, and, in some few instances, to - have the gift of healing. -</p> -<p> The first prophetic spirit that was manifested was in some Misses - <span class="pagenum"><a name="578"></a>{578}</span> Campbell that Mr. Irving met with, while on a journey in - Scotland; they had [what is termed among their sect] "utterances," - which were evidently of a supernatural agency. Mr. Irving, - falling into the common error of considering all supernatural - manifestations to be of God, took them to London with him, and - introduced them into his church. -</p> -<p> They were there honored as the prophetesses of God, and when they - spoke, Mr. Irving or any of his ministers had to keep silence. - They were peculiarly wrought upon before the congregation, and - had strange utterances, uttered with an unnatural, shrill voice, - and with thrilling intonations they frequently made use of a few - broken, unconnected sentences, that were ambiguous, incoherent, and - incomprehensible; at other times they were more clearly understood. - They would frequently cry out, "There is iniquity! There is - iniquity!" And Mr. Irving has been led, under the influence of this - charge, to fall down upon his knees before the public congregation, - and to confess his sin, not knowing whether he had sinned, nor - wherein, nor whether the thing referred to him, or somebody else. - During these operations, the bodies of the persons speaking were - powerfully wrought upon, their countenances were distorted, they - had frequent twitchings in their hands, and the whole system was - powerfully convulsed at intervals: they sometimes, however, (it is - supposed) spoke in correct tongues, and had true interpretations. -</p> -<p> Under the influence of this spirit the church was organized by - these women; apostles, prophets, &c. were soon called, and a - systematic order of things introduced, as above mentioned. A Mr. - Baxter (afterwards one of their principal prophets) upon going - into one of their meetings, says, "I saw a power manifested, and - thought that was the power of God, and asked that it might fall - upon me, and it did so, and I began to prophesy." Eight or nine - years ago they had about sixty preachers going through the streets - of London, testifying that London was to be the place where the - "two witnesses" spoken of by John, were to prophesy; that (they) - "the church and the spirit were the witnesses, and that at the - end of three years and a half there was to be an earthquake and - great destruction, and our Savior was to come. Their apostles were - collected together at the appointed time watching the event, but - Jesus did not come, and the prophecy was then ambiguously explained - away. They frequently had signs given them by the spirit to prove - to them that what was manifested to them should take place. Mr. - Baxter related an impression that he had concerning a child. It was - manifested to him that he should visit the child, and lay hands - upon it, and that it should be healed; and to prove to him that - this was of God, he should meet his brother in a certain place, - who should speak unto him certain words. His brother addressed - him precisely in the way <span class="pagenum"><a name="579"></a>{579}</span> and manner that the manifestation - designated. The sign took place, but when he laid his hands upon - the child it did not recover. I cannot vouch for the authority - of the last statement, as Mr. Baxter at that time had left the - Irvingites, but it is in accordance with many of their proceedings, - and the thing never has been attempted to be denied." -</p> -<p> It may be asked, where is there anything in all this that is wrong? -</p> -<p> 1st. The church was organized by women, and God placed in the - Church (first apostles, secondarily prophets), and not first women; - but Mr. Irving placed in his church first women (secondarily - apostles), and the church was founded and organized by them. A - woman has no right to found or organize a church—God never sent - them to do it. -</p> -<p> 2nd. Those women would speak in the midst of a meeting, and rebuke - Mr. Irving or any of the church. Now the Scripture positively says, - "Thou shalt not rebuke an Elder, but entreat him as a father:" not - only this, but they frequently accused the brethren, thus placing - themselves in the seat of Satan, who is emphatically called "the - accuser of the brethren." -</p> -<p> 3rd. Mr. Baxter received the spirit on asking for it, without - attending to the ordinances, and began to prophesy, whereas the - scriptural way of attaining the gift of the Holy Ghost is by - baptism, and by laying on of hands. -</p> -<p> 4th. As we have stated in regard to others, the spirit of the - prophets is subject to the prophets; but those prophets were - subject to the spirits, the spirits controlling their bodies at - pleasure. -</p> -<p> But it may be asked how Mr. Baxter could get a sign from a second - person? To this we would answer, that Mr. Baxter's brother was - under the influence of the same spirit as himself, and being - subject to that spirit he could be easily made to speak to Mr. - Baxter whatever the spirit should dictate; but there was not power - in the spirit to heal the child. -</p> -<p> Again it may be asked, how it was that they could speak in tongues - if they were of the devil! We would answer that they could be made - to speak in another tongue, as well as their own, as they were - under the control of that spirit, and the devil can tempt the - Hottentot, the Turk, the Jew, or any other nation; and if these men - were under the influence of his spirit, they of course could speak - Hebrew, Latin, Greek, Italian, Dutch, or any other language that - the devil knew. -</p> -<p> Some will say, "try the spirits" by the word. "Every spirit that - confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God, and - every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the - flesh is not of God." John 4: 2, 3. One of the Irvingites once - quoted this passage whilst under the influence of a spirit, and - then said, "I confess that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh." And - yet these prophecies failed, <span class="pagenum"><a name="580"></a>{580}</span> their Messiah did not come; and - the great things spoken of by them have fallen to the ground. What - is the matter here? Did not the Apostle speak the truth? Certainly - he did—but he spoke to a people who were under the penalty of - death, the moment they embraced Christianity; and no one without - a knowledge of the fact would confess it, and expose themselves - to death, and this was consequently given as a criterion to the - church or churches to which John wrote. But the devil on a certain - occasion cried out, "I know thee, who thou art, the Holy One of - God!" Here was a frank acknowledgment under other circumstances - that "Jesus had come in the flesh." On another occasion the devil - said, "Paul we know, and Jesus we know"—of course, "come in the - flesh." No man nor set of men without the regular constituted - authorities, the Priesthood and discerning of spirits, can tell - true from false spirits. This power they possessed in the Apostles' - day, but it has departed from the world for ages. -</p> -<p> The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has also had its - false spirits; and as it is made up of all those different sects - professing every variety of opinion, and having been under the - influence of so many kinds of spirits, it is not to be wondered at - if there should be found among us false spirits. -</p> -<p> Soon after the Gospel was established in Kirtland, and during the - absence of the authorities of the Church, many false spirits were - introduced, many strange visions were seen, and wild, enthusiastic - notions were entertained; men ran out of doors under the influence - of this spirit, and some of them got upon the stumps of trees and - shouted, and all kinds of extravagances were entered into by them; - one man pursued a ball that he said he saw flying in the air, until - he came to a precipice, when he jumped into the top of a tree, - which saved his life; and many ridiculous things were entered into, - calculated to bring disgrace upon the Church of God, to cause the - Spirit of God to be withdrawn, and to uproot and destroy those - glorious principles which had been developed for the salvation of - the human family. But when the authorities returned, the spirit was - made manifest, those members that were exercised with it were tried - for their fellowship, and those that would not repent and forsake - it were cut off. -</p> -<p> At a subsequent period a Shaker spirit was on the point of being - introduced, and at another time the Methodist and Presbyterian - falling down power, but the spirit was rebuked and put down, - and those who would not submit to rule and good order were - disfellowshiped. We have also had brethren and sisters who have - had the gift of tongues falsely; they would speak in a muttering - unnatural voice, and their bodies be distorted like the Irvingites - before alluded to; whereas, there is nothing unnatural in the - Spirit of God. A circumstance of this kind <span class="pagenum"><a name="581"></a>{581}</span> took place in - Upper Canada, but was rebuked by the presiding Elder; another, a - woman near the same place, professed to have the discerning of - spirits, and began to <em>accuse</em> another sister of things that she - was not guilty of, which she said she knew was so by the spirit, - but was afterwards proven to be false; she placed herself in the - capacity of the "<em>accuser</em> of the brethren," and no person through - the discerning of spirits can bring a charge against another, they - must be proven guilty by positive evidence, or they stand clear. -</p> -<p> There have also been ministering angels in the Church which were - of Satan appearing as an angel of light. A sister in the state - of New York had a vision, who said it was told her that if she - would go to a certain place in the woods, an angel would appear to - her. She went at the appointed time, and saw a glorious personage - descending, arrayed in white, with sandy colored hair; he commenced - and told her to fear God, and said that her husband was called to - do great things, but that he must not go more than one hundred - miles from home, or he would not return; whereas God had called him - to go to the ends of the earth, and he has since been more than one - thousand miles from home, and is yet alive. Many true things were - spoken by this personage, and many things that were false. How, it - may be asked, was this known to be a bad angel? By the color of his - hair; that is one of the signs that he can be known by, and by his - contradicting a former revelation. -</p> -<p> We have also had brethren and sisters who have written revelations, - and who have started forward to lead this Church. Such was a young - boy in Kirtland, Isaac Russel, of Missouri, and Gladden Bishop, and - Oliver Olney of Nauvoo. The boy is now living with his parents who - have submitted to the laws of the Church. Mr. Russell stayed in Far - West, from whence he was to go to the Rocky Mountains, led by three - Nephites; but the Nephites never came, and his friends forsook him, - all but some of the blood relations, who have since been nearly - destroyed by the mob. Mr. Bishop was tried by the High Council, his - papers examined, condemned and burned, and he cut off the Church. - He acknowledged the justice of the decision, and said "that he now - saw his error, for if he had been governed by the revelations given - before, he might have known that no man was to write revelations - for the Church, but Joseph Smith," and begged to be prayed for, and - forgiven by the brethren. Mr. Olney has also been tried by the High - Council and disfellowshiped, because he would not have his writings - tested by the word of God; evidently proving that he loves darkness - rather than light, because his deeds are evil. -</p></blockquote> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="582"></a>{582}</span> -</p> - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTERXXXIV"></a>CHAPTER XXXIV. -</h2> -<p class="chapterHeading">Special Conference of the Church at Nauvoo—The Prophet's Reproof of -the Wicked—Epistle of the Twelve to the Saints in Kirtland—Status of -the Church. -</p> -<p><em>Saturday, April 2</em>.—I paid Hugh Rhodes $1,150 for a farm. -</p> -<p>The fourth regiment of the second cohort of the Nauvoo Legion, -consisting of four companies, was organized, Jonathan Dunham was -elected colonel, James Brown, lieutenant-colonel, and Jesse P. Harmon, -major of the same. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, 4</em>.—Transacted business at my house with Josiah Butterfield, -concerning the Lawrence estates; and closed a settlement with William -Marks in the counting room, and paid him off, principal and interest to -the last farthing, for all that myself or the Church had had of him. -</p> -<p><em>Tuesday, 5</em>.—Settled with Brother Niswanger. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">The Thirteenth Anniversary of the Organization of the -Church. -</p> -<p><em>Wednesday, 6</em>.—The first day of the thirteenth year of the rise of -the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A special conference -had been appointed at the city of Nauvoo, but it was so wet and cold, -that it was not prudent for me to go out, as my health was not good, -and I spent the day with my family. Brother Hyrum and Elders Brigham -Young, Heber C. Kimball, and Willard Richards called on me in the -morning, and I gave them instructions how to organize and adjourn the -conference. Before they left, Brother Hyrum and the Twelve present bore -testimony <span class="pagenum"><a name="583"></a>{583}</span> that they had never heard me teach any principles but -those of the strictest virtue, either in public or private. -</p><blockquote> -<p> Conference Minutes. -</p> -<p> <em>Special Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day - Saints</em>. -</p> -<p> <em>City of Nauvoo, April 6, 1842</em>. -</p> -<p> The day being wet, the First Presidency did not attend, and Elder - Page addressed those present upon the subject of the charges - against him, and said he "would be happy to have an opportunity - of laying his statement before the conference at a convenient - time. President William Law, General Bennett, president <em>pro tem</em>, - and President Hyrum Smith all spoke upon the subject of military - affairs, showing the necessity of a well organized and efficient - force; that as we were bound to serve our country, if required, in - common with all good citizens, we ought not to be behind any of our - neighbors in point of good order, neat uniforms and equipments, and - a well organized and thoroughly disciplined legion." -</p> -<p> <em>Thursday, April 7</em>.—Conference met. President Joseph Smith had - the several quorums put in order and seated. He then made some - very appropriate remarks concerning the duties of the Church, the - necessity of unity of purpose in regard to the building of the - houses, and the blessings connected with doing the will of God, - and the inconsistency, folly, and danger of murmuring against the - dispensations of Jehovah. -</p> -<p> He said that the principal object of the meeting was, to bring the - case of Elder Page before them; and that another object was, to - choose young men and ordain them, and send them out to preach, that - they may have an opportunity of proving themselves, and of enduring - the tarring and feathering, and such things as those of us who have - gone before them have had to endure. -</p> -<p> Elder Page, having arrived, was called upon, and addressed the - congregation in relation to the non-performance of his mission - to Jerusalem. He said that when he started with Elder Hyde, joy - filled their hearts, and they were aware of the responsibility - of their mission. Elder Hyde's vision was that he should be in - Jerusalem alone, Elder Page considered Elder Hyde to be his father - and guide in the mission, and felt it his duty to submit to Elder - Hyde's opinion in all things; no Elders ever were more in concert - on a mission than they were while together. They made a covenant - in Quincy to stand by each other while on the mission, and if they - were insulted or imposed upon they would stand by each other, even - unto death, and not separate unless to go a few miles to preach a - sermon, that all moneys should go into one purse, and it did so. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="584"></a>{584}</span> Elder Hyde, in Indiana, first said he would go to visit - Brother Knight, and that Elder Page should stay and preach; he - assented, and went and returned to Indianapolis. Elder Page had a - mare given him on account of both. Elder Hyde then took the mare, - went on, left his luggage with Elder Page; while away he sold the - mare for $40, and received $60 more as a donation from the man to - whom he had sold the mare; he returned, they preached at Dayton and - received a handsome contribution. Elder Page preached sixteen miles - off, and raised a branch. Elder Hyde went to Cincinnati, revised - the "Missouri Persecutions," got 2,000 copies printed, paid for - them, and took part of them with him, and left a large box full, - and about 150 loose copies with Elder Page. Elder Hyde started - for Philadelphia, purposing to visit churches on the way; he left - Elder Page $23.31. Elder Page returned to Dayton and Milton, and - sold books, with the intention of following Elder Hyde as soon as - practicable; but he stayed a day or two too long, and the river - closed by the frost, from one to two weeks earlier than usual. - Elder Hyde told him that it was possible they might be from one to - two years before they would leave America, as it would take upwards - of $1,000 each to take them to Jerusalem and back, that it would - be slow gleaning in England, and assigned this as a reason for not - immediately following Elder Hyde, thinking that he would be sure of - seeing him in the spring. Elder Page accused himself of not using - better economy in proceeding on his journey. -</p> -<p> There came out a piece in the paper, stating the displeasure of - the Lord respecting Elder Hyde and Elder Page, he sat down and - wrote a piece to put in the paper, acknowledging the justice of the - charge, but wisdom prevented its being published; preached about - Washington, &c., gathered funds for the mission in Westchester and - in Philadelphia. -</p> -<p> Elder Hyde raised funds on behalf of the mission, by applauding - Elder Page's talents, wisdom, &c., but they were disappointed in - him when they saw him; he raised funds for the mission, the most - liberal was in Philadelphia. He intended to sail on the 25th of - July, but the brethren said that if he would remain two weeks, they - would raise funds for him; they found that it would take longer, - and he decided to stay a month, he then received a command through - a letter from President Hyrum Smith to an official character in - Philadelphia, requesting him to return; he wrote to ascertain - the reason but did not get an answer, he was then called in by - President Joseph Smith and Elder Brigham Young. -</p> -<p> Elder Hyde would often renew the covenant between them to never - part with each other in that mission. Elder Page had no blame to - attach to Elder Hyde; he supposed he had done right, but if he - had been in <span class="pagenum"><a name="585"></a>{585}</span> his place, he would have tarried for him until - the spring. The reports of his having apostatized, &c., returned - even from this place to New York. Many reproved him for leaving - Cincinnati for Dayton. -</p> -<p> President Joseph Smith then arose and stated that it was wrong to - make the covenant referred to by him; that it created a lack of - confidence for two men to covenant to reveal all acts of secrecy or - otherwise, to each other, and Elder Page showed a little grannyism. - He said that no two men, when they agreed to go together ought - to separate, that the Prophets of old would not, and quoted the - circumstance of Elijah and Elisha, 2 Kings ii., when about to go - to Gilgal, also when about to go to Jericho, and to Jordan, that - Elisha could not get clear of Elijah, that he clung to his garment - until he was taken to heaven; and that Elder Page should have stuck - by Elder Hyde, and he might have gone to Jerusalem, that there is - nothing very bad in it, but by the experience let us profit; again - the Lord made use of Elder Page as a scapegoat to procure funds for - Elder Hyde. When Elder Hyde returns, we will reconsider the matter, - and perhaps send them back to Jerusalem; we will fellowship Elder - Page until Elder Hyde comes, and we will then weld them together - and make them one. A vote was then put and carried that we hold - Elder Page in full fellowship. -</p> -<p> Voted that Elder Page be sent to Pittsburgh. -</p> -<p> Sung a hymn—adjourned for one hour and a half, at one o'clock. -</p> -<p> Met agreeable to adjournment—choir sung a hymn—prayer by Elder H. - C. Kimball. -</p> -<p> Elder Lyman Wight called to know if there were any present of - the rough and weak things, who wished to be ordained, and go and - preach, who have not been before ordained. Elder Lyman Wight then - addressed those who intended to be ordained, on the subject of - their duty and requirements to go and preach. -</p> -<p> President Hyrum Smith spoke concerning the Elders who went forth to - preach from Kirtland, and were afterwards called in for the washing - and anointing at the dedication of the House, and those who go now - will be called in also, when this Temple is about to be dedicated, - and will then be endowed to go forth with mighty power, having the - same anointing, that all may go forth and have the same power, the - first, second, and so on, of the Seventies, and all those formerly - ordained. This will be an important and beneficial mission, and - not many years until those now sent will be called in again. He - then spoke in contradiction of a report in circulation about Elders - Heber C. Kimball, Brigham Young, himself, and others of the Twelve, - alleging that a sister had been shut in a room for several days, - and that they had endeavored to induce her to believe in having two - wives. Also cautioned the sisters against going to the steamboats. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="586"></a>{586}</span> President Joseph Smith spoke upon the subject of the - stories respecting Elders Kimball and others, showing the folly - and inconsistency of spending any time in conversing about such - stories, or hearkening to them, for there is no person that is - acquainted with our principles who would believe such lies, except - Sharp, the editor of the <em>Warsaw Signal</em>. -</p> -<p> Baptisms for the dead, and for the healing of the body must be in - the font, those coming into the Church, and those re-baptized may - be baptized in the river. A box should be prepared for the use of - the font, that the clerk may be paid, and a book procured by the - moneys to be put therein, by those baptized, the remainder to go to - the use of the Temple. -</p> -<p> Sung a hymn. -</p> -<p> Ordinations to take place tomorrow morning. Baptisms in the font - also. -</p> -<p> There were 275 ordained to the office of Elder, under the hands of - the Twelve, during the Conference. -</p> -<p> <em>Friday 8</em>. Conference assembled. Sung a hymn. Prayer by Elder - Heber C. Kimball. -</p> -<p> Elder Page then addressed the assembly upon several subjects; made - many interesting remarks concerning being called to the ministry, - labor in the vineyard, &c. Spoke of his own travels and the fruits - of his labors as an encouragement to the young Elders who were - going into the vineyard. -</p> -<p> President Joseph Smith said the baptisms would be attended to, also - the ordinations. -</p> -<p> Sung a hymn. -</p> -<p> Elder John Taylor preached a sermon while the ordinations and - baptisms were going on, on the subject of infidelity, showing - that the arguments used against the Bible were rationally, - scientifically, and philosophically false. -</p> -<p> The stand was occupied in the afternoon by Elder Amasa M. Lyman, - who was followed by Elder William Smith; then the Conference closed - by the benediction of President Joseph Smith. -</p> -<p> James Sloan, Clerk. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Saturday, 9</em>.—In the morning I attended the funeral of Brother -Ephraim Marks, and in the evening attended city council. -</p><blockquote> -<p> [The following brief synopsis of President Smith's remarks is from - Elder Wilford Woodruff's journal:] -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="587"></a>{587}</span> <em>Remarks of the Prophet at the Funeral of Ephraim Marks</em>. -</p> -<p> The Saints in Nauvoo assembled at the house of President Marks, - at an early hour in the morning, to pay their last respects to - the body of Ephraim Marks, son of President William Marks, who - died on the evening of the 7th. A large procession formed and - walked to the Grove, where a numerous congregation had assembled. - President Joseph Smith spoke upon the occasion with much feeling - and interest. Among his remarks he said, "It is a very solemn and - awful time. I never felt more solemn; it calls to mind the death - of my oldest brother, Alvin, who died in New York, and my youngest - brother, Don Carlos Smith, who died in Nauvoo. It has been hard - for me to live on earth and see these young men upon whom we have - leaned for support and comfort taken from us in the midst of their - youth. Yes, it has been hard to be reconciled to these things. I - have sometimes thought that I should have felt more reconciled to - have been called away myself if it had been the will of God; yet I - know we ought to be still and know it is of God, and be reconciled - to His will; all is right. It will be but a short time before we - shall all in like manner be called: it may be the case with me as - well as you. Some have supposed that Brother Joseph could not die; - but this is a mistake: it is true there have been times when I have - had the promise of my life to accomplish such and such things, but, - having now accomplished those things, I have not at present any - lease of my life, I am as liable to die as other men." -</p> -<p> I can say in my heart, that I have not done anything against - Ephraim Marks that I am sorry for, and I would ask any of his - companions if they have done anything against him that they are - sorry for, or that they would not like to meet and answer for at - the bar of God, if so, let it prove as a warning to all to deal - justly before God, and with all mankind, then we shall be clear in - the day of judgment. -</p> -<p> When we lose a near and dear friend, upon whom we have set our - hearts, it should be a caution unto us not to set our affections - too firmly upon others; knowing that they may in like manner be - taken from us. Our affections should be placed upon God and His - work, more intensely than upon our fellow beings. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Sunday, April 10</em>.—I preached in the Grove, and pronounced a curse -upon all adulterers, and fornicators, and unvirtuous persons, and those -who have made use of my name to carry on their iniquitous designs. -</p><blockquote> -<p> [The following brief synopsis of the Prophet's remarks is from the - journal of Elder Wilford Woodruff:] -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="588"></a>{588}</span> <em>Synopsis of Remarks of the Prophet—Reproof of all - Wickedness</em>. -</p> -<p> Joseph the Seer arose in the power of God; reproved and rebuked - wickedness before the people, in the name of the Lord God. He - wished to say a few words to suit the condition of the general - mass, and then said: I shall speak with authority of the Priesthood - in the name of the Lord God, which shall prove a savor of life unto - life, or of death unto death. Notwithstanding this congregation - profess to be Saints, yet I stand in the midst of all [kinds of] - characters and classes of men. If you wish to go where God is, you - must be like God, or possess the principles which God possesses, - for if we are not drawing towards God in principle, we are going - from Him and drawing towards the devil. Yes, I am standing in the - midst of all kinds of people. -</p> -<p> Search your hearts, and see if you are like God. I have searched - mine, and feel to repent of all my sins. -</p> -<p> We have thieves among us, adulterers, liars, hypocrites. If God - should speak from heaven, he would command you not to steal, not to - commit adultery, not to covet, nor deceive, but be faithful over - a few things. As far as we degenerate from God, we descend to the - devil and lose knowledge, and without knowledge we cannot be saved, - and while our hearts are filled with evil, and we are studying - evil, there is no room in our hearts for good, or studying good. - Is not God good? Then you be good; if He is faithful, then you be - faithful. Add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, and seek - for every good thing. -</p> -<p> The Church must be cleansed, and I proclaim against all iniquity. A - man is saved no faster than he gets knowledge, for if he does not - get knowledge, he will be brought into captivity by some evil power - in the other world, as evil spirits will have more knowledge, and - consequently more power than many men who are on the earth. Hence - it needs revelation to assist us, and give us knowledge of the - things of God. -</p> -<p> What is the reason that the Priests of the day do not get - revelation? They ask only to consume it upon their lust. Their - hearts are corrupt, and they cloak their iniquity by saying there - are no more revelations. But if any revelations are given of God, - they are universally opposed by the priests and Christendom at - large; for they reveal their wickedness and abominations. -</p> -<p> Many other remarks of interest were made. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Monday, 11</em>.—I was at the lodge and at home. -</p> -<p>The following is from the <em>West Messenger</em>. -</p><blockquote> -<p> A Meteor Falls. -</p> -<p> Mr. Horace Palmer who was on his way from Dunkirk to Westfield, - about three o'clock this morning, states that when about three - miles <span class="pagenum"><a name="589"></a>{589}</span> from Dunkirk, he was suddenly surrounded by a painful - vivid light proceeding from a quantity of jelly-like substance, - which fell on and about him, producing a sulphurous smell, a - difficulty of breathing and a severe sensation of heat. As soon as - he could so far recover from his astonishment as to look up, he saw - the body of a terrific meteor passing above him, and appearing to - be about a mile high. Its size appeared to be three or four feet in - diameter, and nearly a mile in length. Its dimensions soon varied, - becoming at first broader, and then diminishing to one fourth less - than its former size, when it apparently separated in pieces, and - fell to the earth; and immediately after he heard the explosion, - which he says was tremendous. -</p> -<p> When Mr. Palmer arrived at Westfield, his face had the appearance - of being severely scorched, and his eyes were much affected, and - he did not recover for two or three days. Mr. Palmer is reputed to - be a man of integrity and temperate habits; and his story, though - marvelous, is generally believed. -</p> -<p> The meteor was seen by several other people, who speak of luminous - bodies being detached from it. Its progress was attended by a noise - similar to that of a train of cars on a railroad. -</p> -<p> A man who saw it from Salem represents it to have been of - dimensions much larger than described by Mr. Palmer. The report of - the explosion was heard also at Buffalo. -</p></blockquote> -<p class="sidenote">Council Meeting with the Twelve. -</p> -<p><em>Tuesday, 12</em>.—I attended the meeting of the lodge. The Twelve, -namely Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Orson Pratt, William Smith, -Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, John E. Page, and Willard Richards, -clerk, assembled in the lodge room at four o'clock p. m., and appointed -John Taylor, Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball a committee to make -arrangements for the payments due from President Smith as Trustee -in Trust, to Mr. Wilkie, and voted that Randolph Alexander go on a -mission south to preach the Gospel. Also voted that the Twelve unite -their influence to persuade the brethren to consecrate all the old -notes, deeds, and obligations which they hold against each other to the -building of the Temple in Nauvoo, and that Willard Richards write an -epistle in the name of the Twelve on that subject, and publish it in -the <em>Times and Seasons</em>, which he did as follows: -</p><blockquote> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="590"></a>{590}</span> <em>An Epistle of the Twelve to the Saints in America, Greeting</em>. -</p> -<p> Beloved Brethren: We have whereof to congratulate you at the - present time, as we have the opportunity from day to day to witness - the progress of the building of the Temple of the Lord in this - city, and which is and must be accomplished by the united exertions - of the labors of the brethren who reside here, and the tithings and - contributions of those who are scattered abroad in the different - states. -</p> -<p> In this glorious object the hearts of all the faithful are united, - the hands of the laborer are made strong continually, and the purse - strings of the more opulent are unloosed from time to time, to - supply those things which are necessary for upraising the stones of - this noble edifice; and it may truly be said that the blessing of - the Lord is upon His people; we have peace without and love within - the borders of our beautiful city; beautiful, indeed, for situation - is Nauvoo: the crown of the great valley of the Mississippi, the - joy of every honest heart. -</p> -<p> Although all things are more prosperous concerning the Temple than - at any former period, yet the Saints must not suppose that all - is done, or that they can relax their exertions and the work go - on. It is a great work that God has required of His people, and - it will require long and unwearied diligence to accomplish it; - and redoubled diligence will be necessary with all, to get the - building enclosed before another winter, so that the joiner can be - employed during the cold weather; and we would again call upon all - the Saints abroad to unite in making their deposits in banks known - to be good and safe, and forward their certificate to the Trustee - in Trust, as speedily as possible; when trusty men are not coming - immediately to this place who can bring your offerings. All will - want the privileges and blessings of the sanctuary, when it is - completed; and all can have their wishes; but they can obtain them - only by faithfulness and diligence in striving to build. -</p> -<p> We praise our God for the liberality that has hitherto been - manifested; many have given more than was required of them, many - have given their all, but they have done it cheerfully; they have - done it voluntarily; and they shall have a great reward; for the - blessings of heaven and earth shall be multiplied unto such; even - the blessings of that Priesthood which hath neither beginning of - days nor end of life. -</p> -<p> While there are those who of their abundance have built unto - themselves fine houses, and who ride in fine carriages and on - horseback, and regale themselves with the good things of the land, - and at the same time they have left the Lord's house untouched, or, - if touched at all, have touched it so lightly as scarce to leave - the print of their little finger: their reward will be according - to their deeds, and unless they speedily repent, and come up with - their abundance to the help of the Lord, they will find in the end - that they have no part nor lot in this <span class="pagenum"><a name="591"></a>{591}</span> matter; their gold and - silver will become cankered, their garments moth eaten, and they - will perish in their own slothfulness and idolatry, leaving none to - mourn their absence. -</p> -<p> But, brethren, the Temple will be built. There are hundreds and - thousands who stand ready to sacrifice the last farthing they - possess on the earth rather than have the building of the Lord's - house delayed, all while this spirit prevails no power beneath the - heavens can hinder its progress: but we desire you all to help - with the ability which God has given you; that you may all share - the blessings which will distil from heaven to earth through this - consecrated channel. -</p> -<p> This is not all. It will be in vain for us to build a place where - the Son of Man may lay his head, and leave the cries of the widow - and the fatherless, unheard by us, ascending up to the orphan's - God and widow's Friend. It is in vain, we cry Lord, Lord, and do - not the things our Lord hath commanded; to visit the widow, the - fatherless, the sick, the lame, the blind, the destitute, and - minister to their necessities; and it is but reasonable that such - cases should be found among a people who have but recently escaped - the fury of a relentless mob on the one hand, and gathered from the - half-starved population of the scattered nations on the other. -</p> -<p> Neither is this all. It is not sufficient that the poor be fed and - clothed, the sick ministered unto, the Temple built—no, when all - this is accomplished, there must be a year of Jubilee: there must - be a day of rejoicing, there must be a time of release to Zion's - sons, or our offerings, our exertions, our hopes, and our prayers - will be in vain, and God will not accept of the doings of His - people. -</p> -<p> On these days of darkness which overspread our horizon; when the - Wolf was howling for his prey around the streets of Kirtland; when - the burglar was committing his midnight and midday depredations - in Jackson county; when the heartless politician was thrusting - his envious darts in Clay county—and when the savage war whoop, - echoed and re-echoed through Far West, and Zion's noblest sons - were chained in dungeons, and her defenseless daughters driven - by a horde of savages, from their once peaceful homes, to seek a - shelter in a far distant land—many of the brethren stepped forward - to their rescue, and not only expended all they possessed for the - relief of suffering innocence, but gave their notes and bonds to - "obtain more means, with which to help those who could not escape - the overwhelming surge of banishment from all that they possessed - on earth." -</p> -<p> Death, wounds, and sickness, from the mob, and the cold and - shelterless situation of the brethren, followed in quick - succession; and all the means which could possibly be obtained from - each other, in addition to the noble charities of the citizens of - Illinois, were brought into <span class="pagenum"><a name="592"></a>{592}</span> requisition to sustain a remnant - of the Saints, who now mostly inhabit this place. -</p> -<p> To accomplish this, the President and Bishops loaned money and such - things as could be obtained, and gave their obligations in good - faith for the payment of the same; and many of the brethren signed - with them at different times and in different places, to strengthen - their hands and help them carry out their designs; fully expecting, - that, at some future day, they would be enabled to liquidate all - such claims, to the satisfaction of all parties. -</p> -<p> Many of these claims have already been settled; many have been - given up as cancelled by those who held them, and many yet remain - unsettled. The Saints have had many difficulties to encounter - since they arrived at this place. In a new country, destitute of - houses, food, clothing, and nearly all the necessaries of life, - which were rent from them by an unfeeling mob—having to encounter - disease and difficulties unnumbered, it is not surprising that the - Church has not been able to liquidate all such claims, or that - many individuals should yet remain involved, from the foregoing - circumstances; and while things remain as they are, and men - remain subject to the temptations of evil as they now are, the - day of release, and year of jubilee cannot be; and we write you - especially at this time, brethren, for the purpose of making a - final settlement of all such claims, of brother against brother; of - the brethren against the Presidency and Bishops, &c.; claims which - have originated out of the difficulties and calamities the Church - has had to encounter, and which are of long standing, so that when - the Temple is completed, there will be nothing from this source - to produce jars, and discords, strifes and animosities, so as to - prevent the blessings of heaven descending upon us as a people. -</p> -<p> To accomplish this most desirable object, we call on all the - brethren who hold such claims, to bring them forward for a final - settlement; and also those brethren who have individual claims - against each other, of long standing, and the property of the - debtor has been wrested from him by violence, or he has been - unfortunate, and languished on a bed of sickness till his means are - exhausted; and all claims whatsoever between brother and brother, - where there is no reasonable prospect of a just and equitable - settlement possible, that they also by some means, either by - giving up their obligations, or destroying them, see that all such - old affairs be adjusted, so that it shall not give occasion for - difficulties to arise hereafter. Yes, brethren, bring all such - old accounts, notes, bonds, etc., and make a consecration of them - to the building of the Temple, and if anything can be obtained on - them, it will be obtained; and if nothing can be obtained, when the - Temple is completed, we will make a burnt-offering of them, even a - peace-offering, which shall bind <span class="pagenum"><a name="593"></a>{593}</span> the brethren together in the - bonds of eternal peace, and love and union; and joy and salvation - shall flow forth into your souls, and you shall rejoice and say it - is good that we have harkened unto counsel, and set our brethren - free, for God hath blessed us. -</p> -<p> How can we prosper while the Church, while the Presidency, while - the Bishops, while those who have sacrificed everything but life, - in this thing, for our salvation, are thus encumbered? It cannot - be. Arise, then, brethren, set them free, and set each other free, - and we will all be free together, we will be free indeed. -</p> -<p> Let nothing in this epistle be so construed as to destroy the - validity of contracts, or give any one license not to pay his - debts. The commandment is to pay every man his dues, and no man can - get to heaven who justly owes his brother or his neighbor, who has - or can get the means and will not pay it; it is dishonest, and no - dishonest man can enter where God is. -</p> -<p> We remain, your brethren in the Gospel of Peace, -</p> -<p> Brigham Young, President, -</p> -<p> Heber C. Kimball, -</p> -<p> Orson Pratt, -</p> -<p> William Smith, -</p> -<p> John E. Page, -</p> -<p> Lyman Wight, -</p> -<p> Wilford Woodruff, -</p> -<p> John Taylor, -</p> -<p> Geo. A. Smith, -</p> -<p> Willard Richards, Clerk. -</p> -<p> <em>Military Appointments</em>. -</p> -<p> James Arlington Bennett, of Arlington House, Long Island, is hereby - appointed Inspector-General of the Nauvoo-Legion, with the rank and - title of Major-General; his place to be supplied when absent, by - the Major-General of the Legion. -</p> -<p> Joseph Smith, Lieutenant-General. -</p> -<p> City of Nauvoo, Illinois, April 12th, A. D. 1842. -</p></blockquote> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="594"></a>{594}</span> -</p> - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTERXXXV"></a>CHAPTER XXXV. -</h2> -<p class="chapterHeading">The General Bankrupt Law—The Doctrine of Baptism for the Dead—The -Prophet's Address to the Female Relief Society—The Keys of the -Priesthood and the Nauvoo Temple. -</p> -<p><em>Wednesday, April 13</em>.—I introduced Messrs. Backenstos, Stiles, and -Robinson into the Lodge Room in the morning, and Samuel H. Smith, -William Smith, and Vinson Knight in the evening. -</p> -<p>About 150 Saints, from England landed in Nauvoo from the steamer -<em>Louisa</em>, and about 60 from the <em>Amaranth</em>. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">The Bankrupt Law. -</p> -<p><em>Thursday, 14</em>.—Calvin A. Warren, Esq., lawyer, from Quincy, arrived, -and commenced an investigation of the principles of general insolvency -in my behalf according to the statutes; for the United States Congress -had previously instituted a general bankrupt law, by which any -individual who was owing to a certain amount more than he was able -to pay, could make out a schedule of his property, and of debts due -from himself, and by a specified process, pass the same in the hands -of a commissioner, government agent, or "assignee," who could make a -dividend of all his effects, and pay his creditors whatever percentage -his property amounted to, and then the individual was at liberty to -start anew in the world, and was not subject to liquidate any claims -which were held against him previous to his insolvency, although his -property might not have paid but the least percentage, or none at all. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">The Prophet Forced into Bankruptcy. -</p> -<p>The justice or injustice of such a principle in law, I leave for them -who made it, the United States. Suffice it <span class="pagenum"><a name="595"></a>{595}</span> to say, the law was as -good for the Saints as for the Gentiles, and whether I would or not, I -was forced into the measure by having been robbed, mobbed, plundered, -and wasted of all my property, time after time, in various places, by -the very ones who made the law, namely, the people of the United State, -thereby having been obliged to contract heavy debts to prevent the -utter destruction of myself, family and friends, and by those who were -justly and legally owing me, taking the advantage of the same act of -bankruptcy, so that I could not collect my just dues, thus leaving me -no alternative but to become subject again to stripping, wasting, and -destitution, by vexatious writs, and law suits, and imprisonments, or -take that course to extricate myself, which the law had pointed out. -</p> -<p><em>Friday, 15</em>.—Editorial from the <em>Times and Seasons</em>: -</p><blockquote> -<p> Baptism For The Dead. -</p> -<p> The great designs of God in relation to the salvation of the human - family, are very little understood by the professedly wise and - intelligent generation in which we live. Various and conflicting - are the opinions of men concerning the plan of salvation, the - requisitions of the Almighty, the necessary preparations for - heaven, the state and condition of departed spirits, and the - happiness or misery that is consequent upon the practice of - righteousness and iniquity according to their several notions of - virtue and vice. -</p> -<p> The Mussulman condemns the heathen, the Jew, and the Christian, - and the whole world of mankind that reject his Koran, as infidels, - and consigns the whole of them to perdition. The Jew believes that - the whole world that rejects his faith and are not circumcised, - are Gentile dogs, all will be damned. The heathen is equally as - tenacious about his principles, and the Christian consigns all to - perdition who cannot bow to his creed, and submit to his <em>ipse - dixit</em>. -</p> -<p> But while one portion of the human race is judging and condemning - the other without mercy, the Great Parent of the universe looks - upon the whole of the human family with a fatherly care and - paternal regard; He views them as His offspring, and without any - of those contracted feelings that influence the children of men, - causes "His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth - rain on the just and on the unjust." He holds the reins of judgment - in His hands; He is a wise Lawgiver, and <span class="pagenum"><a name="596"></a>{596}</span> will judge all - men, not according to the narrow, contracted notions of men, but, - "according to the deeds done in the body whether they be good or - evil," or whether these deeds were done in England, America, Spain, - Turkey, or India. He will judge them, "not according to what they - have not, but according to what they have," those who have lived - without law, will be judged without law, and those who have a - law, will by judged by that law. We need not doubt the wisdom and - intelligence of the Great Jehovah; He will award judgment or mercy - to all nations according to their several deserts, their means of - obtaining intelligence, the laws by which they are governed, the - facilities afforded them of obtaining correct information, and His - inscrutable designs in relation to the human family; and when the - designs of God shall be made manifest, and the curtain of futurity - be withdrawn, we shall all of us eventually have to confess that - the Judge of all the earth has done right. -</p> -<p> The situation of the Christian nations after death, is a subject - that has called forth all the wisdom and talent of the philosopher - and the divine, and it is an opinion which is generally received, - that the destiny of man is irretrievably fixed at his death, and - that he is made either eternally happy, or eternally miserable; - that if a man dies without a knowledge of God, he must be eternally - damned, without any mitigation of his punishment, alleviation of - his pain, or the most latent hope of a deliverance while endless - ages shall roll along. However orthodox this principle may be, - we shall find that it is at variance with the testimony of Holy - Writ, for our Savior says, that all manner of sin and blasphemy - shall be forgiven men wherewith they shall blaspheme; but the - blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven, neither - in this world, nor in the world to come, evidently showing that - there are sins which may be forgiven in the world to come, although - the sin of blasphemy [against the Holy Ghost] cannot be forgiven. - Peter, also, in speaking concerning our Savior, says, that "He - went and preached unto the spirits in prison, which sometimes were - disobedient, when once the long suffering of God waited in the - days of Noah," (I Peter iii: 19, 20). Here then we have an account - of our Savior preaching to the spirits in prison, to spirits that - had been imprisoned from the days of Noah; and what did He preach - to them? That they were to stay there? Certainly not! Let His own - declaration testify. "He hath sent me to heal the broken hearted, - to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to - the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised." (Luke iv: 18. - Isaiah has it—"To bring out the prisoners from the prison, and - them that sit in darkness from the prison house.") (Isaiah xlii: - 7.) It is very evident from this that He not only went to preach - to them, but to deliver, or bring them out of the prison house. - Isaiah, in <span class="pagenum"><a name="597"></a>{597}</span> testifying concerning the calamities that will - overtake the inhabitants of the earth, says, "The earth shall reel - to and fro like a drunkard, and shall be removed like a cottage; - and the transgression thereof shall be heavy upon it; and it shall - fall and not rise again. And it shall come to pass in that day, - that the Lord shall punish the host of the high ones that are on - high, and the kings of the earth upon the earth. And they shall - be gathered together, as prisoners are gathered in the pit, and - shall be shut up in the prison, and after many days shall they be - visited." Thus we find that God will deal with all the human family - equally, and that as the antediluvians had their day of visitation, - so will those characters referred to by Isaiah, have their time of - visitation and deliverance, after having been many days in prison. -</p> -<p> The great Jehovah contemplated the whole of the events connected - with the earth, pertaining to the plan of salvation, before it - rolled into existence, or ever "the morning stars sang together" - for joy; the past, the present, and the future were and are, with - Him, one eternal "now;" he knew of the fall of Adam, the iniquities - of the antediluvians, of the depth of iniquity that would be - connected with the human family, their weakness and strength, their - power and glory, apostasies, their crimes, their righteousness and - iniquity; He comprehended the fall of man, and his redemption; He - knew the plan of salvation and pointed it out; He was acquainted - with the situation of all nations and with their destiny; He - ordered all things according to the council of His own will; He - knows the situation of both the living and the dead, and has made - ample provision for their redemption, according to their several - circumstances, and the laws of the kingdom of God, whether in this - world, or in the world to come. -</p> -<p> The idea that some men form of the justice, judgment, and mercy - of God, is too foolish for an intelligent man to think of: for - instance, it is common for many of our orthodox preachers to - suppose that if a man is not what they call converted, if he dies - in that state he must remain eternally in hell without any hope. - Infinite years in torment must he spend, and never, never, never - have an end; and yet this eternal misery is made frequently to - rest upon the merest casualty. The breaking of a shoe-string, the - tearing of a coat of those officiating, or the peculiar location - in which a person lives, may be the means, indirectly of his - damnation, or the cause of his not being saved. I will suppose a - case which is not extraordinary: Two men, who have been equally - wicked, who have neglected religion, are both of them taken sick - at the same time; one of them has the good fortune to be visited - by a praying man, and he gets converted a few minutes before he - dies; the other sends for three different praying men, a tailor, - a shoemaker, and a tinman; the tinman has a handle to solder to a - can, the tailor has a <span class="pagenum"><a name="598"></a>{598}</span> buttonhole to work on some coat that - he needed in a hurry, and the shoemaker has a patch to put on - somebody's boot; they none of them can go in time, the man dies, - and goes to hell: one of these is exalted to Abraham's bosom, he - sits down in the presence of God and enjoys eternal, uninterrupted - happiness, while the other, equally as good as he, sinks to eternal - damnation, irretrievable misery and hopeless despair, because a man - had a boot to mend, the button-hole of a coat to work, or a handle - to solder on to a saucepan. -</p> -<p> The plans of Jehovah are not so unjust, the statements of holy writ - so visionary, nor the plan of salvation for the human family so - incompatible with common sense; at such proceedings God would frown - with indignance, angels would hide their heads in shame, and every - virtuous, intelligent man would recoil. -</p> -<p> If human laws award to each man his deserts, and punish all - delinquents according to their several crimes, surely the Lord - will not be more cruel than man, for He is a wise legislator, and - His laws are more equitable, His enactments more just, and His - decisions more perfect than those of man; and as man judges his - fellow man by law, and punishes him according to the penalty of the - law, so does God of heaven judge "according to the deeds done in - the body." To say that the heathens would be damned because they - did not believe the Gospel would be preposterous, and to say that - the Jews would all be damned that do not believe in Jesus would be - equally absurd; for "how can they believe on him of whom they have - not heard, and how can they hear without a preacher, and how can he - preach except he be sent;" consequently neither Jew nor heathen can - be culpable for rejecting the conflicting opinions of sectarianism, - nor for rejecting any testimony but that which is sent of God, for - as the preacher cannot preach except he be sent, so the hearer - cannot believe without he hear a "sent" preacher, and cannot be - condemned for what he has not heard, and being without law, will - have to be judged without law. -</p> -<p> When speaking about the blessings pertaining to the Gospel, and - the consequences connected with disobedience to the requirements, - we are frequently asked the question, what has become of our - fathers? Will they all be damned for not obeying the Gospel, - when they never heard it? Certainly not. But they will possess - the same privilege that we here enjoy, through the medium of the - everlasting priesthood, which not only administers on earth, but - also in heaven, and the wise dispensations of the great Jehovah; - hence those characters referred to by Isaiah will be visited by the - Priesthood, and come out of their prison upon the same principle - as those who were disobedient in the days of Noah were visited by - our Savior [who possessed the everlasting Melchisedek Priesthood] - and had the Gospel preached to them, by Him in prison; <span class="pagenum"><a name="599"></a>{599}</span> and in - order that they might fulfill all the requisitions of God, living - friends were baptized for their dead friends, and thus fulfilled - the requirement of God, which says, "Except a man be born of water - and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God," they - were baptized of course, not for themselves, but for their dead. -</p> -<p> Chrysostum says that the Marchionites practiced baptism for their - dead. "After a catechumen was dead, they had a living man under - the bed of the deceased; then coming to the dead man, they asked - him whether he would receive baptism, and he making no answer, the - other answered for him, and said that he would be baptized in his - stead; and so they baptized the living for the dead." The church - of course at that time was degenerate, and the particular form - might be incorrect, but the thing is sufficiently plain in the - Scriptures, hence Paul, in speaking of the doctrine, says, "Else - what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead - rise not at all? Why are they then baptized for the dead?" (1 Cor. - xv: 29). Hence it was that so great a responsibility rested upon - the generation in which our Savior lived, for, says he, "That upon - you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from - the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, son of - Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar. Verily I - say unto you, all these things shall come upon this generation." - (Matthew xxiii: 35, 36). Hence as they possessed greater privileges - than any other generation, not only pertaining to themselves, but - to their dead, their sin was greater, as they not only neglected - their own salvation but that of their progenitors, and hence their - blood was required at their hands. -</p> -<p> And now as the great purposes of God are hastening to their - accomplishment, and the things spoken of in the Prophets are - fulfilling, as the kingdom of God is established on the earth, and - the ancient order of things restored, the Lord has manifested to us - this day and privilege, and we are commanded to be baptized for our - dead, thus fulfilling the words of Obadiah, when speaking of the - glory of the latter-day: "And saviors shall come upon Mount Zion to - judge the remnant of Esau, and the kingdom shall be the Lord's." A - view of these things reconciles the Scriptures of truth, justifies - the ways of God to man, places the human family upon an equal - footing, and harmonizes with every principle of righteousness, - justice and truth. We will conclude with the words of Peter: "For - the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will - of the Gentiles." "For, for this cause was the Gospel preached also - to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men - in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit." -</p></blockquote> -<p>I continued busily engaged in making out a list of <span class="pagenum"><a name="600"></a>{600}</span> debtors and -an invoice of my property to be passed into the hands of the assignee, -until— -</p> -<p><em>Saturday evening the 16th</em>.—On this day the first number of <em>The -Wasp</em>, a miscellaneous weekly newspaper was first published at -my office, William Smith, editor, devoted to the arts, sciences, -literature, agriculture, manufacture, trade, commerce, and the general -news of the day, on a small sheet, at $1.50 per annum. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, 17</em>.—Spent the day with my family at home. -</p> -<p class="sidenote">Causes of the Prophet's Insolvency. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, 18</em>.—In consequence of the utter annihilation of our -property by mob violence in the state of Missouri, and the immense -expenses which we were compelled to incur, to defend ourselves from -the cruel persecutions of that state, we were reduced to the necessity -of availing ourselves of the privileges of the general bankrupt law; -therefore I went to Carthage with my brothers Hyrum and Samuel H. -Smith, and severally testified to our list of insolvency before the -clerk of the county commissioners' court. Sidney Rigdon and many more -brethren were at Carthage the same day on business. My clerk, Dr. -Richards, went with us. -</p> -<p>About this time a disturbance broke out in Rhode Island by a part of -the inhabitants, wishing to change their Constitution, and make it like -those of other states in the Union, which created much confusion and -angry feeling in that state, and excitement in other states. -</p> -<p><em>Tuesday, 19</em>.—Rode out and examined some land near the northern -limits of the city, &c. -</p> -<p><em>Wednesday, 20</em>.—Assisted in surveying some land in section 25, which -I sold to William Cross. -</p> -<p><em>Thursday, 21</em>.—Friday and Saturday was engaged in temporal and -spiritual affairs at home, the office, &c. -</p> -<p><em>Friday, 22</em>.— -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>James Arlington Bennett Honored</em>. -</p> -<p> Honorary Degree. Ordered by the chancellor and regents of the - University of the City of Nauvoo, that the honorary degree of L. - L. <span class="pagenum"><a name="601"></a>{601}</span> D. be, and the same hereby is, conferred on General James - Arlington Bennett, of Arlington House, New York. -</p> -<p> Passed April 22, 1842. -</p> -<p> John C. Bennett, Chancellor, -</p> -<p> William Law, Registrar. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Sunday, 24</em>.—Preached on the hill near the Temple, concerning the -building of the Temple, and reproved the merchants and the rich who -would not assist in building it. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, 25, Tuesday, 26 and Wednesday, 27</em>.—I was engaged in reading, -meditation, &c., mostly with my family. -</p> -<p><em>Thursday, 28</em>.— -</p><blockquote> -<p> "<em>Repast Militaire</em>." -</p> -<p> General Joseph Smith and lady, present their compliments to - the officers (and their respective ladies) of the consolidated - General Staff of the Nauvoo Legion, that is to say, his personal - staff, Major-General Bennett's staff, including the band, - Brigadier-General Law's staff, and Brigadier-General Rich's staff, - and respectfully solicit their company at a <em>Repast Militaire</em>, at - his quarters on the 7th day of May <em>proximo</em>, at one o'clock p. m. -</p> -<p> General Bennett has been ordered to issue a programme of the - operations and field exercises of the day, which will appear in - ample form, and due season. -</p> -<p> April 28, A. D. 1842. -</p> -<p> Headquarters, Nauvoo Legion, -</p> -<p> City Of Nauvoo, Illinois, April 28, 1842. -</p> -<p> <em>General Orders</em>— -</p> -<p> The Lieutenant-General directs that a <em>programme militaire</em> issue - from the office of his commanding general for the 7th of May - <em>proximo</em>, which I now proceed to consummate. -</p> -<p> 1st. The Adjutants will form the lines of their respective - regiments, and the Colonels of the line assume command at nine - o-clock, a. m. -</p> -<p> 2nd. The Adjutant-General will form the line of the Legion, and the - Brigadier-Generals assume the command of their respective cohorts - at half-past nine o'clock a. m. -</p> -<p> 3rd. The Major-General will assume the command of the Legion at ten - o'clock a. m. -</p> -<p> 4th. At a quarter past ten o'clock a. m., the Lieutenant-General - will be escorted to the field at the review station. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="602"></a>{602}</span> 5th. General review and inspection will follow, accompanied - by such evolutions and exercises as the time will admit of. -</p> -<p> 6th. At half-past twelve o'clock p. m. the forces will be dismissed - until a quarter before two o'clock p. m. -</p> -<p> 7th. At two o'clock p. m. the Major-General will resume the command - and perform such military movements and field exercises as the - Lieutenant-General may direct. -</p> -<p> 8th. At three o'clock p. m. the cohorts will separate and form the - line of battle, the Brigadiers assume their respective commands - and General Law's command will make a descent upon that of General - Rich's in order of sham battle. -</p> -<p> 9th. At half-past three o'clock p. m. the cohorts will resume their - positions in the line of the Legion, and a sham battle will be - fought between the mounted riflemen under the immediate command of - Lieutenant General Smith and the Invincibles under the immediate - command of Major-General Bennett. -</p> -<p> 10th. At half-past four o'clock p. m. the forces will be dismissed - for the day. -</p> -<p> 11. Every officer, musician and private will be required to be at - their respective posts at the hours specified throughout the day, - under the most severe penalties of the law. -</p> -<p> John C. Bennett -</p> -<p> Major-General. -</p></blockquote> -<p class="sidenote">The Rights and Privileges of the Women in the Church. -</p> -<p>At two o'clock I met the members of the "Female Relief Society," and -after presiding at the admission of many new members, gave a lecture on -the Priesthood, showing how the sisters would come in possession of the -privileges, blessings and gifts of the Priesthood, and that the signs -should follow them, such as healing the sick, casting out devils, &c., -and that they might attain unto these blessings by a virtuous life, and -conversation, and diligence in keeping all the commandments; a synopsis -of which was reported by Miss Eliza R. Snow, as follows: -</p><blockquote> -<p> <em>Remarks of the Prophet to the Relief Society</em>. -</p> -<p> President Smith arose and called the attention of the meeting to - the 12th chapter 1st Corinthians—"Now concerning spiritual gifts, - I would not have you ignorant." Said that the passage in the third - verse, which reads, "No man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but - by the Holy Ghost," <span class="pagenum"><a name="603"></a>{603}</span> should be translated "no man can <em>know</em> - that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost." He continued to - read the chapter, and give instructions respecting the different - offices, and the necessity of every individual acting in the sphere - allotted him or her, and filling the several offices to which they - are appointed. He spoke of the disposition of many men to consider - the lower offices in the Church dishonorable, and to look with - jealous eyes upon the standing of others who are called to preside - over them; that it was the folly and nonsense of the human heart - for a person to be aspiring to other stations than those to which - they are appointed of God for them to occupy; that it was better - for individuals to magnify their respective callings, and wait - patiently till God shall say to them, "Come up higher." -</p> -<p> He said the reason of these remarks being made was, that some - little foolish things were circulating in the society, against some - sisters not doing right in laying hands on the sick. Said that - if the people had common sympathies they would rejoice that the - sick could be healed; that the time had not been before that these - things could be in their proper order; that the Church is not fully - organized, in its proper order, and cannot be, until the Temple is - completed, where places will be provided for the administration of - the ordinances of the Priesthood. -</p> -<p> President Smith continued the subject, by quoting the commission - given to the ancient Apostles in Mark, 16th chapter, 15th, 16th, - 17th, 18th verses, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the - Gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall - be saved; but he that believed not shall be damned. And these - signs shall follow them that believe: In my name shall they cast - out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up - serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt - them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." -</p> -<p> No matter who believeth, these signs, such as healing the sick, - casting out devils, &c., should follow all that believe, whether - male or female. He asked the Society if they could not see by - this sweeping promise, that wherein they are ordained, it is the - privilege of those set apart to administer in that authority, which - is conferred on them; and if the sisters should have faith to heal - the sick, let all hold their tongues, and let everything roll on. -</p> -<p> He said, if God has appointed him, and chosen him as an instrument - to lead the Church, why not let him lead it through? Why stand in - the way when he is appointed to do a thing? Who knows the mind of - God? Does He not reveal things differently from what we expect? - He remarked that he was continually rising, although he had - everything bearing him down, standing in his way, and opposing; - notwithstanding all this opposition, he always comes out right in - the end. -</p> -<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="604"></a>{604}</span> Respecting females administering for the healing of the sick, - he further remarked, there could be no devil in it, if God gave His - sanction by healing; that there could be no more sin in any female - laying hands on and praying for the sick, than in wetting the face - with water; it is no sin for anybody to administer that has faith, - or if the sick have faith to be healed by their administration. -</p> -<p> He reproved those that were disposed to find fault with the - management of the concerns of the Church, saying God had called - him to lead the Church, and he would lead it right; those that - undertake to interfere will be ashamed when their own folly is made - manifest; that he calculates to organize the Church in its proper - order as soon as the Temple is completed. -</p> -<p> President Smith continued by speaking of the difficulties he had to - surmount ever since the commencement of the work, in consequence of - aspiring men. "Great big Elders," as he called them, who had caused - him much trouble; to whom he had taught the things of the kingdom - in private councils, they would then go forth into the world and - proclaim the things he had taught them, as their own revelations; - said the same aspiring disposition will be in this Society, and - must be guarded against; that every person should stand, and act - in the place appointed, and thus sanctify the Society and get it - pure. He said he had been trampled under foot by aspiring Elders, - for all were infected with that spirit; for instance, John E. Page - and others had been aspiring; they could not be exalted, but must - run away as though the care and authority of the Church were vested - with them. He said he had a subtle devil to deal with, and could - only curb him by being humble. -</p> -<p> As he had this opportunity, he was going to instruct the ladies of - this Society, and point out the way for them to conduct themselves, - that they might act according to the will of God; that he did not - know that he should have many opportunities of teaching them, as - they were going to be left to themselves; they would not long - have him to instruct them; that the Church would not have his - instructions long, and the world would not be troubled with him a - great while, and would not have his teachings [in person]. -</p> -<p> He spoke of delivering the keys of the Priesthood to the Church, - and said that the faithful members of the Relief Society should - receive them in connection with their husbands, that the Saints - whose integrity has been tried and proved faithful, might know - how to ask the Lord and receive an answer; for according to his - prayers, God had appointed him elsewhere. -</p> -<p> He exhorted the sisters always to concentrate their faith and - prayers for, and place confidence in their husbands, whom God has - appointed for them to honor, and in those faithful men whom God has - placed at <span class="pagenum"><a name="605"></a>{605}</span> the head of the Church to lead His people; that - we should arm and sustain them with our prayers; for the keys of - the kingdom are about to be given to them, that they may be able - to detect everything false; as well as to all the Elders who shall - prove their integrity in due season. -</p> -<p> He said if one member becomes corrupt, and you know it, you must - immediately put it away, or it will either injure or destroy the - whole body. The sympathies of the heads of the Church have induced - them to bear a long time with those who were corrupt until they are - obliged to cut them off, lest all become contaminated; you must put - down iniquity, and by your good examples, stimulate the Elders to - good works; if you do right, there is no danger of your going too - fast. -</p> -<p> He said he did not care how fast we run in the path of virtue: - resist evil, and there is no danger; God, men, and angels will - not condemn those that resist everything that is evil, and devils - cannot; as well might the devil seek to dethrone Jehovah, as - overthrow an innocent soul that resists everything which is evil. -</p> -<p> This is a charitable Society, and according to your natures; it is - natural for females to have feelings of charity and benevolence. - You are now placed in a situation in which you can act according to - those sympathies which God has planted in your bosoms. -</p> -<p> If you live up to these principles, how great and glorious will - be your reward in the celestial kingdom! If you live up to your - privileges, the angels cannot be restrained from being your - associates. Females, if they are pure and innocent, can come in the - presence of God; for what is more pleasing to God than innocence; - you must be innocent, or you cannot come up before God: if we would - come before God, we must keep ourselves pure, as He is pure. -</p> -<p> The devil has great power to deceive; he will so transform things - as to make one gape at those who are doing the will of God. You - need not be teazing your husbands because of their deeds, but let - the weight of your innocence, kindness and affection be felt, which - is more mighty than a millstone hung about the neck; not war, - not jangle, not contradiction, or dispute, but meekness, love, - purity—these are the things that should magnify you in the eyes - of all good men. Achan [see Joshua vii.] must be brought to light, - iniquity must be purged out from the midst of the Saints; then the - veil will be rent, and the blessings of heaven will flow down—they - will roll down like the Mississippi river. -</p> -<p> If this Society listen to the counsel of the Almighty, through the - heads of the Church, they shall have power to command queens in - their midst. -</p> -<p> I now deliver it as a prophecy, if the inhabitants of this state, - with the people of the surrounding country, will turn unto the Lord - <span class="pagenum"><a name="606"></a>{606}</span> with all their hearts, ten years will not roll round before - the kings and queens of the earth will come unto Zion, and pay - their respects to the leaders of this people; they shall come with - their millions, and shall contribute of their abundance for the - relief of the poor, and the building up and beautifying of Zion. -</p> -<p> After this instruction, you will be responsible for your own sins; - it is a desirable honor that you should so walk before our heavenly - Father as to save yourselves; we are all responsible to God for the - manner we improve the light and wisdom given by our Lord to enable - us to save ourselves. -</p> -<p> President Smith continued reading from the above-mentioned - chapter, and to give instructions respecting the order of God, as - established in the Church, saving everyone should aspire only to - magnify his own office and calling. -</p> -<p> He then commenced reading the 13th chapter—"Though I speak with - the tongues of men and angels, and have no charity, I am become as - sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal;" and said, don't be limited - in your views with regard to your neighbor's virtue, but beware - of self-righteousness, and be limited in the estimate of your own - virtues, and not think yourselves more righteous than others; you - must enlarge your souls towards each other, if you would do like - Jesus, and carry your fellow-creatures to Abraham's bosom. He said - he had manifested long-suffering, forbearance and patience towards - the Church, and also to his enemies; and we must bear with each - other's failings, as an indulgent parent bears with the foibles of - his children. -</p> -<p> President Smith then read the 2nd verse—"Though I have the gift - of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and - though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and - have not charity, I am nothing." He then said, though a man should - become mighty, do great things, overturn mountains, perform mighty - works, and should then turn from his high station to do evil, to - eat and drink with the drunken, all his former deeds would not save - him, but he would go to destruction! As you increase in innocence - and virtue, as you increase in goodness, let your hearts expand, - let them be enlarged towards others; you must be long-suffering, - and bear with the faults and errors of mankind. -</p> -<p> How precious are the souls of men! The female part of the - community are apt to be contracted in their views. You must not - be contracted, but you must be liberal in your feelings. Let this - Society teach women how to behave towards their husbands, to treat - them with mildness and affection. When a man is borne down with - trouble, when he is perplexed with care and difficulty, if he can - meet a smile instead of an argument or a murmur—if he can meet - with mildness, <span class="pagenum"><a name="607"></a>{607}</span> it will calm down his soul and soothe his - feelings; when the mind is going to despair, it needs a solace of - affection and kindness. -</p> -<p> You will receive instructions through the order of the Priesthood - which God has established, through the medium of those appointed - to lead, guide and direct the affairs of the Church in this last - dispensation; and I now turn the key in your behalf in the name - of the Lord, and this Society shall rejoice, and knowledge and - intelligence shall flow down from this time henceforth; this is the - beginning of better days to the poor and needy, who shall be made - to rejoice and pour forth blessings on your heads. -</p> -<p> When you go home, never give a cross or unkind word to your - husbands, but let kindness, charity and love crown your works - henceforward; don't envy the finery and fleeting show of sinners, - for they are in a miserable situation; but as far as you can, have - mercy on them, for in a short time God will destroy them, if they - will not repent and turn unto him. -</p> -<p> Let your labors be mostly confined to those around you, in the - circle of your own acquaintance, as far as knowledge is concerned, - it may extend to all the world; but your administering should be - confined to the circle of your immediate acquaintance, and more - especially to the members of the Relief Society. Those ordained to - preside over and lead you, are authorized to appoint the different - officers, as the circumstances shall require. -</p> -<p> If you have a matter to reveal, let it be in your own tongue; do - not indulge too much in the exercise of the gift of tongues, or the - devil will take advantage of the innocent and unwary. You may speak - in tongues for your own comfort, but I lay this down for a rule, - that if anything is taught by the gift of tongues, it is not to be - received for doctrine. -</p> -<p> President Smith then gave instruction respecting the propriety - of females administering to the sick by the prayer of faith, - the laying on hands, or the anointing with oil; and said it was - according to revelation that the sick should be nursed with - herbs and mild food, and not by the hand of an enemy. Who are - better qualified to administer than our faithful and zealous - sisters, whose hearts are full of faith, tenderness, sympathy - and compassion. No one. Said he was never placed in similar - circumstances before, and never had given the same instruction; and - closed his instructions by expressing his heart-felt satisfaction - in improving this opportunity. -</p> -<p> The Spirit of the Lord was poured out in a very powerful manner, - never to be forgotten by those present on this interesting occasion. -</p></blockquote> -<p><em>Friday, 29</em>.—A conspiracy against the peace of my household was made -manifest, and it gave me some trouble <span class="pagenum"><a name="608"></a>{608}</span> to counteract the design of -certain base individuals, and restore peace. The Lord makes manifest -to me many things, which it is not wisdom for me to make public, until -others can witness the proof of them. -</p> -<p><em>Saturday, 30</em>.—I received a visit from Judge James Adams, of -Springfield, and spent most of the day with him and my family. Signed -deeds to James and Charles Ivins, and many others. -</p> -<p><em>Sunday, May 1, 1842</em>.—I preached in the grove, on the keys of the -kingdom, charity, &c. The keys are certain signs and words by which -false spirits and personages may be detected from true, which cannot be -revealed to the Elders till the Temple is completed. The rich can only -get them in the Temple, the poor may get them on the mountain top as -did Moses. The rich cannot be saved without charity, giving to feed the -poor when and how God requires, as well as building. There are signs in -heaven, earth and hell; the Elders must know them all, to be endowed -with power, to finish their work and prevent imposition. The devil -knows many signs, but does not know the sign of the Son of Man, or -Jesus. No one can truly say he knows God until he has handled something -and this can only be in the holiest of holies. -</p> -<p><em>Monday, 2</em>.—The following Editorial appeared in the <em>Times and -Seasons</em>: -</p><blockquote> -<p> The Temple. -</p> -<p> This noble edifice is progressing with great rapidity; strenuous - exertions are being made on every hand to facilitate its erection, - and materials of all kinds are in a great state of forwardness, and - by next fall we expect to see the building enclosed; if not the top - stone raised with "shouting of grace—grace unto it." There have - been frequently, during the winter, as many as one hundred hands - quarrying rock, while at the same time multitudes of others have - been engaged in hauling, and in other kinds of labor. -</p> -<p> A company was formed last fall to go up to the pine country to - purchase mills, and prepare and saw lumber for the Temple and - the Nauvoo House, and the reports from them are very favorable: - another <span class="pagenum"><a name="609"></a>{609}</span> company has started, this last week, to take their - place and to relieve those that are already there: on their return - they are to bring a very large raft of lumber, for the use of the - above-named houses. -</p> -<p> While the busy multitudes have thus been engaged in their several - vocations performing their daily labor, and working one-tenth of - their time, others have not been less forward in bringing in their - tithings and consecrations for the same great object. Never since - the foundation of this Church was laid, have we seen manifested a - greater willingness to comply with the requisitions of Jehovah, a - more ardent desire to do the will of God, more strenuous exertions - used, or greater sacrifices made than there have been since the - Lord said, "Let the Temple be built by the tithing of my people." - It seemed as though the spirit of enterprise, philanthropy and - obedience rested simultaneously upon old and young, and brethren - and sisters, boys and girls, and even strangers, who were not - in the Church, united with an unprecedented liberality in the - accomplishment of this great work; nor could the widow, in many - instances, be prevented, out of her scanty pittance from throwing - in her two mites. -</p> -<p> We feel at this time to tender to all, old and young, both in the - Church and out of it, our unfeigned thanks for their unprecedented - liberality, kindness, diligence, and obedience which they have so - opportunely manifested on the present occasion. Not that we are - personally or individually benefitted in a pecuniary point of view, - but when the brethren, as in this instance, show a unity of purpose - and design, and all put their shoulder to the wheel, our care, - labor, toil and anxiety is materially diminished, our yoke is made - easy and our burden is light. -</p> -<p> The cause of God is one common cause, in which the Saints are alike - all interested; we are all members of the one common body, and all - partake of the same spirit, and are baptized into one baptism and - possess alike the same glorious hope. The advancement of the cause - of God and the building up of Zion is as much one man's business as - another's. The only difference is, that one is called to fulfill - one duty, and another, another duty; "but if one member suffers, - all the members suffer with it, and if one member is honored all - the rest rejoice with it, and the eye cannot say to the ear, I have - no need of thee, nor the head to the foot, I have no need of thee;" - party feelings, separate interests, exclusive designs should be - lost sight of in the one common cause, in the interest of the whole. -</p> -<p> The building up of Zion is a cause that has interested the people - of God in every age; it is a theme upon which prophets, priests - and kings have dwelt with peculiar delight; they have looked - forward with joyful anticipation to the day in which we live; - and fired with heavenly and joyful anticipations they have sung - and written and prophesied of this <span class="pagenum"><a name="610"></a>{610}</span> our day; but they died - without the sight; we are the favored people that God has made - choice of to bring about the Latter-day glory; it is left for us - to see, participate in and help to roll forward the Latter-day - glory, the dispensation of the fullness of times, when God will - gather together all things that are in heaven, and all things that - are upon the earth, "even in one," when the Saints of God will - be gathered in one from every nation, and kindred, and people, - and tongue, when the Jews will be gathered together into one, - the wicked will also be gathered together to be destroyed, as - spoken of by the prophets; the Spirit of God will also dwell with - His people, and be withdrawn from the rest of the nations, and - all things whether in heaven or on earth will be in one, even in - Christ. The heavenly Priesthood will unite with the earthly, to - bring about those great purposes; and whilst we are thus united - in the one common cause, to roll forth the kingdom of God, the - heavenly Priesthood are not idle spectators, the Spirit of God will - be showered down from above, and it will dwell in our midst. The - blessings of the Most High will rest upon our tabernacles, and our - name will be handed down to future ages; our children will rise up - and call us blessed; and generations yet unborn will dwell with - peculiar delight upon the scenes that we have passed through, the - privations that we have endured; the untiring zeal that we have - manifested; the all but insurmountable difficulties that we have - overcome in laying the foundation of a work that brought about the - glory and blessing which they will realize; a work that God and - angels have contemplated with delight for generations past; that - fired the souls of the ancient patriarchs and prophets; a work - that is destined to bring about the destruction of the powers of - darkness, the renovation of the earth, the glory of God, and the - salvation of the human family. -</p> -<p> End Of Volume IV. -</p></blockquote> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="611"></a>{611}</span> -</p> - - -<h2><a name="INDEXTOVOLUMEIV"></a>INDEX TO VOLUME IV. -</h2> -<p>Abraham, Book of—<a href="#520">520</a> and note. -</p> -<p>Adams, James—friendship for the Prophet, <a href="#20">20</a> and note. -</p> -<p>Address, by First Presidency to Saints scattered abroad, <a href="#184">184</a> <em>et seq</em>. -</p> -<p>Affidavits, on suffering of Saints in Missouri, <a href="#49">49</a>-<a href="#53">53</a>, also <a href="#56">56</a>-73 and -note, <a href="#60">60</a>; of Hyrum Smith denouncing thieves, <a href="#460">460</a>-61. -</p> -<p>Alvord T., affidavit of, <a href="#57">57</a>. -</p> -<p>Allred, James—statement of on kidnapping, <a href="#156">156</a>-7. -</p> -<p>Apostles, The Twelve—farewell addresses of, <a href="#1">1</a>-<a href="#2">2</a>; Apostles engaged -in selecting hymns, <a href="#3">3</a>; trials of en route for England, <a href="#15">15</a>; meeting -of at Cleveland, <a href="#19">19</a>-20; granted permission to publish certain books -in England, <a href="#161">161</a>-2; whereabouts of, January 1, 1841, <a href="#256">256</a>; minutes of -meeting of in England, <a href="#324">324</a>; ditto, <a href="#325">325</a>-26; council of at Manchester, -<a href="#332">332</a>-335; epistle of to the Church in the British Isles, <a href="#344">344</a>-348; -departure of from England, <a href="#352">352</a>; arrival of at New York, <a href="#360">360</a>-61; return -of to Nauvoo, <a href="#390">390</a>; to share in labor of the Prophet, <a href="#400">400</a> and <a href="#403">403</a>-404; -epistle of to Saints scattered abroad, <a href="#409">409</a>-10; council meeting of, -<a href="#412">412</a>; minutes of council meeting of <a href="#429">429</a>-30; epistles of to brethren -in America, <a href="#433">433</a>-38; case of Benjamin Winchester before, <a href="#443">443</a>; epistle -of, to Saints in England, <a href="#448">448</a>-53; warning against thieves, <a href="#463">463</a>-66 and -notes; epistle of on baptism for the dead, <a href="#472">472</a>-5; minutes of a meeting -of, <a href="#478">478</a>-79; gift of Hiram Kimball to, <a href="#484">484</a>; whereabouts of, January -1, 1842, <a href="#490">490</a>; epistle of to Saints in Europe, <a href="#558">558</a> <em>et seq</em>.; meeting -of with the Prophet in Masonic lodge, <a href="#589">589</a>; epistles of to Saints in -America, <a href="#590">590</a> <em>et seq</em>. -</p> -<p>Australia—report of work in, <a href="#343">343</a>. -</p> -<h3>B -</h3> -<p>Babbitt, Elder Almon W.—preaches in Indiana, <a href="#17">17</a>; permitted to build up -Kirtland, <a href="#476">476</a>. -</p> -<p>Baglev, Mr.—tax difficulty with the Prophet, <a href="#542">542</a>. -</p> -<p>Barlow, Israel—assists Brigham Young on Journey, <a href="#9">9</a>. -</p> -<p>Barnes, Lorenzo D.—report of to Elder Parley P. Pratt, <a href="#569">569</a>. -</p> -<p>Baptists—difference between and former day Saints, <a href="#350">350</a>-51. -</p> -<p>Baptisms—in Temple font, <a href="#558">558</a>; for the dead, <a href="#568">568</a>-9; for the dead, -editorial in <em>Times and Seasons</em> on, <a href="#595">595</a> <em>et seq</em>. -</p> -<p>Benbow, Elder John—liberality of, <a href="#188">188</a>. -</p> -<p>Bennett, Caleb—conference at House of, <a href="#6">6</a>. -</p> -<p>Bennett, James Arlington—honored, <a href="#600">600</a>. -</p> -<p>Bennett, John C.—first letters of to the Prophet, <a href="#169">169</a>-72; biography, -<a href="#169">169</a>; elected mayor Nauvoo, <a href="#287">287</a>; inaugural address of, <a href="#288">288</a>-92. -</p> -<p>Bennett, James Gordon—editor New York <em>Herald</em>, course of approved, -<a href="#477">477</a>. -</p> -<p>Bennett, Samuel—sent on mission, <a href="#161">161</a>; credentials of, <a href="#164">164</a>. -</p> -<p>Bishop, Gladden—disfellowshiped by High Council, <a href="#550">550</a>. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="612"></a>{612}</span> Books—list of for and against the Latter-day Saints, <a href="#253">253</a>-6. -</p> -<p>Book of Mormon—first English edition of, <a href="#274">274</a>-286: Nauvoo edition, -proofs of read by Prophet, <a href="#494">494</a>; ditto <a href="#500">500</a>-501. -</p> -<p>Boyee, Benjamin—kidnapping of, <a href="#154">154</a>-6; <a href="#180">180</a>. -</p> -<p>British, Mission—history of, <a href="#313">313</a>-321. -</p> -<p>Brown, Alanson—kidnapping of, <a href="#154">154</a>-56; <a href="#180">180</a>. -</p> -<p>Browning, O. H.—lawyer, counsel for the Prophet at Monmouth trial, <a href="#367">367</a> -<em>et seq</em>. -</p> -<p>Brunson, Col. Seymour—death of, <a href="#179">179</a>. -</p> -<p>Burke, John M.—affidavit of, <a href="#56">56</a>. -</p> -<h3>C -</h3> -<p>Cahoon, William F.—affidavit of, <a href="#52">52</a>. -</p> -<p>Carpenter's Hall—Manchester, England, leased by the Saints, <a href="#141">141</a>. -</p> -<p>Carter, Samuel—affidavit of, <a href="#49">49</a> Prophet's instructions to, <a href="#153">153</a>. -</p> -<p>Carlin, Governor of Illinois—issues order for arrest of Prophet, <a href="#198">198</a>-9. -</p> -<p>Casper, Thomas D.—Affidavit of, <a href="#63">63</a>. -</p> -<p>Church, The—Admonished by the Prophet, <a href="#5">5</a>; anniversary of organization -of celebrated, <a href="#326">326</a>-31: thirteenth anniversary of, <a href="#582">582</a>. -</p> -<p>Clayton, William—preaches in Staffordshire; appointed clerk, Iowa High -Council, <a href="#382">382</a>. -</p> -<p>Clark, Hyrum—starts on mission to England, <a href="#7">7</a>. -</p> -<p>Clark, Joseph—affidavit of, <a href="#63">63</a>. -</p> -<p>Clark, Timothy B.—affidavit of, <a href="#58">58</a>. -</p> -<p>Clark, William O.—reproved by the Prophet, <a href="#445">445</a>. -</p> -<p>Cock Pit, Preston, England—preaching of Twelve in, <a href="#114">114</a>. -</p> -<p>Cole, Owen—Affidavit of, <a href="#64">64</a>. -</p> -<p>Commerce, Illinois, (afterwards Nauvoo)—-appointed a stake of Zion, -<a href="#12">12</a>; boundary lines to be changed, <a href="#39">39</a>; name of changed to Nauvoo, <a href="#21">21</a>; -merged into Nauvoo plat, <a href="#322">322</a>. -</p> -<p>Committee, Senate Judiciary—case of the Missouri Saints before, <a href="#81">81</a>-88, -adverse report of, <a href="#90">90</a>-92; of Nauvoo citizens resolutions by, <a href="#157">157</a>-9. -</p> -<p>Conferences—minutes of at Commerce, <a href="#12">12</a>; minutes of general, at Nauvoo, -<a href="#105">105</a> <em>et seq</em>.; at Gadfield Elm, England, <a href="#131">131</a>; ditto, <a href="#134">134</a> <em>et seq</em>.; -minutes at Stanley Hall, <a href="#138">138</a>; of Church in England at Manchester, <a href="#146">146</a> -<em>et seq</em>.; general at Nauvoo, minutes of, <a href="#204">204</a>-7; general in England, -minutes of, <a href="#214">214</a>-18 at Walnut Grove, Illinois, <a href="#387">387</a>; London, minutes of, -<a href="#298">298</a>; at Philadelphia, <a href="#331">331</a>; general of the Church at Nauvoo, minutes of, -<a href="#336">336</a>-343; in New York City, <a href="#344">344</a>; minutes of London, <a href="#360">360</a>; at Kirtland, -<a href="#361">361</a>; Attica, New York, <a href="#412">412</a>; at Nauvoo, minutes of, general, <a href="#423">423</a>-29; at -Lima, minutes of, <a href="#439">439</a>-40; New York, <a href="#462">462</a>; minutes of special at Nauvoo, -<a href="#583">583</a> <em>et seq</em>. -</p> -<p>Conner, Henry—converted, <a href="#184">184</a>. -</p> -<p>Council, High at Commerce. (Nauvoo)—names of counselors, <a href="#12">12</a>; Advice -of to Saints west of Kirtland, <a href="#45">45</a> and note; authorizes publication of -hymn book, <a href="#49">49</a>; appoints committee to collect testimony on case before -courts, <a href="#49">49</a>; votes among for poor, <a href="#75">75</a>, 76; votes to return consecrations -to the people, <a href="#88">88</a>; memorial of Joseph Smith before, <a href="#136">136</a>-138, <a href="#141">141</a>, <a href="#143">143</a>; -Elijah Fordham before, <a href="#180">180</a>; minutes, <a href="#187">187</a>-8; minutes of <a href="#219">219</a>-20; account -of inspecting temporal concerns, <a href="#417">417</a>; report of to the Saints, <a href="#504">504</a>-5; -trial of Gladden Bishop before, <a href="#550">550</a>. -</p> -<p>Council, High at Iowa—appointed for Stake in Iowa, <a href="#16">16</a>; minutes of, -<a href="#16">16</a>; order of speaking in, <a href="#16">16</a> and note; organization of completed, <a href="#21">21</a>; -action of on <span class="pagenum"><a name="613"></a>{613}</span> Missouri debts, <a href="#42">42</a>, <a href="#54">54</a>; minutes of, <a href="#94">94</a>; changes in -<a href="#352">352</a>. -</p> -<p>Council, of the Twelve—see <em>Apostles</em>. -</p> -<p>Council, special—Liverpool, England, <a href="#296">296</a>-7; at Nauvoo, <a href="#402">402</a>. -</p> -<p>Curtis, Simon P.—affidavit of, <a href="#67">67</a>. -</p> -<p>Curtis, Elder Theodore—before the Court of Sessions, Gloucester, -England, <a href="#380">380</a>. -</p> -<h3>D -</h3> -<p>Davis, Amos—abuse of the Prophet, <a href="#549">549</a>. -</p> -<p>Davis, Matthew S.—reports Prophet's Washington discourse, <a href="#78">78</a>. -</p> -<p>Decker, Brother—assists Elders Young and Kimball en route for England, -<a href="#11">11</a>. -</p> -<p>Discourse—the Prophet's at Nauvoo, <a href="#358">358</a>-360. -</p> -<p><em>Dispatch</em>, England weekly newspaper—article against the Saints, <a href="#236">236</a>. -</p> -<p>Donaldson, Elder Wm.—goes to East India, <a href="#168">168</a>. -</p> -<p>Draper, Father—assists Elders Young and Kimball et al. en route for -England, <a href="#14">14</a>. -</p> -<p>Duel, Osmon M.—assists Elders Young and Kimball on mission, <a href="#9">9</a>-10. -</p> -<p>Duel, Sister O. M.—cares for Elders Young and Kimball, <a href="#10">10</a>. -</p> -<p>Duncan, Joseph—politician, speech against the Saints, <a href="#490">490</a>, also note -<a href="#480">480</a>. -</p> -<h3>E -</h3> -<p>Election and Reprobation, Elders Brigham Young and Willard Richards, -<a href="#256">256</a>. -</p> -<p>Emigration—arrangements of for English Saints, <a href="#510">510</a>-13. -</p> -<p>England—arrival of Apostles in, <a href="#76">76</a>; labors of Elders in, <a href="#76">76</a>; -emigration agency in, <a href="#484">484</a>. -</p> -<p>Epistles—see <em>Letters</em>. -</p> -<h3>F -</h3> -<p>Freedom, Adams County, Illinois—Stake organized at, <a href="#233">233</a>. -</p> -<p>Female Relief Society—organization of, <a href="#552">552</a>; ditto, <a href="#567">567</a>-8; remarks of -the Prophet to, <a href="#570">570</a>; remarks of the Prophet to, <a href="#602">602</a>-7. -</p> -<p>Fielding, Joseph—preaches in England, <a href="#7">7</a>. -</p> -<p>Font—baptismal of Temple described, <a href="#446">446</a>. -</p> -<p>Fordham, Elijah—healed by the Prophet, <a href="#4">4</a>, and note; before High -Council at Nauvoo, <a href="#180">180</a>. -</p> -<p>Foster, Dr. Robert D.—attends on Sidney Rigdon, <a href="#19">19</a>-21; on trial for -slandering, <a href="#239">239</a>-250. -</p> -<p>Foutz, Jacob—affidavit of, <a href="#68">68</a>. -</p> -<p>Fulmer, David—prefers charges, <a href="#219">219</a>. -</p> -<h3>G -</h3> -<p>Galland, Isaac—letter of Prophet to; his power of attorney for the -Prophet cancelled, <a href="#495">495</a>-500. -</p> -<p>Gates, Gibson—affidavit of, <a href="#71">71</a>. -</p> -<p>Gee, George Washington—death of and biography, <a href="#500">500</a> and note. -</p> -<p>Geneva, Morgan County, Illinois—stake organized at, <a href="#236">236</a>. -</p> -<p>Gifford, Alpheus—biography of, <a href="#109">109</a>-110 and note; death of, <a href="#184">184</a>. -</p> -<p>Granger, Gilbert—difficulty in settlement of father's estate, <a href="#542">542</a>. -</p> -<p>Granger, Elder Oliver—to provide funds for publication, <a href="#18">18</a>; death of, -<a href="#408">408</a>-9. -</p> -<p>Green, A.—affidavit of, <a href="#65">65</a>. -</p> -<p>Greene, John P.—affidavit of, <a href="#65">65</a>. -</p> -<p>Groves, Elisha H.—affidavit of, <a href="#68">68</a>. -</p> -<h3>H -</h3> -<p>Harris, George W.—sent on special mission, <a href="#161">161</a>: credentials of, <a href="#164">164</a>. -</p> -<p>Hawk, William—affidavit of, <a href="#58">58</a>. -</p> -<p>Hayes, Elder Ezra—license taken from, <a href="#14">14</a>. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="614"></a>{614}</span> Hedlock, Elder Reuben—starts on mission for England, <a href="#10">10</a>; -prepares cuts for Book of Abraham, <a href="#543">543</a>. -</p> -<p>Haight, Isaac—entertains Elders, <a href="#35">35</a>; assists Elder Brigham Young et -al. on journey, <a href="#44">44</a>. -</p> -<p>Higbee, Judge Elias—appointed to go to Washington, <a href="#13">13</a>; attends Prophet -to Washington, <a href="#19">19</a>; letters of concerning case of Saints before United -States Senate, <a href="#81">81</a>, <a href="#88">88</a>, <a href="#94">94</a>, <a href="#95">95</a>; course at Washington approved, <a href="#96">96</a> <em>et -seq</em>.; presides at mass meeting, Nauvoo, <a href="#157">157</a>-60; writes petition to -committee, <a href="#237">237</a>; reproved by the Prophet, <a href="#503">503</a>. -</p> -<p>Hinckle, George M.—suit of Prophet against, <a href="#423">423</a>. -</p> -<p>Hotchkiss land purchase, <a href="#405">405</a>-408. -</p> -<p>Hotchkiss, Horace R.—letter to Prophet, <a href="#505">505</a>-8. -</p> -<p>Hunter, Edward—visits Nauvoo, biography of, <a href="#416">416</a>-17 and note. -</p> -<p>Hyde Marinda—revelation to, <a href="#467">467</a>. -</p> -<p>Hyde, Elder Orson—his allusion to his fall, <a href="#2">2</a>; restored, <a href="#12">12</a>; appointed -on Mission to Jerusalem, <a href="#106">106</a>; credentials of, <a href="#112">112</a>-113; departure of -from Nauvoo for Jerusalem, <a href="#114">114</a>; at conference in Philadelphia, <a href="#224">224</a>; -ditto, New York, <a href="#237">237</a>; reproved, <a href="#274">274</a>; his arrival in Palestine and -dedication of the land for the return of Jews, <a href="#454">454</a>-59; incidents en -route from Palestine to Europe, <a href="#496">496</a>-99. -</p> -<h3>J -</h3> -<p>Jews—memorial of to Protestant Powers of Europe and America, <a href="#167">167</a> and -note; circular of to Israelites of Europe and America, <a href="#173">173</a>-5. -</p> -<p>Johnston, Jesse W.—affidavit of, <a href="#64">64</a>. -</p> -<p>Johnson, Lyman E.—at Nauvoo, <a href="#389">389</a>. -</p> -<p>Jonas, Grand Master Mason—on Nauvoo and the Mormons, <a href="#565">565</a> <em>et seq</em>. -</p> -<h3>K -</h3> -<p>Keokuk, Indian chief—visits the Prophet, <a href="#401">401</a>. -</p> -<p>Kilbourn, D. W., anti-Mormon—attempts disturbance in Iowa, <a href="#416">416</a>-17; -ditto, <a href="#444">444</a> and note. -</p> -<p>Kimball, Heber C.—departs on mission to England, <a href="#9">9</a> and note; morphine -given to, <a href="#15">15</a>-16; reports of from England, <a href="#182">182</a> <em>et seq</em>.; dreams of, -<a href="#203">203</a>; arrives at Nauvoo from England, <a href="#381">381</a>. -</p> -<p>Kiskukosh, Indian chief—visits the Prophet, <a href="#401">401</a>-2. -</p> -<p>Knight, Bishop Vinson—appointed Bishop of lower ward, Commerce, <a href="#12">12</a>. -</p> -<p>Lathrop, Asahel A.—affidavit of, <a href="#65">65</a>-67. -</p> -<p>Latter-day Saints—difference between and Baptists, <a href="#348">348</a>, <a href="#350">350</a>. -</p> -<p>Law, William—en route for Nauvoo, <a href="#20">20</a>, and note; appointed member First -Presidency, <a href="#284">284</a>-6. -</p> -<p>Legion, Nauvoo—character of, <a href="#269">269</a>; minutes of organization of, <a href="#295">295</a>; -general review of, <a href="#236">236</a>; officers of, <a href="#253">253</a>; general orders to, <a href="#354">354</a>; -defended by the Prophet, <a href="#355">355</a>-6; general orders to, <a href="#362">362</a>; minutes of, -<a href="#382">382</a>; general orders, <a href="#400">400</a>; minutes of, <a href="#415">415</a>; general order to, <a href="#502">502</a>; -extract from minutes of, <a href="#549">549</a>; fourth regiment of second cohort of, <a href="#582">582</a>; -<em>Repast Militaire</em> of, <a href="#601">601</a>; general orders to, <a href="#601">601</a>. -</p> -<p>Letters—James Mulholland to Isaac Russell, <a href="#5">5</a>-6; Joseph Smith to Isaac -Galland, <a href="#8">8</a>-<a href="#9">9</a>; Parley P. Pratt to Prophet, <a href="#22">22</a>; the Prophet to Hyrum -Smith, <a href="#29">29</a>; the Prophet et al. to High Council, Nauvoo, <a href="#43">43</a>-44; Hyrum -Smith to Parley P. Pratt; Hyrum Smith to the Prophet et al., <a href="#52">52</a>: -Charles Adams to Joseph Smith, <a href="#53">53</a>; Orson Pratt to his wife, <a href="#54">54</a>; John B. -Webber to the Prophet, <a href="#55">55</a>; Matthew S. Davis on Prophet's sermon; Elias -Higbee to the Prophet reporting progress <span class="pagenum"><a name="615"></a>{615}</span> in Saints' appeal to -United States Senate, <a href="#81">81</a>; ditto, <a href="#83">83</a>; ditto, <a href="#85">85</a>; ditto, <a href="#88">88</a>; John Taylor, -to the Prophet, <a href="#96">96</a>; R. B. Thompson to Elias Higbee, <a href="#96">96</a>; Horace R. -Hotchkiss to Sidney Rigdon et al., <a href="#98">98</a>; Elias Higbee to the Prophet, <a href="#98">98</a>; -Horace R. Hotchkiss to Joseph Smith, <a href="#100">100</a>; Sidney Rigdon to the Prophet, -<a href="#102">102</a>; Hon. Richard W. Young to Elias Higbee, <a href="#111">111</a>; Heber C. Kimball to -the Saints in the United States, <a href="#114">114</a> <em>et seq</em>.; Brigham Young to the -Prophet, <a href="#119">119</a>; Robert Johnson to Senator Young, <a href="#121">121</a>; Senator Young to -Judge Elias Higbee, <a href="#121">121</a>; Wilford Woodruff to Don Carlos Smith, <a href="#122">122</a>; -Elders Hyde and Page to the Prophet, <a href="#123">123</a>; Brigham Young to the Prophet, -<a href="#125">125</a>; the Prophet to Elders Hyde and Page, <a href="#128">128</a>; Willard Roberts to the -<em>Star</em>, <a href="#130">130</a>; Heber C. Kimball et al. to Bishop at Nauvoo, <a href="#132">132</a>; William -W. Phelps to the Prophet, <a href="#141">141</a>, <a href="#142">142</a>; Hyde and Page to Joseph Smith <a href="#142">142</a>; -Elder Woodruff to the <em>Star</em>, <a href="#150">150</a> <em>et seq</em>.; William Barratt to Saints -in England, <a href="#161">161</a>; Prophet to William W. Phelps, <a href="#162">162</a> <em>et seq</em>.; Prophet -to Oliver Granger, <a href="#164">164</a>-7; John C. Bennett to Joseph Smith et al., -<a href="#168">168</a>; ditto, <a href="#169">169</a>; ditto, <a href="#172">172</a>; Prophet to Horace R. Hotchkiss, <a href="#170">170</a>-1; -Wilford Woodruff to the <em>Star</em>, <a href="#176">176</a>; the Prophet to John C. Bennett, -<a href="#177">177</a>-8; John C. Bennett to Messrs, Smith and Rigdon, <a href="#179">179</a>; Samuel Bent -and George W. Harris to Presidency of Church, <a href="#199">199</a>; John E. Page to -the Presidency, <a href="#201">201</a>; Orson Hyde to Saints in Nauvoo, <a href="#202">202</a>; Heber C. -Kimball et al. to Robinson et al., <a href="#220">220</a>-224; Joseph and Hyrum Smith to -the Saints in Kirtland, <a href="#225">225</a>; the Prophet to the Twelve, <a href="#226">226</a>; Heber -C. Kimball et al. to <em>Times and Seasons</em>, <a href="#234">234</a>; a staunch Wesleyan to -the <em>Manx Liberal</em>, <a href="#234">234</a>-6; Brigham Young to Presidency, <a href="#237">237</a>; John C. -Bennett to <em>Times and Seasons</em>, <a href="#248">248</a>-9; Brigham Young to the Prophet, -<a href="#251">251</a>-2; Parley P. Pratt to Sidney Rigdon, <a href="#266">266</a>; Joseph Smith to County -Recorder, <a href="#287">287</a>; Levi Richards to the <em>Star</em>, <a href="#296">296</a>; Brigham Young to the -<em>Star</em>, <a href="#308">308</a>-9; Wilford Woodruff to Don Carlos Smith, <a href="#323">323</a>-4; George -A. Smith to the <em>Star</em>, <a href="#343">343</a>; the Prophet to the <em>Times and Seasons</em>, -<a href="#356">356</a>-58; R. B. Thompson to <em>Times and Seasons</em>, <a href="#369">369</a>-70; Orson Hyde to -Joseph Smith, <a href="#372">372</a>-4; Orson Hyde to Rabbi Hirschel, <a href="#374">374</a>-8; extract -from a letter to the <em>Juliet Courier</em>, <a href="#380">380</a>-1; Orson Hyde to President -Smith, <a href="#384">384</a>-88; William Smith, to the Prophet, <a href="#391">391</a>; Horace R. Hotchkiss -to Joseph Smith, <a href="#405">405</a>; the Prophet to Hotchkiss, <a href="#406">406</a>-7; Joseph Smith -to Smith Tuttle, Esq., <a href="#430">430</a>-33; extract from Orson Hyde, <a href="#439">439</a>; Parley -P. Pratt, extract of, <a href="#441">441</a>; Joseph Smith to Reuben McBride, <a href="#441">441</a>; Hyrum -Smith to Saints in Kirtland, <a href="#443">443</a>; Orson Hyde to Parley P. Pratt, <a href="#454">454</a>-9; -the Prophet, to Esq. Browning et al., <a href="#468">468</a>; ditto to Mr. Hotchkiss, <a href="#469">469</a>; -Joseph Smith to Edward Hunter, <a href="#481">481</a>-3; Joseph Smith to Edward Hunter, -<a href="#491">491</a>; Orson Hyde to the <em>Star</em>, <a href="#495">495</a>-99; Joseph Smith to Isaac Galland, -<a href="#499">499</a>; G. Walker to Brigham Young et al., <a href="#505">505</a>-509; Alfred Cordon to -Joseph Smith, <a href="#515">515</a>-16; Joseph Smith to the Church, <a href="#517">517</a>; from the Twelve -to all the churches, <a href="#517">517</a>-18; Joseph Smith on tithing, <a href="#518">518</a>; Robert -Pierce to Joseph Smith, <a href="#519">519</a>; Joseph Smith to John Wentworth, <a href="#535">535</a> <em>et -seq</em>.; Joseph Smith to John C. Bennett, <a href="#544">544</a>; Dr. C. V. Dyer to John C. -Bennett, <a href="#544">544</a>; John C. Bennett to Dr. C. V. Dyer, <a href="#545">545</a>; John C. Bennett -to Joseph <span class="pagenum"><a name="616"></a>{616}</span> Smith, <a href="#547">547</a>; Joseph Smith to Edward Hunter, <a href="#548">548</a>; the -Twelve to the Saints in Europe, <a href="#558">558</a> <em>et seq</em>.; extract from Elder E. P. -Maginn, <a href="#566">566</a>; Lorenzo D. Barlow to Parley P. Pratt, <a href="#569">569</a>. -</p> -<h3>L -</h3> -<p>Liberty—religious in Nauvoo, <a href="#306">306</a>, Lima, Adams Co., Illinois—Stake -organized at, <a href="#233">233</a>. -</p> -<p>Little, Sidney H., Senator—death of, <a href="#389">389</a>. -</p> -<p>Littlefield, Lyman O.—action against for slander, <a href="#514">514</a>. -</p> -<p>Litz, Elder A.—suspended from preaching, <a href="#501">501</a>. -</p> -<p>Lowry, John—affidavit of, <a href="#56">56</a>. -</p> -<h3>M -</h3> -<p>Maginn, Ezekiel—affidavit of, <a href="#64">64</a>. -</p> -<p>Marks, Ephraim—funeral of, <a href="#586">586</a>-587. -</p> -<p>Marks, William—appointed President of Stake at Commerce, <a href="#12">12</a>; President -of Stake at Nauvoo, <a href="#323">323</a>; financial settlement of Prophet with, <a href="#582">582</a>. -</p> -<p>Maughan, Peter—<a href="#493">493</a> and note. -</p> -<p>Melling, Peter—ordained a patriarch, first in England, <a href="#120">120</a> and note; -reports to the Prophet at Nauvoo, <a href="#543">543</a>. -</p> -<p>Memorials—of Saints to Senate and House of Representatives, <a href="#24">24</a> <em>et -seq</em>.; to Joseph Smith and High Council at Nauvoo, <a href="#136">136</a>; answer to -foregoing, <a href="#138">138</a>, <a href="#141">141</a> and note, <a href="#144">144</a>, <a href="#145">145</a>; to Governor Garlin of Illinois -on kidnapping, <a href="#159">159</a>-60. -</p> -<p><em>Millennial Star</em>—Latter-day Saints, <a href="#119">119</a>; prospectus of, <a href="#122">122</a>; <a href="#133">133</a> and -note. -</p> -<p>Missouri—action of Legislature on Mormon difficulties, <a href="#299">299</a> and note. -</p> -<p>Modisett, Dr.—gives morphine to Heber C. Kimball, <a href="#15">15</a>; aids Elders -Young and Kimball on journey, <a href="#17">17</a>. -</p> -<p>Monmouth, Warren Co., Illinois—the Prophet's trial at, <a href="#365">365</a> <em>et seq</em>. -</p> -<p>Moon, Elder John—arrival of with Saints in America, <a href="#162">162</a>. -</p> -<p>Morgan, Elizabeth—death of, <a href="#551">551</a>. -</p> -<p>Mormon Literature—<em>pro et con</em>, <a href="#487">487</a>-489. -</p> -<p>Mormons—Nauvoo and the, <a href="#565">565</a>. -</p> -<p>Mulholland, James—Prophet's Secretary, writes Isaac Russell, appointed -clerk for land contracts, <a href="#16">16</a>; salary of, <a href="#17">17</a>; death of, <a href="#88">88</a>-9 and note. -</p> -<h3>N -</h3> -<p>Nashville, city of—meetings at, <a href="#182">182</a> and note. -</p> -<p>Nauvoo—Agricultural and Manufacturing Association incorporated, <a href="#303">303</a>. -</p> -<p>Nauvoo—burying ground for, <a href="#353">353</a>. -</p> -<p>Nauvoo, City of—made Post Office at, <a href="#121">121</a>; charters of, <a href="#239">239</a>-249; first -election in, <a href="#287">287</a>; City Council organized, <a href="#288">288</a>; officers of, <a href="#292">292</a>, <a href="#308">308</a>; -divided into wards, <a href="#305">305</a>; concentration at, <a href="#362">362</a>. -</p> -<p>Nauvoo—House Association incorporated, <a href="#301">301</a>. -</p> -<p><em>News</em>—the prospectus of, <a href="#112">112</a>. -</p> -<p>Noble, Joseph Bates—healed by the Prophet, <a href="#4">4</a> and note. -</p> -<h3>O -</h3> -<p>Olney, Elder Oliver—license taken from, <a href="#552">552</a>. -</p> -<p>Owen, Ephraim—confession of accepted, <a href="#12">12</a>. -</p> -<p>Owen, Jedediah—affidavit of, <a href="#56">56</a>. -</p> -<h3>P -</h3> -<p>Page, John E.—one of the Twelve, Address on the Book of Mormon, <a href="#2">2</a>; -appointed on mission to Palestine, <a href="#109">109</a>; reproved, <a href="#274">274</a>, disregards -advice, <a href="#372">372</a>; presides at New York conference, <a href="#462">462</a>-3. -</p> -<p>Partridge, Bishop Edward—appointed Bishop upper ward <span class="pagenum"><a name="617"></a>{617}</span> Commerce, -<a href="#12">12</a>; instructs Saints on removal to the West, <a href="#39">39</a>. -</p> -<p>Perry, Ashael—received into fellowship, <a href="#14">14</a>. -</p> -<p>Pettigrew, David—affidavit of, <a href="#71">71</a>-73. -</p> -<p>Petition—Elias Higbee, Robert B. Thompson to Congress, <a href="#237">237</a>; presented -to the House, <a href="#250">250</a>-51. -</p> -<p>Phelps, Laura, wife of Morris—death of, <a href="#513">513</a>. -</p> -<p>Pierce, Robert—business settlement of with the Prophet, <a href="#519">519</a>. -</p> -<p>Powell, James—affidavit of, <a href="#61">61</a>. -</p> -<p>Pratt, Orson—one of the Twelve, addresses Saints at Nauvoo, <a href="#4">4</a>; starts -on mission for England, <a href="#7">7</a>; opens mission in Edinburg, <a href="#120">120</a>; publishes -<em>Remarkable Visions</em>, <a href="#224">224</a>; success in Edinburg, <a href="#251">251</a>; elected Professor -of Mathematics, Nauvoo University, <a href="#414">414</a>. -</p> -<p>Pratt, Elder Parley P., one of the Twelve—preaches at Nauvoo, <a href="#4">4</a>; -ditto, <a href="#6">6</a>; starts on mission for England, <a href="#7">7</a>; errors in writings of, <a href="#7">7</a>; -letter to the Prophet, <a href="#22">22</a>; his article on eternal duration of matter, -<a href="#54">54</a>, <a href="#55">55</a> and notes; appointed editor of the <em>Millennial Star</em>, <a href="#133">133</a>; -returns to America for family, <a href="#177">177</a>; returns to England, <a href="#224">224</a>. -</p> -<p>Presidency, First of Church—report of, <a href="#212">212</a>-14; proclamation of to -the Church scattered abroad, <a href="#267">267</a>-73; report of at General Conference, -<a href="#336">336</a>-339. -</p> -<p>Priesthood—article on prepared by the Prophet, <a href="#207">207</a>-212; lesser -organized in Nauvoo, <a href="#312">312</a>. -</p> -<p>Proclamation—preparation of to Kings, <a href="#383">383</a>. -</p> -<h3>Q -</h3> -<p>Quincy, Illinois—a Stake organized at, <a href="#233">233</a>. -</p> -<h3>R -</h3> -<p>Ramus, Illinois—minutes of a meeting at, <a href="#453">453</a>; conferences at, <a href="#467">467</a>; -deeds to certain lands of, transferred to the Prophet, <a href="#477">477</a>. -</p> -<p>Redfield, Harlow—suspended from office, <a href="#12">12</a>; restored, <a href="#16">16</a>. -</p> -<p>Resurrection in general and of children, <a href="#553">553</a> <em>et seq</em>.; and note. -</p> -<p>Revelations—to Joseph Smith at Nauvoo, January 19, 1841, <a href="#274">274</a>, <em>et -seq</em>.; to William Allred <em>et al</em>. <a href="#311">311</a>; to the Saints in Iowa, <a href="#311">311</a>; to -Brigham Young in Nauvoo, July 9, 1841, <a href="#382">382</a>; concerning Nancy Marinda -Hyde, <a href="#467">467</a>; to John Snyder <em>et al</em>., <a href="#483">483</a>; to the Twelve, <a href="#483">483</a>; respecting -the <em>Times and Seasons</em>, <a href="#503">503</a>. -</p> -<p>Rich, Charles C.—elected Brigadier General, <a href="#414">414</a>. -</p> -<p>Richards, Levi—affidavit of, <a href="#70">70</a>-71. -</p> -<p>Richards, Elder Willard, one of the Twelve—visits Staffordshire, -<a href="#7">7</a>; son of dies, <a href="#48">48</a>; on Election and Reprobation, <a href="#256">256</a>-66; assists in -indexing Book of Mormon, <a href="#274">274</a>, <a href="#286">286</a>; writes history of British mission, -<a href="#313">313</a>-321; appointed private secretary to the Prophet and Temple -Recorder, <a href="#470">470</a>. -</p> -<p>Rigdon, Elder Sidney, counselor to Joseph Smith—address of to Twelve, -<a href="#2">2</a>, <a href="#3">3</a>; appointed to accompany Prophet to Washington, <a href="#13">13</a>; starts with -Prophet to Washington, <a href="#19">19</a>; sickness of, left at Columbus, Ohio, <a href="#21">21</a>; in -Washington, <a href="#48">48</a>; in Philadelphia, <a href="#76">76</a>; speech of at laying corner stone -of Nauvoo Temple, <a href="#327">327</a>-29; baptized for in behalf of his parents, <a href="#486">486</a>. -</p> -<p>Riggs, Burr—affidavit of, <a href="#67">67</a>. -</p> -<p>Roberts, Sidney—excommunicated, <a href="#237">237</a>. -</p> -<p>Robinson, Ebenezer—publisher of <em>Times and Seasons</em>, <a href="#23">23</a>; -co-partnership with Don Carlos Smith dissolved, <a href="#239">239</a>; editor <em>Times and -Seasons</em>, <a href="#402">402</a>. -</p> -<p>Rockwell, Orrin P.—starts with Prophet for Washington, <a href="#19">19</a>. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="618"></a>{618}</span> Rogers, D. W.—his hymn-book discarded, <a href="#14">14</a>. -</p> -<p>Root, Henry—affidavit of, <a href="#62">62</a>. -</p> -<p>Russell, Isaac—reproved, <a href="#5">5</a>, <a href="#6">6</a>; and note. -</p> -<h3>S -</h3> -<p>Saints, Latter-day—sickness among at Nauvoo, <a href="#3">3</a>; healing of the, <a href="#3">3</a>, -<a href="#4">4</a> and notes; admonished to set houses in order, <a href="#4">4</a>-5; petition of to -Congress, <a href="#24">24</a>-38. -</p> -<p>Sharp, Thomas—editor <em>Warsaw Signal</em>, anti-Mormon, the Prophet on, <a href="#487">487</a> -and note. -</p> -<p>Sherwood, Henry G.—healed by the Prophet, <a href="#4">4</a> and note. -</p> -<p>Shoemaker, David—affidavit of, <a href="#69">69</a>. -</p> -<p>Sloan, James—statement of, <a href="#69">69</a>. -</p> -<p>Smith, Don Carlos, brother of the Prophet—President of the High -Priests at Commerce, <a href="#12">12</a>; publisher <em>Times and Seasons</em>, <a href="#23">23</a>; dissolves -partnership with Robinson, <a href="#239">239</a>; death of, <a href="#393">393</a>; career of, <a href="#393">393</a>-399. -</p> -<p>Smith, Elias—ordained a Bishop, <a href="#161">161</a>. -</p> -<p>Smith, Emma, wife of the Prophet appointed to compile hymnbook, <a href="#17">17</a>; -assists husband in labors, <a href="#510">510</a>; appointed President of Female Relief -Society, <a href="#552">552</a>. -</p> -<p>Smith, George Albert—one of the Twelve, starts on mission for England, -<a href="#10">10</a>; preaches at Richmond, New York, <a href="#75">75</a>: begins out-door preaching in -England, <a href="#182">182</a> <em>et seq</em>.; injures his health at, <a href="#236">236</a>; arrives at Nauvoo -from England, <a href="#383">383</a>; marriage of, <a href="#389">389</a>. -</p> -<p>Smith, Hyrum, brother of the Prophet—appointed on committee to -establish Nauvoo. <a href="#39">39</a>; testimony of to Book of Mormon, <a href="#46">46</a> and note; is -appointed Patriarch of the Church, <a href="#229">229</a> and note and <a href="#282">282</a>; appointed -Prophet and Revelator, <a href="#286">286</a>. -</p> -<p>Smith, Humphery—affidavit of, <a href="#62">62</a>. -</p> -<p>Smith, John—affidavit of, <a href="#62">62</a>. -</p> -<p>Smith, John—affidavit of, <a href="#59">59</a>. -</p> -<p>Smith, Joseph, the Prophet—literary methods of, <a href="#1">1</a>; heals the sick -at Commerce, Nauvoo, <a href="#3">3</a>-5 and notes; ditto, <a href="#7">7</a>; preaches on the "other -Comforter," <a href="#10">10</a> and note; ditto "Judgments," <a href="#11">11</a>; attends general -conference, Commerce, <a href="#11">11</a>-12 <em>et seq</em>.; appointed to represent cause of -the Saints at Washington, <a href="#13">13</a>; starts for Washington, <a href="#19">19</a>; adventure of, -by the way, <a href="#23">23</a>; arrives at Washington, <a href="#24">24</a>; meets President Van Buren, -<a href="#39">39</a> <em>et seq</em>.; preaches at Philadelphia, <a href="#47">47</a>; in New Jersey, <a href="#49">49</a>; comment -on Missouri affidavits, <a href="#73">73</a>-4; returns to Washington, <a href="#77">77</a>; description -of by a Congressman, <a href="#78">78</a> <em>et seq</em>.; interview with Martin Van Buren, -<a href="#80">80</a>; ditto. John C. Calhoun, <a href="#80">80</a>; returns to Nauvoo, <a href="#88">88</a>-9; reflection of -on actions of Congress, <a href="#145">145</a>; plans charter of Nauvoo, <a href="#349">349</a>; made sole -Trustee-in-trust, of the Church, <a href="#287">287</a>; elected member of the Nauvoo -City Council, <a href="#287">287</a>; introduces several bills in City Council, <a href="#293">293</a> <em>et -seq</em>.; appointed Lieutenant-General of Nauvoo Legion, <a href="#309">309</a>; assists in -laying corner stone Nauvoo Temple, <a href="#329">329</a>-331; arrest of by officers from -Missouri, <a href="#364">364</a> <em>et seq</em>.; visited by Indians at Nauvoo, <a href="#401">401</a>; views on -use of medicine, <a href="#414">414</a>; his experience at Monmouth trial, <a href="#419">419</a>-20; views -on relics of antiquity, <a href="#420">420</a>-21 note; reproves sanctimoniousness, <a href="#445">445</a>; -denunciation of thieves, <a href="#461">461</a>-2; his estimate of the Book of Mormon, -<a href="#461">461</a>; proof-reads Book of Mormon, <a href="#468">468</a>; difficulties in keeping daily -journal, <a href="#470">470</a>; proclaims political attitude of the Saints, <a href="#479">479</a>-80 and -notes; his views on the gift of tongues, <a href="#485">485</a>; reflections on opening -of the year, 1842, <a href="#492">492</a>; debates race question, <a href="#501">501</a>; purpose of debates -in Nauvoo, <a href="#514">514</a>; views on privileges of Nauvoo <span class="pagenum"><a name="619"></a>{619}</span> charter, <a href="#516">516</a>; -settlement of with Robert Pierce, <a href="#519">519</a>; settlement of taxes with Mr. -Bagley, <a href="#542">542</a>; becomes editor of <em>Times and Seasons</em>, <a href="#551">551</a>; sermon on -"Life, Death, and Resurrection," <a href="#553">553</a> <em>et seq</em>. and note <a href="#556">556</a>; remarks -of at funeral of Edward Marks, <a href="#587">587</a>; reproof of unvirtuous persons by -<a href="#587">587</a>-88; insolvency of, <a href="#594">594</a>; cause of Prophet's insolvency, <a href="#600">600</a>; remarks -respecting: signs and key words received in the Temple, <a href="#608">608</a>. -</p> -<p>Smith, Joseph, Sen.—death of, <a href="#189">189</a>; biography of, <a href="#189">189</a> <em>et seq</em>.; -funeral services of, <a href="#191">191</a>-97; benediction of, on Hyrum Smith, <a href="#229">229</a> and -note. -</p> -<p>Smith, Samuel—affidavit of, <a href="#60">60</a>. -</p> -<p>Smith, William, brother of the Prophet—allowed to retain standing in -quorum of the Twelve, <a href="#12">12</a>. -</p> -<p>Snow, Erastus, labors of in Salem, <a href="#433">433</a>. -</p> -<p>Snow, Lorenzo—sent to England, <a href="#161">161</a>-2 and note; arrives at Manchester, -<a href="#233">233</a>; in public discussion with Mr. Barker, <a href="#234">234</a>. -</p> -<p>Snyder, Elder John—appointed a mission, <a href="#503">503</a>-504; set apart and -instructed, <a href="#568">568</a>. -</p> -<p>Spirits, try the, <a href="#571">571</a>-581. -</p> -<p>Springfield, Illinois—a Stake organized at, <a href="#236">236</a>. -</p> -<h3>T -</h3> -<p>Taylor, Elder John, one of the Twelve Apostles—testimony of to Book -of Mormon, <a href="#2">2</a>; preaches at Kirtland, <a href="#21">21</a>; sails for England, <a href="#46">46</a>; arrives -at Preston, England, <a href="#76">76</a>; leaves Liverpool for Ireland, <a href="#170">170</a> and note; -in the Isle of Man, <a href="#234">234</a>-6 and note; discussion with Rev. Robert Hayes, -<a href="#238">238</a>; reports baptisms, <a href="#288">288</a>; arrives at Nauvoo from England, <a href="#381">381</a>; -appointed editor <em>Times and Seasons</em>, <a href="#513">513</a>. -</p> -<p>Temple, Nauvoo—corner stones of laid, <a href="#327">327</a>-331; announcement of -Trust-in-trust respecting, <a href="#517">517</a>; word of the Twelve respecting, <a href="#517">517</a>; -progress of building the, <a href="#608">608</a> <em>et seq</em>. -</p> -<p>Thompson, Elder Robert B.—delivers discourse at the funeral of Joseph -Smith, Sen., <a href="#191">191</a>-197; writes petition to Congress, <a href="#237">237</a>; Associate -editor <em>Times and Seasons</em>, <a href="#353">353</a>: death of and biography of, <a href="#411">411</a>-412. -</p> -<p>Times and Seasons—first number of, <a href="#23">23</a>. -</p> -<p>Tithing, arrangements for reception of, <a href="#493">493</a>; record of, <a href="#518">518</a>. -</p> -<p><em>Tribune</em>, New York—criticism of on the course of Missouri, <a href="#551">551</a>. -</p> -<p>Trustee-in-trust—sole for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day -Saints, see Joseph Smith. -</p> -<p>Turley, Elder Theodore—starts for England on mission, <a href="#10">10</a>; imprisonment -of, <a href="#127">127</a>. -</p> -<h3>U -</h3> -<p>University of City of Nauvoo, <a href="#243">243</a>, and <a href="#301">301</a>. -</p> -<h3>V -</h3> -<p>Van Buren, President of the United States—Joseph Smith's interview -with, <a href="#40">40</a>, <a href="#80">80</a>, <a href="#89">89</a> and note. -</p> -<h3>W -</h3> -<p>Walker, Cyrus—lawyer, counselor for the Prophet, at Monmouth trial, -<a href="#367">367</a> <em>et seq</em>. -</p> -<p>Walker, Oliver—before High Council, Nauvoo, <a href="#219">219</a>-20. -</p> -<p>Warren, city of, <a href="#405">405</a>; consultation respecting, <a href="#486">486</a>. -</p> -<p><em>Wasp</em>, The—first number, <a href="#600">600</a>. -</p> -<p>Wentworth, John—letter of Prophet to, <a href="#535">535</a> <em>et seq</em>. -</p> -<p>Wells, Squire Daniel H.—biography, <a href="#154">154</a>-55. -</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="620"></a>{620}</span> Whitney, Bishop Newel K.—appointed Bishop middle ward, Commerce. -</p> -<p>Wight, Lyman—addresses conference, <a href="#13">13</a>. -</p> -<p>Wilber, Brother—assists Elder Young <em>et al</em>., <a href="#11">11</a>. -</p> -<p>Williams; Frederick G.—affidavit of, <a href="#69">69</a>. -</p> -<p>Witter, Daniel S.—course of respecting settlement at Warren, <a href="#470">470</a>-1. -</p> -<p>Wood, Elder Daniel—suspended from preaching, <a href="#501">501</a>; vindication of, <a href="#514">514</a>. -</p> -<p>Woodruff, Elder Wilford, one of the Twelve—his account of miraculous -healings at Commerce by the Prophet, <a href="#3">3</a>-5; notes; sent by the Prophet to -heal the sick, <a href="#5">5</a>; departure of for England, <a href="#46">46</a>; arrives in England, <a href="#76">76</a>; -labors of in England, <a href="#182">182</a> <em>et seq</em>.; mission on Fox Island, <a href="#418">418</a>-19. -</p> -<p>Women, The character of Mormon, <a href="#568">568</a>. -</p> -<p>World, The—commotions in, <a href="#125">125</a>, <a href="#189">189</a>, <a href="#252">252</a>-3, and <a href="#383">383</a>, <a href="#401">401</a>, <a href="#415">415</a>. -</p> -<p>Yokum, William, Haun's Mill victim, <a href="#389">389</a>. -</p> -<h3>Y -</h3> -<p>Young, Elder Brigham, one of the Twelve Apostles—remarks of at Nauvoo, -<a href="#2">2</a>; starts for England, <a href="#9">9</a>; arrival of at Cleveland, Ohio, <a href="#20">20</a>; rebukes -storm, <a href="#23">23</a>; preaches at Richmond, New York, <a href="#75">75</a>; arrival in New York, <a href="#77">77</a>; -embarks with four others of the Twelve for England, <a href="#94">94</a>; arrival of in -England, <a href="#102">102</a>; farewell of the Saints to, <a href="#103">103</a>; sustained as President -of the Twelve, <a href="#115">115</a> and notes; also <a href="#146">146</a>, and note; on Election and -Reprobation, <a href="#256">256</a>-66; assists in indexing Book of Mormon, <a href="#274">274</a> and <a href="#286">286</a>; -arrives at Nauvoo from England, <a href="#381">381</a>; elected to Nauvoo Council, <a href="#414">414</a>. -</p> -<p>Young, John, Sen.—father of Brigham, dies, <a href="#14">14</a>. -</p> -<p>Young, Joseph, President of the Seventies, grants licenses, <a href="#501">501</a>. -</p> -<p>Young, Lorenzo, assists Young and Kimball <em>en route</em> for England, <a href="#11">11</a>. -</p> - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of History of the Church of Jesus Christ -of Latter-day Saints (Vol. 4), by Joseph Smith - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HISTORY OF CHURCH LATTER-DAY SAINTS, VOL 4 *** - -***** This file should be named 60708-h.htm or 60708-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/6/0/7/0/60708/ - -Produced by the Mormon Texts Project (http://mormontextsproject.org) -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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