,,history ,,of ,,the ,,church ,,of ,,jesus ,,christ ,,of ,,latter-,,day ,,saints4 ,,period ,i4 ,history of ,joseph ,smith1 the ,prophet4 ,by ,himself4 ,volume ,i4 ,an ,introduction and ,notes by ,b4 ,h4 ,roberts4 ,published by the ,church4 ,deseret ,news4 ,salt ,lake ,city1 ,utah4 #aijb4 ,,iii ,preface4 ,in publishing the ,history of the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-day ,saints1 it is felt that a solemn duty is being performed to the ,saints and to the world4 ,the events which make up the history of the ,church in this age are the most important that history can chronicle4 ,it is due therefore both to the ,saints themselves and to the world that a faithful and complete history of the facts in which the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-day ,saints had its origin1 together with the events through which it was subsequently developed1 and all the circumstances1 experiences and trials through which it passed be made known to mankind4 ,it is important1 too1 that so far as possible the events which make up the history be related by the persons who witnessed them1 since such statements give the reader testimony of the facts at first hand2 and there is placed on record at the same time the highest order of historical evidence of the truth of what is stated4 ,it was these considerations which induced the ,church authorities1 under whose auspices this history is published1 to take the narrative of the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith as found in the manuscript ,history of the ,church--now in the archives of the ,historian's office--for the body of the work1 rather than to authorize the writing of a history in the ordinary way4 ,the editors of the work are not oblivious to the fact that to proceed in the manner followed in these volumes has its disadvantages2 that it renders it impossible to correlate the facts1 and give unity to the work2 ,,iv that it makes the body of the work more of the nature of annals than of history2 with the accompanying result that the conclusion of an event1 or even a series of events1 is frequently postponed indefinitely1 and each reader is left to be his own philosopher of history while perusing these pages2 that is1 to form his own conclusions upon the data here presented to him4 ,to overcome1 at least in some small degree1 the obvious disadvantages of the style in which it has been determined to publish this history1 marginal notes relating to important matters are given1 which1 while it is not claimed that they overcome the difficulties of the annalistic style of the main body of the work1 will nevertheless1 be of great service to the reader both in this respect and also in here and there enlarging upon the ,prophet's narrative where the narrative does not include all the facts known upon the subject4 ,from the first the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith had a clear apprehension of the importance of keeping a faithful record of the events connected with the great work which ,god was bringing forth through his instrumentality2 and it is to his appreciation of the importance of that fact1 and his never tiring energy respecting it1 that we are indebted for the minute completeness of our ,church annals4 ,while the very rapidity with which events happened1 together with the quickly changing circumstances through which the purposes of ,god were unfolded in the great ,dispensation of the ,fulness of ,times1 necessarily occupied the time of the ,prophet1 and well nigh made it impossible for him to give all the attention to the making of annals that is necessary to such work1 still he quite thoroughly supervised the writing of his history1 with the result that more complete historical data have been written and preserved ,v respecting the coming forth of the work of ,god in these last days than any other great movement whatsoever4 ,one difficulty the ,prophet experienced in writing the annals of the ,church1 which he usually called his history1 was the unfaithfulness of some whom he employed in this service1 and the frequent change of historians1 owing to the ever shifting conditions surrounding the ,church in the early years of its existence4 ,it would be marvelous indeed if under all these circumstances there had been no mistakes made in our annals1 no conflict of dates1 no errors in the relation of events4 ,but whether these conditions are taken into account or not1 the manuscript annals of the ,church are astonishingly free from errors of dates1 relation of facts1 and anachronisms of every description4 ,when the ,church historians ,george ,a4 ,smith and ,wilford ,woodruff completed their publication of the ,history of ,joseph ,smith1 down to the #hth of ,august1 #ahdd1 which history was published in installments in the ,deseret ,news1 ,utah1 and in the ,millennial ,star1 ,england1 they expressed themselves upon the correctness of what they had published in the following manner3 ,the ,history of ,joseph ,smith is now before the world1 and we are satisfied that a history more correct in its details than this was never published4 ,to have it strictly correct1 the greatest possible pains have been taken by the historians and clerks engaged in the work4 ,they were eye and ear witnesses of nearly all the transactions recorded in this history1 most of which were reported as they transpired1 and1 where they were not personally present1 they have had access to those who were4 ,moreover1 since the death of the ,prophet ,joseph1 the history has been carefully revised under the strict inspection of ,,vi ,president ,brigham ,young1 and approved by him4 ,we1 therefore1 hereby bear our testimony to all the world1 unto whom these words shall come1 that the ,history of ,joseph ,smith is true1 and is one of the most authentic histories ever written4 ,their statement assuredly is true2 and yet by a careful revision of the work they did1 and the correction of a few errors in dates and other details1 the work has been brought to a still higher state of perfection4 ,where grammatical accuracy was violated in the original record it has been corrected1 so far as observed2 but no historical or doctrinal statement has been changed4 ,some changes will be observed in the matter of the biographies of the leading ,elders of the early days of the ,church4 ,when a man of prominence connected himself with the ,church1 the ,prophet ,joseph usually gave a biographical sketch of him in his own history1 then writing2 and sometimes these biographies were long and unduly interrupted the movement of events4 ,to rid the body of the work of this encumbrance it was decided to place all biographical matter in marginal notes2 this made it necessary to condense very much those found in the ,prophet's narrative1 while severe brevity--after accuracy--has been the aim in those prepared by the annotator4 ,the most careful attention has been given to this work by those engaged in its preparation4 ,the manuscript has been read to the ,church ,historian1 ,president ,anthon ,h4 ,lund1 with constant reference to the original manuscript history and all copies of it published in the ,times and ,seasons and the ,millennial ,star2 and also to various editions of the ,doctrine and ,covenants1 and the ,book of ,commandments published at ,independence1 ,missouri1 in #ahcc1 ,,vii where the revelations received by the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith are contained4 ,in the course of this work slight variations in phraseology were discovered in the several editions of the ,doctrine and ,covenants1 that doubtless arose through careless proof reading2 and as between the most carefully proof-read editions and the revelations found in the manuscript ,history of the ,church there were some slight differences1 which were corrected to agree with the original manuscript2 but the corrections were never made until first submitted to the ,first ,presidency1 and carefully considered and approved by them4 ,we therefore feel that this great care has resulted in presenting to the ,church and to the world the revelations which the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith received in their most perfect form2 and that a standard is created for all future publication of these revelations4 ,speaking of the revelations that appear in this book1 it is proper to remark that one of the chief values of this volume of the ,history of the ,church will arise from the fact that the greater number of those revelations received by the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith is published in it--one hundred and one1 out of a hundred and thirty-three found in the ,doctrine and ,covenants2 and as they are published in connection with the circumstances existing when brought forth1 the student of the doctrines of the ,church will find this volume of almost incalculable benefit to him4 ,in the ,introduction it is believed the reader will find a fitting background from which are projected with majestic boldness the great events and splendid doctrines of the ,dispensation of the ,fulness of ,times4 ,that dispensation1 of which this history is but the chronicle1 bears an important relation to all former dispensations since ,,viii the world began4 ,it is the ocean into which they as streams flow4 ,it is their complement1 and unifying force--it makes them all one2 and demonstrates that while things to men appear but in parts1 ,god forever stands in the presence of the whole1 and dispenses ,his providences with reference to ,his perfect comprehension of the end from the beginning4 ,it is to exhibit this relation of dispensations that the ,introduction is written1 and the importance of the subject must be the apology for its length4 ,,ix ,table of ,contents4 ,volume ,i4 ,preface4 ,introduction4 ,antiquity of the ,gospel4 ,the ,gospel ,revealed to ,adam4 ,establishment of the ,ancient ,church4 ,the ,gospel ,versus the ,law4 ,from ,moses to ,john the ,baptist and ,messiah4 ,the ,dispensation of the ,meridian of ,time4 ,the ,identity of the ,dispensation of the ,meridian of ,time and the ,dispensation of the ,fullness of ,times ,considered4 ,joel's ,prophecy of the ,dispensation of the ,last ,days4 ,daniel's ,prophecy of the ,rise of the ,kingdom of ,god in the ,last ,days4 ,the ,announcement of the ,universal ,apostasy4 ,character of the ,early ,christians4 ,the ,rise of ,false ,teachers4 ,the ,development of ,false ,doctrines ,after the ,death of the ,apostles4 ,the ,revolution of the ,fourth ,century3 ,constantine4 ,christianity ,made a ,persecuting ,religion4 ,persecution of ,heretics4 ,christianity ,before and ,after ,constantine4 ,decline in ,moral and ,spiritual ,living ,among ,christians4 ,loss of ,spiritual ,gifts4 ,departure of ,christendom from the ,true ,doctrine of ,deity4 ,the ,christian ,doctrine of ,god4 ,paganization of the ,christian ,doctrine of ,god4 ,the ,church of ,christ ,displaced by the ,churches of ,men4 ,testimony of ,prophecy to the ,universal ,apostasy4 ,conclusion4 ,x ,,chapter ,i4 ,joseph ,smith's ,birth and ,lineage--,the ,prophet's ,first ,vision--,this is ,my ,beloved ,son4 ,the ,prophet's ,introduction ,birth and ,ancestry4 ,religious ,excitement in ,western ,new ,york4 ,reflection on ,divided ,christendom4 ,perplexity of the ,prophet4 ,the ,promise of ,st4 ,james ,tested4 ,effort of ,satan to ,destroy the ,prophet4 ,the ,first ,vision4 ,state of ,christian ,world4 ,sectarian opposition4 ,reflections ,upon ,sectarian ,oppositions4 ,all ,doubts ,settled4 ,,chapter ,,ii4 ,the ,visitation of ,moroni--,existence of the ,book of ,mormon ,made ,known4 ,interval of ,three ,years1 #ahbj-bc4 ,confession of ,errors4 ,appearing of ,moroni4 ,moroni's ,message4 ,ancient ,prophecies ,quoted4 ,plates not to be ,shown4 ,second ,appearing of ,moroni4 ,third ,appearing of ,moroni4 ,fourth ,appearing of ,moroni4 ,the ,hill ,cumorah4 ,the ,nephite ,record4 ,fourth ,annual ,visitation to ,cumorah4 ,story of ,being a ,money ,digger4 ,the ,prophet's ,marriage4 ,,chapter ,,iii4 ,the ,nephite ,record ,delivered to ,joseph--,the ,angel's ,warning ,the ,work of ,translation4 ,the ,prophet ,receives the ,plates4 ,efforts of ,enemies to ,get the ,plates4 ,misrepresentations4 ,removal to ,pennsylvania4 ,words of the ,book given to the ,learned4 ,the ,loss of #aaf ,pages of ,manuscript4 ,prophet's ,journey to ,manchester and ,return to ,pennsylvania4 ,interpreters and ,plates ,returned to the ,prophet4 ,interval in the ,work of ,translation4 ,three ,witnesses ,promised4 ,,xi ,,chapter ,,iv4 ,oliver ,cowdery ,becomes the ,prophet's ,scribe--,the ,translation of the ,plates ,continued4 ,oliver ,cowdery4 ,witness of the ,spirit to ,cowdery4 ,the ,mission of ,john the ,apostle4 ,oliver desires to ,translate4 ,,chapter ,v4 ,restoration of the ,aaronic ,priesthood--,first ,baptisms4 ,the ,aaronic ,priesthood ,restored4 ,limitation of the ,aaronic ,priesthood4 ,john the ,baptist1 ,may #ae1 #ahbi4 ,outpourings of the ,spirit4 ,ordination and ,baptism ,kept ,secret4 ,conversion of ,samuel ,h4 ,smith4 ,hyrum ,smith's ,inquiries4 ,assistance from ,joseph ,knight1 ,sen4 ,prophet's ,removal to ,fayette4 ,david1 ,john1 and ,peter ,whitmer1 ,jun41 as ,assistants4 ,early ,baptisms4 ,,chapter ,,vi4 ,the ,testimony of the ,especial ,witnesses to the ,book of ,mormon4 ,provision made for ,special ,witnesses4 ,seeking the ,fulfillment of the ,promise4 ,the ,order of ,prayer4 ,the ,visitation of the ,angel--,viewing the ,plates4 ,martin ,harris ,views the ,plates4 ,statement of the ,witnesses4 ,early ,progress in the ,work4 ,,chapter ,,vii4 ,the ,day ,appointed for ,organizing the ,church--,revelation on ,church ,government4 ,directions for the ,organization of the ,church4 ,instructions on ,church ,organization4 ,,xii ,,chapter ,,viii4 ,the ,book of ,mormon ,published--,the ,church ,organized4 ,price for ,publishing ,book of ,mormon4 ,the ,title ,page4 ,procedure in the ,organization of the ,church4 ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 ,appointed ,prophet1 ,seer1 and ,revelator to the ,church4 ,the ,church of ,jesus ,christ ,begins its ,career4 ,word of the ,lord to ,several ,persons4 ,,chapter ,,ix4 ,the ,commencement of the ,public ,ministry of the ,church4 ,the ,first ,public ,discourse4 ,the ,prophet's ,ministry at ,colesville4 ,labors of the ,prophet with ,newel ,knight4 ,the ,first ,miracle in the ,church4 ,remarkable ,experience of ,newel ,knight4 ,effect of ,publishing the ,book of ,mormon4 ,first ,conference of the ,church4 ,effect of ,spiritual ,manifestations4 ,baptisms4 ,labor of the ,prophet at ,colesville4 ,the ,adventures of ,emily ,coburn4 ,mobbings4 ,the ,prophet ,arrested4 ,the ,prophet ,escapes the ,mob4 ,excitement over the ,prophet's ,case4 ,the ,trial4 ,daughters of ,mr4 ,stoal as ,witnesses4 ,the ,acquittal4 ,the ,prophet's second ,arrest4 ,unnecessary ,severity4 ,the ,second ,trial4 ,newel ,knight vs4 ,lawyer ,seymour4 ,plea for the ,state4 ,plea for the ,defendant4 ,change in ,sentiment4 ,the ,prophet ,acquitted4 ,,chapter ,x4 ,the ,molestation at ,colesville by ,mobs--,the ,revelation ,embodying the vision of ,moses4 ,the ,second ,flight from ,colesville4 ,reflections on ,persecution4 ,the ,strength which ,god gave4 ,encouragement from ,inspired ,dreams4 ,compilation of ,revelations4 ,cowdery's ,error4 ,prophet's ,correction of ,error4 ,,xiii ,,chapter ,,xi4 ,further ,light ,respecting the ,sacrament--,prophet's ,removal to ,fayette4 ,instructions on the ,sacrament4 ,a ,confirmation ,meeting4 ,the ,prophet's ,father-in-law ,embittered4 ,the ,eyes of ,enemies ,blinded ,through ,faith4 ,the ,prophet ,finds an ,asylum at ,fayette4 ,spurious ,revelations ,through ,hyrum ,page4 ,the ,conference of ,september #bfth4 ,satisfactory ,results of the ,conference4 ,mission to the ,lamanites4 ,departure of the ,lamanite ,mission4 ,arrival at ,kirtland4 ,previous ,relations of ,pratt and ,rigdon4 ,presentation of the ,book of ,mormon to ,sidney ,rigdon4 ,public ,ministry at ,mentor4 ,the ,work ,opened at ,kirtland4 ,conversion of ,sidney ,rigdon4 ,,chapter ,,xii4 ,lost ,books of ,ancient ,scripture--,commandment to the ,church in ,new ,york to ,move to ,ohio4 ,readiness of the ,lord to ,impart ,knowledge4 ,orson ,pratt ,seeks to ,know the ,will of the ,lord4 ,sidney ,rigdon and ,edward ,partridge ,visit the ,prophet4 ,of the ,lost ,books of ,scripture4 ,,chapter ,,xiii4 ,prospects of the ,church at the ,opening of the year #ahca--,removal of the ,prophet ,joseph ,from ,new ,york to ,ohio--,doctrinal ,development4 ,prospects of the ,church1 #ahca4 ,why ,covill ,rejected the ,commandment4 ,the ,prophet ,removes to ,ohio4 ,the ,branch of the ,church at ,kirtland4 ,revelation ,giving the ,law of the ,church4 ,pretensions of a ,woman to ,revelations1 etc4 ,a ,special ,conference1 #crd-#fth of ,june4 ,,xiv ,,chapter ,,xiv4 ,effort to ,overwhelm the ,church ,by ,falsehood--,sundry ,revelations ,leading to ,doctrinal ,development4 ,efforts ,through the ,press to ,retard the ,work4 ,the ,gifts of the ,holy ,ghost4 ,john ,whitmer ,appointed ,historian4 ,on the ,purchase of ,land in ,ohio4 ,the ,shaking ,quakers4 ,inquiry on ,spiritual ,manifestations4 ,arrival in ,ohio of the ,new ,york ,saints4 ,,chapter ,,xv4 ,the ,important conference of ,june #crd-#fth--,arrival of the ,elders in ,western ,missouri4 ,important ,conference of ,june #crd-#fth at ,kirtland4 ,difficulty in the ,thompson ,branch4 ,report of ,oliver ,cowdery on ,conditions on ,western ,missouri4 ,marsh and ,thayre ,separated as ,missionary ,companions4 ,departure of the ,prophets and ,company for ,missouri4 ,treatment by the ,way4 ,arrival in ,missouri4 ,questions and the ,answer by ,revelation4 ,the ,first ,sabbath in ,zion4 ,arrival of the ,colesville ,branch4 ,,chapter ,,xvi4 ,the ,founding of ,zion4 ,the ,first ,act in the ,founding of ,zion4 ,description of the ,land of ,zion4 ,agricultural ,products4 ,animals1 ,domestic and ,wild4 ,the ,climate4 ,the ,future ,glory of ,zion4 ,dedication of the ,temple ,site4 ,first ,conference in ,zion4 ,death of ,polly ,knight4 ,directions for the ,elders4 ,prophet and ,others ,depart for ,kirtland4 ,a ,chance ,meeting of ,elders4 ,arrival of the ,prophet and ,party at ,kirtland4 ,anxiety of the ,saints to ,receive the ,word of the ,lord4 ,preparation to ,move to ,hiram4 ,,xv ,,chapter ,,xvii4 ,the ,apostasy of ,ezra ,booth--,preparations for ,publishing ,book of ,commandments4 ,the ,prophet ,move to ,hiram4 ,ezra ,booth's ,apostasy4 ,the ,purchase of a ,press4 ,a ,prayer ,revealed4 ,revision of the ,bible ,renewed4 ,instructions and ,appointments of the ,conference of ,october #aath4 ,special ,conference of ,october #bast4 ,conference at ,orange1 ,ohio1 ,october #beth4 ,special ,conference ,nov4 #ast4 ,language of ,revelations ,criticised4 ,the ,folly of ,william ,m',lellin4 ,preparation of the ,revelations for ,publication1 ,november #ast-#aeth4 ,dedication of the ,book of ,commandments4 ,esteem in which the ,conference ,held the ,book of ,commandments and ,book of ,mormon4 ,,chapter ,,xviii4 ,the ,amherst ,conference--,the ,vision of the ,degrees of ,glory in ,man's ,future ,life4 ,the ,labors of the ,prophet and ,sidney ,rigdon4 ,the ,prophet's ,earnest ,labors in ,kirtland4 ,effectiveness of the ,prophet's and ,sidney ,rigdon's ,labors4 ,translation ,renewed4 ,the ,amherst ,conference4 ,revelation of the ,degrees of ,future ,glory4 ,the ,prophet's ,views on the ,foregoing ,revelation4 ,a ,key to ,st4 ,john's ,book of ,revelation4 ,sundry ,revelations4 ,,chapter ,,xix4 ,mob ,violence at ,hiram--,the ,second ,journey of the ,prophet to ,zion1 and ,return to ,kirtland4 ,prospects of the ,evening and ,morning ,star4 ,the ,prophet's ,life in ,hiram4 ,a ,prophecy on ,omsted ,johnson4 ,apostates4 ,mob ,violence at ,hiram4 ,brutality of the ,mob4 ,the ,prophet's ,pitiable ,condition4 ,a ,case of ,mistaken ,identity4 ,the ,prophet's ,undaunted ,spirit4 ,elder ,rigdon's ,condition4 ,,xvi ,composition of the ,mob4 ,the ,prophet ,starts on his ,second ,visit to ,zion4 ,incidents by the ,way4 ,prophet ,acknowledged ,president of the ,high ,priesthood4 ,the ,purposes the ,prophet ,seeks to ,effect ,through ,church ,organization4 ,a ,visit to the ,colesville ,saints ,literary ,affairs of the ,church ,considered4 ,transaction of ,temporal ,business4 ,return ,journey to ,kirtland--,incidents by the ,way4 ,the ,foreknowledge of a ,seer4 ,,chapter ,,xx4 ,the ,evening and ,morning ,star4 ,occupation of the ,prophet1 ,summer of #ahcb4 ,opposition by the ,press4 ,second ,no4 of the ,star4 ,,chapter ,,xxi4 ,larger ,views of the ,doctrine of ,priesthood ,revealed--,the ,meeting of the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith4 ,jun41 ,brigham ,young1 and ,heber ,c4 ,kimball4 ,baptism of ,george ,a4 ,smith4 ,return of ,elders from ,missouri4 ,the ,prophet's ,visit to ,eastern ,cities4 ,the ,arrival of the ,youngs at ,kirtland4 ,,chapter ,,xxii4 ,the ,prophecy on the ,war of the ,rebellion--,the ,olive ,leaf--,communication to ,mr4 ,seaton--,warning to ,zion4 ,state of the ,world at the ,close of #ahcb4 ,,chapter ,,xxiii4 ,the ,enjoyment of ,spiritual ,blessings in the ,church--,the ,word of ,wisdom4 ,enjoyment of ,spiritual ,gifts4 ,ordinances of the ,washing of ,feet4 ,the ,elders ,pronounced ,clean4 ,revision of the ,new ,testament ,completed4 ,john ,murdock's ,message to the ,thompson ,branch4 ,,xvii ,concerning the ,prophet's ,communication to ,seaton4 ,case of ,burr ,riggs4 ,consideration of ,missouri ,correspondence of the #aath and #abth of ,january4 ,excommunication of ,burr ,riggs4 ,a ,word of ,comfort to the ,prophet4 ,the ,apocrypha4 ,a ,mission to the ,east ,appointed4 ,case of ,brother ,lake4 ,,chapter ,,xxiv4 ,kirtland to be a ,stake of ,zion--,regulation of ,church ,affairs in ,missouri4 ,school of ,prophets4 ,rigdon and ,williams ,ordained ,presidents4 ,kirtland a ,stake of ,zion4 ,matters ,relating to ,church ,government in ,zion ,settled4 ,purchase of the ,french ,farm4 ,conference in ,zion4 ,the ,state of the ,world4 ,first ,assembly of ,mob in ,zion4 ,conference of ,high ,priests in ,kirtland4 ,another ,conference of ,high ,priests4 ,council ,proceedings ,approved4 ,signs of the ,times4 ,removal of ,indians4 ,arrival of the ,prophet's ,relatives in ,kirtland4 ,,chapter ,,xxv4 ,preparations for ,building the ,kirtland ,temple--,trial and ,excommunication of ,doctor ,philastus ,hurlburt4 ,the ,house of the ,lord at ,kirtland4 ,the ,trial of ,doctor ,hurlburt4 ,the ,house of the ,lord to be ,built at ,kirtland4 ,the ,french ,farm4 ,john ,johnson ,ordained a ,high ,priest4 ,ground ,broken for ,kirtland ,temple4 ,action of ,conference with ,reference to the ,temple4 ,hurlburt's ,appeal4 ,copley's ,case4 ,excommunication of ,doctor ,hurlburt4 ,case of ,james ,higbee4 ,,xviii ,,chapter ,,xxvi4 ,the ,plat of the ,city of ,zion--,its ,temples--,correspondence on ,affairs in ,zion and ,eugene4 ,the ,general ,plan of the ,city of ,zion4 ,the ,blocks ,set ,aside for ,temples4 ,location of ,land for the ,agriculturist4 ,zion a ,group of ,cities4 ,names of the ,temples4 ,the ,house of the ,lord for the ,presidency4 ,the ,pulpits of the ,temple4 ,the ,windows4 ,general ,dimensions4 ,arrangements of the ,curtains4 ,important ,letter to ,brethren in ,zion4 ,,chapter ,,xxvii4 ,preparation of the ,mob in ,jackson ,county to ,resort to ,violence--,important ,excerpts ,from the ,star4 ,the ,rise of ,mob ,force in ,jackson ,county4 ,the ,mob ,ignores the ,constitutional ,guarantee of ,religious ,freedom4 ,council of ,elders in ,kirtland4 ,,chapter ,,xxviii4 ,mob ,violence in the ,land of ,zion4 ,demands of the ,mob4 ,the ,mob's ,treatment of ,elder ,partridge4 ,charles ,allen4 ,reflection of the ,prophet4 ,aftermath of ,mob ,violence4 ,the ,second ,gathering of the ,mob4 ,a ,messenger ,sent to ,kirtland4 ,the ,western ,monitor on ,jackson ,county ,troubles4 ,the ,prophet's ,comment of the ,monitor article4 ,corner ,stone of ,kirtland ,temple ,laid4 ,,chapter ,,xxix4 ,minor ,events in ,zion and ,kirtland--,an ,appeal to the ,governor of ,missouri4 ,prophet's ,letter to ,vienna ,jaques4 ,,xix ,,chapter ,,xxx4 ,the ,prophet's ,mission to ,canada4 ,the ,prophet ,starts for ,canada4 ,letter to ,saints in ,zion4 ,distraction about ,zion4 ,narrative of ,canada ,journey ,renewed4 ,at ,father ,nickerson's4 ,through ,upper ,canada4 ,meeting at ,bradford4 ,meeting and ,baptisms at ,mt4 ,pleasant4 ,return to ,kirtland4 ,action of ,governor ,dunklin on ,petition4 ,preparations for ,asserting ,rights4 ,counsel ,employed4 ,,chapter ,,xxxi4 ,expulsion of the ,saints ,from ,jackson ,county4 ,attack on the ,saints ,settled on ,big ,blue4 ,the ,saints at the ,prairie ,settlement ,attacked4 ,mobbing at ,independence4 ,other ,incidents at ,independence4 ,an ,appeal to the ,circuit ,court4 ,events of ,monday1 ,nov4 #dth4 ,the ,battle4 ,gilbert et al4 on ,trial4 ,assault on the ,prisoners4 ,incidents of the #eth ,november4 ,one ,hundred ,volunteers4 ,the ,demand of the ,mob ,militia4 ,the ,savagery of the ,mob4 ,events of the #eth and #fth of ,november4 ,scenes on the ,banks of the ,missouri4 ,lieutenant ,governor ,boggs4 ,in ,exile4 ,the ,stars ,fall4 ,,chapter ,,xxxii4 ,remembrance of ,canada ,saints--,correspondence and ,petition ,relative to ,missouri ,affairs4 ,letter to ,moses ,c4 ,nickerson4 ,the ,prophet's ,reflections4 ,sidney ,rigdon4 ,a ,prophecy4 ,the ,prophet's ,maxims4 ,frederick ,g4 ,williams4 ,attorney ,general's ,letter to the ,exiles' ,counsel4 ,judge ,ryland's ,letter to ,amos ,reese4 ,hyde and ,gould ,return to ,kirtland4 ,remnants ,scattered4 ,new ,church ,press4 ,the ,dedication of the ,new ,press4 ,,xx ,,chapter ,,xxxiii4 ,the ,prophet's ,sympathy for the ,exiled ,saints--,reasons for their expulsion ,from ,zion4 ,expulsion of ,saints from ,van ,buren ,county4 ,sad ,condition of the ,saints ,,chapter ,,xxxiv4 ,a ,press ,established at ,kirtland--,blessing ,upon the ,prophet's ,family--,responsibility for ,lawless ,acts in ,missouri4 ,dedication of ,printing ,press4 ,strength and ,weakness of ,oliver ,cowdery4 ,the ,prophet's ,blessing ,upon his ,father's ,house4 ,his ,mother4 ,his ,brother ,hyrum4 ,his ,brother ,samuel4 ,prophecy on the ,head of his ,brother ,william4 ,a ,prayer4 ,messengers to ,zion4 ,a ,life ,guard of ,washington ,driven from ,jackson ,county4 ,court of ,inquiry4 ,excommunications at ,kirtland4 ,elliott1 ,haggart and ,babbitt cases4 ,disposition of the ,star ,press4 ,where ,responsibility ,rests4 ,,chapter ,,xxxv4 ,important ,correspondence on ,jackson ,county ,affairs1 ,chiefly ,between ,leading ,officials of the ,church in ,zion and ,state ,officials of ,missouri4 ,algernon ,sidney ,gilbert's ,letter to ,governor ,dunklin4 ,letter of the ,first ,presidency to the ,scattered ,saints4 ,letter from ,governor ,dunklin to the ,brethren in ,missouri4 ,letter of ,algernon ,sidney ,gilbert to ,a4 ,leonard1 ,esq41 ,attorney4 ,letter from ,brethren in ,clay ,county1 ,mo41 to ,judge ,ryland4 ,,xxi ,letter of ,w4 ,w4 ,phelps et al4 to ,judge ,woodward4 ,affidavit of ,abigail ,leonard4 ,letter of ,w4 ,w4 ,phelps to the ,brethren in ,kirtland1 ,detailing the ,farcical ,effort of the ,officers of ,missouri to ,enforce the ,law4 ,second ,petition to the ,president of the ,united ,states4 ,letter of ,algernon ,s4 ,gilbert et al4 to ,president ,accompanying ,foregoing ,petition4 ,letter of the ,brethren to ,governor ,dunklin1 ,asking him to ,write the ,president in ,connection with their ,petition4 ,letter of ,w4 ,w4 ,phelps to ,u4 ,s4 ,senator ,benton of ,missouri on the ,subject of the ,petition to the ,president4 ,letter from ,governor ,dunklin to the ,brethren1 ,answering the one ,inviting him to ,write the ,president on the ,subject of ,saint's ,petition4 ,the ,brethren in ,missouri to ,governor ,dunklin1 ,informing him that they ,expect the ,arrival of ,reinforcement from their ,brethren in the ,east4 ,letter of ,governor ,dunklin ,replying to the ,communication of ,april #bdth from the ,brethren in ,clay ,county4 ,letter to ,governor ,dunklin ,answering his of ,april #bjth1 ,wherein he ,cautioned the ,saints to ,keep their ,enemies in the ,wrong4 ,letter to ,colonel ,s4 ,d4 ,lucas ,asking ,about ,arms ,surrendered at ,independence4 ,reply of the ,general ,government to the ,petition of the ,saints4 ,,xxv ,introduction4 ,antiquity of the ,gospel4 ,the ,history of the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-day ,saints is also the history of the opening and progress of the ,dispensation of the fullness of ,times2 and as that dispensation bears an important relation to all dispensations which have preceded it1 let us here ascertain in what that relation consists4 ,by doing so we shall have a better appreciation of the full import of those events which make up the history of the ,church4 ,a dispensation1 without reference to any specific application or limitation of the term1 is the act of dealing out or distributing1 such as the dispensation of justice by courts1 the dispensation of blessings or afflictions by the hand of ,providence4 ,theologically a dispensation is defined as one of the several systems or bodies of law in which at different periods ,god has revealed his mind and will to man1 such as the ,patriarchal ,dispensation1 the ,mosaic ,dispensation1 or the ,christian ,dispensation4 ,the word is also sometimes applied to the periods of time during which the said laws obtain4 ,that is1 the period from ,adam to ,noah is usually called the ,patriarchal ,dispensation4 ,from ,noah to the calling of ,abraham1 the ,noachian ,dispensation2 and from ,abraham to the calling of ,moses1 the ,abrahamic ,dispensation4 ,but the word dispensation as connected with the ,gospel of ,jesus ,christ means the opening of the heavens to men2 the giving out or dispensing to them the word of ,god2 the revealing to men in whole or the part the principles and ordinances of the ,gospel2 the conferring of divine authority upon certain chosen ones1 by which they are empowered to act in the name1 that is1 in the authority of ,god1 and for ,him4 ,that is a dispensation as relating to the ,gospel2 and the ,dispensation of the ,fulness of ,times is the dispensation which includes all others and gathers to itself all things which bear any relation whatsoever to the work of ,god4 ,also it is the last dispensation1 the one in which will be gathered together in one all things in ,christ1 both which are in heaven1 and which are on earth2 even in ,him4 #a ,it is the dispensation which will see fulfilled all the decrees of ,god respecting the salvation of men and the redemption of the earth itself2 and bears such relation to all other ,,xxvi dispensations of the ,gospel as the ocean does to all earth's streams4 ,it receives and unites them all in itself4 ,that there have been many dispensations of the ,gospel1 many times that divine authority has been conferred upon men1 is apparent from the ,scripture narrative of such events4 ,and yet1 strange as it may seem1 in the face of such ,scripture narratives1 there are those among professing ,christians who hold that the ,gospel had no earlier origin than the time of ,messiah's ministry in the flesh4 ,as a matter of fact1 however1 the ,gospel of ,jesus ,christ has existed from the very earliest ages of the world4 ,there are1 indeed1 certain passages of ,scripture which lead us to believe that even before the earth was made or ever man was placed upon it1 the ,gospel had been formulated and was understood by the spirits which inhabited the kingdom of the ,father2 and who1 in course of time1 would be blessed with a probation on the earth--an earth-life4 ,if this be not true1 of what significance is the ,scripture which speaks of ,jesus as the ,lamb ordained before the foundation of the world1 but revealed in this day for the salvation of man8 #b ,what of the ,lamb slain from the foundation of the world8 #c ,and further3 ,they that dwell on the earth shall wonder1 whose names were not written in the ,book of ,life from the foundation of the world4 #d ,where wast thou1 asked the ,lord of ,job1 when ,i laid the foundations of the earth8 99 99 99 ,when the morning stars sang together1 and all the sons of ,god shouted for joy8 #e ,there is evidence in these expressions found in ,scripture that before the foundations of the earth were laid the sacrifice necessary to the redemption of men was understood1 and the ,lamb for the sacrifice was chosen1 ,jesus1 the ,messiah4 ,there is evidence in these expressions from ,scripture of the pre-existence of the spirits of men1 and the names of some of them at least were written in the ,book of ,life from the foundation of the world1 and it is not unlikely that the shouting of all the sons of ,god for joy1 at the creation of the earth was in consequence of the prospects which opened before them because of the earth-life and the salvation that would come to them through the ,gospel--even in the prospects of that eternal life1 which ,god that cannot lie1 promised before the world began4 ,the ,gospel ,revealed to ,adam4 ,the ,gospel1 then1 is of great antiquity4 ,older than the hills1 older ,,xxvii than the earth2 for in the heavenly kingdom was it formulated before the foundations of the earth were laid4 ,nor were men left in ignorance of the plan of their redemption until the coming of the ,messiah in the flesh4 ,from the first that plan was known4 ,our annals are imperfect on that head1 doubtless1 but enough exists even in the ,jewish scriptures to indicate the existence of a knowledge of the fact of the ,atonement and of the redemption of man through that means4 ,abel1 the son of ,adam1 is the first we read of in the ,jewish scriptures as offering the firstlings of his flock as a sacrifice unto ,god4 ,how came he to offer sacrifice of the firstlings of his flock8 ,doubtless behind ,abel's sacrifice1 as behind similar offerings in subsequent ages1 stood the fact of the ,christ's ,atonement4 #f ,in it was figured forth the means of man's redemption--through a sacrifice1 and that the sacrifice of the first-born4 ,but where learned ,abel to offer sacrifice if not from his father ,adam8 ,it is reasonably certain that ,adam as well as ,abel offered sacrifices1 in like manner and for the same intent2 and to ,adam1 though the ,jewish scriptures are silent respecting it1 ,god must have revealed both the necessity of offering sacrifice and the great thing of which it was but the symbol4 ,and here1 to some advantage1 may be quoted a passage from the writings of ,moses1 as revealed to ,joseph ,smith1 in ,december1 #ahcj4 ,from what was then made known to the great latter-day ,prophet of the writings of ,moses1 it appears that our book of ,genesis does not contain all that was revealed to ,moses respecting the revelations of ,god to ,adam and his children of the first generation4 ,according to this more complete account of the revelation to ,moses1 after ,adam was driven from ,eden1 ,god gave commandments both to him and his wife1 that they should worship the ,lord their ,god1 and should offer the firstlings of their flocks for an offering unto the ,lord1 and ,adam was obedient unto the commandment3 ,and after many days an angel of the ,lord appeared unto ,adam1 saying3 ,why doest thou offer sacrifices unto the ,lord8 ,and ,adam said unto him3 ,i know not1 save the ,lord commanded me4 ,and the angel spake1 saying3 ,this thing is a similitude of the sacrifice of the ,only ,begotten of the ,father1 which is full of grace and truth4 ,wherefore1 thou shalt do all that thou doest in the name of the ,son1 and thou shalt repent and call upon ,god in the name of the ,son for evermore4 #g ,after some time elapsed and men multiplied in the earth and wickedness increased2 after ,abel1 the righteous1 was slain and ,cain was a vagabond in the earth for the murder2 after ,lamech had also become a murderer and ,satan had great power among the disobedient--then1 it is written3 ,,xxviii ,and ,god cursed the earth with a sore curse1 and was angry with the wicked1 with all the sons of men whom he had made2 for they would not hearken unto ,his voice1 nor believe on ,his ,only ,begotten ,son1 even ,him whom ,he declared should come in the meridian of time1 who was prepared from before the foundation of the world4 ,and thus the ,gospel began to be preached1 from the beginning1 being declared by holy angels sent forth from the presence of ,god1 and by ,his own voice1 and by the gift of the ,holy ,ghost4 ,and thus all things were confirmed unto ,adam1 by an holy ordinance1 and the ,gospel preached1 and a decree sent forth1 that it should be in the world1 until the end thereof4 #h ,establishment of the ,ancient ,church4 ,as the ,gospel was thus preached there were those among the children of ,adam who obeyed it1 and a record of those men was kept1 and they constituted the ancient ,church of ,god4 ,enoch was of the number of righteous ones1 and a preacher of righteousness4 ,in these revealed writings of ,moses he is represented in the course of his ministry as referring to the manner in which the ,gospel was taught to ,adam2 ,and he said unto them3 ,because that ,adam fell1 we are and by his fall came death2 and we are made partakers of misery and woe4 ,behold ,satan hath come among the children of men1 and tempteth them to worship him2 and men have become carnal1 sensual1 and devilish1 and are shut out from the presence of ,god4 ,but ,god hath made known unto our fathers that all men must repent4 ,and ,he called upon our father ,adam by ,his own voice1 saying3 ,i am ,god2 ,i made the world1 and men before they were in the flesh4 ,and ,he also said unto him3 ,if thou wilt turn unto me1 and hearken unto my voice1 and believe1 and repent of all thy transgressions1 and be baptized1 even in water1 in the name of mine ,only ,begotten ,son1 who is full of grace and truth1 which is ,jesus ,christ1 the only name which shall be given under heaven1 whereby salvation shall come unto the children of men1 ye shall receive the gift of the ,holy ,ghost1 asking all things in ,his name1 and whatsoever ye shall ask1 it shall be given you4 #i ,adam was obedient to the commandments of the ,lord1 and taught them to his children1 many of whom believed them1 obeyed1 and became the sons of ,god4 ,enoch1 we are told1 walked with ,god3 and he was not2 for ,god took him4 #aj ,paul1 in speaking of him1 says3 ,by faith ,enoch was translated that he should not see death2 and was not found1 because ,god had translated him4 #aa ,but the writings of ,moses1 as revealed to ,,xxix ,joseph ,smith1 and from which ,i have been quoting1 give information that not only was ,enoch translated but the ,saints inhabiting his city1 into which he had gathered his people1 and this city was called ,zion2 ,and it came to pass that ,zion was not1 for ,god received it up into ,his own bosom2 and from thence went forth the saying1 ,zion is fled4 #ab ,the ,gospel versus the ,law4 ,thus the gospel was taught to the ancients4 ,noah was a preacher of it as well as ,enoch4 ,so1 too1 was ,melchizedek1 priest of the ,most ,high ,god1 ,king of ,salem1 who met ,abraham in his day and blessed him4 #ac ,paul1 the ,apostle of the ,gentiles1 bears unmistakable testimony to the fact that the ,gospel was preached unto ,abraham2 and also that it was offered to ,israel under ,moses before the law of carnal commandments was given4 ,i would not that ye should be ignorant1 he says1 how that all our fathers were under the cloud1 and all passed through the sea2 and were all baptized unto ,moses in the cloud and in the sea2 and did all eat the same spiritual meat2 and did all drink the same spiritual drink3 for they drank of that spiritual ,rock that followed them3 and that ,rock was ,christ4 #ad ,referring again to the fact of the presentation of the ,gospel to ancient ,israel1 ,paul says that the ,gospel was preached unto ancient ,israel1 as well as unto ,israel in his day2 but the preaching of the ,gospel to ancient ,israel was not profitable to them1 because they received it not in faith1 and as a result displeased ,god by their unbelief1 and the rebellious perished in the wilderness4 #ae ,paul's great controversy with the ,christian ,jews was in relation to the superiority of the ,gospel to the law of ,moses4 ,many of the ,christian ,jews while accepting ,jesus of ,nazareth as the promised ,messiah1 still held to the law with something like superstitious reverence1 and could not be persuaded that the ,gospel superseded the law1 and was1 in fact1 a fulfillment of all its types and symbols4 ,this controversy culminated in ,paul's now celebrated letter to the ,galatians1 wherein he says3 ,know ye therefore that they which are of faith1 the same are the children of ,abraham4 ,and the ,scripture1 foreseeing that ,god would ,,xxx justify the heathen through faith1 preached before the ,gospel unto ,abraham1 saying1 ,in thee shall all nations be blessed4 99 99 99 99 ,now to ,abraham and his seed were the promises made4 ,he saith not ,and to seeds1 as of many3 but as of one1 ,and to thy seed1 which is ,christ4 ,and this ,i say1 that the covenant1 that was confirmed before of ,god in ,christ1 the law1 which was four hundred and thirty years after1 cannot disannul1 that it should make the promise of none effect4 99 99 99 99 ,wherefore then serveth the law8 ,it was added because of transgressions1 till the seed should come to whom the promise was made2 and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator4 99 99 99 ,wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto ,christ1 that we might be justified by faith4 ,but after that faith is come1 we are no longer under a schoolmaster4 ,for ye are all the children of ,god by faith in ,christ ,jesus4 #af ,from ,moses to ,john the ,baptist and ,messiah4 ,in greater clearness1 however1 than in these sayings of ,paul gathered up from his writings like scattered rays of light from a prism's reflection1 the antiquity of the ,gospel1 as far as it concerns ancient ,israel1 is stated in a revelation of ,god to the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith4 ,and not only the antiquity of the ,gospel1 but in greater clearness also is stated the reasons why1 after the ,gospel was first preached to ancient ,israel1 the law of carnal commandments was added to the ,gospel1 or given in its place1 to act as a schoolmaster to bring ,israel unto ,christ4 ,and by the knowledge imparted in that revelation the time between the ,mosaic dispensation and the coming of ,john the ,baptist1 to prepare the way for the coming of ,christ1 is spanned by a statement so rational1 that the truth of it cannot be reasonably questioned4 ,speaking of the ,melchizedek ,priesthood and its powers in administering the ordinances of the ,gospel1 and how it came to disappear as an organization in ,israel1 the passage in question says3 ,this greater ,priesthood administereth the ,gospel and holdeth the key of the mysteries of the kingdom1 even the key of the knowledge of ,god2 ,therefore1 in the ordinances thereof1 the power of godliness is manifest2 and without the ordinances thereof1 and the authority of the ,priesthood1 the power of godliness is not manifest unto men in the flesh1 for without this no man can see the face of ,god1 even the ,father1 and live4 ,now this ,moses plainly taught to the children of ,israel in the wilderness1 and sought diligently to sanctify his people that they might behold the face of ,god3 but they hardened their hearts and could not endure his presence1 therefore1 the ,lord in ,his wrath 7for ,his anger was kindled against them7 swore that they should not enter into his rest while in the wilderness1 which rest is the fullness of his glory4 ,therefore ,he took ,moses out of their midst1 and the ,holy ,,xxxi ,priesthood also2 and the lesser ,priesthood continued1 which ,priesthood holdeth the key of the ministering of angels and the preparatory ,gospel2 which ,gospel is the ,gospel of repentance and of baptism1 and the remission of sins1 and the law of carnal commandments1 which the ,lord in ,his wrath1 caused to continue with the house of ,aaron among the children of ,israel until ,john1 whom ,god raised up1 being filled with the ,holy ,ghost from his mother's womb2 for he was baptized while he was yet in his childhood1 and was ordained by the angel of ,god at the time he was eight days old unto this power to overthrow the kingdom of the ,jews1 and to make straight the way of the ,lord before the face of ,his people1 to prepare them for the coming of the ,lord1 in whose hand is given all power4 #ag ,as before remarked1 this passage spans the interval of time between ,moses and ,john the ,baptist1 and gives a fuller explanation than can be found in the writings of ,paul or elsewhere1 for the reason why and in what manner the law supplanted the ,gospel2 and what measure of the ,priesthood remained with ,israel unto the coming of ,john2 in what the mission of ,john consisted1 and in what manner he was qualified to fulfill that mission4 ,it should be remarked1 however1 that while the ,lord took ,moses out of the midst of ancient ,israel1 and the ,holy ,melchisedek ,priesthood also1 as an institution1 as an organization1 it is evident that subsequently special dispensations of that ,priesthood were given to individual prophets1 such as ,samuel1 ,nathan1 ,elijah1 ,isaiah1 ,jeremiah1 ,ezekiel1 and ,daniel3 for these men exercised powers and enjoyed privileges which belong exclusively to the ,melchisedek ,priesthood4 ,the ,dispensation of the ,meridian of ,time4 ,with the period between ,moses and ,john the ,baptist spanned1 we come to the ,dispensation of the ,meridian of ,time4 ,this dispensation begins with the preaching of ,john the ,baptist in the wilderness4 ,it was made glorious by the personal ministry of ,jesus of ,nazareth1 the ,son of ,god2 by ,his suffering and death1 for the redemption of mankind2 by ,his glorious resurrection from the dead2 by his subsequent ministry among his followers1 and ,his final ascension into heaven to the throne of ,his ,father2 by the faithful ministry of ,his ,apostles1 by whom the good tidings of man's salvation were published to the world3 by the establishment of the ,church as the agency through which the ,gospel was to be more widely proclaimed1 and those who accepted the ,gospel were more thoroughly instructed in its doctrines1 guarded from error1 and finally perfected in the ,christian life4 ,an inspired volume of ,scripture1 the ,new ,testament1 was also brought ,,xxxii into existence1 from the teachings of the inspired ,apostles1 in which the great fundamental truths of the ,gospel were embodied and cast in a form that would be enduring1 and to which men could appeal through all the ages to come1 as an authoritative statement1 not only of what ,jesus said and what ,he did1 but also a statement of what doctrines are to be believed2 what precepts to be practiced2 what ordinances to be observed4 ,by thus embodying the chief doctrines of ,christ in a volume of ,scripture that should live forever1 and be published in all the languages of the world1 provision was made for such a dissemination of the knowledge of ,god1 that the world would never again be wholly without that knowledge2 and though the ,church might become corrupted1 as it afterwards did2 though men ambitious of distinction and power might usurp authority and establish churches1 in which they taught for doctrines the commandments of men1 as they certainly did2 still in this volume of ,scripture men henceforth would have at hand a standard of truth by which to test the utterances of would-be teachers1 while at the same time it would keep above the horizon of a world's knowledge the great truths of the ,gospel--the existence and character of ,god2 the manifestation of ,him through the person and character of ,jesus of ,nazareth2 the relationship existing between ,god and man2 the fall of man2 and the redemption provided for him in the atonement of ,jesus ,christ4 ,all this was achieved in the ,dispensation of the ,meridian of ,time2 a mighty work accomplished by the ,son of ,god and ,his associates2 a work sealed not only by the blood of ,jesus ,christ1 but by the blood also of many faithful witnesses1 which shall make their testimony of force in the world4 ,identity of the ,dispensation of the ,meridian of ,time and the ,dispensation of the ,fulness of ,times ,considered4 ,at this point we are confronted with a question that must be settled before progress is possible with this ,introduction4 ,owing to the phraseology of certain passages of ,scripture1 making reference to the coming of ,messiah in the flesh1 and to the work of ,god in those days1 the ,dispensation of the ,meridian of ,time is mistaken for the ,dispensation of the ,fulness of ,times4 ,in ,mark's ,gospel1 for instance1 ,john the ,baptist is represented as saying1 ,the time is fulfilled1 and the kingdom of ,god is at hand3 repent ye1 and believe the gospel4 #ah ,the words in ,italics are usually understood to make reference to the ,dispensation of the ,fulness of ,times4 ,again it is written3 ,but when the fulness of the time was come1 ,god sent forth ,his ,son1 made of a woman1 made under the law1 to redeem them that were under the law4 #ai ,the words1 when the fulness of the time was come1 are supposed to refer to the ,dispensation of the ,fulness of ,times4 ,other passages of ,scripture referring to the days of ,messiah's personal ministry among men in the flesh1 speak of them as the last days4 ,paul in the opening sentence of his letter to the ,hebrews1 does this3 ,god1 who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets1 hath in these last days spoken unto us by ,his ,son1 whom ,he hath appointed heir of all things4 #bj ,so ,st4 ,john1 in addressing the ,saints in his day3 ,little children1 it is the last time3 and as ye have heard that anti-,christ shall come1 even now are there many anti-,christs2 whereby we know that it is the last time4 #ba ,these with two other special passages of ,scripture to be separately considered1 constitute the authority upon which the ,meridian ,dispensation is confounded with the ,dispensation of the ,fullness of ,times4 ,and yet all these passages are susceptible of quite a different and more natural rendering4 ,without controversy it will be conceded that the ,lord had an appointed time for ,his ,son ,jesus to come to earth in the flesh and perform the mission that had been assigned him2 to suffer2 to die2 to arise again from the dead4 ,and when the fullness of this time was come1 ,god indeed sent forth ,his ,son into the world4 ,as for those inspired writers who speak of the last days1 and the last times--they speak relatively2 that is1 with reference to former days and times2 and1 of course1 the days and times in which they lived to them were the last days1 and the last times2 but they were not the last days of the earth's temporal existence2 they were not the last days in any general sense at all1 as there have been now some two thousand years of days since then4 ,they were not the last days that are understood as immediately preceding the glorious coming of the ,son of ,god4 ,joel's ,great ,prophecy of the ,dispensation of the ,last ,days4 ,of the special passages before referred to1 and which ,i said would receive separate consideration1 the first is ,peter's quotation from the ,prophet ,joel concerning the outpouring of the ,spirit of ,god upon all flesh in the last days4 ,this quotation from ,joel is regarded as identifying the days in which the ,apostle was speaking1 as the last days2 and the dispensation in which he was living as the ,dispensation of the ,last ,days and of the ,fulness of ,times4 ,the conditions existing when ,peter was speaking1 and the prophecy of ,joel1 however1 admit ,,xxxiv of no such interpretation4 ,the circumstances were as follows3 ,the ,holy ,ghost in an extraordinary manner rested upon the ,apostles and gave them the power of speaking in other languages than those they had learned4 ,some in the listening multitude attributed this singular manifestation to drunkenness1 whereupon the ,apostle ,peter arose and refuted the slander1 saying3 ,these are not drunken1 as ye suppose1 seeing it is but the third hour of the day4 ,but this is that which was spoken by the ,prophet ,joel2 and it shall come to pass in the last days1 saith ,god1 ,i will pour out of my ,spirit upon all flesh3 and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy1 and your young men shall see visions1 and your old men shall dream dreams3 and on my servants and on my handmaidens ,i will pour out in those days of my ,spirit2 and they shall prophesy3 and ,i will show wonders in heaven above1 and signs in the earth beneath2 blood1 and fire1 and vapor of smoke3 the sun shall be turned into darkness and the moon into blood1 before that great and notable day of the ,lord come3 and it shall come to pass1 that whosoever shall call on the name of the ,lord shall be saved4 #bb ,for1 to finish the passage as it stands in ,joel1 but which is not in ,peter's quotation1 ,for in ,mount ,zion and in ,jerusalem shall be deliverance1 as the ,lord hath said1 and in the remnant whom the ,lord shall call4 #bc ,because ,peter1 referring to the ,spirit that was then resting upon the ,twelve ,apostles1 said1 this is that which was spoken by the ,prophet ,joel1 etc41 the very general opinion prevails that ,joel's prophecy was then fulfilled2 and hence the last days were come4 ,this is an entire misapprehension of the purpose of ,peter in making the quotation2 as also of the quoted passage itself4 ,beyond all controversy ,peter meant only3 ,this ,spirit which you now see resting upon these ,apostles of ,jesus of ,nazareth1 is that same ,spirit which your ,prophet ,joel says will1 in the last days1 be poured out upon all flesh4 ,obviously he did not mean that this occasion of the ,apostles receiving the ,holy ,ghost was a complete fulfillment of ,joel's prediction4 ,to insist upon such an exegesis would be to charge the chief of the ,apostles with palpable ignorance of the meaning of ,joel's prophecy4 ,on the occasion in question the ,holy ,ghost was poured out upon the ,twelve ,apostles1 who were given the power to speak in various tongues2 ,joel's prophecy for its complete fulfillment requires that the ,spirit of the ,lord1 the ,holy ,ghost1 shall be poured out upon all flesh2 and undoubtedly refers to that time which shall come in the blessed millennium when the enmity shall not only cease between man and man1 but even between the beasts of the forests and of the fields2 and between man and beast1 as described by ,isaiah in the following language3 ,the wolf also shall dwell with the ,lamb1 and the leopard shall lie down with the kid2 and the calf1 and the young lion1 and the fatling together2 and a little child shall lead them4 ,and the cow and the bear shall feed2 their young ones shall lie down together3 and the lion shall eat straw like the ox4 ,and the suckling child shall play on the hole of the asp2 and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice's den4 ,they shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain3 for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the ,lord1 as the waters cover the sea4 #bd ,compare these conditions so vividly described with what ,joel himself says of the period when the ,spirit of the ,lord shall be poured out upon all flesh1 and it will at once be clear that the two ,prophets are dealing with the same period1 and not only dealing with the same period1 but that the period itself is certainly far beyond in time the days of ,peter2 in fact is still in the future2 for the sun has not yet been turned into blackness2 nor the moon into blood2 nor have the stars withdrawn their shining4 ,it is obvious that the events upon the day of ,pentecost did not fulfil the terms of this prophecy1 except in those particulars already pointed out4 ,the mention in this prophecy1 however1 of those special signs which ,jesus refers to as immediately preceding ,his own second and glorious coming1 clearly demonstrate that ,joel was speaking of the last days indeed1 and not of a circumstance that occurred in connection with a period more properly designated as the ,dispensation of the ,meridian of ,time4 ,immediately following his prediction of the outpouring of ,god's ,spirit upon all flesh1 ,joel represents the ,lord as saying3 ,and ,i will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth1 blood1 and fire1 and pillars of smoke4 ,the sun shall be turned into darkness1 and the moon into blood1 before the great and the terrible day of the ,lord come4 ,and later3 ,the sun and the moon shall be darkened1 and the stars shall withdraw their shining4 ,the ,lord also shall roar out of ,zion1 and utter his voice from ,jerusalem2 and the heavens and the earth shall shake3 but the ,lord will be the hope of his people1 and the strength of the children of ,israel4 ,compare this with the ,savior's description of conditions in the earth that will precede ,his own second coming3 ,immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened1 and the moon shall not give her light1 and the stars shall fall from heaven1 and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken3 and then shall appear the sign of the ,son of ,man in heaven3 and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn1 and they shall see the ,son of ,man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory4 ,and he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet1 and they shall gather together ,his elect from the four winds1 from one end of heaven to the other4 #be ,the same wonders in heaven and earth2 the same changes in sun1 and moon1 and stars2 the same promises of the gathering of ,god's people as are found in the prophecy of ,joel4 ,there can be no question1 then1 but that the prophecy of ,joel refers to the same last days that ,jesus here alludes to--the days of the coming of the ,son of ,man--and not to the days of ,peter and the other ,apostles in the ,meridian of time4 ,the sum of the matter then is1 that ,peter was not living in the last days2 that the prophecy of ,joel was not in its entirety fulfilled in the outpouring of ,god's ,spirit upon the ,apostles on the day of ,pentecost2 that at no time subsequent to the days of the ,apostles has there existed such conditions in the earth as amount to a complete fulfilment of ,joel's prophecy2 therefore at some time future from the days of the ,apostles1 we may look forward to a universal outpouring of ,god's ,holy ,spirit upon all flesh1 resulting in a universal peace and widespread knowledge of ,god1 brought about1 unquestionably1 by a subsequent dispensation from that in which ,peter wrought--the ,dispensation of the ,fulness of ,times1 in which ,god promises to gather together in one all things in ,christ1 both which are in heaven and which are on earth2 even in ,him4 #bf ,daniel's ,prophecy of the ,rise of the ,kingdom of ,god in the ,last ,days4 ,the second special ,scripture to which ,i have promised a separate consideration is the prophecy of ,daniel relative to the succession of the great earth empires2 and the final establishment of the ,kingdom of ,god1 which in the last days shall fill the whole earth and remain for ever4 ,by an error on the part of ,christian writers ,daniel's prophecy concerning the ,kingdom of ,god to be set up in the last days is supposed to have been fulfilled by the founding of ,the spiritual kingdom of ,christ in the days of ,messiah's earthly ministry2 and therefore the conclusion is drawn that those days were the last days1 and the dispensation then ushered in1 the final dispensation of the ,gospel4 ,it is my purpose here to refute that error4 ,the prophecy in question is familiar1 and comes from ,daniel's interpretation of the king of ,babylon's dream of the great image1 whose brightness was excellent1 whose form was terrible4 ,the head of the image was of gold2 his breast and arms were of silver2 the body and thighs of brass2 the legs of iron2 and the feet and the toes part of iron and part of clay4 ,the king in his dream also saw a little stone cut out of the mountain without hands1 that smote the image upon the feet of mixed clay and iron1 and broke it to pieces--until it became like the chaff of the summer ,,xxxvii thrashing floor1 and the wind of heaven carried it away1 that no place was found for it3 but the little stone cut from the mountain without hands1 which smote the image on the feet and ground it to dust1 became a great mountain and filled the whole earth4 ,this it the dream2 and this is the prophet's interpretation1 addressed to the king of ,babylon3 ,thou1 ,o king1 art a king of kings3 for the ,god of heaven hath given thee a kingdom1 power1 and strength1 and glory4 ,and wheresoever the children of men dwell1 the beasts of the field and the fowls of the heaven hath ,he given into thine hand1 and hath made thee ruler over them all4 ,thou art this head of gold4 ,and after thee shall rise another kingdom inferior to thee1 and another third kingdom of brass1 which shall bear rule over all the earth4 ,and the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron3 forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces and subdueth all things3 and as iron that breaketh all these1 shall it break in pieces and bruise4 ,and whereas thou sawest the feet and toes1 part of potters' clay1 and part of iron1 the kingdom shall be divided3 but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron1 forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with the miry clay4 ,and as the toes and the feet were part of iron1 and part of clay1 so the kingdom shall be partly strong1 and partly broken4 ,and whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay1 they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men3 but they shall not cleave one to another1 even as iron is not mixed with clay4 ,and in the days of these kings shall the ,god of heaven set up a kingdom1 which shall never be destroyed3 and the kingdom shall not be left to other people1 but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms and it shall stand forever4 ,forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands1 and that it brake in pieces the iron1 the brass1 the clay1 the silver1 and the gold1 the great ,god hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter3 and the dream is certain1 and the interpretation thereof sure4 #bg ,as understood by the learned1 ,daniel's interpretation stands thus3 7#a7 ,the ,golden ,head--the ,assyrio-,babylonish monarchy 7the #fth and #eth century ,b4,c472 7#b7 ,the ,silver ,breast and ,arms--the ,medo-,persian empire 7from #ech ,b4,c4 to about #ccj ,b4,c472 7#c7 ,the ,brazen ,belly and ,thighs--the ,greco-,macedonian kingdom1 especially after ,alexander1 those of ,egypt and ,syria 7from about #ccj ,b4,c4 to #afj ,b4,c472 7#d7 ,the ,legs of ,iron--the power of ,rome1 bestriding the east and west1 but broken into a number of states1 the ten toes1 which retained some of its warlike strength 7the iron71 mingled with elements of weakness 7the soft potters' clay71 which rendered the whole imperial structure unstable4 ,,xxxviii 7#e7 ,the ,stone cut without hands out of the ,living ,rock1 dashing down the image1 becoming a great mountain1 and filling all the earth--,the ,spiritual ,kingdom of ,christ4 ,the last phrase--,the ,spiritual ,kingdom of ,christ--meaning of course the ,christian churches which have existed from the time of ,christ1 and that now exist1 and which1 taken together1 form ,christ's spiritual kingdom4 ,on the foregoing exegesis1 which is the one commonly accepted by orthodox ,christians1 ,i make the following several observations3 ,first3 ,the phrase with reference to the little ,stone1 cut out of the ,living ,rock1 is one introduced by ,dr4 ,smith1 from whose ,old ,testament ,history #bh the above analysis of ,daniel's interpretation is taken4 ,the language of the ,bible is1 cut out of the mountain without hands4 ,why it is changed by the ,doctor one may not conjecture1 unless it is to lay the foundation of an argument not warranted by the text of ,daniel's interpretation4 ,it is enough here to note that the change in phraseology is wholly gratuitous and unwarranted4 ,second3 ,the claim that the little ,stone cut from the mountain without hands1 is the ,spiritual ,kingdom of ,christ--if by that spiritual kingdom is meant not a real kingdom1 actually existing1 visible and tangible--is an assumption of the ,doctor's4 ,it is not the language of the ,bible1 nor is there any evidence in ,scripture for believing that the kingdom1 represented by the stone cut out of the mountain without hands1 is any less a material kingdom than those which preceded it4 ,the differences between this kingdom of ,god and the other kingdoms of the vision are not in the kingdom being spiritual1 but in these3 7#a7 that the kingdom which ,god shall set up will never be destroyed2 7#b7 never left to another people3 7#c7 will break in pieces and consume all other kingdoms3 7#d7 it shall fill the whole earth2 7#e7 and stand forever4 ,we are warranted in the belief1 however1 that it will be a tangible1 bona fide1 government of ,god on earth1 consisting of a king2 subordinate officers2 laws2 subjects2 and the whole earth for its territory--for its dominion4 ,the coming forth of such a government1 the founding of such a kingdom1 is in harmony with all the hopes of all the saints1 and the predictions of all the prophets who have touched upon the subject4 ,it is the actual reign of ,christ on earth with ,his ,saints1 in fulfillment of the hopes held out to them in every dispensation of the ,gospel4 ,it is to be the burden of the song of the redeemed out of every kindred1 and tongue1 and people1 and nation1 that ,christ has made them unto their ,god kings and priests--and we shall reign on the earth4 #bi ,it is to be the chorus in ,,xxxix heaven--the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our ,lord1 and of ,his ,christ2 and ,he shall reign for ever and ever4 #cj ,and the elders in heaven shall say3 ,we give thee thanks1 ,o ,lord ,god ,almighty1 which art1 and wast1 and art to come2 because thou hast taken to thee ,thy great power1 and hast reigned4 ,and the nations were angry1 and ,thy wrath is come1 and the time of the dead1 that they should be judged1 and that ,thou shouldst give reward unto ,thy servants the prophets1 and to the saints1 and them that fear ,thy name1 small and great2 and shouldst destroy them which destroy the earth4 #ca ,and still again3 ,blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection3 on such the second death hath no power1 but they shall be priests of ,god and of ,christ1 and shall reign with ,him a thousand years4 #cb ,it should be observed respecting the last passage and the one preceding it1 that the reign on earth of the kingdom of ,god is connected with the resurrection of the righteous saints2 so that it will be the last days indeed--not in the days of the ,roman empire4 ,and this reign of the saints on earth1 this kingdom of ,god which they shall constitute shall be a reign of righteousness1 but a veritable kingdom nevertheless4 ,third3 ,the orthodox exegesis under consideration omits one important matter of fact1 viz41 that instead of four great dominant political powers symbolized in the image which ,nebuchadnezzar saw1 and which ,daniel interpreted1 there are five3 viz41 7#a7 ,the ,head of ,gold--,babylonish kingdom2 7#b7 the ,chest and ,arms of ,silver--the ,medo-,persian monarchy2 7#c7 the ,brazen ,belly and ,thighs--the ,greco-,macedonian ,empire3 7#d7 the ,legs of ,iron--,rome2 7#e7 the ,feet and ,toes mixed of iron and clay--the modern kingdoms and states of the world4 ,this failure to recognize the fifth political power represented by the feet and toes of ,daniel's image leads to serious errors with respect to this prophecy4 ,it has led the theologians to assign the setting up of ,god's kingdom spoken of in the prophecy to the wrong period of the world's history4 ,they say the kingdom represented by the stone cut from the mountain without hands is the spiritual kingdom of ,christ2 and that the said kingdom was set up in the days of ,messiah's earthly ministry in the meridian of time4 ,this1 however1 cannot be correct2 for the ,church which ,jesus established by ,his personal ministry and which1 it is granted1 is sometimes spoken of as the ,kingdom of ,,xl ,god1 was founded in the days of the ,roman empire1 the fourth world power of ,daniel's prophecy2 and at a time1 too1 when imperial ,rome was at the very zenith of her glory and power4 ,whereas the terms of ,daniel's prophecy require that the kingdom which ,god shall establish1 and which was represented by the stone cut from the mountain without hands1 shall be set up in the days of the fifth political world power--in the days of the kingdom represented by the pieces of iron and clay in the feet and toes of the image4 ,the language of the prophecy on this point is3 ,and whereas thou sawest the feet and toes1 part of potters' clay1 and part of iron1 the kingdom i4 e4 the political power so represented1 and that succeeds the fourth power or ,roman empire1 shall be divided2 but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron1 forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay4 ,and as the toes of the feet were part of iron1 and part of clay1 99 99 99 they i4 e41 the kingdom represented by the pieces of iron and clay1 shall mingle themselves with the seed of men3 but they shall not cleave one to another1 even as iron is not mixed with clay4 ,and in the days of these kings not in the days of the ,roman empire--in the days of these kings shall the ,god of heaven set up a kingdom1 which never shall be destroyed4 ,fourth3 ,one of the peculiarities of the kingdom of ,god of ,daniel's prophecy is1 that when it is established among men it will not only never be destroyed1 but the kingdom shall not be left to other people4 ,by which saying we can only conclude that when the kingdom of ,god shall be set up by the ,lord in the last days1 it will not be taken from the people to whom it shall come1 and be given to1 or left1 to another people4 ,but how stands it with the institution which arose from the preaching of the ,gospel in the days of ,messiah's earthly ministry1 the church1 sometimes called the kingdom of ,god1 and the kingdom of heaven8 ,was it not left to other people8 ,messiah ,himself said of the ,jews1 ,therefore say ,i unto you1 the kingdom of ,god shall be taken from you and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof4 ,this passage comes1 too1 as a conclusion to the parable of the householder who let both his house and his vineyard to unworthy husbandmen1 who successively beat1 stoned1 and slew the servants1 and even the son and heir whom the master sent to collect his portion of the fruit of the vineyard4 ,when the ,lord of the vineyard cometh1 what will he do unto those husbandmen8 asked ,jesus of his hearers4 ,he will miserably destroy these wicked men1 they replied1 and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen1 which shall render him the fruits in their season4 ,they had pronounced judgment among themselves4 ,the parable presented the case of the ,jews to whom ,jesus was speaking1 exactly1 and ,jesus quickly made the application of the judgment--,therefore say ,i unto you1 ,the kingdom of ,god shall be taken from you1 and given unto a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof4 #cc ,there can be no mistaking the meaning of the parable or its application2 and some years later we have ,paul saying to the contradicting and blaspheming ,jews of ,antioch in ,pisidia3 ,it was necessary that the word of ,god should first have been spoken to you2 but seeing ye put it from you1 and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life1 lo1 we turn to the ,gentiles4 ,for so hath the ,lord commanded us4 #cd ,and so it came to pass that as ,israel in those days rejected the ,gospel of the kingdom which was first offered to them1 so ,god also rejected them2 and they have stood rejected to this day2 smitten and trodden under food of the ,gentile races1 a scoff1 a hiss1 and a byword in every land that they have inhabited2 while the kingdom of ,god first offered to them was left to other people1 to the ,gentiles1 who1 for a season1 brought forth the fruits thereof4 ,but the fact that the kingdom then preached to the ,jews was taken from them and given to another people1 is proof positive that it was not the kingdom which was to fulfill the terms of ,daniel's great prophecy4 ,fifth3 ,another characteristic of the kingdom of ,god of ,daniel's prophecy is1 that it will never be destroyed1 but will break in pieces and consume all other kingdoms1 and stand for ever4 ,this is not true of that institution brought into existence by the preaching of ,messiah and the ,apostles1 sometimes called the kingdom of ,god1 but more properly the ,church of ,christ4 ,saddening as the thought may seem1 the ,church founded by the labors of ,jesus and ,his ,apostles was destroyed from the earth2 the ,gospel was perverted2 its ordinances were changed2 its laws were transgressed2 its covenant was1 on the part of man1 broken2 and the world was left to flounder in the darkness of a long period of apostasy from ,god4 ,for the reason1 then1 that the institution founded by the preaching of the ,apostles was destroyed in the earth1 as well as for the other reasons considered1 the conclusion is forced upon the mind that the ,church founded by ,jesus and the ,apostles was not the fulfillment of ,daniel's great prophecy respecting the kingdom which ,god promised to set up in the last days3 and hence we may look for another dispensation beyond the times of the ,apostles1 which will culminate in subduing the kingdoms of this world and making them the kingdom of our ,god and ,his ,christ1 followed by that reign of righteousness and peace of which all the prophets have spoken4 ,having considered the ,dispensation of the ,meridian of ,time and corrected the popular error which confounds that dispensation with the ,,xlii ,dispensation of the ,fulness of ,times1 it is necessary now to consider the decline of the ,christian religion4 ,the ,announcement of the ,universal ,apostasy4 ,it is a most startling announcement with which the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith begins his message to the world4 ,concerning the question1 he asked ,god--,which of all the sects is right1 and which shall ,i join8 he says3 ,i was answered that ,i must join none of them1 for they were all wrong1 and the personage who addressed me said that all their creeds were abomination in ,his sight3 that those professors were all corrupt2 that they draw near to me with their lips1 but their hearts are far from me2 they teach for doctrines the commandments of men3 having a form of godliness1 but they deny the power thereof4 #ce ,this is a tremendous arraignment of all ,christendom4 ,it charges a condition of universal apostasy from ,god1 especially upon ,christendom that was dwelling in a fancied security of being the farthest removed from the possibility of such a charge2 each division of the so-called ,christian ,church felicitating itself with the flattering unction that its own particular society possessed the enlightened fullness of the ,christian religion4 ,while the boldness of this declaration of the young ,prophet is astounding1 upon reflection it must be conceded that just such a condition of affairs in the religious world is consistent with the work he1 under the direction of divine ,providence1 was about to inaugurate4 ,nothing less than a complete apostasy from the ,christian religion would warrant the establishment of the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-day ,saints4 ,of sects there were already enough in existence4 ,division and subdivision had already created of confusion more than enough1 and there was no possible excuse for the introduction of a new ,christian sect4 ,but if men through apostasy had corrupted the ,christian religion and lost divine authority to administer the ordinances of the ,gospel1 it was of the utmost importance that a new dispensation of the true ,christian religion should be given to the world4 ,it should also be observed at this point1 that ,joseph ,smith1 then but a boy1 scarcely removed from childhood1 was not himself pronouncing judgment upon the status of ,christendom4 ,it was not he who declared the sects to be all wrong1 their creeds an abomination1 and the professors thereof corrupt4 ,he of all persons1 both on account of his extreme ,,xliii youthfulness and his lack of general information1 was among the least qualified to pronounce upon such a question4 ,indeed1 he himself confesses his unfitness for such an office4 ,his seeking knowledge from ,god upon this very question--which of all the sects is right8 is a confession of his own inability to determine the matter4 ,no human wisdom was sufficient to answer that question4 ,no man in all the world was so pre-eminent as to be justified in proclaiming the divine acceptance of one church in preference to another4 ,divine wisdom alone was sufficient to pass judgment upon such a question2 and there is peculiar force in the circumstance that the announcement which ,joseph ,smith makes with reference to this subject is not formulated by him nor by any other man1 but is given to him of ,god4 ,god has been the judge of apostate ,christendom1 ,joseph ,smith but ,his messenger1 to herald that judgment to the world4 ,it now becomes my melancholy task to trace through the early ,christian centuries the decline of the ,christian religion4 ,by this phrase ,i mean that a really unchristian religion was gradually substituted for the beautiful religion of ,jesus ,christ2 that a universal apostasy from the ,christian doctrine and the ,christian ,church took place4 ,so tracing the decline of ,christianity1 ,i shall establish the truth of the first great message with which the modern prophet1 ,joseph ,smith1 came to the world2 and shall also prove the fact1 that a necessity existed for the establishment of such a work as he claims1 under ,god1 to have founded1 and of which the several volumes of this work are the detailed history4 ,character of the ,early ,christians4 ,first of all1 it should be remarked that the early ,christians were not so far removed from the possession of the common weaknesses of humanity as to preclude the possibility of apostatizing from the ,christian religion4 ,owing to our being so far removed from them in time1 by which many of their defects are obscured1 and the exaggerated celebration of their virtues1 extravagant ideas of the sanctity of their lives1 and the holiness of their natures have very generally obtained1 whereas a little inquiry into the character of the early ,saints will prove that they were very human1 and men of like passions with ourselves4 ,the mother of ,zebedee's children exhibited a rather ambitious spirit1 and the two brethren themselves gave much offense to their fellow ,apostles by aspiring to sit one on the right hand of ,jesus and the other on ,his left when ,he should come in ,his kingdom4 #cf ,even ,peter1 the chief ,apostle1 exhibited his full share of human weakness ,,xliv when he thrice denied his ,lord in the presence of his enemies1 through fear1 and even confirmed that denial by cursing and swearing4 #cg ,it was rather a heated controversy1 too1 that arose in the early ,christian ,church as to whether those who accepted the ,christian faith were still bound to the observances of the law of ,moses1 and more especially to the rite of circumcision4 ,although there seems to have been an amicable and authoritative settlement of that question by the decision of what some learned writers have called the first general council of the ,church held by the ,apostles and ,elders at ,jerusalem1 #ch yet the old difficulty broke out again and again1 not only between the ,jewish saints and the ,gentile converts1 but even among the ,apostles themselves1 leading to serious accusations one against another1 the straining of friendship between fellow-workmen in the ministry1 through criminations and recriminations4 ,after the settlement of this very question of circumcision by the council at ,jerusalem1 ,peter went down to ,antioch and at first mingled unreservedly with both ,gentile and ,jewish converts without distinction1 accepting both ,jew and ,gentile in perfect fellowship1 departing entirely from the restraints placed on a ,jew by the law of ,moses1 which rendered it unlawful for one who was a ,jew to have such unrestricted fellowship with the ,gentiles4 ,but when certain ones came down from ,james1 who resided at ,jerusalem1 then ,peter1 fearful of offending them which were of the circumcision1 suddenly withdrew his social fellowship from the ,gentile converts4 ,other ,jewish brethren did the same2 ,barnabas1 the friend of ,paul1 being among the number4 ,whereupon ,paul1 as he himself testified1 withstood ,peter to the face1 directly charging him before all the brethren with dissimulation1 saying3 ,if thou being a ,jew livest after the manner of ,gentiles and not as do the ,jews1 why compellest thou the ,gentiles to live as do the ,jews8 #ci ,yet this same ,paul notwithstanding his loyalty to the ,gentile converts on that occasion1 his zeal for the decision which had been rendered by the council of the ,church at ,jerusalem1 and notwithstanding his usually strong moral courage1 subsequently showed by his conduct1 that he1 too1 was not beyond the weakness of becoming all things to all men2 for a short time after the incident with ,peter at ,antioch1 when in the province of ,galatia1 and he desired ,timothy to be his companion in the ministry1 ,paul took him and circumcised him1 because it was well known that while his mother was a ,jewess1 his father was a ,greek1 and all this for fear of the ,jews4 #dj ,,xlv ,this question continued to be a cause of contention1 even after this sharp disputation at ,antioch2 for though the decision of the council at ,jerusalem was against the contention of the ,judaizing party1 yet they continued to agitate the question whenever opportunity presented itself1 and seemed especially to follow close upon the footsteps of ,paul in his missionary journeys2 and in ,galatia1 at least1 succeeded in turning the saints of that province from the grace of ,christ unto another gospel1 perverting the ,gospel of ,christ4 #da ,this question continued to agitate the ,church throughout the ,apostolic age1 and was finally settled through overwhelming numbers of ,gentiles being converted1 and taking possession of the ,church1 rather than through any profound respect for the decision of the council at ,jerusalem4 ,the withdrawal of ,john ,mark from the ministry while accompanying ,paul and ,barnabas on their first mission in ,asia ,minor1 and which withdrawal grew out of a faltering of his zeal or a misunderstanding with his companions1 will be readily called to mind4 #db ,subsequently1 when ,paul proposed to ,barnabas that they go again and visit the brethren in every city where they had preached while on their first mission1 a sharp contention arose between them about this same ,john ,mark4 ,barnabas desired to take him again into the ministry1 but ,paul seriously objected2 and so pronounced was the quarrel between them that these two friends and fellow yokemen in the ministry parted company no more to be united4 ,it is just possible also that in addition to this misunderstanding about ,john ,mark1 the severe reproof which ,paul administered to ,barnabas in the affair of dissimulation at ,antioch had somewhat strained their friendship4 ,turning from these misunderstandings and criminations among the leading officers of the ,church1 let us inquire how it stood with the members4 ,the epistle of ,paul to the church at ,corinth discloses the fact that there were serious schisms among them2 some boasting that they were of ,paul1 others that they were of ,apollos1 others of ,cephas1 and still others of ,christ2 which led ,paul to ask sharply1 ,is ,christ divided8 was ,paul crucified for you8 #dc ,there were endless strifes as well as divisions among them1 which caused ,paul to denounce them as carnally minded4 #dd ,among them also was such fornication as was not named among the ,gentiles1 that one should have his father's wife6 ,and this shameful sin had not humbled the church at ,corinth1 for ,paul denounced them for being puffed up in the presence of such a crime1 rather than having mourned over it4 #de ,they were in the habit of going ,,xlvi to law one with another1 and that before the world1 in violation of the teachings of ,jesus ,christ4 #df ,they desecrated the ordinance of the ,lord's ,supper by their drunkenness1 for which they were sharply reproved by the ,apostle4 #dg ,they ate and drank unworthily1 not discerning the ,lord's body2 for which cause many were sickly among them1 and many slept 7that is1 died74 ,there were heresies also among them1 #dh some denying the resurrection of the dead1 while others possessed not the knowledge of ,god1 which the ,apostle declared was their shame4 #di ,it is true1 this sharp letter of reproof made the ,corinthian saints sorry1 and sorry1 too1 after a godly fashion1 in that it brought them to a partial repentance2 but even in the second epistle1 from which we learn of their partial repentance1 the ,apostle could still charge that there were many in the church who had not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they had committed4 #ej ,from this second letter1 also1 we learn that there were many in the ,church at large who corrupted the word of ,god2 #ea that there were those1 even in the ministry1 who were false prophets1 deceitful workers1 transforming themselves into the ,apostles of ,christ4 #eb ,of the churches throughout the province of ,galatia1 it is scarcely necessary to say more than we have already said concerning the invasion of that province by ,judaizing ,christian ministers who were turning away the saints from the grace of ,christ back to the beggarly elements of the law of carnal commandments2 a circumstance which led ,paul to exclaim3 ,i marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that had called you unto the grace of ,christ1 unto another gospel2 which is not another1 but there be some that trouble you1 and would pervert the ,gospel of ,christ4 #ec ,that there were two distinct parties in the ,church at this time1 between whom bitter contentions arose1 is further evidenced by the letter of ,paul to the ,philippians4 ,some preached ,christ even of envy and strife1 and some of good will4 ,the one preach ,christ of contention1 not sincerely1 says ,paul1 supposing to add affliction to my bonds3 but the other of love1 knowing that ,i am set for the defense of the ,gospel4 #ed ,beware of dogs1 said he again to the same people2 beware of evil workers2 beware of the concision4 #ee ,brethren1 be ,,xlvii followers of me1 he admonishes them1 and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an example1 for many walk of whom ,i have told you often1 and now tell you even weeping1 that they are the enemies of the cross of ,christ3 whose end is destruction1 whose ,god is their belly1 and whose glory is their shame1 who mind earthly things4 #ef ,to the ,colossians ,paul found it necessary to say3 ,beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit1 after the traditions of men1 after the rudiments of the world1 and not after ,christ4 99 99 99 99 ,let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshiping of angels1 intruding into those things which he hath not seen1 vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind4 #eg ,but it is in ,paul's pastoral letters that we get a deeper insight into corruptions threatening the early church1 and even beginning to lay the foundation for that subsequent apostasy which overwhelmed it4 ,the ,apostle sent ,timothy to the saints at ,ephesus to represent him1 that he might charge some to teach no other doctrines than those which he had delivered to them3 ,neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies1 which minister questions1 rather than godly edifying which is in faith1 for some had turned aside from the commandment of charity1 out of a pure heart1 and a good conscience1 and faith unfeigned1 unto vile jangling1 desiring to be teachers of the law1 understanding neither what they say nor whereof they affirm4 #eh ,others concerning faith had made shipwreck1 of whom were ,hymenaeus and ,alexander1 whom ,paul had delivered unto ,satan that they might learn not to blaspheme4 #ei ,others had erred concerning the faith and had given heed to vain babblings1 and opposition of science falsely so called4 #fj ,in his second letter to ,timothy1 ,paul informs him that all the saints in ,asia had turned away from him1 of whom were ,phygellus and ,hermogenes4 #fa ,he admonishes ,timothy again to shun profane and vain babblings1 for1 said he1 they will increase unto more ungodliness1 and their word will eat as doth a canker2 of whom is ,hymenaeus and ,philetus2 who1 concerning the truth1 have erred1 saying that the resurrection is passed already1 and overthrown the faith of some4 #fb ,demos1 once a fellow-laborer with ,paul1 had forsaken him1 having loved this present world2 #fc and at ,paul's first answer1 that is1 when arraigned before the court at ,rome1 no man ,,xlviii stood with him1 but all men forsook him2 he prays that ,god will not lay this to their charge4 #fd ,paul admonished ,titus to hold fast to the faith1 for there were many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers1 especially those of the circumcision2 who subverted whole houses1 teaching things which they ought not1 for filthy lucre's sake2 and were giving heed to ,jewish fables and commandments of men and turning from the truth4 #fe ,peter also had something to say with reference to the danger of heresies and false teachers which menaced the ,church4 ,he declared that there would be false teachers among the saints1 who privily would bring in damnable heresies1 even denying the ,lord that bought them1 and bring upon themselves swift destruction4 ,and many1 said he1 shall follow their pernicious ways3 by reason of whom the truth shall be evil spoken of4 ,and through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you2 whose judgment now for a long time lingereth not1 and their damnation slumbereth not4 ,for if ,god spared not the angels that sinned1 but cast them down to hell and delivered them unto chains of darkness to be reserved unto judgment--he argued that the ,lord would not spare these corrupters of the ,gospel of ,christ1 who1 like the dog1 had turned again to his own vomit1 and the sow who was washed to her wallowing in the mire4 #ff ,he charged also that some were wresting the epistles of ,paul1 as they were some of the other scriptures1 unto their own destruction4 #fg ,john1 the disciple whom ,jesus loved1 also bears testimony to the existence of anti-,christs1 false prophets1 and the depravity of many in the early ,church4 ,it is the last time1 said he1 and as ye have heard that anti-,christ shall come1 even now there are many anti-,christs1 whereby we know that it is the last time2 99 99 99 99 ,they went out from us 99 99 99 99 that they might be manifest that they were not all of us4 #fh ,try the spirits1 said he1 in the same epistle1 whether they are of ,god2 because many false prophets are gone out into the world4 #fi ,again3 ,many deceivers are entered into the world1 who confess not that ,jesus ,christ is come in the flesh4 ,this is a deceiver1 an anti-,christ4 #gj ,jude also is a witness against this class of deceivers4 ,he admonished ,,xlix the saints to contend earnestly for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints2 for1 said he1 there are certain men crept in unawares1 99 99 99 ungodly men1 turning the grace of our ,god into lasciviousness and denying the only ,lord ,god1 and our ,lord ,jesus ,christ4 #ga ,the rest of the epistle he devotes to a description of their wickedness1 comparing it with the conduct of ,satan1 and the vileness of the inhabitants of ,sodom and ,gomorrah4 ,i have not given this review of the condition of the ,church of ,christ in the ,apostolic age with the view of establishing the idea that the ,church at that time was in a complete state of apostasy2 nor have ,i dwelt upon the weaknesses and sins of the early saints for the purpose of holding them up for contempt4 ,my only purpose has been to dispel1 first of all1 the extravagant ideas that obtain in many minds concerning the absolute sanctity of the early ,christians2 and secondly1 and mainly1 to show that there were elements and tendencies existing in the early ,church1 even in the days of the ,apostles1 that would1 when unrestrained by ,apostolic authority and power1 lead to its entire overthrow4 ,we have no good reason to believe that there occurred any change for the better in the affairs of the ,church after the demise of the ,apostles1 no reason to believe that there were fewer heresies or fewer false teachers1 or false prophets to lead away the people with their vain philosophies1 their foolish babblings1 and opposition of science falsely so called4 ,on the contrary1 one is forced to believe the prediction of ,paul1 viz41 that evil men and seducers would wax worse and worse1 deceiving and being deceived2 #gb for who1 after the ,apostles were fallen asleep1 would stand up and correct the heresies that were brought into the ,church1 rebuke the schismatics1 the false teachers and false prophets that arose to draw away disciples after them8 ,if false teachers insinuated themselves into the ,church1 brought in damnable heresies by reason of which the way of truth was evil spoken of1 and the pure religion of ,jesus ,christ corrupted even while inspired ,apostles were still in the ,church1 it is not unreasonable to conclude that all these evils would increase and revel unchecked after the death of the ,apostles4 ,the ,rise of ,false ,teachers4 ,i cannot1 of course1 in this introduction1 enter into even a brief history of false teachers in the early ,christian centuries4 ,that of itself would be matter for a volume4 ,i shall therefore content myself with making quotations from reliable authorities that will directly establish the fact of the rapid increase in the number of false teachers1 and the ,l pernicious effects of their doctrines upon the ,christian religion4 ,it should be said before making these quotations1 however1 that ,protestant writers are interested in maintaining that the ,christian religion was perpetuated1 even through the ages of apostasy1 and given back to mankind by the agency of the so-called ,reformation of the sixteenth century4 ,hence in their writings1 when stating the corruptions of the early ,church1 they are especially guarded lest too strong a statement would lead to the belief that the ,christian religion had been utterly subverted4 ,indeed1 it is well known that ,milner wrote his ,church ,history--which should be regarded not so much as the history of the ,church as the history of piety--to counteract the influence of ,mosheim's ,institutes of ,ecclesiastical ,history1 which work ,milner considered too frank in its statements of perversions and abuses of religion4 ,the ,protestant writers must need set forth the theory that the ,christian religion survived all the abuses and corruptions of it through ages of apostasy1 else they would have no logical ground for the sixteenth century ,reformation to stand upon4 ,they seem not oblivious to the fact1 though never mentioning it1 that if the ,christian religion was displaced by a paganized religion--a false religion--as is fully predicted1 as we shall see later1 in the ,new ,testament prophecies1 and of which the works of ,protestant writers go far towards proving--then the only possible way in which the true ,christian religion and the ,church of ,christ could be restored would be by re-opening of the heavens1 and the giving forth of a new dispensation of the ,gospel1 together with a renewal of divine authority to preach it1 and administer its ordinances of salvation4 ,catholics hold that there has been no great apostasy in the ,church4 ,their theory is1 that there has been a constant1 unbroken1 perpetuation of the ,christian ,church from the days of the ,messiah and ,his ,apostles until now2 and that the ,roman ,catholic church is that very ,church so perpetuated through the ages4 ,catholic writers admit that there have been very corrupt periods in the ,church and many wicked prelates1 and some vile popes2 yet they hold that the ,church has persisted1 that the ,christian religion has been preserved in the earth4 ,with these remarks on the position of the ,protestant and ,catholic churches respecting their attitude on the subject of the perpetuation of the ,christian religion1 ,i proceed with the quotations promised2 and1 first1 a passage from ,neander's ,history of the ,christian ,religion and ,church1 on the very great difference between the writings of the ,apostles and the writings of the so-called ,apostolic ,fathers2 and the suddenness of that transition1 to the disparagement of the productions of the ,fathers3 ,a phenomenon1 singular in its kind1 is the striking difference between ,,li the writings of the ,apostles and the writings of the ,apostolic ,fathers1 who were so nearly their contemporaries4 ,in other cases1 transitions are wont to be gradual2 but in this instance we observe a sudden change4 ,there are here no gentle gradations1 but all at once an abrupt transition from one style of language to another2 a phenomenon which should lead us to acknowledge the fact of a special agency of the ,divine ,spirit in the souls of the ,apostles4 ,after the time of the first extraordinary operations of the ,holy ,ghost followed by the period of the free development of human nature in ,christianity2 and here1 as in all other cases1 the beginning must be small and feeble before the effects of ,christianity could penetrate more widely1 and bring fully under their influence the great powers of the human mind4 ,it was to be shown first1 what the divine power could effect by the foolishness of preaching4 ,the writings of the so-called ,apostolic ,fathers have unhappily for the most part1 come down to us in a condition very little worthy of confidence1 partly because under the name of these men1 so highly venerated in the ,church1 writings were early forged for the purpose of giving authority to particular opinions or principles2 and partly because their own writings which were extant became interpolated in subservience to a ,jewish hierarchical interest which aimed to crush the free spirit of the ,gospel4 #gc ,there is no authority of scripture for the supposition made here by ,dr4 ,neander that the extraordinary operations of the ,holy ,ghost were to be confined to the ,apostles2 the whole tenor of scripture authority is to the contrary4 ,it is the theory of the ,gospel itself1 that all who receive it1 and particularly its ministers1 shall have the divine ,spirit as a special agency working in their souls1 through all time1 and there is no warrant for the belief that its operations were to be confined to those who first received it and became its first ministers4 ,therefore1 this sudden transition in the matter of excellence and trustworthiness between the writings of the ,apostles and the writings of the ,apostolic ,fathers indicates not only a deterioration in the character of the teachers in the ,church and what is taught1 but more especially indicates the progress of the mystery of iniquity which was at work subverting the ,christian religion and destroying the ,church of ,christ4 ,on the question of forged books and writings mentioned in the passage from ,neander1 ,dr4 ,nathaniel ,lardner refers to a dissertation written by ,dr4 ,mosheim1 which shows the reasons and causes for the many forged writings produced in the first and second centuries1 and then adds3 ,all own that ,christians of all sorts were guilty of this fraud4 ,indeed we may say it was one great fault of the times2 for truth needs no such defenses1 and would blush at the sight of them4 #gd ,eusebius1 quoting ,hegesippus on the subject of false teachers and referring to the condition of the ,church about the close of the first century1 says3 ,,lii ,the ,church continued until then close of the first century as a pure and uncorrupt virgin1 whilst if there were any at all that attempted to pervert the sound doctrine of the saving ,gospel1 they were yet skulking in dark retreats3 but when the sacred choir of ,apostles became extinct1 and the generation of those that had been privileged to hear their inspired wisdom had passed away1 then also the combinations of impious errors arose by the fraud and delusions of false teachers4 ,these also1 as there were none of the ,apostles left1 henceforth attempted without shame1 to preach their false doctrine against the gospel of truth4 #ge ,dr4 ,mosheim has the following on the same subject3 ,not long after the ,savior's ascension1 various histories of ,his life and doctrines1 full of impositions and fables1 were composed by persons of no bad intentions1 perhaps1 but who were superstitious1 simple1 and piously fraudulent2 and afterwards various other spurious writings were palmed upon the world1 falsely inscribed with the names of the holy ,apostles4 #gf ,this condition of things with reference to the writers in the centuries under consideration1 naturally leads one to the reflection1 that if there were so much of fraud1 and so many forged writings1 what must have been the state of the ,church at this time with reference to oral teaching8 ,we are justified in believing1 ,i think1 that bad as was the state of things with reference to the writings of these early teachers of the ,church1 the discourses of such as preached may be depended upon as being much worse4 ,in this view of the case1 one can readily understand that the authority of antiquity so generally urged as a reason for accepting the testimonies of the ,fathers1 that handmaid to scripture1 as antiquity is sometimes called1 the whole body of it1 written and oral1 may indeed be regarded1 as ,dr4 ,jortin remarks1 as ,briarean1 for she has a hundred hands1 and these hands often clash and beat one another4 #gg ,moreover1 it often happens that those who are condemned by some of these ,fathers as heretics were not only censured for their heresies1 but sometimes for the truths which they held4 ,for example3 ,papias1 a ,bishop and ,christian ,father in the second century1 is condemned by ,eusebius for saying that he received from ,apostolic men--meaning thereby men who were associated with the ,apostles--the fact that there would be a corporeal reign of ,christ on earth with the saints1 after the resurrection1 which would continue through a thousand years4 #gh ,,liii ,prodicus is censured by ,clement of ,alexandria for holding that men are by nature the children of ,deity4 #gi ,marcion1 besides being condemned for his many errors1 is also censured by ,irenaeus for believing in salvation for the dead1 concerning which1 it must be acknowledged1 ,marcion did hold peculiar views2 but that is no reason why the general principle should be condemned4 #hj ,he taught that ,jesus ,christ went to ,hades and preached there1 and brought hence all that believed on him4 ,the ancients1 continue ,irenaeus1 as quoted by ,lardner1 being of opinion that eternal life is not to be obtained but through faith in ,jesus ,christ1 and that ,god is too merciful to let men perish for not hearing the ,gospel1 supposed that the ,lord preached also to the dead1 that they might have the same advantage with the living4 ,he further adds1 ,in the language of ,marcion and the fathers1 hell does not necessarily mean the place of the damned2 in that place is ,tartarus1 the place of torment1 and ,paradise1 or the bosom of ,abraham1 a place of rest and refreshment4 ,in that part of ,hades ,jesus found the just men of the ,old ,testament4 ,they were not miserable1 but were in a place of comfort and pleasure4 ,for ,christ1 he continues1 promiseth the ,jews after this life1 rest in ,hades1 even in the bosom of ,abraham4 ,this far the doctrine of ,marcion is in strict agreement with the ,new ,testament1 though denounced as blasphemy by his opponent4 ,the unfortunate part of ,marcion's doctrine on this head is that he taught that ,cain and the wicked of ,sodom and the ,egyptians1 and in fact all the nations in general1 though they had lived in all manner of wickedness1 were saved by the ,lord1 but that ,abel1 ,enoch1 ,noah1 and the patriarchs and prophets and other righteous men who walked with ,god and pleased ,him in their earth life1 did not obtain salvation because they suspected that in the preaching of ,christ in the spirit world there was some scheme of deception to lead them away from their present qualified acceptance with ,god1 and therefore they would not come to ,christ nor believe in him1 for which reason1 as he says1 their souls remained in hell4 #ha ,marcion is also condemned for believing in the eternity of matter4 #hb ,so1 too1 ,hermogenes is censured by ,tertullian for the same cause1 and for arguing that ,god made the world out of matter and could not have made it out of nothing4 #hc ,and so throughout there is censure and counter censure between the orthodox and the heretics1 and it is difficult at times to determine which are the orthodox and which heretics1 so frequently do they change ,,liv places4 ,nor was there any improvement in the ages that succeeded these that have been briefly considered4 ,the editor of ,dr4 ,jortin's learned work on ecclesiastical history1 ,william ,trollope1 on a passage of ,jortin's on the early fathers1 says of the fathers of the fourth century3 ,after the counsel of ,nice1 #hd a class of writers sprung up1 greatly inferior to their predecessors1 in whatever light their pretensions are viewed4 ,sadly deficient in learning1 prejudiced in opinion1 and inelegant in style1 they cannot be admitted for a moment into competition with those who were contemporary with the ,apostles and their immediate successors4 #he ,the whole tenor of his remarks is to the effect that while the fathers of the second and third centuries1 are not to be relied upon in their interpretations of scripture1 were frequently deceived in opinions1 and not always to be depended upon in matters of tradition1 yet they were greatly to be preferred in all respects to the fathers of succeeding centuries4 ,the ,development of ,false ,doctrines ,after the ,death of the ,apostles4 ,here1 too1 ,i shall rely very largely upon the conclusions of the learned4 ,dr4 ,lardner1 referring to the development of the heresies1 the seeds of which were sown in the days of the ,apostles1 says3 ,eusebius relates that ,ignatius1 on his way from ,antioch to ,rome1 exhorted the churches to beware of heresies which were then springing up1 and which would increase2 and that he afterwards wrote his epistles in order to guard them against these corruptions1 and to confirm them in the faith4 ,this opinion that the seeds of these heresies were sown in the time of the ,apostles1 and sprang up immediately after is an opinion probable in itself and is embraced by several learned moderns2 particularly by ,vitringa1 and by the late ,rev4 ,mr4 ,brekel of ,liverpool4 #hf ,a certain ,mr4 ,deacon attempted to refute the ,mr4 ,brekel referred to by ,dr4 ,lardner1 and to maintain the purity of the ,church of the first three centuries4 ,on this ,mr4 ,brekel observed that ,if this point were thoroughly examined1 it would appear that the ,christian ,church preserved her virgin purity no longer than the ,apostolic age1 at least if we may give credit to ,hegesippus4 ,relying upon the ,,lv support of the ecclesiastical history of ,socrates1 a writer of the first half of the fifth century1 ,mr4 ,brekel also says3 ,to mention the corruptions and innovations in religion of the four first centuries1 is wholly superfluous2 when it is so very notorious1 that1 even before the reign of ,constantine1 there sprang up a sort of heathenish ,christianity which mingled itself with the true ,christian religion4 #hg ,of the impending departure from the ,christian religion immediately succeeding the days of the apostles1 ,dr4 ,neander says3 ,already1 in the latter part of the age of ,st4 ,paul1 we shall see many things different from what they had been originally2 and so it cannot appear strange if other changes come to be introduced into the constitution of the ,christian communities1 by the altered circumstances of the times immediately succeeding those of ,st4 ,paul or ,st4 ,john4 ,then ensued those strongly marked oppositions and schisms1 those dangers with which the corruptions engendered by manifold foreign elements threatened primitive ,christianity4 #hh ,dr4 ,philip ,smith1 the author of the ,students' ,ecclesiastical ,history1 in speaking of the early corruptions of the ,christian religion1 says3 ,the sad truth is that as soon as ,christianity was generally diffused1 it began to absorb corruption from all the lands in which it was planted1 and to reflect the complexion of all their systems of religion and philosophy4 #hi ,dean ,milman1 in his preface to his annotated edition of ,edward ,gibbon's great work1 ,the ,decline and ,fall of the ,roman ,empire1 and commenting upon that great author's attitude respecting the ,christian religion1 says3 ,if1 after all1 the view of the early progress of ,christianity be melancholy and humiliating1 we must beware lest we charge the whole of this on the infidelity of the historian4 ,it is idle1 it is disingenuous to deny or to dissemble the early depravations of ,christianity1 its gradual but rapid departure from its primitive simplicity and purity1 still more from its spirit of universal love4 ,it may be no unsalutary lesson to the ,christian world1 that this silent1 this unavoidable perhaps1 yet fatal change shall have been drawn by an impartial1 or even an hostile hand4 #ij ,dr4 ,mosheim1 in his ,institutes1 deals at length with the abuses which arose in the ,church in the second and third centuries1 which ,i abridge to the following1 and first as to the second century3 ,many rites were added without necessity to both public and private ,,lvi religious worship1 to the great offense of good men2 and principally because of the perversity of mankind who are more delighted with the pomp and splendor of external forms and pageantry than with the true devotion of the heart4 ,there is good reason to believe that the ,christian bishops purposely multiplied sacred rites for the sake of rendering the ,jews and pagans more friendly to them4 ,for both these classes had always been accustomed to numerous and splendid ceremonies1 and believed them an essential part of religion4 ,in pursuance of this policy1 and to silence the calumnies of the pagans and the ,jews against them--to the effect that the ,christians were pronounced atheists1 because destitute of temples1 altars1 victims1 priests1 and all that pomp in which the vulgar suppose the essence of religion to consist--the ,christian leaders introduced many rites1 that they might be able to maintain that they really had those things which the pagans had1 only they subsisted under different forms4 ,some of these rites--justified1 as was supposed1 by a comparison of the ,christian oblations with ,jewish victims and sacrifices--in time corrupted essentially the doctrine of the ,lord's supper1 and converted it into a sacrifice4 ,to add further to the dignity of the ,christian ,religion1 the churches of the east feigned mysteries similar to those of the pagan religions2 and1 as with the pagans1 the holy rites of the mysteries were concealed from the vulgar3 ,and they not only applied the terms used in the pagan mysteries to the ,christian institutions1 particularly baptism and the ,lord's supper1 but they gradually introduced also the rites which were designated by those terms4 ,this practice originated in the eastern provinces of the empire1 and thence1 after the times of ,adrian 7who first introduced the ,grecian mysteries among the ,latins71 it spread among the ,christians of the west4 ,a large part1 therefore1 of ,christian observances and institutions1 even in this century1 had the aspect of the pagan mysteries4 ,in like manner many ceremonies and customs of the ,egyptians were adopted4 #ia ,speaking of the third century the ,doctor says that all the monuments of this century show that there was a great increase of ceremonies in the ,church owing to the prevailing passion for the ,platonic philosophy4 ,hence arose the public exorcisms1 the multiplication of fasts1 the aversion to matrimony1 and the painful austerities and penances which were enjoined upon offenders4 #ib ,the ,revolution of the ,fourth ,century3 ,constantine4 ,it will be observed that ,i have so far confined my quotations concerning the corruptions which arose in the ,church to the first three centuries ,,lvii of the ,christian ,era4 ,i have done so purposely2 and chiefly that ,i might show by such quotations that the forces which were to bring about the destruction of the ,christian ,church were active during those ages2 and also because an event took place in the first part of the fourth century that culminated in the triumph of those forces4 ,this event was the establishment of ,christianity as the state religion of ,rome4 ,constantine the ,great was the emperor under whose reign this unlooked for revolution took place4 ,he was the son of ,constantine ,chlorus1 emperor of the ,west in the preceding reign1 which reign he had shared with ,galerius ,maximianus1 who ruled the ,east4 ,constantine was an emperor born of an emperor1 the pious son of a most pious and virtuous father1 is the flattering announcement of his parentage on the paternal side1 by his contemporary1 ,eusebius1 the church historian2 though he neglects to mention the obscure origin and humble vocation 7that of inn keeper7 of his mother1 ,helena1 whom her husband repudiated when raised to the dignity of ,caesar in the reign of ,diocletian4 ,constantine was proclaimed emperor by the army in ,britain on the death of his father at ,york1 #cjf ,a4 ,d42 but civil strife raged through the empire for eighteen years1 occasioned by the contending aspirants for the imperial dignity4 ,the future patron of ,christianity1 however1 overcame all his rivals and reigned sole monarch of ,rome from #cbc ,a4 ,d41 to the time of his death1 fourteen years later4 ,the policy of ,constantine's father towards the ,christians in his division of the empire1 the ,west1 had been one not only of toleration but also of friendship2 and this policy the son followed from the commencement of his career as emperor4 ,the fact of both his own and his father's friendliness toward the ,church on the one hand1 and the hostility of his rivals against the ,church on the other1 brought to him the united support of the ,christians throughout the empire2 and though they were not so numerous as they are frequently represented to be1 yet it cannot be denied that the ,christians were important factors in determining the course of events in the empire at this time1 and truly they were faithful allies to ,constantine1 and he1 on his part1 neglected not to meet their anticipations of reward4 ,a careful study of his life and character will force the conviction upon the mind that ,constantine was a most suitable head for the revolution which ended by establishing a pseudo-,christianity as the state religion of the decaying empire4 ,a professed ,christian for many years1 if we may believe ,lactantius and ,eusebius he postponed his baptism1 after the fashion of his times1 until the very last year of his life1 in order that1 purified at once from all the stains of sin by means of it1 he might be sure of entering into bliss4 ,such the explanation of those who would defend this delay of the emperor's2 but one cannot fail to ,,lviii remember that it was quite customary at this time among many professing the ,christian religion to put off baptism as long as they dared that they might enjoy a life of sin1 and then through the means of baptism1 just before death1 as by magic1 obtain forgiveness4 #ic ,on the motives that prompted ,constantine's acceptance of ,christianity1 our historians are not agreed4 ,according to ,eusebius his conversion was brought about through seeing in the heavens a luminous cross at midday1 and above it the inscription3 ,by this ,conquer4 ,this miraculous sign was supplemented on the night following by the appearance of ,jesus ,christ to the emperor in a dream1 with the same symbol1 the cross1 and directed him to make it the ensign of his banners and his protection against the power of the enemy4 #id ,according to ,theodoret the emperor was converted through the arguments of his ,christian mother4 #ie ,according to ,zosimus1 it was through the arguments of an ,egyptian ,christian bishop--supposed to be ,hosius1 ,bishop of ,corduba--who promised him absolution for his crimes1 which included a number of murders1 if he would but accept ,christianity4 #if ,it is as difficult to settle upon the time of ,constantine's conversion as it is the means and nature of it4 ,neander inclines to the opinion that he was early influenced in favor of ,christianity through the example if not the teachings of his parents1 who1 if not fully converted to the ,christian faith1 were at least tolerant of it2 and may be reasonably counted among that number who at least admitted ,christ to the pantheon of the gods4 ,but an act of his in #cjh ,a4 ,d41 after the death of his father1 and he himself had been proclaimed emperor of the ,west1 shows that he was at that time still attached to the pagan forms of worship2 for hearing that the ,franks who had been inclined to rebellion against his government had1 on his preparations to make war upon them1 laid down their arms1 he offered public thanks in a celebrated temple of ,apollo and gave a magnificent offering to the god4 #ig ,the story of his conversion as related by ,eusebius would fix that event in the year #cab ,a4 ,d42 and surely if the open vision of the luminous cross and the subsequent appearing of ,christ in his dream1 were realities1 ,constantine had sufficient grounds for a prompt and unequivocal conversion to the ,christian faith4 ,but after that1 if we consider the conduct of the emperor1 we shall find him1 however astonishing it may seem1 still attached to pagan ceremonies of worship4 ,as late as #cba1 ,a4 ,d41 nine years after the visitation of ,christ to him1 we find him accused of artfully balancing the hopes and fears of both his pagan and ,christian ,,lix subjects by publishing in the same year two edicts2 the first of which enjoined the solemn observance of ,sunday2 and the second directed the consultation of the ,haruspices #ih--the soothsayers of the old pagan religion4 ,of this circumstance1 ,neander1 who is disposed to palliate the conduct of ,constantine as far as possible1 after intimating that this lapse might be accounted for on the grounds of state policy1 says1 ,yet the other hypothesis1 viz41 that ,constantine had actually fallen back into heathen superstitions may indeed be regarded as the more natural4 #ii ,five years after his supposed miraculous conversion we find marks of the pagan state religion upon the imperial coins4 #ajj ,a medal was struck1 says ,dr4 ,john ,w4 ,draper1 doubtless referring to the same thing1 on which was impressed his ,constantine's title of ',god1' together with the monogram of ,christ4 ,another1 he continues1 represented him as raised by a hand from the sky while seated in the chariot of the ,sun4 ,but more particularly the great porphyry pillar1 a column one hundred and twenty feet in height1 exhibited the true religious condition of the founder of ,constantinople4 ,the statue on its summit mingled together the ,sun1 the ,savior1 and the ,emperor4 ,its body was a colossal image of ,apollo1 whose features were replaced by those of ,constantine1 and around the head1 like rays1 were fixed the nails of the cross of ,christ recently discovered in ,jerusalem4 #aja ,while on the day ,constantinople was formally made the capital of the empire1 he honored the statue of ,fortune with his gifts4 ,in view of all these acts1 ranging as they do over the greater part of the first ,christian emperor's life1 and through many years after his supposed conversion1 ,i think ,gibbon is justified in his remarks upon this part of ,constantine's conduct3 ,it was an arduous task to eradicate the habits and prejudices of his education1 to acknowledge the divine power of ,christ1 and to understand that the truth of his revelation was incompatible with the worship of the gods4 #ajb ,turning from the consideration of the equivocal conduct of the emperor to his character1 we have a subject about which there is less disagreement among authorities2 for even ,christian apologists are compelled to admit the wickedness of this first ,christian emperor4 ,relying with presumptuous confidence1 says ,neander1 on the great things which ,god had done1 through him1 for the advancement of the ,christian ,church1 he found it easy to excuse or extenuate to his conscience many a wrong deed1 into which he had suffered himself to be betrayed by ,,lx ambition1 the love of rule1 the arbitrary exercise of power1 or the jealousy of despotism4 #ajc ,it is indeed true that ,constantine's life was not such as the precepts of ,christianity required1 ,dr4 ,mosheim remarks1 but softens the statement against the emperor by saying that1 ,it is but too notorious that many persons who look upon the ,christian religion as indubitably true and of divine origin1 yet do not conform their lives to all its holy precepts4 #ajd ,dr4 ,lardner1 after drawing a most favorable outline of ,constantine's person and character1 and citing the flattery of contemporary panegyrists as a description of the man1 says3 ,having observed these virtues of ,constantine1 and other things1 which are to his advantage2 a just respect to truth obligeth us to take notice of some other things1 which seem to cast a reflection upon him4 #aje ,and then in the most naive manner he adds3 ,among these1 one of the chief is putting to death so many of his relatives6 ,he enumerates the victims of the first ,christian emperor as follows3 ,maximilian ,herculius1 his wife's father2 ,bassianus1 husband of his sister ,anastasia2 ,crispus1 his own son2 ,fausta1 his wife2 ,licinius1 husband of his sister ,constantia2 and ,licinianus1 or ,licinius the younger1 his nephew1 and son of the forementioned ,licinius4 #ajf ,the last named victim was a mere lad when put to death1 not more than a little above eleven years of age1 if so much1 is ,dr4 ,lardner's own description of him4 ,fausta was suffocated in a steam bath1 though she had been his wife for twenty years and mother of three of his sons4 ,it should be remembered that this is the list of victims admitted by a most learned and pious ,christian writer1 not a catalogue drawn up by pagan historians1 whom we might suspect of malice against one who had deserted the shrines of the ancient gods for the faith of the ,christians4 ,but this rather formidable list of murdered victims admitted by ,dr4 ,lardner1 shakes not his faith in the goodness of the first ,christian emperor4 ,some of these executions he palliates1 if not justifies1 on the ground of political necessity2 and others on the ground of domestic perfidy2 though he almost stumbles in his efforts at excusing the taking off of ,crispus1 the emperor's own son2 ,fausta1 his wife2 and the lad ,licinius4 ,these are the executions1 he says1 which above all others cast a reflection upon the reign of ,constantine2 though there are also hints of the death of some others about the same time1 with whom ,constantine had till then lived in ,,lxi friendship4 #ajg ,after which the ,doctor immediately adds--in the very face of all the facts he adduces1 and after reciting the condemnation of both heathen and ,christian writers of some of these murders--the following3 ,i do by no means think that ,constantine was a man of a cruel disposition2 and therefore ,i am unwilling to touch upon any other actions of a like nature3 as his making some ,german princes taken captive1 fight in the theatre2 and sending the head of ,maxentius to ,africa1 after it had been made a part of ,constantine's triumphal entry at ,rome4 ,when one finds a sober ,christian writer of the eighteenth century who can thus speak of ,constantine2 and further remembers that to this day a priest of the ,greek church seldom mentions the name of the imperial saint1 without adding the title1 ,equal to the ,apostles2 one is not surprised that while he lived1 and at his court a ,christian bishop could be found who congratulated him as constituted by ,god to rule over all1 in the present world1 and destined to reign with the son of ,god in the world to come4 #ajh ,or that ,eusebius1 who is spoken of as one of the best bishops of the imperial court1 did not scruple for a moment to ascribe to the purest motives of a true servant of ,god all those transactions into which the emperor1 without evincing the slightest regard to truth or to humanity1 had suffered himself to be drawn by an ambition which could not abide a rival1 in the struggle with ,licinius2 when he represents the emperor1 in a war which1 beyond a doubt1 had been undertaken from motives of a purely selfish policy1 as marshalling the order of the battle1 and giving out the words of command by divine inspiration bestowed in answer to his prayer4 #aji ,enough of this4 ,let us look no longer at this first of the ,christian emperors through the eyes of churchmen seeking to extol his virtues and hide his crimes1 all for the honor of the ,church4 ,so odious had he become in ,rome for his many murders that a pasquinade which compared his reign to that of the detested ,nero was nailed to the palace gates4 ,the guilty emperor1 says one1 in the first burst of anger1 was on the point of darkening the tragedy1 if such a thing had been possible1 by a massacre of the ,roman populace who had thus insulted him4 ,his brothers were consulted on this measure of vengeance1 however1 and the result of their counsel was a resolution to degrade ,rome to a subordinate rank1 and build a metropolis elsewhere1 and hence the new capital of the empire rose on the shores of the ,bosphorus4 ,reflecting upon the career of ,constantine from the days of his young manhood1 which had in it something of the quality that makes the successful leader of men1 to the time when he fell under the influence of the false priests of a corrupted religion1 ,draper says3 ,,lxii ,from the rough soldier who accepted the purple at ,york1 how great the change to the effeminate emperor of the ,bosphorus1 in silken robes stiffened with threads of gold1 a diadem of sapphires and pearls1 and false hair1 stained of various tints2 his steps stealthily guarded by mysterious eunuchs flitting through the palace1 the streets full of spies1 and an ever watchful police6 ,the same man who approaches us as the ,roman imperator retires from us as the ,asiastic despot4 ,in the last days of his life he put aside the imperial purple1 and1 assuming the customary white garments1 prepared for baptism1 that the sins of his long and evil life might all be washed away4 ,since complete purification can thus be only once obtained1 he was desirous to procrastinate that ceremony to the last moment4 ,profoundly politic1 even in his relations with heaven1 he thenceforth reclined on a white bed1 took no further part in worldly affairs1 and1 having thus insured a right to the continuance of that prosperity in a future life which he had enjoyed in this1 expired4 #aaj ,and so ,gibbon3 ,the sublime theory of the gospel had made a much fainter impression on the heart1 than on the understanding1 of ,constantine himself4 ,he pursued the great objects of his ambition through the dark and bloody paths of war and policy2 and1 after the victory1 he abandoned himself1 without moderation1 to the abuse of his fortune4 ,instead of asserting his just superiority above the imperfect heroism and profane philosophy of ,trajan and the ,antonines1 the mature age of ,constantine forfeited the reputation which he had acquired in his youth4 ,as he gradually advanced in the knowledge of truth1 he proportionately declined in the practice of virtue2 and the same year of his reign in which he convened the council of ,nice1 was polluted by the execution1 or rather murder of his eldest son ,crispus4 99 99 99 99 ,at the time of the death of ,crispus1 the emperor could no longer hesitate in the choice of religion2 he could no longer be ignorant that the church was possessed of an infallible remedy1 baptism though he chose to defer the application of it till the approach of death had removed the temptation and danger of a relapse4 99 99 99 99 ,the example and reputation of ,constantine seemed to countenance the delay of baptism4 ,future tyrants were encouraged to believe that the innocent blood which they might shed in a long reign would instantly be washed away in the waters of regeneration2 and the abuse of religion dangerously undermined the foundations of moral virtue4 #aaa ,such1 then1 was the first ,christian emperor4 ,he uplifted ,christianity from the condition of a persecuted religion1 and made it the state religion of ,rome2 and also provided means for its wider acceptance4 ,if for this it shall be claimed1 as it is1 that much in his evil life should be overlooked1 it would still be pertinent to ask whether his acts in connection with ,christianity did not debase rather than exalt it2 and if his provisions for its wider acceptation did not tend rather to the corruption of what remained true in the ,christianity then extant1 than to the establishment of true religion4 ,,lxiii ,christianity made a ,persecuting ,religion4 ,the edict of ,milan1 by which was intended no more than the establishment of religious liberty in the empire1 and which was issued in #cac ,a4 ,d41 by ,constantine and his colleague1 ,licinius1 was well enough4 ,freedom to teach and practice the truth is all the ,christian church could ask or expect4 ,had he stopped here1 his action in this particular would have met with universal applause4 ,but he went beyond this4 ,he not only protected the ,christians by his laws1 but prohibited by express edicts the free exercise of religion to the pagans4 ,his proscriptions were mild at first1 going no further than to prohibit soothsaying and divination in private houses or anywhere in secret4 ,later1 however1 if we may believe the words of ,eusebius1 he placed the pagan religion under the ban of the laws4 ,eusebius says3 ,the emperor proceeded to act with great vigor1 gave the government of the provinces chiefly to ,christians1 and when any ,gentiles were made governors they were prohibited to sacrifice4 ,which law comprehended not only presidents of provinces but also higher officers1 and even the praetorian praefects4 ,if they were ,christians1 they were required to act according to their principles4 ,if they were otherwise disposed1 still the practice of idolatrous rites were forbidden4 99 99 99 99 ,and soon after that were two laws published1 at one and the same time1 one prohibiting the detestable rites of idolatry hitherto practiced in cities and country places2 and that for the future none should erect statues to the gods1 nor perform the vain arts of divination1 nor offer up any sacrifices4 ,the other law was for enlarging ,christian oratories and churches1 or for rebuilding them more grand and splendid4 #aab ,when contrasting the course of the first ,christian emperor with the pagan emperors1 ,eusebius says1 ,they commanded the temples to be magnificently adorned2 he demolished them to the foundation1 especially such as were most respected by superstitious people4 #aac ,later he expressly says that throughout the whole ,roman empire1 the doors of idolatry were shut to the commonalty and to the soldiery1 and that every kind of sacrifice was prohibited4 ,again he says1 that there were several laws published for these purposes1 forbidding sacrifices1 divinations1 raising statues1 and the secret mysteries or rites of initiation4 ,and he says further1 that in ,egypt a sort of priesthood1 consecrated to the honor of the ,nile1 was entirely suppressed4 #aad ,i am not unmindful that some respectable authorities question if ,constantine really departed from the policy of toleration announced in his edict of ,milan2 and that even ,gibbon is inclined to believe in his toleration of ,,lxiv paganism4 ,the statement here made by ,eusebius1 the contemporary and biographer of ,constantine1 however1 together with reference to the edicts of suppression quoted by his son ,constans in the succeeding reign1 and which is quoted by ,lardner1 #aae establishes beyond question the policy of intolerance of ,constantine toward paganism4 ,especially when what ,eusebius has said is supplemented by the fact that the emperor destroyed a number of heathen temples1 and peremptorily ordered the closing of the others4 ,among the heathen temples destroyed was one at ,aegae1 in ,cilicia1 erected to ,aesculapius1 celebrated for the number of sick that had been healed there1 and held in high esteem by men of the better class among the pagans and philosophers4 ,it is said that by its destruction and the public exhibition of certain images of the gods1 many tricks of the priests were exposed and became objects of sport to the populace4 #aaf ,but while this may have been the conduct of some insincere pagans1 those who remained heathens1 as ,le,clerc has well said1 were no doubt extremely shocked at the manner in which the statues of their gods were treated2 and could not consider the ,christians as men of moderation4 ,for1 in short1 those statues were as dear to them1 as anything1 the most sacred1 could be to the ,christians4 #aag ,eusebius taunted the philosophers about the destruction of the temple1 without any interference on the part of the god to whom it had been erected1 apparently all unmindful of the fact that just such taunts had been hurled at the ,christian martyrs in the days that the kingdom of ,god suffered violence1 and the violent took it by force4 ,had not ,eusebius1 remarked ,lardner1 often heard with his own ears1 and read in the history of ancient martyrs1 the insults and triumphs of the heathens over the ,christians1 that they professed themselves the worshipers of the great and only true ,god1 and yet everybody1 that pleased1 was able to molest and destroy them1 as he saw good8 #aah ,the zeal of ,christian writers has done all in its power to excuse or palliate the conduct of ,constantine in his acts for the suppression of the pagan religion and worship2 but after all is said by his apologists that can be said2 after every allowance is conceded for the times in which he lived1 and the previous conduct of the pagans through two centuries of violence towards the ,christians1 the fact remains that the first ,christian emperor did by his edicts put the ancient religion of the empire under the ban of the law1 and by acts of violence destroyed some of its temples and closed the rest by imperial decree1 that the pagan gods might not be worshiped2 and this1 doubtless1 with the approval--and it would not ,,lxv be difficult to believe1 under all the circumstances1 at the suggestion--of ,christian bishops who thronged his court4 ,on the foundation of intolerance thus laid by him1 others hastened to build4 ,in the succeeding reign1 among the first laws enacted was this one against pagan sacrifices3 ,let superstition cease2 let the madness of sacrificing he abolished4 ,for whoever shall presume contrary to the constitution of our father1 a prince of blessed memory1 and contrary to this command of our clemency1 to offer sacrifices1 let a proper and convenient punishment be inflicted1 and execution presently done upon him4 #aai ,this edict was supplemented a few years later #abj by the following edict3 ,it is our pleasure that in all places and in all cities1 the temples be immediately shut1 and carefully guarded that none may have the power of offending1 ,it is likewise our pleasure1 that all our subjects should abstain from sacrifices4 ,if any one should be guilty of such an act1 let him feel the sword of vengeance2 and after his execution1 let his property be confiscated to the public use4 ,we denounce the same penalties against the governors of the provinces1 if they neglect to punish the criminals4 #aba ,it is not necessary to pursue the subject much further4 ,it will be sufficient to say that during the fourth century1 by following the policy of suppression inaugurated by this first ,christian emperor1 ,christianity was changed from a persecuted to a persecuting religion4 ,without restraint from the ecclesiastical authorities1 the ,christian emperors issued edicts against the pagan religion1 proscribed its followers1 destroyed its temples1 and confiscated its property to the uses of the rival religion4 ,even ,neander1 speaking of this revolution1 and constrained as he is to say all that he can for the honor of the ,christian ,church1 is compelled to admit that the relation of things had become reversed4 ,as in former times the observance of the pagan ceremonies1 the religion of the state1 had appeared in the light of a civil duty1 and the profession of ,christianity in that of a crime against the state2 so now it was the case1 not indeed that the outward profession of ,christianity was commanded as a universal civil duty1 for against this the spirit of ,christianity too earnestly remonstrated2 but that the exercise of the pagan religion was made politically dangerous4 #abb ,in the pages of this eminent ,christian historian one may read that before the close of the century which witnessed the elevation of ,christianity to the dignity of the state religion of the empire1 wild troops of ,christian monks were undertaking campaigns1 especially in the country1 for the destruction of the ,,lxvi heathen temples in which sacrifices were alleged to have been performed2 of bishops who not only superintended the destruction of heathen temples at the head of bands of soldiers and gladiators1 but paraded through the streets of the cities the symbols of the heathen faith1 provoking civil conflicts which ,christian emperors did not hesitate to take advantage of for the more complete suppression of paganism4 #abc ,meantime a pagan apologist1 ,libanius1 arises to plead the cause of religious toleration1 and in the course of his address to the ,christian emperor1 ,theodosius1 he puts to shame the ,christianity then in vogue1 by showing the emperor how far the ,church had departed from the spirit of the ,christian religion1 by saying3 ,force is said not to be permitted1 even according to the laws of your own religion3 persuasion is said to be praised1 but force condemned by them4 ,why then1 do you wreak your fury against the temples1 when this surely is not to persuade1 but to use force8 ,thus1 then1 it is plain you would transgress even the laws of your own religion4 #abd ,lardner calls attention to the fact that as under pagan emperors previous to ,constantine ,christianity had been in a state of persecution1 so now1 after ,constantine1 he proceeds to show that paganism under ,christian emperors was all along in a state of persecution--,however1 ,i would hope1 not so severe and vigorous as that of the ,christians in the foregoing period of near three hundred years4 #abe ,and so ,le,clerc1 as quoted by ,lardner3 ,thus it was that the ,christians continued to return to the pagans what they had suffered from them during the first three centuries1 instead of gaining them by patience and mildness1 which they had so much recommended when they were the weakest4 ,this conduct was proper to make the pagans more obstinate1 by teaching them that the ,christians affected to speak of humanity and moderation from interest only1 and not from a principle of religion as they pretended4 ,at least it is certain1 that thereby they lost the right to complain of the manner in which the pagans had treated them in times past1 or to boast of the mildness of their religion1 which they effectually disparaged by those persecutions4 99 99 99 ,nor ought we to imagine that the penalties laid by ,christians upon the pagans were light4 ,if a sacrifice was offered in a private place1 with the knowledge of the proprietor1 the place was confiscated2 if not1 they were to pay a fine of twenty pounds of gold1 as much as if it had been done in a temple2 and in some cases the penalty of death was appointed4 ,we may look into the oration of ,libanius for the temples1 where that orator sustains the same character before ,theodosius as the ,christians had formerly done before pagan emperors4 ,i must acknowledge that this phenomenon1 if ,i may so call it1 gives me pain3 for ,i could wish that they who defended the ,,lxvii truth had preserved to themselves the honor of being the only persons that were persecuted for religion4 #abf ,persecution of ,heretics4 ,once started upon the policy of suppressing by force those of a different religion1 ,christianity did not stop with the persecution of the pagans2 bad and un-,christian as that was1 still more serious results occurred from the persecutions inflicted upon so-called heretics in the ,church1 by those who were considered orthodox4 ,it is true that there were heretics in the ,church before the days of ,constantine2 much progress had been made in the matter of paganizing ,christianity1 and more or less of intolerance was manifested by ,christian sects towards one another2 but it was the policy and example of this first ,christian emperor that laid the real foundation for that monument of shame and disgrace to the ,christian name which rises upon the plains of ,christian discord and strife and war waged against heretics in the name and for the glory of ,christ4 ,it is this which constitutes the most melancholy page of ecclesiastical history4 ,in his office of supreme pontiff in the old pagan religion1 which he held by virtue of being emperor of ,rome1 ,constantine may naturally have supposed that the supreme headship of the religion he had protected and the ,church he had elevated fell to him for the same reason2 and with it the right to reconcile differences1 compose factions1 and determine what should be the orthodox faith4 ,at any rate we find him acting somewhat in this capacity4 ,when contending church parties appealed to him1 he at first was indifferent to their disputes1 and tried to shame them into harmony by referring to the conduct of the ,greek philosophers1 who never discussed difficult questions before ignorant multitudes2 who could maintain their arguments without losing their temper2 and assert their freedom without violating any friendship4 #abg ,his efforts at reconciling the differences that arose among ,christians over what is known as the ,arian controversy were of no avail2 and after six years of bitter strife1 the emperor summoned the bishops of the ,church to ,nicea in ,bithynia4 ,after long deliberation ,arianism was condemned1 and orthodox ,christianity was established by decree of the council1 ratified by the emperor1 to which all ,christians must conform4 ,those who resisted the divine judgment of the synod must prepare themselves for immediate exile4 #abh ,how effectual the argument1 belief or banishment1 even among the bishops at the council1 was1 may be determined from the fact that the opposition to the decision of the council was almost ,,lxviii instantly reduced from seventeen to two4 #abi ,in his zeal to enforce orthodoxy the emperor forgot his former moderation1 and in #cbf ,a4,d4--the year following the council of ,nicea--he issued a general edict against heretics1 in which1 after condemning his own past forbearance as occasioning men's being seduced1 he says to the various heretical parties3 ,wherefore1 since this your pernicious wickedness is no longer to be endured1 we by this present law command you1 that you no more presume to meet together4 ,and we have given orders that all those places where you are wont to hold assemblies should be taken away4 ,yea1 our concern for this matter is such1 that we not only forbid you to assemble to any public place2 but we likewise forbid all assemblies of your foolish superstition in private houses1 and in all private places whatever4 ,all of you1 therefore1 who have any sincere love of truth1 come to the ,catholic church4 ,and that this remedy may have its full effect1 we ordain that all your superstitious conventicles1 ,i mean oratories of all heretics1 if it be fit to call such houses oratories1 be forthwith taken away1 and without any opposition delivered to the ,catholic church3 and that the rest of your places be adjudged to the public4 #acj ,thus the dens of heretics were laid open by the imperial edict1 exultantly exclaims ,eusebius1 the ,christian bishop1 and the wild beasts1 the ring leaders of their impiety1 were scattered4 #aca ,and thus was the paganized ,christian church launched upon that career of persecution of heretics within the church1 as well as upon the policy of persecuting those of a different religion2 a policy that has filled the world with religious wars1 and deeds of cruelty which would better become the reign of a ,nero than ,christian rulers of ,christian nations4 ,it is a terrible arraignment which ,gibbon draws against apostate ,christendom in the concluding paragraph of his review of the persecutions which had been endured by the followers of ,christ in the ,christian centuries preceding ,constantine4 ,he says3 ,we shall conclude this chapter by a melancholy truth1 which obtrudes itself on the reluctant mind2 that1 even admitting1 without hesitation or inquiry1 all that history has recorded1 or devotion has feigned1 on the subject of martyrdoms1 it must still be acknowledged that the ,christians1 in the course of their intestine dissensions1 have inflicted far greater severities on each other than they have experienced from the zeal of infidels4 ,during the ages of ignorance which followed the subversion of the ,roman empire in the west1 #acb the bishops of the imperial city extended their dominion over the laity as well as clergy of the ,latin church4 ,the ,,lxix fabric of superstition which they had erected1 and which might long have defied the feeble efforts of reason1 was at length assaulted by a crowd of daring fanatics1 who1 from the twelfth to the sixteenth century1 assumed the popular character of reformers4 ,the church of ,rome defended by violence the empire which she had acquired by fraud2 a system of peace and benevolence was soon disgraced by proscriptions1 wars1 massacres1 and the institution of the holy office2 and as the reformers were animated by the love of civil as well as religious freedom1 the ,catholic princes connected their own interest with that of the clergy1 and enforced by fire and sword the terror of spiritual censures4 ,in the ,netherlands alone more than one hundred thousand of the subjects of ,charles the ,fifth are said to have suffered by the hand of the executioner2 and this extraordinary number is attested by ,grotius1 a man of genius and learning1 who preserved his moderation amidst the fury of contending sects1 and who composed the annals of his own age and century1 at the time when the invention of printing had facilitated the means of intelligence and increased the danger of detection4 ,if we are obliged to submit our belief to the authority of ,grotius1 it must be allowed that the number of protestants who were executed in a single province and a single reign far exceeded that of the primitive martyrs in the space of three centuries1 and of the ,roman empire6 #acc ,both ,guizot and ,milman1 eminent ,christian scholars1 annotated the work of ,edward ,gibbon1 the former in ,french1 the latter in an ,english edition2 and at every point where they could modify a statement or soften a passage apparently unjust to ,christianity1 they did so2 but in the presence of the important and terrible passages just quoted1 they remained absolutely silent6 ,nor has any other ,christian writer since their day1 so far as ,i know1 attempted to contradict the statement of ,mr4 ,gibbon4 ,it is proper to say1 however1 that in a note ,mr4 ,gibbon himself cites the fact that ,fra ,paola1 an ,italian writer1 places the number of ,belgic martyrs at fifty thousand1 but even that computation would still leave the conclusion of ,mr4 ,gibbon's reflections unimpaired4 ,the circumstance of the ,church elevated by ,constantine becoming a persecuting ,church is a strong evidence of its paganized state2 for the true ,christian religion is not a persecuting religion2 the true ,church of ,christ is not a persecuting ,church4 ,when the ,samaritans would not receive the ,messiah1 some of the ,apostles would have them consumed by fire from heaven2 but the ,master turned and rebuked them1 saying1 ,ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of4 ,for the ,son of man is not come to destroy men's lives1 but to save them4 #acd ,it is true that ,messiah said3 ,think not that ,i am come to send peace on earth3 ,i came not to send peace1 but a sword4 ,for ,i am come to set a man at variance against his father1 and the daughter against her mother1 and the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law4 ,and a man's foes shall be ,,lxx they of his own household4 #ace ,this1 however1 is but a prediction of the effect of the proclamation of the ,gospel1 not an authorization to force the acceptance of ,christianity by the sword2 nor does it authorize the ,church to invoke the arm of the civil authority to execute by force her doctrinal decrees4 ,the ,gospel of ,jesus ,christ1 it is true1 did not bring peace1 but a sword2 the sword1 however1 was found in the hands of those who rejected the ,gospel1 not in the hands of those who accepted and preached it4 ,and when the ,church departed so far from the spirit of ,christ that she grasped the sword in her own hands1 or dictated the civil authority to wield it in her behalf1 and that became the policy of the ,church1 the adoption of that policy proclaimed her apostate condition to the world1 in a manner to be known and read of all men4 ,christianity ,before and ,after ,constantine4 ,i think sufficient has been said to justify the belief that the reign of ,constantine marks the period when the paganization of ,christianity had become complete4 ,i do not mean by this that there is any particular date which one may set down to show that here true ,christianity ceases1 and there apostate ,christianity begins2 which is a point frequently insisted upon by those who contend for the unbroken perpetuity of ,christianity from the days of ,messiah4 ,they demand to know on what night it was that the whole collection of ,christians1 of different nationalities and languages1 went to bed sound in the ,christian faith1 to awake the next morning all pagans4 #acf ,i claim no such sudden revolution brought about the apostasy which ,i am sure took place4 ,we have seen by what has already been said1 that even in the time of the ,apostles there was a tendency on the part of the ,christians to depart from the religion of ,jesus ,christ2 that after the days of the ,apostles there was a steady increase in the number and influence of false teachers2 an insidious introduction of heresies2 a multiplication of rites and ceremonies well known in the pagan celebration of religious mysteries1 but entirely foreign to the ,gospel2 and an amalgamation of pagan doctrines with ,christian principles4 ,it remains to be shown that there was a steady increase of immorality among the professing ,christians2 a marked loss of spirituality2 a rapid growth of pride and worldliness on the part of ,christian bishops and other church leaders2 and at last1 an utter departure from the true and living ,god and ,jesus ,christ whom ,he had sent1 and the establishment of a system in its place1 as debasing to men as it was dishonorable to ,god4 ,taking then the reign of ,constantine as the period beyond which the ,,lxxi true religion of ,christ did not extend1 nor the true ,church of ,christ exist1 let us consider ,christianity before his reign and after it4 ,here ,i shall ask the reader to take into account as part of the consideration of ,christianity previous to ,constantine what ,i have already set before him in this introduction concerning the tendency to division and heresies which existed in the ,church in the days of the ,apostles2 and also those quotations ,i have made from eminent ,christian authorities1 which give evidence of the early corruption of ,christianity1 and which too plainly testify that it was in a state of steady decline through the second and third centuries1 until it was fit only for such enthronement as a ,constantine could give it1 when he made it the state religion of a corrupt empire hastening to its decay4 ,if the reader will do this1 it will obviate the necessity of my referring to these matters again4 ,decline in ,moral and ,spiritual ,living ,among ,christians4 ,it will be conceded that the ,gospel of ,jesus ,christ commands a very high order of moral and spiritual living1 and that the ,apostles enjoined this moral law upon the early saints as essential to the favor of ,god4 ,others also after the days of the ,apostles1 followed in the same admonition1 and indeed the sharp contrast that existed between the lives of converts before and after their acceptance of ,christianity was a matter of pride not only to ,st4 ,paul1 #acg but to ,justin ,martyr of the second century1 who1 in reference to the change produced in the lives of ,christian converts1 said3 ,we who were once slaves of lust1 now have delight only in purity of morals2 we1 who once practiced arts of magic1 have consecrated ourselves to the ,eternal and ,good ,god2 we1 who once prized gain above all things1 give even what we have to the common use1 and share it with such as are in need2 we1 who once hated and murdered one another1 who on account of differences of customs would have no common hearth with strangers1 do now1 since the appearance of ,christ1 live together with them2 we pray for our enemies2 we seek to convince those that hate us without cause1 so that there may order their lives according to ,christ's glorious doctrine and attain to the joyful hope of receiving like blessings with us from ,god1 the ,lord of all4 #ach ,it was not long1 however1 before there was a marked departure from this high moral level among the ,christians4 ,in tracing that decline ,i shall use chiefly the ,history of the ,church by ,joseph ,milner1 published in #agid4 ,my reason for doing so is as follows3 ,i have already stated in this writing1 that ,milner wrote what some regard as his great history of the ,church1 to counteract the influence of ,dr4 ,mosheim's splendid ,institutes of ,ecclesiastical ,history1 which is evidently by some ,,lxxii regarded as too much a history of the perversions and abuses of religion4 ,milner plainly informs his readers that he intends to write the history of those only who have been real1 not nominal1 ,christians1 irrespective of the external ,church to which they belonged1 proceeding upon the theory that these good men constitute the ,church of ,christ4 ,his history1 in other words1 is a history of piety1 not of the ,church4 ,it will be his purpose therefore to exalt the morality of the ,christians in all ages2 and ,i quote his work respecting the moral deteriorations of the ,christians that ,i may not be charged with quoting authorities who some think have made too much of ,christian shortcomings4 ,milner says that a gloomy cloud1 concerning moral conditions1 hung over the close of the first century1 and proceeds to argue that the first impressions made by the effusions of the spirit are the strongest2 that human depravity overborne for a time arose afresh1 particularly in the next generation1 and hence the disorders of schisms and heresies in the ,church4 ,neander does not agree with the philosophy of ,milner4 ,he says1 ,christianity1 since it first entered human nature1 has operated1 wherever it has struck root1 with the same divine power for sanctification2 and this divine power cannot be weakened by the lapse of ages4 ,in this respect1 therefore1 the period of the first appearance of ,christianity could have no advantage over any of the following ages of the ,christian ,church4 #aci ,and he follows this declaration with a statement1 that the change which ,christianity produced in the lives of those who accepted it appeared so strongly marked by the contrast it presented with what they had previously been when pagans4 ,the correctness of the philosophy ,i shall leave these two great ,christian authorities to settle between themselves4 ,i am concerned more particularly with the facts in the case4 ,in consequence of the prominence that has been given to the persecutions of the ,christians during the first three centuries1 the impression very extensively prevails that the early ,christian ,church was constantly under the hard pressure of continuous and relentless persecutions4 ,this1 however1 is not the case4 ,there were many periods of peace granted to the ,christians4 ,indeed their periods of persecution were only occasional1 and it is a question if these periods of peace were not more detrimental to ,christianity than the seasons of persecution4 ,milner1 under the authority of ,origen1 says that the long peace granted the ,church in the third century1 during the reign of the several emperors1 from about #bfj ,a4 ,d41 to the opening of the fourth century1 produced a great degree of luke-warmness and religious indecorum4 ,let the reader1 he says1 only notice the indifference which ,origen here describes and the conduct of ,christians both in the first and second centuries1 and ,,lxxiii he will be affected with the greatness of the declension4 ,then he quotes ,origen3 ,several come to church only on solemn festivals1 and then not so much for instruction as diversion4 ,some go out again as soon as they have heard the lecture1 without conferring or asking the pastors questions4 ,others stay not till the lecture is ended1 and others hear not so much as a single word1 but entertain themselves in a corner of the church4 #adj ,coming to the middle of the third century1 just previous to that severe persecution inaugurated by the emperor ,decius1 and speaking of ,cyprian1 ,bishop of ,carthage1 ,milner exclaims3 ,a star of the first magnitude1 when we consider the time in which he lived6 ,let us recreate ourselves with the contemplation of it4 ,we are fatigued with hunting for ,christian goodness1 and we have discovered but little and that little with much difficulty4 ,we shall find ,cyprian to be a character who partook indeed of the declensions which we have noticed and lamented1 but who was still far superior1 ,i apprehend1 in real simplicity and piety1 to the ,christians of the ,east4 #ada ,this same ,cyprian1 in which ,milner delights1 speaking of the effects of the long peace upon the ,church which preceded the ,decian persecution1 says3 ,each had been bent on improving his own patrimony1 and had forgotten what believers had done under the ,apostles1 and what they ought always to do4 ,they were brooding over the arts of amassing wealth2 the pastors and the deacons each forgot his duty2 works of mercy were neglected1 and discipline was at the lowest ebb2 luxury and effeminacy prevailed2 meritricious arts in dress were cultivated2 fraud and deception practiced among brethren4 ,christians would unite themselves in matrimony with unbelievers2 could swear1 not only without reverence but without veracity4 ,with haughty asperity they despised their ecclesiastical superiors2 they railed against one another with outrageous acrimony1 and conducted quarrels with determined malice4 ,even many bishops1 who ought to be guides and patterns to the rest1 neglected the peculiar duties of their stations1 gave themselves up to secular pursuits4 ,they deserted their places of residence and their flocks2 they traveled through distant provinces in quest of pleasure and gain2 gave no assistance to their needy brethren1 but were insatiable in their thirst of money4 ,they possessed estates by fraud and multiplied usury4 ,what have we not deserved to suffer for such conduct8 ,even the divine word hath foretold us what we might expect3 ,if his children forsake my law and walk not in my judgments1 ,i will visit their offenses with the rod and their sins with scourges4 ,these things had been denounced and foretold1 but in vain4 ,our sins had brought our affairs to that pass1 that because we had despised the ,lord's directions1 we were obliged to undergo a correction of our multiplied evils and a trial of our faith by severe remedies4 #adb ,,lxxiv ,referring to the long reign of peace in the closing decade of the third century1 ,milner says3 ,this new scene the toleration of ,christianity by a pagan government did not prove favorable to the growth of grace and holiness4 ,in no period since the ,apostles was there ever so great a general decay as in this4 ,not even in particular instances can we discover during this interval much of lively ,christianity4 #adc ,here ,i drop ,milner to take up ,eusebius1 who was an eye witness of the moral declension among the ,christians previous to the last great pagan persecution under the emperor ,diocletian4 ,referring to the long period of peace which the ,church had enjoyed--a period of forty years--he says3 ,but when1 by reason of excessive liberty1 we sunk into negligence and sloth1 one envying and reviling another in different ways1 and we were almost1 as it were1 upon the point of taking up arms against each other with words as with darts and spears1 prelates inveighing against prelates1 and people rising up against people1 and hypocrisy and dissimulation had arisen to the greatest height of malignity1 then the divine judgment1 which usually proceeds with a lenient hand1 whilst the multitudes were yet crowding into the ,church1 with gentle and mild visitations began to afflict the episcopacy2 the persecution having begun with those brethren in the army4 ,but as if destitute of all sensibility1 we were not prompt in measures to appease and propitiate the ,deity2 some indeed like atheists1 regarding our situation as unheeded and unobserved by a ,providence1 we added one wickedness and misery to another4 ,but some that appeared to be our pastors deserting the law of piety1 were inflamed against each other with mutual strifes1 only accumulating quarrels and threats1 rivalship1 hostility and hatred to each other1 only anxious to assert the government as a kind of sovereignty for themselves4 #add ,here ,i shall avail myself of some reflections upon this condition which ,i have elsewhere expressed2 #ade ,let it be remembered that what is said in the foregoing quotation is from a writer contemporary with the events1 and who says1 in the very chapter following the one from which ,i have just quoted1 that it was not for him to record the dissensions and follies which the shepherds of the people exercised against each other before the persecution4 ,he also adds3 ,we shall not make mention of those that were shaken by the persecution1 nor of those that suffered shipwreck in their salvation1 and of their own accord were sunk in the depths of the watery gulf4 #adf ,then in his ,book of ,martyrs1 referring to events that occurred between the edicts ordering the persecution1 he says3 ,but the events that occurred in the intermediate times1 besides ,,lxxv those already related1 ,i have thought proper to pass by2 ,i mean more particularly the circumstances of the different heads of the churches1 who from being shepherds of the reasonable flocks of ,christ1 that did not govern in a lawful and becoming manner1 were condemned by divine justice1 as unworthy of such a charge1 to be the keepers of the unreasonable camel1 an animal deformed in the structure of his body2 and condemned further to be the keepers of the imperial horses4 99 99 99 99 ,moreover1 the ambitious aspirings of many to office1 and the injudicious and unlawful ordinations that took place1 the divisions among the confessors themselves1 the great schisms and difficulties industriously fomented by the factions among the new members1 against the relics of the ,church1 devising one innovation after another1 and unmercifully thrusting them into the midst of all these calamities1 heaping up affliction upon affliction4 ,all this1 ,i say1 ,i have resolved to pass by1 judging it foreign to my purpose1 wishing1 as ,i said in the beginning1 to shun and avoid giving an account of them4 #adg ,hence1 however bad the condition of the ,church is represented to be by ecclesiastical writers1 we must know that it was still worse than that2 however numerous the schisms2 however unholy the ambition of aspiring prelates2 however frequent and serious the innovations upon the primitive ordinances of the ,gospel2 however great the confusion and apostasy in the ,church is represented to be2 we must know that it is still worse than that1 since the ,church historians contemporaneous with the events refused to record these things in their fulness1 lest it should prove disastrous to the ,church2 just as some of our modern scholars professing to write ,church history express their determination to close their eyes to the corruption and abuses which form the greater part of the melancholy story of ecclesiastical history1 for fear that relating these things would make it appear that real religion scarcely had any existence4 #adh ,i shall say no more upon the matter of moral declensions among ,christians1 except this3 ,if there was such moral declensions among ,christians as is represented by the foregoing high authorities on ,christian affairs in the centuries preceding ,constantine1 what moral declension must have prevailed when from a proscribed religion ,christianity was exalted to the dignity of the state religion of the empire2 and her prelates and clergy were recalled from exile and suffering1 poverty and disgrace1 and loaded with the wealth and honors that the lord of the ,roman world could bestow8 ,consider1 in this connection1 the propositions of ,constantine at the council of ,nicea for the propaganda of ,christianity1 and pass a candid judgment upon the moral or rather immoral effect they would produce upon the ,church4 ,neander thus states them3 ,,lxxvi ,the heathen would be most easily led to salvation1 if the condition of the ,christians were made to appear to them in all respects enviable4 ,they the bishops should consider1 that the advantage to be derived from preaching could not belong to all4 ,some1 he said1 might be drawn to the faith by being seasonably supplied with the means of subsistence4 ,others were accustomed to repair to that quarter where they found protection and intercession 7alluding to the intercessions of the bishops74 ,others would be won by an affable reception4 ,others by being honored with presents4 ,there were but few who honestly loved the exhibitions of religious doctrine2 but few were the friends of truth 7therefore but few sincere converts74 ,for this reason they should accommodate themselves to the characters of all1 and like skillful physicians1 give to each man that which might contribute to his cure1 so that in every way the saving doctrine might be glorified in all4 #adi ,the effect of adopting such methods for the more rapid propagation of ,christianity1 as is here proposed by the emperor to the bishops assembled at the council of ,nicea1 must be apparent to all1 and is quite universally lamented by ,christian writers of later ages4 ,a course of proceeding upon such principles1 remarks ,neander himself1 must entirely have thrown open a wide door for all manner of hypocrisy4 ,even ,eusebius1 the panegyrist of ,constantine1 blinded as he was by the splendor which the latter had cast over the outward ,church--even he is obliged to reckon among the grievous evils of this period1 of which he was an eye witness1 the indescribable hypocrisy of those who gave themselves out as ,christians merely for temporal advantage1 and who1 by their outward show of zeal for the faith1 contrived to win the confidence of the emperor1 which he suffered them to abuse4 #aej ,the piercing eye of ambition and avarice1 says ,gibbon1 soon discovered that the profession of ,christianity might contribute to the interest of the present as well as of a future life4 ,the hopes of wealth and honors1 the example of an emperor1 his exhortations1 his irresistible smiles1 diffused conviction among the venal and obsequious crowds which usually fill the apartments of a palace4 ,the cities which signalized a forward zeal by the voluntary destruction of their temples1 were distinguished by municipal privileges and rewarded with popular donatives4 99 99 99 ,as the lower ranks of society are governed by imitation1 the conversion of those who possessed any eminence of birth1 of power1 or of riches1 was soon followed by dependent multitudes4 ,the salvation of the common people was purchased at an easy rate1 if it be true that in one year ,,lxxvii twelve thousand men were baptized at ,rome1 besides a proportionable number of women and children2 and that a white garment1 with twenty pieces of gold1 had been promised by the emperor to every convert4 #aea ,under all these circumstances it is small wonder if men exclaimed as ,augustine did somewhat later in his commentary on ,st4 ,john--,how many seek ,jesus only that ,he may benefit them in earthly matters6 ,one man has a law suit1 so he seeks the intercession of the clergy3 another is oppressed by his superior1 so he takes refuge in the ,church4 ,others are seeking1 one in this way and another in that1 to be interceded for in some quarter where they have but little influence themselves4 ,the ,church is daily full of such persons4 ,seldom is ,jesus sought for ,jesus' sake6 #aeb ,after nicely balancing the possibility and probability of those who came into the ,church for present worldly advantage being converted in time to a true faith in the ,christian religion1 ,neander says3 ,beyond all doubt the number was far greater of those who grew hardened in that worldly sense by which from the first they had profaned a holy profession1 and who were thus the means of introducing into the ,church a great mass of corruption4 ,unhappily1 he adds1 there were bishops whose only wish was to make the conversion to ,christianity a right easy thing for the pagans4 99 99 99 ,hence they baptized even those who lived in open sin1 and who plainly enough manifested that it was not their purpose to forsake it4 ,they imagined that when these were only baptized and introduced into the fellowship of the ,church1 it was then time enough to admonish them against sin4 #aec ,surely it was not difficult among such a mass of unconverted members thus brought into the ,church to find elements that would foster the errors1 both in ethics and in doctrine1 which about this time arose in the ,church4 ,it is small wonder that it was well nigh publicly adopted in this age--as we are informed by ,mosheim--,that to deceive and lie is a virtue when religion can be promoted by it1 and that error in religion ought to be visited with penalties and punishments4 ,the first of these evils resulted in the accumulation of that mass of myth and fable that burdens the annals of the dark ages2 the second established the holy inquisition1 alike the shame of the ,roman ,catholic church and the so-called ,christian civilization she has influenced4 ,it is almost incredible1 continues ,mosheim1 speaking of the first evil referred to1 what a mass of the most insipid fables1 and what a host of pious falsehoods have1 through all the centuries1 grown out of it1 to the great detriment of true religion4 ,if some inquisitive person were to examine the conduct and the writings of the ,,lxxviii great and most pious teachers of this century1 ,i fear he would find about all of them infected with this leprosy4 ,those idle fictions1 he adds1 which a regard for the ,platonic philosophy1 and for the prevailing opinions of the day had induced most theologians to embrace1 even before the time of ,constantine1 were now in various ways confirmed1 extended and embellished4 ,hence it is that we see1 on every side1 evident traces of excessive veneration for departed saints2 of a purifying fire for the soul when separated from the body2 of the celibacy of the clergy2 of the worship of images and relics2 and of many other opinions1 which in process of time almost banished the true religion1 or--and here the ,doctor perhaps remembered that he was a ,protestant and that his position as such would not admit of conceding the utter subversion of the ,christian religion1 and hence added--or at least very much obscured and corrupted it4 ,genuine piety he continues1 was supplanted by a long train of superstitious observances which originated partly from opinions inconsiderately embraced1 partly from a preposterous disposition to adopt profane rites and combine them with ,christian worship1 and partly from the natural predilections of mankind in general for a splendid and ostentatious religion4 #aed ,the ,loss of ,spiritual ,gifts4 ,not only did the moral declensions in the ,church1 which started soon after the demise of the ,apostles1 proceed with accelerated pace after ,constantine became the patron of the ,church1 and with such resulting evils as ,i have pointed out1 but there was a like declension in the enjoyment of spiritual gifts in the ,church4 ,it is well known that the ,apostles promised the ,holy ,ghost to those who received the ,gospel1 and the enjoyment of those supernatural gifts which go with it4 ,indeed ,jesus ,himself said in ,his last commission to his disciples3 ,go ye into all the world1 and preach the ,gospel to every creature4 ,he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved2 but he that believeth not shall be damned4 ,and these signs shall follow them that believe3 ,in my name they shall cast out devils2 they shall speak with new tongues2 they shall take up serpents2 and if they drink any deadly thing1 it shall not hurt them2 they shall lay hands on the sick1 and they shall recover4 #aee ,paul1 in speaking of the spiritual gifts promised in the ,gospel1 says3 ,now there are diversities of gifts1 by the same ,spirit4 ,and there are differences of administrations1 but the same ,lord4 ,and there are ,,lxxix diversities of operations1 but it is the same ,god which worketh all in all4 ,but the manifestation of the ,spirit is given to every man to profit withal4 ,for to one is given by the ,spirit the word of wisdom2 to another the word of knowledge by the same ,spirit2 to another faith by the same ,spirit2 to another the gifts of healing by the same ,spirit2 to another the working of miracles2 to another prophecy2 to another discerning of spirits1 to another diverse kinds of tongues2 to another the interpretation of tongues3 but all these worketh that one and the self-same ,spirit1 dividing to every man severally as ,he will4 #aef ,it is well known that the spiritual gifts here enumerated were enjoyed by the saints in the early ,christian centuries2 and especially in ,apostolic times4 ,the ,new ,testament books are replete with reference to the enjoyment of these gifts of the ,spirit among the saints4 ,nor is there any intimation of the discontinuance of them4 ,on the contrary it is reasonable to conclude that so long as the saints shall continue in the enjoyment of the ,holy ,ghost1 that long also will they enjoy the spiritual gifts which proceed from a possession of ,him4 ,moreover1 the fruit of the ,spirit is love1 joy1 peace1 longsuffering1 gentleness1 goodness1 faith1 meekness1 temperance3 against such there is no law4 ,and they that are ,christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts4 #aeg ,such are the effects of the operations of the ,holy ,ghost upon the nature of man4 ,these fruits of the ,spirit indicate the change that the ,spirit of ,god may effect in human nature2 by which that which is corrupted through sin may be conformed to that which is pure and holy1 according to the working whereby the ,spirit is able to subdue all things unto ,himself1 in them that give place for ,his indwelling in their souls4 ,this effectual working of the ,spirit in the souls of men1 by which they were transformed from vileness to holiness1 was the boast of the early saints4 ,and1 upon reflection1 all will concede that the victories of the ,spirit in reforming the lives of men and making them in their very nature conform to the likeness of ,christ in righteousness1 are more to be desired and more to be celebrated than those victories which are physical or intellectual merely in their nature4 ,indeed these latter fruits of the ,spirit derive their chief value from the extent to which they contribute to the production of the former--that is1 to the extent that they establish men in the faith1 enable them to crucify the flesh with the lusts thereof1 and help them to live in harmony with the sweet influence of the ,spirit of ,god4 ,when men live in harmony with that ,spirit there will righteousness obtain2 there will love abound2 there will the ,gospel of ,christ appear triumphant4 ,where these fruits do not appear1 there the ,gospel of ,christ is not2 there the powers of darkness for the time being1 are triumphant4 ,yet notwithstanding this promise ,,lxxx concerning the enjoyment of the spiritual gifts of the ,gospel1 the evidence is abundant and conclusive that when all the ,apostles were deceased1 then there was a marked declension in the manifestation of the spiritual powers of the ,gospel4 ,with the close of the ,new ,testament records1 says ,dr4 ,phillip ,smith1 author of ,the ,student's ,ecclesiastical ,history1 and the death of the last surviving ,apostle1 the history of the ,church passes from its sacred to its purely human phase4 ,the miraculous gifts which attested the divine mission of the ,apostles ceased2 not indeed by any formal record of their withdrawal1 but by the clear evidence that they were possessed no longer4 #aeh ,dr4 ,jortin bears witness to the same fact4 ,he says3 ,the words ,eusebius intimated that he thought those extraordinary powers to be1 at least1 not very common afterwards--i4 e41 the beginning of the second century4 ,they went about1 says he1 with ,god's co-operative grace1 for even then the divine ,spirit performed many miracles by them4 99 99 99 ,this brings the probability of miracles down to the beginning of the second century1 in the middle of which ,justin ,martyr says3 ,there are prophetic gifts among us even until now3 and amongst these gifts he reckons up miraculous powers1 as healing the sick1 casting out evil spirits1 etc4 ,his words imply an opinion that such gifts were not only exercised in his time1 but had been continued down to his time1 and he may be justly supposed to speak the sense of his contemporary ,christians2 and that is all that ,i cite him for4 ,it seems probable that if we bad a full and authentic history of the propagation of the ,gospel1 from the time of the ,apostles to the middle of the second century1 composed by eye witnesses and by the preachers of ,christianity1 we should find miracles wrought for the conversion of the pagans4 ,but from ,a4 ,d4 #gj to #aej is a dark interval1 and we have very short accounts of the transactions of those days1 unless we should accept of groundless rumors and frivolous tales4 #aei ,so1 also1 ,dr4 ,mosheim1 speaking of the second century1 and after commenting on the extent to which the extraordinary divine gifts contributed to the extension of the limits of the ,church1 says3 ,the gift of foreign tongues appears to have gradually ceased1 as soon as many nations became enlightened with the truth2 99 99 99 but the other gifts with which ,god favored the rising ,church of ,christ1 were1 as we learn from numerous testimonies of the ancients1 still conferred upon particular persons here and there4 ,and when writing of the fourth and succeeding centuries1 he1 too1 bears witness of the declension1 and final cessation of these spiritual powers among the ,christians2 and1 indeed1 the most of our ecclesiastical writers form the same conclusion4 ,thus the ,christians lost the enjoyment of the spiritual gifts of the ,,lxxxi ,gospel1 such as inspired dreams1 prophecies1 healings1 speaking in new tongues1 ministering of angels1 and1 most to be lamented of all1 direct revelation from ,god1 by which the will of ,god might be made known to ,his people and ,his ,church preserved from error1 from decadence1 and from destruction3 and by the absence of these spiritual gifts and powers among the ,christians of the third and fourth centuries1 we may know that a mere man-made religion1 having indeed a form of godliness but denying the power thereof1 had succeeded to the spiritually gifted religion1 of ,jesus ,christ1 wherein the power of ,god is ever present and outwardly as well as inwardly manifested4 ,departure of ,christendom from the ,true ,doctrine of ,deity4 ,in nothing perhaps was there a wider departure from the real truth of ,christianity than in the doctrine concerning ,god defined by the general council of the ,church held within the lifetime of ,constantine1 and which1 in fact1 he assembled upon his own authority4 ,this was the celebrated ,council of ,nicea in ,bithynia1 ,asia ,minor1 held in #cbe ,a4,d4 ,the main purpose for which the first general ,council of the ,church was assembled was to settle a dispute between one ,arius1 a presbyter of ,alexandria1 and his bishop1 ,alexander1 of the same city1 respecting the doctrine of the ,godhead4 ,the dispute proved to be far-reaching in its effects1 and for three hundred years the rivalry of the contending factions disturbed the peace of ,christendom4 ,we shall have clearer conceptions of the subject1 however1 and be better able to judge of the extent to which there was a departure from the true doctrine respecting the ,godhead1 by the definitions formulated and enforced upon the ,church by the council of ,nicea1 if we first consider the doctrine of the ,godhead as found in the ,testament4 ,the ,christian ,doctrine of ,god4 ,the existence of ,god both ,jesus and the ,apostles accepted as a fact4 ,in all the teachings of the former ,he nowhere seeks to prove ,god's existence4 ,he assumes that1 and proceeds from that basis with ,his doctrine4 ,he declares the fact that ,god was ,his ,father1 and frequently calls ,himself the ,son of ,god4 #afj ,after ,his resurrection and departure into heaven1 the ,apostle taught that ,he1 the ,son of ,god1 was with ,god the ,father in the beginning2 that ,he1 as well as the ,father1 was ,god2 that under the direction of the ,father ,he was the ,creator of ,,lxxxii worlds2 that without ,him was not anything made that was made4 #afa ,that in him dwelt all the fulness of the ,godhead bodily2 #afb and that ,he was the express image of the ,father's person4 #afc ,jesus ,himself taught that ,he and the ,father were one #afd that whosoever had seen ,him had seen the ,father also2 #afe that it was part of ,his mission to reveal ,god1 the ,father1 through ,his own personality2 for as was the ,son1 so too was the ,father4 #aff ,hence ,jesus was ,god manifested in flesh--a revelation of ,god to the world4 #afg ,that is1 a revelation1 not only of the being of ,god1 but of the kind of being ,god is4 ,jesus also taught 7and in doing so showed in what the oneness of ,himself and ,his ,father consisted7 that the disciples might be one with ,him1 and also one with each other1 as ,he and the ,father were one4 #afh ,not one in person--not all merged into one individual1 and all distinctions of personality lost2 but one in mind1 in knowledge1 in love1 in will--one by reason of the indwelling in all of the one spirit1 even as the mind and will of ,god the ,father was also in ,jesus ,christ4 #afi ,the ,holy ,ghost1 too1 was upheld by the ,christian religion to be ,god4 #agj ,jesus ascribed to ,him a distinct personality2 as proceeding from the ,father2 as sent forth in the name of the ,son1 as feeling love2 experiencing grief2 as forbidding2 as abiding2 as teaching2 as bearing witness2 as appointing to work2 and as interceding for men4 ,all of which clearly establishes for ,him a personality4 ,the distinct personality of these three individual ,gods 7united however into one ,godhead1 or ,divine ,council71 was made apparent at the baptism of ,jesus2 for as ,he1 ,god the ,son1 came up out of the water from ,his baptism at the hands of ,john1 a manifestation of the presence of the ,holy ,ghost was given in the sign of the dove which rested upon ,jesus1 while out of the glory of heaven the voice of ,god the ,father was heard saying1 ,this1 referring to ,jesus1 is my beloved ,son1 in whom ,i am well pleased4 ,the distinctness of the personality of each member of the ,godhead is also shown by the commandment to baptize those who believe the ,gospel equally in the name of each person of the ,holy ,trinity4 ,that is1 in the name of the ,father1 and of the ,son1 and of the ,,lxxxiii ,holy ,ghost4 #aga ,and again1 also1 in the ,apostolic benediction1 viz41 ,the grace of the ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 and the love of ,god1 and the communion of the ,holy ,ghost1 be with you all4 #agb ,these three personages constitute the ,christian ,godhead1 the ,holy ,trinity4 ,in early ,christian theology they were regarded as the ,supreme ,governing and ,creating ,power in heaven and in earth4 ,of which ,trinity the ,father was worshiped in the name of the ,son1 while the ,holy ,ghost bore record of both the ,father and the ,son4 ,and though the ,holy ,trinity was made all of three distinct persons1 yet did they constitute but one ,godhead1 or ,supreme ,governing ,power4 ,this outline of the doctrine of ,god derived from the ,new ,testament represents ,him as anthropomorphic2 that is1 like man in form2 or1 rather1 it re-affirms the old doctrine found in the book of ,genesis1 viz41 that man is created in the image of ,god1 and after ,his likeness4 ,the outline of ,new ,testament doctrine of ,god also ascribes to ,him what are called human attributes and feelings2 but as in the foregoing we first say that ,god is represented as being in human form1 and then to get the exact truth say3 ,or1 rather1 man was created in the image and likeness of ,god1 so in this latter case1 when we have said that the doctrine of the ,new ,testament ascribes human attributes and feelings to ,god1 to get the exact truth we should say3 ,or1 rather1 man possesses the attributes of ,god--the attributes of knowing1 willing1 judging1 loving1 etc4--though it should be stated1 of course1 that man does not possess these attributes in their perfection1 as ,god does4 ,the same may also be said of the physical perfections4 ,while man has been created in the image and likeness of ,god1 yet our bodies in their present state of imperfection--sometimes stunted in growth1 diseased1 subject to sickness1 wasting1 decay1 and death--cannot be said to be like ,god's glorious1 perfect physical body1 yet we have the ,divine word that our bodies shall be like ,his3 ,for our conversation is in heaven3 from whence also we look for the ,savior1 the ,lord ,jesus ,christ3 who shall change our vile body1 that it may be ,,lxxxiv fashioned like unto ,his glorious body1 according to the working whereby ,he is able even to subdue all things unto ,himself4 #agc ,so also the attributes of the spirit of man--the attributes of the mind--now imperfect1 impure1 unholy1 and limited in the range of vision and apprehension of things1 owing largely to the conditions in which man finds himself placed in this earth-life 7and all for a wise purpose in ,god's economy72 yet the time will come that it will be with the spirit as with the body2 for ,god shall change our vile spirit that it may be fashioned like unto ,his own glorious spirit1 according to the working whereby ,he is able even to subdue all things unto ,himself4 ,that whereas now we see only as through a glass1 darkly1 then we shall see as we are seen2 that whereas now we know but in part1 then we shall know even as we are known4 #agd ,the foregoing doctrine of ,god1 taught to the ,christians in ,apostolic times1 awakened their pious reverence without exciting their curiosity4 ,they dealt with no metaphysical abstractions1 but were contented to accept the teachings of the ,apostles in humble faith1 and believed that ,jesus ,christ was the complete manifestation of ,deity1 and the express image of ,god ,his ,father2 and hence a revelation to them of ,god2 while the ,holy ,ghost they accepted as ,god's witness and messenger to them4 ,paganization of the ,christian ,doctrine of ,god4 ,but ,christianity1 as is well known1 came in contact with other doctrines concerning ,deity4 ,it was almost immediately brought in touch with the mysticism of the ,orient and also with the philosophy of the ,greeks1 who took so much delight in intellectual subtleties4 ,in the ,oriental philosophies1 and in the ,greek1 there was conceived the idea of a trinity in ,deity2 an idea which possibly may have come down from the doctrines revealed to the patriarchs concerning the ,godhead1 but which had been corrupted and rendered unintelligible by the vain philosophizings of men4 ,in some of the ,oriental systems the trinity or ,trimurti consisted of ,brahma1 the ,creator2 ,vishnu1 the ,preserver2 and ,siva1 the ,destroyer4 ,it will be seen1 however1 that this trinity is not necessarily one of persons1 or individuals1 but may be one of attributes1 qualities1 or even a trinity of functions in one being2 and in this way it is usually understood4 #age ,plato's trinity is sometimes stated in the terms1 ,first ,cause2 ,reason1 or ,logos2 and ,soul of the ,universe2 but more commonly in these3 ,goodness1 ,intellect1 and ,will4 ,the nature of the ,greek trinity has long been a matter of contention among the learned1 and one indeed that is not settled to this day4 ,is there indicated in his system a true and proper tri-personality1 or merely a personification of three impersonalities1 a trinity of attributes or functions8 ,the answers to these questions are varied1 and would require too much space for consideration here4 ,christians having been taught to accept the ,new ,testament doctrine of the ,father1 ,son and ,holy ,spirit as constituting one ,godhead1 ,christianity no sooner came in contact with the philosophies of the ,greeks and ,egyptians than there was an effort made to ,,lxxxv identify the ,christian trinity with that of the ,greek and other philosophies4 ,the temptation to do this was very great4 ,christianity was a proscribed religion and its followers detested4 ,whenever it could be shown1 therefore1 that under new symbols the ,church really taught the same doctrines that the old philosophers1 which were held in esteem1 did1 it was regarded as a distinct gain to ,christianity4 ,the mere fact of ,christianity teaching a trinity of any kind was a sufficient basis of comparison1 under the temptation offered1 and hence in a short time we have the alleged followers of ,christ involved in all the metaphysical disputations of the age4 ,the chief difficulty in those speculations was to define the nature of the ,logos1 or ,word of ,god2 a title that is given to our ,savior by the ,apostle ,st4 ,john1 #agf be it remembered4 ,adopting absolute being as the postulate of their conception of ,god1 absolute oneness1 and therefore absolute singleness1 their difficulties arose in trying to reconcile the existence of three persons in the ,godhead to the postulate of unity4 ,the disputations were carried on chiefly concerning ,christ1 the ,word1 in ,his relationship to the ,godhead2 and the disputants concerned themselves with such questions as these3 ,is ,jesus the ,word8 ,if ,he be the ,word1 did ,he emanate from ,god in time or before time8 ,if ,he emanated from ,god1 is ,he co-eternal and of the same1 that is identical1 substance with ,him1 or merely of a similar substance8 ,is ,he distinct from the ,father1 that is1 separate from ,him1 or is ,he not8 ,is ,he made or begotten8 ,can ,he beget in return8 ,has ,he paternity1 or productive virtue without paternity8 ,similar questions were asked as to the other ,person of the ,godhead1 the ,holy ,spirit4 ,these questions were violently agitated at ,alexandria by the bishop of that city1 ,alexander1 and one of the presbyters1 ,arius1 #cah-cba ,a4 ,d42 thence spread throughout ,christendom1 and culminated finally in the ,council at ,nicea1 #cbe ,a4 ,d4 ,arius held the doctrine that ,logos or ,word was a dependent or spontaneous production created out of nothing by the will of the ,father1 hence the ,son of ,god1 by whom all things were made1 begotten before all worlds2 but there had been a time when the ,logos was not2 and also ,he was of a substance1 however similar it might be1 different from the ,father4 ,this doctrine1 in the minds of the opponents of ,arius1 detracted from the divine nature of ,christ1 in fact1 denied ,him true ,deity and relegated ,him to the position of a creature1 against which the piety of a large number of ,christians rebelled4 ,after six years of hot disputation and frequent appeals by the contestants to the emperor1 the council of ,nicea was assembled and the mysteries of the ,christian faith submitted to public debate1 a portion of the time1 at least1 in the presence of the emperor1 who1 ,,lxxxvi to some extent1 seemed to exercise the functions of president over the assembly4 ,the doctrine of ,arius was condemned1 and after long deliberations1 among struggles1 and scrupulous examinations1 the following creed was adopted3 ,we believe in one ,god1 the ,father ,almighty1 creator of all things visible and invisible2 and in one ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 the ,son of ,god1 only begotten of the ,father1 that is1 of the substance of the ,father1 ,god of ,god1 ,light of ,light1 very ,god of very ,god1 begotten1 not made1 being of the same substance with the ,father1 by whom all things were made in heaven and in earth1 who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven1 was incarnate1 was made man1 suffered1 rose again the third day1 ascended into the heavens1 and ,he will come to judge the living and the dead2 and in the ,holy ,ghost4 ,those who say there was a time when ,he was not1 and ,he was not before ,he was begotten1 and ,he was made of nothing 7he was created71 or who says that ,he is of another hypostatis1 or of another substance 7than the ,father71 or that the ,son of ,god is created1 that he is mutable1 or subject to change1 the ,catholic church anathematizes4 #agg ,arius himself was condemned as a heretic and banished into one of the remote provinces1 ,ilyricum1 his friends and disciples branded by law1 with the odius name of ,porphyrians1 because it is supposed that ,arius1 like ,porphyry1 had sought to injure ,christianity4 ,his writings were condemned to the flames and a capital punishment was pronounced against those in whose possession they should be found4 ,three years later1 however1 through the influence of the women at the imperial court1 ,constantine softened in his demeanor towards ,arius and his followers4 ,the exiles were recalled and ,arius himself was received at court and his faith approved by a synod of prelates and presbyters at ,jerusalem2 but on the day that he was to be publicly received in the cathedral church at ,constantinople1 by the order of the emperor1 who1 by the way1 received the sacrament at the hands of ,arius1 he expired under circumstances which have led many to believe that other means than the prayers of the orthodox against him were the cause of his death4 ,the leaders of the orthodox party1 ,athanasius of ,alexandria1 ,eustathius of ,antioch1 and ,paul of ,constantinople1 were now to feel the wrath of the first ,christian emperor4 ,they were deposed on various occasions and by the sentence of numerous councils1 and banished into distant provinces4 ,in fact1 so far from the adoption of the ,nicene creed ending the conflict which had arisen1 it was more like the opening of that controversy which agitated ,christendom for so long1 and resulted in so many shameful conflicts4 ,councils were arrayed against councils1 and though they never could convince one another of error1 they never failed1 in the spirit of such ,christian charity as was then extant1 to close their ,,lxxxvii decrees with curses4 ,votes were bartered for and purchased in those councils1 and facts justify the latent sarcasm in ,gibbon's remark1 that the cause of truth and justice was promoted by the influence of gold4 ,there were persecutions and counter-persecutions1 as now one party and then the other prevailed2 there were assassinations and bloody battles over this doctrine of ,deity1 the accounts of which fill1 as they also disgrace1 our ,christian annals4 ,the creed which was adopted at ,nicea1 however1 became the settled doctrine of orthodox ,christendom1 and remains so to this day4 ,it is difficult to determine which is really the worst1 the creed itself or the explanations of it4 ,at any rate1 we do not clearly see the impiety of its doctrines until we listen to the explanations that have been made of it4 ,athanasius himself has left on record a creed explanatory of the one adopted at ,nicea4 ,true1 among the learned1 many doubt ,athanasius being the author of the creed which bears his name2 but1 however much doubt may be thrown upon that question1 no one hesitates to accept it as the orthodox explanation of the doctrine of ,deity1 and1 in fact1 it is accepted as one of the important symbols of the ,christian faith1 and is as follows3 ,we worship one ,god in ,trinity1 and ,trinity in ,unity1 neither confounding the persons nor dividing the substance4 ,for there is one person of the ,father1 another of the ,son1 and another of the ,holy ,ghost4 ,but the ,godhead of the ,father1 ,son and ,holy ,ghost is all one2 the glory equal1 the majesty co-eternal4 ,such as the ,father is1 such is the ,son1 and such is the ,holy ,ghost4 ,the ,father uncreate1 the ,son uncreate1 and the ,holy ,ghost uncreate4 ,the ,father incomprehensible1 the ,son incomprehensible1 and the ,holy ,ghost incomprehensible4 ,the ,father eternal1 the ,son eternal1 and the ,holy ,ghost eternal4 ,and yet there are not three eternals1 but one eternal4 ,as also there are not three incomprehensibles1 nor three uncreate1 but one uncreate and one incomprehensible4 ,so likewise the ,father is almighty1 the ,son almighty1 and the ,holy ,ghost almighty2 and yet they are not three almighties1 but one almighty4 ,so the ,father is ,god1 the ,son is ,god1 and the ,holy ,ghost is ,god2 and yet there are not three ,gods1 but one ,god4 ,as already stated1 this creed of ,st4 ,athanasius is accepted as one of the symbols of the orthodox ,christian faith4 ,it is understood that these two creeds teach that ,god is incorporeal1 that is to say1 an immaterial being4 ,the ,catholic church says3 ,there is but one ,god1 the creator of heaven and earth1 the supreme incorporeal1 uncreated being who exists of ,himself and is infinite in all his attributes4 #agh ,while the ,church of ,england teaches in her articles of faith that there is but one living and true ,god everlasting1 without body1 #agi parts1 or passions1 of infinite ,,lxxxviii power1 wisdom and goodness4 ,this view of ,god as an incorporeal1 immaterial1 bodiless1 partless1 passionless1 being is now and has been from the days of the great apostasy from ,god and ,christ1 in the second and third centuries1 the doctrine of ,deity generally accepted by apostate ,christendom4 ,the simple doctrine of the ,christian ,godhead1 set forth in the ,new ,testament is corrupted by the meaningless jargon of these creeds1 and their explanations2 and the learned who profess a belief in them are wandering in the darkness of the mysticisms of the old pagan philosophies4 ,no wonder that ,athanasius himself1 whom ,gibbon with a quiet sarcasm calls the most sagacious of the ,christian theologians1 candidly confessed that whenever he forced his understanding to mediate on the divinity of the ,logos 7and which1 of course1 involved the whole doctrine of the ,godhead71 his toilsome and unavailing efforts recoiled on themselves2 and the more he thought1 the less he comprehended3 and the more he wrote1 the less capable was he of expressing his thoughts6 ,it is a fine passage with which ,gibbon closes his reflections upon this subject1 and hence ,i shall give it place here3 ,in every step of the inquiry1 we are compelled to feel and acknowledge the immeasurable disproportion between the size of the object and the capacity of the human mind4 ,we may try to abstract the notions of time1 of space1 and of matter1 which so closely adhere to all the perceptions of our experimental knowledge2 but as soon as we presume to reason of infinite substance1 or spiritual generation2 as often as we deduce any positive conclusions from a negative idea1 we are involved in darkness1 perplexity1 and inevitable contradiction4 #ahj ,recurrence to the ,new ,testament doctrine of ,god1 and a comparison of it with the doctrine of ,deity set forth in the ,nicean and ,athanasian creeds1 will exhibit the wide departure--the absolute apostasy--that has taken place in respect of this most fundamental of all doctrines of religion--the doctrine of ,god4 ,truly ,christians have denied the ,lord that bought them1 #aha and turned literally to fables4 ,they have enthroned a conception of a negative idea of being1 which can stand in no possible relationship to man1 nor man to it2 and to this they ascribe divine attributes and give it title1 knee and adoration which belong to ,god alone4 ,small wonder that the angel whom ,john saw flying in the midst of heaven having the everlasting ,gospel to commit to the earth in the hour of ,god's judgment1 in the last days1 should cry aloud to the inhabitants of the earth1 saying1 ,fear ,god and give glory to ,him2 99 99 99 99 and worship ,him that made ,,lxxxix heaven1 and earth1 and the sea1 and the fountains of waters #ahb--small wonder1 ,i repeat1 that such should be part of this great message1 for truly the whole world had departed from the worship of the true and living ,god4 ,the ,church of ,christ ,displaced by the ,churches of ,men4 ,the departure from the form and spirit of church government was no less marked than the moral and spiritual declension among the ,christians of the early centuries of the era1 or the departure from the true doctrine of ,deity4 ,beyond filling the vacancy in the council of the ,twelve ,apostles1 occasioned by the fall of ,judas1 there is no clear and satisfactory evidence that other successors of the ,apostles were ever chosen1 though the fair implication is that the organization of the ,church with ,apostles1 ,prophets1 ,evangelists1 ,seventies1 ,bishops1 ,teachers1 etc41 was to be perpetuated as at first established4 ,at least this organization was given for the perfecting of the saints1 for the work of the ministry1 until the saints should come to a unity of the faith and the knowledge of the ,son of ,god2 #ahc so that the plain inference is that as long as there are saints to be perfected1 or edified1 or united1 or brought to the knowledge of ,god2 so long as there is work for a ministry1 or the necessity of a ,church through the agency of which the truth is to be taught to the world1 so long as it will be necessary to perpetuate the organization given of ,god for the achievement of those high purposes4 ,to say that man could devise a better organization for the accomplishment of these several objects would be to challenge the wisdom of ,god4 ,to say that any of these means provided in the ,church organization could be dispensed with1 would be to contradict the plain teaching of scripture1 which1 in this very connection forbids the eye to say to the hand1 ,i have no need of thee2 or the head to the feet1 ,i have no need of you2 that is1 one officer of the ,church may not say to another officer1 ,i have no need of thee4 #ahd ,the doctrine of scripture is that all the officers of the ,church together with their several gifts are essential to the ,church of ,christ2 essential to its perfection2 essential to the performance of the sacred functions assigned to it4 ,yet it must be conceded that the organization described in the ,new ,testament did not survive the last of the ,apostles2 or preserve much beyond that time1 the spirit which the ,master had impressed upon it4 #ahe ,the ,apostles1 while they lived1 exercised a general jurisdiction over the ,church1 to which all submitted without question4 ,in the exercise ,,xc of their general authority they organized branches of the ,church1 appointed ,elders or ,bishops to take the oversight of them1 and instructed them in ,church government1 and discipline1 and doctrine4 ,after the demise of the ,apostles1 there seems to have been left no central authority to exercise the functions of general supervision or presidency over the entire ,church1 such as the ,twelve had exercised4 ,that center of unity1 together with the power thereof1 seems to have vanished from the ,church with the ,apostles4 ,the bishops and some subordinate officers remained1 it is true1 but these were local1 not general authorities4 ,the ,church in each city or district of country after the ,apostolic age1 seems to have been regarded as a sort of independent republic of itself1 without any bond of consociation with any other church beyond that which was the result of possessing a common faith in ,christianity1 which bond was one of sympathy merely1 not of hierarchal association4 ,the rise of the hierarchy with the centralization of its powers in the bishop of ,rome1 and which ultimately dominated the whole ,church1 and not only the ,church but1 directly or indirectly1 the western civilized world1 came later1 and was of gradual development2 and when it was finally established1 it was not the organization described in the ,new ,testament1 the ,church with an inspired priesthood of ,apostles1 and ,prophets1 ,evangelists1 ,seventies1 and ,pastors1 etc41 but a hierarchy fashioned by man out of such remnants of ,church organization as survived ,apostolic times4 ,as the number of ,christians increased1 the bishops of large cities organized new branches of the ,church in the suburbs of their cities1 and in the towns and villages adjacent1 and ordained for them a ministry4 ,it was but natural perhaps that the officers of these new branches of the ,church1 both the bishops and the subordinate clergy1 should look to the one who had brought them into existence as a sort of general presiding authority over them4 ,and hence1 in time arose what were called metropolitan bishops1 bishops who had under their direction the bishops of neighboring towns and villages--bishops of the suburbs and the fields1 they were sometimes called--and perhaps of the entire province of which the metropolitan city was recognized as the center4 ,as the bishops of the metropolis of a province1 in the manner described1 became the center of ecclesiastical unity for that province1 so1 too1 in time1 the bishops of cities which were the capitals of the three great divisions ,,xci of the empire--,antioch1 ,alexandria and ,rome--asserted a superior dignity over metropolitan bishops4 ,it was in these cities that the exarchs of the empire resided1 and if we may trust the authority of ,neander1 the bishops of these cities also1 at first1 took that title1 but later made choice of the more ecclesiastical name of ,patriarch4 #ahf ,in addition to the importance attached to these cities as the capitals of the great divisions of the empire1 a superior dignity in the minds of ,christians attached to the ,churches founded by the ,apostles as the surest depositories of the ,apostolic teaching and doctrine2 and as ,apostolic origin could be claimed for the churches in the three cities named1 it is not surprising1 when their political importance is added1 that the bishops of those cities claimed superior dignity for their office1 and united under their jurisdiction the metropolitan bishops of the respective three great divisions of the empire4 ,subsequently the same title was granted to the bishop of ,jerusalem1 and to the bishop of ,constantinople2 to the former it was granted in virtue of the peculiar sanctity which attaches to ,jerusalem1 and the fact that the first ,christian ,church was planted there2 to the latter1 because it was made the capital of the empire1 ,new ,rome2 and because also it was peculiarly the city of the first imperial patron of ,christianity4 ,thus five patriarchates were established4 ,through circumstances too numerous and intricate to detail here1 the bishops of ,rome changed the primacy of mere precedence which had been accorded them among associated brethren1 to a primacy of power and jurisdiction1 which resulted in the bishops of ,rome becoming recognized as the supreme head of the ,christian ,church2 and the papacy entered upon that marvelous career which by the impartial can but be regarded as the shame of the ,christian name4 ,attention has already been called to the corruptions which prevailed in that period of peace in the closing decades of the third century1 where bishops are represented as being full of pride and ostentation2 as deserting the law of piety and being inflamed against each other with mutual strifes1 only accumulating quarrels1 threats1 rivalships1 hostilities1 hatred towards each other1 and only anxious to assert the ,church government as a kind of sovereignty for themselves4 #ahg ,and all this when ,christianity was a proscribed religion2 and when the ,church1 and especially its leaders1 the bishops1 were liable to severest persecution4 ,reason and a due consideration of human nature both combined to fix upon us the conviction that the bitterness of rivalry1 of hatred1 of ambition1 must have greatly increased when metropolitan and patriarchal bishops1 formerly proscribed and hunted like wild beasts1 rose to the dignity of civil princes1 and took upon them more and ever more of the spirit of worldliness as wealth and honor and popular applause were made the accompaniments of their ecclesiastical offices4 ,history confirms what reason and a knowledge of human nature suggests2 for the history of the ,church after the elevation of proscribed ,christianity to the dignity of the state religion of the ,roman empire1 is but the melancholy history of unholy ambitions1 jealousies1 strifes1 contentions1 murders1 and wars between rival bishops and their adherents on the one ,,xcii hand2 and equally unholy struggles for worldly advantages with kings and rulers of this world1 on the other4 ,the spirit that actuated the bishops of the ,church after their elevation through the policy of ,constantine is admirably illustrated by a remark of ,gregory of ,nazianzus1 made in ,constantinople1 #chj ,a4 ,d41 when deploring the evils of the ,church4 ,he says3 ,would to heaven there were no primacy1 no eminence of place1 and no tyrannical precedence of rank2 that we might be known by eminence of virtue alone6 ,but1 as the case now stands1 the distinction of a seat at the right hand or the left1 or in the middle2 at a higher or a lower place2 of going before or aside of each other1 has given rise to many disorders among us1 to no salutary purpose whatsoever and plunged multitudes in ruin4 #ahh ,matters in ,church government did not mend with time1 but grew worse and worse4 ,pride increased2 rivalship between contending prelates grew more embittered2 ambition mounted higher and ever higher in the breasts of the shepherds of the flock of ,christ4 ,in his association with his ,apostles--to whom he committed the keys of ,his kingdom--the ,master had discouraged ambition and had said that he who would be great among his followers must be their minister2 and whosoever would be chief among them1 was to be their servant2 and the government of ,his ,church was to be distinct in these particulars from the governments of this world4 #ahi ,but all in vain were the instructions of ,messiah to the worldly1 ambitious prelates of an apostate ,christianity which had gradually supplanted the religion of ,jesus ,christ2 and henceforth we may see in that hierarchy which usurped the place of the ,church of ,christ from the time of ,constantine1 all the spirit of pride1 envy1 jealousy1 contention1 strife1 selfishness1 bitterness1 and unholy ambition which characterized the princes and rulers of this world2 attended1 too1 with all the evils that wait upon these passions of rulers when once let loose1 viz41 secret plottings1 usurpations of authority1 corrupt elections1 cruel imprisonments1 banishments1 secret and public murders1 and wars2 all undertaken1 of course1 in the interest of the gentle religion of ,jesus ,christ1 and the maintenance of that authority which is based on love1 and whose control over men is through the means of persuasion and the teaching of true knowledge4 ,is it not evident that the kingdom of peace1 wherein was to dwell righteousness and truth1 had become merely one of the kingdoms of this world8 ,and were not the ,fratriceli of the thirteenth century1 though denounced as heretics1 right when they loudly proclaimed their conviction that the fatal gift of a ,christian emperor had been the doom of the true ,christian religion8 ,,xciii ,the ,testimony of ,prophecy to the ,universal ,apostasy4 ,clear as the fact is made in this historical view that there was a complete and universal apostasy from the religion established in the ,dispensation of the ,meridian of ,time2 and clear as is the proof from the same review that the ,church of ,christ then established was destroyed1 there is yet another line of evidence pointing to the same solemn fact that ,i can not altogether omit1 though often used in our literature1 viz41 the testimony of prophecy to the apostasy from the ,christian religion1 and the destruction of the ,church of ,christ4 ,the ,apostles themselves through the inspiration of the ,holy ,ghost were fully aware that such an apostasy would take place1 as the following several predictions bear witness3 ,paul passing through ,ephesus admonished the ,elders of that ,church to take heed to the flock over which the ,holy ,ghost hath made you overseers2 99 99 99 99 99 for ,i know this1 that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you1 not sparing the flock4 ,also of your own selves shall men arise1 speaking perverse things1 to draw away disciples after them4 #aij ,to ,timothy ,paul said3 the ,spirit speaketh expressly1 that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith1 giving heed to seducing spirits1 and doctrines of devils2 speaking lies in hypocrisy2 having their conscience seared with a hot iron2 forbidding to marry and commanding to abstain from meats4 #aia ,and again3 ,i charge thee to preach the word2 be instant in season1 out of season2 reprove1 rebuke1 exhort with all long suffering and doctrine4 ,for the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine1 but after their own lusts they shall heap to themselves teachers1 having itching ears2 and they shall turn away their ears from the truth1 and shall be turned unto fables4 #aib ,and still again he said to ,timothy3 ,this know also1 that in the last days perilous times shall come4 ,for men shall be lovers of their own selves1 covetous1 boasters1 proud1 blasphemers1 disobedient to parents1 unthankful1 unholy1 without natural affection1 truce breakers1 false accusers1 incontinent1 fierce1 despisers of those that are good1 traitors1 heady1 highminded1 lovers of pleasure more than lovers of ,god2 having a form of ,godliness1 but denying the power thereof3 from such turn away4 #aic ,peter's prophecy concerning the rise of false teachers among the saints1 who privately would bring in damnable heresies1 even denying the ,lord who bought them1 and by reason of whom the way of truth would be evil spoken of1 we have already quoted4 #aid ,,xciv ,paul in his second epistle to the ,thessalonians gives utterance to a prophecy which covers the whole ground of the absolute and universal apostasy of ,christendom4 ,a prophecy which1 if the apostasy of so-called ,christendom has not been complete and universal1 proves beyond all question that the great ,apostle of the ,gentiles is a false prophet2 or if fulfilled1 then it proves that the ,church of ,christ1 so far as it existed in the earth was to be destroyed2 that another and different religion was to be substituted for the ,christian religion3 that another church1 one founded by men1 was to take the place of the ,church of ,christ1 a worldly church dominated by the very spirit of ,lucifer1 who1 under its rule1 would oppose and exalt himself above all that is called ,god2 and sit in the temple of ,god showing himself1 so far as this world is concerned1 that he is ,god4 ,moreover ,paul declared in this very prophecy ,i am about to quote that the forces which would ultimately bring to pass this universal apostasy from the ,christian religion--the mystery of iniquity-- was already at work even in his day4 ,with this introduction1 which is also to be considered as my comment upon and interpretation of the passage1 ,i quote ,paul's great prediction on the universal ,apostasy4 ,now we beseech you1 brethren1 by the coming of our ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 and by our gathering together unto ,him1 that ye be not soon shaken in mind1 or be troubled1 neither by spirit1 nor by word1 nor by letter as from us1 as that the day of ,christ is at hand4 ,let no man deceive you by any means3 for that day shall not come1 except there come a falling away first1 and that man of sin be revealed1 the ,son of ,perdition2 who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called ,god1 or that is worshiped2 so that he as ,god sitteth in the temple of ,god1 showing himself that he is ,god4 ,remember ye not1 that1 when ,i was yet with you1 ,i told you these things8 ,and now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time4 ,for the mystery of iniquity doth already work3 only he who now letteth hindereth will let hinder1 until he be taken out of the way4 ,and then shall that wicked be revealed1 whom the ,lord shall consume with the spirit of ,his mouth1 and shall destroy with the brightness of ,his coming3 even him whose coming is after the working of ,satan with all power and signs and lying wonders1 and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish2 because they receive not the love of the truth1 that they might be saved4 ,and for this cause ,god shall send them strong delusion1 that they should believe a lie3 that they all might be damned who believe not the truth1 but had pleasure in unrighteousness4 #aie ,a more ancient prophet than ,paul also predicted a like condition of the world in the last days4 ,behold1 says ,isaiah1 the ,lord maketh the earth empty1 and maketh it waste1 and turneth it upside down1 and scattereth abroad the inhabitants thereof4 ,and it shall be1 as with the people1 so with the priest4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the land shall be utterly emptied and utterly spoiled3 for the ,lord hath spoken this word4 ,the ,,xcv earth mourneth and fadeth away1 the world languisheth and fadeth away1 the haughty people of the earth do languish4 ,the earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof2 because they have transgressed the laws1 changed the ordinance1 broken the everlasting covenant4 ,therefore hath the curse devoured the earth1 and they that dwell therein are desolate3 therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned1 and few men left4 #aif ,clearly all this prophecy of ,isaiah's has not yet been fulfilled2 for the earth1 however much it may have been defiled under the inhabitants thereof1 has not yet been burned1 and but few men left4 ,that is a judgment that still hangs over the world2 and will come upon it as sure as the ,lord has spoken the word2 and that1 too1 because men have transgressed the laws2 because they have changed the ordinances1 because they have broken--not the covenant made with ,moses1 or with ,abraham--but because they have broken the everlasting covenant2 of which covenant the blood of ,christ is the sign and seal4 #aig ,in other words1 they have broken the ,gospel covenant--departed from the ,gospel faith--hence the predicted judgment4 ,if ,i did not think these two great prophecies foretold completely the universal apostasy of ,christendom1 ,i should be tempted to enter into the consideration of the great prophecies to be found in the book of ,daniel and the book of ,revelation1 and show how to both of these prophets1 as well as unto ,paul and other ,new ,testament writers1 the ,lord revealed the rise of an earth power that would not only open his mouth in blasphemy against ,god1 to blaspheme ,his name and them who dwell in heaven2 #aih who would speak great words against the ,most ,high1 and so magnify himself as to stand up against the ,prince of princes #aii--;but who would also make war with the saints and prevail against them2 #bjj who would wear out the saints of the ,most ,high2 #bja destroy the mighty and the holy people2 #bjb make war with the saints and overcome them4 #bjc ,but believing that the two passages quoted at length entirely cover the subject prophetically1 ,i shall not here enter into further prophetic proofs either as to the corruptions of the ,christian religion or the destruction of the ,christian ,church1 deeming that what has already been set forth sufficient on that head4 ,conclusion4 ,the sum of the whole matter is3--,the purpose of man's creation1 and the plan of his redemption1 were known to ,god and the immense host ,,xcvi of the spirits of men before the creation of the earth4 ,adam came to the new creation1 the earth1 under the divine commandment to people it with his offspring4 ,from ,adam to ,messiah numerous dispensations of the ,gospel were given to men2 but these dispensations were limited in their effectiveness1 owing to the proneness of men to reject the truth1 and to walk in darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil4 ,yet ,god left not ,himself without witnesses in the earth2 for there were a few in all dispensations that honored ,him and ,his righteous laws4 ,finally1 when the appointed time was come1 ,jesus of ,nazareth1 the ,son of ,god1 came and made the appointed ,atonement for the sins of the world and brought men under the dominion of ,his mercy4 ,he taught the ,gospel2 ,he brought life and immortality to light2 ,he brought into existence ,his ,church1 and then ascended on high to ,his ,father4 ,for a time the ,gospel in its purity was preached in the world by the chosen ,apostles1 though even in their day men began to mar it with their vain philosophies1 their doctrines of science1 falsely so called2 and when the ,apostles were all fallen asleep1 then corruptions ran riot in the ,church1 doctrines of men were taught for the commandments of ,god2 a church made by men was substituted for the ,church of ,christ2 a church full of pride and worldliness2 a church which while it clung to forms of godliness ran riot in excesses and abominations--until spiritual darkness fell like a pall over the nations2 and thus they lay for ages4 ,in vain men sought to establish reforms1 and through them bring back the religion of ,jesus ,christ1 and the ,church of ,christ4 ,to do that1 however1 was beyond the power of these men1 however good their intentions4 ,the ,gospel taken from the earth1 divine authority lost1 the ,church of ,christ destroyed1 there was but one way in which all these could be restored1 viz43 ,by re-opening the heavens and dispensing again a knowledge of the ,gospel2 by once more conferring divine authority upon men1 together with a commission to teach all the world1 and re-establish the ,church of ,christ on earth4 ,in a word1 it would require the incoming of the ,dispensation of the ,fulness of ,times to restore all things1 and gather together in one all things in ,christ1 both in heaven and in earth4 ,such ,dispensation is promised of ,god1 as we have seen2 and now it only remains to add that the ,history of the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-day ,saints1 as set forth in these volumes1 is the history of that series of events which has resulted in the restoration of the ,gospel in its fullness1 and the re-establishment of the ,church of ,jesus ,christ on earth4 ,footnotes #a4 ,eph4 #a3h-aj4 #b4 ,i ,peter #a3ah-be4 #c4 ,rev4 #ac3h4 #d4 ,rev4 #ag3h4 #e4 ,job #ch3d-f4 #f4 ,paul to ,titus #a3b4 #g4 ,pearl of ,great ,price1 ,book of ,moses1 ch4 #e3f-h1 ,edition of #aijb1 quoted throughout4 #h4 ,pearl of ,great ,price1 ,book of ,moses1 ch4 #e3ef-ei4 #i4 ,pearl of ,great ,price1 ,book of ,moses1 ch #f3dh-eb4 #aj4 ,gen4 #e3bd4 #aa4 ,heb4 #aa3e4 #ab4 ,pearl of ,great ,price1 ,book of ,moses1 ch4 #g3fi4 #ac4 ,heb4 #g3a4 #ad4 #a ,cor4 #aj3a-d4 #ae4 ,heb4 #c3ad-ai and #d3a-b4 ,this cites the close of one chapter and the opening verses of another1 but it should be remembered that ,paul did not divide his epistle into chapters and verses2 and this awkward division is but one of the many divisions that exist in the ,scriptures4 #af4 ,gal4 #c4 #ag4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #hd3ai-bh4 #ah4 ,mark #a3ae4 #ai4 ,gal4 #d3d4 #bj4 ,heb #a3a1 #b4 #ba4 ,i ,john #b3ah4 #bb4 ,acts #b3ae-ba4 #bc4 ,joel #b3bh-cb4 #bd4 ,isaiah #aa3f-i4 #be4 ,matt4 #bd3bi-ca4 #bf4 ,eph4 #a3aj4 #bg4 ,dan4 #b3cg-de4 #bh4 ,edition of #ahgh1 page #fbb4 #bi4 ,rev4 #e3aj4 #cj4 ,rev4 #aa3ae4 #ca4 ,ibid4 #aa3ag1 #ah4 #cb4 ,ibid4 #bj3f4 #cc4 ,matt4 #ba3dc4 #cd4 ,acts #ac3df1 #dg4 #ce4 ,history of the ,church1 vol4 #a1 p4 #f4 #cf4 ,matt4 #bj3bj-bd4 #cg4 ,matt4 #bf3fi-ge4 #ch4 ,acts #ae #ci4 ,galatians #b3a-ad4 #dj4 ,acts #af3a-d4 #da4 ,gal4 #a3f1 #g4 #db4 ,acts #ac3ac4 #dc4 ,i ,cor4 #a3ab-ac4 #dd4 ,i ,cor4 #c3c1 #d4 #de4 ,i ,cor4 #e3a-c4 #df4 ,i ,cor4 #f3a-bj1 and ,matt4 #ah3ae1 #ag4 #dg4 ,i ,cor4 #aa3b-bb and #bi1 #cj4 #dh4 ,i ,cor4 #aa3ai4 #di4 ,i ,cor4 #ae3ab-cd4 #ej4 #b ,cor4 #aa3ba #ea4 #b ,cor4 #b3ag4 #eb4 #b ,cor4 #aa3ab-ad4 #ec4 ,gal4 #a3f1 #g4 #ed4 ,phil4 #a3ae1 #af4 #ee4 ,phil4 #c3b4 #ef4 ,phil4 #c3ag1 #ai4 #eg4 ,col4 #b3h1 #ah4 #eh4 ,i ,tim4 #a3d-g4 #ei4 ,i ,tim4 #a3ai1 #bj4 #fj4 ,i ,tim4 #f3bj1 #ba4 #fa4 #b ,tim4 #a3ae4 #fb4 #b ,tim4 #b3af1 #ah4 #fc4 #b ,tim4 #d3aj4 #fd4 #b ,tim4 #d3af4 #fe4 ,titus #a3i-ad4 #ff4 #b ,peter #b4 #fg4 ,ibid4 #c3af4 #fh4 ,i ,john #b3ah1 #ai4 #fi4 ,i ,john #d3a4 #gj4 #b ,john #a3g4 #ga4 ,jude #c1 #d4 #gb4 #b ,tim4 #c3ac4 #gc4 ,vol4 #a1 pp4 #fef1 #feg4 #gd4 ,lardner's ,works1 vol4 #h1 p4 #ccj4 #ge4 ,eus4 ,ec4 ,hist41 bk4 #c1 ch4 #cb4 #gf4 ,institutes1 bk4 #a cent4 #a1 part #b1 ch4 #b4 #gg4 ,jortin's ,remarks on ,ecclesiastical ,history1 vol4 #a1 p4 #bdh4 #gh4 ,eusebius1 bk4 #c1 ch4 #ci4 #gi4 ,lardner ,works1 vol4 #h1 p4 #dah4 #hj4 ,lardner ,works1 vol4 #h1 #ddi3dgj2 also ,i ,peter #c3ah-ba2 ,ibid1 #d3f2 ,i ,cor4 #ae3bi4 #ha4 ,lardner1 vol4 #h1 p4 #dfj4 #hb4 ,ibid4 p4 #eha-b4 #hc4 ,lardner1 vol4 #h1 p4 #cde4 #hd4 ,held in #cbe ,a4 ,d4 #he4 ,jortin1 vol4 #a1 p4 #aff1 note4 #hf4 ,lardner1 vol4 #h1 p4 #cdd4 #hg4 ,lardner1 vol4 #h1 p4 #cde4 #hh4 ,neander's ,history of the ,christian ,religion and ,church1 vol4 #a1 p4 #aia4 #hi4 ,student's ,eccles4 ,hist41 vol4 #a1 p4 #di4 #ij4 ,gibbon's ,roman ,empire1 ,preface by ,dean ,milman1 p4 #ae4 #ia4 ,institutes1 vol4 #a1 cent4 #b1 ch4 #d4 #ib4 ,ibid4 cent4 #c1 part #b4 ch4 #d4 #ic4 ,neander ,ch4 ,hist41 vol4 #a1 p4 #bec4 ,decline and ,fall1 vol4 #b1 chap4 #bj4 #id4 ,eusebius' ,life of ,constantine1 bk4 #a1 #bg4 #ie4 ,hist4 ,eccles41 vol4 ,i1 bk4 #a1 ch4 #ag4 #if4 ,zosimus1 bk4 #b1 p4 #ajd4 #ig4 ,neander's ,ch4 ,hist41 vol4 #b1 p4 #h4 #ih4 ,gibbon1 ,decline and ,fall1 vol4 #c1 ch4 #bj4 #ii4 ,neander ,ch4 ,hist41 vol4 #b1 p4 #bc4 #ajj4 ,neander ,ch4 ,hist41 vol4 #b1 p4 #ba4 #aja4 ,intellectual ,development of ,europe1 vol4 #a1 p4 #bhj4 #ajb4 ,gibbon1 ,decline and ,fall1 ch4 #bj4 #ajc4 ,neander ,ch4 ,hist41 vol4 #b1 p4 #bd4 #ajd4 ,mosheim's ,institutes1 vol4 #a1 p4 #bad4 #aje4 ,lardner1 vol4 #d1 p4 #ci4 #ajf4 ,lardner1 vol4 #d1 p4 #ci4 #ajg4 ,lardner1 vol4 #d1 p4 #dd4 #ajh4 ,neander1 ,ch4 ,hist41 vol4 #b1 p4 #be4 #aji4 ,neander1 ,ch4 ,hist41 vol4 #b1 p4 #be4 #aaj4 ,draper1 ,intellectual ,development1 vol4 #a1 p4 #bhc4 #aaa4 ,decline and ,fall4 ch4 #bj4 #aab4 ,life of ,constantine 7,eusebius7 ,i1 ch4 #b3dd4 #aac4 ,ibid1 ch4 #de4 #aad4 ,life of ,constantine1 7,eusebius7 ,i1 ch4 #d3bc1 #be4 #aae4 ,lardner1 vol4 #h1 p4 #afi4 #aaf4 ,neander1 ,ch4 ,hist41 vol4 #b1 p4 #bf1 #bg4 #aag4 ,lardner1 ,works1 vol4 #d1 p4 #di4 #aah4 ,lardner1 ,works1 vol4 #d1 p4 #ej4 #aai4 ,lardner1 ,works1 vol4 #h1 p4 #afi4 #abj4 ,in #cec ,a4 ,d41 according to ,gothford4 #aba4 ,the law is extant in the ,theodocian ,code #abb4 ,neander1 vol4 #b1 p4 #cd4 #abc4 ,neander1 ,ch4 ,hist41 vol4 #b1 pp4 #hh-aaj4 #abd4 ,neander1 ,ch4 ,hist41 vol4 #b1 p4 #fg4 #abe4 ,lardner1 ,works1 vol4 #h1 p4 #afd4 #abf4 ,lardner1 ,works1 vol4 #h1 p4 #bgf4 #abg4 ,decline and ,fall1 ch4 #ba4 #abh4 ,decline and ,fall1 ch4 #ba4 #abi4 ,decline and ,fall1 ch4 #ba4 #acj4 ,lardner1 ,works1 vol4 #d1 p4 #cf4 #aca4 ,life of ,constantine1 ,eusebius1 p4 #ff4 #acb4 ,this event occured about #dgf ,a4 ,d4 #acc4 ,decline and ,fall1 ch4 #af4 #acd4 ,luke #i3ed-ef4 #ace4 ,matt4 #aj3cd-cf4 #acf4 ,end of ,religious ,controversy1 ,milner1 ,letter #bf4 #acg4 ,i ,cor4 #f3i-aa4 #ach4 ,neander1 ,ch4 ,hist41 vol4 #a1 p4 #bej4 #aci4 ,neander1 ,ch4 ,hist41 vol4 #a1 p4 #bei4 #adj4 ,milner's ,ch4 ,hist41 vol4 #a1 cent4 #c1 ch4 #f4 #ada4 ,milner's ,ch4 ,hist41 vol4 #a1 cent4 #c1 ch4 #f4 #adb4 ,milner's ,ch4 ,hist41 vol4 #a1 cent4 #c1 ch4 #h4 #adc4 ,milner's ,ch4 ,hist41 vol4 #a1 cent4 #c1 ch4 #ag4 #add4 ,eusebius' ,eccl4 ,hist41 bk4 #h1 ch4 #a4 #ade4 ,new ,witnesses for ,god1 pp4 #ge1 #gf4 #adf4 ,eusebius' ,eccl4 ,hist41 bk4 #h1 ch4 #b4 #adg4 ,book of ,martyrs1 ch4 #ab4 #adh4 ,see ,milner's ,introduction to his ,church ,hist41 vol4 #a4 #adi4 ,neander's ,church ,hist41 vol #b1 pp4 #bi-cj4 #aej4 ,neander's ,church ,hist41 vol #b1 p4 #cj4 #aea4 ,decline and ,fall1 ch4 #bj4 #aeb4 ,augustine on ,st4 ,john1 tract #be1 ch4 #aj4 #aec4 ,neander's ,ch4 ,hist41 vol4 #b1 p4 #abj4 #aed4 ,mosheim1 book #b1 cent1 #d1 part #b1 chap4 #c4 #aee4 ,mark1 #af3ae-ah4 #aef4 ,i ,cor41 #ab3d-aa4 #aeg4 ,gal4 #e3bb-bd4 #aeh4 ,student's ,ecclesiastical ,history1 vol4 #a1 p4 #fb4 #aei4 ,jortin's ,eccl4 ,hist41 vol4 #a1 pp4 #acd-f4 #afj4 ,john #aj2 ,matt4 #bg2 ,mark #ad3fa1 #fb4 #afa4 ,for all of which see ,john #a3a-d1 #ad2 ,heb4 #a3a-c2 ,matt4 #bh3ah4 #afb4 ,col4 #a3ae-ai1 and #b3i4 #afc4 ,heb4 #a3b1 #c4 #afd4 ,john #aj3cj2 #ag3aa-bb4 #afe4 ,john #ad3i4 #aff4 ,john #ad3a-i2 ,john #a3ah4 #afg4 ,i ,tim4 #c3af4 #afh4 ,john #ad3aj1 #aa1 #ai1 #bj2 also ,john #ag4 #afi4 ,eph4 #c3ad-ai4 #agj4 ,acts #e3a-ad4 ,to lie to the ,holy ,ghost is to lie to ,god1 because the ,holy ,ghost is ,god4 #aga4 ,matt4 #bh3ai1 #bj4 #agb4 #b ,cor4 #ac3ad4 #agc4 ,phil4 #c3bj1 #ba4 #agd4 ,i ,cor4 #ad4 #age4 ,see ,shedd's ,history of ,christian ,doctrine1 vol4 #a1 p4 #cdb1 et seq4 and note4 #agf4 ,john #a3a-e1 #ad4 #agg4 ,hist4 ,christian ,councils 7,hefele71 p4 #bid4 #agh4 ,catholic ,belief 7,bruno71 p4 #a4 #agi4 ,i4e4 without materiality4 #ahj4 ,decline and ,fall1 #ba4 #aha4 #b ,peter1 #b3a4 #ahb4 ,rev4 #ad3f1 #g4 #ahc4 ,i ,cor4 #ab2 ,eph4 #d4 #ahd4 ,i ,cor4 #ab4 #ahe4 ,matt4 #bj4 #ahf4 ,neander1 ,ch4 ,hist41 vol4 #b1 p4 #aif4 #ahg4 ,see pp4 #gc-ge4 #ahh4 ,this remark is quoted by ,neander1 ,ch4 ,hist41 vol4 #b1 p4 #aih4 #ahi4 ,matt4 #bj3bf1 #bg4 #aij4 ,acts #bj3bh-cj4 #aia4 ,i ,tim4 #d3a1 #b1 #c4 #aib4 #b ,tim4 #d3a1 #b1 #c1 #d4 #aic4 #b ,tim4 #c3a-e4 #aid4 ,see page #dh1 and #b ,peter #a3c4 #aie4 #b ,thes4 #b3a-ab4 #aif4 ,isaiah #bd3a-f4 #aig4 ,heb4 #ac3aj4 #aih4 ,rev4 #ac3f4 #aii4 ,dan4 #g3be2 #h3be4 #bjj4 ,dan4 #g3ba4 #bja4 ,dan4 #g3be4 #bjb4 ,dan4 #h3bd4 #bjc4 ,rev4 #ac3g4 #a ,chapter ,i4 ,joseph ,smith's ,birth and ,lineage--the ,prophet's ,first ,vision--,this ,is ,my ,beloved ,son4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,prophet's ,introduction4 ,owing to the many reports which have been put in circulation by evil-disposed and designing persons1 in relation to the rise and progress of the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-day ,saints1 all of which have been designed by the authors thereof to militate against its character as a ,church and its progress in the world--,i have been induced to write this history1 to disabuse the public mind1 and put all inquirers after truth into possession of the facts1 as they have transpired1 in relation both to myself and the ,church1 so far as ,i have such facts in my possession4 ,in this history ,i shall present the various events in relation to this ,church1 in truth and righteousness1 as they have transpired1 or as they at #b present exist1 being now the eighth #a year since the organization of said ,church4 ,sidenote3 ,birth and ,ancestry4 ,i was born in the year of our ,lord one thousand eight hundred and five1 on the twenty-third day of ,december1 in the town of ,sharon1 ,windsor county1 state of ,vermont4 ,my father1 ,joseph ,smith1 was born ,july #abth1 #agga1 in ,topsfield1 ,essex county1 ,massachusetts2 his father1 ,asael ,smith1 was born ,march #gth1 #agdd1 in ,topsfield1 ,massachusetts2 his father1 ,samuel ,smith1 was born ,january #bfth1 #agad1 in ,topsfield1 ,massachusetts2 his father1 ,samuel ,smith1 was born ,january #bfth1 #afff1 in ,topsfield1 ,massachusetts2 his father1 ,robert ,smith1 came from ,england4 ,my father1 ,joseph ,smith1 ,senior1 left the state of ,vermont1 and moved to ,palmyra1 ,ontario 7now ,wayne7 county1 in the state of ,new ,york1 when ,i was in my tenth year1 or thereabouts4 ,in about four years after my father's arrival in ,palmyra he moved with his family into ,manchester1 in the same county of ,ontario1 his family consisting of eleven souls1 namely--my father1 ,joseph ,smith1 my mother1 ,lucy ,smith1 7whose name1 previous to her marriage1 was ,mack1 daughter of ,solomon ,mack17 #b my brothers ,alvin1 7who died ,november #aith1 #ahbd1 in the #bgth year of his age17 ,hyrum1 myself1 ,samuel ,harrison1 ,william1 ,don ,carlos1 and my sisters ,sophronia1 ,catherine1 and ,lucy4 ,sidenote3 ,religious ,excitement in ,western ,new ,york4 ,some time in the second year after our removal to ,manchester1 there was in the place where we lived an unusual excitement on the subject of religion4 ,it commenced with the ,methodists1 but soon became general among all the sects in that region of country4 ,indeed1 the whole district of country seemed #c affected by it1 and great multitudes united themselves to the different religious parties1 which created no small stir and division amongst the people1 some crying1 ,lo here6 and others1 ,lo1 there6 ,some were contending for the ,methodist faith1 some for the ,presbyterian1 and some for the ,baptist4 ,for notwithstanding the great love which the converts to these different faiths expressed at the time of their conversion1 and the great zeal manifested by the respective clergy1 who were active in getting up and promoting this extraordinary scene of religious feeling1 in order to have everybody converted1 as they were pleased to call it1 let them join what sect they pleased--yet when the converts began to file off1 some to one party and some to another1 it was seen that the seemingly good feelings of both the priests and the converts were more pretended than real2 for a scene of great confusion and bad feeling ensued2 priest contending against priest1 and convert against convert2 so that all their good feelings one for another1 if they ever had any1 were entirely lost in a strife of words and a contest about opinions4 ,sidenote3 ,reflections on ,divided ,christendom4 ,i was at this time in my fifteenth year4 ,my father's family was proselyted to the ,presbyterian faith1 and four of them joined that church1 namely--my mother ,lucy2 my brothers ,hyrum and ,samuel ,harrison2 and my sister ,sophronia4 ,during this time of great excitement1 my mind was called up to serious reflection and great uneasiness2 but though my feelings were deep and often poignant1 still ,i kept myself aloof from all these parties1 though ,i attended their several meetings as often as occasion would permit4 ,in process of time my mind became somewhat partial to the ,methodist sect1 and ,i felt some desire to be united with them2 but so great were the confusion and strife among the different denominations1 that it was impossible for a person young as ,i was1 and so unacquainted with men and things1 to come to any certain conclusion who was right and who was wrong4 ,my mind at times was greatly excited1 the cry and tumult #d were so great and incessant4 ,the ,presbyterians were most decided against the ,baptists and ,methodists1 and used all the powers of both reason and sophistry to prove their errors1 or1 at least1 to make the people think they were in error4 ,on the other hand1 the ,baptists and ,methodists in their turn were equally zealous in endeavoring to establish their own tenets and disprove all others4 ,sidenote3 ,perplexity of the ,prophet4 ,in the midst of this war of words and tumult of opinions1 ,i often said to myself1 what is to be done8 ,who of all these parties are right2 or1 are they all wrong together8 ,if any one of them be right1 which is it1 and how shall ,i know it8 ,while ,i was laboring under the extreme difficulties caused by the contests of these parties of religionists1 ,i was one day reading the ,epistle of ,james1 first chapter and fifth verse1 which reads3 ,if any of you lack wisdom1 let him ask of ,god1 that giveth to all men liberally1 and upbraideth not2 and it shall be given him4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,promise of ,james ,tested4 ,never did any passage of ,scripture come with more power to the heart of man than this did at this time to mine4 ,it seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of my heart4 ,i reflected on it again and again1 knowing that if any person needed wisdom from ,god1 ,i did2 for how to act ,i did not know and unless ,i could get more wisdom than ,i then had1 ,i would never know2 for the teachers of religion of the different sects understood the same passage of ,scripture so differently as to destroy all confidence in settling the question by an appeal to the ,bible4 ,at length ,i came to the conclusion that ,i must either remain in darkness and confusion1 or else ,i must do as ,james directs1 that is1 ask of ,god4 ,i at length came to the determination to ask of ,god1 concluding that if ,he gave wisdom to them that lacked wisdom1 and would give liberally1 and not upbraid1 ,i might venture4 ,so1 in accordance with this1 my determination to ask ,god1 ,i retired to the woods to make #e the attempt4 ,it was on the morning of a beautiful1 clear day1 early in the spring of eighteen hundred and twenty4 ,it was the first time in my life that ,i had made such an attempt1 for amidst all my anxieties ,i had never as yet made the attempt to pray vocally4 ,sidenote3 ,effort of ,satan to ,destroy the ,prophet4 ,after ,i had retired to the place where ,i had previously designed to go1 having looked around me1 and finding myself alone1 ,i kneeled down and began to offer up the desires of my heart to ,god4 ,i had scarcely done so1 when immediately ,i was seized upon by some power which entirely overcame me1 and had such an astonishing influence over me as to bind my tongue so that ,i could not speak4 ,thick darkness gathered around me1 and it seemed to me for a time as if ,i were doomed to sudden destruction4 ,but1 exerting all my powers to call upon ,god to deliver me out of the power of this enemy which had seized upon me1 and at the very moment when ,i was ready to sink into despair and abandon myself to destruction--not to an imaginary ruin1 but to the power of some actual being from the unseen world1 who had such marvelous power as ,i had never before felt in any being--just at this moment of great alarm1 ,i saw a pillar of light exactly over my head1 above the brightness of the sun1 which descended gradually until it fell upon me4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,first ,vision4 ,it no sooner appeared than ,i found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound4 ,when the light rested upon me ,i saw two personages1 whose brightness and glory defy all description1 standing above me in the air4 ,one of them spake unto me1 calling me by name1 and said--pointing to the other-- ,,this ,,is ,,my ,,beloved ,,son1 ,,hear ,,him4 ,sidenote3 ,state of ,christian ,world4 ,my object in going to inquire of the ,lord was to know which of all the sects was right1 that ,i might know which to join4 ,no sooner1 therefore1 did ,i get possession of #f myself1 so as to be able to speak1 than ,i asked the personages who stood above me in the light1 which of all the sects was right--and which ,i should join4 ,i was answered that ,i must join none of them1 for they were all wrong1 and the personage who addressed me said that all their creeds were an abomination in ,his sight3 that those professors were all corrupt2 that they draw near to me with their lips1 but their hearts are far from me2 they teach for doctrines the commandments of men3 having a form of godliness1 but they deny the power thereof4 ,he again forbade me to join with any of them3 and many other things did he say unto me1 which ,i cannot write at this time4 ,when ,i came to myself again1 ,i found myself lying on my back1 looking up into heaven4 ,when the light had departed1 ,i had no strength2 but soon recovering in some degree1 ,i went home4 ,and as ,i leaned up to the fireplace1 mother inquired what the matter was4 ,i replied1 ,never mind1 all is well--,i am well enough off4 ,i then said to my mother1 ,i have learned for myself that ,presbyterianism is not true4 ,sidenote3 ,sectarian ,opposition4 ,it seems as though the adversary was aware1 at a very early period of my life1 that ,i was destined to prove a disturber and an annoyer of his kingdom2 else why should the powers of darkness combine against me8 ,why the opposition and persecution that arose against me1 almost in my infancy8 ,some few days after ,i had this vision1 ,i happened to be in company with one of the ,methodist preachers1 who was very active in the before-mentioned religious excitement1 and1 conversing with him on the subject of religion1 ,i took occasion to give him an account of the vision which ,i had had4 ,i was greatly surprised at his behavior2 he treated my communication not only lightly1 but with great contempt1 saying1 it was all of the devil1 that there were no such things as visions or revelations in these days2 that all such things had ceased with the ,apostles1 and that there #g would never be any more of them4 ,i soon found1 however1 that my telling the story had excited a great deal of prejudice against me among professors of religion1 and was the cause of great persecution1 which continued to increase2 and though ,i was an obscure boy1 only between fourteen and fifteen years of age1 and my circumstances in life such as to make a boy of no consequence in the world1 yet men of high standing would take notice sufficient to excite the public mind against me1 and create a bitter persecution2 and this was common among all the sects--all united to persecute me4 ,sidenote3 ,reflections upon ,sectarian ,opposition4 ,it caused me serious reflection then1 and often has since1 how very strange it was that an obscure boy1 of a little over fourteen years of age1 and one1 too1 who was doomed to the necessity of obtaining a scanty maintenance by his daily labor1 should be thought a character of sufficient importance to attract the attention of the great ones of the most popular sects of the day1 and in a manner to create in them a spirit of the most bitter persecution and reviling4 ,but strange or not1 so it was1 and it was often the cause of great sorrow to myself4 ,however1 it was nevertheless a fact that ,i had beheld a vision4 ,i have thought since1 that ,i felt much like ,paul1 when he made his defense before ,king ,agrippa1 and related the account of the vision he had when he saw a light1 and heard a voice2 but still there were but few who believed him2 some said he was dishonest1 others said he was mad2 and he was ridiculed and reviled4 ,but all this did not destroy the reality of his vision4 ,he had seen a vision1 he knew he had1 and all the persecution under heaven could not make it otherwise2 and though they should persecute him unto death1 yet he knew1 and would know to the last breath1 that he had both seen a light1 and heard a voice speaking unto him1 and all the world could not make him think or believe otherwise4 ,so it was with me4 ,i had actually seen a light1 and in the midst of that light ,i saw two personages1 and they did in reality #h speak to me2 and though ,i was hated and persecuted for saying that ,i had seen a vision1 yet it was true2 and while they were persecuting me1 reviling me1 and speaking all manner of evil against me falsely for so saying1 ,i was led to say in my heart1 ,why persecute me for telling the truth8 ,i have actually seen a vision1 and who am ,i that ,i can withstand ,god1 or why does the world think to make me deny what ,i have actually seen8 ,for ,i had seen a vision2 ,i knew it1 and ,i knew that ,god knew it1 and ,i could not deny it1 neither dared ,i do it1 at least ,i knew that by so doing ,i would offend ,god1 and come under condemnation4 ,sidenote3 ,all ,doubts ,settled4 ,i had now got my mind satisfied so far as the sectarian world was concerned2 that it was not my duty to join with any of them1 but to continue as ,i was until further directed4 ,i had found the testimony of ,james to be true1 that a man who lacked wisdom might ask of ,god1 and obtain1 and not be upbraided4 ,footnotes #a4 ,that is1 #ahch1 since the ,church was organized ,april #fth1 #ahcj4 ,the date at which the ,prophet began the writing of this ,history is also indicated on a subsequent page1 where reference is made to the final return of the plates to the angel1 in whose charge they remained until this day1 the second day of ,may1 #ahch4 #b4 ,the ,mack family1 at least back to ,ebenezer ,mack1 grandfather of ,lucy1 was from the state of ,connecticut 7,joseph ,smith and his ,progenitors1 by ,lucy ,smith1 ch4 #i47 #i ,chapter ,,ii4 ,the ,visitation of ,moroni--,existence of the ,book of ,mormon ,made ,known4 ,sidenote3 ,interval of ,three ,years #ahbj-bc4 ,i continued to pursue my common vocation in life until the twenty-first of ,september1 one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three1 all the time suffering severe persecution at the hands of all classes of men1 both religious and irreligious1 because ,i continued to affirm that ,i had seen a vision4 ,sidenote3 ,confession of ,errors4 ,during the space of time which intervened between the time ,i had the vision and the year eighteen hundred and twenty-three--having been forbidden to join any of the religious sects of the day1 and being of very tender years1 and persecuted by those who ought to have been my friends1 and to have treated me kindly1 and if they supposed me to be deluded to have endeavored in a proper and affectionate manner to have reclaimed me1--,i was left to all kinds of temptations2 and mingling with all kinds of society1 ,i frequently fell into many foolish errors1 and displayed the weakness of youth1 and the foibles of human nature2 which1 ,i am sorry to say1 led me into divers temptations1 offensive in the sight of ,god4 ,in making this confession1 no one need suppose me guilty of any great or malignant sins4 ,a disposition to commit such was never in my nature4 ,but ,i was guilty of levity1 and sometimes associated with jovial company1 etc41 not consistent with that character which ought to be maintained by one who was called of ,god as ,i had been4 ,but this will not seem very strange to any #aj one who recollects my youth1 and is acquainted with my native cheery temperament4 #a ,sidenote3 ,appearing of ,moroni4 ,in consequence of these things1 ,i often felt condemned for my weakness and imperfections2 when1 on the #aa evening of the above-mentioned twenty-first of ,september1 after ,i had retired to my bed for the night1 ,i betook myself to prayer and supplication to ,almighty ,god for forgiveness of all my sins and follies1 and also for a manifestation to me1 that ,i might know of my state and standing before ,him2 for ,i had full confidence in obtaining a divine manifestation1 as ,i previously had done4 ,while ,i was thus in the act of calling upon ,god1 ,i discovered a light appearing in my room1 which continued to increase until the room was lighter than at noonday1 when immediately a personage appeared at my bed side1 standing in the air1 for his feet did not touch the floor4 ,he had on a loose robe of most exquisite whiteness4 ,it was a whiteness beyond anything earthly ,i had ever seen2 nor do ,i believe that any earthly thing could be made to appear so exceedingly white and brilliant4 ,his hands were naked and his arms also1 a little above the wrist1 so1 also were his feet naked1 as were his legs1 a little above the ankles4 ,his head and neck were also bare4 ,i could discover that he had no other clothing on but this robe1 as it was open1 so that ,i could see into his bosom4 ,not only was his robe exceedingly white1 but his whole person was glorious beyond description1 and his countenance truly like lightning4 ,the room was exceedingly light1 but not so very bright as immediately around his person4 ,sidenote3 ,moroni's ,message4 ,when first ,i looked upon him1 ,i was afraid2 but the fear soon left me4 ,he called me by name1 and said unto me that he was a messenger sent from the presence of ,god to me and that his name was ,moroni2 #b that ,god had a work for me to do2 and that my name should be had for good and evil among all nations1 kindreds1 and tongues1 or that it should be both #ab good and evil spoken of among all people4 ,he said there was a book deposited1 written upon gold plates1 giving an account of the former inhabitants of this continent1 and the sources from whence they sprang4 ,he also said that the fullness of the everlasting ,gospel was contained in it1 as delivered by the ,savior to the ancient inhabitants2 also that there were two stones in silver bows--and these stones1 fastened to a breastplate1 constituted what is called the ,urim and ,thummim--deposited with the plates2 and the possession and use of these stones were what constituted ,seers in ancient or former times2 and that ,god had prepared them for the purpose of translating the book4 ,sidenote3 ,ancient ,prophecies ,quoted4 ,after telling me these things1 he commenced quoting the prophecies of the ,old ,testament4 ,he first quoted part of the third chapter of ,malachi1 #c and he quoted also the fourth or last chapter of the same prophecy1 though with a little variation from the way it reads in our ,bibles4 ,instead of quoting the first verse as it reads in our books1 he quoted it thus3 ,for behold the day cometh that shall burn as an oven1 and all the proud1 yea1 and all that do wickedly shall burn as stubble3 for they that come shall burn them1 saith the ,lord of hosts1 that it shall leave them neither root nor branch4 ,and again1 he quoted the fifth verse thus3 ,behold ,i will reveal unto you the ,priesthood1 by the hand of ,elijah the prophet1 before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the ,lord4 ,he also quoted the next verse differently3 ,and he shall plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to the fathers1 and the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers2 if it were not so1 the whole earth would be utterly wasted at his coming4 ,in addition to these1 he quoted the eleventh chapter of ,isaiah1 saying that it was about to be fulfilled4 ,he quoted #ac also the third chapter of ,acts1 twenty-second and twenty-third verses1 precisely as they stand in our ,new ,testament4 ,he said that that ,prophet was ,christ2 but the day had not yet come when they who would not hear his voice should be cut off from among the people1 but soon would come4 ,he also quoted the second chapter of ,joel1 from the twenty-eighth verse to the last4 ,he also said that this was not yet fulfilled1 but was soon to be4 ,and he further stated that the fullness of the ,gentiles was soon to come in4 ,he quoted many other passages of ,scripture1 and offered many explanations which cannot be mentioned here4 ,sidenote3 ,plates not to be ,shown4 ,again1 he told me1 that when ,i got those plates of which he had spoken--for the time that they should be obtained was not yet fulfilled--,i should not show them to any person2 neither the breast plate with the ,urim and ,thummim2 only to those to whom ,i should be commanded to show them2 if ,i did ,i should be destroyed4 ,while he was conversing with me about the plates1 the vision was opened to my mind that ,i could see the place where the plates were deposited1 and that so clearly and distinctly that ,i knew the place again when ,i visited it4 ,sidenote3 ,second ,appearing of ,moroni4 ,after this communication1 ,i saw the light in the room began to gather immediately around the person of him who had been speaking to me1 and it continued to do so1 until the room was again left dark1 except just around me1 when instantly ,i saw1 as it were1 a conduit open right up into heaven1 and he ascended until he entirely disappeared1 and the room was left as it had been before this heavenly light had made its appearance4 ,i lay musing on the singularity of the scene and marveling greatly at what had been told to me by this extraordinary messenger2 when1 in the midst of my meditation1 ,i suddenly discovered that my room was again beginning to get lighted1 and in an instant1 as it were1 the same heavenly messenger was again by my bedside4 ,he #ad commenced1 and again related the very same things which he had done at the first visit1 without the least variation2 which having done1 he informed me of great judgments which were coming upon the earth1 with great desolations by famine1 sword1 and pestilence2 and that these grievous judgments would come on the earth in this generation4 ,having related these things1 he again ascended as he had done before4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,third ,appearing of ,moroni4 ,by this time1 so deep were the impressions made on my mind1 that sleep had fled from my eyes1 and ,i lay overwhelmed in astonishment at what ,i had both seen and heard4 ,but what was my surprise when again ,i beheld the same messenger at my bedside1 and heard him rehearse or repeat over again to me the same things as before2 and added a caution to me1 telling me that ,satan would try to tempt me1 7in consequence of the indigent circumstances of my father's family17 to get the plates for the purpose of getting rich4 ,this he forbade me1 saying that ,i must have no other object in view in getting the plates but to glorify ,god1 and must not be influenced by any other motive than that of building ,his kingdom2 otherwise ,i could not get them4 ,after this third visit1 he again ascended into heaven as before1 and ,i was again left to ponder on the strangeness of what ,i had just experienced2 when almost immediately after the heavenly messenger had ascended from me the third time1 the cock crowed1 and ,i found that day was approaching1 so that our interviews must have occupied the whole of that night4 ,sidenote3 ,fourth ,appearing of ,moroni4 ,i shortly after arose from my bed1 and1 as usual1 went to the necessary labors of the day2 but1 in attempting to work as at other times1 ,i found my strength so exhausted as to render me entirely unable4 ,my father1 who was laboring along with me1 discovered something to be wrong with me1 and told me to go home4 ,i started with the intention of going to the house2 but1 in attempting to cross the fence out of the #ae field where we were1 my strength entirely failed me1 and ,i fell helpless on the ground1 and for a time was quite unconscious of anything4 ,the first thing that ,i can recollect was a voice speaking unto me1 calling me by name4 ,i looked up1 and beheld the same messenger standing over my head1 surrounded by light as before4 ,he then again related unto me all that he had related to me the previous night1 and commanded me to go to my father and tell him of the vision and commandments which ,i had received4 ,i obeyed2 ,i returned to my father in the field1 and rehearsed the whole matter to him4 ,he replied to me that it was of ,god1 and told me to go and do as commanded by the messenger4 ,i left the field1 and went to the place where the messenger had told me the plates were deposited2 and owing to the distinctness of the vision which ,i had had concerning it1 ,i knew the place the instant that ,i arrived there4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,hill ,cumorah4 ,convenient to the village of ,manchester1 ,ontario county1 ,new ,york1 stands a hill of considerable size1 and the most elevated of any in the neighborhood4 #d ,on the west side of this hill1 not far from the top1 under a stone of considerable size1 lay the plates1 deposited in a stone box4 ,this stone was thick and rounding in the middle on the upper side1 and thinner towards the edges1 so that the middle part of it #af was visible above the ground1 but the edge all around was covered with earth4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,nephite ,record4 ,having removed the earth1 ,i obtained a lever1 which ,i got fixed under the edge of the stone1 and with a little exertion raised it up4 ,i looked in1 and there indeed did ,i behold the plates1 the ,urim and ,thummim1 and the breastplate1 as stated by the messenger4 ,the box in which they lay was formed by laying stones together in some kind of cement4 ,in the bottom of the box were laid two stones crosswise of the box1 and on these stones lay the plates and the other things with them4 ,sidenote3 ,four ,annual ,visits to ,cumorah4 ,i made an attempt to take them out1 but was for bidden by the messenger1 and was again informed that the time for bringing them forth had not yet arrived1 neither would it1 until four years from that time2 but he told me that ,i should come to that place precisely in one year from that time1 and that he would there meet with me1 and that ,i should continue to do so until the time should come for obtaining the plates4 ,accordingly1 as ,i had been commanded1 ,i went at the end of each year1 and at each time ,i found the same messenger there1 and received instruction and intelligence from him at each of our interviews1 respecting what the ,lord was going to do1 and how and in what manner ,his kingdom was to be conducted in the last days4 ,sidenote3 ,story of ,being a ,money ,digger4 ,as my father's worldly circumstances were very limited1 we were under the necessity of laboring with our hands1 hiring out by day's work and otherwise1 as we could get opportunity4 ,sometimes we were at home1 and sometimes abroad1 and by continued labor1 were enabled to get a comfortable maintenance4 ,in the year #ahbd #e my father's family met with a great affliction by the death of my eldest brother1 #ag ,alvin4 ,in the month of ,october1 #ahbe1 ,i hired with an old gentleman by the name of ,josiah ,stowel1 who lived in ,chenango county1 state of ,new ,york4 ,he had heard something of a silver mine having been opened by the ,spaniards in ,harmony1 ,susquehanna county1 state of ,pennsylvania2 and had1 previous to my hiring to him1 been digging1 in order1 if possible1 to discover the mine4 ,after ,i went to live with him1 he took me1 with the rest of his hands1 to dig for the silver mine1 at which ,i continued to work for nearly a month1 without success in our undertaking1 and finally ,i prevailed with the old gentleman to cease digging after it4 ,hence arose the very prevalent story of my having been a money digger4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,prophet's ,marriage4 ,during the time that ,i was thus employed1 ,i was put to board with a ,mr4 ,isaac ,hale1 of that place2 it was there ,i first saw my wife 7his daughter71 ,emma ,hale4 #f ,on the #ahth of ,january1 #ahbg1 we were married1 while ,i was yet employed in the service of ,mr4 ,stowel4 ,owing to my continuing to assert that ,i had seen a vision1 persecution still followed me1 and my wife's father's family were very much opposed to our being married4 ,i was1 therefore1 under the necessity of taking her elsewhere2 so we went and were married at the house of ,squire ,tarbill1 in ,south ,bainbridge1 ,chenango county1 ,new ,york4 ,immediately after my marriage1 ,i left ,mr4 ,stoal's and went to my father's1 and farmed with him that season4 ,footnotes #a4 ,with this agrees a letter which the ,prophet addressed to ,oliver ,cowdery upon hearing that it was the intention of the latter to publish a series of articles in the ,saints' ,messenger and ,advocate1 on ,early ,scenes and ,incidents in the ,church4 ,the letter referred to appeared in vol4 #a1 no4 #c1 of the ,messenger and ,advocate1 #ahcd4 ,letter of ,joseph ,smith to ,oliver ,cowdery3,dear ,brother3 ,having learned from the first number of the ,messenger and ,advocate1 that you were not only about to give a history of the rise and progress of the ,church of the ,latter-day ,saints2 but that said history would necessarily embrace my life and character1 ,i have been induced to give you the time and place of my birth2 as ,i have learned that many of the opposers of those principles which ,i have held forth to the world1 profess a personal acquaintance with me1 though when in my presence1 represent me to be another person1 in age1 education1 and stature1 from what ,i am4 ,i was born 7according to the record of the same kept by my parents7 in the town of ,sharon1 ,windsor county1 ,vermont1 on the #bcrd of ,december1 #ahje4 ,at the age of ten my father's family removed to ,palmyra1 ,new ,york1 where1 in the vicinity of which1 ,i lived1 or1 made it my place of residence1 until ,i was twenty-one2 the latter part in the town of ,manchester4 ,during this time1 as is common to most1 or all youths1 ,i fell into many vices and follies2 but as my accusers are1 and have been forward to accuse me of being guilty of gross and outrageous violations of the peace and good order of the community1 ,i take the occasion to remark that1 though as ,i have said above1 as is common to most1 or all youths1 ,i fell into many vices and follies1 ,i have not1 neither can it be sustained1 in truth1 been guilty of wronging or injuring any man or society of men2 and those imperfections to which ,i allude1 and for which ,i have often had occasion to lament1 were a light1 and too often1 vain mind1 exhibiting a foolish and trifling conversation4 ,this being all1 and the worst1 that my accusers can substantiate against my moral character1 ,i wish to add that it is not without a deep feeling of regret that ,i am thus called upon in answer to my own conscience1 to fulfil a duty ,i owe to myself1 as well as to the cause of truth1 in making this public confession of my former uncircumspect walk1 and trifling conversation and more particularly1 as ,i often acted in violation of those holy precepts which ,i knew came from ,god4 ,but as the ,articles and ,covenants1 of this ,church are plain upon this particular point1 ,i do not deem it important to proceed further4 ,i only add1 that ,i do not1 nor never have1 pretended to be any other than a man subject to passion1 and liable1 without the assisting grace of the ,savior1 to deviate from that perfect path in which all men are commanded to walk4 ,by giving the above a place in your valuable paper1 you will confer a lasting favor upon myself as an individual1 and1 as ,i humbly hope1 subserve the cause of righteousness4 ,i am1 with feelings of esteem1 your fellow-laborer in the ,gospel of our ,lord1,signed ,joseph ,smith4 #b4 ,in the original publication of the history in the ,times and ,seasons at ,nauvoo1 this name appears as ,nephi1 and the ,millennial ,star perpetuated the error in its republication of the ,history4 ,that it is an error is evident1 and it is so noted in the manuscripts to which access has been had in the preparation of this work4 ,see also ,book of ,doctrine and ,covenants1 section #bg1 par4 #e1 and section #abh1 par4 #bj4 #c4 ,most likely the first part of the chapter2 as that deals with the coming of a messenger to prepare the way for the glorious coming of ,messiah4 #d4 ,the following description of ,cumorah is from the pen of ,oliver ,cowdery3 ,you are acquainted with the mail road from ,palmyra1 ,wayne county1 to ,canandaigua1 ,ontario county1 ,new ,york1 and also1 as you pass from the former to the latter place1 before arriving at the little village of ,manchester1 say from three to four1 or about four miles from ,palmyra1 you pass a large hill on the east side of the road4 ,why ,i say large1 is because it is as large perhaps1 as any in that country4 ,to a person acquainted with this road a description would be unnecessary1 as it is the largest and rises the highest of any on that route4 ,the north end rises quite sudden until it assumes a level with the more southerly extremity1 and ,i think ,i may say an elevation higher than at the south a short distance1 say half or three-fourths of a mile4 ,as you pass toward ,canandaigua it lessens gradually until the surface assumes its common level1 or is broken by other smaller hills or ridges1 water-courses and ravines4 ,i think ,i am justified in saying that this is the highest hill for some distance round1 and ,i am certain that its appearance1 as it rises so suddenly from the plain on the north1 must attract the notice of the traveler as he passes by4--,messenger and ,advocate1 #ahcd4 #e4 ,a genealogy of the ,prophet's family in the ,church records gives the date of ,alvin's death1 ,november #ai1 #ahbe4 ,lucy ,smith's ,history of the ,prophet agrees with the text above4--#ahbd1 ,november #ai4 #f4 ,emma ,hale was born in the town of ,harmony1 ,susquehanna county1 ,pennsylvania1 ,july #aj1 #ahjd4 ,it will therefore be observed that ,emma ,hale was in her twenty-third year at the time of her marriage with the ,prophet2 hence of age2 hence1 under the law1 mistress of her own actions4 ,this is remarked because the ,prophet1 in works written against him1 is charged with having abducted his wife4 #ah ,chapter ,,iii4 ,the ,nephite ,record ,delivered to ,joseph--the ,angel's ,warning--the ,work of ,translation4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,prophet ,receives the ,plates4 ,at length the time arrived for obtaining the plates1 the ,urim and ,thummim1 and the ,breastplate4 ,on the twenty-second day of ,september1 one thousand eight hundred and twenty-seven1 having gone as usual at the end of another year to the place where they were deposited1 the same heavenly messenger delivered them up to me with this charge3 that ,i should be responsible for them2 that if ,i should let them go carelessly1 or through any neglect of mine1 ,i should be cut off2 but that if ,i would use all my endeavors to preserve them1 until he1 the messenger1 should call for them1 they should be protected4 ,sidenote3 ,efforts of ,enemies to ,get the ,plates4 ,i soon found out the reason why ,i had received such strict charges to keep them safe1 and why it was that the messenger had said that when ,i had done what was required at my hand1 he would call for them4 ,for no sooner was it known that ,i had them1 than the most strenuous exertions were used to get them from me4 ,every stratagem that could be invented was resorted to for that purpose4 ,the persecution became more bitter and severe than before1 and multitudes were on the alert continually to get them from me if possible4 ,but by the wisdom of ,god1 they remained safe in my hands1 until ,i had accomplished by them what was required at my hand4 ,when1 according to arrangements1 the messenger called for them1 ,i delivered them up to him2 and he has them in his charge #ai until this day1 being the second day of ,may1 one thousand eight hundred and thirty-eight4 #a ,sidenote3 ,misrepresentations4 ,the excitement1 however1 still continued1 and rumor with her thousand tongues was all the time employed in circulating falsehoods about my father's family1 and about myself4 ,if ,i were to relate a thousandth part of them1 it would fill up volumes4 ,the persecution1 however1 became so intolerable that ,i was under the necessity of leaving ,manchester1 and going with my wife to ,susquehanna county1 in the state of ,pennsylvania4 ,sidenote3 ,removal to ,pennsylvania4 ,while preparing to start1--being very poor1 and the persecution so heavy upon us that there was no probability that we would ever be otherwise1--in the midst of our afflictions we found a friend in a gentleman by the name of ,martin ,harris1 #b who came to us and gave me fifty dollars to assist us on our journey4 ,mr4 ,harris was a resident of ,palmyra township1 ,wayne county1 in the state of ,new ,york1 and a farmer of respectability4 ,by this timely aid was ,i enabled to reach the place of my destination in ,pennsylvania2 and immediately after my arrival there ,i commenced copying the characters off the plates4 ,i copied a considerable number of them1 and by means of the ,urim and ,thummim ,i translated some of them1 which ,i did between the time ,i arrived at the house of my wife's father1 in the month of ,december1 and the ,february following4 ,sidenote3 ,words of the ,book ,given to the ,learned4 ,some time in this month of ,february1 the aforementioned ,mr4 ,martin ,harris came to our place1 got the characters which ,i had drawn off the plates1 and started with them to the city of ,new ,york4 ,for what took place relative to him and the #bj characters1 ,i refer to his own account of the circumstances1 as he related them to me after his return1 which was as follows3 ,i went to the city of ,new ,york1 and presented the characters which had been translated1 with the translation thereof1 to ,professor ,charles ,anthon1 a gentleman celebrated for his literary attainments4 ,professor ,anthon stated that the translation was correct1 more so than any he had before seen translated from the ,egyptian4 ,i then showed him those which were not yet translated1 and he said that they were ,egyptian1 ,chaldaic1 ,assyriac1 and ,arabic2 and he said they were true characters4 ,he gave me a certificate1 certifying to the people of ,palmyra that they were true characters1 and that the translation of such of them as had been translated was also correct4 ,i took the certificate and put it into my pocket1 and was just leaving the house1 when ,mr4 ,anthon called me back1 and asked me how the young man found out that there were gold plates in the place where he found them4 ,i answered that an angel of ,god had revealed it unto him4 ,he then said to me1 ,let me see that certificate4 ,i accordingly took it out of my pocket and gave it to him1 when he took it and tore it to pieces1 saying1 that there was no such thing now as ministering of angels1 and that if ,i would bring the plates to him1 he would translate them4 ,i informed him that part of the plates were sealed1 and that ,i was forbidden to bring them4 ,he replied1 ,i cannot read a sealed book4 ,i left him and went to ,dr4 ,mitchell1 who sanctioned what ,professor ,anthon had said respecting both the characters and the translation4 #c ,sidenote3 ,the ,loss of #aaf ,pages of ,manuscript4 ,mr4 ,harris1 having returned from his tour1 left me and went home to ,palmyra1 arranged his affairs1 and returned again to my house about the #abth of ,april1 #ahbh1 and commenced writing for me while ,i translated from the plates1 which we continued until the #adth of ,june following1 by which time he #ba had written one hundred and sixteen pages of manuscript on foolscap paper4 ,some time after ,mr4 ,harris had begun to write for me1 he began to importune me to give him liberty to carry the writings home and show them2 and desired of me that ,i would inquire of the ,lord1 through the ,urim and ,thummim1 if he might not do so4 ,i did inquire1 and the answer was that he must not4 ,however1 he was not satisfied with this answer1 and desired that ,i should inquire again4 ,i did so1 and the answer was as before4 ,still he could not be contented1 but insisted that ,i should inquire once more4 ,after much solicitation ,i again inquired of the ,lord1 and permission was granted him to have the writings on certain conditions2 which were1 that he show them only to his brother1 ,preserved ,harris1 his own wife1 his father and his mother1 and a ,mrs4 ,cobb1 a sister to his wife4 ,in accordance with this last answer1 ,i required of him that he should bind himself in a covenant to me in a most solemn manner that he would not do otherwise than had been directed4 ,he did so4 ,he bound himself as ,i required of him1 took the writings1 and went his way4 ,notwithstanding1 however1 the great restrictions which he had been laid under1 and the solemnity of the covenant which he had made with me1 he did show them to others1 and by stratagem they got them away from him1 and they never have been recovered unto this day4 ,sidenote3 ,prophet's ,journey to ,manchester and ,return to ,pennsylvania4 ,in the meantime1 while ,martin ,harris was gone with the writings1 ,i went to visit my father's family at ,manchester4 ,i continued there for a short season1 and then returned to my place in ,pennsylvania4 ,immediately after my return home1 ,i was walking out a little distance1 when1 behold1 the former heavenly messenger appeared and handed to me the ,urim and ,thummim again--for it had been taken from me in consequence of my having wearied the ,lord in asking for the privilege of letting ,martin ,harris take the writings1 which he lost by transgression--and ,i #bb inquired of the ,lord through it1 and obtained the following3 ,revelation to ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 given ,july1 #ahbh1 concerning certain manuscripts of the first part of the ,book of ,mormon1 which had been taken from the possession of ,martin ,harris4 #d #a4 ,the works1 and the designs1 and the purposes of ,god cannot be frustrated1 neither can they come to naught4 #b4 ,for ,god doth not walk in crooked paths1 neither doth he turn to the right hand nor to the left1 neither doth ,he vary from that which ,he hath said1 therefore his paths are straight1 and ,his course is one eternal round4 #c4 ,remember1 remember that it is not the work of ,god that is frustrated1 but the work of men2 #d4 ,for although a man may have many revelations1 and have power to do many mighty works1 yet if he boasts in his own strength1 and sets at naught the counsels of ,god1 and follows after the dictates of his own will and carnal desires1 he must fall and incur the vengeance of a just ,god upon him4 #e4 ,behold1 you have been entrusted with these things1 but how strict were your commandments2 and remember1 also1 the promises which were made to you1 if you did not transgress them4 #f4 ,and behold1 how oft you have transgressed the commandments and the laws of ,god1 and have gone on in the persuasions of men2 #g4 ,for1 behold1 you should not have feared man more than ,god1 although men set at naught the counsels of ,god1 and despise ,his works2 #h4 ,yet you should have been faithful and ,he would have extended ,his arm and supported you against all the fiery darts of the adversary2 and ,he would have been with you in every time of trouble4 #i4 ,behold1 thou art ,joseph1 and thou wast chosen to do the work of the ,lord1 but because of transgression1 if thou art not aware thou wilt fall4 #aj4 ,but remember ,god is merciful2 therefore1 repent of that which thou hast done which is contrary to the commandment which ,i gave you1 and thou art still chosen1 and art again called to the work2 #aa4 ,except thou do this1 thou shalt be delivered up and become as other men and have no more gift4 #ab4 ,and when thou deliveredst up that which ,god had given thee sight and power to translate1 thou deliveredst up that which was sacred into the hands of a wicked man1 #ac4 ,who has set at naught the counsels of ,god1 and has broken the #bc most sacred promises which were made before ,god1 and has depended upon his own judgment and boasted in his own wisdom2 #ad4 ,and this is the reason that thou hast lost thy privileges for a season2 #ae4 ,for thou hast suffered the counsel of thy director to be trampled upon from the beginning4 #af4 ,nevertheless1 my work shall go forth1 for inasmuch as the knowledge of a ,savior has come into the world1 through the testimony of the ,jews1 even so shall the knowledge of a ,savior come unto my people1 #ag4 ,and to the ,nephites1 and the ,jacobites1 and the ,josephites1 and the ,zoramites1 through the testimony of their fathers-- #ah4 ,and this testimony shall come to the knowledge of the ,lamanites1 and the ,lemuelites1 and the ,ishmaelites1 who dwindled in unbelief because of the iniquity of their fathers1 whom the ,lord has suffered to destroy their brethren the ,nephites1 because of their iniquities and their abominations2 #ai4 ,and for this very purpose are these plates preserved which contain these records1 that the promises of the ,lord might be fulfilled1 which ,he made to ,his people2 #bj4 ,and that the ,lamanites might come to the knowledge of their fathers1 and that they might know the promises of the ,lord1 and that they may believe the ,gospel and rely upon the merits of ,jesus ,christ1 and be glorified through faith in his name1 and that through their repentance they might be saved4 ,amen4 ,sidenote3 ,interpreters and ,plates ,returned to the ,prophet4 ,after ,i had obtained the above revelation1 both the plates and the ,urim and ,thummim were taken from me again2 but in a few days they were returned to me1 when ,i inquired of the ,lord1 and the ,lord said thus unto me3 #e ,revelation1 given to ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 informing him of the alteration of the manuscript of the fore part of the ,book of ,mormon4 #f #a4 ,now1 behold1 ,i say unto you1 that because you delivered up those writings which you had power given unto you to translate by the means of the #bd ,urim and ,thummim1 into the hands of a wicked man1 you have lost them4 #b4 ,and you also lost your gift at the same time1 and your mind became darkened4 #c4 ,nevertheless1 it is now restored unto you again2 therefore see that you are faithful and continue on unto the finishing of the remainder of the work of translation as you have begun2 #d4 ,do not run faster1 or labor more than you have strength and means provided to enable you to translate2 but be diligent unto the end3 #e4 ,pray always that you may come off conqueror3 yea1 that you may conquer ,satan1 and that you may escape the hands of the servants of ,satan that do uphold his work4 #f4 ,behold1 they have sought to destroy you2 yea1 even the man in whom you have trusted has sought to destroy you4 #g4 ,and for this cause ,i said that he is a wicked man1 for he has sought to take away the things wherewith you have been entrusted2 and he has also sought to destroy your gift2 #h4 ,and because you have delivered the writings into his hands1 behold wicked men have taken them from you3 #i4 ,therefore1 you have delivered them up1 yea1 that which was sacred1 unto wickedness4 #aj4 ,and1 behold1 ,satan hath put it into their hearts to alter the words which you have caused to be written1 or which you have translated1 which have gone out of your hands4 #aa4 ,and behold1 ,i say unto you1 that because they have altered the words1 they read contrary from that which you translated and caused to be written2 #ab4 ,and1 on this wise1 the devil has sought to lay a cunning plan1 that he may destroy this work2 #ac4 ,for he hath put it into their hearts to do this1 that by lying they may say they have caught you in the words which you have pretended to translate4 #ad4 ,verily1 ,i say unto you1 that ,i will not suffer that ,satan shall accomplish his evil design in this thing4 #ae4 ,for1 behold1 he has put it into their hearts to get thee to tempt the ,lord thy ,god in asking to translate it over again2 #af4 ,and then1 behold1 they say and think in their hearts1 ,we will see if ,god has given him power to translate2 if so1 he will also give him power again2 #ag4 ,and if ,god giveth him power again1 or if he translates again1 or1 in other words1 if he bringeth forth the same words1 behold1 we have the same with us1 and we have altered them3 #ah4 ,therefore1 they will not agree1 and we will say that he has lied in his words1 and that he has no gift1 and that he has no power3 #be #ai4 ,therefore we will destroy him1 and also the work1 and we will do this that we may not be ashamed in the end1 and that we may get glory of the world4 #bj4 ,verily1 verily1 ,i say unto you1 that ,satan has great hold upon their hearts2 he stirreth them up to iniquity against that which is good1 #ba4 ,and their hearts are corrupt1 and full of wickedness and abominations1 and they love darkness rather than light1 because their deeds are evil3 therefore they will not ask of me4 #bb4 ,satan stirreth them up1 that he may lead their souls to destruction4 #bc4 ,and thus he has laid a cunning plan1 thinking to destroy the work of ,god2 but ,i will require this at their hands1 and it shall turn to their shame and condemnation in the day of judgment4 #bd4 ,yea1 he stirreth up their hearts to anger against this work2 #be4 ,yea1 he saith unto them1 ,deceive and lie in wait to catch1 that ye may destroy--behold1 this is no harm2 ,and thus he flattereth them1 and telleth them that it is no sin to lie1 that they may catch a man in a lie1 that they may destroy him2 #bf4 ,and thus he flattereth them1 and leadeth them along until he draggeth their souls down to hell2 and thus he causeth them to catch themselves in their own snare2 #bg4 ,and thus he goeth up and down1 to and fro in the earth1 seeking to destroy the souls of men4 #bh4 ,verily1 verily1 ,i say unto you1 woe be unto him that lieth to deceive1 because he supposeth that another lieth to deceive1 for such are not exempt from the justice of ,god4 #bi4 ,now1 behold1 they have altered these words1 because ,satan saith unto them1 ,he hath deceived you1 and thus he flattereth them away to do iniquity1 to get thee to tempt the ,lord thy ,god4 #cj4 ,behold1 ,i say unto you1 that you shall not translate again those words which have gone forth out of your hands2 #ca4 ,for1 behold1 they shall not accomplish their evil designs in lying against those words4 ,for1 behold1 if you should bring forth the same words1 they will say that you have lied1 and that you have pretended to translate1 but that you have contradicted yourself3 #cb4 ,and1 behold they will publish this1 and ,satan will harden the hearts of the people to stir them up to anger against you1 that they will not believe my words4 #cc4 ,thus ,satan thinketh to overpower your testimony in this generation1 that the work may not come forth in this generation2 #cd4 ,but behold1 here is wisdom1 and because ,i show unto you wisdom1 and give you commandments concerning these things1 what you shall do1 show it not unto the world until you have accomplished the work of translation4 #ce4 ,marvel not that ,i said unto you1 ,here is wisdom1 show it not #bf unto the world1 for ,i said1 show it not unto the world1 that you may be preserved4 #cf4 ,behold1 ,i do not say that you shall not show it unto the righteous2 #cg4 ,but as you cannot always judge the righteous1 or as you cannot always tell the wicked from the righteous1 therefore ,i say unto you1 hold your peace until ,i shall see fit to make all things known unto the world concerning the matter4 #ch4 ,and now1 verily1 ,i say unto you1 that an account of those things that you have written1 which have gone out of your hands1 is engraven upon the plates of ,nephi2 #ci4 ,yea1 and you remember it was said in those writings that a more particular account was given of these things upon the plates of ,nephi4 #dj4 ,and now1 because the account which is engraven upon the plates of ,nephi is more particular concerning the things which1 in my wisdom1 ,i would bring to the knowledge of the people in this account2 #da4 ,therefore1 you shall translate the engravings which are on the plates of ,nephi1 down even till you come to the reign of ,king ,benjamin1 or until you come to that which you have translated1 which you have retained4 #db4 ,and behold1 you shall publish it as the record of ,nephi1 and thus ,i will confound those who have altered my words4 #dc4 ,i will not suffer that they shall destroy my work2 yea1 ,i will show unto them that my wisdom is greater than the cunning of the devil4 #dd4 ,behold1 they have only got a part or an abridgment of the account of ,nephi4 #de4 ,behold1 there are many things engraven upon the plates of ,nephi which do throw greater views upon my ,gospel2 therefore1 it is wisdom in me that you should translate this first part of the engravings of ,nephi1 and send forth in this work4 #df4 ,and behold1 all the remainder of this work does contain all those parts of my ,gospel which my holy prophets1 yea1 and also my disciples1 desired in their prayers should come forth unto this people4 #dg4 ,and ,i said unto them1 that it should be granted unto them according to their faith in their prayers2 #dh4 ,yea1 and this was their faith1 that my gospel1 which ,i gave unto them1 that they might preach in their days1 might come unto their brethren the ,lamanites1 and also all that had become ,lamanites1 because of their dissensions4 #di4 ,now1 this is not all--their faith in their prayers was1 that this gospel should be made known also1 if it were possible1 that other nations should possess this land2 #bg #ej4 ,and thus they did leave a blessing upon this land in their prayers1 that whosoever should believe in this ,gospel in this land1 might have eternal life2 #ea4 ,yea1 that it might be free unto all of whatsoever nation1 kindred1 tongue1 or people they may be4 #eb4 ,and now1 behold1 according to their faith in their prayers will ,i bring this part of my ,gospel to the knowledge of my people4 ,behold1 ,i do not bring it to destroy that which they have received1 but to build it up4 #ec4 ,and for this cause have ,i said1 ,if this generation harden not their hearts1 ,i will establish my ,church among them4 #ed4 ,now ,i do not say this to destroy my ,church1 but ,i say this to build up my ,church2 #ee4 ,therefore1 whosoever belongeth to my ,church need not fear1 for such shall inherit the kingdom of heaven2 #ef4 ,but it is they who do not fear me1 neither keep my commandments1 but build up churches unto themselves to get gain1 yea1 and all those that do wickedly and build up the kingdom of the devil2 yea1 verily1 verily1 ,i say unto you1 that it is they that ,i will disturb1 and cause to tremble and shake to the center4 #eg4 ,behold1 ,i am ,jesus ,christ1 the ,son of ,god4 ,i came unto my own1 and my own received me not4 #eh4 ,i am the light which shineth in darkness1 and the darkness comprehendeth it not4 #ei4 ,i am ,he who said1 ,other sheep have ,i which are not of this fold1 unto my disciples1 and many there were that understood me not4 #fj4 ,and ,i will show unto this people that ,i had other sheep1 and that they were a branch of the house of ,jacob2 #fa4 ,and ,i will bring to light their marvelous works1 which they did in my name2 #fb4 ,yea1 and ,i will also bring to light my ,gospel which was ministered unto them1 and1 behold1 they shall not deny that which you have received1 but they shall build it up1 and shall bring to light the true points of my doctrine1 yea1 and the only doctrine which is in me2 #fc4 ,and this ,i do that ,i may establish my ,gospel1 that there may not be so much contention2 yea1 ,satan doth stir up the hearts of the people to contention concerning the points of my doctrine2 and in these things they do err1 for they do wrest the ,scriptures and do not understand them2 #fd4 ,therefore1 ,i will unfold unto them this great mystery2 #fe4 ,for1 behold1 ,i will gather them as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings1 if they will not harden their hearts4 #ff4 ,yea1 if they will come1 they may1 and partake of the waters of life freely4 #bh #fg4 ,behold1 this is my doctrine3 whosoever repenteth and cometh unto me1 the same is my ,church4 #fh4 ,whosoever declareth more or less than this1 the same is not of me1 but is against me2 therefore he is not of my ,church4 #fi4 ,and now1 behold1 whosoever is of my ,church1 and endureth of my ,church to the end1 him will ,i establish upon my rock1 and the gates of hell shall not prevail against him4 #gj4 ,and now1 remember the words of him who is the life and light of the world1 your ,redeemer1 your ,lord and your ,god4 ,amen4 ,sidenote3 ,interval in the ,work of ,translation4 ,i did not1 however1 go immediately to translating1 but went to laboring with my hands upon a small farm which ,i had purchased of my wife's father1 in order to provide for my family4 ,in the month of ,february1 #ahbi1 my father came to visit us1 at which time ,i received the following revelation for him3 ,revelation to ,joseph ,smith1 ,sen41 given ,february1 #ahbi4 #g #a4 ,now behold1 a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men2 #b4 ,therefore1 ,o ye that embark in the service of ,god1 see that ye serve him with all your heart1 might1 mind and strength1 that ye may stand blameless before ,god at the last day2 #c4 ,therefore1 if ye have desires to serve ,god1 ye are called to the work1 #d4 ,for behold the field is white already to harvest1 and lo1 he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might1 the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not1 but bringeth salvation to his soul2 #e4 ,and faith1 hope1 charity and love1 with an eye single to the glory of ,god1 qualify him for the work4 #f4 ,remember faith1 virtue1 knowledge1 temperance1 patience1 brotherly kindness1 godliness1 charity1 humility1 diligence4 #g4 ,ask1 and ye shall receive1 knock and it shall be opened unto you4 ,amen4 ,sidenote3 ,three ,witnesses ,promised4 ,the following ,i applied for and obtained1 at the request of the aforementioned ,martin ,harris3 ,revelation1 given ,march1 #ahbi4 #h #a4 ,behold1 ,i say unto you1 that as my servant ,martin ,harris has #bi desired a witness at my hand1 that you1 my servant ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 have got the plates of which you have testified and borne record that you have received of me2 #b4 ,and now1 behold1 this shall you say unto him1 ,he who spake unto you1 said unto you1 ,i1 the ,lord1 am ,god1 and have given these things unto you1 my servant ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 and have commanded you that you should stand as a witness of these things1 #c4 ,and ,i have caused you that you should enter into a covenant with me1 that you should not show them except to those persons to whom ,i commanded you2 and you have no power over them except ,i grant it unto you4 #d4 ,and you have a gift to translate the plates2 and this is the first gift that ,i bestowed upon you1 and ,i have commanded that you should pretend to no other gift1 until my purpose is fulfilled in this2 for ,i will grant unto you no other gift until it is finished4 #e4 ,verily1 ,i say unto you1 that woe shall come unto the inhabitants of the earth if they will not hearken unto my words2 #f4 ,for hereafter you shall be ordained and go forth and deliver my words unto the children of men4 #g4 ,behold1 if they will not believe my words1 they would not believe you1 my servant ,joseph1 if it were possible that you should show them all these things which ,i have committed unto you4 #h4 ,oh1 this unbelieving and stiffnecked generation1 mine anger is kindled against them6 #i4 ,behold1 verily ,i say unto you1 ,i have reserved those things which ,i have entrusted unto you1 my servant ,joseph1 for a wise purpose in me1 and it shall be made known unto future generations2 #aj4 ,but this generation shall have my word through you2 #aa4 ,and in addition to your testimony1 the testimony of three of my servants1 whom ,i shall call and ordain1 unto whom ,i will show these things1 and they shall go forth with my words that are given through you3 #ab4 ,yea1 they shall know of a surety that these things are true1 for from heaven will ,i declare it unto them4 #ac4 ,i will give them power that they may behold and view these things as they are2 #ad4 ,and to none else will ,i grant this power1 to receive this same testimony among this generation1 in this the beginning of the rising up and the coming forth of my ,church out of the wilderness2 clear as the moon1 and fair as the sun1 and terrible as an army with banners4 #ae4 ,and the testimony of three witnesses will ,i send forth of my word2 #af4 ,and behold1 whosoever believeth on my words1 them will ,i visit with the manifestation of my ,spirit1 and they shall be born of me1 even of water and of the ,spirit4 #cj #ag4 ,and you must wait yet a little while1 for ye are not yet ordained2 #ah4 ,and their testimony shall also go forth unto the condemnation of this generation if they harden their hearts against them2 #ai4 ,for a desolating scourge shall go forth among the inhabitants of the earth1 and shall continue to be poured out from time to time1 if they repent not until the earth is empty1 and the inhabitants thereof are consumed away and utterly destroyed by the brightness of my coming4 #bj4 ,behold1 ,i tell you these things1 even as ,i also told the people of the destruction of ,jerusalem1 and my word shall be verified at this time as it hath hitherto been verified4 #ba4 ,and now ,i command you1 my servant ,joseph1 to repent and walk more uprightly before me1 and to yield to the persuasions of men no more2 #bb4 ,and that you be firm in keeping the commandments wherewith ,i have commanded you1 and if you do this1 behold ,i grant unto you eternal life1 even if you should be slain4 #bc4 ,and now1 again1 ,i speak unto you1 my servant ,joseph concerning the man that desires the witness4 #bd4 ,behold1 ,i say unto him1 he exalts himself and does not humble himself sufficiently before me2 but if he will bow down before me1 and humble himself in mighty prayer and faith1 in the sincerity of his heart1 then will ,i grant unto him a view of the things which he desires to see4 #be4 ,and then he shall say unto the people of this generation1 ,behold1 ,i have seen the things which the ,lord hath shown unto ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 and ,i know of a surety that they are true for ,i have seen them1 for they have been shown unto me by the power of ,god and not of man4 #bf4 ,and ,i1 the ,lord1 commanded him1 my servant ,martin ,harris1 that he shall say no more unto them concerning these things1 except he shall say1 ,i have seen them1 and they have been shown unto me by the power of ,god1 and these are the words which he shall say2 #bg4 ,but if he deny this1 he will break the covenant which he has before covenanted with me1 and behold he is condemned4 #bh4 ,and now1 except he humble himself and acknowledge unto me the things that he has done which are wrong1 and covenant with me that he will keep my commandments1 and exercise faith in me1 behold1 ,i say unto him1 he shall have no such views1 for ,i will grant unto him no views of the things of which ,i have spoken4 #bi4 ,and if this be the case1 ,i command you1 my servant ,joseph that you shall say unto him1 that he shall do no more1 nor trouble me any more concerning this matter4 #cj4 ,and if this be the case1 behold1 ,i say unto thee ,joseph1 when #ca thou hast translated a few more pages1 thou shalt stop for a season1 even until ,i command thee again2 then thou mayest translate again4 #ca4 ,and except thou do this1 behold1 thou shalt have no more gift1 and ,i will take away the things which ,i have entrusted with thee4 #cb4 ,and now1 because ,i forsee the lying in wait to destroy thee1 yea1 ,i forsee that if my servant ,martin ,harris humbleth not himself1 and receive a witness from my hand1 that he will fall into transgression2 #cc4 ,and there are many that lie in wait to destroy thee from off the face of the earth1 and for this cause1 that thy days may be prolonged1 ,i have given unto thee these commandments2 #cd4 ,yea1 for this cause ,i have said1 ,stop and stand still until ,i command thee1 and ,i will provide means whereby thou mayest accomplish the thing which ,i have commanded thee4 #ce4 ,and if thou art faithful in keeping my commandments1 thou shalt be lifted up at the last day4 ,amen4 ,footnotes #a4 ,see footnote page #b4 #b4 ,martin ,harris1 who subsequently became one of the ,three ,witnesses to the ,book of ,mormon1 was born in ,east-town1 ,saratoga county1 ,new ,york1 on the #ahth of ,may1 #aghc4 ,when in his ninth year his father moved with his family into ,palmyra1 ,wayne county1 so that man and boy ,martin ,harris had lived in ,palmyra some thirty-six years4 ,he had amassed a considerable property in lands1 and had established a reputation for business reliability4 #c4 ,in a letter to ,e4 ,d4 ,howe1 of ,painesville1 ,ohio1 who published a book against the ,church in #ahcd1 ,professor ,anthon acknowledged the visit of ,martin ,harris to him and the presentation of the characters in question4 ,he states1 however1 that ,harris1 whom he describes as a plain1 apparently simple-hearted farmer1 presented him with a note from ,dr4 ,samuel ,l4 ,mitchell1 of ,new ,york1 requesting him 7,anthon7 to decipher1 if possible1 a paper which the farmer would hand to him4 ,the call on ,dr4 ,mitchell1 alluded to in ,martin ,harris' statement above1 must1 therefore1 have referred to a second visit to ,dr4 ,mitchell1 after his adventure with ,professor ,anthon4 ,the latter's communication to ,howe bears the date of ,february #agth1 #ahcd1 and is published in extenso in ,smucker's ,history of the ,mormons1 pp4 #cg-ci4 #d4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #c4 #e4 ,this revelation1 which appears as section #aj in the ,doctrine and ,covenants is there dated ,may1 #ahbi4 ,this is clearly an error4 ,the ,prophet's words in the text above can lead to but one conclusion1 namely1 that this was the first revelation he received after the plates and the ,urim and ,thummim were finally restored to him and this1 he says1 was only a few days after he had received the previous revelation1 which1 indeed1 refers to the same subject as this one4 ,the latter was1 therefore1 in all probability1 received in ,august or ,september1 #ahbh4 #f4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #aj4 #g4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #d4 #h4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #e4 #cb ,chapter ,,iv4 ,oliver ,cowdery ,becomes the ,prophet's ,scribe--the ,translation of the ,plates ,continued4 ,sidenote3 ,oliver ,cowdery4 ,on the #eth day of ,april1 #ahbi1 ,oliver ,cowdery #a came to my house1 until which time ,i had never seen him4 ,he stated to me that having been teaching school in the neighborhood where my father resided1 and my father being one of those who sent to the school1 he went to board for a season at his house1 and while there the family related to him the circumstance of my having received the plates1 and accordingly he had come to make inquiries of me4 #b ,two days after the arrival of ,mr4 ,cowdery 7being the #gth of ,april7 #c ,i #cc commenced to translate the ,book of ,mormon1 and he began to write for me1 which having continued for some time1 ,i inquired of the ,lord through the ,urim and ,thummim1 and obtained the following3 ,revelation given ,april1 #ahbi1 to ,oliver ,cowdery and ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun4 #d #a4 ,a great and marvelous work is about to come forth unto the children of men4 #b4 ,behold1 ,i am ,god1 and give heed unto my word1 which is quick and powerful1 sharper than a two-edged sword1 to the dividing asunder of both joints and marrow2 therefore give heed unto my words4 #c4 ,behold1 the field is white already to harvest1 therefore1 whoso desireth to reap1 let him thrust in his sickle with his might1 and reap while the day lasts1 that he may treasure up for his soul everlasting salvation in the kingdom of ,god2 #d4 ,yea1 whosoever will thrust in his sickle and reap1 the same is called of ,god2 #e4 ,therefore1 if you will ask of me you shall receive2 if you will knock it shall be opened unto you4 #f4 ,now1 as you have asked1 behold1 ,i say unto you1 keep my commandments1 and seek to bring forth and establish the cause of ,zion2 #g4 ,seek not for riches but for wisdom1 and behold1 the mysteries of ,god shall be unfolded unto you1 and then shall you be made rich4 ,behold1 he that hath eternal life is rich4 #h4 ,verily1 verily1 ,i say unto you1 even as you desire of me1 so it shall be unto you2 and if you desire1 you shall be the means of doing much good in this generation4 #i4 ,say nothing but repentance unto this generation3 keep my commandments1 and assist to bring forth my work1 according to my commandments1 and you shall be blessed4 #aj4 ,behold thou hast a gift1 and blessed art thou because of thy gift4 ,remember it is sacred and cometh from above3 #aa4 ,and if thou wilt inquire1 thou shalt know mysteries which are great and marvelous3 therefore thou shalt exercise thy gift1 that thou mayest find out mysteries1 that thou mayest bring many to the knowledge of the truth2 yea1 convince them of the error of their ways4 #ab4 ,make not thy gift known unto any1 save it be those who are of thy faith4 ,trifle not with sacred things4 #ac4 ,if thou wilt do good1 yea1 and hold out faithful to the end1 thou shalt be saved in the kingdom of ,god1 which is the greatest of all the gifts of ,god2 for there is no gift greater than the gift of salvation4 #cd #ad4 ,verily1 verily1 ,i say unto thee1 blessed art thou for what thou hast done1 for thou hast inquired of me1 and behold1 as often as thou hast inquired1 thou hast received instruction of my ,spirit4 ,if it had not been so1 thou wouldst not have come to the place where thou art at this time4 #ae4 ,behold1 thou knowest that thou hast inquired of me1 and ,i did enlighten thy mind2 and now ,i tell thee these things1 that thou mayest know that thou hast been enlightened by the spirit of truth2 #af4 ,yea1 ,i tell thee1 that thou mayest know that there is none else save ,god that knowest thy thoughts and the intents of thy heart4 #ag4 ,i tell thee these things as a witness unto thee that the words of the work which thou hast been writing are true4 #ah4 ,therefore be diligent1 stand by my servant ,joseph faithfully1 in whatsoever difficult circumstances he may be for the word's sake4 #ai4 ,admonish him in his faults and also receive admonition from him4 ,be patient2 be sober2 be temperate2 have patience1 faith1 hope and charity4 #bj4 ,behold1 thou art ,oliver1 and ,i have spoken unto thee because of thy desire2 therefore1 treasure up these words in thy heart4 ,be faithful and diligent in keeping the commandments of ,god1 and ,i will encircle thee in the arms of my love4 #ba4 ,behold1 ,i am ,jesus ,christ1 the ,son of ,god4 ,i am the same that came unto my own1 and my own received me not4 ,i am the light which shineth in darkness1 and the darkness comprehendeth it not4 #bb4 ,verily1 verily1 ,i say unto you1 if you desire a further witness1 cast your mind upon the night that you cried unto me in your heart1 that you might know concerning the truth of these things4 #bc4 ,did ,i not speak peace to your mind concerning the matter8 ,what greater witness can you have than from ,god8 #bd4 ,and now1 behold1 you have received a witness1 for if ,i have told you things which no man knoweth1 have you not received a witness8 #be4 ,and1 behold1 ,i grant unto you a gift1 if you desire of me1 to translate even as my servant ,joseph4 #bf4 ,verily1 verily1 ,i say unto you1 that there are records which contain much of my ,gospel1 which have been kept back because of the wickedness of the people2 #bg4 ,and now ,i command you1 that if you have good desires--a desire to lay up treasures for yourself in heaven--then shall you assist in bringing to light1 with your gift1 those parts of my ,scriptures which have been hidden because of iniquity4 #bh4 ,and now1 behold1 ,i give unto you1 and also unto my servant ,joseph1 the keys of this gift1 which shall bring to light this ministry2 and in the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established4 #ce #bi4 ,verily1 verily1 ,i say unto you1 if they reject my words1 and this part of my ,gospel and ministry1 blessed are ye1 for they can do no more unto you than unto me2 #cj4 ,and even if they do unto you1 even as they have done unto me1 blessed are ye1 for you shall dwell with me in glory2 #ca4 ,but if they reject not my words1 which shall be established by the testimony which shall be given1 blessed are they1 and then shall ye have joy in the fruit of your labors4 #cb4 ,verily1 verily1 ,i say unto you1 as ,i said unto my disciples1 where two or three are gathered together in my name1 as touching one thing1 behold1 there will ,i be in the midst of them3 even so am ,i in the midst of you4 #cc4 ,fear not to do good1 my sons1 for whatsoever ye sow1 that shall ye also reap2 therefore1 if ye sow good ye shall also reap good for your reward4 #cd4 ,therefore1 fear not1 little flock1 do good2 let earth and hell combine against you1 for if ye are built upon my rock1 they cannot prevail4 #ce4 ,behold1 ,i do not condemn you2 go your ways and sin no more2 perform with soberness the work which ,i have commanded you4 #cf4 ,look unto me in every thought2 doubt not2 fear not2 #cg4 ,behold the wounds which pierced my side1 and also the prints of the nails in my hands and feet2 be faithful1 keep my commandments1 and ye shall inherit the kingdom of heaven4 ,amen4 ,sidenote3 ,witness of the ,spirit to ,cowdery4 ,after we had received this revelation1 ,oliver ,cowdery stated to me that after he had gone to my father's to board1 and after the family had communicated to him concerning my having obtained the plates1 that one night after he had retired to bed he called upon the ,lord to know if these things were so1 and the ,lord manifested to him that they were true1 but he had kept the circumstance entirely secret1 and had mentioned it to no one2 so that after this revelation was given1 he knew that the work was true1 because no being living knew of the thing alluded to in the revelation1 but ,god and himself4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,mission of ,john the ,apostle4 ,during the month of ,april ,i continued to translate1 and he to write1 with little cessation1 during which time we received several revelations4 ,a difference of opinion arising between us about the account of ,john the ,apostle1 mentioned in the #cf ,new ,testament1 #e as to whether he died or continued to live1 we mutually agreed to settle it by the ,urim and ,thummim and the following is the word which we received3 ,revelation1 given to ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 and ,oliver ,cowdery1 in ,harmony1 ,pennsylvania1 ,april1 #ahbi1 when they desired to know whether ,john1 the beloved disciple1 tarried on earth or died4 ,translated from parchment1 written and hid up by himself4 #f #a4 ,and the ,lord said unto me3 ,john1 my beloved1 what desirest thou8 ,for if you shall ask what you will1 it shall be granted unto you4 #b4 ,and ,i said unto him1 ,lord1 give unto me power over death1 that ,i may live and bring souls unto ,thee4 #c4 ,and the ,lord said unto me1 ,verily1 verily1 ,i say unto thee1 because thou desirest this1 thou shalt tarry until ,i come in my glory1 and shall prophesy before nations1 kindreds1 tongues and people4 #d4 ,and for this cause the ,lord said unto ,peter3 ,if ,i will that he tarry till ,i come1 what is that to thee8 ,for he desired of me that he might bring souls unto me1 but thou desiredst that thou mightest speedily come unto me in my kingdom4 #e4 ,i say unto thee1 ,peter1 this was a good desire1 but my beloved has desired that he might do more1 or a greater work yet among men than what he has before done2 #f4 ,yea1 he has undertaken a greater work1 therefore ,i will make him as flaming fire and a ministering angel2 he shall minister for those who shall be heirs of salvation who dwell on the earth4 #g4 ,and ,i will make thee to minister for him and for thy brother ,james2 and unto you three ,i will give this power and the keys of this ministry until ,i come4 #h4 ,verily1 ,i say unto you1 ye shall both have according to your desires1 for ye both joy in that which ye have desired4 ,sidenote3 ,oliver ,desires to ,translate4 ,whilst continuing the work of translation1 during the month of ,april1 ,oliver ,cowdery became exceedingly anxious to have the power to translate bestowed upon him1 and in relation to this desire the following revelations were obtained3 ,revelation1 given ,april1 #ahbi4 #g #a4 ,oliver ,cowdery1 verily1 verily1 ,i say unto you1 that assuredly as the ,lord liveth1 who is your ,god and your ,redeemer1 even so surely #cg shall you receive a knowledge of whatsoever things you shall ask in faith1 with an honest heart1 believing that you shall receive a knowledge concerning the engravings of old records1 which are ancient1 which contain those parts of my ,scripture of which have been spoken by the manifestation of my ,spirit2 #b4 ,yea1 behold1 ,i will tell you in your mind and in your heart1 by the ,holy ,ghost which shall come upon you1 and which shall dwell in your heart4 #c4 ,now1 behold1 this is the ,spirit of revelation2 behold1 this is the spirit by which ,moses brought the children of ,israel through the ,red ,sea on dry ground2 #d4 ,therefore this is thy gift1 apply unto it1 and blessed art thou1 for it shall deliver you out of the hands of your enemies1 when1 if it were not so they would slay you and bring your soul to destruction4 #e4 ,oh1 remember these words and keep my commandments4 ,remember1 this is your gift4 #f4 ,now this is not all thy gift2 for you have another gift1 which is the gift of ,aaron3 behold1 it has told you many things2 #g4 ,behold1 there is no other power1 save the power of ,god1 that can cause this gift of ,aaron to be with you2 #h4 ,therefore doubt not1 for it is the gift of ,god1 and you shall hold it in your hands1 and do marvelous works2 and no power shall be able to take it away out of your hands1 for it is the work of ,god4 #i4 ,and1 therefore1 whatsoever you shall ask me to tell you1 by that means1 that will ,i grant unto you1 and you shall have knowledge concerning it3 #aj4 ,remember that without faith you can do nothing1 therefore ask in faith4 ,trifle not with these things2 do not ask for that which you ought not3 #aa4 ,ask that you may know the mysteries of ,god1 and that you may translate and receive knowledge from all those ancient records which have been hid up1 that are sacred2 and according to your faith shall it be done unto you4 #ab4 ,behold1 it is ,i that have spoken it2 and ,i am the same that spake unto you from the beginning4 ,amen4 ,revelation1 given to ,oliver ,cowdery1 ,april1 #ahbi4 #h #a4 ,behold1 ,i say unto you1 my son1 that because you did not translate according to that which you desired of me1 and did commence again to write for my servant1 ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 even so ,i would #ch that ye should continue until you have finished this record1 which ,i have entrusted unto him3 #b4 ,and then1 behold1 other records have ,i1 that ,i will give unto you power that you may assist to translate4 #c4 ,be patient1 my son1 for it is wisdom in me1 and it is not expedient that you should translate at this present time4 #d4 ,behold1 the work which you are called to do1 is to write for my servant ,joseph2 #e4 ,and1 behold1 it is because that you did not continue as you commenced1 when you began to translate1 that ,i have taken away this privilege from you4 #f4 ,do not murmur1 my son1 for it is wisdom in me that ,i have dealt with you after this manner4 #g4 ,behold1 you have not understood2 you have supposed that ,i would give it unto you1 when you took no thought1 save it was to ask me4 #h4 ,but1 behold1 ,i say unto you1 that you must study it out in your mind2 then you must ask me if it be right1 and if it is right ,i will cause that your bosom shall burn within you2 therefore1 you shall feel that it is right2 #i4 ,but if it be not right1 you shall have no such feelings1 but you shall have a stupor of thought that shall cause you to forget the thing which is wrong3 therefore1 you cannot write that which is sacred1 save it be given you from me4 #aj4 ,now if you had known this1 you could have translated2 nevertheless1 it is not expedient that you should translate now4 #aa4 ,behold1 it was expedient when you commenced2 but you feared1 and the time is past1 and it is not expedient now2 #ab4 ,for1 do you not behold that ,i have given unto my servant ,joseph sufficient strength1 whereby it is made up8 and neither of you have ,i condemned4 #ac4 ,do this thing which ,i have commanded you1 and you shall prosper4 ,be faithful1 and yield to no temptation4 #ad4 ,stand fast in the work wherewith ,i have called you1 and a hair of your head shall not be lost1 and you shall be lifted up at the last day4 ,amen4 ,footnotes #a4 ,oliver ,cowdery was born in the town of ,wells1 ,rutland county1 ,vermont1 ,oct4 #c1 #ahjf4 ,he married ,elizabeth ,ann ,whitmer1 in ,kaw township1 ,jackson county1 ,missouri1 ,dec4 #ah1 #ahcb4 ,she was born in ,fayette1 ,seneca county1 ,new ,york1 ,january #bb1 #ahae4 #b4 ,previous to joining the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith1 ,oliver ,cowdery had met ,david ,whitmer at ,palmyra1 and conversed with him concerning the rumors rife in that vicinity about the finding of the ,book of ,mormon plates4 ,this chance meeting resulted in a friendship between the young men1 and finally when ,cowdery determined to visit the ,prophet in ,harmony1 he went via the ,whitmer residence1 at ,fayette1 which was near the town of ,waterloo1 at the head of ,seneca lake1 ,seneca county1 ,new ,york2 and promised his friend ,david ,whitmer that after visiting the ,prophet he would write him his impressions as to the truth or untruth of ,joseph ,smith's having an ancient record4 7,see statement of ,david ,whitmer in ,kansas ,city ,journal1 ,june #eth1 #ahhf2 also statement of the same to ,orson ,pratt and ,joseph ,f4 ,smith1 in #ahgh4 ,millennial ,star1 vol4 #aa1 pp4 #gfi-ggd47 #c4 ,this date1 #gth of ,april1 and the one above1 #eth of ,april1 #ahbi1 in the ,history of ,joseph ,smith1 published in the ,millennial ,star1 are given as the #aeth and #agth of ,april1 respectively4 ,the dates in the ,star1 however1 are typographical errors1 as in the original ,,ms of the ,history the dates are as given in the text4 ,see also ,cowdery's letters to ,w4 ,w4 ,phelps1 published in ,messenger and ,advocate1 #ahcd1 where the dates are also given as in the text above--#eth and #gth of ,april4 #d4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 section #f4 #e4 ,st4 ,john1 chap4 #ba1 verse #bb4 #f4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #g4 #g4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #h4 #h4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #i4 #ci ,chapter ,v4 ,restoration of the ,aaronic ,priesthood--,first ,baptisms4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,aaronic ,priesthood ,restored4 ,we still continued the work of translation1 when1 in the ensuing month 7,may1 #ahbi71 we on a certain day went into the woods to pray and inquire of the ,lord respecting baptism for the remission of sins1 that we found mentioned in the translation of the plates4 ,while we were thus employed1 praying and calling upon the ,lord1 a messenger from heaven descended in a cloud of light1 and having laid his hands upon us1 he ordained us1 saying3 ,upon you my fellow servants1 in the name of ,messiah ,i confer the ,priesthood of ,aaron1 which holds the keys of the ministering of angels1 and of the ,gospel of repentance1 and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins2 and this shall never be taken again from the earth1 until the sons of ,levi do offer again an offering unto the ,lord in righteousness4 #a ,sidenote3 ,limitations of the ,aaronic ,priesthood4 ,he said this ,aaronic ,priesthood had not the power of laying on hands for the gift of the ,holy ,ghost1 but that this should be conferred on us hereafter2 and he commanded us to go and be baptized1 and gave us directions that ,i should baptize ,oliver ,cowdery1 and afterwards that he should baptize me4 ,accordingly we went and were baptized4 ,i baptized him first1 and afterwards he baptized me1 after which ,i laid my hands upon his head and ordained him to the ,aaronic ,priesthood1 and afterwards he #dj laid his hands on me and ordained me to the same ,priesthood--for so we were commanded4 ,sidenote3 ,john the ,baptist1 ,may #ae1 #ahbi4 ,the messenger who visited us on this occasion1 and conferred this ,priesthood upon us1 said that his name was ,john1 the same that is called ,john the ,baptist in the ,new ,testament1 and that he acted under the direction of ,peter1 ,james and ,john who held the keys of the ,priesthood of ,melchizedek1 which ,priesthood he said would in due time be conferred on us1 #b and that ,i should be called the first ,elder of the #da ,church1 and he 7,oliver ,cowdery7 the second4 ,it was on the #aeth day of ,may1 #ahbi1 that we were ordained under the hand of this messenger and baptized4 #db ,sidenote3 ,outpourings of the ,spirit4 ,immediately on our coming up out of the water after we had been baptized1 we experienced great and glorious blessings from our ,heavenly ,father4 ,no sooner had ,i baptized ,oliver ,cowdery1 than the ,holy ,ghost fell upon him1 and he stood up and prophesied many things which should shortly come to pass4 ,and again1 so soon as ,i had been baptized by him1 ,i also had the spirit of prophecy1 when1 standing up1 ,i prophesied concerning the rise of this ,church1 and many other things connected with the ,church1 and this generation of the children of men4 ,we were filled with the ,holy ,ghost1 and rejoiced in the ,god of our salvation4 #c ,sidenote3 ,ordination and ,baptism ,kept ,secret4 #dc ,our minds being now enlightened1 we began to have the ,scriptures laid open to our understandings1 and the true meaning and intention of their more mysterious passages revealed unto us in a manner which we never could attain to previously1 nor ever before had thought of4 ,in the meantime we were forced to keep secret the circumstances of having received the ,priesthood and our having been baptized1 owing to a #dd spirit of persecution which had already manifested itself in the neighborhood4 ,we had been threatened with being mobbed from time to time1 and this1 too1 by professors of religion4 ,and their intentions of mobbing us were only counteracted by the influence of my wife's father's family 7under ,divine providence71 who had become very friendly to me1 and who were opposed to mobs1 and were willing that ,i should be allowed to continue the work of translation without interruption2 and therefore offered and promised us protection from all unlawful proceedings as far as in them lay4 ,sidenote3 ,conversion of ,samuel ,h4 ,smith4 ,after a few days1 however1 feeling it to be our duty1 we commenced to reason out of the ,scriptures with our acquaintances and friends1 as we happened to meet with them4 ,about this time my brother ,samuel ,h4 ,smith #d came to visit us4 ,we informed him of what the ,lord was about to do for the children of men1 and began to reason with him out of the ,bible4 ,we also showed him that part of the work which we had translated1 and labored to persuade him concerning the ,gospel of ,jesus ,christ1 which was now about to be revealed in its fulness4 ,he was not1 however1 very easily persuaded of these things1 but after much inquiry and explanation he retired to the woods1 in order that by secret and fervent prayer he might obtain of a merciful ,god wisdom to enable him to judge for himself4 ,the result was that he obtained revelation for himself sufficient to convince him of the truth of our assertions to him2 and on the twenty-fifth day of that same month in which we had been baptized and ordained1 ,oliver ,cowdery baptized him2 and he returned to his father's house1 greatly glorifying and praising ,god1 being filled with the ,holy ,spirit4 ,sidenote3 ,hyrum ,smith's ,inquiry4 ,not many days afterwards1 my brother ,hyrum ,smith #e #de came to us to inquire concerning these things1 when at his earnest request1 ,i inquired of the ,lord through the ,urim and ,thummim1 and received for him the following3 ,revelation1 given to ,hyrum ,smith1 ,harmony1 ,susquehanna ,county1 ,pennsylvania1 ,may1 #ahbi4 #f #a4 ,a great and marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men4 #b4 ,behold1 ,i am ,god2 give heed to my word1 which is quick and powerful1 sharper than a two-edged sword1 to the dividing asunder of both joints and marrow2 therefore give heed unto my word4 #c4 ,behold the field is white already to harvest1 therefore1 who desireth to reap let him thrust in his sickle with his might1 and reap while the day lasts1 that he may treasure up for his soul everlasting salvation in the kingdom of ,god2 #d4 ,yea1 whosoever will thrust in his sickle and reap1 the same is called of ,god2 #e4 ,therefore1 if you will ask me1 you shall receive2 if you will knock1 it shall be opened unto you4 #f4 ,now1 as you have asked1 behold1 ,i say unto you1 keep my commandments1 and seek to bring forth and establish the cause of ,zion4 #g4 ,seek not for riches but for wisdom2 and1 behold1 the mysteries of ,god shall be unfolded unto you1 and then shall you be made rich3 ,behold1 he that hath eternal life is rich4 #h4 ,verily1 verily1 ,i say unto you1 even as you desire of me1 so it shall be done unto you2 and1 if you desire1 you shall be the means of doing much good in this generation4 #i4 ,say nothing but repentance unto this generation4 ,keep my commandments1 and assist to bring forth my work1 according to my commandments1 and you shall be blessed4 #aj4 ,behold1 thou hast a gift1 or thou shalt have a gift if thou wilt desire of me in faith1 with an honest heart1 believing in the power of ,jesus ,christ1 or in my power which speaketh unto thee4 #aa4 ,for1 behold1 it is ,i that speak2 behold ,i am the light which shineth in darkness1 and by my power ,i give these words unto thee4 #ab4 ,and now1 verily1 verily1 ,i say unto thee1 put your trust in that ,spirit which leadeth to do good3 yea1 to do justly1 to walk humbly1 to judge righteously1 and this is my ,spirit4 #ac4 ,verily1 verily1 ,i say unto you1 ,i will impart unto you my ,spirit1 which shall enlighten your mind1 which shall fill your soul with joy1 #df #ad4 ,and then shall ye know1 or by this shall you know1 all things whatsoever you desire of me1 which are pertaining unto things of righteousness1 in faith believing in me that you shall receive4 #ae4 ,behold1 ,i command you that you need not suppose that you are called to preach until you are called3 #af4 ,wait a little longer1 until you shall have my word1 my rock1 my ,church1 and my ,gospel1 that you may know of a surety my doctrine4 #ag4 ,and then1 behold1 according to your desires1 yea1 even according to your faith1 shall it be done unto you4 #ah4 ,keep my commandments1 hold your peace1 appeal unto my ,spirit2 #ai4 ,yea1 cleave unto me with all your heart1 that you may assist in bringing to light those things of which have been spoken--yea1 the translation of my work2 be patient until you shall accomplish it4 #bj4 ,behold1 this is your work1 to keep my commandments1 yea1 with all your might1 mind and strength2 #ba4 ,seek not to declare my word1 but first seek to obtain my word1 and then shall your tongue be loosed2 then1 if you desire1 you shall have my ,spirit and my word1 yea1 the power of ,god unto the convincing of men4 #bb4 ,but now hold your peace1 study my word which hath gone forth among the children of men1 and also study my word which shall come forth among the children of men1 or that which is now translating1 yea1 until you have obtained all which ,i shall grant unto the children of men in this generation1 and then shall all things be added thereto4 #bc4 ,behold1 thou art ,hyrum1 my son2 seek the kingdom of ,god1 and all things shall be added according to that which is just4 #bd4 ,build upon my rock1 which is my ,gospel2 #be4 ,deny not the spirit of revelation1 nor the spirit of prophecy1 for woe unto him that denieth these things2 #bf4 ,therefore1 treasure up in your heart until the time which is in my wisdom that you shall go forth4 #bg4 ,behold1 ,i speak unto all who have good desires1 and have thrust in their sickle to reap4 #bh4 ,behold1 ,i am ,jesus ,christ1 the ,son of ,god4 ,i am the life and the light of the world4 #bi4 ,i am the same who came unto my own and my own received me not2 #cj4 ,but verily1 verily1 ,i say unto you1 that as many as receive me1 to them will ,i give power to become the sons of ,god1 even to them that believe on my name4 ,amen4 #dg ,sidenote3 ,assistance from ,joseph ,knight1 ,sen4 ,about the same time an old gentleman came to visit us of whose name ,i wish to make honorable mention--,mr4 ,joseph ,knight1 ,sen41 #g of ,colesville1 ,broome county1 ,new ,york1 who1 having heard of the manner in which we were occupying our time1 very kindly and considerately brought us a quantity of provisions1 in order that we might not be interrupted in the work of translation by the want of such necessaries of life2 and ,i would just mention here1 as in duty bound1 that he several times brought us supplies1 a distance of at least thirty miles1 which enabled us to continue the work when otherwise we must have relinquished it for a season4 #dh ,being very anxious to know his duty as to this work1 ,i inquired of the ,lord for him1 and obtained the following3 ,revelation1 given to ,joseph ,smith1 ,sen41 at ,harmony1 ,susquehanna ,county1 ,pennsylvania1 ,may1 #ahbi4 #h #a4 ,a great and marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men4 #b4 ,behold1 ,i am ,god2 give heed to my word1 which is quick and powerful1 sharper than a two-edged sword1 to the dividing asunder of both joints and marrow2 therefore1 give heed unto my word4 #c4 ,behold1 the field is white already to harvest1 therefore1 whoso desireth to reap1 let him thrust in his sickle with his might1 and reap while the day lasts1 that he may treasure up for his soul everlasting salvation in the kingdom of ,god4 #d4 ,yea1 whosoever will thrust in his sickle and reap1 the same is called of ,god4 #e4 ,therefore if you will ask of me1 you shall receive2 if you will knock it shall be opened unto you4 #f4 ,now1 as you have asked1 behold1 ,i say unto you1 keep my commandments1 and seek to bring forth and establish the cause of ,zion4 #g4 ,behold1 ,i speak unto you1 and also to all those who have desires to bring forth and establish this work2 #h4 ,and no one can assist in this work1 except he shall be humble and full of love1 having faith1 hope1 and charity1 being temperate in all things1 whatsoever shall be entrusted to his care4 #i4 ,behold1 ,i am the light and the life of the world1 that speak these words1 therefore give heed with your might1 and then you are called4 ,amen4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,prophet's ,removal to ,fayette4 ,shortly after commencing to translate1 ,i became acquainted with ,mr4 ,peter ,whitmer1 #i of ,fayette1 ,seneca county1 ,new ,york1 and also with some of his family4 ,in the beginning of the month of ,june1 his son1 ,david ,whitmer1 #aj came to the place #di where we were residing1 and brought with him a two-horse wagon1 for the purpose of having us accompany him to his father's place1 and there remain until we should finish the work4 ,it was arranged that we should have our board free of charge1 and the assistance of one of his brothers to write for me1 and also his own assistance when convenient4 ,having much need of such timely aid in an undertaking so arduous1 and being informed that the people in the neighborhood of the ,whitmers were anxiously awaiting the opportunity to inquire into these things1 we accepted the invitation1 and accompanied ,mr4 ,whitmer to his father's house1 and there resided until the translation was finished and the copyright secured4 ,upon our arrival1 we found ,mr4 ,whitmer's family very anxious concerning the work1 and very friendly toward ourselves4 ,they continued so1 boarded and lodged us according to arrangements2 and ,john ,whitmer1 #aa in particular1 assisted us very much in writing during the remainder of the work4 ,sidenote3 ,david1 ,john and ,peter ,whitmer1 ,jun41 as ,assistants4 ,in the meantime1 ,david1 ,john and ,peter ,whitmer1 ,jun41 #ab became our zealous friends and assistants in the work2 and being anxious to know their respective duties1 and having desired with much earnestness that ,i should inquire of the ,lord concerning them1 ,i did so1 through the means of the ,urim and ,thummim1 and obtained for them in succession the following revelations3 ,revelation1 given to ,david ,whitmer1 at ,fayette1 ,seneca ,county1 ,new ,york1 ,june1 #ahbi4 #ac #a4 ,a great and marvelous work is about to come forth unto the children of men4 #b4 ,behold1 ,i am ,god2 give heed to my word1 which is quick and powerful1 sharper than a two-edged sword1 to the dividing asunder of both joints and marrow2 therefore give heed unto my word4 #ej #c4 ,behold1 the field is white already to harvest1 therefore whoso desireth to reap1 let him thrust in his sickle with his might1 and reap while the day lasts1 that he may treasure up for his soul everlasting salvation in the kingdom of ,god2 #d4 ,yea1 whosoever will thrust in his sickle and reap1 the same is called of ,god2 #e4 ,therefore1 if you will ask of me you shall receive2 if you will knock1 it shall be opened unto you4 #f4 ,seek to bring forth and establish my ,zion4 ,keep my commandments in all things2 #g4 ,and if you keep my commandments and endure to the end1 you shall have eternal life1 which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of ,god4 #h4 ,and it shall come to pass1 that if you shall ask the ,father in my name1 in faith believing1 you shall receive the ,holy ,ghost1 which giveth utterance1 that you may stand as a witness of the things of which you shall both hear and see1 and also that you may declare repentance unto this generation4 #i4 ,behold1 ,i am ,jesus ,christ1 the ,son of the living ,god1 who created the heavens and the earth2 a light which cannot be hid in darkness4 #aj4 ,wherefore ,i must bring forth the fulness of my ,gospel from the ,gentiles unto the house of ,israel4 #aa4 ,and behold1 thou art ,david1 and thou art called to assist2 which thing if ye do1 and are faithful1 ye shall be blessed both spiritually and temporally1 and great shall be your reward4 ,amen4 ,revelation given to ,john ,whitmer1 ,june1 #ahbi4 #ad #a4 ,hearken1 my servant ,john1 and listen to the words of ,jesus ,christ1 your ,lord and your ,redeemer1 #b4 ,for behold1 ,i speak unto you with sharpness and with power1 for mine arm is over all the earth1 #c4 ,and ,i will tell you that which no man knoweth save me and thee alone2 #d4 ,for many times you have desired of me to know that which would be of the most worth unto you4 #e4 ,behold1 blessed are you for this thing1 and for speaking my words which ,i have given you according to my commandments4 #f4 ,and now1 behold1 ,i say unto you1 that the thing which will be of the most worth unto you1 will be to declare repentance unto this people1 #ea that you may bring souls unto me1 that you may rest them in the kingdom of my ,father4 ,amen4 ,revelation given to ,peter ,whitmer1 ,jun41 ,june1 #ahbi4 #ae #a4 ,harken1 my servant ,peter1 and listen to the words of ,jesus ,christ1 your ,lord and your ,redeemer1 #b4 ,for behold1 ,i speak unto you with sharpness and with power1 for mine arm is over all the earth1 #c4 ,and ,i will tell you that which no man knoweth save me and thee alone2 #d4 ,for many times you have desired of me to know that which would be of the most worth unto you4 #e4 ,behold1 blessed are you for this thing1 and for speaking my words which ,i have given unto you according to my commandments4 #f4 ,and now1 behold1 ,i say unto you1 that the thing which will be of the most worth unto you1 will be to declare repentance unto this people1 that you may bring souls unto me1 that you may rest with them in the kingdom of my ,father4 ,amen4 ,sidenote3 ,early ,baptisms4 ,we found the people of ,seneca county in general friendly1 and disposed to enquire into the truth of these strange matters which now began to be noised abroad4 ,many opened their houses to us1 in order that we might have an opportunity of meeting with our friends for the purpose of instruction and explanation4 ,we met with many from time to time who were willing to hear us1 and who desired to find out the truth as it is in ,christ ,jesus1 and apparently willing to obey the ,gospel1 when once fairly convinced and satisfied in their own minds2 and in this same month of ,june1 my brother ,hyrum ,smith1 ,david ,whitmer1 and ,peter ,whitmer1 ,jun41 were baptized in ,seneca lake1 the two former by myself1 the latter by ,oliver ,cowdery4 ,from this time forth many became believers1 and some were baptized whilst we continued to instruct and persuade as many as applied for information4 ,footnotes #a4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #ac4 #b4 ,restoration of the ,melchizedek ,priesthood4--,the promise to confer upon ,joseph and ,oliver the ,melchizedek ,priesthood was fulfilled2 but as there is no definite account of the event in the history of the ,prophet ,joseph1 or1 for matter of that1 in any of our annals1 the evidences of the fact of their ordination to the higher or ,melchizedek ,priesthood promised them by ,john the ,baptist are presented now1 together with a consideration of the place where1 and the time when the great event occurred4 ,the ,prophet ,joseph1 in a communication to the ,church1 under date of ,september #f1 #ahdb1 makes undoubted allusion to the restoration of the ,melchizedek ,priesthood in the course of an ecstatic review of the great things ,god had revealed to him4 ,he said3 ,and again1 what do we hear8 ,glad tidings from ,cumorah4 ,moroni1 an angel from heaven1 declaring the fulfilment of the prophets--the book to be revealed4 ,a voice of the ,lord in the wilderness of ,fayette1 ,seneca county1 declaring the three witnesses to bear record of the book4 ,the voice of ,michael on the banks of the ,susquehanna1 detecting the devil when he appeared as an angel of light4 ,the voice of ,peter1 ,james and ,john in the wilderness between ,harmony1 ,susquehanna county1 and ,colesville1 ,broome county1 on the ,susquehanna river1 declaring themselves as possessing the keys of the kingdom1 and of the ,dispensation of the ,fulness of ,times4 7,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #abh3bj47 ,in one of the early revelations given to the ,prophet ,joseph1 the ,lord makes most direct reference to the restoration of the higher ,priesthood through the ministration of ,peter1 ,james and ,john4 ,the subject matter of the revelation is the ,sacrament of the ,lord's ,supper2 and in the course of it the ,lord promises to drink of the fruit of the vine with ,his servants on earth to whom the revelation is addressed2 and with ,moroni1 99 99 99 and also ,michael1 or ,adam1 the father of all1 99 99 99 and also with ,peter1 and ,james1 and ,john1 whom ,i have sent unto you1 by whom ,i have ordained you and confirmed you to be ,apostles1 and special witnesses of my name1 and bear the keys of your ministry1 and of the same things which ,i revealed unto them2 unto whom ,i have committed the keys of my kingdom1 and a dispensation of the gospel for the last times2 and for the fulness of times4 7,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #bg74 ,this revelation was given some time early in ,august1 #ahcj1 but only the first four verses were written at that time4 ,the rest of it was written in ,september of that year4 7,see chapter #aa of this volume74 ,these two allusions--the one by the ,prophet and the other by the ,lord--to the restoration of the ,melchizedek ,priesthood not only make clear the fact that the ,melchizedek ,priesthood was restored in accordance with the promise of ,john the ,baptist when conferring the ,aaronic ,priesthood1 but they make it possible to fix upon the place where1 and approximately the time when1 the event occurred4 ,undoubtedly the place where the ordination was performed was on the banks of the ,susquehanna river1 in the wilderness between ,colesville1 in ,broome county1 ,new ,york1 and ,harmony1 in ,susquehanna county1 ,pennsylvania2 for it is there the ,prophet says the voice of ,peter1 ,james and ,john was heard declaring themselves as possessing the keys of the kingdom1 and of the ,dispensation of the ,fulness of ,times2 for which appearing and declaration there could be no other occasion than the ordination of ,oliver and ,joseph to the ,melchizedek ,priesthood in fulfilment of the promises made by ,john the ,baptist4 ,the time at which the ordination took place was evidently between the #aeth of ,may1 #ahbi1 and ,august1 #ahcj4 ,the last named date is the one under which the ,lord so definitely referred to the circumstance of having sent ,peter1 ,james and ,john to ordain ,joseph and others to be ,apostles1 even special witnesses of ,his name1 and unto whom ,he had committed the keys of the kingdom4 ,hence the time of the ordination must have been between those two dates4 ,from information contained in other revelations1 however1 this period within which the ,melchizedek ,priesthood was restored may be considerably reduced4 ,in ,april1 #ahcj1 a revelation was given concerning the organization and government of the ,church1 and in that revelation the ,lord said3 ,which commandments i4 e4 to organize the ,church were given to ,joseph ,smith1 ,jr41 who was called of ,god and ordained an apostle of ,jesus ,christ to be the first ,elder of this ,church2 and to ,oliver ,cowdery1 who was also called of ,god1 an ,apostle of ,jesus ,christ1 to be the second ,elder of this ,church1 and ordained under his hand4 7,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #bj3b1 #c47 ,this allusion to the ordination of these men to the apostleship reduces the time of their ordination to the period between the #aeth of ,may1 #ahbi1 and ,april #f1 #ahcj4 ,but the time within which the ordination took place may be still further reduced4 ,in a revelation bearing the date of ,june1 #ahbi1 making known the calling of the ,twelve ,apostles in these last days1 and addressed to ,oliver ,cowdery and ,david ,whitmer1 the ,lord said3 ,i speak unto you1 even as unto ,paul mine ,apostle1 for you are called even with that same calling with which he was called4 ,as this could scarcely be said of men who had not been ordained to the same holy apostleship as that held by ,paul1 and consequently to the ,melchizedek ,priesthood1 the conclusion is reasonable that the ordination promised by ,john the ,baptist1 doubtless occurred some time between ,may #ae1 #ahbi1 and the expiration of the month of ,june of that same year4 ,that there was a distinct administration of angels in the restoration of the ,melchizedek ,priesthood is sustained by the testimony of ,oliver ,cowdery4 ,on the occasion of his returning to the ,church at ,kanesville1 ,iowa1 in the fall of #ahdh1 after an absence of eleven years from the body of the ,saints1 in the course of the public address which he then delivered1 he said3 ,i was present with ,joseph when an holy angel from ,god came down from heaven and conferred on us1 or restored1 the lesser or ,aaronic ,priesthood1 and said to us1 at the same time1 that it should remain upon the earth while the earth stands4 ,i was also present with ,joseph when the higher or ,melchizedek ,priesthood was conferred by the holy angel from on high4 ,this ,priesthood1 we then conferred on each other by the will and commandment of ,god4 ,the authority for the foregoing statement is the report of ,bishop ,reuben ,miller1 who was present on the occasion of ,oliver ,cowdery's delivering the address from which the above is quoted4 ,bishop ,miller's notes of ,cowdery's remarks were published in the ,deseret ,news of the #acth of ,april1 #ahei4 ,it is to be observed that ,oliver ,cowdery1 in this quotation1 is represented as saying with reference to the restoration of the ,melchizedek ,priesthood1 that it was by the holy angel1 whereas1 according to the statement of the ,prophet1 that ,priesthood was restored by three angels--,peter1 ,james and ,john4 ,the discrepancy may arise from imperfect recording of ,oliver's language4 ,in a signed statement which ,oliver ,cowdery gave to ,samuel ,w4 ,richards1 under date of ,january #ac1 #ahdi--the statement has been published a number of times in our ,church periodicals--being about two months and a half after delivering the address reported by ,bishop ,miller1 he said3 ,john the ,baptist1 holding the keys of the ,aaronic ,priesthood2 ,peter1 ,james and ,john1 holding the keys of the ,melchizedek ,priesthood1 have also ministered for those who shall be heirs of salvation1 and with these administrations ordained men to the same ,priesthood4 ,these ,priesthoods1 with their authority1 are now1 and must continue to be in the body of the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-day ,saints4 99 99 99 ,accept assurances1 dear brother1 of the unfeigned prayer of him who1 in connection with ,joseph1 the ,seer1 was blessed with the above administrations4 ,signed ,oliver ,cowdery4 #c4 ,it may be well at this point to call attention to the singular and important fact that the ,prophet1 neither in his narrative of the above really great and dramatic event1 nor in any of those great visions and revelations which precede or follow it1 stops to comment or grow eloquent over the importance of an administration or the grandeur of an occasion4 ,he may never have heard the maxim1 ,a true tale speeds best being plainly told1 but had he heard of it and adopted it as his motto1 he could not have followed it more closely than unconsciously he has done in his narrative4 ,he seems to have but one object in view1 and that is to get on record the plain truth pertaining to the coming forth of the work of ,god4 ,oliver ,cowdery1 however1 who shared in this ministration of the angel1 ,john the ,baptist1 has left upon record a description of the scene and the impressions it left upon his mind1 and which1 withal is of such singular beauty and power that ,i think the history of the event should not go to the world without it4 ,after speaking of his own and the ,prophet's desire to hear the commandment given1 ,arise and be baptized1 he says3 ,this was not long desired before it was realized4 ,the ,lord1 who is rich in mercy1 and ever willing to answer the consistent prayer of the humble1 after we had called upon him in a fervent manner1 aside from the abodes of men1 condescended to manifest to us ,his will4 ,on a sudden1 as from the midst of eternity1 the voice of the ,redeemer spake peace to us1 while the veil was parted and the angel of ,god came down clothed with glory and delivered the anxiously looked for message1 and the keys of the ,gospel of repentance4 ,what joy6 what wonder6 what amazement6 ,while the world was racked and distracted--while millions were groping as the blind for the wall1 and while all men were resting upon uncertainty1 as a general mass1 our eyes beheld--our ears heard4 ,as in the 'blaze of day2' yes1 more--above the glitter of the ,may sunbeam1 which then shed its brilliancy over the face of nature6 ,then his voice1 though mild1 pierced to the center1 and his words1 ',i am thy fellow-servant1' dispelled every fear4 ,we listened1 we gazed1 we admired6 ',twas the voice of an angel from glory--'twas a message from the ,most ,high1 and as we heard we rejoiced1 while ,his love enkindled upon our souls1 and we were rapt in the vision of the ,almighty6 ,where was room for doubt8 ,nowhere2 uncertainty had fled1 doubt had sunk1 no more to rise1 while fiction and deception had fled forever4 ,but1 dear brother1 think further1 think for a moment what joy filled our hearts and with what surprise we must have bowed1 7for who would not have bowed the knee for such a blessing87 when we received under his hands the ,holy ,priesthood1 as he said1 ',upon you my fellow servants1 in the name of ,messiah1 ,i confer this ,priesthood and this authority1 which remain upon earth1 that the sons of ,levi may yet offer an offering unto the ,lord in righteousness6' ,i shall not attempt to paint to you the feelings of this heart1 nor the majestic beauty and glory which surrounded us on this occasion2 but you will believe me when ,i say1 that earth1 nor men1 with the eloquence of time1 cannot begin to clothe language in as interesting and sublime a manner as this holy personage4 ,no2 nor has this earth power to give the joy1 to bestow the peace1 or comprehend the wisdom which was contained in each sentence as it was delivered by the power of the ,holy ,spirit6 ,man may deceive his fellow man2 deception may follow deception1 and the children of the wicked one may have power to seduce the foolish and untaught1 till naught but fiction feeds the many1 and the fruit of falsehood carries in its current the giddy to the grave1 but one touch with the finger of his love1 yes1 one ray of glory from the upper world1 or one word from the mouth of the ,savior1 from the bosom of eternity1 strikes it all into insignificance1 and blots it forever from the mind6 ,the assurance that we were in the presence of an angel2 the certainty that we heard the voice of ,jesus1 and the truth unsullied as it flowed from a pure personage1 dictated by the will of ,god1 is to me1 past description1 and ,i shall ever look upon this expression of the ,savior's goodness with wonder and thanksgiving while ,i am permitted to tarry1 and in those mansions where perfection dwells and sin never comes1 ,i hope to adore in that day which shall never cease4--7,messenger and ,advocate1 #ahcd47 #d4 ,samuel ,h4 ,smith was born in ,tunbridge1 ,vt41 ,march #ac1 #ahjh4 ,he was the fourth son of ,joseph and ,lucy ,smith4 #e4 ,hyrum ,smith was born in ,tunbridge1 ,vt41 ,february #i1 #ahjj4 ,he was the second son of ,joseph and ,lucy ,smith1 and at this time the oldest son living4 #f4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #aa4 #g4 ,there is no record in the ,church annals of the time and place of the birth of ,joseph ,knight1 ,sen4 ,he was well advanced in life1 however1 when the work of ,god in these last days began to come forth4 ,from the journal of his son1 ,newel ,knight1 it is learned that ,joseph ,knight1 ,sen41 married ,polly ,peck2 that he moved into the state of ,new ,york and settled on the ,susquehanna river1 near the great bend1 in ,chenango county1 in #ahji4 ,two years later he removed to ,colesville1 ,broome county1 ,new ,york1 where he remained nineteen years4 ,my father1 says ,newel ,knight in his journal1 owned a farm1 a grist mill and carding machine4 ,he was not rich1 yet he possessed enough of this world's goods to secure to himself and family1 not only the necessaries1 but also the comforts of life4 ,his family1 consisting of my mother1 three sons and four daughters1 he reared in a genteel and respectable manner1 and gave his children a good1 common school education4 ,my father was a sober1 honest man1 generally respected and beloved by his neighbors and acquaintances4 ,he did not belong to any religious sect1 but was a believer in the ,universalian doctrine4 ,the business in which ,joseph ,knight1 ,sen41 engaged1 made it necessary at times for him to hire men1 and the ,prophet ,joseph was occasionally employed by him4 ,to the ,knight family1 who were greatly attached to him1 the young ,prophet related many of the things ,god had revealed respecting the ,book of ,mormon1 then as yet1 to come forth4 ,so far at least was the elder ,knight taken into the ,prophet's confidence that he purposely so arranged his affairs as to be at the ,smith family residence1 near ,manchester1 at the time the plates of the ,book of ,mormon were given into ,joseph's possession4 ,mr4 ,knight had driven to the ,smith residence with a horse and carriage1 and in this conveyance1 according to the statement of both ,lucy ,smith1 mother of the ,prophet1 7,see ,lucy ,smith's ,history of the ,prophet1 ch4 #bc71 and ,joseph ,knight1 ,sen41 ,joseph1 in company with his wife ,emma1 drove away very early--before daylight--on the morning of ,september the #bbnd4 ,it is presumed1 of course1 the ,prophet drove to ,cumorah1 and there received from ,moroni the plates of the ,book of ,mormon1 the ,urim and ,thummim and ,breastplate1 which were1 for some time--excepting the ,urim and ,thummim--concealed in the woods4 ,mr4 ,knight remained at the ,smith residence several days1 and was there the day ,joseph brought home the plates2 and in company with ,joseph ,smith1 ,sen41 and ,mr4 ,stoal--who was also present at the ,smith residence in company with ,mr4 ,knight--went in search of those men who had assailed the ,prophet while on his way home with the plates1 but they did not find them4 ,from ,joseph's narrative in the text it will be seen that the senior ,joseph ,knight's interest in the work continued4 #h4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #ab4 #i4 ,peter ,whitmer1 ,sen41 was born ,april #ad1 #aggc4 ,of the place of his birth there is no record in the ,church annals1 but it was doubtless in the state of ,pennsylvania4 ,he married ,mary ,musselman1 who was born #bgth of ,august1 #aggh2 and to them were born eight children4 ,the ,elder ,whitmer was a strict ,presbyterian1 and trained his children in that faith4 ,in the early years of the #aith century he moved from the state of ,pennsylvania to ,new ,york1 and settled in ,fayette township1 about three miles south of ,waterloo1 where the ,prophet made his acquaintance4 #aj4 ,david ,whitmer was born near ,harrisburg1 ,pennsylvania1 ,january #gth1 #ahje1 and was the fourth son of ,peter ,whitmer1 ,sen41 and ,mary ,musselman ,whitmer4 #aa4 ,john ,whitmer was born ,august #bgth1 #ahjb4 ,he was the third son of ,peter ,whitmer1 ,sen41 and ,mary ,musselman ,whitmer4 #ab4 ,peter ,whitmer1 ,jun41 was born ,september #bgth1 #ahji1 and was the fifth son1 but sixth child of ,mary ,musselman and ,peter ,whitmer1 ,sen4 #ac4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #ad4 #ad4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #ae4 #ae4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #af4 #eb ,chapter ,,vi4 ,the ,testimony of the ,especial ,witnesses to the ,book of ,mormon4 ,sidenote3 ,provision ,made for ,special ,witnesses4 ,in the course of the work of translation1 we ascertained that three special witnesses #a were to be provided by the ,lord1 to whom ,he would grant that they should see the plates from which this work 7the ,book of ,mormon7 should be translated2 and that these witnesses should bear record of the same1 as will be found recorded1 ,book of ,mormon1 page #eha ,book of ,ether1 chapter #e1 verses #b1 #c and #d1 and also page #hf ,,ii ,nephi1 chapter #aa1 verse #c4 #b ,almost immediately after we had made this discovery1 it occurred to #ec ,oliver ,cowdery1 ,david ,whitmer1 and the aforementioned ,martin ,harris 7who had come to inquire after our progress in the work7 that they would have me inquire of the ,lord to know if they might not obtain of ,him the privilege to be these three special witnesses2 and finally they became so very solicitous1 and urged me so much to inquire that at length ,i complied2 and through the ,urim and ,thummim1 ,i obtained of the ,lord for them the following3 ,revelation to ,oliver ,cowdery1 ,david ,whitmer1 and ,martin ,harris1 at ,fayette1 ,seneca ,county1 ,new ,york1 ,june1 #ahbi1 given previous to their viewing the plates containing the ,book of ,mormon4 #c #a4 ,behold1 ,i say unto you1 that you must rely upon my word1 which if you do1 with full purpose of heart1 you shall have a view of the plates1 and also the breastplate1 the sword of ,laban1 the ,urim and ,thummim1 which were given to the brother of ,jared upon the mount1 when he talked with the ,lord face to face1 and the miraculous directors which were given to ,lehi while in the wilderness1 on the borders of the ,red ,sea2 #b4 ,and it is by your faith that you shall obtain a view of them1 even by that faith which was had by the prophets of old4 #c4 ,and after that you have obtained faith1 and have seen them with your eyes1 you shall testify of them1 by the power of ,god2 #d4 ,and this you shall do that my servant ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 may not be destroyed1 that ,i may bring about my righteous purposes unto the children of men in this work4 #e4 ,and ye shall testify that you have seen them1 even as my servant ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 has seen them1 for it is by my power that he has seen them1 and it is because he had faith2 #f4 ,and he has translated the book1 even that part which ,i have commanded him1 and as your ,lord and your ,god liveth it is true4 #g4 ,wherefore you have received the same power1 and the same faith1 and the same gift like unto him2 #h4 ,and if you do these last commandments of mine1 which ,i have given you1 the gates of hell shall not prevail against you2 for my grace is sufficient for you1 and you shall be lifted up at the last day4 #i4 ,and ,i1 ,jesus ,christ1 your ,lord and your ,god1 have spoken it unto you1 that ,i might bring about my righteous purposes unto the children of men4 ,amen4 #ed ,sidenote3 ,seeking the ,fulfilment of the ,promise4 ,not many days after the above commandment was given1 we four1 viz41 ,martin ,harris1 ,david ,whitmer1 ,oliver ,cowdery and myself1 agreed to retire into the woods1 and try to obtain1 by fervent and humble prayer1 the fulfilment of the promises given in the above revelation--that they should have a view of the plates4 ,we accordingly made choice of a piece of woods convenient to ,mr4 ,whitmer's house1 to which we retired1 and having knelt down1 we began to pray in much faith to ,almighty ,god to bestow upon us a realization of these promises4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,order of ,prayer4 ,according to previous arrangement1 ,i commenced prayer to our ,heavenly ,father1 and was followed by each of the others in succession4 ,we did not at the first trial1 however1 obtain any answer or manifestation of divine favor in our behalf4 ,we again observed the same order of prayer1 each calling on and praying fervently to ,god in rotation1 but with the same result as before4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,visitation of the ,angel--,viewing the ,plates4 ,upon this1 our second failure1 ,martin ,harris proposed that he should withdraw himself from us1 believing1 as he expressed himself1 that his presence was the cause of our not obtaining what we wished for4 ,he accordingly withdrew from us1 and we knelt down again1 and had not been many minutes engaged in prayer1 when presently we beheld a light above us in the air1 of exceeding brightness2 and behold1 an angel stood before us4 ,in his hands he held the plates which we had been praying for these to have a view of4 ,he turned over the leaves one by one1 so that we could see them1 and discern the engravings thereon distinctly4 ,he then addressed himself to ,david ,whitmer1 and said1 ,david1 blessed is the ,lord1 and he that keeps ,his commandments2 when1 immediately afterwards1 we heard a voice from out of the bright light above us1 saying1 ,these plates have been revealed by the power of ,god1 and they have been translated by the power of ,god4 ,the #ee translation of them which you have seen is correct1 and ,i command you to bear record of what you now see and hear4 ,sidenote3 ,martin ,harris also ,views the ,plates4 ,i now left ,david and ,oliver1 and went in pursuit of ,martin ,harris1 whom ,i found at a considerable distance1 fervently engaged in prayer4 ,he soon told me1 however1 that he had not yet prevailed with the ,lord1 and earnestly requested me to join him in prayer1 that he also might realize the same blessings which we had just received4 ,we accordingly joined in prayer1 and ultimately obtained our desires1 for before we had yet finished1 the same vision was opened to our view1 at least it was again opened to me1 and ,i once more beheld and heard the same things2 whilst at the same moment1 ,martin ,harris cried out1 apparently in an ecstasy of joy1 ',tis enough2 'tis enough2 mine eyes have beheld2 mine eyes have beheld2 and jumping up1 he shouted1 ,hosanna1 blessing ,god1 and otherwise rejoiced exceedingly4 #d ,sidenote3 ,statement of the ,witnesses4 #ef ,having thus1 through the mercy of ,god1 obtained these glorious manifestations1 it now remained for these three individuals to fulfil the commandment which they had received1 viz41 to bear record of these things2 in order to accomplish which1 they drew up and subscribed #e the following document3 #f ,the ,testimony of ,three ,witnesses4 ,be it known unto all nations1 kindreds1 tongues1 and people1 unto whom this work shall come1 that we1 through the grace of ,god the #eg ,father1 and our ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 have seen the plates which contain this record--which is a record of the people of ,nephi1 and also of the ,lamanites1 their brethren1 and also of the people of ,jared1 who came from the tower of which hath been spoken2 and we also know that they have been translated by the gift and power of ,god1 for ,his voice hath declared it unto us1 wherefore we know of a surety that the work is true4 ,and we also testify that we have seen the engravings which are upon the plates1 and they have been shown unto us by the power of ,god1 and not of man2 ,and we declare with words of soberness1 that an angel of ,god came down from heaven1 and he brought and laid before our eyes1 that we beheld and saw the plates and the engravings thereon2 and we know that it is by the grace of ,god the ,father1 and our ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 that we beheld and bear record that these things are true1 and it is marvelous in our eyes2 ,nevertheless1 the voice of the ,lord commanded us that we should bear record of it2 wherefore1 to be obedient unto the commandments of ,god1 we bear testimony of these things2 ,and we know that if we are faithful in ,christ1 we shall rid our garments of the blood of all men1 and be found spotless before the judgment seat of ,christ1 and shall dwell with him eternally in the heavens4 ,and the honor be to the ,father and to the ,son1 and to the ,holy ,ghost1 which is one ,god4 ,amen4 ,oliver ,cowdery1 ,david ,whitmer1 ,martin ,harris4 ,soon after these things had transpired1 the following additional testimony was obtained3 #g ,the ,testimony of ,eight ,witnesses4 ,be it known unto all nations1 kindreds1 tongues and people unto whom this work shall come1 that ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 the translator #eh of this work1 #h has shown unto us the plates of which hath been spoken1 which have the appearance of gold2 and as many of the leaves as the said ,smith has translated1 we did handle with our hands2 and we also saw the engravings thereon1 all of which has the appearance of ancient work and of curious workmanship4 ,and this we bear record1 with words of soberness1 that the said ,smith has shown unto us1 for we have seen and hefted1 and know of a surety that the said ,smith has got the plates of which we have spoken4 ,and we give our names unto the world to witness unto the world that which we have seen2 and we lie not1 ,god bearing witness of it4 ,christian ,whitmer1 ,jacob ,whitmer1 ,peter ,whitmer1 ,jun41 ,john ,whitmer1 ,hiram ,page1 ,joseph ,smith1 ,sen41 ,hyrum ,smith1 ,samuel ,h4 ,smith4 #ei ,sidenote3 ,early ,progress in the ,work4 ,meantime we continued to translate1 at intervals1 when not under the necessity of attending to the numerous inquirers who now began to visit us--some for the sake of finding the truth others for the purpose of putting hard questions1 and trying to confound us4 ,among the latter class were several learned priests1 who generally came for the purpose of disputation4 ,however1 the ,lord continued to pour out upon us ,his ,holy ,spirit1 and as often as we had need1 ,he gave us in that moment what to say2 so that although unlearned and inexperienced in religious controversies1 yet we were able to confound those learned priests of the day2 whilst at the same time we were enabled to convince the honest in heart that we had obtained1 through the mercy of ,god1 the true and everlasting ,gospel of ,jesus ,christ2 and occasionally we administered the ordinance of baptism for the remission of sins to such as believed4 ,footnotes #a4 ,see also revelation given ,march1 #ahbi1 page #bi4 #b4 ,in the original manuscript copy of the ,history1 the reference here made are to the first edition of the ,book of ,mormon1 but to avoid confusion1 the pages1 chapters and verses of the later and prevailing editions are given4 ,in the first edition now very rare the reference from the ,book of ,ether is on page #edh1 toward the middle of chapter #b2 and that from ,nephi is on page #hf1 toward the beginning of chapter #h4 ,the quotations are as follows3 ,and behold1 ye may be privileged that ye may show the plates unto those who shall assist to bring forth this work2 and unto three shall they be shown by the power of ,god2 wherefore they shall know of a surety that these things are true4 ,and in the mouth of three witnesses shall these things be established2 and the testimony of three1 and this work1 in the which shall be shown forth the power of ,god and also his word1 of which the ,father1 and the ,son1 and the ,holy ,ghost bear record3--and all this shall stand as a testimony against the world at the last day4--,book of ,ether1 #e3b-d4 ,and my brother1 ,jacob also has seen him as ,i have seen him2 wherefore1 ,i will send their words forth unto my children to prove unto them that my words are true4 ,wherefore1 by the words of three1 ,god hath said1 ,i will establish my word4 ,nevertheless1 ,god sendeth more witnesses1 and he proveth all his words4--#b ,nephi #aa3c4 #c4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #ag4 #d4 ,there are some other details connected with the obtaining of the testimony of the ,three ,witnesses which ought not to be omitted at this point4 ,the day on which the ,three ,witnesses received their manifestation the usual morning family service was held at the ,whitmer residence1 namely1 scripture-reading1 singing1 and prayer4 ,besides the ,whitmer family1 the ,prophet and his wife and ,oliver ,cowdery1 there were present the ,prophet's father and mother and ,martin ,harris4 ,as soon as ,joseph rose from his knees1 he approached ,martin ,harris and said1 with a solemnity that thrills through my veins to this day1 says the ,prophet's mother1 who relates this circumstance3 ,martin ,harris1 you have got to humble yourself before your ,god this day1 that you may obtain a forgiveness of your sins4 ,if you do1 it is the will of ,god that you should look upon the plates in company with ,oliver ,cowdery and ,david ,whitmer4 7,history of the ,prophet ,joseph1 by ,lucy ,smith1 ch4 #ca47 ,when the former transgression of ,martin ,harris in the matter of betraying the trust of the ,prophet1 by which part of the translation of the ,book of ,mormon had been lost 7see p4 #ba7--when this and the pride and self-will of the man's character are taken into account1 there was certainly a necessity for the admonition which the ,prophet gave ,martin ,harris that morning4 ,the circumstance also affords an explanation of ,martin's difficulty in obtaining a testimony which1 after his withdrawal from them1 appears to have been given so readily to ,oliver ,cowdery and ,david ,whitmer4 ,another circumstance is related by ,lucy ,smith which is here apropos1 namely1 the joy of the ,prophet in having other witnesses than himself to the truth of the work the ,lord was then bringing forth to the world4 ,speaking of the witnesses returning to the ,whitmer home after seeing the plates1 she says3 ,when they returned to the house1 it was between three and four o'clock p4 m4 ,mrs4 ,whitmer1 ,mr4 ,smith1 and myself were sitting in the bedroom at the time4 ,on coming in1 ,joseph threw himself down beside me1 and exclaimed1 ',father1 mother1 you do not know how happy ,i am2 the ,lord has now caused the plates to be shown to three more besides myself4 ,they have seen an angel1 who has testified to them1 and they will have to bear witness to the truth of what ,i have said1 for now they know for themselves that ,i do not go about to deceive the people1 and ,i feel as if ,i was relieved of a burden which was almost too heavy for me to bear1 and it rejoices my soul that ,i am not any longer to be entirely alone in the world4' ,upon this1 ,martin ,harris came in4 ,he seemed almost overcome with joy1 and testified boldly to what he had both seen and heard4 ,and so did ,david and ,oliver1 adding that no tongue could express the joy of their hearts and the greatness of the things which they had both seen and heard4--,history of the ,prophet ,joseph1 ch4 #ca4 #e4 ,in an extended interview between ,elders ,orson ,pratt1 ,joseph ,f4 ,smith 7both of the council of the ,twelve ,apostles7 and ,david ,whitmer1 at the home of ,mr4 ,whitmer1 in ,richmond1 ,missouri1 in ,september1 #ahgh1 the question was asked the then aged witness if he and the other witnesses did or did not sign the testimonies themselves4 ,whitmer replied that each signed his own name4--,pratt and ,smith ,report1 ,millennial ,star1 vol4 #aa1 nos4 #di1 #ej4 ,report is dated ,sept4 #ag1 #ahgh4 #f4 ,in the first edition of the ,book of ,mormon the testimony of ,three ,witnesses1 and also the ,testimony of ,eight ,witnesses appear at the end--or on the last two pages of the volume1 instead of being1 as in the later editions1 on the page following the title-page4 ,the first edition also had the following3 ,preface4 ,to the ,reader-- ,as many false reports have been circulated respecting the following work1 and also many unlawful measures taken by evil designing persons to destroy me1 and also the work1 ,i would inform you that ,i translated1 by the gift and power of ,god1 and caused to be written1 one hundred and sixteen pages1 the which ,i took from the book of ,lehi1 which was an account abridged from the plates of ,lehi1 by the hand of ,mormon2 which said account1 some person or persons have stolen and kept from me1 notwithstanding my utmost exertions to recover it again--and being commanded of the ,lord that ,i should not translate the same over again1 for ,satan had put it into their hearts to tempt the ,lord their ,god1 by altering the words1 that they did read contrary from that which ,i translated and caused to be written2 and if ,i should bring forth the same words again1 or1 in other words1 if ,i should translate the same over again1 they would publish that which they had stolen1 and ,satan would stir up the hearts of this generation1 that they might not receive this work2 but behold1 the ,lord said unto me1 ,i will not suffer that ,satan shall accomplish his evil design in this thing2 therefore thou shalt translate from the plates of ,nephi1 until ye come to that which ye have translated1 which ye have retained2 and behold ye shall publish it as the record of ,nephi2 and thus ,i will confound those who have altered my words4 ,i will not suffer that they shall destroy my work2 yea1 ,i will show unto them that my wisdom is greater than the cunning of the devil4 ,wherefore to be obedient unto the commandments of ,god1 ,i have through ,his grace and mercy1 accomplished that which ,he hath commanded me1 respecting this thing4 ,i would also inform you that the plates of which hath been spoken1 were found in the township of ,manchester1 ,ontario county1 ,new ,york4 ,the ,author4 #g4 ,according to ,lucy ,smith 7see ,history of the ,prophet ,joseph1 ch4 #ca7 the eight witnesses obtained a view of the plates near the ,smith residence at ,manchester4 ,it was on the occasion of the ,prophet ,joseph's coming over to ,manchester from ,fayette1 accompanied by several of the ,whitmers and ,hiram ,page1 to make arrangements about getting the ,book of ,mormon printed4 ,after arriving at the ,smith residence1 ,joseph ,smith1 ,sen41 ,hyrum ,smith1 and ,samuel ,h4 ,smith1 joined ,joseph's company from ,fayette1 and together they repaired to a place in the woods where members of the ,smith family were wont to hold secret prayer1 and there the plates were shown to these eight witness by the ,prophet himself4 ,the difference between the testimony given the ,three ,witnesses and that given to the ,eight1 is that the former was attended by a splendid display of the glory and power of ,god and the ministration of an angel1 while the latter was attended by no such display1 but was a plain1 matter-of-fact exhibition of the plates by the ,prophet to his friends1 and they not only saw the plates1 but handled them and examined the engravings upon them4 #h4 ,in the first edition1 the words ,author and ,proprietor appear instead of the word translator4 ,the reason for this is obvious4 ,under the laws then existing the copyright was secured to authors and proprietors2 and hence on the title page of the first edition1 ,joseph ,smith1 ,junior1 author and proprietor1 takes the place of the line ,translated by ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 in the later editions4 ,the ,prophet merely adopted the phraseology of the law4 ,preceding the preface to the first edition appears the following certificate of copyright1 which is interesting not only as explaining the foregoing point1 but also as preserving an important date in ,church history3 ,northern ,district of ,new ,york1 to wit3 ,be it ,remembered1 ,that on the eleventh day of ,june1 in the fifty-third year of the independence of the ,united ,states of ,america1 ,a4 ,d4 #ahbi1 ,,joseph ,,smith ,,jun41 of the said district1 hath deposited in this office the title of a ,book1 the right whereof the claims as author1 in the words following to wit3 ,here follows the title page with the words1 ,by ,joseph ,smith1 ,junior1 ,author and ,proprietor1 ,palmyra3 ,printed by ,e4 ,b4 ,grandin for the ,author4 #ahcj4 ,in conformity to the act of the ,congress of the ,united ,states1 entitled ,an act for the encouragement of learning by securing the copies of ,maps1 ,charts and ,books1 to the authors and proprietors of such copies1 during the times therein mentioned2 and also the act1 entitled1 ,an act supplementary to an act1 entitled1 ',an act for the encouragement of learning1 by securing the copies of ,maps1 ,charts1 and ,books1 to to the authors and proprietors of such copies1 during the times therein mentioned1' and extending the benefits thereof to the arts of designing1 engraving1 and etching historical and other prints4 ,r4 ,r4 ,lansing1 ,clerk of the ,northern ,district of ,new ,york4 #fj ,chapter ,,vii4 ,the ,day ,appointed for ,organizing the ,church--,revelation on ,church ,government4 ,sidenote3 ,directions for the ,organization of the ,church4 ,we now became anxious to have that promise realized to us1 which the angel that conferred upon us the ,aaronic ,priesthood had given us1 viz41 that provided we continued faithful1 we should also have the ,melchisedek ,priesthood1 which holds the authority of the laying on of hands for the gift of the ,holy ,ghost4 ,we had for some time made this matter a subject of humble prayer1 and at length we got together in the chamber of ,mr4 ,whitmer's house1 in order more particularly to seek of the ,lord what we now so earnestly desired2 and here1 to our unspeakable satisfaction1 did we realize the truth of the ,savior's promise--,ask1 and it shall be given you2 seek1 and ye shall find2 knock1 and it shall be opened unto you--for we had not long been engaged in solemn and fervent prayer1 when the word of the ,lord came unto us in the chamber1 #a commanding us #fa that ,i should ordain ,oliver ,cowdery to be an ,elder in the ,church of ,jesus ,christ2 and that he also should ordain me to the same office2 and then to ordain others1 as it should be made known unto us from time to time4 ,we were1 however1 commanded to defer this our ordination until such times as it should be practicable to have our brethren1 who had been and who should be baptized1 assembled together1 when we must have their sanction to our thus proceeding to ordain each other1 and have them decide by vote whether they were willing to accept us as spiritual teachers or not2 when also we were commanded to bless bread and break it with them1 and to take wine1 bless it1 and drink it with them2 afterward proceed to ordain each other according to commandment2 then call out such men as the ,spirit should dictate1 and ordain them2 and then attend to the laying on of hands for the gift of the ,holy ,ghost1 upon all those whom we had previously baptized1 doing all things in the name of the ,lord4 ,the following commandment will further illustrate the #fb nature of our calling to this ,priesthood1 as well as that of others who were yet to be sought after3 ,revelation to ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 ,oliver ,cowdery and ,david ,whitmer1 making known the calling of ,twelve ,apostles in these last days2 and also instructions relative to building up the ,church of ,christ according to the fulness of the ,gospel4 ,given in ,fayette1 ,new ,york1 ,june1 #ahbi4 #b #a4 ,now1 behold1 because of the thing which you1 my servant ,oliver ,cowdery1 have desired to know of me1 ,i give unto you these words3 #b4 ,behold1 ,i have manifested unto you1 by my ,spirit in many instances1 that the things which you have written are true2 wherefore you know that they are true2 #c4 ,and if you know that they are true1 behold1 ,i give unto you a commandment1 that you rely upon the things which are written2 #d4 ,for in them are all things written concerning the foundation of my ,church1 my ,gospel and my rock4 #e4 ,wherefore1 if you shall build up my ,church1 upon the foundation of my ,gospel and my rock1 the gates of hell shall not prevail against you4 #f4 ,behold1 the world is ripening in iniquity1 and it must needs be that the children of men are stirred up unto repentance1 both the ,gentiles and also the house of ,israel2 #g4 ,wherefore1 as thou hast been baptized by the hands of my servant ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 according to that which ,i have commanded him1 he hath fulfilled the thing which ,i commanded him4 #h4 ,and now marvel not that ,i have called him unto mine own purpose1 which purpose is known in me2 wherefore1 if he shall be diligent in keeping my commandments1 he shall be blessed unto eternal life1 and his name is ,joseph4 #i4 ,and now1 ,oliver ,cowdery1 ,i speak unto you1 and also unto ,david ,whitmer1 by the way of commandment2 for1 behold1 ,i command all men everywhere to repent1 and ,i speak unto you1 even as unto ,paul mine ,apostle1 for you are called even with that same calling with which he was called4 #aj4 ,remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of ,god2 #aa4 ,for1 behold1 the ,lord your ,redeemer suffered death in the flesh2 wherefore ,he suffered the pain of all men1 that all men might repent and come unto ,him4 #ab4 ,and ,he hath risen again from the dead1 that ,he might bring all men unto ,him1 on conditions of repentance4 #ac4 ,and how great is ,his joy in the soul that repenteth6 #ad4 ,wherefore1 you are called to cry repentance unto this people2 #fc #ae4 ,and if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people1 and bring save it be one soul unto me1 how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my ,father6 #af4 ,and now1 if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my ,father1 how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me6 #ag4 ,behold1 you have my ,gospel before you1 and my rock1 and my salvation4 #ah4 ,ask the ,father in my name1 in faith believing that you shall receive1 and you shall have the ,holy ,ghost1 which manifesteth all things which are expedient unto the children of men4 #ai4 ,and if you have not faith1 hope1 and charity1 you can do nothing4 #bj4 ,contend against no church save it be the church of the devil4 #ba4 ,take upon you the name of ,christ1 and speak the truth in soberness2 #bb4 ,and as many as repent1 and are baptized in my name1 which is ,jesus ,christ1 and endure to the end1 the same shall be saved4 #bc4 ,behold1 ,jesus ,christ is the name which is given of the ,father1 and there is none other name given whereby man can be saved2 #bd4 ,wherefore1 all men must take upon them the name which is given of the ,father for in that name shall they be called at the last day2 #be4 ,wherefore1 if they know not the name by which they are called1 they cannot have place in the kingdom of my ,father4 #bf4 ,and now1 behold1 there are others who are called to declare my ,gospel1 both unto ,gentile and unto ,jew3 #bg4 ,yea1 even ,twelve1 and the ,twelve shall be my disciples1 and they shall take upon them my name2 and the ,twelve are they who shall desire to take upon them my name with full purpose of heart2 #bh4 ,and if they desire to take upon them my name with full purpose of heart1 they are called to go into all the world to preach my ,gospel unto every creature2 #bi4 ,and they are they who are ordained of me to baptize in my name according to that which is written2 #cj4 ,and you have that which is written before you2 wherefore1 you must perform it according to the words which are written4 #ca4 ,and now ,i speak unto you the ,twelve--,behold1 my grace is sufficient for you3 you must walk uprightly before me and sin not4 #cb4 ,and1 behold1 you are they who are ordained of me to ordain ,priests and ,teachers2 to declare my ,gospel2 according to the power of the ,holy ,ghost which is in you1 and according to the callings and gifts of ,god unto men2 #cc4 ,and ,i1 ,jesus ,christ1 your ,lord and your ,god1 have spoken it4 #cd4 ,these words are not of men1 nor of man1 but of me2 wherefore1 you shall testify they are of me1 and not of man2 #fd #ce4 ,for it is my voice which speaketh them unto you1 for they are given by my ,spirit unto you1 and by my power you can read them one to another1 and save it were by my power1 you could not have them2 #cf4 ,wherefore1 you can testify that you have heard my voice1 and know my words4 #cg4 ,and now1 behold1 ,i give unto you1 ,oliver ,cowdery1 and also unto ,david ,whitmer1 that you shall search out the ,twelve1 who shall have the desires of which ,i have spoken2 #ch4 ,and by their desires and their works you shall know them4 #ci4 ,and when you have found them1 you shall show these things unto them4 #dj4 ,and you shall fall down and worship the ,father in my name2 #da4 ,and you must preach unto the world1 saying1 ,you must repent and be baptized1 in the name of ,jesus ,christ2 #db4 ,for all men must repent and be baptized1 and not only men1 but women1 and children who have arrived to the years of accountability4 #dc4 ,and now1 after that you have received this1 you must keep my commandments in all things2 #dd4 ,and by your hands ,i will work a marvelous work among the children of men1 unto the convincing of many of their sins1 that they may come unto repentance1 and that they may come unto the kingdom of my ,father4 #de4 ,wherefore1 the blessings which ,i give unto you are above all things4 #df4 ,and after that you have received this1 if you keep not my commandments you cannot be saved in the kingdom of my ,father4 #dg4 ,behold1 ,i1 ,jesus ,christ1 your ,lord and your ,god1 and your ,redeemer1 by the power of my ,spirit have spoken it4 ,amen4 ,sidenote3 ,instructions on ,church ,organization4 ,in this manner did the ,lord continue to give us instructions from time to time1 concerning the duties which now devolved upon us2 and among many other things of the kind1 we obtained of ,him the following1 by the spirit of prophecy and revelation2 which not only gave us much information1 but also pointed out to us the precise day upon which1 according to ,his will and commandment1 we should proceed to organize ,his ,church once more here upon the earth3 ,a ,revelation on ,church ,government4 #c #a4 ,the rise of the ,church of ,christ in these last days1 being one thousand eight hundred and thirty years since the coming of our ,lord and #fe ,savior ,jesus ,christ in the flesh1 it being regularly organized and established agreeable to the laws of our country1 by the will and commandments of ,god1 in the fourth month1 and on the sixth day of the month which is called ,april2 #b4 ,which commandments were given to ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 who was called of ,god1 and ordained an ,apostle of ,jesus ,christ1 to be the first ,elder of this ,church2 #c4 ,and to ,oliver ,cowdery1 who was also called of ,god1 an ,apostle of ,jesus ,christ1 to be the second ,elder of this ,church1 and ordained under his hand2 #d4 ,and this according to the grace of our ,lord and ,savior ,jesus ,christ1 to whom be all glory1 both now and for ever4 ,amen4 #e4 ,after it was truly manifested unto this first ,elder that he had received a remission of his sins1 he was entangled again in the vanities of the world4 #f4 ,but after repenting1 and humbling himself sincerely1 through faith1 ,god ministered to him by an holy angel1 whose countenance was as lightning1 and whose garments were pure and white above all other whiteness2 #g4 ,and gave unto him commandments which instilled him2 #h4 ,and gave him power from on high1 by the means which were before prepared1 to translate the ,book of ,mormon2 #i4 ,which contains a record of a fallen people1 and the fulness of the ,gospel of ,jesus ,christ to the ,gentiles and to the ,jews also2 #aj4 ,which was given by inspiration1 and is confirmed to others by the ministering of angels1 and is declared unto the world by them2 #aa4 ,proving to the world that the ,holy ,scriptures are true1 and that ,god does inspire men and call them to ,his holy work in this age and generation1 as well as in generations of old1 #ab4 ,thereby showing that ,he is the same ,god yesterday1 today1 and for ever4 ,amen4 #ac4 ,therefore1 having so great witnesses1 by them shall the world be judged1 even as many as shall hereafter come to a knowledge of this work2 #ad4 ,and those who receive it in faith1 and work righteousness1 shall receive a crown of eternal life2 #ae4 ,but those who harden their hearts in unbelief1 and reject it1 it shall turn to their own condemnation2 #af4 ,for the ,lord ,god hath spoken it2 and we1 the ,elders of the ,church1 have heard and bear witness to the words of the glorious ,majesty on high1 to whom be glory for ever and ever4 ,amen4 #ag4 ,by these things we know that there is a ,god in heaven1 who is infinite and eternal1 from everlasting to everlasting the same #ff unchangeable ,god1 the framer of heaven and earth1 and all things which are in them2 #ah4 ,and that ,he created man1 male1 and female1 after ,his own image and in ,his own likeness1 created ,he them1 #ai4 ,and gave unto them commandments that they should love and serve ,him1 the only living and true ,god1 and that ,he should be the only being whom they should worship4 #bj4 ,but by the transgression of these holy laws1 man became sensual and devilish1 and became fallen man4 #ba4 ,wherefore1 the ,almighty ,god gave ,his ,only ,begotten ,son1 as it is written in those scriptures which have been given of ,him4 #bb4 ,he suffered temptations but gave no heed unto them4 #bc4 ,he was crucified1 died1 and rose again the third day2 #bd4 ,and ascended into heaven1 to sit down on the right hand of the ,father1 to reign with almighty power according to the will of the ,father4 #be4 ,that as many as would believe and be baptized in ,his holy name1 and endure in faith to the end1 should be saved3 #bf4 ,not only those who believed after ,he came in the meridian of time1 in the flesh1 but all those from the beginning1 even as many as were before ,he came1 who believed in the words of the holy prophets1 who spake as they were inspired by the gift of the ,holy ,ghost1 who truly testified of ,him in all things1 should have eternal life1 #bg4 ,as well as those who should come after1 who should believe in the gifts and callings of ,god by the ,holy ,ghost which beareth record of the ,father and of the ,son2 #bh4 ,which ,father1 ,son1 and ,holy ,ghost are one ,god1 infinite and eternal1 without end4 ,amen4 #bi4 ,and we know that all men must repent and believe on the name of ,jesus ,christ1 and worship the ,father in ,his name1 and endure in faith on ,his name to the end1 or they cannot be saved in the kingdom of ,god4 #cj4 ,and we know that justification through the grace of our ,lord and ,savior ,jesus ,christ1 is just and true2 #ca4 ,and we know also1 that sanctification through the grace of our ,lord and ,savior ,jesus ,christ1 is just and true1 to all those who love and serve ,god with all their mights1 minds1 and strength4 #cb4 ,but there is a possibility that man may fall from grace and depart from the living ,god2 #cc4 ,therefore let the ,church take heed and pray always1 lest they fall into temptation2 #cd4 ,yea and even let those who are sanctified take heed also4 #ce4 ,and we know that these things are true and according to the #fg revelations of ,john1 neither adding to1 nor diminishing from the prophecy of his book1 the ,holy ,scriptures1 or the revelations of ,god which shall come hereafter by the gift and power of the ,holy ,ghost1 the voice of ,god1 or the ministering of angels4 #cf4 ,and the ,lord ,god has spoken it2 and honor1 power and glory be rendered to ,his holy name1 both now and ever4 ,amen4 #cg4 ,and again1 by way of commandment to the ,church concerning the manner of baptism4--,all those who humble themselves before ,god1 and desire to be baptized1 and come forth with broken hearts and contrite spirits1 and witness before the ,church that they have truly repented of all their sins1 and are willing to take upon them the name of ,jesus ,christ1 having a determination to serve ,him to the end1 and truly manifest by their works that they have received of the ,spirit of ,christ unto the remission of their sins1 shall be received by baptism into ,his ,church4 #ch4 ,the duty of the ,elders1 ,priests1 ,teachers1 ,deacons1 and members of the ,church of ,christ4--,an ,apostle is an ,elder1 and it is his calling to baptize2 #ci4 ,and to ordain other ,elders1 ,priests1 ,teachers1 and ,deacons2 #dj4 ,and to administer bread and wine--the emblems of the flesh and blood of ,christ2 #da4 ,and to confirm those who are baptized into the ,church1 by the laying on of hands for the baptism of fire and the ,holy ,ghost1 according to the ,scriptures2 #db4 ,and to teach1 expound1 exhort1 baptize1 and watch over the ,church2 #dc4 ,and to confirm the ,church by the laying on of the hands1 and the giving of the ,holy ,ghost2 #dd4 ,and to take the lead of all meetings4 #de4 ,the ,elders are to conduct the meetings as they are led by the ,holy ,ghost1 according to the commandments and revelations of ,god4 #df4 ,the ,priest's duty is to preach1 teach1 expound1 exhort1 and baptize1 and administer the sacrament2 #dg4 ,and visit the house of each member1 and exhort them to pray vocally and in secret1 and attend to all family duties4 #dh4 ,and he may also ordain other ,priests1 ,teachers1 and ,deacons4 #di4 ,and he is to take the lead of meetings when there is no ,elder present2 #ej4 ,but when there is an ,elder present1 he is only to preach1 teach1 expound1 exhort1 and baptize1 #ea4 ,and visit the house of each member1 exhorting them to pray vocally and in secret1 and attend to all family duties4 #eb4 ,in all these duties the ,priest is to assist the ,elder if occasion requires4 #fh #ec4 ,the ,teacher's duty is to watch over the church always1 and be with and strengthen them2 #ed4 ,and see that there is no iniquity in the ,church--neither hardness with each other--neither lying1 back biting1 nor evil speaking2 #ee4 ,and see that the ,church meet together often1 and also see that all the members do their duty2 #ef4 ,and he is to take the lead of meetings in the absence of the ,elder or ,priest-- #eg4 ,and is to be assisted always1 in all his duties in the ,church1 by the ,deacons1 if occasion requires4 #eh4 ,but neither ,teachers nor ,deacons have authority to baptize1 administer the sacrament1 or lay on hands2 #ei4 ,they are1 however1 to warn1 expound1 exhort1 and teach and invite all to come unto ,christ4 #fj4 ,every ,elder1 ,priest1 ,teacher1 or ,deacon is to be ordained according to the gifts and callings of ,god unto him2 and he is to be ordained by the power of the ,holy ,ghost1 which is in the one who ordains him4 #fa4 ,the several ,elders composing this ,church of ,christ are to meet in conference once in three months1 or from time to time as said conferences shall direct or appoint2 #fb4 ,and said conferences are to do whatever ,church business is necessary to be done at the time4 #fc4 ,the ,elders are to receive their licenses from other ,elders1 by vote of the church to which they belong1 or from the conferences4 #fd4 ,each ,priest1 ,teacher1 or ,deacon1 who is ordained by a ,priest1 may take a certificate from him at the time1 which certificate1 when presented to an ,elder1 shall entitle him to a license1 which shall authorize him to perform the duties of his calling1 or he may receive it from a conference4 #fe4 ,no person is to be ordained to any office in this ,church1 where there is a regularly organized branch of the same1 without the vote of that ,church2 #ff4 ,but the presiding ,elders1 traveling ,bishops1 ,high ,councilors1 ,high ,priests1 and ,elders1 may have the privilege of ordaining1 where there is no branch of the ,church that a vote may be called4 #fg4 ,every president of the ,high ,priesthood 7or presiding ,elder71 ,bishop1 ,high ,councilor and ,high ,priest1 is to be ordained by the direction of a ,high ,council or general conference4 #d #fh4 ,the duty of the members after they are received by baptism4--,the ,elders or ,priests are to have a sufficient time to expound all things #fi concerning the ,church of ,christ to their understanding1 previous to their partaking of the ,sacrament and being confirmed by the laying on of the hands of the ,elders1 so that all things may be done in order4 #fi4 ,and the members shall manifest before the ,church1 and also before the ,elders1 by a godly walk and conversation1 that they are worthy of it1 that there may be works and faith agreeable to the ,holy ,scriptures--walking in holiness before the ,lord4 #gj4 ,every member of the ,church of ,christ having children is to bring them unto the ,elders before the ,church1 who are to lay their hands upon them in the name of ,jesus ,christ1 and bless them in ,his name4 #ga4 ,no one can be received into the ,church of ,christ1 unless he has arrived unto the years of accountability before ,god1 and is capable of repentance4 #gb4 ,baptism is to be administered in the following manner unto all those who repent3-- #gc4 ,the person who is called of ,god1 and has authority from ,jesus ,christ to baptize1 shall go down into the water with the person who has presented himself or herself for baptism1 and shall say1 calling him or her by name--,having been commissioned of ,jesus ,christ1 ,i baptize you in the name of the ,father1 and of the ,son1 and of the ,holy ,ghost4 ,amen4 #gd4 ,then shall he immerse him or her in the water1 and come forth again out of the water4 #ge4 ,it is expedient that the ,church meet together often to partake of bread and wine in the remembrance of the ,lord ,jesus2 #gf4 ,and the ,elder or ,priest shall administer it2 and after this manner shall he administer it3 he shall kneel with the ,church and call upon the ,father in solemn prayer1 saying-- #gg4 ,o ,god1 the ,eternal ,father1 we ask ,thee in the name of ,thy ,son1 ,jesus ,christ1 to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it1 that they may eat in remembrance of the body of ,thy ,son1 and witness unto ,thee1 ,o ,god1 the ,eternal ,father1 that they are willing to take upon them the name of ,thy ,son1 and always remember ,him and keep ,his commandments which ,he has given them1 that they may always have ,his ,spirit to be with them4 ,amen4 #gh4 ,the manner of administering the wine3 ,he shall take the cup also1 and say-- #gi4 ,o ,god1 the ,eternal ,father1 we ask ,thee in the name of ,thy ,son1 ,jesus ,christ1 to bless and sanctify this wine to the souls of all those who drink of it1 that they may do it in remembrance of the blood of ,thy ,son1 which was shed for them2 that they may witness unto ,thee1 ,o ,god1 #gj the ,eternal ,father1 that they do always remember ,him1 ,that they may have ,his ,spirit to be with them4 ,amen4 #hj4 ,any member of the ,church of ,christ transgressing1 or being overtaken in a fault1 shall be dealt with as the ,scriptures direct4 #ha4 ,it shall be the duty of the several churches1 composing the ,church of ,christ1 to send one or more of their ,teachers to attend the several conferences held by the ,elders of the ,church1 #hb4 ,with a list of the names of the several members uniting themselves with the ,church since the last conference1 or send by the hand of some ,priest1 so that a regular list of all the names of the whole ,church may be kept in a book by one of the ,elders whomsoever the other ,elders shall appoint from time to time2 #hc4 ,and also1 if any have been expelled from the ,church1 so that their names may be blotted out of the general ,church record of names4 #hd4 ,all members removing from the church where they reside1 if going to a church where they are not known1 may take a letter1 certifying that they are regular members and in good standing1 which certificate may be signed by any ,elder or ,priest if the member receiving the letter is personally acquainted with the ,elder or ,priest1 or it may be signed by the ,teachers or ,deacons of the ,church4 ,footnotes #a4 ,this occasion is unquestionably the one that the ,prophet ,joseph alludes to in his letter to the ,saints in ,nauvoo1 under date or ,september #fth #ahdb1 7,doctrine and ,covenants sec4 #abh3ba7 where he says3 ,again what do we hear 99 99 99 the voice of ,god in the chamber of old father ,peter ,whitmer1 in ,fayette1 ,seneca county1 and at sundry times1 and in divers places through all the travels and tribulations of this ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-day ,saints4 ,it must not be thought because of the reference in the text above to the desire of ,joseph and ,oliver to have the ,melchizedek ,priesthood conferred upon them1 and the commandment given that they should ordain each other ,elders of the ,church--it must not be thought because of this1 ,i repeat1 that there is any conflict between what is here stated in the text and what has been said with reference to the restoration of the keys of the ,melchizedek ,priesthood by ,peter1 ,james and ,john4 ,this voice of ,god in the chamber of old ,father ,peter ,whitmer1 in ,fayette1 commanding ,joseph and ,oliver to ordain each other ,elders of the ,church1 but also commanding them to defer said ordinations until their brethren who had been and should be baptized could be assembled together to give their sanction to such procedure--was all previous to their ordination to the ,apostleship under the hands of ,peter1 ,james and ,john and2 to be regarded as instruction to them as to how they should proceed in the matter of ordaining each other1 and calling and ordaining others to the same ministry1 after they themselves should have received the keys of this ,melchizedek ,priesthood4 ,the ordination of each other to be ,elders of the ,church was deferred until the meeting at which the ,church was organized1 the #fth of ,april1 #ahcj4 7see p4 #ge47 ,but this voice of ,god in ,peter ,whitmer's chamber1 which told them how to proceed in the matter of ordaining each other1 was given in or before ,june1 #ahbi4 ,the evidence of this is in the fact that the revelation in ,whitmer's chamber1 about ordaining each other ,elders of the ,church1 precedes the one immediately following the paragraph of narrative above3 and that revelation1 making known the calling to the ,twelve ,apostles1 was given in ,june1 #ahbi1 ten months before the instructions relative to ordaining each other to be ,elders in the ,church was carried out4 ,meantime1 as we have seen 7see note pp4 #dj1 #da1 #db17 before the #fth of ,april1 #ahcj1 and probably before that very month of ,june1 #ahbi1 had expired ,peter1 ,james and ,john had come and conferred upon ,joseph and ,oliver the keys of the ,melchizedek ,priesthood1 the holy apostleship1 by which authority they were authorized to organize the ,church1 ordain each other ,elders1 and also call and ordain others to the same office4 #b4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #ah4 #c4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 section #bj4 #d4 ,verses #fe1 #ff and #fg were added by the ,prophet some time after the rest of the revelation was given4 #ga ,chapter ,,viii4 ,the ,book of ,mormon ,published--the ,church ,organized4 ,sidenote3 ,price for ,publishing ,book of ,mormon4 ,meantime1 our translation drawing to a close1 we went to ,palmyra1 ,wayne county1 ,new ,york1 secured the copyright1 and agreed with ,mr4 ,egbert ,b4 ,grandin to print five thousand copies for the sum of three thousand dollars4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,title ,page4 ,i wish to mention here that the title-page of the ,book of ,mormon is a literal translation1 taken from the very last leaf1 on the left hand side of the collection or book of plates1 which contained the record which has been translated1 the language of the whole running the same as all ,hebrew writing in general2 #a and that said title page is not by any means a modern composition1 either of mine or of any other man who has lived or does live in this generation4 ,therefore1 in order to correct an error which generally exists concerning it1 ,i give below that part of the title-page of the ,english version of the ,book of ,mormon1 which is a genuine and literal translation of the title-page of the original ,book of ,mormon as recorded on the plates3 ,the ,book of ,mormon4 ,an account written by the hand of ,mormon1 upon ,plates1 taken from the ,plates of ,nephi4 ,wherefore it is an abridgment of the record of the people of ,nephi1 and also of the ,lamanites2 written to the ,lamanites1 who are a #gb remnant of the house of ,israel2 and also to ,jew and ,gentile2 written by way of commandment1 and also by the spirit of prophecy and of revelation4 ,written and sealed up1 and hid up unto the ,lord1 that they might not be destroyed--,to come forth by the gift and power of ,god unto the interpretation thereof--,sealed by the hand of ,moroni1 and hid up unto the ,lord1 to come forth in due time by the way of ,gentile--,the interpretation thereof by the gift of ,god4 ,an abridgment taken from the ,book of ,ether1 also1 which is a record of the people of ,jared1 who were scattered at the time the ,lord confounded the language of the people when they were building a tower to get to heaven2 which is to show unto the remnant of the house of ,israel what great things the ,lord hath done for their fathers2 and that they may know the covenants of the ,lord1 that they are not cast off forever2 and also to the convincing of the ,jew and ,gentile that ,jesus is the ,christ1 the ,eternal ,god1 manifesting ,himself unto all nations4 ,and now1 if there are faults1 they are the mistakes of men2 wherefore1 condemn not the things of ,god1 that ye may be found spotless at the judgment-seat of ,christ4 ,the remainder of the title-page is1 of course1 modern4 ,a ,commandment of ,god and not of man1 to ,martin ,harris1 given 7,manchester1 ,new ,york1 ,march1 #ahcj7 by ,him who is ,eternal4 #b #a4 ,i am ,alpha and ,omega1 ,christ the ,lord2 yea even ,i am ,he1 the beginning and the end1 the ,redeemer of the world4 #b4 ,i1 having accomplished and finished the will of ,him1 whose ,i am1 even the ,father1 concerning me--having done this that ,i might subdue all things unto myself-- #c4 ,retaining all power1 even to the destroying of ,satan and his works at the end of the world1 and the last great day of judgment1 which ,i shall pass upon the inhabitants thereof1 judging every man according to his works and deeds which he hath done4 #d4 ,and surely every man must repent or suffer1 for ,i1 ,god1 am endless2 #e4 ,wherefore1 ,i revoke not the judgments which ,i shall pass1 but woes shall go forth1 weeping1 wailing1 and gnashing of teeth1 yea1 to those who are found on my left hand2 #gc #f4 ,nevertheless it is not written that there shall be no end to this torment1 but it is written endless torment4 #g4 ,again1 it is written eternal damnation2 wherefore it is more express than other ,scriptures1 that it might work among the hearts of the children of men1 altogether for my name's glory4 #h4 ,wherefore ,i will explain unto you this mystery1 for it is meet unto you to know even as mine ,apostles4 #i4 ,i speak unto you that are chosen in this thing1 even as one1 that you may enter into my rest2 #aj4 ,for1 behold1 the mystery of godliness1 how great is it6 ,for behold1 ,i am endless1 and the punishment which is given from my hand1 is endless punishment1 for endless is my name3 wherefore-- #aa4 ,eternal punishment is ,god's punishment4 #ab4 ,endless punishment is ,god's punishment4 #ac4 ,wherefore ,i command you to repent1 and keep the commandments which you have received by the hand of my servant ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 in my name2 #ad4 ,and it is by my almighty power that you have received them2 #ae4 ,therefore ,i command you to repent--repent1 lest ,i smite you by the rod of my mouth1 and by my wrath1 and by my anger1 and your sufferings be sore--how sore you know not1 how exquisite you know not1 yea1 how hard to bear you know not6 #af4 ,for behold1 ,i1 ,god1 have suffered these things for all1 that they might not suffer if they would repent2 #ag4 ,but if they would not repent1 they must suffer even as ,i1 #ah4 ,which suffering caused myself1 even ,god1 the greatest of all1 to tremble because of pain1 and to bleed at every pore1 and to suffer1 both body and spirit3 and would that ,i might not drink the bitter cup1 and shrink-- #ai4 ,nevertheless glory be to the ,father1 and ,i partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men2 #bj4 ,wherefore1 ,i command you again to repent1 lest ,i humble you with my almighty power1 and that you confess your sins1 lest you suffer these punishments of which ,i have spoken1 of which in the smallest1 yea1 even in the least degree you have tasted at the time ,i withdrew my ,spirit4 #ba4 ,and ,i command you1 that you preach naught but repentance1 and show not these things unto the world until it is wisdom in me4 #bb4 ,for they cannot bear meat now1 but milk they must receive2 wherefore1 they must not know these things1 lest they perish4 #bc4 ,learn of me and listen to my words2 walk in the meekness of my ,spirit1 and you shall have peace in me4 #bd4 ,i am ,jesus ,christ2 ,i came by the will of the ,father1 and ,i do ,his will1 #gd #be4 ,and again1 ,i command thee that thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife2 nor seek thy neighbor's life4 #bf4 ,and again1 ,i command thee that thou shalt not covet thine own property1 but impart it freely to the printing of the ,book of ,mormon1 which contains the truth and the word of ,god4 #bg4 ,which is my word to the ,gentiles1 that soon it may go to the ,jew1 of whom the ,lamanites are a remnant1 that they may believe the ,gospel1 and look not for a ,messiah to come who has already come4 #bh4 ,and again1 ,i command thee that thou shalt pray vocally as well as in thy heart2 yea1 before the world as well as in secret1 in public as well as in private4 #bi4 ,and thou shalt declare glad tidings1 yea1 publish it upon the mountains1 and upon every high place1 and among every people that thou shalt be permitted to see4 #cj4 ,and thou shalt do it with all humility1 trusting in me1 reviling not against revilers4 #ca4 ,and of tenets thou shalt not talk1 but thou shalt declare repentance and faith on the ,savior and remission of sins by baptism and by fire1 yea1 even the ,holy ,ghost4 #cb4 ,behold this is a great and the last commandment which ,i shall give unto you concerning this matter2 for this shall suffice for thy daily walk1 even unto the end of thy life4 #cc4 ,and misery thou shalt receive if thou wilt slight these counsels3 yea even the destruction of thyself and property4 #cd4 ,impart a portion of thy property2 yea1 even part of thy lands1 and all save the support of thy family4 #ce4 ,pay the debt thou hast contracted with the printer4 ,release thyself from bondage4 #cf4 ,leave thy house and home1 except when thou shalt desire to see thy family3 #cg4 ,and speak freely to all3 yea1 preach1 exhort1 declare the truth1 even with a loud voice1 with a sound of rejoicing1 crying--,hosanna1 hosanna6 ,blessed be the name of the ,lord ,god6 #ch4 ,pray always1 and ,i will pour out my ,spirit upon you1 and great shall be your blessing2 yea1 even more than if you should obtain treasures of earth and corruptibleness to the extent thereof4 #ci4 ,behold canst thou read this without rejoicing and lifting up thy heart for gladness8 #dj4 ,or canst thou run about longer as a blind guide8 #da4 ,or canst thou be humble and meek1 and conduct thyself wisely before me8 yea1 come unto me thy ,savior4 ,amen4 ,sidenote3 ,procedure in the ,organization of the ,church4 ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 ,appointed a ,prophet1 ,seer and ,revelator to the ,church4 ,whilst the ,book of ,mormon was in the hands of the #ge printer1 #c we still continued to bear testimony and give information1 as far as we had opportunity2 and also made known to our brethren that we had received a commandment to organize the ,church2 and accordingly we met together for that purpose1 #gf at the house of ,mr4 ,peter ,whitmer1 ,sen41 7being six in number17 #d on ,tuesday1 the sixth day of ,april1 #gg ,a4 ,d41 one thousand eight hundred and thirty4 ,having opened the meeting by solemn prayer to our ,heavenly ,father1 we proceeded1 according to previous commandment1 to call on our brethren to know whether they accepted us as their teachers in the things of the ,kingdom of ,god1 and whether they were satisfied that we should proceed and be organized as a ,church according to said commandment which we had received4 ,to these several propositions they consented by a unanimous vote4 ,i then laid my hands upon ,oliver ,cowdery1 and ordained him an ,elder of the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-day ,saints2 after #gh which1 he ordained me also to the office of an ,elder of said ,church4 ,we then took bread1 blessed it1 and brake it with them2 also wine1 blessed it1 and drank it with them4 ,we then laid our hands on each individual member of the ,church present1 that they might receive the gift of the ,holy ,ghost1 and be confirmed members of the ,church of ,christ4 ,the ,holy ,ghost was poured out upon us to a very great degree--some prophesied1 whilst we all praised the ,lord1 and rejoiced exceedingly4 ,whilst yet together1 ,i received the following commandment3 ,revelation to ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 given at ,fayette1 ,seneca ,county1 ,new ,york1 ,april #fth1 #ahcj4 #e #a4 ,behold1 there shall be a record kept among you1 and in it thou shall be called a ,seer1 a ,translator1 a ,prophet1 an ,apostle of ,jesus ,christ1 an ,elder of the ,church through the will of ,god the ,father and the grace of your ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 #b4 ,being inspired of the ,holy ,ghost to lay the foundation thereof1 and to build it up unto the most holy faith1 #c4 ,which ,church was organized and established in the year of our ,lord eighteen hundred and thirty1 in the fourth month1 and on the sixth day of the month1 which is called ,april4 #d4 ,wherefore1 meaning the ,church1 thou shalt give heed unto all his words and commandments which he shall give unto you as he receiveth them1 walking in all holiness before me2 #e4 ,for his word ye shall receive1 as if from mine own mouth1 in all patience and faith2 #f4 ,for by doing these things the gates of hell shall not prevail against you2 yea1 and the ,lord ,god will disperse the powers of darkness from before you1 and cause the heavens to shake for your good1 and ,his name's glory4 #g4 ,for thus saith the ,lord ,god1 ,him have ,i inspired to move the cause of ,zion in mighty power for good1 and his diligence ,i know1 and his prayers ,i have heard4 #h4 ,yea1 his weeping for ,zion ,i have seen1 and ,i will cause that he shall mourn for her no longer2 for his days of rejoicing are come unto the remission of his sins1 and the manifestations of my blessings upon his works4 #i4 ,for1 behold1 ,i will bless all those who labor in my vineyard with a mighty blessing1 and they shall believe on his words1 which are given #gi him through me by the ,comforter1 which manifesteth that ,jesus was crucified by sinful men for the sins of the world1 yea1 for the remission of sins unto the contrite heart4 #aj4 ,wherefore it behoveth me that he should be ordained by you1 ,oliver ,cowdery1 mine ,apostle2 #aa4 ,this being an ordinance unto you1 that you are an ,elder under his hand1 he being the first unto you1 that you might be an ,elder unto this ,church of ,christ1 bearing my name1 #ab4 ,and the first preacher of this ,church unto the ,church1 and before the world1 yea1 before the ,gentiles2 yea1 and thus saith the ,lord ,god1 lo1 lo6 to the ,jews also4 ,amen4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,church of ,jesus ,christ ,begins its ,career4 ,we now proceeded to call out and ordain some others of the brethren to different offices of the ,priesthood1 according as the ,spirit manifested unto us3 and after a happy time spent in witnessing and feeling for ourselves the powers and blessings of the ,holy ,ghost1 through the grace of ,god bestowed upon us1 we dismissed with the pleasing knowledge that we were now individually members of1 and acknowledged of ,god1 ,the ,church of ,jesus ,christ1 organized in accordance with commandments and revelations given by ,him to ourselves in these last days1 as well as according to the order of the ,church as recorded in the ,new ,testament4 ,several persons who had attended the above meeting1 became convinced of the truth and came forward shortly after1 and were received into the ,church2 among the rest1 my own father and mother were baptized1 to my great joy and consolation2 and about the same time1 ,martin ,harris and ,orrin ,porter ,rockwell4 ,revelation to the ,church of ,christ which was established in these last days1 in the year of our ,lord1 one thousand eight hundred and thirty4 ,given at ,manchester1 ,new ,york1 ,april1 #ahcj1 in consequence of some desiring to unite with the ,church without re-baptism1 who had previously been baptized4 #f #a4 ,behold1 ,i say unto you that all old covenants have ,i caused to be done away in this thing2 and this is a new and an everlasting covenant1 even that which was from the beginning4 #hj #b4 ,wherefore1 although a man should be baptized an hundred times1 it availeth him nothing1 for you cannot enter in at the strait gate by the law of ,moses1 neither by your dead works2 #c4 ,for it is because of your dead works1 that ,i have caused this last covenant and this ,church to be built up unto me1 even as in days of old4 #d4 ,wherefore1 enter ye in at the gate1 as ,i have commanded1 and seek not to counsel your ,god4 ,amen4 ,sidenote3 ,word of the ,lord to ,several ,persons4 ,the following persons being anxious to know of the ,lord what might be their respective duties in relation to this work1 ,i inquired of the ,lord1 and received for them the following3 ,revelation to ,oliver ,cowdery1 ,hyrum ,smith1 ,samuel ,h4 ,smith1 ,joseph ,smith1 ,sen41 and ,joseph ,knight1 ,sen4 ,given at ,manchester1 ,new ,york1 ,april1 #ahcj4 #g #a4 ,behold1 ,i speak unto you1 ,oliver1 a few words4 ,behold1 thou art blessed1 and art under no condemnation4 ,but beware of pride1 lest thou shouldst enter into temptation4 #b4 ,make known thy calling unto the ,church1 and also before the world1 and thy heart shall be opened to preach the truth from henceforth and forever4 ,amen4 #c4 ,behold1 ,i speak unto you1 ,hyrum1 a few words3 for thou also art under no condemnation1 and thy heart is opened1 and thy tongue loosed2 and thy calling is to exhortation1 and to strengthen the ,church continually4 ,wherefore thy duty is unto the ,church forever1 and this because of thy family4 ,amen4 #d4 ,behold1 ,i speak a few words unto you1 ,samuel1 for thou also art under no condemnation1 and thy calling is to exhortation1 and to strengthen the ,church1 and thou art not as yet called to preach before the world4 ,amen4 #e4 ,behold ,i speak a few words unto you1 ,joseph1 for thou also art under no condemnation1 and thy calling also is to exhortation1 and to strengthen the ,church1 and this is thy duty from henceforth and forever4 ,amen4 #f4 ,behold1 ,i manifest unto you1 ,joseph ,knight1 by these words1 that you must take up your cross1 in the which you must pray vocally before the world as well as in secret1 and in your family1 and among your friends1 and in all places4 #g4 ,and1 behold1 it is your duty to unite with the true ,church1 and give your language to exhortation continually1 that you may receive the reward of the laborer4 ,amen4 ,footnotes #a4 ,that is1 from right to left4 #b4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 section #ai4 ,no words of the ,prophet introduce this revelation in his ,history4 ,nothing is known of the circumstances which called it forth4 ,and yet there are few revelations that have been given in the present dispensation of the ,gospel more important than this one4 ,the doctrine of the atonement of the ,lord ,jesus1 as directly applying to the individual1 and ,god's exposition of ,eternal ,punishment1 as here set forth1 give it a place of first importance in the doctrinal development of the ,church4 #c4 ,nothing is said by the ,prophet in his ,history of the difficulties that arose whilst the ,book of ,mormon was in the hands of the printer2 nor of the care that was taken to prevent the manuscript falling into the hands of enemies of the work4 ,it is proper1 however1 that these matters should be stated at this point4 ,it appears that when the arrangements was completed with ,mr4 ,grandin for printing the ,book of ,mormon1 the ,prophet went down to ,harmony1 in ,pennsylvania4 ,before taking his departure1 however1 it was arranged3,first3 that ,oliver ,cowdery transcribe the whole manuscript2 hence it came about that there were two manuscript copies of the ,book of ,mormon1 the original1 which was taken in charge by the ,prophet after the publication of the book1 and the copy made by ,oliver ,cowdery for the printer's use1 and which finally was given by him into the custody of ,david ,whitmer1 with whose family it remains to this day 7#aija74,second3 that the copy made by ,oliver ,cowdery from the original manuscript only should be taken to the printers1 so that if that should be destroyed the original would remain in the hands of the ,prophet and his associates from which it could be replaced2 and even this copy was supplied the printer in small quantities at a time1 usually enough only for a single day's work of the printer4 ,third3 that in going to and from the office whoever carried the manuscript--usually it was ,oliver ,cowdery--should always have a guard to attend him4 ,fourth3 that a guard should be kept constantly upon the watch1 both night and day1 about the house1 to protect the manuscript from malicious persons1 who might seek to destroy it4 7,the authorities for the above are3 ,lucy ,smith's ,history of the ,prophet ,joseph1 ch #ca2 the statements of ,stephen ,s4 ,harding1 who a number of times visited ,grandin's establishment while the ,book of ,mormon was being printed2 ,his statement is published in ,the ,prophet of ,palmyra1 by ,thomas ,gregg1 pg4 #cd-ef--this is that same ,stephen ,s4 ,harding who was governor of ,utah ,territory from ,july1 #ahfb to ,july1 #ahfc2 also the statement of ,j4 ,h4 ,gilbert1 the principal compositor on the ,book of ,mormon4 ,the extreme care in allowing the printer to have but a small amount of copy at a time is subject of ridicule in nearly all anti-,mormon books that treat of this period4 ,in addition to all this is the evidence of the manuscript in the hands of the ,whitmer family1 nearly every page of which is in the handwriting of ,oliver ,cowdery1 and by being divided into takes clearly bears evidence of having passed through the printers hands4 ,the evidence also in the existence of portions of the original manuscript1 now in the possession of ,president ,joseph ,f4 ,smith1 which was taken from its depository in one of the corner stones of the ,nauvoo ,house1 where it was placed by the hands of ,joseph the ,prophet1 with other relics1 on the occasion of laying the corner stone of that building on the #bnd of ,october1 #ahda4 ,unfortunately a great part of the manuscript was destroyed by dampness1 but enough is preserved to establish the fact that it is the original74 ,notwithstanding all the precautions taken by the little group of brethren engaged in publishing the book1 the ,nephite record1 mutilated by interlineations of human invention1 omissions1 and added vulgarisms intended to destroy the work1 came nearly being given to the world before the ,book of ,mormon itself was published4 ,this was the work of one ,esquire ,cole1 ex-justice of the peace1 who undertook to publish the ,book of ,mormon1 in instalments1 in a weekly periodical called ,dogberry ,paper on ,winter ,hill4 ,he obtained the use of ,grandin's press nights and on ,sundays1 and surely must have obtained the advance sheets of the printed forms of the ,book of ,mormon1 which he was using1 with the knowledge of ,mr4 ,grandin2 at least it is difficult to conceive how he could obtain and use them without his knowledge4 ,hyrum ,smith1 feeling uneasy concerning the security of that part of the ,book of ,mormon in the hands of the printer1 induced ,oliver ,cowdery one ,sunday to go with him to the printer's to see if all was well1 and there they found ,squire ,cole at work on his ,dogberry ,paper1 and publishing mutilated extracts from the ,book of ,mormon4 ,he refused to desist from his unlawful course2 but ,joseph was sent for and came up during the week from ,harmony1 and by firmly asserting his rights under the copyright law and by threatening to prosecute those who infringed them1 ,cole was induced to abandon his intention of publishing the ,book of ,mormon in his paper4 ,this difficulty past1 another arose4 ,the people of ,palmyra and vicinity held a mass meeting and passed a resolution pledging themselves not to purchase the ,book of ,mormon when published1 and to use their influence to prevent others from purchasing it4 ,this had the effect of causing ,mr4 ,grandin to suspend printing until he could obtain renewed assurance of receiving the amount agreed upon for printing the edition of five thousand4 ,again the ,prophet was sent for1 and again he made the journey from ,harmony to ,palmyra1 quieted the fears of ,mr4 ,grandin by renewed assurance on the part of himself and ,martin ,harris that the amount agreed upon would be paid4 ,the work proceeded1 and at last issued from the press1 notwithstanding all the difficulties it had encountered 7see ,lucy ,smith's ,history of the ,prophet ,joseph1 ch4 #cc74 #d4 ,the following statement is interesting as furnishing the names of these six3 ,names of the six members of the ,church as they were organized ,april #f1 #ahcj--,oliver ,cowdery1 ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 ,hyrum ,smith1 ,peter ,whitmer1 ,jun41 ,samuel ,h4 ,smith1 ,david ,whitmer4 ,some of these had been baptized previously2 but were all baptized on the day of organization4 ,these names were given to ,joseph ,knight by ,oliver ,cowdery4 7signed7 ,joseph ,knight4 ,g4 ,s4 ,l4 ,city ,aug4 #aath1 #ahfb4 ,witnesses ,g4 ,a4 ,smith1 ,robt4 ,l4 ,campbell1 ,thos4 ,bullock1 ,john ,v4 ,long4 7,copy7 ,there has been some question as to the number that had been baptized previous to the organization of the ,church on the #fth day of ,april1 #ahcj4 ,david ,whitmer in his ,address to ,all ,believers in ,christ1 a pamphlet of seventy-five pages1 published in #ahhg1 says that there were six ,elders and about seventy members before ,april #fth1 #ahcj4 ,others have estimated the number at thirty1 thirty-five1 and forty4 ,these estimates1 however1 are beyond all question too large4 ,in the minutes of the second conference of the ,church1 held at ,fayette1 ,new ,york1 on the #bfth of ,september1 #ahcj1 this statement is made3 ,number of the several members uniting to this ,church1 since the last conference1 thirty-five3 making in whole now belonging to this ,church1 sixty-two4 ,the last conference1 referred to was one held on the #ith of ,june1 #ahcj4 ,if there were but sixty-two members in ,september1 #ahcj1 and thirty-five of them were added since the conference of the ,church held on the #ith of ,june of that year1 then there were but twenty-seven in the ,church on the said #ith of ,june4 ,in the last week of ,may1 #ahcj1 ,newel ,knight was baptized--one2 on the #ahth of ,april1 #ahcj1 ,oliver ,cowdery baptized seven1 7the names are given on p4 #ha71 on the #aath of ,april1 ,oliver baptized six persons 7their names are also given on p4 #ha72 on the #fth of ,april1 #ahcj1 the same day that the ,church was organized1 there were four persons baptized1 two of whom were the father and mother of the ,prophet 7see p4 #gi74 ,this makes a total of eighteen baptized between the #ith of ,june conference and the #fth of ,april meeting2 and as there were but twenty-seven in the ,church on the #ith of ,june1 the number that had been baptized up to the #fth of ,april1 #ahcj1 must have been but nine4 ,the ,far ,west ,record1 containing the minutes of the conferences of the #ith of ,june1 and the #bfth of ,september1 was kept by the clerks of the ,high ,council in ,missouri1 and the minutes of the two conferences above referred to1 and which give the information here set forth1 occupy pages one and two of that record4 ,the accuracy of the minutes of the conference of the #bfth of ,september1 #ahcj1 which fix the membership of the ,church at that time at sixty-two1 is confirmed by the following remark of the ,prophet1 to be found in his history in ,december of that same year1 which remark immediately precedes extracts from the prophecy of ,enoch in this volume 7ch4 #ab73 ,to the joy of the little flock1 which in all1 from ,colesville to ,canandaigua1 ,new ,york1 numbered about seventy members1 did the ,lord reveal the following1 etc4 ,when it is remembered that the ,prophet is here speaking of conditions existing in ,december1 #ahcj1 and the figures given are exclusive of the additions which had been made in ,kirtland1 ,ohio1 it strongly sustains the correctness of the minutes of the conference of ,september #bfth1 which record the membership of the ,church at that time to be but sixty-two4 ,the correctness of this number is also still further confirmed by a brief historical sketch of ,the ,rise and ,progress of the ,church of ,christ1 published in the ,evening and ,morning ,star under date of ,april1 #ahcc1 where it is said3 ,in ,october #ahcj1 the number of disciples had increased to between seventy and eighty4 7p4#afi47 #e4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #ba4 #f4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #bb4 #g4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #bc4 #ha ,chapter ,,ix4 ,the ,commencement of the ,public ,ministry of the ,church4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,first ,public ,discourse4 ,on ,sunday1 ,april #aath1 #ahcj1 ,oliver ,cowdery preached the first public discourse that was delivered by any of our number4 ,our meeting was held1 by previous appointment1 at the house of ,mr4 ,peter ,whitmer1 ,sen41 ,fayette4 ,large numbers of people attended1 and the same day the following were baptized1 viz41 ,hiram ,page1 ,katharine ,page1 ,christian ,whitmer1 ,anne ,whitmer1 ,jacob ,whitmer1 ,elizabeth ,whitmer2 and on the #ahth day1 ,peter ,whitmer1 ,sen41 ,mary ,whitmer1 ,william ,jolly1 ,elizabeth ,jolly1 ,vincent ,jolly1 ,richard ,b4 ,peterson1 and ,elizabeth ,anne ,whitmer--all by ,oliver ,cowdery1 in ,seneca ,lake4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,prophet's ,ministry at ,colesville4 ,during this month of ,april1 ,i went on a visit to the residence of ,mr4 ,joseph ,knight1 of ,colesville1 ,broome county1 ,new ,york1 with whom and his family ,i had been for some time acquainted1 and whose name ,i had previously mentioned as having been so kind and thoughtful towards us while translating the ,book of ,mormon4 ,mr4 ,knight and his family were ,universalists1 but were willing to reason with me upon my religious views1 and were1 as usual1 friendly and hospitable4 ,we held several meetings in the neighborhood2 we had many friends1 and some enemies4 ,our meetings were well attended1 and many began to pray fervently to ,almighty ,god1 that ,he would give them wisdom to understand the truth4 #hb ,sidenote3 ,labors of the ,prophet with ,newel ,knight4 ,amongst those who attended our meetings regularly1 was ,newel ,knight1 son of ,joseph ,knight4 ,he and ,i had many serious conversations on the important subject of man's eternal salvation4 ,we had got into the habit of praying much at our meetings1 and ,newel had said that he would try and take up his cross1 and pray vocally during meeting2 but when we again met together1 he rather excused himself4 ,i tried to prevail upon him1 making use of the figure1 supposing that he should get into a mud-hole1 would he not try to help himself out8 ,and ,i further said that we were willing now to help him out of the mud-hole4 ,he replied1 that provided he had got into a mud-hole through carelessness1 he would rather wait and get out himself1 than to have others help him2 and so he would wait until he could get into the woods by himself1 and there he would pray4 ,accordingly1 he deferred praying until next morning1 when he retired into the woods2 where1 according to his own account afterwards1 he made several attempts to pray1 but could scarcely do so1 feeling that he had not done his duty1 in refusing to pray in the presence of others4 ,he began to feel uneasy1 and continued to feel worse both in mind and body1 until1 upon reaching his own house1 his appearance was such as to alarm his wife very much4 ,he requested her to go and bring me to him4 ,i went and found him suffering very much in his mind1 and his body acted upon in a very strange manner2 his visage and limbs distorted and twisted in every shape and appearance possible to imagine2 and finally he was caught up off the floor of the apartment1 and tossed about most fearfully4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,first ,miracle in the ,church4 ,his situation was soon made known to his neighbors and relatives and in a short time as many as eight or nine grown persons had got together to witness the scene4 ,after he had thus suffered for a time1 ,i succeeded in getting hold of him by the hand1 when almost immediately he spoke to me1 and with great #hc earnestness requested me to cast the devil out of him1 saying that he knew he was in him1 and that he also knew that ,i could cast him out4 ,i replied1 ,if you know that ,i can1 it shall be done2 and then almost unconsciously ,i rebuked the devil1 and commanded him in the name of ,jesus ,christ to depart from him2 when immediately ,newel spoke out and said that he saw the devil leave him and vanish from his sight4 ,this was the first miracle which was done in the ,church1 or by any member of it2 and it was done not by man1 nor by the power of man1 but it was done by ,god1 and by the power of godliness2 therefore1 let the honor and the praise1 the dominion and the glory1 be ascribed to the ,father1 ,son1 and ,holy ,spirit1 for ever and ever4 ,amen4 ,sidenote3 ,remarkable ,experience of ,newel ,knight4 ,the scene was now entirely changed1 for as soon as the devil had departed from our friend1 his countenance became natural1 his distortions of body ceased1 and almost immediately the ,spirit of the ,lord descended upon him1 and the visions of eternity were opened to his view4 ,so soon as consciousness returned1 his bodily weakness was such that we were obliged to lay him upon his bed1 and wait upon him for some time4 ,he afterwards related his experience as follows3 ,i now began to feel a most pleasing sensation resting on me1 and immediately the visions of heaven were opened to my view4 ,i felt myself attracted upward1 and remained for some time enwrapt in contemplation1 insomuch that ,i knew not what was going on in the room4 ,by and by1 ,i felt some weight pressing upon my shoulder and the side of my head1 which served to recall me to a sense of my situation1 and ,i found that the ,spirit of the ,lord had actually caught me up off the floor1 and that my shoulder and head were pressing against the beams4 ,all this was witnessed by many1 to their great astonishment and satisfaction1 when they saw the devil thus cast out1 and the power of ,god1 and ,his ,holy ,spirit thus made manifest4 ,as may be expected1 such a scene as #hd this contributed much to make believers of those who witnessed it1 and finally the greater part of them became members of the ,church4 ,sidenote3 ,effect of ,publishing the ,book of ,mormon4 ,soon after this occurrence ,i returned to ,fayette1 ,seneca county4 ,the ,book of ,mormon 7the stick of ,joseph in the hands of ,ephraim17 had now been published for some time1 and as the ancient prophet had predicted of it1 it was accounted as a strange thing4 ,no small stir was created by its appearance4 ,great opposition and much persecution followed the believers of its authenticity4 ,but it had now come to pass that truth had sprung out of the earth1 and righteousness had looked down from heaven1 so we feared not our opponents1 knowing that we had both truth and righteousness on our side1 that we had both the ,father and the ,son1 because we had the doctrines of ,christ1 and abided in them2 and therefore we continued to preach and to give information to all who were willing to hear4 ,during the last week in ,may1 the above-mentioned ,newel ,knight came to visit us at ,fayette1 and was baptized by ,david ,whitmer4 ,sidenote3 ,the first ,conference of the ,church4 ,on the ninth day of ,june1 #a #ahcj1 we held our first conference as an organized ,church4 ,our numbers were about thirty1 besides whom many assembled with us1 who were either believers or anxious to learn4 ,having opened by singing and prayer1 we partook together of the emblems of the body and blood of our ,lord ,jesus ,christ4 ,we then proceeded to confirm several who had lately been baptized1 after which we called out and ordained several to the various offices #he of the ,priesthood4 ,much exhortation and instruction was given1 and the ,holy ,ghost was poured out upon us in a miraculous manner--many of our number prophesied1 whilst others had the heavens opened to their view1 and were so overcome that we had to lay them on beds or other convenient places2 among the rest was ,brother ,newel ,knight1 who had to be placed on a bed1 being unable to help himself4 ,by his own account of the transaction1 he could not understand why we should lay him on the bed1 as he felt no sense of weakness4 ,he felt his heart filled with love1 with glory1 and pleasure unspeakable1 and could discern all that was going on in the room2 when all of a sudden a vision of the future burst upon him4 ,he saw there represented the great work which through my instrumentality was yet to be accomplished4 ,he saw heaven opened1 and beheld the ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 seated at the right hand of the majesty on high1 and had it made plain to his understanding that the time would come when he would be admitted into his presence to enjoy ,his society for ever and ever4 ,when their bodily strength was restored to these brethren1 they shouted hosannas to ,god and the ,lamb1 and rehearsed the glorious things which they had seen and felt1 whilst they were yet in the spirit4 ,sidenote3 ,effect of ,spiritual ,manifestations4 ,such scenes as these were calculated to inspire our hearts with joy unspeakable1 and fill us with awe and reverence for that ,almighty ,being1 by whose grace we had been called to be instrumental in bringing about1 for the children of men1 the enjoyment of such glorious blessings as were now at this time poured out upon us4 ,to find ourselves engaged in the very same order of things as observed by the holy ,apostles of old2 to realize the importance and solemnity of such proceedings2 and to witness and feel with our own natural senses1 the like glorious manifestations of the powers of the ,priesthood1 the gifts and blessings of the ,holy ,ghost1 and the goodness and condescension of a #hf merciful ,god unto such as obey the everlasting ,gospel of our ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 combined to create within us sensations of rapturous gratitude1 and inspire us with fresh zeal and energy in the cause of truth4 ,sidenote3 ,baptisms4 ,shortly after this conference1 ,david ,whitmer baptized the following persons in ,seneca lake3 viz41 ,john ,poorman1 ,john ,jolly1 ,julia ,anne ,jolly1 ,harriet ,jolly1 ,jerusha ,smith1 ,katherine ,smith1 ,william ,smith1 ,don ,c4 ,smith1 ,peter ,rockwell1 ,caroline ,rockwell1 and ,electa ,rockwell4 ,sidenote3 ,labor of the ,prophet at ,colesville4 ,immediately after conference ,i returned to my own house1 and from thence1 accompanied by my wife1 ,oliver ,cowdery1 ,john ,whitmer and ,david ,whitmer1 went again on a visit to ,mr4 ,knight1 of ,colesville1 ,broome county4 ,we found a number in the neighborhood still believing1 and now anxious to be baptized4 ,we appointed a meeting for the ,sabbath1 and on the afternoon of ,saturday we erected a dam across a stream of water1 which was convenient1 for the purpose of there attending to the ordinance of baptism2 but during the night a mob collected and tore down our dam1 which hindered us from attending to the baptism on the ,sabbath4 ,we afterward found out that this mob had been instigated to this act of molestation by certain sectarian priests of the neighborhood1 who began to consider their craft in danger1 and took this plan to stop the progress of the truth2 and the sequel will show how determinedly they prosecuted their opposition1 as well as to how little purpose in the end4 ,the ,sabbath arrived1 and we held our meeting4 ,oliver ,cowdery preached1 and others of us bore testimony to the truth of the ,book of ,mormon1 the doctrine of repentance1 baptism for the remission of sins1 and laying on of hands for the gift of the ,holy ,ghost1 etc4 ,amongst our audience were those who had torn down our dam1 and who seemed desirous to give us trouble1 but did not until after the meeting was dismissed1 #hg when they immediately commenced talking to those whom they considered our friends1 and tried to turn them against us and our doctrines4 ,sidenote3 ,adventures of ,emily ,coburn4 ,amongst the many present at this meeting1 was one ,emily ,coburn1 sister to the wife of ,newel ,knight4 ,the ,rev4 ,mr4 ,shearer1 a divine of the ,presbyterian faith1 who had considered himself her pastor1 came to understand that she was likely to believe our doctrine1 and had1 a short time previous to this meeting1 come to labor with her4 ,but having spent some time with her without being able to persuade her against us1 he endeavored to have her leave her sister's house and go with him to her father's1 who lived at a distance4 ,for this purpose1 he had recourse to stratagem2 he told her that one of her brothers was waiting at a certain place desirous to have her go with him4 ,he succeeded thus in getting her a little distance from the house1 when seeing that her brother was not in waiting for her1 she refused to go any further with him2 upon which he took hold of her by the arm to force her along4 ,but her sister was soon with them1 and as the two women were too many for him to cope with1 he was forced to sneak off without accomplishing his errand1 after all his labor and ingenuity4 ,nothing daunted1 however1 he went to her father1 representing to him some thing or other1 which induced the old gentleman to give him a power of attorney1 which1 as soon as our meeting was over1 on the above-named ,sunday evening1 he immediately served upon her1 and carried her off to her father's residence by open violence against her will4 ,all his labor was in vain1 however1 for the said ,emily ,coburn in a short time afterwards1 was baptized and confirmed a member of the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-day ,saints4 ,sidenote3 ,baptisms4 ,early on ,monday morning we were on the alert1 and before our enemies were aware of our proceedings1 we had repaired the dam1 and the following thirteen #hh persons baptized1 by ,oliver ,cowdery1 viz41 ,emma ,smith1 ,hezekiah ,peck and wife1 ,joseph ,knight1 ,sen41 and wife1 ,william ,stringham and wife1 ,joseph ,knight1 ,jun41 ,aaron ,culver and wife1 ,levi ,hale1 ,polly ,knight1 and ,julia ,stringham4 ,sidenote3 ,mobbings4 ,before the baptizing was entirely finished1 the mob began again to collect1 and shortly after we had retired1 they amounted to about fifty men4 ,they surrounded the house of ,mr4 ,knight--whither we had retired--raging with anger1 and apparently determined to commit violence upon us4 ,some asked us questions1 others threatened us1 so that we thought it wisdom to leave and go to the house of ,newel ,knight4 ,there also they followed us1 and it was only by the exercise of great prudence on our part1 and reliance in our heavenly ,father1 that they were kept from laying violent hands upon us2 and so long as they chose to stay1 we were obliged to answer them various unprofitable questions1 and bear with insults and threatenings without number4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,prophet ,arrested4 ,we had appointed a meeting for this evening1 for the purpose of attending to the confirmation of those who had been the same morning baptized4 ,the time appointed had arrived and our friends had nearly all collected together1 when to my surprise1 ,i was visited by a constable1 and arrested by him on a warrant1 on the charge of being a disorderly person1 of setting the country in an uproar by preaching the ,book of ,mormon1 etc4 ,the constable informed me1 soon after ,i had been arrested1 that the plan of those who had got out the warrant was to get me into the hands of the mob1 who were now lying in ambush for me2 but that he was determined to save me from them1 as he had found me to be a different sort of person from what ,i had been represented to him4 ,i soon found that he had told me the truth in this matter1 for not far from ,mr4 ,knight's house1 the wagon in which #hi we had set out was surrounded by a mob1 who seemed only to await some signal from the constable2 but to their great disappointment1 he gave the horse the whip1 and drove me out of their reach4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,prophet ,escapes the ,mob4 ,whilst driving in great haste one of the wagon wheels came off1 which left us once more very nearly surrounded by them1 as they had come on in close pursuit4 ,however1 we managed to replace the wheel and again left them behind us4 ,he drove on to the town of ,south ,bainbridge1 ,chenango county1 where he lodged me for the time being in an upper room of a tavern2 and in order that all might be right with himself and with me also1 he slept during the night with his feet against the door1 and a loaded musket by his side1 whilst ,i occupied a bed which was in the room2 he having declared that if we were interrupted unlawfully1 he would fight for me1 and defend me as far as it was in his power4 ,sidenote3 ,excitement ,over the ,prophet's ,case4 ,on the day following1 a court was convened for the purpose of investigating those charges which had been preferred against me4 ,a great excitement prevailed on account of the scandalous falsehoods which had been circulated1 the nature of which will appear in the sequel4 ,in the meantime1 my friend1 ,joseph ,knight1 had repaired to two of his neighbors1 viz41 ,james ,davidson and ,john ,reid1 ,esqrs41 respectable farmers1 men renowned for their integrity1 and well versed in the laws of their country2 and retained them on my behalf during my trial4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,trial4 ,at length the trial commenced amidst a multitude of spectators1 who in general evinced a belief that ,i was guilty of all that had been reported concerning me1 and of course were very zealous that ,i should be punished according to my crimes4 ,among many witnesses called up against me1 was ,mr4 ,josiah ,stoal--of whom ,i have made mention as having worked for him some time--and examined to the following effect3 #ij ,did not the prisoner1 ,joseph ,smith1 have a horse of you8 ,yes4 ,did not he go to you and tell you that an angel had appeared unto him and authorized him to get the horse from you8 ,no1 he told me no such story4 ,well1 how had he the horse of you8 ,he bought him of me as any other man would4 ,have you had your pay8 ,that is not your business4 ,the question being again put1 the witness replied3 ,i hold his note for the price of the horse1 which ,i consider as good as the pay2 for ,i am well acquainted with ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 and know him to be an honest man2 and if he wishes1 ,i am ready to let him have another horse on the same terms4 ,mr4 ,jonathan ,thompson was next called up and examined3 ,has not the prisoner1 ,joseph ,smith ,jun41 had a yoke of oxen of you8 ,yes4 ,did he not obtain them of you by telling you that he had a revelation to the effect that he was to have them8 ,no1 he did not mention a word of the kind concerning the oxen2 he purchased them the same as any other man would4 ,sidenote3 ,daughters of ,mr4 ,stoal as ,witnesses4 ,the ,acquittal4 ,after a few more such attempts1 the court was detained for a time1 in order that two young women1 daughters of ,mr4 ,stoal1 with whom ,i had at times kept company1 might be sent for1 in order1 if possible1 to elicit something from them which might be made a pretext against me4 ,the young ladies arrived1 and were severally examined touching my character and conduct in general1 but particularly as to my behavior towards them1 both in public and private2 when they both bore such testimony in my favor as left my #ia enemies without a pretext on their account4 ,several other attempts were made to prove something against me1 and even circumstances which were alleged to have taken place in ,broome county1 were brought forward1 but these my lawyers would not admit of as testimony against me2 in consequence of which my persecutors managed to detain the court until they had succeeded in obtaining a warrant from ,broome county1 which warrant they served upon me at the very moment that ,i was acquitted by this court4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,prophet's ,second ,arrest4 ,the constable who served this second warrant upon me had no sooner arrested me than he began to abuse and insult me2 and so unfeeling was he with me1 that although ,i had been kept all the day in court without anything to eat since the morning1 yet he hurried me off to ,broome county1 a distance of about fifteen miles1 before he allowed me any kind of food whatever4 ,he took me to a tavern1 and gathered in a number of men1 who used every means to abuse1 ridicule and insult me4 ,they spit up on me1 pointed their fingers at me1 saying1 ,prophesy1 prophesy6 and thus did they imitate those who crucified the ,savior of mankind1 not knowing what they did4 ,sidenote3 ,unnecessary ,severity4 ,we were at this time not far distant from my own house4 ,i wished to be allowed the privilege of spending the night with my wife at home1 offering any wished for security for my appearance2 but this was denied me4 ,i applied for something to eat4 ,the constable ordered me some crusts of bread and water1 which was the only food ,i that night received4 ,at length we retired to bed4 ,the constable made me lie next the wall4 ,he then laid himself down by me and put his arm around me1 and upon my moving in the least1 would clench me fast1 fearing that ,i intended to escape from him2 and in this very disagreeable manner did we pass the night4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,second ,trial4 ,next day ,i was brought before the magistrate's court at ,colesville1 ,broome county1 and put upon my trial4 ,my #ib former faithful friends and lawyers were again at my side2 my former persecutors were arrayed against me4 ,many witnesses were again called forward and examined1 some of whom swore to the most palpable falsehoods1 and like the false witnesses which had appeared against me the day previous1 they contradicted themselves so plainly that the court would not admit their testimony4 ,others were called1 who showed by their zeal that they were willing enough to prove something against me1 but all they could do was to tell something which somebody else had told them4 ,sidenote3 ,newel ,knight vs4 ,lawyer ,seymour4 ,in this frivolous and vexatious manner did they proceed for a considerable time1 when1 finally1 ,newel ,knight was called up and examined by ,lawyer ,seymour1 who had been especially sent for on this occasion4 ,one ,lawyer ,burch1 also1 was on the side of the prosecution2 but ,mr4 ,seymour seemed to be a more zealous ,presbyterian1 and appeared very anxious and determined that the people should not be deluded by any one professing the power of godliness1 and not denying the power thereof4 ,mr4 ,knight was sworn1 and ,mr4 ,seymour interrogated him as follows3 ,did the prisoner1 ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 cast the devil out of you8 ,no1 sir4 ,why1 have not you had the devil cast out of you8 ,yes1 sir4 ,and had not ,joe ,smith some hand in its being done8 ,yes1 sir4 ,and did not he cast him out of you8 ,no1 sir2 it was done by the power of ,god1 and ,joseph ,smith was the instrument in the hands of ,god1 on the occasion4 ,he commanded him to come out of me in the name of ,jesus ,christ4 ,and are you sure that it was the devil8 ,yes1 sir4 #ic ,did you see him after he was cast out of you8 ,yes1 sir6 ,i saw him4 ,pray1 what did he look like8 ,here one of my lawyers informed the witness that he need not answer the question4 ,the witness replied3 ,i believe ,i need not answer your last question1 but ,i will do it1 provided ,i be allowed to ask you one question first1 and you answer me1 viz41 ,do you1 ,mr4 ,seymour1 understand the things of the spirit8 ,no1 answered ,mr4 ,seymour1 ,i do not pretend to such big things4 ,well1 then1 replied ,knight1 it would be of no use to tell you what the devil looked like1 for it was a spiritual sight1 and spiritually discerned2 and of course you would not understand it were ,i to tell you of it4 ,the lawyer dropped his head1 whilst the loud laugh of the audience proclaimed his discomfiture4 ,sidenote3 ,plea for the ,state4 ,mr4 ,seymour now addressed the court1 and in a long and violent harangue endeavored to blacken my character and bring me in guilty of the charges which had been brought against me4 ,among other things1 he brought up the story of my having been a money-digger2 and in this manner proceeded1 hoping evidently to influence the court and the people against me4 ,sidenote3 ,plea for the ,defendant4 ,mr4 ,davidson and ,mr4 ,reid followed on my behalf4 ,they held forth in true colors the nature of the prosecution1 the malignancy of intention1 and the apparent disposition to persecute their client1 rather than to afford him justice4 ,they took up the different arguments which had been brought by the lawyers for the prosecution1 and having shown their utter futility and misapplication1 then proceeded to scrutinize the evidence which had been adduced1 and each1 in his turn1 thanked ,god that he had been engaged in so good a cause as that of defending a man whose character stood so well the test of such a strict investigation4 ,in fact1 these men1 although not regular #id lawyers1 were upon this occasion able to put to silence their opponents1 and convince the court that ,i was innocent4 ,they spoke like men inspired of ,god1 whilst those who were arrayed against me trembled under the sound of their voices1 and quailed before them like criminals before a bar of justice4 #b #ie ,sidenote3 ,change in ,sentiment4 ,the majority of the assembled multitude had now begun to find that nothing could be sustained against me4 ,even the constable who arrested me1 and treated me so badly1 now came and apologized to me and asked my forgiveness for his behavior towards #if me2 and so far was he changed1 that he informed me that the mob were determined1 if the court acquitted me1 that they would have me1 and rail-ride me1 and tar and feather me2 and further1 that he was willing to favor me and lead me out in safety by a private way4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,prophet ,acquitted4 ,the court found the charges against me not sustained2 ,i was accordingly acquitted1 to the great satisfaction of my friends and vexation of my enemies1 who were still determined upon molesting me4 ,but through the instrumentality of my new friend the constable1 ,i was enabled to escape them and make my way in safety to my wife's sister's house1 where ,i found my wife awaiting with much anxiety the issue of those ungodly proceedings1 and in company with her ,i arrived next day in safety at my own house4 ,footnotes #a4 ,the date of this conference1 in the ,history of the ,prophet1 published in the ,times and ,seasons and the ,millennial ,star1 as also in the ,history in manuscript in the custody of the ,church ,historian--from which the history published in those periodicals was taken--is given as the first day of ,june2 but the minutes of the conference1 written1 as the minutes themselves state1 by ,oliver ,cowdery1 and recorded in the ,far ,west ,record1 are dated ,june #ith1 #ahcj4 ,it is for this reason that the date is changed in the text4 ,these minutes also state that this conference of ,june #ith1 was adjourned to convene again at the same place on the #bfth of ,september1 #ahcj4 #b4 ,in a speech made at a public gathering in ,nauvoo1 on the #agth of ,may1 #ahdd1 the above-mentioned ,mr4 ,reid who defended the ,prophet in these early prosecutions before the courts of ,new ,york1 very strongly corroborates the statements of the ,prophet's ,history with reference to those court trials and the ,prophet's vindication in them4 ,mr4 ,reid never became a member of the ,church1 but was always the ,prophet's staunch and true friend4 ,his remarks on the occasion referred to were as follows3 ,the first acquaintance ,i had with ,gen4 ,smith was about the year #ahbc4 ,he came into my neighborhood1 being then about eighteen years of age1 and resided there two years2 during which time ,i became intimately acquainted with him4 ,i do know that his character was irreproachable2 that he was well known for truth and uprightness2 that he moved in the first circles of the community1 and he was often spoken of as a young man of intelligence and good morals1 and possessing a mind susceptible of the highest intellectual attainments4 ,i early discovered that his mind was constantly in search of truth1 expressing an anxious desire to know the will of ,god concerning ,his children here below1 often speaking of those things which professed ,christians believe in4 ,i have often observed to my best informed friends 7those that were free from superstition and bigotry7 that ,i thought ,joseph was predestinated by his ,god from all eternity to be an instrument in the hands of the great ,dispenser of all good1 to do a great work2 what it was ,i knew not4 ,after living in that neighborhood about three years1 enjoying the good feelings of his acquaintances1 as a worthy youth1 he told his particular friends that he had had a revelation from ,god to go to the west about eighty miles1 to his father's1 in which neighborhood he would find hid in the earth an old history written on golden plates1 which would give great light and knowledge concerning the will of ,god towards ,his people in this generation2 unfolding the destiny of all nations1 kindreds and tongues2 he said that he distinctly heard the voice of ,him that spake4 ,joseph ,knight1 one of the fathers of your ,church1 a worthy man and my intimate friend1 went with him4 ,when ,i reflect upon our former friendship1 ,mr4 ,chairman1 and upon the scenes that he 7i4 e4 ,joseph ,knight7 has passed through in consequence of mal-administration1 mobocracy and cruelty1 ,i feel to lift up my voice to high heaven and pray ,god to bless the aged veteran1 and that his silver locks may go down to the grave in peace1 like a shock of corn fully ripe4 ,in a few days his friends returned with the glad news that ,joseph had found the plates and had gone down to his father-in-law's for the purpose of translating them4 ,i believe he remained there until he finished the translation4 ,after the book was published1 he came to live in the neighborhood of ,father ,knight's about four miles from me1 and began to preach the ,gospel1 and many were pricked in their hearts1 believed and were baptized in the name of the ,lord ,jesus4 ,he soon formed a church at ,colesville1 his meetings were numerously attended2 the eyes of all people were upon him with astonishment4 ,o1 ,mr4 ,chairman1 the world was turned up side down at once1 and the devil1 always ready to assist and help along in all difficulties that arise among men1 personified in some of the religionists1 begun to prick up his ears and jump and kick and run about like ,jim ,crow1 calling for rotten eggs to help in the wake2 you would have thought1 sir1 that ,gog and ,magog were let loose on the young man4 ,he called upon the world's people 7as they are called7 but got no help2 he then flew about in the sectarian churches like lightning1 and they immediately came to his aid1 and uniting their efforts1 roared against him like the thunders of ,mount ,sinai4 ,when those fiery bigots were let loose1 they united in pouring the red hot vials of their wrath upon his head4 ,the cry of a ,false prophet6 false prophet6 was sounded from village to village1 and every foul epithet that malice and wicked ingenuity could invent was heaped upon him4 ,yes1 sir1 the same spirit that influenced the ,presbyterians of ,massachusetts1 about one hundred and fifty years ago1 in their persecution of the ,quakers1 when they first began to preach their doctrines in that state1 was fully manifested by those religious bigots who were afraid if they let them alone their doctrines would come to nought4 99 99 99 ,but1 ,mr4 ,chairman1 ,i am wandering too far from the subject4 ,i will return to the persecutions which followed ,general ,smith1 when his cheeks blossomed with the beauty of youth1 and his eyes sparked with innocence4 ,those bigots soon made up a false accusation against him and had him arraigned before ,joseph ,chamberlain1 a justice of the peace1 a man that was always ready to deal justice to all1 and a man of great discernment of mind4 ,the case came on about #aj o'clock ,a4,m4 ,i was called upon to defend the prisoner4 ,the prosecutors employed the best counsel they could get1 and ransacked the town of ,bainbridge and county of ,chenango for witnesses that would swear hard enough to convict the prisoner2 but they entirely failed4 ,yes1 sir1 let me say to you that not one blemish nor spot was found against his character1 he come from that trial1 not withstanding the mighty efforts that were made to convict him of crime by his vigilant persecutors1 with his character unstained by even the appearance of guilt4 ,the trial closed about #ab o'clock at night4 ,after a few moments' deliberation1 the court pronounced the words not guilty and the prisoner was discharged4 ,but alas6 the devil1 not satisfied with his defeat1 stirred up a man not unlike himself1 who was more fit to dwell among the fields of hell than to belong to the human family1 to go to ,colesville and get another writ1 and take him to ,broome county for another trial4 ,they were sure they could send that boy to hell1 or ,texas1 they did not care which2 and in half an hour after he was discharged by the court1 he was arrested again1 and on the way to ,colesville for another trial4 ,i was again called upon by his friends to defend him against his malignant persecutors1 and clear him from the false charges they had preferred against him4 ,i made every reasonable excuse ,i could1 as ,i was nearly worn down through fatigue and want of sleep2 as ,i had been engaged in law suits for two days1 and nearly the whole of two nights4 ,but ,i saw the persecution was great against him2 and here let me say1 ,mr4 ,chairman1 singular as it may seem1 while ,mr4 ,knight was pleading with me to go1 a peculiar impression or thought struck my mind1 that ,i must go and defend him1 for he was the ,lord's anointed4 ,i did not know what it meant1 but thought ,i must go and clear the ,lord's anointed4 ,i said ,i would go1 and started with as much faith as the ,apostles had when they could remove mountains accompanied by ,father ,knight1 who was like the old patriarchs that followed the ark of ,god to the city of ,david4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the next morning about #aj o'clock the court was organized4 ,the prisoner was to be tried by three justices of the peace1 that his departure out of the county might be made sure4 ,neither talents nor money were wanting to insure them success4 ,they employed the ablest lawyer in that county1 and introduced twenty or thirty witnesses before dark1 but proved nothing4 ,they then sent out runners and ransacked the hills and vales1 grog shops and ditches1 and gathered together a company that looked as if they had come from hell and had been whipped by the soot boy thereof2 which they brought forward to testify one after the other1 but with no better success than before1 although they wrung and twisted into every shape1 in trying to tell something that would criminate the prisoner4 ,nothing was proven against him whatever4 ,having got through with the examination of their witnesses about #b o'clock in the morning1 the case was argued about two hours4 ,there was not one particle of testimony against the prisoner4 ,no1 sir1 he came out like the three children from the fiery furnace1 without the smell of fire upon his garments4 ,the court deliberated upon the case for half an hour with closed doors1 and then we were called in4 ,the court arraigned the prisoner and said3 ,mr4 ,smith1 we have had your case under consideration1 examined the testimony and find nothing to condemn you1 and therefore you are discharged4 ,they then proceeded to reprimand him severely1 not because anything derogatory to his character in any shape had been proven against him by the host of witnesses that had testified during the trial1 but merely to please those fiends in human shape who were engaged in the unhallowed persecution of an innocent man1 sheerly on account of his religious opinions4 ,after they had got through1 ,i arose and said3 ,this court puts me in mind of a certain trial held before ,felix of old1 when the enemies of ,paul arraigned him before the venerable judge for some alleged crime1 and nothing was found in him worthy of death or of bonds4 ,yet to please the ,jews1 who were his accusers1 he was left bound contrary to law2 and this court has served ,mr4 ,smith in the same way1 by their unlawful and uncalled for reprimand after his discharge1 to please his accusers4 ,we got him away that night from the midst of three hundred people without his receiving any injury2 but ,i am well aware that we were assisted by some higher power than man2 for to look back on the scene1 ,i cannot tell how we succeeded in getting him away4 ,i take no glory to myself2 it was the ,lord's work and marvelous in our eyes4--,times and ,seasons1 vol4 v1 pp4 #edi-eeb4 #ig ,chapter ,x4 ,further ,molestation at ,colesville by ,mobs--,the ,revelation ,embodying the ,vision of ,moses4 ,sidenote3 ,second ,flight from ,colesville4 ,after a few days ,i returned to ,colesville1 in company with ,oliver ,cowdery1 for the purpose of confirming those whom we had been forced to leave for a time4 ,we had scarcely arrived at ,mr4 ,knight's1 when the mob was seen collecting together to oppose us1 and we considered it wisdom to leave for home1 which we did1 without even waiting for any refreshments4 ,our enemies pursued us1 and it was oftentimes as much as we could do to elude them4 ,however1 we managed to get home1 after having traveled all night1 except a short time1 during which we were forced to rest ourselves under a large tree by the wayside1 sleeping and watching alternately4 ,sidenote3 ,reflections on ,persecution4 ,thus were we persecuted on account of our religious faith--in a country the ,constitution of which guarantees to every man the indefeasible right to worship ,god according to the dictates of his own conscience--and by men1 too1 who were professors of religion1 and who were not backward to maintain the right of religious liberty for themselves1 though they could thus wantonly deny it to us4 ,for instance1 ,cyrus ,mc,master1 a ,presbyterian of high standing in his church1 was one of the chief instigators of these persecutions2 and he at one time told me personally that he considered me guilty without judge or jury4 ,the celebrated ,dr4 ,boyington1 also a ,presbyterian1 was another instigator of these deeds of outrage2 whilst a young man named ,benton1 of the same religious faith1 swore out the first warrant against #ih me4 ,i could mention many others also1 but for brevity's sake1 will make these suffice for the present4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,strength which ,god ,gave4 ,i will say1 however1 that amid all the trials and tribulations we had to wade through1 the ,lord1 who well knew our infantile and delicate situation1 vouchsafed for us a supply of strength1 and granted us line upon line of knowledge--here a little and there a little1 of which the following was a precious morsel3 ,revelation to ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 given ,june1 #ahcj4 #a #a4 ,the words of ,god which ,he spake unto ,moses at a time when ,moses was caught up into an exceedingly high mountain1 #b4 ,and he saw ,god face to face1 and he talked with ,him1 and the glory of ,god was upon ,moses2 therefore ,moses could endure ,his presence3 #c4 ,and ,god spake unto ,moses1 saying3 ,behold1 ,i am the ,lord ,god ,almighty1 and endless is my name2 for ,i am without beginning of days or end of years2 and is not this endless8 #d4 ,and1 behold1 thou art my son2 wherefore look1 and ,i will show thee the workmanship of mine hands2 but not all1 for my works are without end1 and also my words1 for they never cease4 #e4 ,wherefore1 no man can behold all my works1 except he behold all my glory2 and no man can behold all my glory1 and afterwards remain in the flesh on the earth4 #f4 ,and ,i have a work for thee1 ,moses1 my son2 and thou art in the similitude of mine ,only ,begotten2 and mine ,only ,begotten is and shall be the ,savior1 for ,he is full of grace and truth2 but there is no ,god beside me1 and all things are present with me1 for ,i know them all4 #g4 ,and now1 behold1 this one thing ,i show unto thee1 ,moses1 my son2 for thou art in the world1 and now ,i show it unto thee4 #h4 ,and it came to pass that ,moses looked1 and beheld the world upon which he was created2 and ,moses beheld the world and the ends thereof1 and all the children of men which are1 and which were created2 of the same he greatly marveled and wondered4 #i4 ,and the presence of ,god withdrew from ,moses1 that ,his glory was not upon ,moses2 and ,moses was left unto himself4 ,and as he was left unto himself1 he fell unto the earth4 #aj4 ,and it came to pass that it was for the space of many hours before ,moses did again receive his natural strength like unto man2 and he said unto himself3 ,now1 for this cause ,i know that man is nothing1 which thing ,i never had supposed4 #ii #aa4 ,but now mine own eyes have beheld ,god2 but not my natural1 but my spiritual eyes1 for my natural eyes could not have beheld2 for ,i should have withered and died in ,his presence2 but ,his glory was upon me2 and ,i beheld ,his face1 for ,i was transfigured before ,him4 #ab4 ,and it came to pass that when ,moses had said these words1 behold1 ,satan came tempting him1 saying3 ,moses1 son of man1 worship me4 #ac4 ,and it came to pass that ,moses looked upon ,satan and said3 ,who art thou8 ,for behold1 ,i am a son of ,god1 in the similitude of ,his ,only ,begotten2 and where is thy glory1 that ,i should worship thee8 #ad4 ,for behold1 ,i could not look upon ,god1 except his glory should come upon me1 and ,i were strengthened before ,him4 ,but ,i can look upon thee in the natural man4 ,is it not so1 surely8 #ae4 ,blessed be the name of my ,god1 for ,his ,spirit hath not altogether withdrawn from me1 or else where is thy glory1 for it is darkness unto me8 ,and ,i can judge between thee and ,god2 for ,god said unto me3 ,worship ,god1 for ,him only shalt thou serve4 #af4 ,get thee hence1 ,satan2 deceive me not2 for ,god said unto me3 ,thou art after the similitude of mine ,only ,begotten4 #ag4 ,and ,he also gave me commandments when ,he called unto me out of the burning bush1 saying3 ,call upon ,god in the name of mine ,only ,begotten1 and worship me4 #ah4 ,and again ,moses said3 ,i will not cease to call upon ,god1 ,i have other things to inquire of ,him3 for ,his glory has been upon me1 wherefore ,i can judge between ,him and thee4 ,depart hence1 ,satan4 #ai4 ,and now1 when ,moses had said these words1 ,satan cried with a loud voice1 and rent upon the earth1 and commanded1 saying3 ,i am the ,only ,begotten1 worship me4 #bj4 ,and it came to pass that ,moses began to fear exceedingly2 and as he began to fear1 he saw the bitterness of hell4 ,nevertheless1 calling upon ,god1 he received strength1 and he commanded1 saying3 ,depart from me1 ,satan1 for this one ,god only will ,i worship1 which is the ,god of glory4 #ba4 ,and now ,satan began to tremble1 and the earth shook2 and ,moses received strength1 and called upon ,god1 saying3 ,in the name of the ,only ,begotten1 depart hence1 ,satan4 #bb4 ,and it came to pass that ,satan cried with a loud voice1 with weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth2 and he departed hence1 even from the presence of ,moses1 that he beheld him not4 #bc4 ,and now of this thing ,moses bore record2 but because of wickedness it is not had among the children of men4 #bd4 ,and it came to pass that when ,satan had departed from the presence of ,moses1 that ,moses lifted up his eyes unto heaven1 being filled #ajj with the ,holy ,ghost1 which beareth record of the ,father and the ,son2 #be4 ,and calling upon the name of ,god1 he beheld ,his glory again1 for it was upon him2 and he heard a voice1 saying3 ,blessed art thou1 ,moses1 for ,i1 the ,almighty1 have chosen thee1 and thou shalt be made stronger than many waters2 for they shall obey thy command as if thou wert ,god4 #bf4 ,and lo1 ,i am with thee1 even unto the end of thy days2 for thou shalt deliver my people from bondage1 even ,israel my chosen4 #bg4 ,and it came to pass1 as the voice was still speaking1 ,moses cast his eyes and beheld the earth1 yea1 even all of it2 and there was not a particle of it which he did not behold1 discerning it by the ,spirit of ,god4 #bh4 ,and he beheld also the inhabitants thereof1 and there was not a soul which he beheld not2 and he discerned them by the ,spirit of ,god2 and their numbers were great1 even numberless as the sand upon the sea shore4 #bi4 ,and he beheld many lands2 and each land was called earth1 and there were inhabitants on the face thereof4 #cj4 ,and it came to pass that ,moses called upon ,god1 saying3 ,tell me1 ,i pray thee1 why these things are so1 and by what thou madest them8 #ca4 ,and behold1 the glory of the ,lord was upon ,moses1 so that ,moses stood in the presence of ,god1 and talked with ,him face to face4 ,and the ,lord ,god said unto ,moses3 ,for mine own purpose have ,i made these things4 ,here is wisdom and it remaineth in me4 #cb4 ,and by the word of my power1 have ,i created them1 which is mine ,only ,begotten ,son1 who is full of grace and truth4 #cc4 ,and worlds without number have ,i created2 and ,i also created them for mine own purpose2 and by the ,son ,i created them1 which is mine ,only ,begotten4 #cd4 ,and the first man of all men have ,i called ,adam1 which is many4 #ce4 ,but only an account of this earth1 and the inhabitants thereof1 give ,i unto you4 ,for behold1 there are many worlds that have passed away by the word of my power4 ,and there are many that now stand1 and innumerable are they unto man2 but all things are numbered unto me1 for they are mine and ,i know them4 #cf4 ,and it came to pass that ,moses spake unto the ,lord saying3 ,be merciful unto ,thy servant1 ,o ,god1 and tell me concerning this earth and the inhabitants thereof1 and also the heavens1 and then ,thy servant will be content4 #cg4 ,and the ,lord ,god spake unto ,moses1 saying3 ,the heavens1 they are many1 and they cannot be numbered unto man1 but they are numbered unto me1 for they are mine4 #ch4 ,and as one earth shall pass away1 and the heavens thereof1 even so shall another come2 and there is no end to my works1 neither to my words4 #aja #ci4 ,for behold1 this is my work and my glory--to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man4 #dj4 ,and now1 ,moses1 my son1 ,i will speak unto thee concerning this earth upon which thou standest2 and thou shalt write the things which ,i shall speak4 #da4 ,and in a day when the children of men shall esteem my words as naught and take many of them from the book which thou shalt write1 behold1 ,i will raise up another like unto thee2 and they shall be had again among the children of men--among as many as shall believe4 #db4 ,these words were spoken unto ,moses in the mount1 the name of which shall not be known among the children of men4 ,and now they are spoken unto you4 ,show them not unto any except them that believe4 ,even so4 ,amen4 ,meantime1 and notwithstanding all the rage of our enemies1 we had much consolation1 and many things occurred to strengthen our faith and cheer our hearts4 ,sidenote3 ,encouragement ,from ,inspired ,dreams4 ,after our departure from ,colesville1 after the trial1 the ,church there were very anxious1 as might be expected1 concerning our again visiting them1 during which time ,sister ,knight1 wife of ,newel ,knight1 had a dream1 which enabled her to say that we would visit them that day1 which really came to pass1 for a few hours afterwards we arrived2 and thus was our faith much strengthened concerning dreams and visions in the last days1 foretold by the ancient ,prophet ,joel2 and although we this time were forced to seek safety from our enemies by flight1 yet did we feel confident that eventually we should come off victorious1 if we only continued faithful to ,him who had called us forth from darkness into the marvelous light of the everlasting ,gospel of our ,lord ,jesus ,christ4 ,shortly after our return home1 we received the following commandments3 ,revelation to ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 and ,oliver ,cowdery1 given at ,harmony1 ,pennsylvania1 ,july1 #ahcj4 #b #a4 ,behold thou wast called and chosen to write the ,book of ,mormon1 and to my ministry2 and ,i have lifted thee up out of thy afflictions1 and have #ajb counseled thee1 that thou hast been delivered from all thine enemies1 and thou hast been delivered from the powers of ,satan and from darkness6 #b4 ,nevertheless1 thou art not excusable in thy transgressions2 nevertheless1 go thy way and sin no more4 #c4 ,magnify thine office2 and after thou hast sowed thy fields and secured them1 go speedily unto the church which is in ,colesville1 ,fayette1 and ,manchester1 and they shall support thee2 and ,i will bless them both spiritually and temporally2 #d4 ,but if they receive thee not1 ,i will send upon them a cursing instead of a blessing4 #e4 ,and thou shalt continue in calling upon ,god in my name1 and writing the things which shall be given thee by the ,comforter1 and expounding all ,scriptures unto the ,church2 #f4 ,and it shall be given thee in the very moment what thou shalt speak and write1 and they shall hear it1 or ,i will send unto them a cursing instead of a blessing4 #g4 ,for thou shalt devote all thy service in ,zion2 and in this thou shalt have strength4 #h4 ,be patient in afflictions1 for thou shalt have many2 but endure them1 for1 lo1 ,i am with thee1 even unto the end of thy days4 #i4 ,and in temporal labors thou shalt not have strength1 for this is not thy calling4 ,attend to thy calling and thou shalt have wherewith to magnify thine office1 and to expound all ,scriptures1 and continue in laying on of the hands and confirming the ,churches4 #aj4 ,and thy brother ,oliver shall continue in bearing my name before the world1 and also to the ,church4 ,and he shall not suppose that he can say enough in my cause2 and lo1 ,i am with him to the end4 #aa4 ,in me he shall have glory1 and not of himself2 whether in weakness or in strength1 whether in bonds or free1 #ab4 ,and at all times1 and in all places1 he shall open his mouth and declare my ,gospel as with the voice of a trump1 both day and night4 ,and ,i will give unto him strength such as is not known among men4 #ac4 ,require not miracles1 except ,i shall command you1 except casting out devils1 healing the sick1 and against poisonous serpents1 and against deadly poisons2 #ad4 ,and these things ye shall not do1 except it be required of you by them who desire it1 that the scriptures might be fulfilled2 for ye shall do according to that which is written4 #ae4 ,and in whatsoever place ye shall enter1 and they receive you not in my name1 ye shall leave a cursing instead of a blessing1 by casting off the dust of your feet against them as a testimony1 and cleansing your feet by the wayside4 #ajc #af4 ,and it shall come to pass1 that whosoever shall lay their hands upon you by violence1 ye shall command to be smitten in my name2 and1 behold1 ,i will smite them according to your words1 in mine own due time4 #ag4 ,and whosoever shall go to law with thee shall be cursed by the law4 #ah4 ,and thou shalt take no purse nor scrip1 neither staves1 neither two coats1 for the ,church shall give unto thee in the very hour what thou needest for food and for raiment1 and for shoes and for money1 and for scrip2 #ai4 ,for thou art called to prune my vineyard with a mighty pruning1 yea1 even for the last time4 ,yea1 and also all those whom thou hast ordained1 and they shall do even according to this pattern4 ,amen4 ,revelation given at ,harmony1 ,pennsylvania1 ,july1 #ahcj4 #c #a4 ,hearken unto the voice of the ,lord your ,god1 while ,i speak unto you1 ,emma ,smith1 my daughter1 for verily ,i say unto you1 all those who receive my gospel are sons and daughters in my kingdom4 #b4 ,a revelation ,i give unto you concerning my will1 and if thou art faithful and walk in the paths of virtue before me1 ,i will preserve thy life1 and thou shalt receive an inheritance in ,zion4 #c4 ,behold1 thy sins are forgiven thee1 and thou art an elect lady1 whom ,i have called4 #d4 ,murmur not because of the things which thou hast not seen1 for they are withheld from thee and from the world1 which is wisdom in me in a time to come4 #e4 ,and the office of thy calling shall be for a comfort unto my servant1 ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 thy husband1 in his afflictions with consoling words1 in the spirit of meekness4 #f4 ,and thou shalt go with him at the time of his going1 and be unto him for a scribe1 while there is no one to be a scribe for him1 that ,i may send my servant1 ,oliver ,cowdery1 whithersoever ,i will4 #g4 ,and thou shalt be ordained under his hand to expound scripture1 and to exhort the ,church1 according as it shall be given thee by my ,spirit2 #h4 ,for he shall lay his hands upon thee1 and thou shalt receive the ,holy ,ghost1 and thy time shall be given to writing1 and to learning much4 #i4 ,and thou needest not fear1 for thy husband shall support thee in the ,church2 for unto them is his calling1 that all things might be revealed unto them1 whatsoever ,i will1 according to their faith4 #aj4 ,and verily ,i say unto thee1 that thou shalt lay aside the things of this world1 and seek for the things of a better4 #ajd #aa4 ,and it shall be given thee1 also1 to make a selection of sacred hymns1 as it shall be given thee1 which is pleasing unto me1 to be had in my ,church3 #ab4 ,for my soul delighteth in the song of the heart1 yea1 the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me1 and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads4 #ac4 ,wherefore lift up thy heart and rejoice1 and cleave unto the covenants which thou hast made4 #ad4 ,continue in the spirit of meekness1 and beware of pride4 ,let thy soul delight in thy husband1 and the glory which shall come upon him4 #ae4 ,keep my commandments continually1 and a crown of righteousness thou shalt receive4 ,and except thou do this1 where ,i am you cannot come4 #af4 ,and verily1 verily1 ,i say unto you1 that this is my voice unto all4 ,amen4 ,revelation to ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 ,oliver ,cowdery1 and ,john ,whitmer1 given at ,harmony1 ,pennsylvania1 ,july1 #ahcj4 #d #a4 ,behold1 ,i say unto you1 that you shall let your time be devoted to the studying of the ,scriptures1 and to preaching1 and to confirming the ,church at ,colesville1 and to performing your labors on the land1 such as is required1 until after you shall go to the west to hold the next conference2 and then it shall be made known what you shall do4 #b4 ,and all things shall be done by common consent in the ,church1 by much prayer and faith1 for all things you shall receive by faith4 ,amen4 ,sidenote3 ,compilation of ,revelations4 ,shortly after we had received the above revelations1 ,oliver ,cowdery returned to ,mr4 ,peter ,whitmer's1 ,sen41 and ,i began to arrange and copy the revelations1 which we had received from time to time2 in which ,i was assisted by ,john ,whitmer1 who now resided with me4 ,sidenote3 ,cowdery's ,error4 ,whilst thus employed in the work appointed me by my ,heavenly ,father1 ,i received a letter from ,oliver ,cowdery1 the contents of which gave me both sorrow and uneasiness4 ,not having that letter now in my possession1 ,i cannot of course give it here in full1 but merely an extract of the most prominent parts1 which ,i can yet1 and expect long to1 remember4 #aje ,he wrote to inform me that he had discovered an error in one of the commandments--,book of ,doctrine and ,covenants3 ,and truly manifest by their works that they have received of the ,spirit of ,christ unto a remission of their sins4 #e ,the above quotation1 he said1 was erroneous1 and added3 ,i command you in the name of ,god to erase those words1 that no priestcraft be amongst us6 ,i immediately wrote to him in reply1 in which ,i asked him by what authority he took upon him to command me to alter or erase1 to add to or diminish from1 a revelation or commandment from ,almighty ,god4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,prophet's ,correction of the ,error4 ,a few days afterwards ,i visited him and ,mr4 ,whitmer's family1 when ,i found the family in general of his opinion concerning the words above quoted1 and it was not without both labor and perseverance that ,i could prevail with any of them to reason calmly on the subject4 ,however1 ,christian ,whitmer at length became convinced that the sentence was reasonable1 and according to ,scripture2 and finally1 with his assistance1 ,i succeeded in bringing1 not only the ,whitmer family1 but also ,oliver ,cowdery to acknowledge that they had been in error1 and that the sentence in dispute was in accordance with the rest of the commandment4 ,and thus was this error rooted out1 which having its rise in presumption and rash judgment1 was the more particularly calculated 7when once fairly understood7 to teach each and all of us the necessity of humility and meekness before the ,lord1 that ,he might teach us of ,his ways1 that we might walk in ,his paths1 and live by every word that proceedeth forth from ,his mouth4 ,footnotes #a4 ,pearl of ,great ,price4 #b4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #bd4 #c4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #be4 #d4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #bf4 #e4 ,part of paragraph #cg1 sec4 #bj1 ,doctrine and ,covenants4 #ajf ,chapter ,,xi4 ,further ,light ,respecting the ,sacrament--,the ,prophet's ,removal to ,fayette4 ,sidenote3 ,instructions on the ,sacrament4 ,early in the month of ,august ,newel ,knight and his wife paid us a visit at my place in ,harmony1 ,pennsylvania2 and as neither his wife nor mine had been as yet confirmed1 it was proposed that we should confirm them1 and partake together of the ,sacrament1 before he and his wife should leave us4 ,in order to prepare for this ,i set out to procure some wine for the occasion1 but had gone only a short distance when ,i was met by a heavenly messenger1 and received the following revelation1 the first four paragraphs of which were written at this time1 and the remainder in the ,september following3 ,revelation given at ,harmony1 ,pennsylvania1 ,august1 #ahcj4 #a #a4 ,listen to the voice of ,jesus ,christ1 your ,lord1 your ,god1 and your ,redeemer1 whose word is quick and powerful4 #b4 ,for1 behold1 ,i say unto you1 that it mattereth not what ye shall eat1 or what ye shall drink1 when ye partake of the ,sacrament1 if it so be that ye do it with an eye single to my glory2 remembering unto the ,father my body which was laid down for you1 and my blood which was shed for the remission of your sins3 #c4 ,wherefore1 a commandment ,i give unto you1 that you shall not purchase wine1 neither strong drink of your enemies3 #d4 ,wherefore1 you shall partake of none except it is made new among you2 yea1 in this my ,father's kingdom which shall be built up on the earth4 #ajg #e4 ,behold1 this is wisdom in me3 wherefore1 marvel not1 for the hour cometh that ,i will drink of the fruit of the vine with you on the earth1 and with ,moroni1 whom ,i have sent unto you to reveal the ,book of ,mormon1 containing the fulness of my everlasting ,gospel1 to whom ,i have committed the keys of the record of the stick of ,ephraim3 #f4 ,and also with ,elias1 to whom ,i have committed the keys of bringing to pass the restoration of all things1 spoken by the mouth of all the holy prophets since the world began1 concerning the last days3 #g4 ,and also ,john the son of ,zacharias1 which ,zacharias he 7,elias7 visited and gave promise that he should have a son1 and his name should be ,john1 and he should be filled with the spirit of ,elias2 #h4 ,which ,john ,i have sent unto you1 my servant ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 and ,oliver ,cowdery1 to ordain you unto the first ,priesthood which you have received1 that you might be called and ordained even as ,aaron3 #i4 ,and also ,elijah1 unto whom ,i have committed the keys of the power of turning the hearts of the fathers to the children1 and the hearts of the children to the fathers1 that the whole earth may not be smitten with a curse3 #aj4 ,and also with ,joseph1 and ,jacob1 and ,isaac1 and ,abraham1 your fathers1 by whom the promises remain2 #aa4 ,and also with ,michael1 or ,adam1 the father of all1 the prince of all1 the ancient of days4 #ab4 ,and also with ,peter1 and ,james1 and ,john1 whom ,i have sent unto you1 by whom ,i have ordained you and confirmed you to be apostles1 and especial witnesses of my name1 and bear the keys of your ministry and of the same things which ,i revealed unto them3 #ac4 ,unto whom ,i have committed the keys of my kingdom1 and a dispensation of the ,gospel for the last times2 and for the fulness of times1 in the which ,i will gather together in one all things1 both which are in heaven1 and which are on earth3 #ad4 ,and also with all those whom my ,father hath given me out of the world3 #ae4 ,wherefore1 lift up your heart and rejoice1 and gird up your loins1 and take upon you my whole armor1 that ye may be able to withstand the evil day1 having done all1 that ye may be able to stand4 #af4 ,stand1 therefore1 having your loins girt about with truth1 having on the breastplate of righteousness1 and your feet shod with the preparation of the ,gospel of peace1 which ,i have sent mine angels to commit unto you4 #ag4 ,taking the shield of faith wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked3 #ah4 ,and take the helmet of salvation1 and the sword of my ,spirit1 which ,i will pour out upon you1 and my word which ,i reveal unto you #ajh and be agreed as touching all things whatsoever ye ask of me1 and be faithful until ,i come1 and ye shall be caught up1 that where ,i am ye shall be also4 ,amen4 ,sidenote3 ,a ,confirmation ,meeting4 ,in obedience to the above commandment1 we prepared some wine of our own making1 and held our meeting1 consisting only of five1 viz41 ,newel ,knight and his wife1 myself and my wife1 and ,john ,whitmer4 ,we partook together of the ,sacrament1 after which we confirmed these two sisters into the ,church1 and spent the evening in a glorious manner4 ,the ,spirit of the ,lord was poured out upon us1 we praised the ,lord ,god1 and rejoiced exceedingly4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,prophet's ,father-in-law ,embittered4 ,about this time a spirit of persecution began again to manifest itself against us in the neighborhood where ,i now resided1 which was commenced by a man of the ,methodist persuasion1 who professed to be a minister of ,god4 ,this man had learned that my father-in-law and his family had promised us protection1 and were friendly1 and inquiring into the work2 and knowing that if he could get him turned against me1 my friends in that place would be but few1 he visited my father-in-law1 and told him falsehoods concerning me of the most shameful nature1 which turned the old gentleman and his family so much against us1 that they would no longer promise us protection nor believe our doctrines4 #b ,sidenote3 ,the ,eyes of ,enemies ,blinded ,through ,faith4 ,towards the latter end of ,august1 in company with ,john and ,david ,whitmer1 and my brother ,hyrum ,smith1 ,i visited the ,church at ,colesville1 ,new ,york4 ,well knowing the determined hostility of our enemies in that quarter1 and also knowing that it was our duty to visit the ,church1 we had called upon our ,heavenly ,father1 in mighty #aji prayer1 that ,he would grant us an opportunity of meeting with them1 that he would blind the eyes of our enemies1 so that they would not know us1 and that we might on this occasion return unmolested4 ,our prayers were not in vain1 for when within a little distance of ,mr4 ,knight's place1 we encountered a large company at work upon the public road1 amongst whom were several of our most bitter enemies4 ,they looked earnestly at us1 but not knowing us1 we passed on without interruption4 ,that evening we assembled the ,church1 and confirmed them1 partook of the ,sacrament1 and held a happy meeting1 having much reason to rejoice in the ,god of our salvation1 and sing hosannas to ,his holy name4 ,next morning we set out on our return home1 and although our enemies had offered a reward of five dollars to any one who would give them information of our arrival1 yet did we get out of the neighborhood1 without the least annoyance1 and arrived home in safety4 ,some few days afterwards1 however1 ,newel ,knight came to my place1 and from him we learned that1 very shortly after our departure1 the mob came to know of our having been there1 when they immediately collected together1 and threatened the brethren1 and very much annoyed them during all that day4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,prophet ,finds an ,asylum in ,fayette4 ,meantime1 ,brother ,knight had come with his wagon1 prepared to move my family to ,fayette1 ,new ,york4 ,mr4 ,whitmer1 having heard of the persecutions against us at ,harmony1 ,pennsylvania1 had invited us to go and live with him2 and during the last week in ,august we arrived at ,fayette1 amidst the congratulations of our brethren and friends4 ,sidenote3 ,spurious ,revelations ,through ,hiram ,page4 ,to our great grief1 however1 we soon found that ,satan had been lying in wait to deceive1 and seeking whom he might devour4 ,brother ,hiram ,page had in his possession a certain stone1 by which he had obtained certain revelations concerning the upbuilding of ,zion1 the order of the #aaj ,church1 etc41 all of which were entirely at variance with the order of ,god's house1 as laid down in the ,new ,testament1 as well as in our late revelations4 ,as a conference meeting had been appointed for the #bfth #c day of ,september1 ,i thought it wisdom not to do much more than to converse with the brethren on the subject1 until the conference should meet4 ,finding1 however1 that many1 especially the ,whitmer family and ,oliver ,cowdery1 were believing much in the things set forth by this stone1 we thought best to inquire of the ,lord concerning so important a matter2 and before conference convened1 we received the following3 ,revelation to ,oliver ,cowdery1 given at ,fayette1 ,new ,york1 ,september1 #ahcj4 #d #a4 ,behold1 ,i say unto thee1 ,oliver1 that it shall be given unto thee1 that thou shalt be heard by the ,church in all things whatsoever thou shalt teach them by the ,comforter1 concerning the revelations and commandments which ,i have given4 #b4 ,but1 behold1 verily1 verily1 ,i say unto thee1 no one shall be appointed to receive commandments and revelations in this ,church1 excepting my servant ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 for he receiveth them even as ,moses4 #c4 ,and thou shalt be obedient unto the things which ,i shall give unto #aaa him1 even as ,aaron1 to declare faithfully the commandments and the revelations1 with power and authority unto the ,church4 #d4 ,and if thou art led at any time by the comforter to speak or teach or at all times by the way of commandment unto the ,church1 thou mayest do it4 #e4 ,but thou shalt not write by way of commandment1 but by wisdom3 #f4 ,and thou shalt not command him who is at thy head1 and at the head of the church1 #g4 ,for ,i have given him the keys of the mysteries1 and the revelations which are sealed1 until ,i shall appoint unto them another in his stead4 #h4 ,and now1 behold1 ,i my unto you1 that you shall go unto the ,lamanites and preach my gospel unto them2 and inasmuch as they receive thy teachings1 thou shalt cause my ,church to be established among them2 and thou shalt have revelations1 but write them not by way of commandment4 #i4 ,and now1 behold1 ,i say unto you1 that it is not revealed1 and no man knoweth1 where the city of ,zion shall be built1 but it shall be given hereafter4 ,behold1 ,i say unto you1 that it shall be on the borders by the ,lamanites4 #aj4 ,thou shalt not leave this place until after the conference1 and my servant ,joseph shall be appointed to preside over the conference by the voice of it1 and what he saith to thee thou shalt tell4 #aa4 ,and again1 thou shalt take thy brother1 ,hiram ,page1 between him and thee alone1 and tell him that those things which he hath written from that stone1 are not of me1 and that ,satan deceiveth him2 #ab4 ,for1 behold1 these things have not been appointed unto him1 neither shall anything be appointed unto any of this ,church contrary to the church covenants4 #ac4 ,for all things must be done in order1 and by common consent in the ,church1 by the prayer of faith4 #ad4 ,and thou shalt assist to settle all these things according to the covenants of the ,church before thou shalt take thy journey among the ,lamanites4 #ae4 ,and it shall be given thee from the time thou shalt go1 until the time thou shalt return1 what thou shalt do4 #af4 ,and thou must open thy mouth at all times declaring my gospel with the sound of rejoicing4 ,amen4 ,revelation1 given in the presence of ,six ,elders1 in ,fayette1 ,new ,york1 ,september1 #ahcj4 #e #a4 ,listen to the voice of ,jesus ,christ1 your ,redeemer1 the ,great ,i ,,am1 whose arm of mercy hath atoned for your sins2 #aab #b4 ,who will gather ,his people even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings1 even as many as will hearken to my voice and humble themselves before me1 and call upon me in mighty prayer4 #c4 ,behold1 verily1 verily1 ,i say unto you1 that at this time your sins are forgiven you1 therefore ye receive these things2 but remember to sin no more1 lest perils shall come upon you4 #d4 ,verily1 ,i say unto you1 that ye are chosen out of the world to declare my ,gospel with the sound of rejoicing1 as with the voice of a trump4 #e4 ,lift up your hearts and be glad1 for ,i am in your midst1 and am your advocate with the ,father2 and it is ,his good will to give you the kingdom2 #f4 ,and as it is written1 ,whatsoever ye shall ask in faith1 being united in prayer according to my command1 ye shall receive2 #g4 ,and ye are called to bring to pass the gathering of mine elect2 for mine elect hear my voice and harden not their hearts2 #h4 ,wherefore the decree hath gone forth from the ,father1 that they shall be gathered in unto one place upon the face of this land1 to prepare their hearts and be prepared in all things against the day when tribulation and desolation are sent forth upon the wicked2 #i4 ,for the hour is nigh1 and the day soon at hand1 when the earth is ripe2 and all the proud1 and they that do wickedly1 shall be as stubble1 and ,i will burn them up1 saith the ,lord of ,hosts1 that wickedness shall not be upon the earth2 #aj4 ,for the hour is nigh1 and that which was spoken by mine apostles must be fulfilled2 for as they spoke1 so shall it come to pass2 #aa4 ,for ,i will reveal myself from heaven with power and great glory1 with all the hosts thereof1 and dwell in righteousness with men on earth a thousand years1 and the wicked shall not stand4 #ab4 ,and again1 verily1 verily1 ,i say unto you1 and it hath gone forth in a firm decree1 by the will of the ,father1 that mine apostles1 the ,twelve which were with me in my ministry at ,jerusalem1 shall stand at my right hand at the day of my coming in a pillar of fire1 being clothed with robes of righteousness1 with crowns upon their heads1 in glory even as ,i am1 to judge the whole house of ,israel1 even as many as have loved me and kept my commandments1 and none else2 #ac4 ,for a trump shall sound both long and loud1 even as upon ,mount ,sinai1 and all the earth shall quake1 and they shall come forth--yea1 even the dead which died in me1 to receive a crown of righteousness1 and to be clothed upon1 even as ,i am1 to be with me1 that we may be one4 #ad4 ,but1 behold1 ,i say unto you1 that before this great day shall come1 the sun shall be darkened1 and the moon shall be turned into blood1 and the stars shall fall from heaven1 and there shall be greater signs in heaven above1 and in the earth beneath2 #aac #ae4 ,and there shall be weeping and wailing among the hosts of men2 #af4 ,and there shall be a great hailstorm sent forth to destroy the crops of the earth2 #ag4 ,and it shall come to pass because of the wickedness of the world1 that ,i will take vengeance upon the wicked1 for they will not repent3 for the cup of mine indignation is full2 for behold1 my blood shall not cleanse them if they hear me not4 #ah4 ,wherefore1 ,i the ,lord ,god will send forth flies upon the face of the earth1 which will take hold of the inhabitants thereof1 and shall eat their flesh1 and shall cause maggots to come in upon them2 #ai4 ,and their tongues shall be staid that they shall not utter against me2 and their flesh shall fall from off their bones1 and their eyes from their sockets3 #bj4 ,and it shall come to pass that the beasts of the forest1 and the fowls of the air shall devour them up4 #ba4 ,and the great and abominable church1 which is the whore of all the earth1 shall be cast down by devouring fire1 according as it is spoken by the mouth of ,ezekiel the prophet1 who spoke of these things1 which have not come to pass1 but surely must1 as ,i live1 for abominations shall not reign4 #bb4 ,and again1 verily1 verily1 ,i say unto you that when the thousand years are ended1 and men again begin to deny their ,god1 then will ,i spare the earth but for a little season2 #bc4 ,and the end shall come1 and the heaven and the earth shall be consumed and pass away1 and there shall be a new heaven and a new earth1 #bd4 ,for all old things shall pass away1 and all things shall become new1 even the heaven and the earth1 and all the fullness thereof1 both men and beasts1 the fowls of the air1 and the fishes of the sea2 #be4 ,and not one hair1 neither mote1 shall be lost1 for it is the workmanship of mine hand4 #bf4 ,but1 behold1 verily ,i say unto you1 before the earth shall pass away1 ,michael1 mine archangel1 shall sound his trump1 and then shall all the dead awake1 for their graves shall be opened1 and they shall come forth2 yea1 even all4 #bg4 ,and the righteous shall be gathered on my right hand unto eternal life2 and the wicked on my left hand will ,i be ashamed to own before the ,father2 #bh4 ,wherefore ,i will say unto them--,depart from me1 ye cursed1 into everlasting fire1 prepared for the devil and his angels4 #bi4 ,and now behold1 ,i say unto you1 never at any time have ,i declared from mine own mouth that they should return1 for where ,i am they cannot come1 for they have no power4 #aad #cj4 ,but remember that all my judgments are not given unto men3 and as the words have gone forth out of my mouth1 even so shall they be fulfilled1 that the first shall be last1 and that the last shall be first in all things whatsoever ,i have created by the word of my power1 which is the power of my spirit4 #ca4 ,for by the power of my spirit created ,i them2 yea1 all things both spiritual and temporal-- #cb4 ,firstly spiritual1 secondly temporal1 which is the beginning of my work2 and again1 first temporal1 and secondly spiritual1 which is the last of my work-- #cc4 ,speaking unto you that you may naturally understand2 but unto myself my works have no end1 neither beginning2 but it is given unto you that ye may understand1 because ye have asked it of me and are agreed4 #cd4 ,wherefore1 verily ,i say unto you1 that all things unto me are spiritual1 and not at any time have ,i given unto you a law which was temporal2 neither any man1 nor the children of men2 neither ,adam1 your father1 whom ,i created4 #ce4 ,behold1 ,i gave unto him that he should be an agent unto himself2 and ,i gave unto him commandment1 but no temporal commandment gave ,i unto him1 for my commandments are spiritual2 they are not natural nor temporal1 neither carnal nor sensual4 #cf4 ,and it came to pass that ,adam1 being tempted of the devil 7for1 behold1 the devil was before ,adam1 for he rebelled against me1 saying1 ,give me thine honor1 which is my power2 and also a third part of the hosts of heaven turned he away from me because of their agency2 #cg4 ,and they were thrust down1 and then came the devil and his angels2 #ch4 ,and1 behold1 there is a place prepared for them from the beginning1 which place is hell3 #ci4 ,and it must needs be that the devil should tempt the children of men1 or they could not be agents unto themselves2 for if they never should have bitter1 they could not know the sweet47 #dj4 ,wherefore1 it came to pass that the devil tempted ,adam1 and he partook of the forbidden fruit1 and transgressed the commandment1 wherein he became subject to the will of the devil1 because he yielded unto temptation4 #da4 ,wherefore ,i the ,lord ,god caused that he should be cast out from the ,garden of ,eden1 from my presence1 because of his transgression1 wherein he became spiritually dead1 which is the first death1 even that same death1 which is the last death1 which is spiritual1 which shall be pronounced upon the wicked when ,i shall say--,depart1 ye cursed4 #db4 ,but1 behold1 ,i say unto you1 that ,i the ,lord ,god gave unto ,adam #aae and unto his seed that they should not die as to the temporal death1 until ,i the ,lord ,god should send forth angels to declare unto them repentance and redemption1 through faith on the name of mine ,only ,begotten ,son4 #dc4 ,and thus did ,i1 the ,lord ,god1 appoint unto man the days of his probation2 that by his natural death he might be raised in immortality unto eternal life1 even as many as would believe2 #dd4 ,and they that believe not unto eternal damnation1 for they cannot be redeemed from their spiritual fall1 because they repent not2 #de4 ,for they love darkness rather than light1 and their deeds are evil1 and they receive their wages of whom they list to obey4 #df4 ,but1 behold1 ,i say unto you1 that little children are redeemed from the foundation of the world through mine ,only ,begotten3 #dg4 ,wherefore1 they cannot sin1 for power is not given unto ,satan to tempt little children1 until they begin to become accountable before me2 #dh4 ,for it is given unto them even as ,i will1 according to mine own pleasure1 that great things may be required at the hand of their fathers4 #di4 ,and1 again1 ,i say unto you1 that whoso having knowledge1 have ,i not commanded to repent8 #ej4 ,and he that hath no understanding1 it remaineth in me to do according as it is written4 ,and now ,i declare no more unto you at this time4 ,amen4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,conference of ,september #bfth4 ,at length our conference assembled4 ,the subject of the stone previously mentioned was discussed1 and after considerable investigation1 ,brother ,page1 as well as the whole ,church who were present1 renounced the said stone1 and all things connected therewith1 much to our mutual satisfaction and happiness4 ,we now partook of the ,sacrament1 confirmed and ordained many1 and attended to a great variety of ,church business on the first and the two following days of the conference1 during which time we had much of the power of ,god manifested amongst us2 the ,holy ,ghost came upon us1 and filled us with joy unspeakable2 and peace1 and faith1 and hope1 and charity abounded in our midst4 ,before we separated we received the following3 #aaf ,revelation to ,david ,whitmer1 ,peter ,whitmer1 ,jun41 and ,john ,whitmer1 given ,september1 #ahcj4 #f #a4 ,behold1 ,i say unto you1 ,david1 that you have feared man and have not relied on me for strength as you ought4 #b4 ,but your mind has been on the things of the earth more than on the things of me1 your ,maker1 and the ministry whereunto you have been called2 and you have not given heed unto my ,spirit1 and to those who were set over you1 but have been persuaded by those whom ,i have not commanded3 #c4 ,wherefore1 you are left to inquire for yourself1 at my hand1 and ponder upon the things which you have received4 #d4 ,and your home shall be at your father's house until ,i give unto you further commandments4 ,and you shall attend to the ministry in the ,church1 and before the world1 and in the regions round about4 ,amen4 #e4 ,behold1 ,i say unto you ,peter1 that you shall take your journey with your brother ,oliver1 for the time has come that it is expedient in me that you shall open your mouth to declare my ,gospel2 therefore1 fear not1 but give heed unto the words and advice of your brother1 which he shall give you4 #f4 ,and be you afflicted in all his afflictions1 ever lifting up your heart unto me in prayer1 and faith1 for his and your deliverance3 for ,i have given unto him power to build up my ,church among the ,lamanites3 #g4 ,and none have ,i appointed to be his counselor over him in the ,church concerning ,church matters1 except it is his brother1 ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun4 #h4 ,wherefore1 give heed unto these things and be diligent in keeping my commandments1 and you shall be blessed unto eternal life4 ,amen4 #i4 ,behold1 ,i say unto you1 my servant ,john1 that thou shalt commence from this time forth to proclaim my ,gospel1 as with the voice of a trump4 #aj4 ,and your labor shall be at your brother ,philip ,burroughs'1 and in that region round about2 yea1 wherever you can be heard1 until ,i command you to go from hence4 #aa4 ,and your whole labor shall be in ,zion1 with all your soul1 from henceforth2 yea1 you shall ever open your mouth in my cause1 not fearing what man can do1 for ,i am with you4 ,amen4 ,revelation to ,thomas ,b4 ,marsh1 ,given ,september1 #ahcj4 #g #a4 ,thomas1 my son1 blessed are you because of your faith in my work4 #b4 ,behold1 you have had many afflictions because of your family3 #aag nevertheless1 ,i will bless you and your family2 yea1 your little ones2 and the day cometh that they will believe and know the truth and be one with you in my ,church4 #c4 ,lift up your heart and rejoice1 for the hour of your mission is come3 and your tongue shall be loosed2 and you shall declare glad tidings of great joy unto this generation4 #d4 ,you shall declare the things which have been revealed to my servant1 ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 ,you shall begin to preach from this time forth2 yea1 to reap in the field which is white already to be burned3 #e4 ,therefore1 thrust in your sickle with all your soul1 and your sins are forgiven you1 and you shall be laden with sheaves upon your back1 for the laborer is worthy of his hire4 ,wherefore1 your family shall live4 #f4 ,behold1 verily ,i say unto you1 go from them only for a little time1 and declare my word1 and ,i will prepare a place for them2 #g4 ,yea1 ,i will open the hearts of the people1 and they will receive you4 ,and ,i will establish a church by your hand2 #h4 ,and you shall strengthen them and prepare them against the time when they shall be gathered4 #i4 ,be patient in afflictions1 revile not against those that revile4 ,govern your house in meekness1 and be steadfast4 #aj4 ,behold1 ,i say unto you that you shall be a physician unto the ,church1 but not unto the world1 for they will not receive you4 #aa4 ,go your way withersoever ,i will1 and it shall be given you by the ,comforter what you shall do1 and whither you shall go4 #ab4 ,pray always lest you enter into temptation1 and lose your reward4 #ac4 ,be faithful unto the end1 and lo1 ,i am with you4 ,these words are not of man1 nor of men1 but of me1 even ,jesus ,christ1 your ,redeemer1 by the will of the ,father4 ,amen4 #h #aah ,sidenote3 ,satisfactory ,results of the ,conference4 ,during this conference1 which continued three days1 the utmost harmony prevailed1 and all things were settled satisfactorily to all present1 and a desire was manifested by all the ,saints to go forward and labor with all their powers to spread the great and glorious principles of truth1 which had been revealed by our ,heavenly ,father4 ,a number were baptized during the conference1 and the word of the ,lord spread and prevailed4 ,sidenote3 ,mission to the ,lamanites4 ,at this time a great desire was manifested by several of the ,elders respecting the remnants of the house of ,joseph1 the ,lamanites1 residing in the west--knowing #i that the purposes of ,god were great respecting that people1 and hoping that the time had come when the promises of the ,almighty in regard to them were about to be accomplished1 and that they would receive the ,gospel1 and enjoy its blessings4 ,the desire being so great1 it was agreed that we should inquire of the ,lord respecting the propriety of sending some of the ,elders #aj among them1 which we accordingly did1 and received the following3 ,revelation to ,parley ,p4 ,pratt and ,ziba ,peterson1 given ,october1 #ahcj4 #aa #a4 ,and now concerning my servant ,parley ,p4 ,pratt1 #ab behold ,i say #aai unto him that as ,i live1 ,i will that he shall declare my ,gospel and learn of me and be meek and lowly of heart2 #b4 ,and that which ,i have appointed unto him is1 that he shall go with my servants ,older ,cowdery and ,peter ,whitmer1 ,jun41 into the wilderness among the ,lamanites4 #c4 ,and ,ziba ,peterson1 also1 shall go with them1 and ,i myself will go with them and be in their midst2 and ,i am their advocate with the ,father1 and nothing shall prevail against them4 #abj #d4 ,and they shall give heed to that which is written and pretend to no other revelation1 and they shall pray always that ,i may unfold the same to their understanding2 #e4 ,and they shall give heed unto these words and trifle not1 and ,i will bless them4 ,amen4 ,sidenote3 ,departure of the ,lamanite ,mission4 ,arrival at ,kirtland4 ,immediately on receiving this revelation1 preparations were made for the journey of the brethren therein designated1 to the borders of the ,lamanites1 and a copy of the revelation was given them4 ,they bade adieu to their brethren and friends1 and commenced their journey1 preaching by the way1 and leaving a sealing testimony behind them1 lifting up their voice like a trump in the different villages through which they passed4 #ac ,they continued their journey until they came to ,kirtland1 ,ohio1 where they tarried some time1 there being quite a number in that place and vicinity who believed their testimony1 and came forward and obeyed the ,gospel4 ,among the number was ,mr4 ,sidney ,rigdon1 #ad and a large portion of the church over which he presided4 #aba ,sidenote3 ,previous ,relations of ,pratt and ,rigdon4 ,previous to this1 ,elder ,parley ,p4 ,pratt had been a preacher in the same church with ,mr4 ,rigdon1 and resided in the town of ,amherst1 ,loraine county1 in ,ohio1 and had been sent into the state of ,new ,york on a mission1 where he became #abb acquainted with the circumstances of the coming forth of the ,book of ,mormon1 and was introduced to ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 and other members of the ,church4 ,the belief that there were many in the church with which he had formerly been united1 who were honest seekers after truth1 induced ,elder ,pratt2 while on his journey to the west1 to call upon his friends1 and make known the great things which the ,lord had brought to pass4 ,sidenote3 ,presentation of the ,book of ,mormon to ,sidney ,rigdon4 ,the first house at which they called in the vicinity of ,kirtland1 was ,mr4 ,rigdon's1 and after the usual salutations1 they presented him with the ,book of ,mormon1 stating that it was a revelation from ,god4 ,this being the first time he had ever heard of1 or seen1 the ,book of ,mormon1 #ae he felt very much #abc surprised at the assertion1 and replied that he had the ,bible which he believed was a revelation from ,god1 and with which he pretended to have some acquaintance2 but with respect of the book they had presented him1 he must say #abd that he had considerable doubt4 ,upon this1 they expressed a desire to investigate the subject1 and argue the matter4 ,but he replied1 ,no1 young gentleman1 you must not argue with me on the subject2 but ,i will read your book1 and see what claims it has upon my faith1 and will endeavor to ascertain whether it be a revelation from ,god or not4 ,sidenote3 ,public ,ministry at ,mentor4 ,after some further conversation they expressed a desire to lay the subject before the people1 and requested the privilege of preaching in ,mr4 ,rigdon's chapel1 to which he readily consented4 ,the appointment was accordingly published1 and a large and respectable congregation assembled4 ,oliver ,cowdery and ,parley ,p4 ,pratt severally addressed the meeting4 ,at the conclusion1 ,mr4 ,rigdon arose1 and stated to the congregation that the information they had that evening received was of an extraordinary character1 and certainly demanded their most serious consideration2 and as the ,apostle advised his brethren to prove all things1 and hold fast that which is good1 so he would exhort his brethren to do likewise1 and give the matter a careful investigation1 and not turn against it without being fully convinced of its being an imposition1 lest they should1 possibly1 resist the truth4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,work ,opened at ,kirtland4 ,a few miles from ,mr4 ,rigdon's home in ,mentor1 at the town of ,kirtland1 where a number of the members of his church1 who lived together and had all things common--from which circumstance has risen the idea that this was the case with the ,church of ,jesus ,christ4 ,to that place the ,elders immediately repaired1 and proclaimed the ,gospel unto them1 with considerable success2 for their testimony was received by many of the people1 and seventeen came forward in obedience to the ,gospel4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,conversion of ,sidney ,rigdon4 ,while thus engaged1 they visited ,mr4 ,rigdon occasionally1 and found him very earnestly reading the ,book of ,mormon1--praying to the ,lord for direction1 and meditating on the things he heard and read2 and after a #abe fortnight from the time the book was put into his hands1 he was fully convinced of the truth of the work1 by a revelation from ,jesus ,christ1 which was made known to him in a remarkable manner1 so that he could exclaim1 ,flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto me1 but my ,father which is in heaven4 ,accordingly he and his wife were both baptized into the ,church of ,jesus ,christ2 and1 together with those who had been previously admitted to baptism1 made a little branch of the ,church1 in this section of ,ohio1 of about twenty members4 ,this much accomplished1 the brethren bound for the borders of the ,lamanites1 bade an affectionate farewell to the ,saints in ,kirtland and vicinity2 and1 after adding one of their new converts to their number--,dr4 ,frederick ,g4 ,williams #af--they went on their way rejoicing4 ,footnotes #a4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 section #bg4 #b4 ,mr4 ,hale1 the ,prophet's father-in-law1 retained the bitterness then engendered in his mind2 and some years later--namely1 in #ahcd--made an affidavit concerning the character of ,joseph the ,prophet1 which has been very generally quoted in anti-,mormon works4 #c4 ,in the manuscript of the ,prophet ,joseph's ,history this conference is said to have been appointed for the first day of ,september2 but in the ,far ,west ,record1 a manuscript record kept by the clerks of the ,high ,council in ,missouri--and to which reference has before been made--are the minutes of the #ith of ,june conference 7#ahcj71 which state that that conference adjourned to meet again on the #bfth of ,september4 ,the record also contains the minutes of the above conference bearing the date of ,september #bfth4 ,in addition to these reasons for changing the date in the text is the fact that immediately1 or at least very soon after the close of the conference1 a revelation was sought and obtained concerning the mission to the ,lamanites1 to which1 even previous to the conference1 ,oliver ,cowdery had been appointed 7,doctrine and ,covenants1 #bh3h-aj74 ,the said revelation bears the date of ,october1 #ahcj4 7,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #cb71 which would scarcely be the case if the conference had been held on the first1 rather than near the close of ,september1 as there is every reason to believe from the record that this revelation was received immediately after the conference closed4 ,moreover1 the #bfth of ,september1 #ahcj1 came on ,sunday2 whereas the first of ,september came on ,wednesday1 and as the conference lasted but three days1 the brethren would scarcely arrange such a gathering without appointing it for such days as would include a ,sunday4 #d4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #bh4 #e4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #bi4 #f4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #cj4 #g4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #ca4 #h4 ,thomas ,baldwin ,marsh1 to whom the foregoing revelation was given through the ,prophet ,joseph1 was born in ,massachusetts1 ,november #a1 #agii1 and after his marriage to ,elizabeth ,godkin in #ahbj1 he went into the grocery business in ,new ,york1 afterwards engaging in a type foundry in ,boston4 ,here he joined the ,methodist church1 but on comparing its principles with the ,scripture1 and failing to make them correspond1 he withdrew from all sects1 but expected and indeed predicted the rise of a new church which should have the truth in its purity4 ,he was moved by the ,spirit to make a journey west1 during which he heard of the ,book of ,mormon4 ,he met ,martin ,harris at the office where it was being printed1 and secured proof sheets of the first sixteen pages4 ,he later met ,oliver ,cowdery1 and remained with him two days1 receiving from him full information as to the coming forth of the ,book of ,mormon4 ,returning to his home near ,boston1 he kept up a correspondence with the ,prophet and ,oliver for about a year2 and upon learning of the organization of the ,church1 he moved to ,palmyra in ,september1 #ahcj1 and was baptized by ,david ,whitmer1 and a few days later was ordained an ,elder by ,oliver ,cowdery4 #i4 ,of course this knowledge arose from what the brethren had learned from the ,book of ,mormon of the promises of ,god to the ,lamanites4 #aj4 ,the consideration of the propriety of sending ,elders among the ,lamanites here referred to was doubtless restricted to the propriety of increasing the number of ,elders to go among them2 for before the conference convened the propriety of sending ,e,iders to the ,lamanites had been settled by the word of the ,lord4 ,in a revelation receive before the conference of ,september #bfth1 ,oliver ,cowdery was appointed to go on a mission to the ,lamanites1 though instructed not to leave ,fayette until after the conference4 7,see p4 #aaa2 also ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #bh3h-aj47 ,and before the conference adjourned another revelation was received in which ,peter ,whitmer1 ,jun41 was appointed to accompany ,oliver ,cowdery on his mission4 7,see p4 #aaf2 and ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #cj3e-f47 ,hence these inquiries after the conference concerning the propriety of sending ,elders among the ,lamanites1 ,i repeat1 must have had reference merely to the propriety of increasing the number that should go4 ,it will be observed also that the revelation which follows in the text merely appoints ,parley ,p4 ,pratt and ,ziba ,peterson to accompany ,elders ,cowdery and ,whitmer4 #aa4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #cb4 #ab4 ,parley ,parker ,pratt was born on the #abth day of ,april1 #ahjg1 in ,burlington1 ,otsego county1 state of ,new ,york4 ,he was the third son of ,jared and ,charity ,pratt4 ,jared was the son of ,obediah and ,jemima ,pratt2 ,obediah was the son of ,christopher and ,sarah ,pratt2 ,christopher was the son of ,william and ,hannah ,pratt2 ,william was the son of ,joseph ,pratt1 ,joseph was the son of ,lieutenant ,william and ,elizabeth ,pratt1 who were found among the first settlers of ,hartford1 ,connecticut1 in the year #afci4 ,this ,william ,pratt was a member of the legislature for some twenty-five or thirty sessions2 and the general court gave him one hundred acres of land in ,saybrook1 ,connecticut1 for services performed as lieutenant in the ,pequot war2 he was one of the judges of the first court in ,new ,london county4 ,parley ,p4 ,pratt is a lineal descendant1 of the seventh generation1 from that distinguished pilgrim and humble pioneer to the new world4 ,parley ,p4 ,pratt was reared to hard work on a farm and though his opportunities for acquiring an education were extremely limited1 he was brought up in the strictest school of morals4 ,even in early youth he gave evidence of a profoundly religious nature1 and while yet in his teens became identified with the ,baptist church4 ,in #ahbf he left ,new ,york state and settled some thirty miles west of the town of ,cleveland1 in the state of ,ohio1 and laid the foundation of a wilderness home4 ,the next year1 #ahbg1 he returned to ,canaan1 ,columbia county1 ,new ,york1--the county where much of his boyhood was spent1 the home1 too1 of his parents--and there married ,thankful ,halsey1 on the #ith of ,september1 #ahbg4 ,the same month the newly married couple returned to the wilderness home west of ,cleveland4 ,about eighteen months later ,sidney ,rigdon1 who was connected with ,alexander ,campbell1 ,walter ,scott and others in that aggressive reform movement among the ,christian sects1 which resulted in the founding of the sect of the ,disciples or ,campbellites1 came into ,mr4 ,pratt's neighborhood preaching the doctrines of faith1 repentance and baptism4 ,as his doctrine more nearly conformed to the scriptures than any other ,mr4 ,pratt had heard1 he accepted ,sydney ,rigdon's teachings1 joined the ,disciples1 and became a minister in that church4 ,he determined to take up the ministry as his life's labor1 sold his possessions and started first of all to call upon his relatives in ,new ,york4 ,en route1 however1 he was moved upon by the spirit to stop off at ,newark1 in ,new ,york1 while his wife continued her journey to her father's home4 ,at ,newark1 ,mr4 ,pratt first heard of and saw the ,book of ,mormon1 and1 without delay1 hastened to ,palmyra to investigate the story of its coming forth4 ,at the home of the ,smiths1 near ,manchester1 he met with ,hyrum1 brother of the ,prophet1 and from him learned the particulars of the work4 ,in company with ,hyrum ,smith he went to ,fayette1 where he met with ,oliver ,cowdery2 and about the first of ,september he was baptized by him in ,seneca ,lake1 and straightway was ordained an ,elder of the ,church4 ,after these events he continued his journey to the home of his kindred in ,columbia county1 ,new ,york1 where he baptized his brother ,orson1 then a youth of nineteen years4 ,he returned to ,fayette in time to attend the conference1 where he met the ,prophet ,joseph1 and received the appointment to the ,lamanite mission as related in the text4 #ac4 ,after traveling for some days the ,lamanite mission called at some ,indian encampments near the city of ,buffalo1 where they spent part of a day instructing them in the knowledge of their forefathers4 ,these ,indians were of the ,cattaraugus tribe1 and kindly received the brethren1 who left with certain of their number who could read ,english1 two copies of the ,book of ,mormon4 ,and then continued their journey westward4 7,autobiography of ,parley ,p4 ,pratt1 pp4 #di1 #fa47 #ad4 ,sidney ,rigdon was born in ,saint ,clair township1 ,allegheny county1 state of ,pennsylvania1 on the #aith of ,february1 ,a4 ,d4 #agic1 and was the youngest son of ,william and ,nancy ,rigdon1 ,william ,rigdon1 his father1 a native of ,hartford county1 state of ,maryland1 was born ,a4 ,d4 #agdc1 and died ,may #bfth1 ,a4 ,d4 #ahaj4 ,william ,rigdon was the son of ,thomas ,baker and ,ann ,lucy ,rigdon4 ,thomas ,baker ,rigdon was a native of the state of ,maryland1 and was the son of ,thomas ,baker ,rigdon1 who came from ,great ,britain4 ,ann ,lucy ,rigdon1 grandmother of ,sidney ,rigdon1 was a native of ,ireland1 and emigrated to the city of ,boston1 ,massachusetts and was there married to ,thomas ,baker ,rigdon4 ,nancy ,rigdon's mother was a native of ,freehold1 ,monmouth county1 ,new ,jersey2 she was born ,march #afth1 #agei1 and died ,october #crd1 #ahci1 and was the eldest daughter of ,byrant ,gallaher1 who was a native of ,ireland4 ,elizabeth ,gallaher1 mother to the aforesaid ,nancy ,rigdon1 was the second wife of the said ,byrant ,gallaher1 and her maiden name was ,reed4 ,she was a native of ,monmouth county1 ,new ,jersey4 ,her parents were natives of ,scotland4 ,the early days of ,sidney ,rigdon's life were uneventful4 ,his youth and the early years of his manhood were spent at his father's farm in ,st4 ,clair township1 ,allegheny county1 ,pennsylvania4 ,when ,sidney was seventeen years old his father died1 but he continued on the same farm with his mother until he was twenty-six4 ,in his twenty-fifth year he joined the ,regular ,baptist society or church4 ,the pastor in charge was the ,rev4 ,david ,phillips1 a clergyman from ,wales4 ,in ,march1 #ahai1 ,mr4 ,rigdon left the farm and made his home with the ,rev4 ,andrew ,clark1 of ,pittsburgh1 also a ,baptist minister4 ,while residing with ,mr4 ,clark he took out a license and began from that time his career as a minister4 ,in ,may1 #ahai1 he removed from ,pennsylvania to ,trumbull county1 ,ohio4 ,in ,july of the same year he made his home with ,adamson ,bentley1 a minister of the same faith4 ,while residing at ,bentley's he met ,phebe ,brook1 to whom he was married on the #abth day of ,june1 #ahbj4 ,she was a native of the state of ,new ,jersey1 ,bridgetown1 ,cumberland county1 but had previously removed to ,trumbull county1 ,ohio4 ,sidney ,rigdon continued to preach throughout ,trumbull county until ,november1 #ahba4 ,passing through ,pittsburgh about that time1 for the purpose of visiting his relatives at the old homestead in ,st4 ,clair township1 ,allegheny county1 ,pennsylvania1 he was invited to preach to the ,baptist society of ,pittsburg1 which he did the following and several succeeding ,sundays4 ,as the congregation had no regular pastor they invited him to take charge and become their regular minister2 a call which he accepted and removed from ,warren in ,trumbull county1 ,ohio1 to ,pittsburg in ,february1 #ahbb4 ,meantime misgivings arose in his mind with reference to some of the doctrines of the church with which he was connected1 especially with reference to the fate of unbaptized infants4 ,finally1 after serving his congregation about two years and six months1 he gave up his charge in ,august1 #ahbd1 and retired from the ministry4 ,after taking this step he joined his wife's brother1 ,richard ,brook1 in the tanning business4 ,together they started a small tannery in which ,mr4 ,rigdon worked as a journeyman for some two years4 ,meantime he had formed the acquaintance of ,mr4 ,alexander ,campbell1 generally regarded as the founder of the sect of the ,disciples1 or ,campbellites1 and ,mr4 ,walter ,scott1 a ,scotchman by birth1 but at this time a resident of ,pittsburg and a dissenter from a ,scandinavian church with which he had formerly been associated4 ,these three gentlemen often met and discussed the subject of religion1 the necessity for a universal reformation among the churches1 the abandonment of their creeds1 etc4 ,the consultations they held led ultimately to the establishment of the church or sect of the ,disciples4 ,mr4 ,rigdon left ,pittsburg in #ahbf1 and went to ,bainbridge1 ,geaugo county1 ,ohio1 where the people urged him to speak to them4 ,he did so1 following in his teachings that line of doctrine which in his consultation with ,messrs4 ,campbell and ,scott they had considered were essential to ,christian spiritual life1 viz41 faith in ,god1 repentance of sins1 baptism by immersion in water for the remission of sins1 and holiness of life--a godly walk and conversation4 ,mr4 ,rigdon continued to labor in ,bainbridge for about one year1 when the people of ,mentor1 in the same county1 but some thirty miles distant from ,bainbridge1 invited him to reside among them and preach4 ,this he consented to do1 and notwithstanding he at first met with some opposition1 he prevailed against it and extended his labors into surrounding townships and counties until he had in a number of places a large following4 ,such were his circumstances and such his labor when the message of ,mormonism found him--when ,parley ,p4 ,pratt presented him with the ,book of ,mormon and its attendant message4 #ae4 ,the circumstance of ,oliver ,cowdery1 ,parley ,p4 ,pratt and their associates presenting ,sidney ,rigdon with the ,book of ,mormon is thus related in the ,life of ,sidney ,rigdon1 by his son1 ,john ,w4 ,rigdon 7,ms4 p4 #ah73 ,in the fall of #ahcj1 ,parley ,p4 ,pratt1 ,ziba ,peterson1 ,oliver ,cowdery1 and ,peter ,whitmer called at the home of ,sidney ,rigdon1 in the town of ,mentor1 ,ohio1 and ,parley ,p4 ,pratt presented to him a bound volume of the ,book of ,mormon in the presence of his wife and his oldest child1 ,athalia ,rigdon1 now ,athalia ,robinson1 who was then a girl ten years old1 and now 7#aijj7 living in the town of ,friendship1 ,allegheny county1 state of ,new ,york2 and who remembers the transaction as well as any incident of her life4 ,parley ,p4 ,pratt1 at the time he handed the book to ,sidney ,rigdon1 said it was a revelation from ,god4 ,again referring to this circumstance near the close of the sketch of his father's life1 ,john ,w4 ,rigdon relates how1 in the fall of #ahfc1 he visited the territory of ,utah1 where he spent the winter among the ,mormon people4 ,he was not favorably impressed with their religious life1 and came to the conclusion that the ,book of ,mormon itself was a fraud4 ,he determined in his own heart that if ever he returned home and found his father1 ,sidney ,rigdon1 alive1 he would try and find out what he knew of the origin of the ,book of ,mormon4 ,although1 he adds1 he had never told but one story about it1 and that was that ,parley ,p4 ,pratt and ,oliver ,cowdery presented him with a bound volume of that book in the year #ahcj1 while he 7,sidney ,rigdon7 was preaching ,campbellism at ,mentor1 ,ohio4 ,what ,john ,w4 ,rigdon claims to have seen in ,utah1 however1 together with the fact that ,sidney ,rigdon had been charged with writing the ,book of ,mormon1 made him suspicious2 and1 he remarks1 ,i concluded ,i would make an investigation for my own satisfaction and find out if ,i could if he had all these years been deceiving his family and the world1 by telling that which was not true1 and ,i was in earnest about it4 ,if ,sidney ,rigdon1 my father1 had thrown his life away by telling a falsehood and bringing sorrow and disgrace upon his family1 ,i wanted to know it and was determined to find out the facts1 no matter what the consequences might be4 ,i reached home in the fall of #ahfe1 found my father in good health and he was very much pleased to see me4 ,as he had not heard anything from me for some time1 he was afraid that ,i had been killed by the ,indians4 ,shortly after ,i had arrived home1 ,i went to my father's room2 he was there and alone1 now was the time for me to commence my inquiries in regard to the origin of the ,book of ,mormon1 and as to the truth of the ',mormon' religion4 ,i told him what ,i had seen at ,salt ,lake ,city1 and ,i said to him that what ,i had seen at ,salt ,lake had not impressed me very favorably toward the ',mormon' ,church1 and as to the origin of the ,book of ,mormon ,i had some doubts4 ,you have been charged with writing that book and giving it to ,joseph ,smith to introduce to the world4 ,you have always told me one story2 that you never saw the book until it was presented to you by ,parley ,p4 ,pratt and ,oliver ,cowdery2 and all you ever knew of the origin of that book was what they told you and what ,joseph ,smith and the witnesses who claimed to have seen the plates had told you4 ,is this true8 ,if so all right2 if it is not1 you owe it to me and your family to tell it4 ,you are an old man and you will soon pass away1 and ,i wish to know if ,joseph ,smith1 in your intimacy with him for fourteen years1 has not said something to you that led you to believe he obtained that book in some other way than what he had told you4 ,give me all you know about it1 that ,i may know the truth4 ,my father1 after ,i had finished saying what ,i have repeated above1 looked at me a moment1 raised his hand above his head and slowly said with tears glistening in his eyes3 ',my son1 ,i can swear before high heaven that what ,i have told you about the origin of that book is true4 ,your mother and sister1 ,mrs4 ,athalia ,robinson1 were present when that book was handed to me in ,mentor1 ,ohio1 and all ,i ever knew about the origin of that book was what ,parley ,p4 ,pratt1 ,oliver ,cowdery1 ,joseph ,smith and the witnesses who claimed they saw the plates have told me1 and in all my intimacy with ,joseph ,smith he never told me but the one story1 and that was that he found it engraved upon gold plates in a hill near ,palmyra1 ,new ,york1 and that an angel had appeared to him and directed him where to find it2 and ,i have never1 to you or to anyone else1 told but the one story1 and that ,i now repeat to you4' ,i believed him1 and now believe he told me the truth4 ,he also said to me after that that ,mormonism was true2 that ,joseph ,smith was a ,prophet1 and this world would find it out some day4 ,after my father's death1 my mother1 who survived him several years1 was in the enjoyment of good health up to the time of her last sickness1 she being eighty-six years old4 ,a short time before her death ,i had a conversation with her about the origin of the ,book of ,mormon1 and wanted to know what she remembered about its being presented to my father4 ,she said to me in that conversation that what my father had told me about the book being presented to him was true1 for she was present at the time and knew that was the first time he ever saw it1 and that the stories told about my father writing the ,book of ,mormon were not true4 ,this she said to me in her old age and when the shadows of the grave were gathering around her and ,i believe her4 7,life of ,sidney ,rigdon1 by his son ,john ,w4 ,rigdon1 ,ms1 pp4 #ahh-aie7 ,our author also mentions in his sketch of his father's life1 an affidavit given to him by his sister1 ,athalia ,robinson1 to the same effect as the statement of ,sidney ,rigdon and his wife1 relative to the coming of ,pratt and ,cowdery to their home in ,mentor1 and presenting to her father a bound copy of the ,book of ,mormon4 ,athalia was ten years old at the time1 and distinctly remembered throughout her life the circumstance4 7,ibid1 ,ms4 pp4 #aie-f74 #af4 ,frederick ,granger ,williams was born in ,suffield1 ,hartford county1 ,connecticut1 ,october #bhth1 #aghg4 ,he was therefore a man of forty-three years of age when the ,gospel was brought to him at ,kirtland by ,oliver ,cowdery and associates4 ,he was a man of considerable influence in the community where he resided4 ,he owned a farm near ,kirtland1 but at the time the ,gospel found him he was practicing medicine1 and was widely known as ,dr4 ,williams4 ,he abandoned the practice of his profession1 however1 for the work of the ministry1 and accompanied the ,lamanite mission to ,missouri4 #abf ,chapter ,,xii4 ,lost ,books of ,ancient ,scripture--,commandment to the ,church in ,new ,york to ,move to ,ohio4 ,sidenote3 ,readiness of the ,lord to ,impart ,knowledge4 ,the ,lord who is ever ready to instruct such as diligently seek in faith gave the following revelation at ,fayette1 ,new ,york3 ,revelation to ,ezra ,thayre and ,northrop ,sweet1 given ,october1 #ahcj4 #a #a4 ,behold ,i say unto you1 my servants ,ezra and ,northrop1 open ye your ears and hearken to the voice of the ,lord your ,god1 whose word is quick and powerful1 sharper than a two-edged sword1 to the dividing asunder of the joints and marrow1 soul and spirit3 and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart4 #b4 ,for verily1 verily1 ,i say unto you1 that ye are called to lift up your voices as with the sound of a trump1 to declare my ,gospel unto a crooked and perverse generation3 #c4 ,for behold1 the field is white already to harvest3 and it is the eleventh hour1 and the last time that ,i shall call laborers into my vineyard4 #d4 ,and my vineyard has become corrupted every whit2 and there is none which doeth good save it be a few2 and they err in many instances1 because of priestcrafts1 all having corrupt minds4 #e4 ,and verily1 verily1 ,i say unto you1 that this ,church have ,i established and called forth out of the wilderness3 #f4 ,and even so will ,i gather mine elect from the four quarters of the earth1 even as many as will believe in me1 and hearken unto my voice3 #g4 ,yea1 verily1 verily1 ,i say unto you1 that the field is white already to harvest2 wherefore1 thrust in your sickles1 and reap with all your might1 mind1 and strength4 #h4 ,open your mouths and they shall be filled1 and you shall become even as ,nephi of old1 who journeyed from ,jerusalem in the wilderness2 #abg #i4 ,yea1 open your mouths and spare not1 and you shall be laden with sheaves upon your backs1 for lo1 ,i am with you3 #aj4 ,yea1 open your mouths and they shall be filled1 saying--,repent1 repent1 and prepare ye the way of the ,lord1 and make ,his paths straight1 for the kingdom of heaven is at hand2 #aa4 ,yea1 repent and be baptized1 every one of you for a remission of your sins2 yea1 be baptized even by water1 and then cometh the baptism of fire and of the ,holy ,ghost4 #ab4 ,behold1 verily1 verily1 ,i say unto you1 this is my ,gospel1 and remember that they shall have faith in me1 or they can in no wise be saved2 #ac4 ,and upon this rock ,i will build my ,church2 yea1 upon this rock ye are built1 and if ye continue1 the gates of hell shall not prevail against you2 #ad4 ,and ye shall remember the ,church articles and covenants to keep them4 #ae4 ,and whoso having faith you shall confirm in my ,church1 by the laying on of the hands1 and ,i will bestow the gift of the ,holy ,ghost upon them4 #af4 ,and the ,book of ,mormon and the ,holy ,scriptures1 are given of me for your instruction2 and the power of my ,spirit quickeneth all things3 #ag4 ,wherefore1 be faithful1 praying always1 having your lamps trimmed and burning1 and oil with you1 that you may be ready at the coming of the ,bridegroom3 #ah4 ,for behold1 verily1 verily1 ,i say unto you1 that ,i come quickly4 ,even so4 ,amen4 ,sidenote3 ,orson ,pratt ,seeks to ,know the ,will of the ,lord4 ,in the fore part of ,november1 ,orson ,pratt1 #b a young man nineteen years of age1 who had been baptized at the first preaching of his brother ,parley ,p4 ,pratt1 ,september #aith 7his birthday71 about six weeks previous1 in ,canaan1 ,new ,york1 #abh came to inquire of the ,lord what his duty was1 and received the following answer3 ,a ,revelation to ,orson ,pratt1 given ,november1 #ahcj4 #c #a4 ,my son ,orson1 hearken and hear1 and behold what ,i1 the ,lord ,god1 shall say unto you1 even ,jesus ,christ your ,redeemer2 #b4 ,the light and the life of the world2 a light which shineth in darkness and the darkness comprehendeth it not2 #c4 ,who so loved the world that ,he gave ,his own life1 that as many as would believe might become the sons of ,god2 wherefore you are my son1 #d4 ,and blessed are you because you have believed2 #e4 ,and more blessed are you because you are called of me to preach my ,gospel-- #f4 ,to lift up your voice as with the sound of a trump1 both long and loud1 and cry repentance unto a crooked and perverse generation1 preparing the way of the ,lord for ,his second coming2 #g4 ,for behold1 verily1 verily1 ,i say unto you1 the time is soon at hand that ,i shall come in a cloud with power and great glory1 #h4 ,and it shall be a great day at the time of my coming1 for all nations shall tremble4 #i4 ,but before that great day shall come1 the sun shall be darkened1 and the moon be turned into blood1 and the stars shall refuse their shining1 and some shall fall1 and great destructions await the wicked3 #aj4 ,wherefore lift up your voice and spare not1 for the ,lord ,god hath spoken2 therefore prophesy1 and it shall be given by the power of the ,holy ,ghost2 #aa4 ,and if you are faithful1 behold1 ,i am with you until ,i come3 #ab4 ,and verily1 verily1 ,i say unto you1 ,i come quickly4 ,i am your ,lord and your ,redeemer4 ,even so4 ,amen4 ,sidenote3 ,sidney ,rigdon and ,edward ,partridge ,visit the ,prophet4 ,in ,december ,sidney ,rigdon came to inquire of the ,lord1 and with him came ,edward ,partridge2 #d the latter was a pattern of piety1 and one of the ,lord's great men4 ,shortly after the arrival of these two brethren1 thus spake the ,lord3 #abi ,revelation to ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 and ,sidney ,rigdon1 given at ,fayette1 ,new ,york1 ,december1 #ahcj4 #e #a4 ,listen to the voice of the ,lord your ,god1 even ,alpha and ,omega1 the beginning and the end1 whose course is one eternal round1 the same today as yesterday1 and forever4 #b4 ,i am ,jesus ,christ1 the ,son of ,god1 who was crucified for the sins of the world1 even as many as will believe on my name1 that they may become the sons of ,god1 even one in me as ,i am one in the ,father1 as the ,father is one in me1 that we may be one4 #c4 ,behold1 verily1 verily1 ,i say unto my servant ,sidney1 ,i have looked upon thee and thy works4 ,i have heard thy prayers1 and prepared thee for a greater work4 #d4 ,thou art blessed1 for thou shalt do great things4 ,behold thou wast sent forth1 even as ,john1 to prepare the way before me1 and before ,elijah which should come and thou knewest it not4 #e4 ,thou didst baptize by water unto repentance1 but they received not the ,holy ,ghost2 #f4 ,but now ,i give unto thee a commandment1 that thou shalt baptize by water1 and they shall receive the ,holy ,ghost by the laying on of the hands1 even as the apostles of old4 #g4 ,and it shall come to pass that there shall be a great work in the land1 even among the ,gentiles1 for their folly and their abominations shall be made manifest in the eyes of all people2 #h4 ,for ,i am ,god1 and mine arm is not shortened2 and ,i will show miracles1 signs1 and wonders1 unto all those who believe on my name4 #acj #i4 ,and whoso shall ask it in my name in faith1 they shall cast out devils2 they shall heal the sick1 they shall cause the blind to receive their sight1 and the deaf to hear1 and the dumb to speak1 and the lame to walk2 #aj4 ,and the time speedily cometh that great things are to be shown forth unto the children of men2 #aa4 ,but without faith shall not anything be shown forth1 except desolations upon ,babylon1 the same which has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication4 #ab4 ,and there are none that doeth good except those who are ready to receive the fulness of my ,gospel which ,i have sent forth unto this generation4 #ac4 ,wherefore ,i call upon the weak things of the world1 those who are unlearned and despised1 to thrash the nations by the power of my ,spirit3 #ad4 ,and their arm shall be my arm1 and ,i will be their shield and their buckler2 and ,i will gird up their loins1 and they shall fight manfully for me2 and their enemies shall be under their feet2 and ,i will let fall the sword in their behalf1 and by the fire of mine indignation will ,i preserve them4 #ae4 ,and the poor and the meek shall have the ,gospel preached unto them1 and they shall be looking forth for the time of my coming1 for it is nigh at hand3 #af4 ,and they shall learn the parable of the fig tree1 for even now already summer is nigh1 #ag4 ,and ,i have sent forth the fulness of my ,gospel by the hand of my servant ,joseph2 and in weakness have ,i blessed him1 #ah4 ,and ,i have given unto him the keys of the mystery of those things which have been sealed1 even things which were from the foundation of the world1 and the things which shall come from this time until the time of my coming if he abide in me1 and if not1 another will ,i plant in his stead4 #ai4 ,wherefore1 watch over him1 that his faith fail not1 and it shall be given by the ,comforter1 the ,holy ,ghost1 that knoweth all things3 #bj4 ,and a commandment ,i give unto thee1 that thou shalt write for him2 and the ,scriptures shall be given1 even as they are in mine own bosom1 to the salvation of mine own elect2 #ba4 ,for they will hear my voice1 and shall see me1 and shall not be asleep1 and shall abide the day of my coming1 for they shall be purified1 even as ,i am pure4 #bb4 ,and now ,i say unto you1 tarry with him1 and he shall journey with you2 forsake him not1 and surely these things shall be fulfilled4 #bc4 ,and inasmuch as ye do not write1 behold1 it shall be given unto #aca him to prophesy3 and thou shalt preach my ,gospel1 and call on the holy prophets to prove his words1 as they shall be given him4 #bd4 ,keep all the commandments and covenants by which ye are bound2 and ,i will cause the heavens to shake for your good1 and ,satan shall tremble and ,zion shall rejoice upon the hills and flourish1 #be4 ,and ,israel shall be saved in mine own due time2 and by the keys which ,i have given shall they be led1 and no more be confounded at all4 #bf4 ,lift up your hearts and be glad1 your redemption draweth nigh4 #bg4 ,fear not1 little flock1 the kingdom is yours until ,i come4 ,behold ,i come quickly4 ,even so4 ,amen4 ,and the voice of the ,lord to ,edward ,partridge was3 ,a ,revelation to ,edward ,partridge1 given ,december1 #ahcj4 #f #a4 ,thus saith the ,lord ,god1 the ,mighty ,one of ,israel1 ,behold1 ,i say unto you1 my servant ,edward1 that you are blessed and your sins are forgiven you1 and you are called to preach my ,gospel as with the voice of a trump2 #b4 ,and ,i will lay my hand upon you by the hand of my servant ,sidney ,rigdon1 and you shall receive my ,spirit1 the ,holy ,ghost1 even the ,comforter1 which shall teach you the peaceable things of the kingdom2 #c4 ,and you shall declare it with a loud voice1 saying1 ,hosanna1 blessed be the name of the most high ,god4 #d4 ,and now this calling and commandment give ,i unto you concerning all men1 #e4 ,that as many as shall come before my servants ,sidney ,rigdon and ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 embracing this calling and commandment1 shall be ordained and sent forth to preach the everlasting ,gospel among the nations4 #f4 ,crying repentance1 saying1 ,save yourselves from this untoward generation1 and come forth out of the fire1 hating even the garments spotted with the flesh4 #g4 ,and this commandment shall be given unto the ,elders of my ,church1 that every man which will embrace it with singleness of heart1 may be ordained and sent forth1 even as ,i have spoken4 #h4 ,i am ,jesus ,christ the ,son of ,god3 wherefore1 gird up your loins and ,i will suddenly come to my temple4 ,even so4 ,amen4 ,sidenote3 ,of the ,lost ,books of ,scripture4 ,it may be well to observe here1 that the ,lord greatly encouraged and strengthened the faith of ,his little flock1 which had embraced the fullness of the everlasting #acb ,gospel1 as revealed to them in the ,book of ,mormon1 by giving some more extended information upon the ,scriptures1 a translation of which had already commenced4 ,much conjecture and conversation frequently occurred among the ,saints1 concerning the books mentioned1 and referred to1 in various places in the ,old and ,new ,testaments1 which were now nowhere to be found4 #g ,the common remark was1 ,they are lost books2 but it seems the ,apostolic ,church had some of these writings1 as ,jude mentions or quotes the ,prophecy of ,enoch1 the seventh from ,adam4 ,to the joy of the #acc little flock1 which in all1 from ,colesville to ,canandaigua1 ,new ,york1 numbered about seventy members1 did the ,lord reveal the following doings of olden times1 from the prophecy of ,enoch3 #h ,extracts from the ,prophecy of ,enoch4 #a4 ,and it came to pass that ,enoch continued his speech1 saying1 ,behold1 our father ,adam taught these things1 and many have believed and become the sons of ,god1 and many have believed not1 and have perished in their sins1 and are looking forth with fear1 in torment1 for the fiery indignation of the wrath of ,god to be poured out upon them4 #b4 ,and from that time forth ,enoch began to prophesy1 saying unto the people1 ,that1 as ,i was journeying1 and stood upon the place ,mahujah and cried unto the ,lord1 there came a voice out of heaven1 saying1 ,turn ye1 and get ye upon the ,mount ,simeon4 #c4 ,and it came to pass that ,i turned and went up on the mount2 and as ,i stood upon the mount1 ,i beheld the heavens open1 and ,i was clothed upon with glory1 #d4 ,and ,i saw the ,lord2 and ,he stood before my face1 and ,he talked with me1 even as a man talketh one with another1 face to face2 and ,he said unto me1 ,look1 and ,i will show unto thee the world for the space of many generations4 #e4 ,and it came to pass that ,i beheld in the valley of ,shum1 and lo1 a great people which dwelt in tents1 which were the people of ,shum4 #f4 ,and again the ,lord said unto me1 ,look2 and ,i looked towards the north1 and ,i beheld the people of ,canaan1 which dwelt in tents4 #g4 ,and the ,lord said unto me1 ,prophesy2 and ,i prophesied1 saying1 ,behold the people of ,canaan1 which are numerous1 shall go forth in battle array against the people of ,shum1 and shall slay them that they shall utterly be destroyed2 and the people of ,canaan shall divide themselves in the land1 and the land shall be barren and unfruitful1 and none other people shall dwell there but the people of ,canaan2 #h4 ,for behold the ,lord shall curse the land with much heat1 and the barrenness thereof shall go forth forever2 and there was a blackness came upon all the children of ,canaan1 and they were despised among all people4 #i4 ,and it came to pass that the ,lord said unto me1 ,look2 and ,i #acd looked1 and ,i beheld the land of ,sharon1 and the land of ,enoch1 and the land of ,omner1 and the land of ,heni1 and the land of ,shem1 and the land of ,haner1 and the land of ,hanannihah1 and all the inhabitants thereof2 #aj4 ,and the ,lord said unto me1 ,go to this people1 and say unto them1 that they must repent1 lest ,i come out and smite them with a curse1 and they die4 #aa4 ,and he gave unto me a commandment that ,i should baptize in the name of the ,father1 and of the ,son1 which is full of grace and truth1 and of the ,holy ,ghost which beareth record of the ,father and the ,son4 #ab4 ,and it came to pass that ,enoch continued to call upon all the people1 save it were the people of ,canaan1 to repent2 #ac4 ,and so great was the faith of ,enoch1 that he led the people of ,god1 and their enemies came to battle against them2 and he spake the word of the ,lord1 and the earth trembled1 and the mountains fled1 even according to his command2 and the rivers of water were turned out of their course2 and the roar of the lions was heard out of the wilderness2 and all nations feared greatly1 so powerful was the word of ,enoch2 and so great was the power of the language which ,god had given him4 #ad4 ,there also came up a land out of the depth of the sea1 and so great was the fear of the enemies of the people of ,god1 that they fled and stood afar off1 and went upon the land which came up out of the depths of the sea4 #ae4 ,and the giants of the land1 also1 stood afar off2 and there went forth a curse upon all the people that fought against ,god2 #af4 ,and from that time forth there were wars and bloodshed among them2 but the ,lord came and dwelt with ,his people1 and they dwelt in righteousness4 #ag4 ,the fear of the ,lord was upon all nations1 so great was the glory of the ,lord1 which was upon ,his people4 ,and the ,lord blessed the land1 and they were blessed upon the mountains1 and upon the high places1 and did flourish4 #ah4 ,and the ,lord called ,his people ,zion1 because they were of one heart and one mind1 and dwelt in righteousness2 and there was no poor among them2 #ai4 ,and ,enoch continued his preaching in righteousness unto the people of ,god4 ,and it came to pass in his days1 that he built a city that was called the city of ,holiness3 even ,zion4 #bj4 ,and it came to pass that ,enoch talked with the ,lord2 and he said unto the ,lord1 ,surely ,zion shall dwell in safety forever4 ,but the ,lord said unto ,enoch1 ,zion have ,i blessed1 but the residue of the people have ,i cursed4 #ba4 ,and it came to pass that the ,lord showed unto ,enoch all the inhabitants of the earth2 and he beheld1 and lo1 ,zion1 in process of #ace time1 was taken up into heaven6 ,and the ,lord said unto ,enoch1 ,behold mine abode forever4 #bb4 ,and ,enoch also beheld the residue of the people which were the sons of ,adam2 and they were a mixture of all the seed of ,adam1 save it were the seed of ,cain1 for the seed of ,cain were black1 and had not place among them4 #bc4 ,and after that ,zion was taken up into heaven1 ,enoch beheld1 and lo1 all the nations of the earth were before him2 and there came generation upon generation2 #bd4 ,and ,enoch was high and lifted up1 even in the bosom of the ,father1 and of the ,son of ,man2 and behold1 the power of ,satan was upon all the face of the earth4 #be4 ,and he saw angels descending out of heaven2 and he heard a loud voice saying1 ,wo1 wo be unto the inhabitants of the earth6 #bf4 ,and he beheld ,satan2 and he had a great chain in his hand1 and it veiled the whole face of the earth with darkness2 and he looked up and laughed and his angels rejoiced4 #bg4 ,and ,enoch beheld angels descending out of heaven1 bearing testimony of the ,father and the ,son2 and the ,holy ,ghost fell on many1 and they were caught up by the powers of heaven into ,zion4 #bh4 ,and it came to pass that the ,god of heaven looked upon the residue of the people1 and ,he wept2 and ,enoch bore record of it1 saying1 ,how is it that the heavens weep1 and shed forth their tears is the rain upon the mountains8 #bi4 ,and ,enoch said unto the ,lord1 ,how is it that thou canst weep1 seeing thou art holy1 and from all eternity to all eternity8 #cj4 ,and were it possible that man could number the particles of the earth1 yea millions of earths like this1 it would not be a beginning to the number of ,thy creations2 and ,thy curtains are stretched out still2 and yet ,thou art there1 and ,thy bosom is there2 and also thou art just2 ,thou art merciful and kind forever2 #ca4 ,and ,thou hast taken ,zion to ,thine own bosom1 from all ,thy creations1 from all eternity to all eternity2 and nought but peace1 justice1 and truth is the habitation of ,thy ,throne2 and mercy shall go before ,thy face and have no end2 how is it thou canst weep8 #cb4 ,the ,lord said unto ,enoch1 behold these thy brethren2 they are the workmanship of mine own hands1 and ,i gave unto them their knowledge1 in the day ,i created them2 and in the ,garden of ,eden1 gave ,i unto man his agency2 #cc4 ,and unto thy brethren have ,i said1 and also given commandment1 that they should love one another1 and that they should choose me1 their ,father1 but behold1 they are without affection1 and they hate their own blood4 #acf #cd4 ,and the fire of mine indignation is kindled against them2 and in my hot displeasure will ,i send in the floods upon them2 for my fierce anger is kindled against them4 #ce4 ,behold1 ,i am ,god2 ,man of ,holiness is my name2 ,man of ,counsel is my name2 and ,endless and ,eternal is my name1 also4 #cf4 ,wherefore1 ,i can stretch forth mine hands and hold all the creations which ,i have made2 and mine eye can pierce them also2 and among all the workmanship of mine hands there has not been so great wickedness as among thy brethren2 #cg4 ,but behold1 their sins shall be upon the heads of their fathers2 ,satan shall be their father1 and misery shall be their doom2 and the whole heavens shall weep over them1 even all the workmanship of mine hands2 wherefore should not the heavens weep1 seeing these shall suffer8 #ch4 ,but behold1 these which thine eyes are upon shall perish in the floods2 and behold1 ,i will shut them up2 a prison have ,i prepared for them4 #ci4 ,and ,him which ,i have chosen hath plead before my face4 ,wherefore1 ,he suffereth for their sins2 inasmuch as they will repent in the day that my ,chosen shall return unto me1 and until that day they shall be in torment2 #dj4 ,wherefore1 for this shall the heavens weep1 yea1 and all the workmanship of mine hands4 #da4 ,and it came to pass that the ,lord spake unto ,enoch1 and told ,enoch all the doings of the children of men2 wherefore ,enoch knew1 and looked upon their wickedness and their misery1 and wept and stretched forth his arms1 and his heart swelled wide as eternity2 and his bowels yearned2 and all eternity shook4 #db4 ,and ,enoch also saw ,noah1 and his family2 that the posterity of all the sons of ,noah should be saved with a temporal salvation2 #dc4 ,wherefore ,enoch saw that ,noah built an ark1 and that the ,lord smiled upon it1 and held it in ,his own hand2 but upon the residue of the wicked the floods came and swallowed them up4 #dd4 ,and as ,enoch saw this1 he had bitterness of soul1 and wept over his brethren1 and said unto the heavens1 ,i will refuse to be comforted2 but the ,lord said unto ,enoch1 ,lift up your heart1 and be glad2 and look2 #de4 ,and it came to pass that ,enoch looked2 and from ,noah1 he beheld all the families of the earth2 and he cried unto the ,lord1 saying1 ,when shall the day of the ,lord come8 ,when shall the blood of the ,righteous be shed1 that all they that mourn may be sanctified1 and have eternal life8 #df4 ,and the ,lord said1 ,it shall be in the meridian of time1 in the days of wickedness and vengeance4 #acg #dg4 ,and behold1 ,enoch saw the day of the coming of the ,son of ,man even in the flesh2 and his soul rejoiced1 saying1 ,the ,righteous is lifted up1 and the ,lamb is slain from the foundation of the world2 and through faith ,i am in the bosom of the ,father1 and behold1 ,zion is with me4 #dh4 ,and it came to pass that ,enoch looked upon the earth2 and he heard a voice from the bowels thereof1 saying1 ,wo1 wo is me1 the mother of men6 ,i am pained1 ,i am weary1 because of the wickedness of my children6 ,when shall ,i rest1 and be cleansed from the filthiness which has gone forth out of me8 ,when will my ,creator sanctify me that ,i may rest1 and righteousness for a season abide upon my face8 #di4 ,and when ,enoch heard the earth mourn1 he wept1 and cried unto the ,lord1 saying1 ,o ,lord1 wilt thou not have compassion upon the earth8 ,wilt thou not bless the children of ,noah8 #ej4 ,and it came to pass that ,enoch continued his cry unto the ,lord1 saying1 ,i ask thee1 ,o ,lord1 in the name of thine ,only ,begotten1 even ,jesus ,christ1 that thou wilt have mercy upon ,noah1 and his seed1 that the earth might never more be covered by the floods4 #ea4 ,and the ,lord could not withhold2 and he covenanted with ,enoch and sware unto him with an oath1 that he would stay the floods2 that he would call upon the children of ,noah2 #eb4 ,and he sent forth an unalterable decree1 that a remnant of his seed should always be found among all nations1 while the earth should stand2 #ec4 ,and the ,lord said1 ,blessed is he through whose seed ,messiah shall come2 for he saith1 ,i am ,messiah1 the ,king of ,zion1 the ,rock of ,heaven1 which is broad as eternity2 whoso cometh in at the gate and climbeth up by me shall never fall2 wherefore1 blessed are they of whom ,i have spoken1 for they shall come forth with songs of everlasting joy4 #ed4 ,and it came to pass that ,enoch cried unto the ,lord1 saying1 ,when the ,son of ,man cometh in the flesh1 shall the earth rest8 ,i pray ,thee1 show me these things4 #ee4 ,and the ,lord said unto ,enoch1 ,look2 and he looked and beheld the ,son of ,man lifted up on the cross1 after the manner of men2 #ef4 ,and he heard a loud voice2 and the heavens were veiled2 and all the creations of ,god mourned2 and the earth groaned2 and the rocks were rent2 and the ,saints arose1 and were crowned at the right hand of the ,son of ,man1 with crowns of glory2 #eg4 ,and as many of the spirits as were in prison came forth1 and stood on the right hand of ,god2 and the remainder were reserved in chains of darkness until the judgment of the great day4 #ach #eh4 ,and again ,enoch wept and cried unto the ,lord1 saying1 ,when shall the earth rest8 #ei4 ,and ,enoch beheld the ,son of ,man ascend up unto the ,father2 and he called unto the ,lord1 saying1 ,wilt thou not come again upon the earth8 ,for as much as ,thou art ,god1 and ,i know ,thee1 and ,thou hast sworn unto me1 and commanded me that ,i should ask in the name of ,thine ,only ,begotten1 ,thou hast made me1 and given unto me a right to ,thy throne1 and not of myself1 but through ,thine own grace2 wherefore1 ,i ask ,thee if ,thou wilt not come again on the earth4 #fj4 ,and the ,lord said unto ,enoch1 ,as ,i live1 even so will ,i come in the last days1 in the days of wickedness and vengeance1 to fulfil the oath which ,i have made unto you concerning the children of ,noah2 #fa4 ,and the day shall come that the earth shall rest1 but before that day the heavens shall be darkened1 and a veil of darkness shall cover the earth2 and the heavens shall shake1 and also the earth2 and great tribulations shall be among the children of men1 but my people will ,i preserve2 #fb4 ,and righteousness will ,i send down out of heaven2 and truth will ,i send forth out of the earth1 to bear testimony of mine ,only ,begotten2 ,his resurrection from the dead2 yea1 and also the resurrection of all men2 and righteousness and truth will ,i cause to sweep the earth as with a flood1 to gather out mine elect from the four quarters of the earth1 unto a place which ,i shall prepare2 an ,holy ,city1 that my people may gird up their loins1 and be looking forth for the time of my coming2 for there shall be my tabernacle1 and it shall be called ,zion1 a ,new ,jerusalem4 #fc4 ,and the ,lord said unto ,enoch1 ,then shalt thou and all thy city meet them there1 and we will receive them into our bosom1 and they shall see us2 and we will fall upon their necks1 and they shall fall upon our necks1 and we will kiss each other2 #fd4 ,and there shall be mine abode1 and it shall be ,zion1 which shall come forth out of all the creations which ,i have made1 and for the space of a thousand years the earth shall rest4 #fe4 ,and it came to pass that ,enoch saw the day of the coming of the ,son of ,man1 in the last days1 to dwell on the earth in righteousness for the space of a thousand years2 #ff4 ,but before that day he saw great tribulations among the wicked2 and he also saw the sea1 that it was troubled1 and men's hearts failing them1 looking forth with fear for the judgments of the ,almighty ,god1 which should come upon the wicked4 #fg4 ,and the ,lord showed ,enoch all things1 even unto the end of the world2 and he saw the day of the righteous1 the hour of their redemption2 and received a fulness of joy2 #aci #fh4 ,and all the days of ,zion1 in the days of ,enoch1 were three hundred and sixty-five years2 #fi4 ,and ,enoch and all his people walked with ,god1 and he dwelt in the midst of ,zion2 and it came to pass that ,zion was not1 for ,god received it up into ,his own bosom2 and from thence went forth the saying1 ,zion is fled4 ,sidenote3 ,commanded to ,go to ,ohio4 ,soon after the words of ,enoch were given1 the ,lord gave the following commandment3 ,a ,revelation to ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 and ,sidney ,rigdon1 given ,december1 #ahcj4 #i #a4 ,behold1 ,i say unto you1 that it is not expedient in me that ye should translate any more until ye shall go to the ,ohio1 and this because of the enemy and for your sakes4 #b4 ,and again1 ,i say unto you1 that ye shall not go until ye have preached my ,gospel in those parts1 and have strengthened up the ,church whithersoever it is found1 and more especially in ,colesville2 for1 behold1 they pray unto me in much faith4 #c4 ,and again1 a commandment ,i give unto the ,church1 that it is expedient in me that they should assemble together at the ,ohio1 against the time that my servant ,oliver ,cowdery shall return unto them4 #d4 ,behold1 here is wisdom1 and let every man choose for himself until ,i come4 ,even so4 ,amen4 ,footnotes #a4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #cc4 #b4 ,orson ,pratt was born ,september #ai1 #ahaa1 in ,hartford1 ,washington county1 ,new ,york4 ,his ancestors are enumerated in the biographical note of his brother1 ,parley ,p4 ,pratt1 pp4 #aah1 #aai4 ,the humble circumstances of his parents compelled him to seek employment where he could obtain it in various places1 mainly at farming1 during which time1 however1 he managed to get some schooling1 paying especial attention to arithmetic1 and gaining an acquaintance also with bookkeeping1 grammar1 geography and surveying4 ,the early lessons of morality and religion taught at his father's home made deep impressions on his youthful mind1 and led him in the autumn of #ahbi1 particularly to seek the ,lord4 ,for this purpose he retired frequently to the lonely fields or the woods for prayer4 ,this continued till ,september1 #ahcj1 when his brother ,parley ,p4 ,pratt1 an ,elder of the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-day ,saints1 came into the neighborhood where he resided1 and as related in the text was converted at the first preaching of his brother ,parley ,p4 ,pratt4 #c4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 section #cd4 #d4 ,edward ,partridge was born in ,pittsfield1 ,berkshire county1 ,massachusetts1 on the #bgth of ,august1 #agic1 of ,william and ,jemima ,partridge4 ,his father's ancestor emigrated from ,berwick1 ,scotland1 during the seventeenth century1 and settled at ,hadley1 ,massachusetts1 on ,connecticut river4 ,nothing worthy of note transpired in his youth1 with the exception1 that he remembered1 7though the precise time he could not recollect7 that the ,spirit of the ,lord strove with him a number of times1 insomuch that his heart was made tender1 and he went and wept2 and sometimes he went silently and poured the effusions of his soul to ,god in prayer4 ,at the age of sixteen he went to learn the hatter's trade1 and continued as an apprentice for about four years4 ,at the age of twenty he had become disgusted with the religious world4 ,he saw no beauty1 comeliness1 or loveliness in the character of ,god as represented by the teaching of the various religious sects4 ,he however heard a ,universal ,restorationer preach upon the love of ,god3 this sermon gave him exalted opinions of ,god1 and he concluded that ,universal ,restoration was right according to the ,bible4 ,he continued in this belief till #ahbh1 when he and his wife were baptized into the ,campbellite church by ,sidney ,rigdon1 in ,mentor1 though they resided in ,painesville1 ,ohio4 ,he continued a member of this church1 though doubting at times its being the true one1 until ,elders ,parley ,p4 ,pratt1 ,oliver ,cowdery1 ,peter ,whitmer1 ,jun41 and ,ziba ,peterson came with the ,book of ,mormon1 when he began to investigate the subject of religion anew4 ,as stated in the text he accompanied ,sidney ,rigdon to ,fayette1 ,new ,york1 where1 on the #aath of ,december1 he was baptized by the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith in the ,seneca river4 #e4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #ce4 #f4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #cf4 #g4 ,the most prominent of the lost books of the ,old ,testament are mentioned in the following passages3 ,i ,chronicles1 #bi3bi2 #b ,chronicles #i3bi2b ,chronicles #ab3ae2 ,i ,samuel1 #aj3be2 ,i ,kings1 #d3cb1 #cc4 ,the following is the list of lost books mentioned in the ,new ,testament3 ,scripture of ,abraham's ,time3 ,and the scripture1 foreseeing that ,god would justify the heathen through faith1 preached before the ,gospel unto ,abraham4 7,galatians #c3h47 ,the ,christian world says1 ,moses was ,god's first pen1 but it appears from the above quotation that some one wrote scriptures even before ,abraham's day1 and he read them1 learned the ,gospel from them and also learned that ,god would justify the heathen through faith4 ,prophecy of ,enoch3 ,speaking of characters who are like raging waves of the sea1 foaming out their own shame1 ,jude says3 ,and ,enoch also1 the seventh from ,adam prophesied of these1 saying1 ,behold1 the ,lord cometh with ten thousands of ,his saints to execute judgment upon all1 etc4 7,jude1 #ad1 #ae47 ,from this it appears that ,enoch had a revelation concerning the glorious coming of the ,son of ,god to judgment4 ,may not the prophecy of ,enoch have been among the scriptures with which ,abraham was acquainted8 ,another ,epistle of ,jude3 ,when ,i gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation1 it was needful for me to write unto you1 and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the ,saints4 7,jude #c47 ,we have but one epistle of ,jude4 ,would not the epistle on the common salvation be as important as the one the only one we now have from ,jude's pen8 ,another ,epistle to the ,ephesians3 ,in ,ephesians1 #c and #crd1 ,paul alludes to another epistle which he had written to that people1 but of which the world has no knowledge except from this reference which is made by its author4 ,this epistle contained a revelation from ,god4 ,an ,epistle to the ,laodiceans3 ,when the epistle ,colossians is read among you1 cause that it be read also in the church of the ,laodiceans2 and that ye likewise read the epistle from ,laodicea4 7,colossians1 #d3af47 ,the epistles to the ,laodiceans is among the lost scripture4 ,another ,epistle to the ,corinthians3 ,in the first letter to the ,corinthians is this statement3 ,i wrote you in an epistle not to company with fornicators 7#a ,corinthians1 #e3i74 ,from this it would appear that our so-called first epistle to the ,corinthians is really not the first1 since ,paul in it speaks of a former letter he had written to the ,corinthians1 and which was doubtless as good scripture as the two which have been preserved4 #h4 ,this prophecy of ,enoch is contained in the ,writings of ,moses1 which about this time were revealed to the ,prophet1 and are now published in the ,pearl of ,great ,price4 ,it will be understood1 then1 by the reader1 that the ,prophecy of ,enoch itself is found in the ,writings of ,moses1 and that in the text above we have but a few extracts of the most prominent parts of ,enoch's ,prophecy4 ,for the complete prophecy the reader is referred to the ,pearl of ,great ,price4 7,chapter #g47 #i4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 section #cg4 #adj ,chapter ,,xiii4 ,prospects of the ,church at the ,opening of the ,year #ahca--,removal of the ,prophet ,joseph from ,new ,york to ,ohio--,doctrinal ,development4 ,sidenote3 ,prospects of the ,church--#ahca4 ,the year #ahca opened with a prospect great and glorious for the welfare of the kingdom2 for on the #bnd of ,january1 #ahca1 a conference was held in the town of ,fayette1 ,new ,york1 at which the ordinary business of the ,church was transacted2 and in addition1 the following revelation was received3 ,revelation1 given ,january #bnd1 #ahca4 #a #a4 ,thus saith the ,lord your ,god1 even ,jesus ,christ1 the ,great ,i ,,am1 ,alpha and ,omega1 the beginning and the end1 the same which looked upon the wide expanse of eternity1 and all the seraphic hosts of heaven before the world was made3 #b4 ,the same which knoweth all things1 for all things are present before mine eyes3 #c4 ,i am the same which spake1 and the world was made1 and all things came by me3 #d4 ,i am the same which have taken the ,zion of ,enoch into mine own bosom2 and verily1 ,i say1 even as many as have believed in my name1 for ,i am ,christ1 and in mine own name1 by the virtue of the blood which ,i have spilt1 have ,i pleaded before the ,father for them2 #e4 ,but behold1 the residue of the wicked have ,i kept in chains of darkness until the judgment of the great day1 which shall come at the end of the earth2 #f4 ,and even so will ,i cause the wicked to be kept1 that will not hear my voice but harden their hearts1 and wo1 wo1 wo1 is their doom4 #ada #g4 ,but behold1 verily1 verily1 ,i say unto you that mine eyes are upon you4 ,i am in your midst1 and ye cannot see me2 #h4 ,but the day soon cometh that ye shall see me1 and know that ,i am2 for the vail of darkness shall soon be rent1 and he that is not purified shall not abide the day3 #i4 ,wherefore gird up your loins and be prepared4 ,behold1 the kingdom is yours1 and the enemy shall not overcome4 #aj4 verily1 ,i say unto you1 ye are clean1 but not all2 and there is none else with whom ,i am well pleased4 #aa4 ,for all flesh is corrupted before me2 and the powers of darkness prevail upon the earth1 among the children of men1 in the presence of all the hosts of heaven4 #ab4 ,which causeth silence to reign1 and all eternity is pained1 and the angels are waiting the great command to reap down the earth1 to gather the tares that they may be burned2 and1 behold1 the enemy is combined4 #ac4 ,and now ,i show unto you a mystery1 a thing which is had in secret chambers1 to bring to pass even your destruction in process of time1 and ye knew it not4 #ad4 ,but now ,i tell it unto you1 and ye are blessed1 not because of your iniquity1 neither your hearts of unbelief2 for verily some of you are guilty before me1 but ,i will be merciful unto your weakness4 #ae4 ,therefore1 be ye strong from henceforth2 fear not1 for the kingdom is yours3 #af4 ,and for your salvation ,i give unto you a commandment1 for ,i have heard your prayers1 and the poor have complained before me1 and the rich have ,i made1 and all flesh is mine1 and ,i am no respecter of persons4 #ag4 ,and ,i have made the earth rich1 and behold it is my footstool1 wherefore1 again ,i will stand upon it2 #ah4 ,and ,i hold forth and deign to give unto you greater riches1 even a land of promise1 a land flowing with milk and honey1 upon which there shall be no curse when the ,lord cometh2 #ai4 ,and ,i will give it unto you for the land of your inheritance1 if you seek it with all your hearts3 #bj4 ,and this shall be my covenant with you1 ye shall have it for the land of your inheritance1 and for the inheritance of your children forever1 while the earth shall stand1 and ye shall possess it again in eternity1 no more to pass away4 #ba4 ,but verily ,i say unto you1 that in time ye shall have no king nor ruler1 for ,i will be your ,king and watch over you4 #bb4 ,wherefore1 hear my voice and follow me1 and you shall be a free #adb people1 and ye shall have no laws but my laws when ,i come1 for ,i am your ,law-giver1 and what can stay my hand8 #bc4 ,but verily1 ,i say unto you1 teach one another according to the office wherewith ,i have appointed you1 #bd4 ,and let every man esteem his brother as himself1 and practice virtue and holiness before me4 #be4 ,and again ,i say unto you1 let every man esteem his brother as himself2 #bf4 ,for what man among you having twelve sons1 and is no respecter of them1 and they serve him obediently1 and he saith unto the one1 ,be thou clothed in robes and sit thou here2 and to the other1 ,be thou clothed in rags and sit thou there1 and looketh upon his sons and saith ,i am just4 #bg4 ,behold1 this ,i have given unto you as a parable1 and it is even as ,i am3 ,i say unto you1 be one2 and if ye are not one1 ye are not mine4 #bh4 ,and again ,i say unto you1 that the enemy in the secret chambers seeketh your lives4 #bi4 ,ye hear of wars in far countries1 and you say that there will soon be great wars in far countries1 but ye know not the hearts of men in your own land4 #cj4 ,i tell you these things because of your prayers2 wherefore treasure up wisdom in your bosoms1 lest the wickedness of men reveal these things unto you by their wickedness1 in a manner which shall speak in your ears with a voice louder than that which shall shake the earth2 but if ye are prepared1 ye shall not fear4 #ca4 ,and that ye might escape the power of the enemy1 and be gathered unto me a righteous people1 without spot and blameless3 #cb4 ,wherefore1 for this cause ,i gave unto you the commandment that ye should go to the ,ohio2 and there ,i will give unto you my law2 and there you shall be endowed with power from on high2 #cc4 ,and from thence1 whomsoever ,i will1 shall go forth among all nations1 and it shall be told them what they shall do2 for ,i have a great work laid up in store1 for ,israel shall be saved1 and ,i will lead them whithersoever ,i will1 and no power shall stay my hand4 #cd4 ,and now ,i give unto the ,church in these parts1 a commandment that certain men among them shall be appointed1 and they shall be appointed by the voice of the ,church2 #ce4 ,and they shall look to the poor and the needy1 and administer to their relief1 that they shall not suffer2 and send them forth to the place which ,i have commanded them2 #cf4 ,and this shall be their work1 to govern the affairs of the property of this ,church4 #adc #cg4 ,and they have farms that cannot be sold1 let them be left or rented as seemeth them good4 #ch4 ,see that all things are preserved2 and when men are endowed with power from on high and sent forth1 all these things shall be gathered unto the bosom of the ,church4 #ci4 ,and if ye seek the riches which it is the will of the ,father to give unto you1 ye shall be the richest of all people1 for ye shall have the riches of eternity2 and it must needs be that the riches of the earth are mine to give2 but beware of pride1 lest ye become as the ,nephites of old4 #dj4 ,and again ,i say unto you1 ,i give unto you a commandment1 that every man1 both ,elder1 ,priest1 ,teacher1 and also member1 go to with his might1 with the labor of his hands1 to prepare and accomplish the things which ,i have commanded4 #da4 ,and let your preaching be the warning voice1 every man to his neighbor1 in mildness and in meekness4 #db4 ,and go ye out from among the wicked4 ,save yourselves4 ,be ye clean that bear the vessels of the ,lord4 ,even so4 ,amen4 ,sidenote3 ,james ,covill4 ,not long after this conference of the #bnd of ,january closed1 there was a man came to me by the name of ,james ,covill1 who had been a ,baptist minister for about forty years1 and covenanted with the ,lord that he would obey any command that the ,lord would give to him through me1 as ,his servant1 and ,i received the following3 ,revelation to ,james ,covill1 given at ,fayette1 ,new ,york1 ,january #eth1 #ahca4 #b #a4 ,hearken and listen to the voice of ,him who is from all eternity to all eternity1 the ,great ,i ,,am1 even ,jesus ,christ1 #b4 ,the light and life of the world2 a light which shineth in darkness and the darkness comprehendeth it not3 #c4 ,the same which came in the meridian of time unto my own1 and my own received me not2 #d4 ,but to as many as received me1 gave ,i power to become my sons1 and even so will ,i give unto as many as will receive me1 power to become my sons4 #e4 ,and verily1 verily1 ,i say unto you1 he that receiveth my ,gospel receiveth me2 and he that receiveth not my ,gospel receiveth not me4 #add #f4 ,and this is my ,gospel3 repentance and baptism by water1 and then cometh the baptism of fire and the ,holy ,ghost1 even the ,comforter1 which showeth all things1 and teacheth the peaceable things of the ,kingdom4 #g4 ,and now1 behold1 ,i say unto you1 my servant ,james1 ,i have looked upon thy works and ,i know thee2 #h4 ,and verily ,i say unto thee1 thine heart is now right before me at this time1 and behold1 ,i have bestowed great blessings upon thy head4 #i4 ,nevertheless thou hast seen great sorrow1 for thou hast rejected me many times because of pride and the cares of the world2 #aj4 ,but1 behold1 the days of thy deliverance are come1 if thou wilt hearken to my voice1 which saith unto thee1 arise and be baptized1 and wash away your sins1 calling on my name1 and you shall receive my ,spirit1 and a blessing so great as you never have known4 #aa4 ,and if thou do this1 ,i have prepared thee for a greater work4 ,thou shalt preach the fullness of my ,gospel1 which ,i have sent forth in these last days2 the covenant which ,i have sent forth to recover my people1 which are of the house of ,israel4 #ab4 ,and it shall come to pass that power shall rest upon thee2 thou shalt have great faith1 and ,i will be with thee and go before thy face4 #ac4 ,thou art called to labor in my vineyard1 and to build up my ,church1 and to bring forth ,zion1 that it may rejoice upon the hills and flourish4 #ad4 ,behold1 verily1 verily1 ,i say unto thee1 thou art not called to go into the eastern countries1 but thou art called to go to the ,ohio4 #ae4 ,and inasmuch as my people shall assemble themselves to the ,ohio1 ,i have kept in store a blessing such as is not known among the children of men1 and it shall be poured forth upon their heads4 ,and from thence men shall go forth into all nations4 #af4 ,behold1 verily1 verily1 ,i say unto you1 that the people in ,ohio call upon me in much faith1 thinking ,i will stay my hand in judgment upon the nations1 but ,i cannot deny my word2 #ag4 ,wherefore lay to with your might and call faithful laborers into my vineyard1 that it may be pruned for the last time4 #ah4 ,and inasmuch as they do repent and receive the fullness of my ,gospel1 and become sanctified1 ,i will stay my hand in judgment3 #ai4 ,wherefore1 go forth1 crying with a loud voice1 saying1 the kingdom of heaven is at hand2 crying ,hosanna6 blessed be the name of the most ,high ,god4 #bj4 ,go forth baptizing with water1 preparing the way before my face1 for the time of my coming2 #ba4 ,for the time is at hand2 the day nor the hour no man knoweth2 but it surely shall come4 #ade #bb4 ,and he that receiveth these things receiveth me2 and they shall be gathered unto me in time and in eternity4 #bc4 ,and again1 it shall come to pass1 that on as many as ye shall baptize with water1 ye shall lay your hands1 and they shall receive the gift of the ,holy ,ghost1 and shall be looking forth for the signs of my coming1 and shall know me4 #bd4 ,behold1 ,i come quickly4 ,even so4 ,amen4 ,sidenote3 ,why ,covill ,rejected the ,commandment4 ,as ,james ,covill rejected the word of the ,lord1 and returned to his former principles and people1 the ,lord gave unto me and ,sidney ,rigdon the following revelation1 explaining why he obeyed not the word3 ,revelation given at ,fayette1 ,new ,york1 ,january #f1 #ahca4 #c #a4 ,behold1 verily1 ,i say unto you1 that the heart of my servant ,james ,covill was right before me1 for he covenanted with me that he would obey my word1 #b4 ,and he received the word with gladness1 but straightway ,satan tempted him2 and the fear of persecution1 and the cares of the world1 caused him to reject the word2 #c4 ,wherefore he broke my covenant1 and it remaineth with me to do with him as seemeth me good4 ,amen4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,prophet ,removes to ,ohio4 ,the latter part of ,january1 in company with ,brothers ,sidney ,rigdon and ,edward ,partridge1 ,i started with my wife for ,kirtland1 ,ohio1 where we arrived about the first of ,february1 and were kindly received and welcomed into the house of ,brother ,newel ,k4 ,whitney4 #d ,my wife and ,i lived in #adf the family of ,brother ,whitney several weeks1 and received every kindness and attention which could be expected1 and especially from ,sister ,whitney4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,branch of the ,church at ,kirtland4 ,the branch of the ,church in this part of the ,lord's vineyard1 which had increased to nearly one hundred members1 were striving to do the will of ,god1 so far as they knew it1 though some strange notions and false spirits had crept in among them4 ,with a little caution and some wisdom1 ,i soon assisted the brethren and sisters to overcome them4 ,the plan of common stock1 which had existed in what was called the family1 #e whose members generally had embraced the everlasting ,gospel1 was readily abandoned for #adg the more perfect law of the ,lord2 and the false spirits were easily discerned and rejected by the light of revelation4 ,the ,lord gave unto the ,church the following3 ,revelation1 given at ,kirtland1 ,ohio1 ,february #dth1 #ahca4 #f #a4 ,hearken and hear1 ,o ye my people1 saith the ,lord and your ,god1 ye whom ,i delight to bless with the greatest of all blessings1 ye that hear me2 and ye that hear me not will ,i curse1 that have professed my name1 with the heaviest of all cursings4 #b4 ,hearken1 ,o ye ,elders of my ,church whom ,i have called1 behold ,i give unto you a commandment1 that ye shall assemble yourselves together to agree upon my word1 #c4 ,and by the prayer of your faith ye shall receive my law1 that ye may know how to govern my ,church and have all things right before me4 #d4 ,and ,i will be your ,ruler when ,i come2 and behold1 ,i come quickly1 and ye shall see that my law is kept4 #e4 ,he that receiveth my law and doeth it1 the same is my disciple2 and he that saith he receiveth it and doeth it not1 the same is not my disciple1 and shall be cast out from among you3 #f4 ,for it is not meet that the things which belong to the children of the kingdom1 shall be given to them that are not worthy1 or to dogs1 or the pearls to be cast before swine4 #g4 ,and again1 it is meet that my servant1 ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 should have a house built1 in which to live and translate4 #h4 ,and again1 it is meet that my servant1 ,sidney ,rigdon should live as seemeth him good1 inasmuch as he keepeth my commandments4 #i4 ,and again1 ,i have called my servant1 ,edward ,partridge1 and ,i give a commandment1 that he should be appointed by the voice of the ,church1 and ordained a ,bishop unto the ,church1 to leave his merchandise and to spend all his time in the labors of the ,church3 #aj4 ,to see to all things as it shall be appointed unto him1 in my laws in the day that ,i shall give them4 #aa4 ,and this because his heart is pure before me1 for he is like unto ,nathaniel of old1 in whom there is no guile4 #ab4 ,these words are given unto you1 and they are pure before me2 wherefore beware how you hold them1 for they are to be answered upon your souls in the day of judgment4 ,even so4 ,amen4 #adh ,sidenote3 ,revelation ,giving the ,law of the ,church4 ,on the #ith of ,february1 #ahca1 at ,kirtland1 in the presence of twelve ,elders1 and according to the promise heretofore made1 #g the ,lord gave the following revelation1 embracing the law of the ,church3 ,revelation1 given ,february1 #ahca4 #h #a4 ,hearken1 ,o ye ,elders of my ,church1 who have assembled yourselves together in my name1 even ,jesus ,christ the ,son of the living ,god1 the ,savior of the world1 inasmuch as they believe on my name and keep my commandments4 #b4 ,again1 ,i say unto you1 hearken and hear and obey the law which ,i shall give unto you2 #c4 ,for verily ,i say1 as ye have assembled yourselves together according to the commandment wherewith ,i commanded you1 and are agreed as touching this one thing1 and have asked the ,father in my name1 even so ye shall receive4 #d4 ,behold1 verily ,i say unto you1 ,i give unto you this first commandment1 that ye shall go forth in my name1 every one of you1 excepting my servants ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 and ,sidney ,rigdon4 #e4 ,and ,i give unto them a commandment that they shall go forth for a little season1 and it shall be given by the power of the ,spirit when they shall return2 #f4 ,and ye shall go forth in the power of my ,spirit1 preaching my ,gospel1 two by two1 in my name1 lifting up your voices as with the sound of a trump1 declaring my word like unto angels of ,god2 #g4 ,and ye shall go forth baptizing with water1 saying--,repent ye1 repent ye1 for the kingdom of heaven is at hand4 #h4 ,and from this place ye shall go forth into the regions westward2 and inasmuch as ye shall find them that will receive you1 ye shall build up my ,church in every region1 #i4 ,until the time shall come when it shall be revealed unto you from on high1 when the city of the ,new ,jerusalem shall be prepared1 that ye may be gathered in one1 that ye may be my people and ,i will be your ,god4 #aj4 ,and again1 ,i say unto you1 that my servant1 ,edward ,partridge1 shall stand in the office wherewith ,i have appointed him4 ,and it shall come to pass1 that if he transgress1 another shall be appointed in his stead4 ,even so4 ,amen4 #adi #aa4 ,again1 ,i say unto you1 that it shall not be given to any one to go forth to preach my ,gospel1 or to build up my ,church1 except he be ordained by some one who has authority1 and it is known to the ,church that he has authority1 and has been regularly ordained by the heads of the ,church4 #ab4 ,and again1 the ,elders1 ,priests and ,teachers of this ,church shall teach the principles of my ,gospel1 which are in the ,bible and the ,book of ,mormon1 in the which is the fullness of the ,gospel2 #ac4 ,and they shall observe the covenants and ,church articles to do them1 and these shall be their teachings1 as they shall be directed by the ,spirit2 #ad4 ,and the ,spirit shall be given unto you by the prayer of faith1 and if ye receive not the ,spirit1 ye shall not teach1 #ae4 ,and all this ye shall observe to do as ,i have commanded concerning your teaching1 until the fulness of my scripture is given4 #af4 ,and as ye shall lift up your voices by the ,comforter1 ye shall speak and prophesy as seemeth me good2 #ag4 ,for1 behold1 the ,comforter knoweth all things1 and beareth record of the ,father and of the ,son4 #ah4 ,and now1 behold1 ,i speak unto the ,church4 ,thou shalt not kill2 and he that kills shall not have forgiveness in this world1 nor in the world to come4 #ai4 ,and again1 ,i say1 thou shalt not kill2 but he that killeth shall die4 #bj4 ,thou shalt not steal2 and he that stealeth and will not repent1 shall be cast out4 #ba4 ,thou shalt not lie2 he that lieth and will not repent1 shall be cast out4 #bb4 ,thou shalt love thy wife with all thy heart1 and shalt cleave unto her and none else2 #bc4 ,and he that looketh upon a woman to lust after her1 shall deny the faith1 and shall not have the ,spirit1 and if he repents not he shall be cast out4 #bd4 ,thou shalt not commit adultery2 and he that committeth adultery1 and repenteth not1 shall be cast out2 #be4 ,but he that has committed adultery and repents with all his heart and forsaketh it1 and doeth it no more1 thou shalt forgive2 #bf4 ,but if he doeth it again1 he shall not be forgiven1 but shall be cast out4 #bg4 ,thou shalt not speak evil of thy neighbor1 nor do him any harm4 #bh4 ,thou knowest my laws concerning these things are given in my ,scriptures3 he that sinneth and repenteth not shall be cast out4 #aej #bi4 ,if thou lovest me1 thou shalt serve me and keep all my commandments4 #cj4 ,and behold1 thou wilt remember the poor1 and consecrate of thy properties for their support that which thou hast to impart unto them with a covenant and a deed which cannot be broken-- #ca4 ,and inasmuch as ye impart of your substance unto the poor1 ye will do it unto me--and they shall be laid before the ,bishop of my ,church and his counselors1 two of the ,elders1 or ,high ,priests #i such as he shall appoint or has appointed and set apart for that purpose4 #cb4 ,and it shall come to pass1 that after they are laid before the ,bishop of my ,church1 and after that he has received these testimonies concerning the consecration of the properties of my ,church1 that they cannot be taken from the ,church agreeable to my commandments2 every man shall be made accountable unto me1 a steward over his own property1 or that which he has received by consecration1 as much as is sufficient for himself and family4 #cc4 ,and again1 if there shall be properties in the hands of the ,church1 or any individuals of it1 more than is necessary for their support1 after this first consecration1 which is a residue to be consecrated unto the ,bishop1 it shall be kept to administer to those who have not1 from time to time1 that every man who has need may be amply supplied1 and receive according to his wants4 #cd4 ,therefore1 the residue shall be kept in my storehouse1 to administer to the poor and the needy1 as shall be appointed by the ,high ,council of the ,church1 and the ,bishop and his council1 #ce4 ,and for the purpose of purchasing lands for the public benefit of the ,church1 and building houses of worship1 and building up of the ,new ,jerusalem which is hereafter to be revealed1 #cf4 ,that my covenant people may be gathered in one in that day when ,i shall come to my temple4 ,and this ,i do for the salvation of my people4 #cg4 ,and it shall come to pass1 that he that sinneth and repenteth not1 shall be cast out of the ,church1 and shall not receive again that which he has consecrated unto the poor and the needy of my ,church2 or in other words1 unto me2 #ch4 ,for inasmuch as ye do it unto the least of these1 ye do it unto me2 #ci4 ,for it shall come to pass1 that which ,i spake by the mouths of my prophets1 shall be fulfilled2 for ,i will consecrate of the riches of those who embrace my ,gospel among the ,gentiles1 unto the poor of my people who are of the house of ,israel4 #aea #dj4 ,and again1 thou shalt not be proud in thy heart2 let all thy garments be plain1 and their beauty the beauty of the work of thine own hands2 #da4 ,and let all things be done in cleanliness before me4 #db4 ,thou shalt not be idle2 for he that is idle shall not eat the bread nor wear the garments of the laborer4 #dc4 ,and whosoever among you are sick1 and have not faith to be healed1 but believe1 shall be nourished with all tenderness1 with herbs and mild food1 and that not by the hand of an enemy4 #dd4 ,and the ,elders of the ,church1 two or more1 shall be called1 and shall pray for and lay their hands upon them in my name2 and if they die they shall die unto me1 and if they live they shall live unto me4 #de4 ,thou shalt live together in love1 insomuch that thou shalt weep for the loss of them that die1 and more especially for those that have not hope of a glorious resurrection4 #df4 ,and it shall come to pass that those that die in me1 shall not taste of death1 for it shall be sweet unto them2 #dg4 ,and they that die not in me1 wo unto them1 for their death is bitter4 #dh4 ,and again1 it shall come to pass that he that hath faith in me to be healed1 and is not appointed unto death1 shall be healed2 #di4 ,he who hath faith to see shall see2 #ej4 ,he who hath faith to hear shall hear2 #ea4 ,the lame who hath faith to leap shall leap2 #eb4 ,and they who have not faith to do these things1 but believe in me1 have power to become my sons2 and inasmuch as they break not my laws1 thou shalt bear their infirmities4 #ec4 ,thou shalt stand in the place of thy stewardship2 #ed4 ,thou shalt not take thy brother's garment2 thou shalt pay for that which thou shalt receive of thy brother2 #ee4 ,and if thou obtainest more than that which would be for thy support1 thou shalt give it into my store-house1 that all things may be done according to that which ,i have said4 #ef4 ,thou shalt ask and my ,scriptures shall be given as ,i have appointed1 and they shall be preserved in safety2 #eg4 ,and it is expedient that thou shouldst hold thy peace concerning them1 and not teach them until ye have received them in full4 #eh4 ,and ,i give unto you a commandment that then ye shall teach them unto all men2 for they shall be taught unto all nations1 kindreds1 tongues and people4 #ei4 ,thou shalt take the things which thou hast received1 which have been given unto thee in my ,scriptures for a law1 to be my law to govern my ,church2 #aeb #fj4 ,and he that doeth according to these things shall be saved1 and he that doeth them not shall be damned1 if he so continue4 #fa4 ,if thou shalt ask1 thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation1 knowledge upon knowledge1 that thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable things--that which bringeth joy1 that which bringeth life eternal4 #fb4 ,thou shalt ask1 and it shall be revealed unto you in mine own due time where the ,new ,jerusalem shall be built4 #fc4 ,and behold1 it shall come to pass that my servants shall be sent forth to the east and to the west1 to the north and to the south2 #fd4 ,and even now1 let him that goeth to the east1 teach them that shall be converted to flee to the west1 and this in consequence of that which is coming on the earth1 and of secret combinations4 #fe4 ,behold1 thou shalt observe all these things1 and great shall be thy reward2 for unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom1 but unto the world it is not given to know them4 #ff4 ,ye shall observe the laws which ye have received and be faithful4 #fg4 ,and ye shall hereafter receive ,church covenants1 such as shall be sufficient to establish you1 both here and in the ,new ,jerusalem4 #fh4 ,therefore1 he that lacketh wisdom1 let him ask of me1 and ,i will give him liberally and upbraid him not4 #fi4 ,lift up your hearts and rejoice1 for unto you the kingdom1 or in other words1 the keys of the ,church have been given4 ,even so4 ,amen4 #gj4 ,the ,priests and ,teachers shall have their stewardships1 even as the members2 #ga4 ,and the ,elders1 or ,high ,priests1 #aj who are appointed to assist the ,bishop as counselors in all things1 are to have their families supported out of the property which is consecrated to the ,bishop1 for the good of the poor1 and for other purposes1 as before mentioned2 #gb4 ,or they are to receive a just remuneration for all their services1 either a stewardship or otherwise1 as may be thought best or decided by the counselors and ,bishop4 #gc4 ,and the ,bishop1 also1 shall receive his support1 or a just renumeration for all his services in the ,church4 #gd4 #aa ,behold1 verily ,i say unto you1 that whatever persons among you1 having put away their companions for the cause of fornication1 or in other words1 if they shall testify before you in all lowliness of heart that this is the case1 ye shall not cast them out from among you2 #aec #ge4 ,but if ye shall find that any persons have left their companions for the sake of adultery1 and they themselves are the offenders1 and their companions are living1 they shall be cast out from among you4 #gf4 ,and again1 ,i say unto you1 that ye shall be watchful and careful1 with all inquiry1 that ye receive none such among you if they are married2 #gg4 ,and if they are not married1 they shall repent of all their sins1 or ye shall not receive them4 #gh4 ,and again1 every person who belongeth to this ,church of ,christ1 shall observe to keep all the commandments and covenants of the ,church4 #gi4 ,and it shall come to pass1 that if any persons among you shall kill1 they shall be delivered up and dealt with according to the laws of the land2 for remember that he hath no forgiveness1 and it shall be proved according to the laws of the land4 #hj4 ,and if any man or woman shall commit adultery1 he or she shall be tried before two ,elders of the ,church1 or more1 and every word shall be established against him or her by two witnesses of the ,church1 and not of the enemy2 but if there are more than two witnesses it is better4 #ha4 ,but he or she shall be condemned by the mouth of two witnesses1 and the ,elders shall lay the case before the ,church1 and the ,church shall lift up their hands against him or her1 that they may be dealt with according to the law of ,god4 #hb4 ,and if it can be1 it is necessary that the ,bishop be present also4 #hc4 ,and thus ye shall do in all cases which shall come before you4 #hd4 ,and if a man or woman shall rob1 he or she shall be delivered up unto the law of the land4 #he4 ,and if he or she shall steal1 he or she shall be delivered up unto the law of the land4 #hf4 ,and if he or she shall lie1 he or she shall be delivered up unto the law of the land4 #hg4 ,and if he or she do any manner of iniquity1 he or she shall be delivered up unto the law1 even that of ,god4 #hh4 ,and if thy brother or sister offend thee1 thou shalt take him or her between him or her and thee alone2 and if he or she confess1 thou shalt be reconciled4 #hi4 ,and if he or she confess not1 thou shalt deliver him or her up unto the ,church1 not to the members1 but to the ,elders4 ,and it shall be done in a meeting1 and that not before the world4 #ij4 ,and if thy brother or sister offend many1 he or she shall be chastened before many4 #ia4 ,and if any one offend openly1 he or she shall be rebuked openly1 #aed that he or she may be ashamed4 ,and if he or she confess not1 he or she shall be delivered up unto the law of ,god4 #ib4 ,if any shall offend in secret1 he or she shall be rebuked in secret1 that he or she may have opportunity to confess in secret to him or her whom he or she has offended1 and to ,god1 that the ,church may not speak reproachfully of him or her4 #ic4 ,and thus shall ye conduct in all things4 ,sidenote3 ,pretentions of a ,woman to ,revelations1 etc4 ,soon after the foregoing revelation was received1 a woman #ab came making great pretensions of revealing commandments1 laws and other curious matters2 and as almost every person has advocates for both theory and practice1 in the various notions and projects of the age1 it became necessary to inquire of the ,lord1 when ,i received the following3 ,revelation given at ,kirtland1 ,february1 #ahca4 #ac #a4 ,o hearken1 ye ,elders of my ,church1 and give ear to the words which ,i shall speak unto you2 #b4 ,for behold1 verily1 verily1 ,i say unto you1 that ye have received a commandment for a law unto my ,church1 through him whom ,i have appointed unto you1 to receive commandments and revelations from my hand4 #c4 ,and this ye shall know assuredly that there is none other appointed unto you to receive commandments and revelations until he be taken1 if he abide in me4 #d4 ,but verily1 verily1 ,i say unto you1 that none else shall be appointed unto this gift except it be through him1 for if it be taken from him1 he shall not have power except to appoint another in his stead2 #e4 ,and this shall be a law unto you1 that ye receive not the teachings of any that shall come before you as revelations or commandments2 #f4 ,and this ,i give unto you that you may not be deceived1 that you may know they are not of me4 #g4 ,for verily ,i say unto you1 that he that is ordained of me shall #aee come in at the gate and be ordained as ,i have told you before1 to teach those revelations which you have received1 and shall receive through him whom ,i have appointed4 #h4 ,and now1 behold1 ,i give unto you a commandment1 that when ye are assembled together1 ye shall instruct and edify each other1 that ye may know how to act and direct my ,church1 how to act upon the points of my law and commandments1 which ,i have given2 #i4 ,and thus ye shall become instructed in the law of my ,church1 and be sanctified by that which ye have received1 and ye shall bind yourselves to act in all holiness before me1 #aj4 ,that inasmuch as ye do this1 glory shall be added to the kingdom which ye have received4 ,inasmuch as ye do it not1 it shall be taken1 even that which ye have received4 #aa4 ,purge ye out the iniquity which is among you2 sanctify yourselves before me1 #ab4 ,and if ye desire the glories of the kingdom1 appoint ye my servant ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 and uphold him before me by the prayer of faith4 #ac4 ,and again1 ,i say unto you1 that if ye desire the mysteries of the kingdom1 provide for him food and raiment1 and whatsoever thing he needeth to accomplish the work1 wherewith ,i have commanded him2 #ad4 ,and if ye do it not1 he shall remain unto them that have received him1 that ,i may reserve unto myself a pure people before me4 #ae4 ,again ,i say1 hearken ye ,elders of my ,church1 whom ,i have appointed3 ,ye are not sent forth to be taught1 but to teach the children of men the things which ,i have put into your hands by the power of my ,spirit2 #af4 ,and ye are to be taught from on high4 ,sanctify yourselves and ye shall be endowed with power1 that ye may give even as ,i have spoken4 #ag4 ,hearken ye1 for1 behold1 the great day of the ,lord is nigh at hand4 #ah4 ,for the day cometh that the ,lord shall utter ,his voice out of heaven2 the heavens shall shake and the earth shall tremble1 and the trump of ,god shall sound both long and loud1 and shall say to the sleeping nations1 ,ye ,saints arise and live2 ye sinners stay and sleep until ,i shall call again2 #ai4 ,wherefore gird up your loins lest ye be found among the wicked4 #bj4 ,lift up your voices and spare not4 ,call upon the nations to repent1 both old and young1 both bond and free1 saying1 prepare yourselves for the great day of the ,lord2 #ba4 ,for if ,i1 who am a man1 do lift up my voice and call upon you to repent1 and ye hate me1 what will ye say when the day cometh when #aef the thunders shall utter their voices from the ends of the earth1 speaking to the ears of all that live1 saying1 repent1 and prepare for the great day of the ,lord2 #bb4 ,yea1 and again1 when the lightnings shall streak forth from the east unto the west1 and shall utter forth their voices unto all that live1 and make the ears of all tingle that hear1 saying these words1 ,repent ye1 for the great day of the ,lord is come4 #bc4 ,and again1 the ,lord shall utter ,his voice out of heaven1 saying1 ,hearken1 ,o ye nations of the earth1 and hear the words of that ,god who made you4 #bd4 ,o1 ye nations of the earth1 how often would ,i have gathered you together as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wing1 but ye would not6 #be4 ,how oft have ,i called upon you by the mouth of my servants1 and by the ministering of angels1 and by mine own voice1 and by the voice of thunderings1 and by the voice of lightnings1 and by the voice of tempests1 and by the voice of earthquakes1 and great hailstorms1 and by the voice of famines and pestilences of every kind1 and by the great sound of a trump1 and by the voice of judgment1 and by the voice of mercy all the day long and by the voice of glory1 and honor1 and the riches of eternal life1 and would have saved you with an everlasting salvation1 but ye would not8 #bf4 ,behold the day has come1 when the cup of the wrath of my indignation is full4 #bg4 ,behold1 verily ,i say unto you1 that these are the words of the ,lord your ,god2 #bh4 ,wherefore labor ye1 labor ye in my vineyard for the last time--for the last time call upon the inhabitants of the earth1 #bi4 ,for in mine own due time will ,i come upon the earth in judgment1 and my people shall be redeemed and shall reign with me on earth1 #cj4 ,for the great ,millennium1 of which ,i have spoken by the mouth of my servants1 shall come2 #ca4 ,for ,satan shall be bound1 and when he is loosed again1 he shall only reign for a little season1 and then cometh the end of the earth2 #cb4 ,and he that liveth in righteousness shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye1 and the earth shall pass away so as by fire2 #cc4 ,and the wicked shall go away into unquenchable fire1 and their end no man knoweth on earth1 nor ever shall know1 until they come before me in judgment4 #cd4 ,hearken ye to these words2 ,behold1 ,i am ,jesus ,christ1 the ,savior of the world4 ,treasure these things up in your hearts1 and let the solemnities of eternity rest upon your minds4 #ce4 ,be sober4 ,keep all my commandments4 ,even so4 ,amen4 #aeg ,sidenote3 ,a ,special ,conference1 #crd-#fth of ,june4 ,the latter part of ,february ,i received the following revelation1 which caused the ,church to appoint a conference to be held early in the month of ,june ensuing3 ,revelation to ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 and ,sidney ,rigdon1 given at ,kirtland1 ,february1 #ahca4 #ad #a4 ,behold1 thus saith the ,lord unto you my servants1 it is expedient in me that the ,elders of my ,church should be called together1 from the east and from the west1 and from the north and from the south1 by letter or some other way4 #b4 ,and it shall come to pass1 that inasmuch as they are faithful1 and exercise faith in me1 ,i will pour out my ,spirit upon them in the day that they assemble themselves together4 #c4 ,and it shall come to pass that they shall go forth into the regions round about1 and preach repentance unto the people2 #d4 ,and many shall be converted1 insomuch that ye shall obtain power to organize yourselves according to the laws of man2 #e4 ,that your enemies may not have power over you1 that you may be preserved in all things2 that you may be enabled to keep my laws1 that every bond may be broken wherewith the enemy seeketh to destroy my people4 #f4 ,behold1 ,i say unto you1 that ye must visit the poor and the needy1 and administer to their relief1 that they may be kept until all things may be done according to my law which ye have received4 ,amen4 ,footnotes #a4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #ch4 #b4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #ci4 #c4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #aa4 #d4 ,newel ,kimball ,whitney was descended from the ,whitneys of ,watertown1 ,mass41 who emigrated from ,england in #afce4 ,his mother was a native of the ,bay state1 and his father of the state of ,vermont4 ,there1 also1 ,newel was born1 in ,marlborough1 ,windham county1 ,february #e1 #agie4 ,a natural business man1 he made his own way in the world1 and after figuring as a sutler during the war of #ahab1 and taking part in the battle of ,plattsburg1 near ,lake ,champlain1 he established himself as an ,indian trader at ,green ,bay1 ,lake ,michigan4 ,he next settled in ,ohio1 where he made the acquaintance of ,algernon ,sidney ,gilbert1 a merchant of ,painesville1 whose partner he became in the successful firm of ,gilbert and ,whitney at ,kirtland4 ,in ,october1 #ahbb1 he married ,elizabeth ,ann ,smith1 a young lady from ,connecticut1 who is known in ,church history as ,mother ,whitney4 ,when ,oliver ,cowdery and his fellow missionaries came to ,kirtland1 en route to ,missouri1 the ,whitneys were ,campbellites1 members of ,sidney ,rigdon's flock1 but upon hearing the fulness of the ,gospel as preached by those ,elders1 they embraced it4 ,in the ,whitney family folk lore the incident of the ,prophet's arrival at ,kirtland is thus related3 ,about the first of ,february1 #ahca1 a sleigh containing four persons drove through the streets of ,kirtland and drew up in front of the store of ,gilbert and ,whitney4 ,one of the men1 a young and stalwart personage alighted1 and springing up the steps walked into the store and to where the junior partner was standing4 ',newel ,k4 ,whitney6 ,thou art the man6' he exclaimed1 extending his hand cordially1 as if to an old and familiar acquaintance4 ',you have the advantage of me1' replied the merchant1 as he mechanically took the proffered hand1 ',i could not call you by name as you have me4' ',i am ,joseph the ,prophet1' said the stranger smiling4 ',you've prayed me here1 now what do you want of me8' ,the ,prophet1 it is said1 while in the ,east had seen the ,whitneys1 in vision1 praying for his coming to ,kirtland4 ,mother ,whitney also tells how on a certain night prior to the advent of ,elder ,cowdery and his companions1 while she and her husband were praying to the ,lord to know how they might obtain the gift of the ,holy ,ghost1 which of all things they desired1 they saw a vision as of a cloud of glory resting upon their house1 and heard a voice from heaven saying1 ,prepare to receive the word of the ,lord1 for it is coming4 ,shortly afterwards ,oliver ,cowdery and his associates came with the ,book of ,mormon1 and with the message of the restored ,gospel4 ,moreover1 in further fulfilment of this vision1 under the rooftree of the ,whitneys the ,prophet received a number of the revelations contained in this volume4 #e4 ,this organization1 called the family1 came into existence before the ,gospel was preached in ,kirtland1 through an effort of the people of this neighborhood to live as the early ,christians are said to have lived1 viz41 ,and the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul3 neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own1 but they had all things common4--7,acts #d3cb47 #f4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #da4 #g4 ,this refers to the promise which the ,lord gave in the revelation of ,january #ahca1 see p4 #adb1 verse #cb4 #h4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #db4 #i4 ,the words1 or ,high ,priests1 were added by the ,prophet some years after3 and also the words1 ,high ,council1 in the #cdth verse4--,orson ,pratt4 #aj4 ,the words1 or ,high ,priests1 were added by the ,prophet some years after4--,orson ,pratt4 #aa4 ,verses #gd to #ic inclusive1 were given some days after the first #gc verses4--,orson ,pratt4 #ab4 ,this woman's name1 according to the history of the church kept by ,john ,whitmer1 was ,hubble4 ,she professed to be a prophetess of the ,lord1 and professed to have many revelations1 and knew the ,book of ,mormon was true1 and that she should become a teacher in the church of ,christ4 ,she appeared to be very sanctimonious and deceived some who were not able to detect her in her hypocrisy2 others1 however1 had the spirit of discernment and her follies and abominations were manifest4 ,john ,whitmer's ,history of the ,church1 ch4 #c4 #ac4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #dc4 #ad4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #dd4 #aeh ,chapter ,,xiv4 ,effort to ,overwhelm the ,church by ,falsehood--,sundry ,revelations ,leading to ,doctrinal ,development4 ,sidenote3 ,efforts through the ,press to ,retard the ,work4 ,at this age of the ,church i4 e41 early in the spring of #ahca many false reports1 lies1 and foolish stories1 were published in the newspapers1 and circulated in every direction1 to prevent people from investigating the work1 or embracing the faith4 ,a great earthquake in ,china1 which destroyed from one to two thousand inhabitants1 was burlesqued in some papers1 as ,mormonism in ,china4 #a ,but to the joy of the ,saints who had to struggle against every thing that prejudice and wickedness could invent1 ,i received the following3 #aei ,revelation at ,kirtland1 given ,march #gth1 #ahca4 #b #a4 ,hearken1 ,o ye people of my ,church1 to whom the kingdom has been given--hearken ye and give ear to ,him who laid the foundation of the earth1 who made the heavens and all the hosts thereof1 and by whom all things were made which live1 and move1 and have a being4 #b4 ,and again1 ,i say1 hearken unto my voice1 lest death shall overtake you2 in an hour when ye think not the summer shall be past1 and the harvest ended1 and your souls not saved4 #c4 ,listen to ,him who is the ,advocate with the ,father1 who is pleading your cause before ,him1 #d4 ,saying1 ,father1 behold the sufferings and death of ,him who did no sin1 in whom ,thou wast well pleased2 behold the blood of ,thy ,son which was shed--the blood of ,him whom ,thou gavest that ,thyself might be glorified2 #e4 ,wherefore1 ,father1 spare these my brethren that believe on my name1 that they may come unto me and have everlasting life4 #f4 ,hearken1 ,o ye people of my ,church1 and ye ,elders listen together1 and hear my voice while it is called today1 and harden not your hearts1 #g4 ,for verily ,i say unto you that ,i am ,alpha and ,omega1 the beginning and the end1 the light and the life of the world--a light that shineth in darkness and the darkness comprehendeth it not4 #h4 ,i came unto my own1 and my own received me not2 but unto as many as received me1 gave ,i power to do many miracles1 and to become the sons of ,god1 and even unto them that believed on my name gave ,i power to obtain eternal life4 #i4 ,and even so1 ,i have sent mine everlasting covenant into the world1 to be a light to the world1 and to be a standard for my people1 and for the ,gentiles to seek to it1 and to be a messenger before my face to prepare the way before me2 #aj4 ,wherefore1 come ye unto it1 and with him that cometh1 ,i will reason as with men in days of old1 and ,i will show unto you my strong reasoning1 #aa4 ,wherefore hearken ye together and let me show unto you1 even my wisdom--the wisdom of ,him whom ye say is the ,god of ,enoch1 and his brethren1 #ab4 ,who were separated from the earth1 and were received unto myself--a city reserved until a day of righteousness shall come--a day which was sought for by all holy men1 and they found it not because of wickedness and abominations2 #ac4 ,and confessed they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth2 #afj #ad4 ,but obtained a promise that they should find it and see it in their flesh4 #ae4 ,wherefore1 hearken and ,i will reason with you1 and ,i will speak unto you and prophesy1 as unto men in days of old2 #af4 ,and ,i will show it plainly1 as ,i showed it unto my disciples as ,i stood before them in the flesh1 and spake unto them1 saying1 as ye have asked of me concerning the signs of my coming in the day when ,i shall come in my glory in the clouds of heaven1 to fulfil the promises that ,i have made unto your fathers1 #ag4 ,for as ye have looked upon the long absence of your spirits from your bodies to be a bondage1 ,i will show unto you how the day of redemption shall come1 and also the restoration of the scattered ,israel4 #ah4 ,and now ye behold this temple which is in ,jerusalem1 which ye call the house of ,god1 and your enemies say that this house shall never fall4 #ai4 ,but1 verily1 ,i say unto you1 that desolation shall come upon this generation as a thief in the night1 and this people shall be destroyed and scattered among all nations4 #bj4 ,and this temple which ye now see shall be thrown down that there shall not be left one stone upon another4 #ba4 ,and it shall come to pass1 that this generation of ,jews shall not pass away1 until every desolation which ,i have told you concerning them shall come to pass4 #bb4 ,ye say that ye know that the end of the world cometh2 ye say also that ye know that the heavens and the earth shall pass away2 #bc4 ,and in this ye say truly1 for so it is2 but these things which ,i have told you shall not pass away until all shall be fulfilled1 #bd4 ,and this ,i have told you concerning ,jerusalem1 and when that day shall come1 shall a remnant be scattered among all nations2 #be4 ,but they shall be gathered again1 but they shall remain until the times of the ,gentiles be fulfilled4 #bf4 ,and in that day shall be heard of wars and rumors of wars1 and the whole earth shall be in commotion1 and men's hearts shall fail them1 and they shall say that ,christ delayeth ,his coming until the end of the earth4 #bg4 ,and the love of men shall wax cold1 and iniquity shall abound2 #bh4 ,and when the times of the ,gentiles is come in1 a light shall break forth among them that sit in darkness1 and it shall be the fulness of my ,gospel2 #bi4 ,but they receive it not1 for they perceive not the light and they turn their hearts from me because of the precepts of men2 #cj4 ,and in that generation shall the times of the ,gentiles be fulfilled2 #afa #ca4 ,and there shall be men standing in that generation1 that shall not pass1 until they shall see an overflowing scourge2 for a desolating sickness shall cover the land2 #cb4 ,but my disciples shall stand in holy places1 and shall not be moved2 but among the wicked1 men shall lift up their voices1 and curse ,god and die4 #cc4 ,and there shall be earthquakes also in divers places and many desolations2 yet men will harden their hearts against me1 and they will take up the sword1 one against another1 and they will kill one another4 #cd4 ,and1 now1 when ,i the ,lord had spoken these words unto my disciples1 they were troubled3 #ce4 ,and ,i said unto them1 be not troubled1 for1 when all these things shall come to pass1 ye may know that the promises which have been made unto you shall be fulfilled2 #cf4 ,and when the light shall begin to break forth1 it shall be with them like unto a parable which ,i will show you3 #cg4 ,ye look and behold the fig trees1 and ye see them with your eyes1 and ye say when they begin to shoot forth1 and their leaves are yet tender1 that summer is now nigh at hand2 #ch4 ,even so it shall be in that day when they shall see all these things1 then shall they know that the hour is nigh4 #ci4 ,and it shall come to pass that he that feareth me shall be looking forth for the great day of the ,lord to come1 even for the signs of the coming of the ,son of man3 #dj4 ,and they shall see signs and wonders1 for they shall be shown forth in the heavens above1 and in the earth beneath2 #da4 ,and they shall behold blood1 and fire1 and vapors of smoke2 #db4 ,and before the day of the ,lord shall come1 the sun shall be darkened1 and the moon be turned into blood1 and the stars fall from heaven2 #dc4 ,and the remnant shall be gathered unto this place1 #dd4 ,and then they shall look for me1 and1 behold1 ,i will come2 and they shall see me in the clouds of heaven1 clothed with power and great glory1 with all the holy angels2 and he that watches not for me shall be cut off4 #de4 ,but before the arm of the ,lord shall fall1 an angel shall sound his trump1 and the saints that have slept shall come forth to meet me in the cloud4 #df4 ,wherefore1 if ye have slept in peace1 blessed are you1 for as you now behold me and know that ,i am1 even so shall ye come unto me and your souls shall live1 and your redemption shall be perfected1 and the saints shall come forth from the four quarters of the earth4 #afb #dg4 ,then shall the arm of the ,lord fall upon the nations4 #dh4 ,and then shall the ,lord set his foot upon this mount1 and it shall cleave in twain1 and the earth shall tremble1 and reel to and fro1 and the heavens also shall shake1 #di4 ,and the ,lord shall utter his voice1 and all the ends of the earth shall hear it1 and the nations of the earth shall mourn1 and they that have laughed shall see their folly1 #ej4 ,and calamity shall cover the mocker1 and the scorner shall be consumed1 and they that have watched for iniquity shall be hewn down and cast into the fire4 #ea4 ,and then shall the ,jews look upon me and say1 ,what are these wounds in ,thine hands and in ,thy feet8 #eb4 ,then shall they know that ,i am the ,lord2 for ,i will say unto them1 ,these wounds are the wounds with which ,i was wounded in the house of my friends4 ,i am he who was lifted up4 ,i am ,jesus that was crucified4 ,i am the ,son of ,god4 #ec4 ,and then shall they weep because of their iniquities2 then shall they lament because they persecuted their ,king4 #ed4 ,and then shall the heathen nations be redeemed1 and they that knew no law shall have part in the first resurrection2 and it shall be tolerable for them2 #ee4 ,and ,satan shall be bound that he shall have no place in the hearts of the children of men4 #ef4 ,and at that day when ,i shall come in my glory1 shall the parable be fulfilled which ,i spake concerning the ten virgins2 #eg4 ,for they that are wise and have received the truth1 and have taken the ,holy ,spirit for their guide1 and have not been deceived2 verily ,i say unto you1 they shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire1 but shall abide the day4 #eh4 ,and the earth shall be given unto them for an inheritance2 and they shall multiply and wax strong1 and their children shall grow up without sin unto salvation1 #ei4 ,for the ,lord shall be in their midst1 and ,his glory shall be upon them1 and ,he will be their ,king and their ,lawgiver4 #fj4 ,and now1 behold1 ,i say unto you1 it shall not be given unto you to know any further concerning this chapter1 until the ,new ,testament be translated1 and in it all these things shall be made known2 #fa4 ,wherefore ,i give unto you that ye may now translate it1 that ye may be prepared for the things to come2 #fb4 ,for verily ,i say unto you1 that great things await you2 #fc4 ,ye hear of wars in foreign lands1 but1 behold1 ,i say unto you1 they are nigh1 even at your doors1 and not many years hence ye shall hear of wars in your own lands4 #afc #fd4 ,wherefore1 ,i1 the ,lord1 have said1 ,gather ye out from the eastern lands1 assemble ye yourselves together ye ,elders of my ,church2 go ye forth into the western countries1 call upon the inhabitants to repent1 and inasmuch as they do repent1 build up churches unto me2 #fe4 ,and with one heart and with one mind1 gather up your riches that ye may purchase an inheritance which shall hereafter be appointed unto you1 #ff4 ,and it shall be called the ,new ,jerusalem1 a land of peace1 a city of refuge1 a place of safety for the ,saints of the ,most ,high ,god2 #fg4 ,and the glory of the ,lord shall be there1 and the terror of the ,lord also shall be there1 insomuch that the wicked will not come unto it1 and it shall be called ,zion4 #fh4 ,and it shall come to pass1 among the wicked1 that every man that will not take his sword against his neighbor must needs flee unto ,zion for safety4 #fi4 ,and there shall be gathered unto it out of every nation under heaven2 and it shall be the only people that shall not be at war one with another4 #gj4 ,and it shall be said among the wicked1 ,let us not go up to battle against ,zion1 for the inhabitants of ,zion are terrible2 wherefore we cannot stand4 #ga4 ,and it shall come to pass that the righteous shall be gathered out from among all nations1 and shall come to ,zion1 singing with songs of everlasting joy4 #gb4 ,and now ,i say unto you1 keep these things from going abroad unto the world1 until it is expedient in me1 that ye may accomplish this work in the eyes of the people1 and in the eyes of your enemies1 that they may not know your works until ye have accomplished the thing which ,i have commanded you2 #gc4 ,that when they shall know it1 that they may consider these things2 #gd4 ,for when the ,lord shall appear he shall be terrible unto them1 that fear may seize upon them1 and they shall stand afar off and tremble2 #ge4 ,and all nations shall be afraid because of the terror of the ,lord1 and the power of his might4 ,even so4 ,amen4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,gifts of the ,holy ,ghost4 ,the next day after the above was received1 ,i also received the following revelation1 relative to the gifts of the ,holy ,ghost3 ,revelation1 given at ,kirtland1 ,march #hth1 #ahca4 #c #a4 ,hearken1 ,o ye people of my ,church2 for verily ,i say unto you1 #afd that these things were spoken unto you for your profit and learning2 #b4 ,but notwithstanding those things which are written1 it always has been given to the ,elders of my ,church from the beginning1 and ever shall be1 to conduct all meetings as they are directed and guided by the ,holy ,spirit2 #c4 ,nevertheless ye are commanded never to cast any one out from your public meetings1 which are held before the world2 #d4 ,ye are also commanded not to cast any one who belongeth to the church out of your sacrament meetings2 nevertheless1 if any have trespassed1 let him not partake until he makes reconciliation4 #e4 ,and again ,i say unto you1 ye shall not cast any out of your sacrament meetings1 who are earnestly seeking the kingdom3 ,i speak this concerning those who are not of the ,church4 #f4 ,and again ,i say unto you1 concerning your confirmation meetings1 that if there be any that are not of the ,church1 that are earnestly seeking after the kingdom1 ye shall not cast them out2 #g4 ,but ye are commanded in all things to ask of ,god1 who giveth liberally2 and that which the ,spirit testifies unto you1 even so ,i would that ye should do in all holiness of heart1 walking uprightly before me1 considering the end of your salvation1 doing all things with prayer and thanksgiving1 that ye may not be seduced by evil spirits1 or doctrines of devils1 or the commandments of men1 for some are of men1 and others of devils4 #h4 ,wherefore1 beware lest ye are deceived2 and that ye may not be deceived1 seek ye earnestly the best gifts1 always remembering for what they are given2 #i4 ,for verily ,i say unto you1 they are given for the benefit of those who love me and keep all my commandments1 and him that seeketh so to do2 that all may be benefited that seek or that ask of me1 that ask and not for a sign that they may consume it upon their lust4 #aj4 ,and again1 verily ,i say unto you1 ,i would that ye should always remember1 and always retain in your minds what those gifts are1 that are given unto the ,church1 #aa4 ,for all have not every gift given unto them2 for there are many gifts1 and to every man is given a gift by the ,spirit of ,god3 #afe #ab4 ,to some is given one1 and to some is given another1 that all may be profited thereby2 #ac4 ,to some it is given by the ,holy ,ghost to know that ,jesus ,christ is the ,son of ,god1 and that ,he was crucified for the sins of the world2 #ad4 ,to others it is given to believe on their words1 that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful4 #ae4 ,and again1 to some it is given by the ,holy ,ghost to know the differences of administration1 as it will be pleasing unto the same ,lord1 according as the ,lord will1 suiting his mercies according to the conditions of the children of men4 #af4 ,and again1 it is given by the ,holy ,ghost to some to know the diversities of operations1 whether they be of ,god1 that the manifestations of the ,spirit may be given to every man to profit withal4 #ag4 ,and again1 verily ,i say unto you1 to some is given1 by the ,spirit of ,god1 the word of wisdom2 #ah4 ,to another is given the word of knowledge1 that all may be taught to be wise and to have knowledge4 #ai4 ,and again1 to some it is given to have faith to be healed1 #bj4 ,and to others it is given to have faith to heal4 #ba4 ,and again1 to some is given the working of miracles1 #bb4 ,and to others it is given to prophesy1 #bc4 ,and to others the discerning of spirits4 #bd4 ,and again1 it is given to some to speak with tongues1 #be4 ,and to another is given the interpretation of tongues3 #bf4 ,and all these gifts come from ,god1 for the benefit of the children of ,god4 #bg4 ,and unto the ,bishop of the ,church1 and unto such as ,god shall appoint and ordain to watch over the ,church1 and to be ,elders unto the ,church1 are to have it given unto them to discern all those gifts lest there shall be any among you professing and yet be not of ,god4 #bh4 ,and it shall come to pass that he that asketh in ,spirit shall receive in ,spirit2 #bi4 ,that unto some it may be given to have all those gifts1 that there may be a head1 in order that every member may be profited thereby3 #cj4 ,he that asketh in the ,spirit1 asketh according to the will of ,god1 wherefore it is done even as he asketh4 #ca4 ,and again ,i say unto you1 all things must be done in the name of ,christ1 whatsoever you do in the ,spirit2 #cb4 ,and ye must give thanks unto ,god in the ,spirit for whatsoever blessings ye are blessed with2 #cc4 ,and ye must practice virtue and holiness before me continually4 ,even so4 ,amen4 #aff ,sidenote3 ,john ,whitmer ,appointed ,historian4 ,the same day that ,i received the foregoing revelation1 ,i also received the following1 setting apart ,john ,whitmer as a historian1 #d inasmuch as he is faithful3 ,revelation to ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 and ,john ,whitmer1 given at ,kirtland1 ,march #hth1 #ahca4 #e #a4 ,behold1 it is expedient in me that my servant ,john should write and keep a regular history1 and assist you1 my servant ,joseph1 in transcribing all things which shall be given you1 until he is called to further duties4 #b4 ,again1 verily ,i say unto you1 that he can also lift up his voice in meetings1 whenever it shall be expedient4 #c4 ,and again1 ,i say unto you1 that it shall be appointed unto him to keep the ,church record and history continually1 for ,oliver ,cowdery ,i have appointed to another office4 #d4 ,wherefore it shall be given him1 inasmuch as he is faithful by the ,comforter1 to write these things4 ,even so4 ,amen4 ,sidenote3 ,on the ,purchase of ,lands in ,ohio4 ,upon inquiry how the brethren should act in regard to purchasing lands to settle upon1 #f and where they should finally make a permanent location1 ,i received the following3 ,revelation1 given at ,kirtland1 ,march1 #ahca4 #g #a4 ,it is necessary that ye should remain for the present time in your places of abode1 as it shall be suitable to your circumstances2 #b4 ,and inasmuch as ye have lands1 ye shall impart to the eastern brethren2 #c4 ,and inasmuch as ye have not lands1 let them buy for the present #afg time in those regions round about as seemeth them good1 for it must needs be necessary that they have places to live upon for the present time4 #d4 ,it must needs be necessary1 that ye save all the money that ye can1 and that ye obtain all that ye can in righteousness1 that in time ye may be enabled to purchase land for an inheritance1 even the city4 #e4 ,the place is not yet to be revealed1 but after your brethren come from the east1 there are to be certain men appointed1 and to them it shall be given to know the place1 or to them it shall be revealed4 #f4 ,and they shall be appointed to purchase the lands1 and to make a commencement to lay the foundation of the city2 and then shall ye begin to be gathered with your families1 every man according to his family1 according to his circumstances1 and as is appointed to him by the ,presidency and the ,bishop of the ,church1 according to the laws and commandments which ye have received1 and which ye shall hereafter receive4 ,even so4 ,amen4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,shaking ,quakers4 ,at about this time came ,leman ,copley1 one of the sect called ,shaking ,quakers1 #h and embraced the fullness of the everlasting ,gospel1 apparently honest-hearted1 but still retaining the idea that the ,shakers were right in some particulars of their faith4 ,in order to have more perfect understanding on the subject1 ,i inquired of the ,lord1 and received the following3 ,revelation to ,sidney ,rigdon1 ,parley ,p4 ,pratt1 and ,leman ,copley1 given ,march1 #ahca4 #i #a4 ,hearken unto my word1 my servants ,sidney1 and ,parley1 and #afh ,leman1 for behold1 verily ,i say unto you1 that ,i give unto you a commandment that you shall go and preach my ,gospel which ye have received1 even as ye have received it1 unto the ,shakers4 #b4 ,behold1 ,i say unto you1 that they desire to know the truth in part1 but not all1 for they are not right before me and must needs repent2 #c4 ,wherefore ,i send you1 my servants ,sidney and ,parley to preach the ,gospel unto them2 #d4 ,and my servant ,leman shall be ordained unto this work1 that he may reason with them1 not according to that which he has received of them1 but according to that which shall be taught him by you my servants1 and by so doing ,i will bless him1 otherwise he shall not prosper4 #e4 ,thus saith the ,lord1 for ,i am ,god1 and have sent mine ,only ,begotten ,son into the world for the redemption of the world1 and have decreed that he that receiveth ,him shall be saved1 and he that receiveth ,him not shall be damned4 #f4 ,and they have done unto the ,son of man even as they listed2 and ,he has taken ,his power on the right hand of ,his glory1 and now reigneth in the heavens1 and will reign till ,he descends on the earth to put all enemies under ,his feet1 which time is nigh at hand3 #g4 ,i1 the ,lord ,god1 have spoken it1 but the hour and the day no man knoweth1 neither the angels in heaven nor shall they know until ,he comes4 #h4 ,wherefore ,i will that all men shall repent1 for all are under sin1 except those which ,i have reserved unto myself1 holy men that ye know not of4 #i4 ,wherefore ,i say unto you1 that ,i have sent unto you mine everlasting covenant1 even that which was from the beginning-- #aj4 ,and that which ,i have promised ,i have so fulfilled--and the nations of the earth shall bow to it2 and1 if not of themselves1 they shall come down1 for that which is now exalted of itself shall be laid low of power2 #aa4 ,wherefore ,i give unto you a commandment that ye go among this people1 and say unto them1 like unto mine ,apostle of old1 whose name was ,peter2 #ab4 ,believe on the name of the ,lord ,jesus1 who was on the earth1 and is to come1 the beginning and the end1 #ac4 ,repent and be baptized in the name of ,jesus ,christ1 according to the holy commandment1 for the remission of sins2 #ad4 ,and whoso doeth this shall receive the gift of the ,holy ,ghost1 by the laying on of the hands of the ,elders of the ,church4 #ae4 ,and again1 verily ,i say unto you1 that whoso forbiddeth to marry is not ordained of ,god1 for marriage is ordained of ,god unto man2 #afi #af4 ,wherefore1 it is lawful that he should have one wife1 and they twain shall be one flesh1 and all this that the earth might answer the end of its creation4 #ag4 ,and that it might be filled with the measure of man1 according to his creation before the world was made4 #ah4 ,and whoso forbiddeth to abstain from meats1 that man should not eat the same1 is not ordained of ,god2 #ai4 ,for1 behold1 the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air1 and that which cometh of the earth1 is ordained for the use of man for food and for raiment1 and that he might have in abundance3 #bj4 ,but it is not given that one man should possess that which is above another1 wherefore the world lieth in sin2 #ba4 ,and wo be unto man that sheddeth blood or that wasteth flesh and hath no need4 #bb4 ,and again1 verily1 ,i say unto you1 that the ,son of ,man cometh not in the form of a woman1 neither of a man traveling on the earth4 #bc4 ,wherefore be not deceived1 but continue in steadfastness1 looking forth for the heavens to be shaken1 and the earth to tremble and to reel to and fro as a drunken man1 and for the valleys to be exalted1 and for the mountains to be made low1 and for the rough places to become smooth2 and all this when the angel shall sound his trumpet4 #bd4 ,but before the great day of the ,lord shall come1 ,jacob shall flourish in the wilderness1 and the ,lamanites shall blossom as the rose4 #be4 ,zion shall flourish upon the hills and rejoice upon the mountains1 and shall be assembled together unto the place which ,i have appointed4 #bf4 ,behold1 ,i say unto you1 go forth as ,i have commanded you--repent of all your sins1 ask and ye shall receive1 knock and it shall be opened unto you3 #bg4 ,behold1 ,i will go before you and be your rearward2 and ,i will be in your midst1 and you shall not be confounded2 #bh4 ,behold1 ,i am ,jesus ,christ1 and ,i come quickly4 ,even so4 ,amen4 #aj #agj ,sidenote3 ,inquiry on ,spiritual ,manifestations4 ,during the month of ,april1 ,i continued to translate the ,scriptures as time would allow4 ,in ,may1 a number of ,elders being present1 and not understanding the different spirits #aa abroad in the earth1 ,i inquired and received from the ,lord the following3 ,revelation1 given ,may1 #ahca4 #ab #a4 ,hearken1 ,o ye ,elders of my ,church1 and give ear to the voice of the living ,god1 and attend to the words of wisdom which shall be given unto you1 according as ye have asked and are agreed as touching the ,church1 and the spirits which have gone abroad in the earth4 #b4 ,behold1 verily1 ,i say unto you1 that there are many spirits which are false spirits1 which have gone forth in the earth1 deceiving the world2 #c4 ,and also ,satan hath sought to deceive you1 that he might overthrow you4 #d4 ,behold1 ,i the ,lord have looked upon you1 and have seen abominations in the ,church that profess my name2 #e4 ,but blessed are they who are faithful and endure1 whether in life or in death1 for they shall inherit eternal life4 #f4 ,but wo unto them that are deceivers and hypocrites1 for thus saith the ,lord1 ,i will bring them to judgment4 #g4 ,behold1 verily ,i say unto you1 there are hypocrites among you1 who have deceived some1 which has given the adversary power1 but behold such shall be reclaimed2 #aga #h4 ,but the hypocrites shall be detected and shall be cut off1 either in life or in death1 even as ,i will2 and wo unto them who are cut off from my ,church1 for the same are overcome of the world2 #i4 ,wherefore1 let every man beware lest he do that which is not in truth and righteousness before me4 #aj4 ,and now come1 saith the ,lord1 by the ,spirit1 unto the ,elders of ,his ,church1 and let us reason together1 that ye may understand3 #aa4 ,let us reason even as a man reasoneth one with another1 face to face3 #ab4 ,now when a man reasoneth he is understood of man1 because he reasoneth as a man1 even so will ,i the ,lord1 reason with you1 that you may understand2 #ac4 ,wherefore1 ,i1 the ,lord1 ask you this question1 ,unto what were ye ordained8 #ad4 ,to preach my ,gospel by the ,spirit1 even the ,comforter which was sent forth to teach the truth2 #ae4 ,and then received ye spirits which ye could not understand1 and received them to be of ,god1 and in this are ye justified8 #af4 ,behold ye shall answer this question yourselves2 nevertheless ,i will be merciful unto you2 he that is weak among you hereafter shall be made strong4 #ag4 ,verily ,i say unto you1 he that is ordained of me and sent forth to preach the word of truth by the ,comforter1 in the ,spirit of truth1 doth he preach it by the ,spirit of truth or some other way8 #ah4 ,and if it be by some other way1 it is not of ,god4 #ai4 ,and again1 he that receiveth the word of truth1 doth he receive it by the ,spirit of truth or some other way8 #bj4 ,if it be some other way it is not of ,god3 #ba4 ,therefore1 why is it that ye cannot understand and know that he that receiveth the word by the ,spirit of truth1 receiveth it as it is preached by the ,spirit of truth8 #bb4 ,wherefore1 he that preacheth and he that receiveth1 understand one another1 and both are edified and rejoice together4 #bc4 ,and that which doth not edify is not of ,god and is darkness2 #bd4 ,that which is of ,god is light2 and he that receiveth light1 and continueth in ,god1 receiveth more light1 and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day4 #be4 ,and again1 verily ,i say unto you1 and ,i say it that you may know the truth1 that you may chase darkness from among you2 #bf4 ,he that is ordained of ,god and sent forth1 the same is appointed to be the greatest1 notwithstanding he is the least and the servant of all4 #bg4 ,wherefore1 he is possessor of all things2 for all things are subject unto him1 both in heaven and on the earth1 the life and the light1 #agb the ,spirit and the power1 sent forth by the will of the ,father1 through ,jesus ,christ1 ,his ,son4 #bh4 ,but no man is possessor of all things except he be purified and cleansed from all sin2 #bi4 ,and if ye are purified and cleansed from all sin1 ye shall ask whatsoever you will in the name of ,jesus1 and it shall be done3 #cj4 ,but know this1 it shall be given you what you shall ask1 and as ye are appointed to the head1 the spirits shall be subject unto you4 #ca4 ,wherefore1 it shall come to pass1 that if you behold a spirit manifested that you cannot understand1 and you receive not that spirit1 ye shall ask of the ,father in the name of ,jesus1 and if he give not unto you that spirit1 then you may know that it is not of ,god3 #cb4 ,and it shall be given unto you power over that spirit1 and you shall proclaim against that spirit with a loud voice that it is not of ,god2 #cc4 ,not with railing accusation1 that ye be not overcome1 neither with boasting1 nor rejoicing1 lest you be seized therewith4 #cd4 ,he that receiveth of ,god1 let him account it of ,god1 and let him rejoice that he is accounted of ,god worthy to receive4 #ce4 ,and by giving heed and doing these things which ye have received1 and which ye shall hereafter receive3 and the kingdom is given you of the ,father1 and power to overcome all things which are not ordained of ,him4 #cf4 ,and behold1 verily ,i say unto you1 blessed are you who are now hearing these words of mine from the mouth of my servant1 for your sins are forgiven you4 #cg4 ,let my servant1 ,joseph ,wakefield1 in whom ,i am well pleased1 and my servant1 ,parley ,p4 ,pratt go forth among the churches and strengthen them by the word of exhortation2 #ch4 ,and also my servant ,john ,corrill1 or as many of my servants as are ordained unto this office1 and let them labor in the vineyard2 and let no man hinder them doing that which ,i have appointed unto them3 #ci4 ,wherefore in this thing my servant ,edward ,partridge is not justified2 nevertheless let him repent and he shall be forgiven4 #dj4 ,behold1 ye are little children1 and ye cannot bear all things now2 we must grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth4 #da4 ,fear not1 little children1 for you are mine1 and ,i have overcome the world1 and you are of them that my ,father hath given me2 #db4 ,and none of them that my ,father hath given me shall be lost3 #dc4 ,and the ,father and ,i are one3 ,i am in the ,father and the ,father in me3 and inasmuch as ye have received me1 ye are in me and ,i in you2 #dd4 ,wherefore ,i am in your midst1 and ,i am the ,good ,shepherd1 and the ,stone of ,israel4 ,he that buildeth upon this rock shall never fall4 #de4 ,and the day cometh that you shall hear my voice and see me1 and know that ,i am4 #agc #df4 ,watch1 therefore1 that ye may be ready4 ,even so4 ,amen4 #ac ,sidenote3 ,arrival in ,ohio of the ,new ,york ,saints4 ,not long after the foregoing was received1 the ,saints from the ,state of ,new ,york began to come on1 and it seemed necessary to settle them2 therefore at the solicitation of ,bishop ,partridge1 ,i inquired1 and received the following3 ,revelation1 given ,may1 #ahca4 #ad #a4 ,hearken unto me1 saith the ,lord your ,god1 and ,i will speak unto my servant ,edward ,partridge1 and give unto him directions1 for it must needs be that he receive directions how to organize this people2 #b4 ,for it must needs be that they be organized according to my laws--otherwise1 they will be cut off4 #c4 ,wherefore1 let my servant ,edward ,partridge1 and those whom he has chosen1 in whom ,i am well pleased1 appoint unto this people their portions1 every man equal according to his family1 according to his circumstances1 and his wants and needs4 #d4 ,and let my servant ,edward ,partridge1 when he shall appoint a man his portion1 give unto him a writing that shall secure unto him his portion1 that he shall hold it1 even this right and this inheritance in the ,church1 until he transgresses and is not accounted worthy by the voice #agd of the ,church1 according to the laws and covenants of the ,church1 to belong to the ,church3 #e4 ,and if he shall transgress and is not accounted worthy to belong to the ,church1 he shall not have power to claim that portion which he has consecrated unto the ,bishop for the poor and needy of my ,church2 therefore1 he shall not retain the gift1 but shall only have claim on that portion that is deeded unto him4 #f4 ,and thus all things shall be made sure1 according to the laws of the land4 #g4 ,and let that which belongs to this people be appointed unto this people2 #h4 ,and the money which is left unto this people1 let there be an agent appointed unto this people1 to take the money to provide food and raiment1 according to the wants of this people4 #i4 ,and let every man deal honestly1 and be alike among this people1 and receive alike1 that ye may be one1 even as ,i have commanded you4 #aj4 ,and let that which belongeth to this people not be taken and given unto that of another church2 #aa4 ,wherefore1 if another church would receive money of this church1 let them pay unto this church again according as they shall agree2 #ab4 ,and this shall be done through the ,bishop or the agent1 which shall be appointed by the voice of the ,church4 #ac4 ,and again1 let the ,bishop appoint a storehouse unto this ,church2 and let all things both in money and in meat1 which are more than is needful for the wants of this people1 be kept in the hands of the ,bishop4 #ad4 ,and let him also reserve unto himself for his own wants1 and for the wants of his family1 as he shall be employed in doing this business4 #ae4 ,and thus ,i grant unto this people a privilege of organizing themselves according to my laws4 #af4 ,and ,i consecrate unto them this land for a little season1 until ,i1 the ,lord1 shall provide for them otherwise1 and command them to go hence2 #ag4 ,and the hour and the day is not given unto them1 wherefore let them act upon this land as for years1 and this shall turn unto them for their good4 #ah4 ,behold1 this shall be an example unto my servant ,edward ,partridge1 in other places1 in all churches4 #ai4 ,and whoso is found a faithful1 a just and a wise steward1 shall enter into the joy of his ,lord1 and shall inherit eternal life4 #bj4 ,verily1 ,i say unto you1 ,i am ,jesus ,christ1 who cometh quickly1 in an hour you think not4 ,even so4 ,amen4 ,footnotes #a4 ,this earthquake in ,china is a matter of some interest in connection with the history of the church1 since it was the means of bringing ,simonds ,ryder1 a somewhat noted preacher of the ,campbellite faith1 into the ,church4 ,according to ,hayden's ,history of the ,disciples on the ,western ,reserve 7a ,campbellite book71 ,mr4 ,ryder was much perplexed over ,mormonism1 and for a time was undecided whether to join the ,church or not4 ,in the month of ,june1 7#ahca7 writes ,mr4 ,hayden1 he read in a newspaper an account of the destruction of ,pekin in ,china1 and he remembered that six weeks before1 a young ',mormon' girl had predicted the destruction of that city4 ,j4 ,h4 ,kennedy1 in his ,early ,days of ,mormonism 7,scribner's ,sons1 #ahhh71 refers to the same thing1 and adds3 ,this appeal to the superstitious part of his nature was the final weight in the balance and he threw the whole power of his influence upon the side of ',mormonism4' ,his surrender caused an excitement almost equal to that which followed the fall of ,rigdon1 7pp4 #ajc-d74 ,it was doubtless this prophecy and the conversion connected with it that led the papers mentioned in the text to refer to it as ,mormonism in ,china4 ,the discrepancy in dates1 ,hayden and ,kennedy referring to the published accounts of the events as appearing in ,june1 and the ,prophet making reference to it previous to the #gth of ,march1 need cause no confusion4 ,it will be seen that the ,prophet alludes to it in connection with a number of other things as taking place at this age of the ,church--a very indefinite reference as to the time in which a thing may have occurred4 #b4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #de4 #c4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec #df4 ,with reference to the matters mentioned in verses #ag in this revelation1 ,john ,whitmer writes3 ,in the beginning of the ,church1 while yet in her infancy1 the disciples used to exclude unbelievers1 which caused some to marvel and converse of this matter because of the things written in the ,book of ,mormon #c ,nephi #ah3bb-cd4 ,therefore the ,lord deigned to speak on this subject1 that ,his people might come to understanding1 and said that ,he had always given to ,his ,elders to conduct all meetings as they were led by the ,spirit4--,john ,whitmer's ,history of the ,church1 ch4 #d4 #d4 ,previous to this ,oliver ,cowdery1 had acted as historian and recorder4 ,john ,whitmer1 according to his own representations1 said he would rather not keep the ,church history1 but observed--,the will of the ,lord be done1 and if ,he desires it1 ,i wish that ,he would manifest it through ,joseph the seer4--,john ,whitmer's ,history of the ,church1 ch4 #f4--;,accordingly the revelation was given4 #e4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #dg4 #f4 ,this question was agitating the minds of the brethren in consequence of the expected arrival in the near future1 of the ,saints from ,new ,york1 who had been commanded to gather to ,ohio1 and for whose reception it was necessary to make preparations4 #g4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 section #dh4 #h4 ,this sect of ,christians arose in ,england1 and ,ann ,lee has the credit of being its founder4 ,they derive their name from their manner of worship1 which is performed by singing and dancing and clapping their hands in regular time1 to a novel but rather pleasant kind of music4 ,this sect was persecuted in ,england1 and came to ,america in #aggd4 ,they first settled in ,watervliet1 near ,albany1 ,new ,york4 ,they have1 or think they have1 revelations from heaven1 or gifts from the ,holy ,spirit1 which direct them in the choice of their leaders1 and in other important concerns4 ,their dress and manners are similar to those of the society of ,friends 7,quakers72 hence they are often called ,shaking ,quakers4--,hayward's ,book of ,all ,religions1 pp4 #hd-he4 ,they assert1 with the ,quakers1 that all external ordinances1 especially baptism and the ,lord's supper1 ceased in the apostolic age2 and that ,god had sent no one to preach since that time till they were raised up1 to call in the elect in a new dispensation4 ,they deny the doctrine of the ,trinity and a vicarious atonement1 as also the resurrection of the body4--,burder's ,history of ,all ,religions1 p4 #ejb4 #i4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #di4 #aj4 ,elders ,rigdon and ,pratt fulfilled the mission appointed to them by this revelation4 ,in company with ,leman ,copley1 who at his own earnest request had been ordained to the ,priesthood1 7,john ,whitmer's ,history of the ,church1 p4 #bj7 they visited the settlement of the ,shakers1 near ,cleveland1 ,ohio1 and preached the ,gospel to them2 but1 writes ,elder ,pratt1 they utterly refused to hear or obey the ,gospel4--,autobiography of ,parley ,p4 ,pratt1 p4 #fe 7first ed47 ,john ,whitmer also remarks upon this incident3 ,the above-named brethren went and proclaimed the ,gospel according to the revelation given them1 but the ,shakers hearkened not to their words and received not the ,gospel at that time1 for they are bound in tradition and priestcraft2 and thus they are led away with foolish and vain imaginations4--,john ,whitmer's ,history of the ,church4 ,ms4 p4 #bj4 #aa4 ,this is a very brief allusion to very important and strange phenomena4 ,elder ,parley ,p4 ,pratt1 in his ,autobiography1 has a much more extended account of the spirit manifestations which called forth the revelation upon the subject4 ,as ,i went forth among the different branches1 he says1 alluding to the branches in the vicinity of ,kirtland1 some very strange spiritual operations were manifested1 which were disgusting rather than edifying4 ,some persons would seem to swoon away and make unseemly gestures1 and be drawn or disfigured in their countenances4 ,others would fall into ecstasies and be drawn into contortions1 cramp1 fits etc4 ,others would seem to have visions1 and revelations1 which were not edifying and which were not congenial to the doctrine and spirit of the ,gospel4 ,in short1 a false and lying spirit seemed to be creeping into the ,church4 ,all these things were new and strange to me and had originated in the ,church during our absence1 and previous to the arrival of ,president ,joseph ,smith from ,new ,york4 ,feeling our weakness and inexperience1 and lest we should err in judgment concerning these spiritual phenomena1 myself1 ,john ,murdock1 and several other ,elders1 went to ,joseph smith and asked him to inquire of the ,lord concerning these spirits or manifestations4 ,after we had joined in prayer in his translating room1 he dictated in our presence the following revelation4 ,this is the revelation given in the text above on spiritual manifestations4 #ab4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec #ej4 #ac4 ,elder ,parley ,p4 ,pratt2 in his ,autobiography1 referring to this revelation1 for he was present when it was given--indeed it was obtained chiefly at his own and ,elder ,john ,murdock's solicitation--takes occasion to relate how this and other revelations were given through the ,prophet4 ,each sentence1 says he1 was uttered slowly and very distinctly1 and with a pause between each1 sufficiently long for it to be recorded by an ordinary writer in long hand4 ,this was the manner in which all his written revelations were dictated and written4 ,there was never any hesitation1 reviewing1 or reading back1 in order to keep the run of the subject2 neither did any of these communications undergo revisions1 interlinings or corrections4 ,as he dictated them so they stood1 so far as ,i have witnessed2 and ,i was present to witness the dictation of several communications of several pages each4--,aut4 ,parley ,p4 ,pratt1 pp4 #fe-ff4 ,this statement of ,elder ,pratt's is true in a general way1 and valuable as a description of the manner in which revelations were dictated by the ,prophet2 and needs modifying only to the extent of saying that some of the early revelations first published in the ,book of ,commandments1 in #ahcc1 were revised by the ,prophet himself in the way of correcting errors made by the scribes and publishers2 and some additional clauses were inserted to throw increased light upon the subjects treated in the revelations and paragraphs added1 to make the principles or instructions apply to officers not in the ,church at the time some of the earlier revelations were given4 ,the addition of verses1 #fe1 #ff and #fg in sec4 #bj of the ,doctrine and ,covenants1 is an example4 #ad4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #ea4 #age ,chapter ,,xv4 ,the ,important ,conference of ,june #crd-#fth--,arrival of the ,elders in ,western ,missouri4 ,sidenote3 ,important ,conference of ,june #crd-#fth1 at ,kirtland4 ,on the #crd #a of ,june1 the ,elders from the various parts of the country where they were laboring1 came in2 and the conference before appointed1 convened in ,kirtland2 and the ,lord displayed ,his power to the most perfect satisfaction of the ,saints4 ,the man of sin was revealed1 #b and the authority of the #agf ,melchizedek ,priesthood was manifested and conferred for the first time upon several of the ,elders4 #c ,it was clearly evident that the ,lord gave us power in proportion to the work to be done1 and strength according to the race set before us1 and grace and help as our needs required4 #d ,great harmony prevailed2 several were ordained2 faith was strengthened2 and humility1 so necessary for the #agg blessing of ,god to follow prayer1 characterized the ,saints4 ,the next day1 as a kind continuation of this great work of the last days1 ,i received the following3 ,revelation1 given ,june1 #ahca4 #e #a4 ,behold1 thus saith the ,lord unto the ,elders whom ,he hath called and chosen in these last days1 by the voice of ,his ,spirit1 #b4 ,saying1 ,i1 the ,lord1 will make known unto you what ,i will that ye shall do from this time until the next conference1 which shall be held in ,missouri1 upon the land which ,i will consecrate unto my people1 which are a remnant of ,jacob1 and those who are heirs according to the covenant4 #c4 ,wherefore1 verily ,i say unto you1 let my servants ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 and ,sidney ,rigdon take their journey as soon as preparations can be made to leave their homes1 and journey to the land of ,missouri4 #d4 ,and inasmuch as they are faithful unto me1 it shall be made known unto them what they shall do2 #e4 ,and it shall also1 inasmuch as they are faithful1 be made known unto them the land of your inheritance4 #f4 ,and inasmuch as they are not faithful1 they shall be cut off1 even as ,i will1 as seemeth me good4 #g4 ,and again1 verily ,i say unto you1 let my servant ,lyman ,wight1 and my servant ,john ,corrill take their journey speedily2 #h4 ,and also my servant ,john ,murdock1 and my servant ,hyrum ,smith1 take their journey unto the same place by the way of ,detroit4 #i4 ,and let them journey from thence preaching the word by the way1 saying none other things than that which the ,prophets and ,apostles have written1 and that which is taught them by the ,comforter through the prayer of faith4 #aj4 ,let them go two by two1 and thus let them preach by the way in every congregation1 baptizing by water1 and the laying on of the hands by the water's side2 #aa4 ,for thus saith the ,lord1 ,i will cut my work short in righteousness1 for the days come that ,i will send forth judgment unto victory4 #ab4 ,and let my servant ,lyman ,wight beware1 for ,satan desireth to sift him as chaff4 #ac4 ,and behold1 he that is faithful shall be made ruler over many things4 #ad4 ,and again1 ,i will give unto you a pattern in all things1 that ye #agh may not be deceived1 for ,satan is abroad in the land1 and he goeth forth deceiving the nations2 #ae4 ,wherefore he that prayeth1 whose spirit is contrite1 the same is accepted of me if he obey mine ordinances4 #af4 ,he that speaketh1 whose spirit is contrite1 whose language is meek and edifieth1 the same is of ,god if he obey mine ordinances4 #ag4 ,and again1 he that trembleth under my power shall be made strong1 and shall bring forth fruits of praise and wisdom1 according to the revelations and truths which ,i have given you4 #ah4 ,and again1 he that is overcome and bringeth not forth fruits1 even according to this pattern1 is not of me2 #ai4 ,wherefore1 by this pattern ye shall know the spirits in all cases under the whole heavens4 #bj4 ,and the days have come1 according to men's faith it shall be done unto them4 #ba4 ,behold1 this commandment is given unto all the ,elders whom ,i have chosen4 #bb4 ,and again1 verily ,i say unto you1 let my servant ,thomas ,b4 ,marsh1 and my servant ,ezra ,thayre1 take their journey also1 preaching the word by the way unto this same land4 #bc4 ,and again1 let my servant ,isaac ,morley1 and my servant ,ezra ,booth take their journey1 also preaching the word by the way unto this same land4 #bd4 ,and again1 let my servants ,edward ,partridge and ,martin ,harris take their journey with my servants ,sidney ,rigdon and ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 #be4 ,let my servants ,david ,whitmer and ,harvey ,whitlock also take their journey and preach by the way unto this same land4 #bf4 ,and let my servants ,parley ,p4 ,pratt and ,orson ,pratt take their journey and preach by the way1 even unto this same land4 #bg4 ,and let my servants ,solomon ,hancock and ,simeon ,carter also take their journey unto this same land1 and preach by the way4 #bh4 ,let my servants ,edson ,fuller and ,jacob ,scott also take their journey4 #bi4 ,let my servants ,levi ,w4 ,hancock and ,zebedee ,coltrin also take their journey4 #cj4 ,let my servants ,reynolds ,cahoon and ,samuel ,h4 ,smith also take their journey4 #ca4 ,let my servants ,wheeler ,baldwin and ,william ,carter also take their journey4 #cb4 ,and let my servants ,newel ,knight and ,selah ,j4 ,griffin1 both be ordained1 and also take their journey2 #cc4 ,yea1 verily1 ,i say1 let all these take their journey unto one place1 #agi in their several courses1 and one man shall not build upon another's foundation1 neither journey in another's track4 #cd4 ,he that is faithful1 the same shall be kept and blessed with much fruit4 #ce4 ,and again1 ,i say unto you1 let my servants ,joseph ,wakefield and ,solomon ,humphrey take their journey into the eastern lands2 #cf4 ,let them labor with their families1 declaring none other things than the ,prophets and ,apostles1 that which they have seen and heard1 and most assuredly believe1 that the prophecies may be fulfilled4 #cg4 ,in consequence of transgression1 let that which was bestowed upon ,heman ,bassett be taken from him1 and placed upon the head of ,simonds ,ryder4 #ch4 ,and again1 verily ,i say unto you1 let ,jared ,carter be ordained a ,priest1 and also ,george ,james be ordained a ,priest4 #ci4 ,let the residue of the ,elders watch over the ,churches1 and declare the word in the regions round about them3 and let them labor with their own hands that there be no idolatry nor wickedness practiced4 #dj4 ,and remember in all things the poor and the needy1 the sick and the afflicted1 for he that doeth not these things1 the same is not my disciple4 #da4 ,and again1 let my servant ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 and ,sidney ,rigdon1 and ,edward ,partridge1 take with them a recommend from the ,church4 ,and let there be one obtained for my servant ,oliver ,cowdery also2 #db4 ,and thus1 even as ,i have said1 if ye are faithful1 ye shall assemble yourselves together to rejoice upon the land of ,missouri1 which is the land of your inheritance1 which is now the land of your enemies4 #dc4 ,but1 behold1 ,i the ,lord1 will hasten the city in its time1 and will crown the faithful with joy and with rejoicing4 #dd4 ,behold1 ,i am ,jesus ,christ1 the ,son of ,god1 and ,i will lift them up at the last day4 ,even so4 ,amen4 ,shortly after the foregoing was received1 at the request of ,algernon ,sidney ,gilbert ,i inquired1 and obtained the following3 ,revelation1 given ,june1 #ahca4 #f #a4 ,behold1 ,i say unto you my servant ,sidney ,gilbert1 that ,i have heard your prayers1 and you have called upon me that it should be made known unto you of the ,lord your ,god1 concerning your calling #ahj and election in the ,church1 which ,i1 the ,lord1 have raised up in these last days4 #b4 ,behold1 ,i1 the ,lord1 who was crucified for the sins of the world1 give unto you a commandment that you shall forsake the world4 #c4 ,take upon you mine ordination1 even that of an ,elder1 to preach faith and repentance1 and remission of sins1 according to my word1 and the reception of the ,holy ,spirit by the laying on of hands4 #d4 ,and also to be an agent unto this ,church in the place which shall be appointed by the ,bishop1 according to commandments which shall be given hereafter4 #e4 ,and again1 verily ,i say unto you1 you shall take your journey with my servants ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun1 and ,sidney ,rigdon4 #f4 ,behold these are the first ordinances which you shall receive1 and the residue shall be made known in a time to come1 according to your labor in my vineyard4 #g4 ,and again1 ,i would that ye should learn that he only is saved who endureth unto the end4 ,even so4 ,amen4 ,sidenote3 ,difficulty in the ,thompson ,branch4 ,the branch of the ,church in ,thompson1 on account of breaking the covenant1 #g and not knowing what to do1 they sent in ,newel ,knight and other ,elders1 to ask me to inquire of the ,lord for them2 which ,i did1 and received the following3 #aha ,revelation to ,newel ,knight1 given at ,kirtland1 ,june1 #ahca4 #h #a4 ,behold1 thus saith the ,lord1 even ,alpha and ,omega1 the beginning and the end1 even he who was crucified for the sins of the world4 #b4 ,behold1 verily1 verily1 ,i say unto you1 my servant1 ,newel ,knight1 you shall stand fast in the office wherewith ,i have appointed you2 #c4 ,and if your brethren desire to escape their enemies1 let them repent of all their sins1 and become truly humble before me and contrite2 #d4 ,and as the covenant which they made unto me has been broken1 even so it has become void and of none effect2 #e4 ,and wo to him by whom this offense cometh1 for it had been better for him that he had been drowned in the depth of the sea2 #f4 ,but blessed are they who have kept the covenant and observed the commandment1 for they shall obtain mercy4 #g4 ,wherefore1 go to now and flee the land1 lest your enemies come upon you2 and take your journey1 and appoint whom you will to be your leader1 and to pay monies for you4 #i #h4 ,and thus you shall take your journey into the regions westward1 unto the land of ,missouri1 unto the borders of the ,lamanites4 #i4 ,and after you have done journeying1 behold1 ,i say unto you1 seek ye a living like unto men1 until ,i prepare a place for you1 #aj4 ,and again1 be patient in tribulation until ,i come2 and1 behold1 ,i came quickly1 and my reward is with me1 and they who have sought me early shall find rest to their souls4 ,even so4 ,amen4 ,the ,elders now began to go to the western country1 two and two1 according to the word of the ,lord4 ,sidenote3 ,report of ,oliver ,cowdery on ,conditions in ,western ,missouri4 ,from ,parley ,p4 ,pratt1 who during the spring had returned from his mission of last fall1 we had verbal #ahb information2 and from letters from the still remaining ,elders we had written intelligence2 and as the mission to ,western ,missouri and the gathering of the ,saints to that place was the most important subject which then engrossed the attention of the ,church1 ,i will here insert the copy of a letter1 received about this time from that section1 dated at ,kaw ,township1 ,missouri1 ,may #g1 #ahca4 ,our ,dearly ,beloved ,brethren3--,i have nothing particular to write as concerning the ,lamanites2 because of a short journey which ,i have just returned from1 and in consequence of which ,i have not written to you since the #afth of last month4 ,brother ,ziba ,peterson and myself went into the county east1 which is ,lafayette1 about forty miles2 and1 in the name of ,jesus1 we called on the people to repent1 many of whom are1 ,i believe1 earnestly searching for truth1 and if sincerely1 ,i pray they may find that precious treasure1 for it seems to be wholly fallen in the streets1 and equity cannot enter4 ,the letter we received from you1 informed us that the opposition was great against you4 ,now1 our beloved brethren1 we verily believe that we also can rejoice that we are counted worthy to suffer shame for ,his name2 for almost the whole country1 consisting of ,universalists1 ,atheists1 ,deists1 ,presbyterians1 ,methodists1 ,baptists1 and other professed ,christians1 priests and people2 with all the devils from the infernal pit are united1 and foaming out their own shame against us4 ,god forbid that ,i should bring a railing accusation against them1 for vengeance belongeth to ,him who is able to repay2 and herein1 brethren1 we confide4 ,i am lately informed of another tribe of ,lamanites1 who have abundance of flocks of the best kinds of sheep and cattle2 and they manufacture blankets of a superior quality4 ,the tribe is very numerous2 they live three hundred miles west of ,santa ,fe1 and are called ,navashoes4 #aj ,why ,i mention this tribe is because ,i feel under obligations to communicate to my brethren any information concerning the ,lamanites that ,i meet with in my labors and travels1 believing1 as ,i do1 that much is expected from me in the cause of our ,lord2 and doubting not that ,i am daily remembered before the throne of the ,most ,high by all my brethren1 as well by those who have not seen my face in the flesh as by those who have4 ,we begin to expect our brother ,parley ,p4 ,pratt soon2 we have heard from him only when he was at ,st4 ,louis4 ,we are all well1 bless the ,lord2 #ahc and preach the ,gospel we will1 if earth and hell oppose our way--for we dwell in the midst of scorpions--and in ,jesus we trust4 ,grace be with you all4 ,amen4 ,oliver ,cowdery4 ,p4 ,s4--,i beseech ,brother ,whitney to remember and write1 and direct to me1 ,independence1 ,jackson ,county1 ,missouri4 #aa #ahd ,about the middle of ,june1 while we were preparing for our journey to ,missouri1 ,william ,w4 ,phelps and #ahe his family arrived among us--to do the will of the ,lord1 he said3 so ,i inquired of the ,lord concerning him and received the following3 ,revelation given ,june1 #ahca4 #ab #a4 ,behold1 thus saith the ,lord unto you1 my servant ,william1 yea1 even the ,lord of the whole earth1 thou art called and chosen1 and after thou hast been baptized by water1 which1 if you do with an eye single to my glory1 you shall have a remission of your sins and a reception of the ,holy ,spirit by the laying on of hands2 #b4 ,and then thou shalt be ordained by the hand of my servant ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 to be an ,elder unto this ,church1 to preach repentance and remission of sins by way of baptism in the name of ,jesus ,christ the ,son of the living ,god2 #c4 ,and on whomsoever you shall lay your hands1 if they are contrite before me1 you shall have power to give the ,holy ,spirit4 #d4 ,and again1 you shall be ordained to assist my servant ,oliver ,cowdery to do the work of printing1 and of selecting1 and writing books for schools in this ,church1 that little children also may receive instruction before me as is pleasing unto me4 #ahf #e4 ,and again1 verily ,i say unto you1 for this cause ye shall take your journey with my servants ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 and ,sidney ,rigdon1 that you may be planted in the land of your inheritance to do this work4 #f4 ,and again1 let my servant ,joseph ,coe also take his journey with them4 ,the residue shall be made known hereafter1 even as ,i will4 ,amen4 #ac ,sidenote3 ,marsh and ,thayre ,separated as ,missionary ,companions4 ,soon after ,i received the foregoing1 ,elder ,thomas ,b4 ,marsh came to inquire what he should do2 as ,elder ,ezra ,thayre1 his yoke-fellow in the ministry1 could not get ready to start on his mission as soon as he 7,marsh7 would2 and ,i inquired of the ,lord1 and received the following3 ,revelation1 given at ,kirtland1 #ahca4 #ad #a4 ,hearken1 ,o ye people who profess my name1 saith the ,lord your ,god1 for behold1 mine anger is kindled against the rebellious1 and they shall know mine arm and mine indignation1 in the day of visitation and of wrath upon the nations4 #b4 ,and he that will not take up his cross and follow me1 and keep my commandments1 the same shall not be saved4 #c4 ,behold1 ,i1 the ,lord1 command1 and he that will not obey1 shall be cut off in mine own due time1 after ,i have commanded1 and the commandment is broken2 #d4 ,wherefore ,i1 the ,lord1 command and revoke1 as it seemeth me good2 and all this to be answered upon the heads of the rebellious1 saith the ,lord4 #e4 ,wherefore1 ,i revoke the commandment which was given unto my servants ,thomas ,b4 ,marsh and ,ezra ,thayre1 and give a new commandment unto my servant ,thomas1 that he shall take up his journey1 speedily to the land of ,missouri1 and my servant ,selah ,j4 ,griffin shall also go with him4 #f4 ,for behold1 ,i revoke the commandment which was given unto my servants ,selah ,j4 ,griffin and ,newel ,knight1 in consequence of the stiffneckedness of my people which are in ,thompson1 and their rebellions2 #ahg #g4 ,wherefore1 let my servant ,newel ,knight remain with them1 and as many as will go may go1 that are contrite before me1 and be led by him to the land which ,i have appointed4 #h4 ,and again1 verily ,i say unto you1 that my servant ,ezra ,thayre must repent of his pride1 and of his selfishness1 and obey the former commandment which ,i have given him concerning the place upon which he lives4 #i4 ,and if he will do this1 as there shall be no divisions made upon the land1 he shall be appointed still to go to the land of ,missouri2 #aj4 ,otherwise he shall receive the money which he has paid2 and shall leave the place1 and shall be cut off out of my ,church1 saith the ,lord ,god of hosts2 #aa4 ,and though the heaven and the earth pass away1 these words shall not pass away1 but shall be fulfilled4 #ab4 ,and if my servant ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 must needs pay the money1 behold1 ,i1 the ,lord1 will pay it unto him again in the land of ,missouri1 that those of whom he shall receive may be rewarded again according to that which they do2 #ac4 ,for according to that which they do1 they shall receive1 even in lands for their inheritance4 #ad4 ,behold1 thus saith the ,lord unto my people1 you have many things to do and to repent of2 for behold1 your sins have come up unto me1 and are not pardoned1 because you seek to counsel in your own ways4 #ae4 ,and your hearts are not satisfied4 ,and ye obey not the truth1 but have pleasure in unrighteousness4 #af4 ,wo unto you rich men1 that will not give your substance to the poor1 for your riches will canker your souls2 and this shall be your lamentation in the day of visitation1 and of judgment1 and of indignation3 ,the harvest is past1 the summer is ended1 and my soul is not saved6 #ag4 ,wo unto you poor men1 whose hearts are not broken1 whose spirits are not contrite1 and whose bellies are not satisfied1 and whose hands are not stayed from laying hold upon other men's goods1 whose eyes are full of greediness1 and who will not labor with your own hands6 #ah4 ,but blessed are the poor who are pure in heart1 whose hearts are broken1 and whose spirits are contrite1 for they shall see the kingdom of ,god coming in power and great glory unto their deliverance2 for the fatness of the earth shall be theirs4 #ai4 ,for behold1 the ,lord shall come1 and ,his recompense shall be with him1 and ,he shall reward every man1 and the poor shall rejoice2 #bj4 ,and their generations shall inherit the earth from generation to #ahh generation1 for ever and ever4 ,and now ,i make an end of speaking unto you4 ,even so4 ,amen4 #ae ,sidenote3 ,the ,departure of the ,prophet and ,company for ,missouri4 ,on the #aith of ,june1 in company with ,sidney ,rigdon1 ,martin ,harris1 ,edward ,partridge1 ,william ,w4 ,phelps1 ,joseph ,coe1 ,algernon ,s4 ,gilbert and his wife1 ,i started from ,kirtland1 ,ohio1 for the land of ,missouri1 agreeable to the commandment before received1 wherein it was promised that if we were faithful1 the land of our inheritance1 even the place for the city of the ,new ,jerusalem1 should be revealed4 ,we went by wagon1 canal boats1 and stages to ,cincinnati1 where ,i had an interview with the ,rev4 ,walter ,scott1 one of the founders of the ,campbellites1 or ,newlight church4 #af ,before the close of our interview1 he manifested one of the bitterest spirits against the doctrine of the ,new ,testament 7that these signs shall follow them that believe1 as recorded in ,mark the #afth chapter17 that ,i ever witnessed among men4 ,we left ,cincinnati in a steamer1 and landed at ,louisville1 ,kentucky1 where we were detained three days in waiting for a steamer to convey us to ,st4 ,louis4 ,at ,st4 ,louis1 myself1 ,brothers ,harris1 ,phelps1 ,partridge and ,coe1 went by land on foot to ,independence1 ,jackson county1 ,missouri1 where we arrived about the middle of ,july1 and the rest of the company came by water a few days later4 ,sidenote3 ,treatment by the ,way4 ,notwithstanding the corruptions and abominations of the times1 and the evil spirit manifested towards us on account of our belief in the ,book of ,mormon1 at many places and among various persons1 yet the ,lord continued ,his watchful care and #ahi loving kindness to us day by day2 and we made it a rule wherever there was an opportunity1 to read a chapter in the ,bible1 and pray2 and these seasons of worship gave us great consolation4 ,sidenote3 ,arrival in ,missouri4 ,reflections on ,state of ,society in ,missouri4 ,questions and the ,answer by ,revelation4 ,the meeting of our brethren1 who had long awaited our arrival1 was a glorious one1 and moistened with many tears4 ,it seemed good and pleasant for brethren to meet together in unity4 ,but our reflections were many1 coming as we had from a highly cultivated state of society in the east1 and standing now upon the confines or western limits of the ,united ,states1 and looking into the vast wilderness of those that sat in darkness2 how natural it was to observe the degradation1 leanness of intellect1 ferocity1 and jealousy of a people that were nearly a century behind the times1 and to feel for those who roamed about without the benefit of civilization1 refinement1 or religion2 yea1 and exclaim in the language of the ,prophets3 ,when will the wilderness blossom as the rose8 ,when will ,zion be built up in her glory1 and where will ,thy temple stand1 unto which all nations shall come in the last days8 ,our anxiety was soon relieved by receiving the following3 ,revelation1 given in ,zion1 ,july1 #ahca4 #ag #a4 ,hearken1 ,o ye ,elders of my ,church1 saith the ,lord your ,god1 who have assembled yourselves together1 according to my commandments1 in this land1 which is the land of ,missouri1 which is the land which ,i have appointed and consecrated for the gathering of the ,saints3 #b4 ,wherefore1 this is the land of promise1 and the place for the city of ,zion4 #c4 ,and thus saith the ,lord your ,god1 if you will receive wisdom here is wisdom4 ,behold1 the place which is now called ,independence is the center place2 and the spot for the temple is lying westward1 upon a lot which is not far from the court house4 #d4 ,wherefore it is wisdom that the land should be purchased by the ,saints2 and also every tract lying westward even unto the line running directly between ,jew and ,gentile4 #aij #e4 ,and also every tract bordering by the prairies1 inasmuch as my disciples are enabled to buy lands4 ,behold1 this is wisdom1 that they may obtain it for an everlasting inheritance4 #f4 ,and let my servant ,sidney ,gilbert stand in the office to which ,i have appointed him1 to receive monies1 to be an agent unto the ,church1 to buy land in all the regions round about1 inasmuch as can be done in righteousness1 and as wisdom shall direct4 #g4 ,and let my servant ,edward ,partridge1 stand in the office to which ,i have appointed him1 and divide unto the ,saints their inheritance1 even as ,i have commanded2 and also those whom he has appointed to assist him4 #h4 ,and again1 verily ,i say unto you1 let my servant ,sidney ,gilbert plant himself in this place1 and establish a store1 that he may sell goods without fraud1 that he may obtain money to buy lands for the good of the ,saints1 and that he may obtain whatsoever things the disciples may need to plant them in their inheritance4 #i4 ,and also let my servant ,sidney ,gilbert obtain a license--7behold here is wisdom1 and whoso readeth let him understand7--that he may send goods also unto the people1 even by whom he will1 as clerks employed in his service4 #aj4 ,and thus provide for my ,saints1 that my ,gospel may be preached unto those who sit in darkness1 and in the region and shadow of death4 #aa4 ,and again1 verily ,i say unto you1 let my servant ,william ,w4 ,phelps be planted in this place1 and be established as a printer unto the ,church2 #ab4 ,and lo1 if the world receive his writings--7behold here is wisdom7--let him obtain whatsoever he can obtain in righteousness1 for the good of the ,saints4 #ac4 ,and let my servant ,oliver ,cowdery assist him1 even as ,i have commanded1 in whatsoever place ,i shall appoint unto him1 to copy1 and to correct1 and select1 that all things may be right before me1 as it shall be proved by the ,spirit through him4 #ad4 ,and thus let those of whom ,i have spoken be planted in the land of ,zion1 as speedily as can be1 with their families1 to do those things even as ,i have spoken4 #ae4 ,and now concerning the gathering3 ,let the ,bishop and the agent make preparations for those families which have been commanded to come to this land1 as soon as possible1 and plant them in their inheritance4 #af4 ,and unto the residue of both ,elders and members further directions shall be given hereafter4 ,even so4 ,amen4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,first ,sabbath in ,zion4 ,the first ,sabbath after our arrival in ,jackson county1 ,brother ,w4 ,w4 ,phelps preached to a western audience over the boundary of the ,united ,states1 wherein were present specimens of all the families #aia of the earth2 ,shem1 ,ham and ,japheth2 several of the ,lamanites or ,indians--representative of ,shem2 quite a respectable number of negroes--descendants of ,ham2 and the balance was made up of citizens of the surrounding country1 and fully represented themselves as pioneers of the ,west4 ,at this meeting two were baptized1 who had previously believed in the fullness of the ,gospel4 ,sidenote3 ,arrival of the ,colesville ,branch4 ,during this week the ,colesville branch1 referred to in the latter part of the last revelation1 #ah and ,sidney ,rigdon1 ,sidney ,gilbert and wife and ,elders ,morley and ,booth1 arrived4 ,i received the following3 ,revelation1 given in ,zion1 ,august1 #ahca4 #ai #a4 ,hearken1 ,o ye ,elders of my ,church1 and give ear to my word1 and learn of me what ,i will concerning you1 and also concerning this land unto which ,i have sent you3 #b4 ,for verily ,i say unto you1 blessed is he that keepeth my commandments1 whether in life or in death2 and he that is faithful in tribulation1 the reward of the same is greater in the kingdom of heaven4 #c4 ,ye cannot behold with your natural eyes1 for the present time1 the design of your ,god concerning those things which shall come hereafter1 and the glory which shall follow after much tribulation4 #d4 ,for after much tribulation cometh the blessings4 ,wherefore the day cometh that ye shall be crowned with much glory2 the hour is not yet1 but is nigh at hand4 #e4 ,remember this1 which ,i tell you before1 that you may lay it to heart1 and receive that which is to follow4 #f4 ,behold1 verily ,i say unto you1 for this cause ,i have sent you that you might be obedient1 and that your hearts might be prepared to bear testimony of the things which are to come2 #g4 ,and also that you might be honored of laying the foundation1 and of bearing record of the land upon which the ,zion of ,god shall stand2 #h4 ,and also that a feast of fat things might be prepared for the poor2 yea1 a feast of fat things1 of wine on the lees well refined1 that the earth may know that the mouths of the ,prophets shall not fail2 #i4 ,yea a supper of the house of the ,lord1 well prepared1 unto which all nations shall be invited4 #aj4 ,firstly1 the rich and the learned1 the wise and the noble2 #aib #aa4 ,and after that cometh the day of my power3 then shall the poor1 the lame1 and the blind1 and the deaf1 come in unto the marriage of the ,lamb1 and partake of the supper of the ,lord1 prepared for the great day to come4 #ab4 ,behold1 ,i1 the ,lord1 have spoken it4 #ac4 ,and that the testimony might go forth from ,zion1 yea1 from the mouth of the city of the heritage of ,god3 #ad4 ,yea1 for this cause ,i have sent you hither1 and have selected my servant ,edward ,partridge1 and have appointed unto him his mission in this land2 #ae4 ,but if he repent not of his sins1 which are unbelief and blindness of heart1 let him take heed lest he fall4 #af4 ,behold his mission is given unto him1 and it shall not be given again4 #ag4 ,and whoso standeth in this mission is appointed to be a judge in ,israel1 like as it was in ancient days1 to divide the lands of the heritage of ,god unto ,his children2 #ah4 ,and to judge ,his people by the testimony of the just1 and by the assistance of his counselors1 according to the laws of the kingdom which are given by the ,prophets of ,god2 #ai4 ,for verily ,i say unto you1 my law shall be kept on this land4 #bj4 ,let no man think he is ruler1 but let ,god rule him that judgeth1 according to the counsel of ,his own will2 or1 in other words1 him that counseleth or sitteth upon the judgment seat4 #ba4 ,let no man break the laws of the land1 for he that keepeth the laws of ,god hath no need to break the laws of the land3 #bb4 ,wherefore be subject to the powers that be1 until ,he reigns whose right it is to reign1 and subdues all enemies under ,his feet4 #bc4 ,behold1 the laws which ye have received from my hand are the laws of the ,church1 and in this light ye shall hold them forth4 ,behold1 here is wisdom4 #bd4 ,and now as ,i spake concerning my servant ,edward ,partridge1 this land is the land of his residence1 and those whom he has appointed for his counselors4 ,and also the land of the residence of him whom ,i have appointed to keep my store-house2 #be4 ,wherefore let them bring their families to this land1 as they shall counsel between themselves and me4 #bf4 ,for behold1 it is not meet that ,i should command in all things1 for he that is compelled in all things1 the same is a slothful and not a wise servant2 wherefore he receiveth no reward4 #bg4 ,verily ,i say1 men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause1 and do many things of their own free will1 and bring to pass much righteousness2 #aic #bh4 ,for the power is in them1 wherein they are agents unto themselves4 ,and inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward4 #bi4 ,but he that doeth not anything until he is commanded1 and receiveth a commandment with doubtful heart1 and keepeth it with slothfulness1 the same is damned4 #cj4 ,who am ,i that made man1 saith the ,lord1 that will hold him guiltless that obeys not my commandments8 #ca4 ,who am ,i1 saith the ,lord1 that have promised and have not fulfilled8 #cb4 ,i command and men obey not1 ,i revoke and they receive not the blessing2 #cc4 ,then they say in their hearts1 this is not the work of the ,lord1 for ,his promises are not fulfilled4 ,but wo unto such1 for their reward lurketh beneath1 and not above4 #cd4 ,and now ,i give unto you further directions concerning this land4 #ce4 ,it is wisdom in me that my servant ,martin ,harris should be an example unto the ,church1 in laying his monies before the ,bishop of the ,church4 #cf4 ,and also1 this is a law unto every man that cometh unto this land to receive an inheritance2 and he shall do with his monies according as the law directs4 #cg4 ,and it is wisdom also1 that there should be lands purchased in ,independence1 for the place of the store-house1 and also for the house of the printing4 #ch4 ,and other directions concerning my servant ,martin ,harris shall be given him of the ,spirit1 that he may receive his inheritance as seemeth him good4 #ci4 ,and let him repent of his sins1 for he seeketh the praise of the world4 #dj4 ,and also let my servant ,william ,w4 ,phelps stand in the office which ,i have appointed him1 and receive his inheritance in the land2 #da4 ,and also he hath need to repent1 for ,i1 the ,lord1 am not well pleased with him1 for he seeketh to excel1 and he is not sufficiently meek before me4 #db4 ,behold1 he who has repented of his sins1 the same is forgiven1 and ,i1 the ,lord1 remember them no more4 #dc4 ,by this ye may know if a man repenteth of his sins4 ,behold he will confess them and forsake them4 #dd4 ,and now1 verily1 ,i say concerning the residue of the ,elders of my ,church1 the time has not yet come1 for many years1 for them to receive their inheritance in this land--except they desire it through the prayer of faith--only as it shall be appointed unto them of the ,lord4 #aid #de4 ,for1 behold1 they shall push the people together from the ends of the earth2 #df4 ,wherefore1 assemble yourselves together2 and they who are not appointed to stay in this land1 let them preach the ,gospel in the regions round about1 and after that let them return to their homes4 #dg4 ,let them preach by the way1 and bear testimony of the truth in all places1 and call upon the rich1 the high and the low1 and the poor to repent2 #dh4 ,and let them build up churches1 inasmuch as the inhabitants of the earth will repent4 #di4 ,and let there be an agent appointed by the voice of the ,church1 unto the church in ,ohio1 to receive monies to purchase lands in ,zion4 #ej4 ,and ,i give unto my servant1 ,sidney ,rigdon1 a commandment that he shall write a description of the land of ,zion1 and a statement of the will of ,god1 as it shall be made known by the ,spirit unto him2 #ea4 ,and an epistle and subscription1 to be presented unto all the churches to obtain monies1 to be put into the hands of the ,bishop1 of himself or the agent1 as seemeth him good or as he shall direct1 to purchase lands for an inheritance for the children of ,god4 #eb4 ,for1 behold1 verily ,i say unto you1 the ,lord willeth that the disciples1 and the children of men should open their hearts1 even to purchase this whole region of country1 as soon as the time will permit4 #ec4 ,behold1 here is wisdom4 ,let them do this lest they receive none inheritance1 save it be by the shedding of blood4 #ed4 ,and again1 inasmuch as there is land obtained1 let there be workmen sent forth of all kinds unto this land1 to labor for the saints of ,god4 #ee4 ,let all these things be done in order2 and let the privileges of the lands be made known from time to time1 by the ,bishop or the agent of the ,church2 #ef4 ,and let the work of the gathering be not in haste1 nor by flight1 but let it be done as it shall be counseled by the ,elders of the ,church at the conferences1 according to the knowledge which they receive from time to time4 #eg4 ,and let my servant ,sidney ,rigdon consecrate and dedicate this land1 and the spot for the temple unto the ,lord4 #eh4 ,and let a conference meeting be called1 and after that let my servants ,sidney ,rigdon and ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 return1 and also ,oliver ,cowdery with them1 to accomplish the residue of the work which ,i have appointed unto them in their own land1 and the residue as shall be ruled by the conferences4 #ei4 ,and let no man return from this land1 except he bear record by the way of that which he knows and most assuredly believes4 #aie #fj4 ,let that which has been bestowed upon ,ziba ,peterson be taken from him2 and let him stand as a member in this ,church1 and labor his own hands1 with the brethren until he is sufficiently chastened for all his sins1 for he confesseth them not1 and he thinketh to hide them4 #fa4 ,let the residue of the ,elders of this ,church1 who are coming to this land1 some of whom are exceedingly blessed even above measure1 also hold a conference upon this land4 #fb4 ,and let my servant ,edward ,partridge direct the conference which shall be held by them4 #fc4 ,and let them also return1 preaching the ,gospel by the way1 bearing record of the things which are revealed unto them2 #fd4 ,for1 verily1 the sound must go forth from this place into all the world1 and unto the utmost parts of the earth--the ,gospel must be preached unto every creature1 with signs following them that believe4 #fe4 ,and behold the ,son of man cometh4 ,amen4 ,footnotes #a4 ,this date in the ,prophet's narrative is given the #fth of ,june1 but the minutes of the conference in the ,far ,west ,record are dated ,june #crd4 ,in ,john ,whitmer's ,history of the ,church it is written3 ,june #crd #ahca1 a general conference was called1 and a blessing promised if the ,elders were faithful and humble before ,him i4 e4 the ,lord4 ,therefore the ,elders assembled from the east and from the west1 from the north and the south1 and also many members4 7p4 #ba47 ,whitmer1 however1 speaks of the conference as continuing several days 7p4 #bb72 and then under date of the #fth of ,june states that the revelation was given which ,joseph1 the ,prophet1 in the text of his ,history above1 speaks of as having been given the day following the close of the conference4 ,the #crd of ,june1 #ahca1 fell upon ,friday1 so that the great probability is that this important conference commenced on ,friday and continued through ,saturday and ,sunday2 and then before the ,elders dispersed on ,monday1 the #fth1 the revelation alluded to by the ,prophet1 was given4 ,previous conferences of a general character usually occupied three days1 ,see p4 #aah1 and hence it is likely that this one did4 #b4 ,the manner in which the man of sin was revealed and the authority of the ,melchizedek ,priesthood manifested1 is related by ,john ,whitmer1 in his ,history of the ,church 7ch4 #g74 ,after giving the names of those who were ordained ,high ,priests the day on which the two powers were manifested1 he says3 ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 prophesied the day previous that the man of sin would be revealed4 ,while the ,lord poured out ,his ,spirit upon ,his servants1 the devil took a notion to make known his power4 ,he bound ,harvey ,whitlock and ,john ,murdock so that they could not speak1 and others were affected but the ,lord showed to ,joseph1 the seer1 the design of the thing2 he commanded the devil in the name of ,christ1 and he departed1 to our joy and comfort4 ,parley ,p4 ,pratt also alludes to this subject in his ,autobiography3 ,in this conference much instruction was given by ,president ,smith1 who spoke in great power1 as he was moved upon by the ,holy ,ghost2 and the spirit of power and of testimony rested down upon the ,elders in a marvelous manner4 ,here also were some strange manifestations of false spirits1 which were immediately rebuked4 7p4 #gb47 #c4 ,a misapprehension has arisen in the minds of some respecting the statement--,the authority of the ,melchizedek ,priesthood was manifested and conferred for the first time upon several of the ,elders4 ,it has been supposed that this passage meant that the higher or ,melchizedek ,priesthood was now for the first time conferred upon men in this dispensation4 ,this of course is an error1 since even before the ,church was organized1 the ,apostleship1 the highest authority in the ,melchizedek ,priesthood1 was conferred upon ,joseph ,smith and ,oliver ,cowdery1 and very probably upon ,david ,whitmer also 7,see pp4 #dj-db1 note47 ,the ,prophet does not mean that the ,melchizedek ,priesthood was given for the first time in the ,church4 ,it was at this conference1 however1 that the special office of ,high ,priest was for the first time conferred upon men in this dispensation1 except in so far as ,apostles are also ,high ,priests 7,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #hd3fc72 and of course as there were men who had been ordained to the apostleship before this conference of ,june1 #ahca1 in that manner there had been ,high ,priests in the ,church1 but not otherwise4 #d4 ,in addition to the spiritual manifestations already mentioned as having occurred at this conference of ,june #crd-#fth1 it should be said that1 according to ,john ,whitmer's ,history of the ,church 7ch4 #e73 ,the ,spirit of the ,lord fell upon ,joseph in an unusual manner1 and he prophesied that ,john the ,revelator was then among the ,ten ,tribes of ,israel who had been led away by ,salmanasser1 king of ,assyria1 to prepare them for their return from their long dispersion1 to again possess the land of their fathers4 ,he prophesied many more things that ,i have not written4 ,after he had prophesied he laid his hands upon ,lyman ,wight and ordained him to the ,high ,priesthood i4 e4 ordained him a ,high ,priest1 after the holy order of ,god4 ,and the ,spirit fell upon ,lyman1 and he prophesied concerning the coming of ,christ4 ,he said that there were some in the congregation that should live until the ,savior should descend from heaven with a shout1 with all the holy angels with ,him4 ,he said the coming of the ,savior should be like the sun rising in the east1 and will cover the whole earth4 ,so with the coming of the ,son of ,man2 yea1 ,he will appear in ,his brightness and consume all the wicked before ,him2 and the hills will be laid low1 and the valleys be exalted1 and the crooked be made straight1 and the rough smooth4 ,and some of my brethren shall suffer martyrdom for the sake of the religion of ,jesus ,christ1 and seal their testimony of ,jesus ,christ1 and seal their testimony of ,jesus with their blood4 ,he saw the heavens opened and the ,son of ,man sitting on the right hand of the ,father1 making intercession for his brethren1 the ,saints4 ,he said that ,god would work a work in these last days that tongue cannot express and the mind is not capable to conceive4 ,the glory of the ,lord shone around4 ,the congregation at this conference number two thousand souls4--,cannon's ,life of ,joseph ,smith the ,prophet1 p4 #aac4 ,this was the fourth general conference of the ,church1 the others were held on the #ith of ,june1 #ahcj2 the #bfth of ,september1 #ahcj2 and the #bnd of ,january1 #ahca1 respectively2 and all at ,fayette1 ,seneca ,county1 ,new ,york4 #e4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #eb4 #f4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #ec4 #g4 ,it is difficult to determine with exactness in what the transgressions of the ,saints at ,thompson consisted2 but it is evident that selfishness and rebellion were at the bottom of their trouble1 and that ,leman ,copley and ,ezra ,thayre were immediately concerned in it4 ,the saints comprising the ,colesville branch1 when they arrived at the gathering place1 in ,ohio1 were advised to remain together and were settled at ,thompson1 a place in the vicinity of ,kirtland4 ,on their arrival ,bishop ,edward ,partridge urged the ,prophet ,joseph to inquire of the ,lord concerning the manner of settling them1 and providing for them4 ,whereupon the ,prophet inquired of the ,lord and received the revelation found on page #agc4 ,it will be seen from that revelation that the saints of the ,colesville branch were to be organized under the law of consecration and stewardship4 ,that is1 in brief1 the ,saints were to make a consecration of whatsoever things they possessed unto the ,bishop1 and then each man receive from the ,bishop a stewardship4 ,every man was to be equal in his stewardship1 according to his family1 his circumstances1 and his needs4 ,for details in the matter the reader is referred to the revelation itself4 ,it is evident that some of the brethren already living at ,thompson1 had agreed to enter into the law of consecration and stewardship with the ,saints from ,colesville2 and that afterwards they broke this covenant4 ,among these were ,leman ,copley and ,ezra ,thayre4 ,a man by the name of ,copley1 says ,newel ,knight in his journal1 had a considerable tract of land there in ,thompson which he offered to let the saints occupy4 ,consequently a contract was agreed upon1 and we commenced work in good faith4 ,but in a short time ,copley broke the engagement1 and ,i went to ,kirtland to see ,brother ,joseph1 etc4 7,scraps of ,biography1 in which is published ,newel ,knight's journal1 ch4 vi47 ,of this matter1 ,john ,whitmer1 then the ,church ,historian1 writes3 ,at this time the early part of ,june the ,church at ,thompson1 ,ohio1 was involved in difficulty because of the rebellion of ,leman ,copley1 who would not do as he had previously agreed1 which thing confused the whole ,church1 and finally the ,lord spake through ,joseph the ,prophet1 saying3 ,he then quotes the revelation to ,newel ,knight given in the text above4--7,john ,whitmer's ,history of the ,church chap4 viii74 ,for ,ezra ,thayre's part in the proceedings at ,thompson1 see the revelation given to ,thomas ,b4 ,marsh1 pp4 #ahf1 #ahg4 #h4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #ed4 #i4 ,the ,church at ,thompson1 says ,john ,whitmer1 made all possible haste to leave for ,missouri1 and left1 and none of their enemies harmed them4--,john ,whitmer's ,history of the ,church1 chap4 #h4 ,newel ,knight was appointed the leader of this company1 which was made up of the ,colesville branch1 and under his leadership they made the entire journey from ,thompson to ,missouri4 #aj4 ,it was doubtless the ,navajo ,indians1 whose reservation is now located in northeastern ,arizona of whom ,oliver heard4 #aa4 ,the ,mission to the ,lamanites--,as the mission to the ,lamanites is a very prominent event in early ,church history1 it is proper that the labors of the brethren engaged in at should be spoken of more fully than appears anywhere in the ,prophet's narrative1 and at this point1 following the letter of ,oliver ,cowdery1 seems as appropriate a place as will be found to speak of it4 ,it has already been said that the brethren of the mission called upon the ,cattaraugus tribe1 near ,buffalo1 ,new ,york1 7p4 #abj note74 ,after leaving ,kirtland1 on their journey westward1 they visited the ,wyandot tribe of ,indians near ,sandusky1 ,ohio1 with whom they spent several days4 ,we were well received1 writes ,elder ,parley ,p4 ,pratt1 and had an opportunity of laying before them the record of their forefathers1 which we did4 ,they rejoiced in the tidings1 bid us ,godspeed1 and desired us to write to them in relation to our success among the tribes further west1 who had already removed to the ,indian territory1 where these expected soon to go4--,aut4 ,p4 ,p4 ,pratt1 p4 #ed4 ,on arriving at ,independence two of the company secured employment1 while the other three crossed the frontier and began their labors among the ,indians4 ,they visited the ,shawnees1 spending one night with them1 and the next day crossed the ,kansas river and began their labors among the ,delawares4 ,they sought an interview with the chief of the ,delawares1 known among the whites as ,chief ,anderson4 ,he was the grand sachem of ten nations or tribes1 and consequently possessed of large influence4 ,he had always opposed the introduction of missionaries among his people1 and therefore did not at first extend a very hearty welcome to the brethren4 ,however1 through an interpreter1 the brethren made known their errand and explained to him the ,book of ,mormon and the information it contained for his people4 ,they asked to be heard before a full council of his nation1 a proposition which the chief took under consideration until the next day4 ,next morning the conversation with the ,delaware ,chief was renewed1 but he was not inclined at first to call the council4 ,but as he began to understand better the nature of the ,book of ,mormon1 he changed his mind and asked the brethren to suspend their conversation until the council could be assembled4 ,a runner was dispatched to the tribes1 and in about an hour forty leading men were assembled and seated in grave silence to hear the message concerning the book of their forefathers4 ,at the request of the chief ,oliver ,cowdery in substance delivered the following address3 ,oliver ,cowdery's ,speech to the ,delawares4 ,aged ,chief1 and ,venerable ,council of the ,delaware nation3 we are glad of this opportunity to address you as our red brethren and friends4 ,we have traveled a long from towards the rising sun to bring you glad news2 ,we have traveled the wilderness1 crossed the deep and wide rivers1 and waded in the deep snows1 and in the face of the storms of winter1 to communicate to you great knowledge which has lately come to oar ears and hearts and which will do the red man good as well as the pale face4 ,once the red men were many2 they occupied the country from sea to sea--from the rising to the setting sun2 the whole land was theirs2 the ,great ,spirit gave it to them1 and no pale faces dwelt among them4 ,but now they are few in numbers2 their possessions are small1 and the pale faces are many4 ,thousands of moons ago1 when the red men's forefathers dwelt in peace and possessed this whole land1 the ,great ,spirit talked with them1 and revealed ,his law and ,his will1 and much knowledge to their wise men and prophets4 ,this they wrote in a ,book1 together with their history and the things which should befall their children in the latter days4 ,this ,book was written on plates of gold and handed down from father to son for many ages and generations4 ,it was then that the people prospered and were strong and mighty2 they cultivated the earth1 built buildings and cities and abounded in all good things1 as the pale faces now do4 ,but they became wicked2 they killed one another and shed much blood2 they killed their prophets and wise men1 and sought to destroy the ,book4 ,the ,great ,spirit became angry and would speak to them no more2 they had no more good and wise dreams2 no more visions1 no more angels sent among them by the ,great ,spirit2 and the ,lord commanded ,mormon and ,moroni1 their last wise men and prophets to hide the ,book in the earth1 that it might be preserved in safety and be found and made known in the latter-day to the pale faces who should possess the land1 that they might again make it known to the red men1 in order to restore them to the knowledge of the will of the ,great ,spirit and to ,his favor4 ,and if the red men would then receive this ,book and learn the things written in it and do according thereunto1 they should be restored to all their rights and privileges2 should cease to fight and kill one another2 should become one people2 cultivate the earth in peace1 in common with the pale faces who were willing to believe and obey the same ,book and be good men and live in peace4 ,then should the red men become great and have plenty to eat and good clothes to wear1 and should be in favor with the ,great ,spirit and be ,his children1 while ,he would be their ,great ,father and talk with them1 and raise up prophets and wise and good men among them again who should teach them many things4 ,this ,book1 which contained these things1 was hid in the earth by ,moroni1 in a hill called by him ,cumorah1 which hill is now in the state of ,new ,york1 near the village of ,palmyra1 in ,ontario county4 ,in that neighborhood there lived a young man named ,joseph ,smith1 who prayed to the ,great ,spirit much1 in order that he might know the truth1 and the ,great ,spirit sent an angel to him and told him where this ,book was hid by ,moroni1 and commanded him to go and get it4 ,he accordingly went to the place and dug in the earth and found the ,book written on golden plates4 ,but it was written in the language of the forefathers of the red men2 therefore this young man1 being a pale face1 could not understand it2 but the angel told him and showed him and gave him knowledge of the language and how to interpret the ,book4 ,so he interpreted it into the language of the pale faces1 and wrote it on paper and caused it to be printed1 and published thousands of copies of it among them1 and then sent us to the red men to bring some copies of it to them1 and to tell them this news4 ,so we have now come from him1 and here is a copy of the ,book1 which we now present to our red friend1 the ,chief of the ,delawares1 which we hope he will cause to be read and known among his tribe2 it will do them good4 ,we then presented him with a ,book of ,mormon4 ,there was a pause in the council and some conversation in their own language1 after which the chief made the following reply2 ,the ,chief's ,reply4 ,we feel truly thankful to our white friends who have come so far and been at such pains to tell us good news1 and especially this new news concerning the ,book of our forefathers2 it makes us glad in here1--placing his hand on his heart4 ,it is now winter2 we are new settlers in this place2 the snow is deep2 our cattle and horses are dying2 our wigwams are poor2 we have much to do in the spring--to build houses and fence and make farms2 but we will build a council house and meet together1 and you shall read to us and teach us more concerning the ,book of our fathers and the will of the ,great ,spirit4 ,elder ,parley ,p4 ,pratt in his report of the matter adds3 ,we continued for several days to instruct the old ,chief and many of his tribe4 ,the interest became more and more intense on their part1 from day to day1 until at length nearly the whole tribe began to feel a spirit of inquiry and excitement on the subject4 ,we found several among them who could read1 and to them we gave copies of the ,book1 explaining to them that it was the ,book of their forefathers4 ,some began to rejoice exceedingly and took great pains to tell the news to others in their own language4 ,the excitement now reached the frontier settlements in ,missouri1 and stirred up the jealousy and envy of the ,indian agents and sectarian missionaries to that degree that we were soon ordered out of the ,indian country as disturbers of the peace1 and even threatened with the military in case of non-compliance4 ,we accordingly departed from the ,indian country and came over the line1 and commenced laboring in ,jackson county1 ,missouri1 among the whites4 ,we were well received and listened to by many1 and some were baptized and added to the ,church4 ,thus ended our first ,indian mission1 in which we had preached the ,gospel in its fulness and distributed the record of their forefathers among three tribes1 viz43 the ,cattaraugus ,indians1 near ,buffalo1 ,n4 ,y42 the ,wyandots1 of ,ohio2 and the ,delawares1 west of ,missouri4--,aut4 ,p4 ,p4 ,pratt1 pp4 #ef-fa4 #ab4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 lv4 #ac4 ,william ,wine ,phelps1 spoken of in the foregoing revelation1 was born at ,hanover1 ,morris county1 ,new ,jersey1 ,february #agth1 #agib4 ,he was therefore in his fortieth year when he came to the ,church at ,kirtland1 to cast in his lot with the ,saints4 ,it appears that before making his appearance at ,kirtland1 he had resided chiefly in the state of ,new ,york2 and had been somewhat active in politics4 ,he had been the editor of a partisan newspaper2 and had aspired to be the candidate for the office of lieutenant-governor of ,new ,york4 ,on the #bhth of ,april1 #ahae1 he married ,sally ,waterman1 at ,smyrna1 ,chenango county1 ,new ,york4 #ad4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #ef4 #ae4 ,the phrase in the ninth verse of the foregoing revelation1 ,as there shall be no divisions made upon the land1 undoubtedly has reference to the land upon which ,ezra ,thayre was living at ,thompson1 and which he had covenanted1 under some arrangement for compensation1 to grant to the ,church1 and which contract he attempted1 at least1 to repudiate4 #af4 ,reference is made to both ,mr4 ,alexander ,campbell and ,mr4 ,scott1 and the founding of the ,campbellite or ,disciples sect in the biographical sketch of ,sidney ,rigdon2 as also ,rigdon's connection with that movement4--,see pp4 #abj1 #aba4 #ag4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #eg4 #ah4 ,verse fifteen4 #ai4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #eh4 #aif ,chapter ,,xvi4 ,the ,founding of ,zion4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,first ,act in the ,founding of ,zion4 ,on the second day of ,august1 ,i assisted the ,colesville branch of the ,church #a to lay the first log1 for a house1 as a foundation of ,zion in ,kaw township1 twelve miles west of ,independence4 ,the log was carried and placed by twelve men1 in honor of the twelve tribes of ,israel4 ,at the same time1 through prayer1 the land of ,zion was consecrated and dedicated by ,elder ,sidney ,rigdon for the gathering of the ,saints4 #b ,it was a season of joy to those present1 and afforded a glimpse of the future1 which time will yet unfold to the satisfaction of the faithful4 #aig ,sidenote3 ,description of the ,land of ,zion4 ,as we had received a commandment for ,elder ,rigdon to write a description of the land of ,zion1 we sought for all the information necessary to accomplish so desirable an object4 ,the country is unlike the timbered states of the ,east4 ,as far as the eye can reach the beautiful rolling prairies lie spread out like a sea of meadows2 and are decorated with a growth of flowers so gorgeous and grand as to exceed description2 and nothing is more fruitful1 or a richer stockholder in the blooming prairie than the honey bee4 ,only on the water courses is timber to be found4 ,there in strips from one to three miles in width1 and following faithfully the meanderings of the streams1 it grows in luxuriant forests4 ,the forests are a mixture of oak1 hickory1 black walnut1 elm1 ash1 cherry1 honey locust1 mulberry1 coffee bean1 hackberry1 boxelder1 and bass wood2 with the addition of cottonwood1 butterwood1 pecan1 and soft and hard maple upon the bottoms4 ,the shrubbery is beautiful1 and consists in part of plums1 grapes1 crab apple1 and persimmons4 ,sidenote3 ,agricultural ,products4 ,animals1 ,domestic and ,wild4 ,the soil is rich and fertile2 from three to ten feet deep1 and generally composed of a rich black mold1 intermingled with clay and sand4 ,it yields in abundance1 wheat1 corn1 sweet potatoes1 cotton and many other common agricultural products4 ,horses1 cattle and hogs1 though of an inferior breed1 are tolerably plentiful and seem nearly to raise themselves by grazing in the vast prairie range in summer1 and feeding upon the bottoms in winter4 ,the wild game is less plentiful of course where man has commenced the cultivation of the soil1 than in the wild prairies4 ,buffalo1 elk1 deer1 bear1 wolves1 beaver and many smaller animals here roam at pleasure4 ,turkeys1 geese1 swans1 ducks1 yea a variety of the feathered tribe1 are among the rich abundance that graces the delightful regions of this goodly land--the heritage of the children of ,god4 #aih ,sidenote3 ,the ,climate4 ,the season is mild and delightful nearly three quarters of the year1 and as the land of ,zion1 situated at about equal distances from the ,atlantic and ,pacific oceans1 as well as from the ,alleghany and ,rocky mountains1 in the thirty-ninth degree of north latitude1 and between the sixteenth and seventeenth degrees of west longitude1 #c it bids fair--when the curse is taken from the land--to become one of the most blessed places on the globe4 ,the winters are milder than the ,atlantic states of the same parallel of latitude1 and the weather is more agreeable2 so that were the virtues of the inhabitants only equal to the blessings of the ,lord which ,he permits to crown the industry of those inhabitants1 there would be a measure of the good things of life for the benefit of the ,saints1 full1 pressed down1 and running over even an hundred-fold4 ,the disadvantages here1 as in all new countries1 are self-evident--lack of mills and schools2 together with the natural privations and inconveniences which the hand of industry1 the refinement of society1 and the polish of science1 overcome4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,future ,glory of ,zion4 ,but all these impediments vanish when it is recollected what the ,prophets have said concerning ,zion in the last days2 how the glory of ,lebanon is to come upon her2 the fir tree1 the pine tree1 and the box tree together1 to beautify the place of ,his sanctuary1 that ,he may make the place of ,his feet glorious4 ,where for brass1 ,he will bring gold2 and for iron1 ,he will bring silver2 and for wood1 brass2 and for stones1 iron2 and where the feast of fat things will be given to the just2 yea1 when the splendor of the ,lord is brought to our consideration for the good of ,his people1 the calculations of men and the vain glory of the world vanish1 and we exclaim1 ,out of ,zion the perfection of beauty1 ,god hath shined4 #aii ,sidenote3 ,dedication of the ,temple ,site4 ,on the third day of ,august1 ,i proceeded to dedicate the spot for the ,temple1 a little west of ,independence1 and there were also present ,sidney ,rigdon1 ,edward ,partridge1 ,w4 ,w4 ,phelps1 ,oliver ,cowdery1 ,martin ,harris and ,joseph ,coe4 ,the #hgth ,psalm was read3-- ,his foundation is in the holy mountains4 ,the ,lord loveth the gates of ,zion more than all the dwellings of ,jacob4 ,glorious things are spoken of thee1 ,o city of ,god4 ,selah4 ,i will make mention of ,rahab and ,babylon to them that know me3 behold ,philistia1 and ,tyre1 with ,ethiopia2 this man was born there4 ,and of ,zion it shall be said1 ,this and that man was born in her3 and the ,highest ,himself shall establish her4 ,the ,lord shall count1 when ,he writeth up the people1 that this man was born there4 ,selah4 ,as well the singers as the players on instruments shall be there3 all my springs are in thee4 ,the scene was solemn and impressive4 ,sidenote3 ,first ,conference in ,zion4 ,on the #dth ,i attended the first conference in the land of ,zion4 ,it was held at the house of ,brother ,joshua ,lewis1 in ,kaw township1 in the presence of the ,colesville branch of the ,church4 ,the ,spirit of the ,lord was there4 ,sidenote3 ,death of ,polly ,knight4 ,on the #gth1 ,i attended the funeral of ,sister ,polly ,knight1 the wife of ,joseph ,knight1 ,sen41 this was the first death in the ,church in this land1 and ,i can say1 a worthy member sleeps in ,jesus till the resurrection4 #d ,i also received the following3 #bjj ,revelation1 given in ,zion1 ,august #gth1 #ahca4 #e #a4 ,behold1 blessed1 saith the ,lord1 are they who have come up unto this land with an eye single to my glory1 according to my commandments2 #b4 ,for those that live shall inherit the earth1 and those that die shall rest from all their labors1 and their works shall follow them1 and they shall receive a crown in the mansions of my ,father1 which ,i have prepared for them2 #c4 ,yea1 blessed are they whose feet stand upon the land of ,zion1 who have obeyed my ,gospel1 for they shall receive for their reward the good things of the earth2 and it shall bring forth in its strength2 #d4 ,and they shall also be crowned with blessings from above1 yea1 and with commandments not a few2 and with revelations in their time3 they that are faithful and diligent before me4 #e4 ,wherefore ,i give unto them a commandment1 saying thus3 ,thou shalt love the ,lord thy ,god with all thy heart1 with all thy might1 mind and strength2 and in the name of ,jesus ,christ thou shalt serve ,him4 #f4 ,thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself4 ,thou shalt not steal2 neither commit adultery1 nor kill1 nor do anything like unto it4 #g4 ,thou shalt thank the ,lord thy ,god in all things4 #h4 ,thou shalt offer a sacrifice unto the ,lord thy ,god in righteousness1 even that of a broken heart and a contrite spirit4 #i4 ,and that thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world1 thou shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day2 #aj4 ,for verily this is a day appointed unto you to rest from your labors1 and to pay thy devotions unto the ,most ,high2 #aa4 ,nevertheless thy vows shall be offered up in righteousness on all days and at all times2 #ab4 ,but remember that on this1 the ,lord's day1 thou shalt offer thine oblations2 and thy sacraments unto the ,most ,high1 confessing thy sins unto thy brethren1 and before the ,lord4 #ac4 ,and on this day thou shalt do none other thing1 only let thy food be prepared with singleness of heart1 that thy fasting may be perfect1 or1 in other words1 that thy joy may be full4 #ad4 ,verily1 this is fasting and prayer2 or in other words1 rejoicing and prayer4 #ae4 ,and inasmuch as ye do these things with thanksgiving1 with cheerful hearts and countenances2 not with much laughter1 for this is sin1 but with a glad heart and a cheerful countenance2 #bja #af4 ,verily ,i say1 that inasmuch as ye do this1 the fulness of the earth is yours3 the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air1 and that which climbeth upon the trees and walketh upon the earth2 #ag4 ,yea1 and the herb1 and the good things which come of the earth1 whether for food or for raiment1 or for houses1 or for barns1 or for orchards1 or for gardens1 or for vineyards2 #ah4 ,yea1 all things which come of the earth1 in the season thereof1 are made for the benefit and the use of man1 both to please the eye and to gladden the heart2 #ai4 ,yea1 for food and for raiment1 for taste and for smell1 to strengthen the body and to enliven the soul4 #bj4 ,and it pleaseth ,god that ,he hath given all these things unto man2 for unto this end were they made to be used with judgment1 not to excess1 neither by extortion3 #ba4 ,and in nothing doth man offend ,god1 or against none is ,his wrath kindled1 save those who confess not ,his hand in all things1 and obey not ,his commandments4 #bb4 ,behold1 this is according to the law and the prophets2 wherefore1 trouble me no more concerning this matter4 #bc4 ,but learn that he who doeth the works of righteousness shall receive his reward1 even peace in this world1 and eternal life in the world to come4 #bd4 ,i1 the ,lord have spoken it1 and the ,spirit beareth record4 ,amen4 ,sidenote3 ,directions for the ,elders4 ,on the #hth1 as there had been some inquiry among the ,elders what they were to do1 ,i received the following3 ,revelation1 given ,august1 #ahca4 #f #a4 ,behold1 thus saith the ,lord unto the ,elders of ,his ,church1 who are to return speedily to the land from whence they came4 ,behold1 it pleaseth me1 that you have come up hither2 #b4 ,but with some ,i am not well pleased1 for they will not open their mouths1 but they hide the talent which ,i have given unto them1 because of the fear of man4 ,wo unto such1 for mine anger is kindled against them4 #c4 ,and it shall come to pass1 if they are not more faithful unto me1 it shall be taken away1 even that which they have2 #d4 ,for ,i1 the ,lord1 rule in the heavens above1 and among the armies of the earth2 and in the day when ,i shall make up my jewels1 all men shall know what it is that bespeaketh the power of ,god4 #bjb #e4 ,but verily1 ,i will speak unto you concerning your journey unto the land from whence you came4 ,let there be a craft made1 or bought1 as seemeth you good1 it mattereth not unto me1 and take your journey speedily for the place which is called ,st4 ,louis4 #f4 ,and from thence let my servants ,sidney ,rigdon1 ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 and ,oliver ,cowdery1 take their journey for ,cincinnati2 #g4 ,and in this place let them lift up their voice and declare my word with loud voices1 without wrath or doubting1 lifting up holy hands upon them4 ,for ,i am able to make you holy1 and your sins are forgiven you4 #h4 ,and let the residue take their journey from ,st4 ,louis1 two by two1 and preach the word1 not in haste1 among the congregations of the wicked1 until they return to the churches from whence they came4 #i4 ,and all this for the good of the churches2 for this intent have ,i sent them4 #aj4 ,and let my servant ,edward ,partridge impart of the money which ,i have given him1 a portion unto mine ,elders who are commanded to return2 #aa4 ,and he that is able1 let him return by the way of the agent1 and he that is not1 of him it is not required4 #ab4 ,and now ,i speak of the residue who are to come unto this land4 #ac4 ,behold1 they have been sent to preach my ,gospel among the congregations of the wicked2 wherefore1 ,i give unto them a commandment thus3 ,thou shalt not idle away thy time1 neither shalt thou bury thy talent that it may not be known4 #ad4 ,and after thou hast come up unto the land of ,zion1 and hast proclaimed my word1 thou shalt speedily return1 proclaiming my word among the congregations of the wicked1 not in haste1 neither in wrath nor with strife2 #ae4 ,and shake off the dust of thy feet against those who receive thee not2 not in their presence1 lest thou provoke them2 but in secret1 and wash thy feet1 as a testimony against them in the day of judgment4 #af4 ,behold1 this is sufficient for you1 and the will of ,him who hath sent you4 #ag4 ,and by the mouth of my servant ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 it shall be made known concerning ,sidney ,rigdon and ,oliver ,cowdery4 ,the residue hereafter4 ,even so4 ,amen4 ,sidenote3 ,prophet and ,others ,depart for ,kirtland4 ,on the #ith1 in company with ten ,elders1 ,i left ,independence landing for ,kirtland4 ,we started down the river in canoes1 and went the first day as far as ,fort ,osage1 where we had an excellent wild turkey for supper4 ,nothing very important #bjc occurred till the third day1 when many of the dangers so common upon the western waters1 manifested themselves2 and after we had encamped upon the bank of the river1 at ,mc,ilwaine's ,bend1 ,brother ,phelps1 in open vision by daylight1 saw the destroyer in his most horrible power1 ride upon the face of the waters2 others heard the noise1 but saw not the vision4 ,the next morning after prayer1 ,i received the following3 ,revelation1 given ,august1 #ahca4 #g #a4 ,behold1 and hearken unto the voice of ,him who has all power1 who is from everlasting to everlasting1 even ,alpha and ,omega1 the beginning and the end4 #b4 ,behold1 verily thus saith the ,lord unto you1 ,o ye ,elders of my ,church1 who are assembled upon this spot1 whose sins are now forgiven you1 for ,i1 the ,lord1 forgive sins1 and am merciful unto those who confess their sins with humble hearts2 #c4 ,but verily ,i say unto you1 that it is not needful for this whole company of mine ,elders to be moving swiftly upon the waters1 whilst the inhabitants on either side are perishing in unbelief2 #d4 ,nevertheless1 ,i suffered it that ye might bear record2 behold1 there are many dangers upon the waters1 and more especially hereafter2 #e4 ,for ,i1 the ,lord1 have decreed in mine anger1 many destructions upon the waters2 yea1 and especially upon these waters2 #f4 ,nevertheless1 all flesh is in mine hand1 and he that is faithful among you shall not perish by the waters4 #g4 ,wherefore it is expedient that my servant ,sidney ,gilbert and my servant ,william ,w4 ,phelps1 be in haste upon their errand and mission2 #h4 ,nevertheless ,i would not suffer that ye should part until you were chastened for all your sins1 that you might be one1 that you might not perish in wickedness2 #i4 ,but now1 verily ,i say1 it behoveth me that ye should part1 wherefore let my servants ,sidney ,gilbert and ,william ,w4 ,phelps take their former company1 and let them take their journey in haste that they may fill their mission1 and through faith they shall overcome2 #aj4 ,and inasmuch as they are faithful they shall be preserved1 and ,i1 the ,lord1 will be with them4 #aa4 ,and let the residue take that which is needful for clothing4 #bjd #ab4 ,let my servant ,sidney ,gilbert take that which is not needful with him1 as you shall agree4 #ac4 ,and now1 behold1 for your good ,i gave unto you a commandment concerning these things2 and ,i1 the ,lord1 will reason with you as with men in days of old4 #ad4 ,behold1 ,i1 the ,lord1 in the beginning blessed the waters1 but in the last days1 by the mouth of my servant ,john1 ,i cursed the waters2 #ae4 ,wherefore1 the days will come that no flesh shall be safe upon the waters1 #af4 ,and it shall be said in days to come that none is able to go up to the land of ,zion upon the waters1 but he that is upright in heart4 #ag4 ,and1 as ,i1 the ,lord1 in the beginning cursed the land1 even so in the last days have ,i blessed it1 in its time1 for the use of my ,saints1 that they may partake the fatness thereof4 #ah4 ,and now ,i give unto you a commandment that what ,i say unto one ,i say unto all1 that you shall forewarn your brethren concerning these waters1 that they come not in journeying upon them1 lest their faith fail and they are caught in snares2 #ai4 ,i1 the ,lord have decreed1 and the destroyer rideth upon the face thereof1 and ,i revoke not the decree2 #bj4 ,i1 the ,lord1 was angry with you yesterday1 but today mine anger is turned away4 #ba4 ,wherefore1 let those concerning whom ,i have spoken1 that should take their journey in haste--again ,i say unto you1 let them take their journey in haste4 #bb4 ,and it mattereth not unto me1 after a little1 if it so be that they fill their mission1 whether they go by water or by land2 let this be as it is made known unto them according to their judgments hereafter4 #bc4 ,and now1 concerning my servants ,sidney ,rigdon1 and ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 and ,oliver ,cowdery1 let them come not again upon the waters1 save it be upon the canal1 while journeying unto their homes1 or in other words they shall not come upon the waters to journey1 save upon the canal4 #bd4 ,behold1 ,i1 the ,lord1 have appointed a way for the journeying of my ,saints1 and behold this is the way--that after they leave the canal1 they shall journey by land1 inasmuch as they are commanded to journey and go up unto the land of ,zion2 #be4 ,and they shall do like unto the children of ,israel1 pitching their tents by the way4 #bf4 ,and1 behold1 this commandment you shall give unto all your brethren2 #bje #bg4 ,nevertheless1 unto whom it is given power to command the waters1 unto him it is given by the ,spirit to know all his ways2 #bh4 ,wherefore let him do as the ,spirit of the living ,god commandeth him1 whether upon the land or upon the waters1 as it remaineth with me to do hereafter2 #bi4 ,and unto you it is given the course for the ,saints1 or the way for the ,saints of the camp of the ,lord1 to journey4 #cj4 ,and again1 verily ,i say unto you1 my servants ,sidney ,rigdon1 ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 and ,oliver ,cowdery1 shall not open their mouths in the congregations of the wicked1 until they arrive at ,cincinnati2 #ca4 ,and in that place they shall lift up their voices unto ,god against that people2 yea unto ,him whose anger is kindled against their wickedness2 a people who are well-nigh ripened for destruction2 #cb4 ,and from thence let them journey for the congregations of their brethren1 for their labors even now1 are wanted more abundantly among them than among the congregations of the wicked4 #cc4 ,and now concerning the residue1 let them journey and declare the word among the congregations of the wicked1 inasmuch as it is given2 #cd4 ,and inasmuch as they do this they shall rid their garments1 and they shall be spotless before me2 #ce4 ,and let them journey together1 or two by two1 as seemeth them good1 only let my servant ,reynolds ,cahoon1 and my servant ,samuel ,h4 ,smith1 with whom ,i am well pleased1 be not separated until they return to their homes1 and this for a wise purpose in me4 #cf4 ,and now1 verily ,i say unto you1 and what ,i say unto one ,i say unto all1 be of good cheer little children1 for ,i am in your midst1 and ,i have not forsaken you2 #cg4 ,and inasmuch as you have humbled yourselves before me1 the blessings of the kingdom are yours4 #ch4 ,gird up your loins and be watchful and be sober1 looking forth for the coming of the ,son of ,man1 for ,he cometh in an hour you think not4 #ci4 ,pray always that you enter not into temptation1 that you may abide the day of ,his coming1 whether in life or in death4 ,even so4 ,amen4 ,sidenote3 ,a ,chance ,meeting of ,elders4 ,on the #acth ,august ,i met several of the ,elders on their way to the land of ,zion1 and after the joyful salutations with which brethren meet each other1 who are actually contending for the faith once delivered to the ,saints1 ,i received the following3 #bjf ,revelation1 given ,august1 #ahca4 #h #a4 ,behold1 and hearken ,o ye ,elders of my ,church1 saith the ,lord your ,god1 even ,jesus ,christ1 your advocate1 who knoweth the weakness of man and how to succor them who are tempted2 #b4 ,and verily mine eyes are upon those who have not as yet gone up unto the land of ,zion2 wherefore your mission is not yet full2 #c4 ,nevertheless ye are blessed1 for the testimony which ye have borne1 is recorded in heaven for the angels to look upon1 and they rejoice over you1 and your sins are forgiven you4 #d4 ,and now continue your journey4 ,assemble yourselves upon the land of ,zion1 and hold a meeting and rejoice together1 and offer a sacrament unto the ,most ,high2 #e4 ,and then you may return to bear record1 yea1 even all together1 or two by two1 as seemeth you good1 it mattereth not unto me1 only be faithful1 and declare glad tidings unto the inhabitants of the earth1 of among the congregations of the wicked4 #f4 ,behold1 ,i1 the ,lord1 have brought you together that the promise might be fulfilled1 that the faithful among you should be preserved and rejoice together in the land of ,missouri4 ,i1 the ,lord1 promised the faithful and cannot lie4 #g4 ,i1 the ,lord1 am willing1 if any among you desire to ride upon horses1 or upon mules1 or in chariots1 he shall receive this blessing1 if he receive it from the hand of the ,lord1 with a thankful heart in all things4 #h4 ,these things remain with you to do according to judgment and the directions of the ,spirit4 #i4 ,behold1 the kingdom is yours4 ,and behold1 and lo1 ,i am with the faithful always4 ,even so4 ,amen4 ,sidenote3 ,arrival of the ,prophet and ,party at ,kirtland4 ,after this meeting with the ,elders1 ,sidney ,rigdon1 ,oliver ,cowdery1 and myself1 continued our journey by land to ,st4 ,louis1 where we overtook ,brothers ,phelps and ,gilbert4 ,from this place we took stage1 and they went by water to ,kirtland1 where we arrived safe and well on the #bgth ,august4 ,many things transpired upon this journey to strengthen our faith1 and which displayed the goodness of ,god in such a marvelous manner1 that we could not help beholding the exertions of ,satan to blind the eyes of the people1 so as to hide the true light that lights every man that comes into the world4 #bjg ,sidenote3 ,anxiety of the ,saints to ,receive the ,word of the ,lord4 ,in these infant days of the ,church1 there was a great anxiety to obtain the word of the ,lord upon every subject that in any way concerned our salvation2 and as the land of ,zion was now the most important temporal object in view1 ,i enquired of the ,lord for further information upon the gathering of the ,saints1 and the purchase of the land1 and other matters1 and received the following3 ,revelation1 given in ,kirtland1 ,august1 #ahca4 #i #a4 ,hearken1 ,o ye people1 and open your hearts and give ear from afar2 and listen1 you that call yourselves the people of the ,lord1 and hear the word of the ,lord and ,his will concerning you3 #b4 ,yea1 verily1 ,i say1 hear the word of ,him whose anger is kindled against the wicked and rebellious2 #c4 ,who willeth to take even them whom ,he will take1 and preserveth in life them whom ,he will preserve2 #d4 ,who buildeth up at ,his own will and pleasure2 and destroyeth when he pleases1 and is able to cast the soul down to hell4 #e4 ,behold1 ,i1 the ,lord1 utter my voice1 and it shall be obeyed4 #f4 ,wherefore1 verily ,i say1 let the wicked take heed1 and let the rebellious fear and tremble2 and let the unbelieving hold their lips1 for the day of wrath shall come upon them as a whirlwind1 and all flesh shall know that ,i am ,god4 #g4 ,and he that seeketh signs shall see signs1 but not unto salvation4 #h4 ,verily1 ,i say unto you1 there are those among you who seek signs1 and there have been such even from the beginning2 #i4 ,but1 behold1 faith cometh not by signs1 but signs follow those that believe4 #aj4 ,yea1 signs come by faith1 not by the will of men1 nor as they please1 but by the will of ,god4 #aa4 ,yea1 signs come by faith1 unto mighty works1 for without faith no man pleaseth ,god3 and with whom ,god is angry ,he is not well pleased2 wherefore1 unto such ,he showeth no sign1 only in wrath unto their condemnation4 #ab4 ,wherefore1 ,i1 the ,lord1 am not pleased with those among you who have sought after signs and wonders for faith1 and not for the good of men unto my glory2 #ac4 ,nevertheless1 ,i gave commandments1 and many have turned away from my commandments and have not kept them4 #bjh #ad4 ,there were among you adulterers and adulteresses2 some of whom have turned away from you1 and others remain with you that hereafter shall be revealed4 #ae4 ,let such beware and repent speedily1 lest judgment shall come upon them as a snare1 and their folly shall be made manifest1 and their works shall follow them in the eyes of the people4 #af4 ,and1 verily1 ,i say unto you1 as ,i have said before1 he that looketh upon a woman to lust after her1 or if any shall commit adultery in their hearts1 they shall not have the ,spirit1 but shall deny the faith and shall fear3 #ag4 ,wherefore ,i1 the ,lord1 have said that the fearful1 and the unbelieving1 and all liars1 and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie1 and the whoremonger1 and the sorcerer1 shall have their part in that lake which burneth with fire and brimstone which is the second death4 #ah4 ,verily ,i say1 that they shall not have part in the first resurrection4 #ai4 ,and now1 behold1 ,i1 the ,lord1 say unto you1 that ye are not justified because these things are among you2 #bj4 ,nevertheless he that endureth in faith and doeth my will1 the same shall overcome1 and shall receive an inheritance upon the earth when the day of transfiguration shall come2 #ba4 ,when the earth shall be transfigured1 even according to the pattern which was shown unto mine apostles upon the mount2 of which account the fulness ye have not yet received4 #bb4 ,and now1 verily1 ,i say unto you1 that as ,i said that ,i would make known my will unto you1 behold ,i will make it known unto you1 not by the way of commandment1 for there are many who observe not to keep my commandments4 #bc4 ,but unto him that keepeth my commandments1 ,i will give the mysteries of my kingdom1 and the same shall be in him a well of living water1 springing up unto everlasting life4 #bd4 ,and now1 behold1 this is the will of the ,lord your ,god concerning ,his ,saints1 that they should assemble themselves together unto the land of ,zion1 not in haste1 lest there should be confusion1 which bringeth pestilence4 #be4 ,behold1 the land of ,zion1 ,i1 the ,lord1 hold it in mine own hands2 #bf4 ,nevertheless1 ,i1 the ,lord1 render unto ,caesar the things which are ,caesar's3 #bg4 ,wherefore1 ,i1 the ,lord1 will that you should purchase the lands that you may have advantage of the world1 that you may have claim on the world1 that they may not be stirred up unto anger2 #bh4 ,for ,satan putteth it into their hearts to anger against you1 and to the shedding of blood4 #bji #bi4 ,wherefore the land of ,zion shall not be obtained but by purchase or by blood1 otherwise there is none inheritance for you4 #cj4 ,and if by purchase1 behold you are blessed2 #ca4 ,and if by blood1 as you are forbidden to shed blood1 lo1 your enemies are upon you1 and ye shall be scourged from city to city1 and from synagogue to synagogue1 and but few shall stand to receive an inheritance4 #cb4 ,i1 the ,lord1 am angry with the wicked2 ,i am holding my ,spirit from the inhabitants of the earth4 #cc4 ,i have sworn in my wrath1 and decreed wars upon the face of the earth1 and the wicked shall slay the wicked1 and fear shall come upon every man1 #cd4 ,and the ,saints also shall hardly escape2 nevertheless1 ,i1 the ,lord1 am with them1 and will come down in heaven from the presence of my ,father1 and consume the wicked with unquenchable fire4 #ce4 ,and behold1 this is not yet1 but by and by2 #cf4 ,wherefore1 seeing that ,i1 the ,lord1 have decreed all these things upon the face of the earth1 ,i will that my ,saints should be assembled upon the land of ,zion2 #cg4 ,and that every man should take righteousness in his hands and faithfulness upon his loins1 and lift a warning voice unto the inhabitants of the earth2 and declare both by word and by flight1 that desolation shall come upon the wicked4 #ch4 ,wherefore let my disciples in ,kirtland arrange their temporal concerns1 who dwell upon this farm4 #ci4 ,let my servant ,titus ,billings1 who has the care thereof1 dispose of the land1 that he may be prepared in the coming spring to take his journey up unto the land of ,zion1 with those that dwell upon the face thereof1 excepting those whom ,i shall reserve unto myself1 that shall not go until ,i shall command them4 #dj4 ,and let all the monies which can be spared1 it mattereth not unto me whether it be little or much1 be sent up unto the land of ,zion1 unto them whom ,i have appointed to receive4 #da4 ,behold1 ,i1 the ,lord1 will give unto my servant ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 power that he shall be enabled to discern by the ,spirit those who shall go up unto the land of ,zion1 and those of my disciples who shall tarry4 #db4 ,let my servant ,newel ,k4 ,whitney retain his store1 or in other words1 the store yet for a little season4 #dc4 ,nevertheless let him impart all the money which he can impart1 to be sent up unto the land of ,zion4 #dd4 ,behold1 these things are in his own hands1 let him do according to wisdom4 #baj #de4 ,verily ,i say1 let him be ordained as an agent unto the disciples that shall tarry1 and let him be ordained unto this power2 #df4 ,and now speedily visit the churches1 expounding these things unto them1 with my servant ,oliver ,cowdery4 ,behold1 this is my will1 obtaining moneys even as ,i have directed4 #dg4 ,he that is faithful and endureth shall overcome the world4 #dh4 ,he that sendeth up treasures unto the land of ,zion1 shall receive an inheritance in this world1 and his works shall follow him1 and also a reward in the world to come3 #di4 ,yea1 and blessed are the dead that die in the ,lord from henceforth1 when the ,lord shall come1 and old things shall pass away1 and all things become new1 they shall rise from the dead and shall not die after1 and shall receive an inheritance before the ,lord1 in the holy city4 #ej4 ,and he that liveth when the ,lord shall come1 and has kept the faith1 blessed is he2 nevertheless it is appointed to him to die at the age of man4 #ea4 ,wherefore1 children shall grow up until they become old1 old men shall die2 but they shall not sleep in the dust1 but they shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye4 #eb4 ,wherefore1 for this cause preached the apostles unto the world the resurrection of the dead4 #ec4 ,these things are the things that ye must look for1 and1 speaking after the manner of the ,lord1 they are now nigh at hand1 and in a time to come1 even in the day of the coming of the ,son of ,man4 #ed4 ,and until that hour there will be foolish virgins among the wise2 and at that hour cometh an entire separation of the righteous and the wicked2 and in that day will ,i send mine angels to pluck out the wicked and cast them into unquenchable fire4 #ee4 ,and now behold1 verily ,i say unto you1 ,i the ,lord1 am not pleased with my servant ,sidney ,rigdon1 he exalted himself in his heart1 and received not counsel1 but grieved the ,spirit2 #ef4 ,wherefore his writing is not acceptable unto the ,lord1 and he shall make another and if the ,lord receive it not1 behold he standeth no longer in the office which ,i have appointed him4 #eg4 ,and again1 verily ,i say unto you1 those who desire in their hearts1 in meekness1 to warn sinners to repentance1 let them be ordained unto this power4 #eh4 ,for this is a day of warning1 and not a day of many words4 ,for ,i1 the ,lord1 am not to be mocked in the last days4 #ei4 ,behold1 ,i am from above1 and my power lieth beneath4 ,i am over all1 and in all1 and through all1 and search all things1 and the day cometh that all things shall be subject unto me4 #fj4 ,behold1 ,i am ,alpha and ,omega1 even ,jesus ,christ4 #baa #fa4 ,wherefore let all men beware how they take my name in their lips2 #fb4 ,for1 behold1 verily ,i say1 that many there be who are under this condemnation1 who use the name of the ,lord1 and use it in vain1 having not authority4 #fc4 ,wherefore1 let the ,church repent of their sins1 and ,i1 the ,lord1 will own them1 otherwise they shall be cut off4 #fd4 ,remember that that which cometh from above1 is sacred1 and must be spoken with care1 and by constraint of the ,spirit1 and in this there is no condemnation1 and ye receive the ,spirit through prayer2 wherefore1 without this there remaineth condemnation4 #fe4 ,let my servants1 ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 and ,sidney ,rigdon1 seek them a home1 as they are taught through prayer by the ,spirit4 #ff4 ,these things remain to overcome through patience1 that such may receive a more exceeding and eternal weight of glory1 otherwise1 a greater condemnation4 ,amen4 ,sidenote3 ,preparations to ,move to ,hiram4 ,the early part of ,september was spent in making preparations to remove to the town of ,hiram1 and renew our work on the translation of the ,bible4 ,the brethren who were commanded to go up to ,zion were earnestly engaged in getting ready to start in the coming ,october4 ,on the #aath of ,september ,i received the following3 ,revelation1 given in ,kirtland4 #aj #a4 ,behold1 thus saith the ,lord your ,god unto you1 ,o ye ,elders of my ,church1 hearken ye and hear1 and receive my will concerning you2 #b4 ,for verily ,i say unto you1 ,i will that ye should overcome the world2 wherefore ,i will have compassion upon you4 #c4 ,there are those among you who have sinned2 but verily ,i say1 for this once1 for mine own glory1 and for the salvation of souls1 ,i have forgiven you your sins4 #d4 ,i will be merciful unto you1 for ,i have given unto you the kingdom3 #e4 ,and the keys of the mysteries of the kingdom shall not be taken from my servant ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 through the means ,i have appointed1 while he liveth1 inasmuch as he obeyeth mine ordinances4 #f4 ,there are those who have sought occasion against him without cause2 #bab #g4 ,nevertheless he has sinned but verily ,i say unto you1 ,i1 the ,lord forgive sins unto those who confess their sins before me and ask forgiveness1 who have not sinned unto death4 #h4 ,my disciples1 in days of old1 sought occasion against one another1 and forgave not one another in their hearts1 and for this evil they were afflicted1 and sorely chastened4 #i4 ,wherefore1 ,i say unto you1 that ye ought to forgive one another1 for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses1 standeth condemned before the ,lord1 for there remaineth in him the greater sin4 #aj4 ,i1 the ,lord1 will forgive whom ,i will forgive1 but of you it is required to forgive all men2 #aa4 ,and ye ought to say in your hearts1 let ,god judge between me and thee1 and reward thee according to thy deeds4 #ab4 ,and him that repenteth not of his sins1 and confesseth them not1 ye shall bring before the ,church1 and do with him as the ,scripture saith unto you1 either by commandment or by revelation4 #ac4 ,and this ye shall do that ,god may be glorified1 not because ye forgive not1 having not compassion1 but that ye may be justified in the eyes of the law1 that ye may not offend ,him who is your ,lawgiver4 #ad4 ,verily ,i say1 for this cause ye shall do these things4 #ae4 ,behold1 ,i1 the ,lord1 was angry with him who was my servant ,ezra ,booth1 and also my servant ,isaac ,morley1 for they kept not the law1 neither the commandment2 #af4 ,they sought evil in their hearts1 and ,i1 the ,lord1 withheld my ,spirit4 ,they condemned for evil that thing in which there was no evil2 nevertheless ,i have forgiven my servant ,isaac ,morley4 #ag4 ,and also my servant ,edward ,partridge1 behold1 he hath sinned1 and ,satan seeketh to destroy his soul2 but when these things are made known unto them1 and they repent of the evil1 they shall be forgiven4 #ah4 ,and now1 verily ,i say1 that it is expedient in me that my servant ,sidney ,gilbert1 after a few weeks1 shall return upon his business1 and to his agency in the land of ,zion2 #ai4 ,and that which he hath seen and heard may be made known unto my disciples1 that they perish not4 ,and for this cause have ,i spoken these things4 #bj4 ,and again1 ,i say unto you1 that my servant ,isaac ,morley may not be tempted above that which he is able to bear1 and counsel wrongfully to your hurt1 ,i gave commandment that his farm should be sold4 #ba4 ,i will not that my servant ,frederick ,g4 ,williams should sell his farm1 for ,i1 the ,lord1 will to retain a strong hold in the land of ,kirtland1 for the space of five years1 in the which ,i will not overthrow the wicked1 that thereby ,i may save some2 #bb4 ,and after that day1 ,i1 the ,lord1 will not hold any guilty that shall #bac go with an open heart up to the land of ,zion2 for ,i the ,lord1 require the hearts of the children of men4 #bc4 ,behold1 now it is called today 7until the coming of the ,son of ,man71 and verily it is a day of sacrifice1 and a day for the tithing of my people2 for he that is tithed shall not be burned 7at ,his coming72 #bd4 ,for after today cometh the burning3 this is speaking after the manner of the ,lord2 for verily ,i say1 tomorrow all the proud and they that do wickedly shall be as stubble2 and ,i will burn them up1 for ,i am the ,lord of hosts3 and ,i will not spare any that remain in ,babylon4 #be4 ,wherefore1 if ye believe me1 ye will labor while it is called today4 #bf4 ,and it is not meet that my servants1 ,newel ,k4 ,whitney and ,sidney ,gilbert1 should sell their store and their possessions here1 for this is not wisdom until the residue of the ,church1 which remaineth in this place1 shall go up unto the land of ,zion4 #bg4 ,behold1 it is said in my laws1 or forbidden1 to get in debt to thine enemies2 #bh4 ,but behold1 it is not said at any time that the ,lord should not take when ,he please1 and pay as seemeth ,him good3 #bi4 ,wherefore1 as ye are agents1 ye are on the ,lord's errand2 and whatever ye do according to the will of the ,lord1 is the ,lord's business1 #cj4 ,and ,he hath set you to provide for ,his ,saints in these last days1 that they may obtain an inheritance in the land of ,zion3 #ca4 ,and behold1 ,i1 the ,lord1 declare unto you1 and my words are sure and shall not fail1 that they shall obtain it2 #cb4 ,but all things must come to pass in their time2 #cc4 ,wherefore1 be not weary in well-doing1 for ye are laying the foundation of a great work4 ,and out of small things proceedeth that which is great4 #cd4 ,behold1 the ,lord requireth the heart and a willing mind2 and the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of ,zion in these last days2 #ce4 ,and the rebellious shall be cut off out of the land of ,zion1 and shall be sent away1 and shall not inherit the land3 #cf4 ,for1 verily1 ,i say that the rebellious are not of the blood of ,ephraim1 wherefore they shall be plucked out4 #cg4 ,behold1 ,i1 the ,lord1 have made my ,church in these last days like unto a judge sitting on a hill1 or in a high place1 to judge the nations2 #ch4 ,for it shall come to pass that the inhabitants of ,zion shall judge all things pertaining to ,zion2 #ci4 ,and liars and hypocrites shall be proved by them1 and they who are not apostles and prophets shall be known4 #bad #dj4 ,and even the ,bishop1 who is a judge1 and his counselors1 if they are not faithful in their stewardships1 shall be condemned1 and others shall be planted in their stead2 #da4 ,for1 behold1 ,i say unto you that ,zion shall flourish1 and the glory of the ,lord shall be upon her1 #db4 ,and she shall be an ensign unto the people1 and there shall come unto her out of every nation under heaven4 #dc4 ,and the day shall come when the nations of the earth shall tremble because of her1 and shall fear because of her terrible ones4 ,the ,lord hath spoken it4 ,amen4 ,footnotes #a4 ,the ,colesville branch of the ,church numbered about sixty souls4--,statement made by ,oliver ,cowdery in ,john ,whitmer's ,history of the ,church1 ch4 ix4 #b4 ,speaking of this second of ,august meeting1 in addition to what the ,prophet relates in his narrative1 ,john ,whitmer1 in his ,history of the ,church1 7ch4 ix7 gives the following interesting details from a statement of ,oliver ,cowdery's3 ,on the second day of ,august1 #ahca1 ,rigdon stood up and asked1 saying1 ',do you receive this land for the land of your inheritance with thankful hearts from the ,lord8' ,answer from all3 ',we do4' ',do you pledge yourselves to keep the law of ,god in this land which you never have kept in your own lands8' ',we do4' ',do you pledge yourselves to see that others of your brethren who shall come hither do keep the laws of ,god8' ',we do4' ,after prayer1 he arose and said3 ',i now pronounce this land consecrated and dedicated unto the ,lord for a possession and inheritance for the ,saints1 and for all the faithful servants of the ,lord to the remotest ages of time4 ,in the name of ,jesus ,christ1 having authority from ,him4 ,amen4' #c4 ,this is the ,washington longitude4 ,it is between ninety-five and ninety-six degrees west longitude from ,greenwich4 #d4 ,polly ,knight's health had been failing for some time1 according to a statement made by her son1 ,newel4 ,she was very ill during her journey from ,kirtland to ,missouri4 ,yet1 says her son1 she would not consent to stop traveling2 her only1 or her greatest desire was to set her feet upon the land of ,zion1 and to have her body interred in that land4 ,i went on shore and bought lumber to make a coffin1 in case she should die before we arrived at our place of destination--so fast did she fail4 ,but the ,lord gave her the desire of her heart1 and she lived to stand upon that land4--,scraps of ,biography1 p4 #gj4 #e4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #ei4 #f4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #fj4 #g4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #fa4 #h4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #fb4 #i4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #fc4 #aj4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #fd4 #bae ,chapter ,,xvii4 ,the ,apostasy of ,ezra ,booth--,preparations for ,publishing the ,book of ,commandments4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,prophet ,moves to ,hiram4 ,on the #abth of ,september1 ,i removed with my family to the township of ,hiram1 and commenced living with ,john ,johnson4 ,hiram was in ,portage county1 and about thirty miles south-easterly from ,kirtland4 ,from this time until the forepart of ,october1 ,i did little more than prepare to re-commence the translation of the ,bible4 #a ,sidenote3 ,ezra ,booth's ,apostasy4 ,about this time ,ezra ,booth came out as an apostate4 ,he came into the ,church upon seeing a person healed of an infirmity of many years standing4 #b ,he had been a ,methodist priest for some time previous to his embracing the fulness of the ,gospel1 #baf as developed in the ,book of ,mormon2 and upon his admission into the ,church he was ordained an ,elder4 ,as will be seen by the foregoing revelations1 #c he went up to ,missouri as a companion of ,elder ,morley2 but when he actually learned that faith1 humility1 patience1 and tribulation go before blessing1 and that ,god brings low before ,he exalts2 that instead of the ,savior's granting him power to smite men and make them believe1 7as he said he wanted ,god to do in his own case7--when he found he must become all things to all men1 that he might peradventure1 save some2 and that1 too1 by all diligence1 by perils by sea and land2 as was the case in the days of ,jesus--then he was disappointed4 ,in the #fth chapter of ,st4 ,john's ,gospel1 #bfth verse1 it is written3 ,verily1 verily ,i say unto you1 ,ye seek me1 not because ye saw the miracles1 but because ye did eat of the loaves1 and were filled4 ,so it was with ,booth2 and when he was disappointed by his own evil heart1 he turned away1 and as said before1 became an apostate1 and wrote a series of letters1 #d which1 by their #bag coloring1 falsity1 and vain calculations to overthrow the work of the ,lord1 exposed his weakness1 wickedness and folly1 and left him a monument of his own shame1 for the world to wonder at4 #e ,sidenote3 ,the ,purchase of a ,press4 ,a conference was held in which ,brother ,w4 ,w4 ,phelps was instructed to stop at ,cincinnati on his way to ,missouri and purchase a press and type1 for the purpose of establishing and publishing a monthly paper at ,independence1 ,jackson county1 ,missouri1 to be called the ,evening and ,morning ,star4 ,the first ,sunday in ,october1 ,orson ,hyde1 #f a clerk in ,brother ,sidney ,gilbert and ,newel ,k4 ,whitney's store1 in ,kirtland1 was baptized1 and became a member of the ,church4 ,he was soon after designated as one of the chosen men of the ,lord1 to bear ,his word to the nations4 #bah ,sidenote3 ,a ,prayer ,revealed4 ,in the fore part of ,october1 ,i received the following prayer through revelation3 ,revelation4 #g #a4 ,hearken1 and lo1 a voice as of one sent down from on high1 who is mighty and powerful1 whose going forth is unto the ends of the earth1 yea1 whose voice is unto men--,prepare ye the way of the ,lord1 make ,his paths straight4 #b4 ,the keys of the kingdom of ,god are committed unto man on the earth1 and from thence shall the ,gospel roll forth unto the ends of the earth1 as the stone which is cut out of the mountain without hands shall roll forth1 until it has filled the whole earth2 #c4 ,yea1 a voice crying2 prepare ye the way of the ,lord1 prepare ye the supper of the ,lamb1 make ready for the ,bridegroom2 #d4 ,pray unto the ,lord1 call upon ,his holy name1 make known ,his wonderful works among the people2 #e4 ,call upon the ,lord1 that ,his kingdom may go forth upon the earth1 that the inhabitants thereof may receive it1 and be prepared for the days to come1 in the which the ,son of ,man shall come down in heaven1 clothed in the brightness of ,his glory1 to meet the kingdom of ,god which is set up on the earth2 #f4 ,wherefore1 may the kingdom of ,god go forth1 that the kingdom of heaven may come1 that thou1 ,o ,god1 mayest be glorified in heaven so on earth1 that thine enemies may be subdued2 for thine is the honor1 power and glory1 for ever and ever4 ,amen4 ,sidenote3 ,revision of the ,bible ,renewed4 #bai ,soon after the above revelation was received1 ,i renewed my work on the translation of the ,scriptures1 in company with ,elder ,rigdon1 who had removed to ,hiram1 to act in his office of scribe to me4 ,sidenote3 ,instructions and ,appointments of the ,conference of ,october #aath4 ,on the #aath of ,october1 a conference was held at ,brother ,johnson's1 where ,i was living1 at which the ,elders were instructed in the ancient manner of conducting meetings1 of which knowledge most of them were ignorant4 ,a committee of six was appointed to instruct the several branches of the ,church4 ,elders ,david ,whitmer and ,reynolds ,cahoon were appointed as two of the said committee2 with the further duty on their mission1 of setting forth the condition of ,brothers ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 and ,sidney ,rigdon1 that they might obtain means to continue the translation4 ,this conference was adjourned till the #beth of ,october1 to meet at the house of ,irenus ,burnett1 in ,orange1 ,cuyahoga county4 ,sidenote3 ,special ,conference of ,october #bast4 ,on the #bast1 ,i attended a special conference1 to settle a difficulty which had occurred in ,kirtland1 on account of ,william ,cahoon and ,peter ,devolue1 having abused one of ,brother ,whitney's children4 ,elder ,rigdon and myself were appointed to go to ,kirtland and settle the difficulty1 which we did4 ,sidenote3 ,conference at ,orange1 ,ohio1 ,october #beth4 ,at the conference on the #beth1 at ,orange1 twelve ,high ,priests1 seventeen ,elders1 four ,priests1 three ,teachers1 and four ,deacons1 together with a large congregation attended4 ,much business was done1 and the four remaining members of the committee1 authorized by the conference at ,hiram on the #aath1 were appointed1 and consisted of ,simeon ,carter1 ,orson ,hyde1 ,hyrum ,smith1 and ,emer ,harris4 #h #bbj ,at the request of ,william ,e4 ,m',lellin1 #i ,i inquired of the ,lord1 and received the following3 ,revelation1 given ,october1 #ahca4 #aj #a4 ,behold1 thus saith the ,lord unto my servant ,william ,e4 ,m',lellin1 #bba ,blessed are you1 inasmuch as you have turned away from your iniquities1 and have received my truths1 saith the ,lord your ,redeemer1 the ,savior of the world1 even of as many as believe on my name4 #b4 ,verily ,i say unto you1 blessed are you for receiving mine everlasting covenant1 even the fullness of my ,gospel1 sent forth unto the children of men1 that they might have life and be made partakers of the glories which are to be revealed in the last days1 as it was written by the prophets and apostles in days of old4 #c4 ,verily ,i say unto you1 my servant ,william1 that you are clean1 but not all2 repent1 therefore1 of those things which are not pleasing in my sight1 saith the ,lord1 for the ,lord will show them unto you4 #d4 ,and now1 verily1 ,i1 the ,lord1 will show unto you what ,i will concerning you1 or what is my will concerning you2 #e4 ,behold1 verily ,i say unto you1 that it is my will that you should proclaim my ,gospel from land to land1 and from city to city2 yea1 in those regions round about where it has not been proclaimed4 #f4 ,tarry not many days in this place2 go not up unto the land of ,zion as yet2 but inasmuch as you can send1 send2 otherwise think not of thy property4 #g4 ,go unto the eastern lands1 bear testimony in every place1 unto every people and in their synagogues2 reasoning with the people4 #h4 ,let my servant ,samuel ,h4 ,smith go with you1 and forsake him not1 and give him thine instructions2 and he that is faithful shall be made strong in every place1 and ,i1 the ,lord1 will go with you4 #i4 ,lay your hands upon the sick1 and they shall recover4 ,return not till ,i the ,lord shall send you4 ,be patient in affliction4 ,ask and ye shall receive2 knock and it shall be opened unto you4 #aj4 ,seek not to be cumbered4 ,forsake all unrighteousness4 ,commit not adultery1 a temptation with which thou hast been troubled4 #aa4 ,keep these sayings1 for they are true and faithful1 and thou shalt magnify thine office1 and push many people to ,zion with songs of everlasting joy upon their heads4 #ab4 ,continue in these things even unto the end1 and you shall have a crown of eternal life at the right hand of my ,father1 who is full of grace and truth4 #ac4 ,verily1 thus saith the ,lord your ,god1 your ,redeemer1 even ,jesus ,christ4 ,amen4 ,sidenote3 ,special ,conference ,november #ast4 ,i returned from the conference at ,orange1 to ,hiram2 and as ,oliver ,cowdery and ,john ,whitmer were to start for ,independence1 ,missouri1 a special conference was appointed for the #bbb first of ,november1 #aa at which ,i received the following3 ,revelation4 #ab #a4 ,hearken1 ,o ye people of my ,church1 saith the voice of ,him who dwells on high1 and whose eyes are upon all men2 yea1 verily ,i say1 hearken ye people from afar2 and ye that are upon the islands of the sea1 listen together4 #b4 ,for verily the voice of the ,lord is unto all men1 and there is none to escape1 and there is no eye that shall not see1 neither ear that shall not hear1 neither heart that shall not be penetrated4 #c4 ,and the rebellious shall be pierced with much sorrow1 for their iniquities shall be spoken upon the housetops1 and their secret acts shall be revealed4 #d4 ,and the voice of warning shall be unto all people1 by the mouths of my disciples1 whom ,i have chosen in these last days4 #e4 ,and they shall go forth and none shall stay them1 for ,i the ,lord have commanded them4 #f4 ,behold1 this is mine authority1 and the authority of my servants1 and my preface unto the book of my commandments1 which ,i have given them to publish unto you1 ,o inhabitants of the earth4 #g4 ,wherefore1 fear and tremble1 ,o ye people1 for what ,i the ,lord have decreed in them shall be fulfilled4 #h4 ,and verily1 ,i say unto you1 that they who go forth1 bearing these #bbc tidings unto the inhabitants of the earth1 to them is power given to seal both on earth and in heaven the unbelieving and rebellious2 #i4 ,yea1 verily1 to seal them up unto the day when the wrath of ,god shall be poured out upon the wicked without measure2 #aj4 ,unto the day when the ,lord shall come to recompense unto every man according to his work1 and measure to every man according to the measure which he has measured to his fellow man4 #aa4 ,wherefore the voice of the ,lord is unto the ends of the earth1 that all that will hear may hear3 #ab4 ,prepare ye1 prepare ye for that which is to come1 for the ,lord is nigh2 #ac4 ,and the anger of the ,lord is kindled1 and ,his sword is bathed in heaven1 and it shall fall upon the inhabitants of the earth4 #ad4 ,and the arm of the ,lord shall be revealed2 and the day cometh that they who will not hear the voice of the ,lord1 neither the voice of ,his servants1 neither give heed to the words of the prophets and apostles shall be cut off from among the people2 #ae4 ,for they have strayed from mine ordinances1 and have broken mine everlasting covenant2 #af4 ,they seek not the ,lord to establish ,his righteousness1 but every man walketh in his own way1 and after the image of his own ,god1 whose image is in the likeness of the world1 and whose substance is that of an idol1 which waxeth old and shall perish in ,babylon1 even ,babylon the great1 which shall fall4 #ag4 ,wherefore ,i the ,lord1 knowing the calamity which should come upon the inhabitants of the earth1 called upon my servant ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 and spake unto him from heaven1 and gave him commandments2 #ah4 ,and also gave commandments to others1 that they should proclaim these things unto the world2 and all this that it might be fulfilled1 which was written by the prophets2 #ai4 ,the weak things of the world shall come forth and break down the mighty and strong ones1 that man should not counsel his fellow man1 neither trust in the arm of flesh1 #bj4 ,but that every man might speak in the name of ,god the ,lord1 even the ,savior of the world2 #ba4 ,that faith also might increase in the earth2 #bb4 ,that mine everlasting covenant might be established2 #bc4 ,that the fullness of my ,gospel might be proclaimed by the weak and the simple unto the ends of the world1 and before kings and rulers4 #bd4 ,behold1 ,i am ,god and have spoken it2 these commandments are of me and were given unto my servants in their weakness1 after the manner of their language1 that they might come to understanding4 #bbd #be4 ,and inasmuch as they erred it might be made known3 #bf4 ,and inasmuch as they sought wisdom they might be instructed3 #bg4 ,and inasmuch as they sinned they might be chastened1 that they might repent3 #bh4 ,and inasmuch as they were humble they might be made strong1 and blessed from on high1 and receive knowledge from time to time3 #bi4 ,and after having received the record of the ,nephites1 yea1 even my servant ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 might have power to translate through the mercy of ,god1 by the power of ,god1 the ,book of ,mormon2 #cj4 ,and also those to whom these commandments were given1 might have power to lay the foundation of this ,church1 and to bring it forth out of obscurity and out of darkness1 the only true and living ,church upon the face of the whole earth1 with which ,i1 the ,lord1 am well pleased1 speaking unto the ,church collectively and not individually4 #ca4 ,for ,i the ,lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance4 #cb4 ,nevertheless1 he that repents and does the commandments of the ,lord shall be forgiven2 #cc4 ,and he that repents not1 from him1 shall be taken even the light which he has received1 for my ,spirit shall not always strive with man1 saith the ,lord of ,hosts4 #cd4 ,and again1 verily ,i say unto you1 ,o inhabitants of the earth1 ,i the ,lord am willing to make these things known unto all flesh1 #ce4 ,for ,i am no respecter of persons1 and will that all men shall know that the day speedily cometh2 the hour is not yet1 but is nigh at hand1 when peace shall be taken from the earth1 and the devil shall have power over his own dominion2 #cf4 ,and also the ,lord shall have power over ,his ,saints1 and shall reign in their midst1 and shall come down in judgment upon ,iduma1 or the world4 #cg4 ,search these commandments for they are true and faithful1 and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled4 #ch4 ,what ,i the ,lord have spoken1 ,i have spoken1 and ,i excuse not myself3 and though the heavens and the earth pass away1 my word shall not pass away1 but shall all be fulfilled1 whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants it is the same2 #ci4 ,for behold1 and lo1 the ,lord is ,god1 and the ,spirit beareth record1 and the record is true1 and the truth abideth forever and ever4 ,amen4 ,sidenote3 ,language of ,revelations ,criticised4 ,after this revelation was received1 some conversation was had concerning revelations and language4 ,i received the following3 #bbe ,revelation1 given ,november1 #ahca4 #ac #a4 ,behold and hearken1 ,o ye ,elders of my ,church1 who have assembled yourselves together1 whose prayers ,i have heard1 and whose hearts ,i know1 and whose desires have come up before me4 #b4 ,behold and lo1 mine eyes are upon you1 and the heavens and the earth are in mine hands1 and the riches of eternity are mine to give4 #c4 ,ye endeavored to believe that ye should secure the blessing which was offered unto you2 but behold1 verily ,i say unto you1 there were fears in your hearts1 and verily this is the reason that ye did not receive4 #d4 ,and now ,i1 the ,lord1 give unto you a testimony of the truth of these commandments which are lying before you2 #e4 ,your eyes have been upon my servant ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 and his language you have known1 and his imperfections you have known2 and you have sought in your hearts knowledge that you might express beyond his language1 this you also know2 #f4 ,now1 seek ye out of the ,book of ,commandments1 even the least that is among them1 and appoint him that is the most wise among you2 #g4 ,or1 if there be any among you that shall make one like unto it1 then ye are justified in saying that ye do not know that they are true2 #h4 ,but if ye cannot make one like unto it1 ye are under condemnation if ye do not bear record that they are true2 #i4 ,for ye know that there is no unrighteousness in them1 and that which is righteous cometh down from above1 from the ,father of lights2 #aj4 ,and again1 verily1 ,i say unto you1 that it is your privilege1 and a promise ,i give unto you that have been ordained unto this ministry1 that inasmuch as you strip yourselves from jealousies and fears1 and humble yourselves before me1 for ye are not sufficiently humble1 the veil shall be rent1 and you shall see me and know that ,i am2 not with the carnal1 neither natural mind1 but with the spiritual2 #aa4 ,for no man has seen ,god at any time in the flesh1 except quickened by the ,spirit of ,god4 #ab4 ,neither can any natural man abide the presence of ,god2 neither after the carnal mind2 #ac4 ,ye are not able to abide the presence of ,god now1 neither the ministering of angels2 wherefore continue in patience until ye are perfected4 #ad4 ,let not your minds turn back1 and when ye are worthy1 in mine own due time1 ye shall see and know that which was conferred upon you by the hands of my servant ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun4 ,amen4 #bbf ,sidenote3 ,the ,folly of ,william ,e4 ,m',lellin4 ,after the foregoing was received1 ,william ,e4 ,m',lellin1 as the wisest man1 in his own estimation1 having more learning than sense1 endeavored to write a commandment like unto one of the least of the ,lord's1 but failed2 it was an awful responsibility to write in the name of the ,lord4 ,the ,elders and all present that witnessed this vain attempt of a man to imitate the language of ,jesus ,christ1 renewed their faith in the fullness of the ,gospel1 and in the truth of the commandments and revelations which the ,lord had given to the ,church through my instrumentality2 and the ,elders signified a willingness to bear testimony of their truth to all the world4 ,accordingly ,i received the following3 ,the testimony of the witnesses to the book of the ,lord's commandments1 which ,he gave to ,his ,church through ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 who was appointed by the voice of the ,church for this purpose2 we therefore feel willing to bear testimony to all the world of mankind1 to every creature upon the face of all the earth and upon the islands of the sea1 that the ,lord has borne record to our souls1 through the ,holy ,ghost1 shed forth upon us1 that these commandments were given by inspiration of ,god1 and are profitable for all men1 and are verily true4 ,we give this testimony unto the world1 the ,lord being our helper2 and it is through the grace of ,god1 the ,father1 and ,his ,son1 ,jesus ,christ1 that we are permitted to have this privilege of bearing this testimony unto the world1 that the children of men may be profited thereby4 #ad #bbg ,as the following ,elders--,orson ,hyde1 ,luke ,johnson1 ,lyman ,e4 ,johnson1 and ,william ,e4 ,m',lellin--were desirous to know the mind of the ,lord concerning themselves1 ,i inquired1 and received the following3 ,revelation1 given ,november1 #ahca4 #ae #a4 ,my servant1 ,orson ,hyde1 was called by his ordination to proclaim the everlasting ,gospel1 by the ,spirit of the living ,god1 from people to people1 and from land to land1 in the congregations of the wicked1 in their synagogues1 reasoning with1 and expounding all ,scriptures unto them4 #b4 ,and1 behold1 and lo1 this is an ensample unto all those who were ordained unto this ,priesthood1 whose mission is appointed unto them to go forth2 #c4 ,and this is the ensample unto them1 that they shall speak as they are moved upon by the ,holy ,ghost4 #d4 ,and whatsoever they shall speak when moved upon by the ,holy ,ghost1 shall be scripture1 shall be the will of the ,lord1 shall be the mind of the ,lord1 shall be the word of the ,lord1 shall be the voice of the ,lord1 and the power of ,god unto salvation2 #e4 ,behold this is the promise of the ,lord unto you1 ,o ye my servants2 #f4 ,wherefore1 be of good cheer1 and do not fear1 for ,i the ,lord am with you and will stand by you2 and ye shall bear record of me1 even ,jesus ,christ1 that ,i am the ,son of the living ,god1 that ,i was1 that ,i am1 and that ,i am to come4 #g4 ,this is the word of the ,lord unto you my servant1 ,orson ,hyde1 and also unto my servant ,luke ,johnson1 and unto my servant ,lyman ,johnson1 and unto my servant ,william ,e4 ,m',lellin1 and unto all the faithful ,elders of my ,church4 #h4 ,go ye into all the world1 preach the ,gospel to every creature1 acting in the authority which ,i have given you1 baptizing in the name of the ,father1 and of the ,son1 and of the ,holy ,ghost2 #i4 ,and he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved1 and he that believeth not shall be damned2 #aj4 ,and he that believeth shall be blest with signs following1 even as it is written2 #aa4 ,and unto you it shall be given to know the signs of the times1 and the signs of the coming of the ,son of ,man2 #ab4 ,and of as many as the ,father shall bear record1 to you shall be given power to seal them up unto eternal life4 ,amen4 #bbh #ac4 ,and now concerning the items in addition to the covenants and commandments1 they are these3 #ad4 ,there remaineth hereafter1 in the due time of the ,lord1 other ,bishops to be set apart unto the ,church1 to minister even according to the first2 #ae4 ,wherefore they shall be ,high ,priests who are worthy1 and they shall be appointed by the ,first ,presidency of the ,melchisedek ,priesthood1 except they be literal descendants of ,aaron1 #af4 ,and if they be literal descendants of ,aaron1 they have a legal right to the bishopric1 if they are the firstborn among the sons of ,aaron2 #ag4 ,for the firstborn holds the right of presidency over this ,priesthood1 and the keys or authority of the same4 #ah4 ,no man has a legal right to this office1 to hold the keys of this ,priesthood1 except he be a literal descendant and the firstborn of ,aaron4 #ai4 ,but1 as a high priest of the ,melchisedek ,priesthood has authority to officiate in all the lesser offices he may officiate in the office of ,bishop when no literal descendant of ,aaron can be found1 provided he is called and set apart and ordained unto this power under the hands of the ,first ,presidency of the ,melchizedek ,priesthood4 #bj4 ,and literal descendants of ,aaron1 also1 must be designated by this ,presidency1 and found worthy1 and anointed1 and ordained under the hands of this ,presidency1 otherwise they are not legally authorized to officiate in their ,priesthood2 #ba4 ,but by virtue of the decree concerning their right of the ,priesthood descending from father to son1 they may claim their anointing if at any time they can prove their lineage1 or do ascertain it by revelation from the ,lord under the hands of the above named ,presidency4 #bb4 ,and again1 no ,bishop or ,high ,priest who shall be set apart for this ministry1 shall be tried or condemned for any crime1 save it be before the ,first ,presidency of the ,church2 #bc4 ,and inasmuch as he is found guilty before this ,presidency1 by testimony that cannot be impeached1 he shall be condemned2 #bd4 ,and if he repent he shall be forgiven1 according to the covenants and commandments of the ,church4 #be4 ,and again1 inasmuch as parents have children in ,zion1 or in any of her stakes which are organized1 that teach them not to understand the doctrine of repentance1 faith in ,christ the ,son of the living ,god1 and of baptism and the gift of the ,holy ,ghost by the laying on of the hands1 when eight years old1 the sin be upon the heads of the parents4 #bf4 ,for this shall be a law unto the inhabitants of ,zion1 or in any of her stakes which are organized2 #bg4 ,and their children shall be baptized for the remission of their #bbi sins when eight years old1 and receive the laying on of the hands1 #bh4 ,and they shall also teach their children to pray and to walk uprightly before the ,lord4 #bi4 ,and the inhabitants of ,zion shall also observe the ,sabbath day to keep it holy4 #cj4 ,and the inhabitants of ,zion also shall remember their labors1 inasmuch as they are appointed to labor1 in all faithfulness2 for the idler shall be had in remembrance before the ,lord4 #ca4 ,now1 ,i the ,lord1 am not well pleased with the inhabitants of ,zion1 for there are idlers among them2 and their children are also growing up in wickedness2 they also seek not earnestly the riches of eternity1 but their eyes are full of greediness4 #cb4 ,these things ought not to be1 and must be done away from among them3 wherefore1 let my servant ,oliver ,cowdery carry these sayings unto the land of ,zion4 #cc4 ,and a commandment ,i give unto them1 that he that observeth not his prayers before the ,lord in the season thereof1 let him be had in remembrance before the judge of my people4 #cd4 ,these sayings are true and faithful2 wherefore transgress them not1 neither take therefrom4 #ce4 ,behold1 ,i am ,alpha and ,omega1 and ,i come quickly4 ,amen4 ,sidenote3 ,preparation of the ,revelations for ,publication1 ,nov4 #ast-#aeth4 ,it had been decided by the conference that ,elder ,oliver ,cowdery should carry the commandments and revelations to ,independence1 ,missouri1 for printing1 and that ,i should arrange and get them in readiness by the time that he left1 which was to be by--or1 if possible1 before--the #aeth of the month ,november4 ,at this time there were many things which the ,elders desired to know relative to preaching the ,gospel to the inhabitants of the earth1 and concerning the gathering2 and in order to walk by the true light1 and be instructed from on high1 on the #crd of ,november1 #ahca1 ,i inquired of the ,lord and received the following important revelation1 which has since been added to the book of ,doctrine and ,covenants1 and called the ,appendix3 ,revelation1 given ,november #c1 #ahca4 #af #a4 ,hearken1 ,o ye people of my ,church1 saith the ,lord your ,god1 and hear the word of the ,lord concerning you2 #bcj #b4 ,the ,lord who shall suddenly come to ,his temple2 the ,lord who shall come down upon the world with a curse to judgment2 yea1 upon all the nations that forget ,god1 and upon all the ungodly among you4 #c4 ,for ,he shall make bare ,his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations1 and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of their ,god4 #d4 ,wherefore1 prepare ye1 prepare ye1 ,o my people2 sanctify yourselves2 gather ye together1 ,o ye people of my ,church1 upon the land of ,zion1 all you that have not been commanded to tarry4 #e4 ,go ye out from ,babylon4 ,be ye clean that bear the vessels of the ,lord4 #f4 ,call your solemn assemblies1 and speak often one to another4 ,and let every man call upon the name of the ,lord2 #g4 ,yea1 verily ,i say unto you again1 the time has come when the voice of the ,lord is unto you1 ,go ye out of ,babylon2 gather ye out from among the nations1 from the four winds1 from one end of heaven to the other4 #h4 ,send forth the ,elders of my ,church unto the nations which are afar off2 unto the islands of the sea2 send forth unto foreign lands2 call upon all nations2 first upon the ,gentiles1 and then upon the ,jews4 #i4 ,and behold1 and lo1 this shall be their cry1 and the voice of the ,lord unto all people3 ,go ye forth unto the land of ,zion1 that the borders of my people may be enlarged1 and that her stakes may be strengthened1 and that ,zion may go forth unto the regions round about2 #aj4 ,yea1 let the cry go forth among all people3 ,awake and arise and go forth to meet the ,bridegroom3 behold and lo1 the ,bridegroom cometh1 go ye out to meet ,him4 ,prepare yourselves for the great day of the ,lord4 #aa4 ,watch1 therefore1 for ye know neither the day nor the hour4 #ab4 ,let them therefore1 who are among the ,gentiles1 flee unto ,zion4 #ac4 ,and let them who be of ,judah flee unto ,jerusalem1 unto the mountains of the ,lord's house4 #ad4 ,go ye out from among the nations1 even from ,babylon1 from the midst of wickedness1 which is spiritual ,babylon4 #ae4 ,but verily1 thus saith the ,lord1 ,let not your flight be in haste1 but let all things be prepared before you2 and he that goeth let him not look back1 lest sudden destruction shall come upon him4 #af4 ,hearken and hear1 ,o ye inhabitants of the earth4 ,listen1 ye ,elders of my ,church together1 and hear the voice of the ,lord2 for ,he calleth upon all men1 and ,he commandeth all men everywhere to repent4 #bca #ag4 ,for1 behold1 the ,lord ,god hath sent forth the angel crying through the midst of heaven1 saying1 ,prepare ye the way of the ,lord1 and make his paths straight1 for the hour of ,his coming is nigh-- #ah4 ,when the ,lamb shall stand upon ,mount ,zion1 and with ,him a hundred and forty-four thousand1 having ,his ,father's name written on their foreheads3 #ai4 ,wherefore1 prepare ye for the coming of the ,bridegroom2 go ye1 go ye out to meet ,him1 #bj4 ,for behold1 ,he shall stand upon the mount of ,olives1 and upon the mighty ocean1 even the great deep1 and upon the islands of the sea1 and upon the land of ,zion2 #ba4 ,and ,he shall utter ,his voice out of ,zion1 and ,he shall speak from ,jerusalem1 and ,his voice shall be heard among all people4 #bb4 ,and it shall be a voice as the voice of many waters1 and as the voice of a great thunder1 which shall break down the mountains1 and the valleys shall not be found2 #bc4 ,he shall command the great deep1 and it shall be driven back into the north countries1 and the islands shall become one land3 #bd4 ,and the land of ,jerusalem and the land of ,zion shall be turned back into their own place1 and the earth shall be like as it was in the days before it was divided4 #be4 ,and the ,lord1 even the ,savior1 shall stand in the midst of his people1 and shall reign over all flesh4 #bf4 ,and they who are in the north countries shall come in remembrance before the ,lord and their prophets shall hear ,his voice1 and shall no longer stay themselves1 and they shall smite the rocks1 and the ice shall flow down at their presence4 #bg4 ,and an highway shall be cast up in the midst of the great deep4 #bh4 ,their enemies shall become a prey unto them1 #bi4 ,and in the barren deserts there shall come forth pools of living water2 and the parched ground shall no longer be a thirsty land4 #cj4 ,and they shall bring forth their rich treasures unto the children of ,ephraim1 my servants4 #ca4 ,and the boundaries of the everlasting hills shall tremble at their presence4 #cb4 ,and there shall they fall down and be crowned with glory1 even in ,zion1 by the hands of the servants of the ,lord1 even the children of ,ephraim2 #cc4 ,and they shall be filled with songs of everlasting joy4 #cd4 ,behold1 this is the blessing of the everlasting ,god upon the tribes of ,israel1 and the richer blessing upon the head of ,ephraim and his fellows4 #ce4 ,and they also of the tribe of ,judah1 after their pain1 shall be #bcb sanctified in holiness before the ,lord1 to dwell in his presence day and night1 forever and ever4 #cf4 ,and now1 verily saith the ,lord1 ,that these things might be known among you1 ,o inhabitants of the earth1 ,i have sent forth mine angel flying through the midst of heaven1 having the everlasting ,gospel1 who hath appeared unto some1 and hath committed it unto man1 who shall appear unto many that dwell on the earth2 #cg4 ,and this ,gospel shall be preached unto every nation1 and kindred1 and tongue1 and people1 #ch4 ,and the servants of ,god shall go forth1 saying with a loud voice1 ,fear ,god and give glory to ,him1 for the hour of ,his judgment is come2 #ci4 ,and worship him that made heaven1 and earth1 and the sea1 and the fountains of waters1 #dj4 ,calling upon the name of the ,lord day and night1 saying1 ,o that thou wouldst rend the heavens1 that thou wouldst come down1 that the mountains might flow down at ,thy presence4 #da4 ,and it shall be answered upon their heads1 for the presence of the ,lord shall be as the melting fire that burneth1 and as the fire which causeth the waters to boil4 #db4 ,o ,lord1 ,thou shalt come down to make ,thy name known to thine adversaries1 and all nations shall tremble at ,thy presence4 #dc4 ,when ,thou doest terrible things--things they look not for2 #dd4 ,yea1 when ,thou comest down1 and the mountains flow down at ,thy presence1 ,thou shalt meet him who rejoiceth and worketh righteousness1 who remembereth ,thee in ,thy ways4 #de4 ,for since the beginning of the world have not men heard nor perceived by the ear1 neither hath any eye seen1 ,o ,god1 besides ,thee1 how great things ,thou hast prepared for him that waiteth for ,thee4 #df4 ,and it shall be said3 ,who is this that cometh down from ,god in heaven with dyed garments2 yea from the regions which are not known1 clothed in ,his glorious apparel1 traveling in the greatness of ,his strength8 #dg4 ,and ,he shall say2 ,i am ,he who spake in righteousness1 mighty to save4 #dh4 ,and the ,lord shall be red in ,his apparel1 and ,his garments like him that treadeth in the wine vat1 #di4 ,and so great shall be the glory of ,his presence that the sun shall hide his face in shame2 and the moon shall withhold its light2 and the stars shall be hurled from their places2 #ej4 ,and his voice shall be heard1 ,i have trodden the wine-press alone1 and have brought judgment upon all people2 and none were with me2 #ea4 ,and ,i have trampled them in my fury1 and ,i did tread upon them in mine anger1 and their blood have ,i sprinkled upon my garments1 and #bcc stained all my raiment2 for this was the day of vengeance which was in my heart4 #eb4 ,and now the year of my redeemed is come1 and they shall mention the loving kindness of their ,lord1 and all that ,he has bestowed upon them according to ,his goodness1 and according to ,his loving kindness1 for ever and ever4 #ec4 ,in all their afflictions ,he was afflicted4 ,and the angel of ,his presence saved them2 and in ,his love1 and in ,his pity1 ,he redeemed them1 and bare them1 and carried them all the days of old2 #ed4 ,yea1 and ,enoch also1 and they who were with him2 the prophets who were before him2 and ,noah also1 and they who were before him2 and ,moses also and they who were before him4 #ee4 ,and from ,moses to ,elijah1 and from ,elijah to ,john1 who were with ,christ in ,his resurrection1 and the holy ,apostles1 with ,abraham1 ,isaac1 and ,jacob1 shall be in the presence of the ,lamb4 #ef4 ,and the graves of the saints shall be opened2 and they shall come forth and stand on the right hand of the ,lamb1 when ,he shall stand upon ,mount ,zion1 and upon the holy city the ,new ,jerusalem2 and they shall sing the song of the ,lamb1 day and night for ever and ever4 #eg4 ,and for this cause1 that men might be made partakers of the glories which were to be revealed1 the ,lord sent forth the fulness of ,his ,gospel1 ,his everlasting covenant1 reasoning in plainness and simplicity1 #eh4 ,to prepare the weak for those things which are coming on the earth1 and for the ,lord's errand in the day when the weak shall confound the wise1 and the little one become a strong nation1 and two shall put their tens of thousands to flight2 #ei4 ,and by the weak things of the earth the ,lord shall thrash the nations by the power of ,his ,spirit4 #fj4 ,and for this cause these commandments were given2 they were commanded to be kept from the world in the day that they were given1 but now are to go forth unto all flesh4 #fa4 ,and this according to the mind and will of the ,lord1 who ruleth over all flesh4 #fb4 ,and unto him that repenteth and sanctifieth himself before the ,lord1 shall be given eternal life2 #fc4 ,and upon them that hearken not to the voice of the ,lord shall be fulfilled that which was written by the ,prophet ,moses1 that they should be cut off from among the people4 #fd4 ,and also that which was written by the ,prophet ,malachi2 ,for1 behold1 the day cometh that shall burn as an oven1 and all the proud1 yea1 and all that do wickedly1 shall be stubble2 and the day that cometh #bcd shall burn them up1 saith the ,lord of hosts1 that it shall leave them neither root nor branch4 #fe4 ,wherefore1 this shall be the answer of the ,lord unto them3-- #ff4 ,in that day when ,i came unto mine own1 no man among you received me1 and you were driven out4 #fg4 ,when ,i called again1 there was none of you to answer1 yet my arm was not shortened at all1 that ,i could not redeem1 neither my power to deliver4 #fh4 ,behold1 at my rebuke ,i dry up the sea4 ,i make the rivers a wilderness2 their fish stink and die for thirst4 #fi4 ,i clothe the heavens with blackness1 and make sackcloth their covering4 #gj4 ,and this shall ye have of my hand3 ,ye shall lie down in sorrow4 #ga4 ,behold1 and lo1 there are none to deliver you1 for ye obeyed not my voice when ,i called to you out of the heavens2 ye believed not my servants1 and when they were sent unto you1 ye received them not4 #gb4 ,wherefore1 they sealed up the testimony and bound up the law1 and ye were delivered over unto darkness2 #gc4 ,these shall go away into outer darkness1 where there is weeping1 and wailing1 and gnashing of teeth4 #gd4 ,behold the ,lord your ,god hath spoken it4 ,amen4 ,sidenote3 ,dedication of the ,book of ,commandments4 ,the ,book of ,commandments and ,revelations was to be dedicated by prayer to the service of ,almighty ,god by me2 and after ,i had done this1 ,i inquired of the ,lord concerning these things1 and received the following3 ,revelation1 given ,november1 #ahca4 #ag #a4 ,hearken unto me saith the ,lord your ,god3 ,for my servant ,oliver ,cowdery's sake1 it is not wisdom in me that he should be entrusted with the commandments and the moneys which he shall carry unto the #bce land of ,zion1 except one go with him who will be true and faithful2 #b4 ,wherefore1 ,i1 the ,lord will1 that my servant1 ,john ,whitmer1 should go with my servant ,oliver ,cowdery2 #c4 ,and also that he shall continue in writing and making a history of all the important things which he shall observe and know concerning my ,church3 #d4 ,and also that he receive counsel and assistance from my servant ,oliver ,cowdery and others4 #e4 ,and also my servants who are abroad in the earth1 should send forth the accounts of their stewardships to the land of ,zion2 #f4 ,for the land of ,zion shall be a seat and a place to receive and do all these things2 #g4 ,nevertheless let my servant ,john ,whitmer travel many times from place to place1 and from church to church1 that he may the more easily obtain knowledge2 #h4 ,preaching and expounding1 writing1 copying1 selecting1 and obtaining all things which shall be for the good of the ,church1 and for the rising generations1 that shall grow up on the land of ,zion1 to possess it from generation to generation1 forever and ever4 ,amen4 ,sidenote3 ,esteem in which the ,conference ,held the ,book of ,commandments and ,book of ,mormon4 ,my time was occupied closely in reviewing the commandments and sitting in conference1 for nearly two weeks2 for from the first to the twelfth of ,november we held four special conferences4 ,in the last which was held at ,brother ,johnson's1 in ,hiram1 after deliberate consideration1 in consequence of the book of revelations1 now to be printed1 being the foundation of the ,church in these last days1 and a benefit to the world1 showing that the keys of the mysteries of the kingdom of our ,savior are again entrusted to man2 and the riches of eternity within the compass of those who are willing to live by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of ,god--therefore the conference voted that they prize the revelations to be worth to the ,church the riches of the whole earth1 speaking temporally4 ,the great benefits to the world which result from the ,book of ,mormon and the revelations1 which the ,lord has seen fit in ,his infinite wisdom to grant unto us for our salvation1 and for the #bcf salvation of all that will believe1 were duly appreciated2 #ah and in answer to an inquiry1 ,i received the following3 ,revelation1 given ,november1 #ahca4 #ai #a4 ,behold1 and hearken1 ,o ye inhabitants of ,zion1 and all ye people of my ,church who are afar off1 and hear the word of the ,lord which ,i give unto my servant ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 and also unto my servant ,martin ,harris1 and also unto my servant ,oliver ,cowdery1 and also unto my servant ,john ,whitmer1 and also unto my servant ,sidney ,rigdon1 and also unto my servant ,william ,w4 ,phelps1 by the way of commandment unto them4 #b4 ,for ,i give unto them a commandment2 wherefore hearken and hear1 for thus saith the ,lord unto them-- #c4 ,i1 the ,lord1 have appointed them1 and ordained them to be stewards over the revelations and commandments which ,i have given unto them1 and which ,i shall hereafter give unto them2 #d4 ,and an account of this stewardship will ,i require of them in the day of judgment4 #e4 ,wherefore ,i have appointed unto them1 and this is their business in the ,church of ,god1 to manage them and the concerns thereof2 yea1 the benefits thereof4 #bcg #f4 ,wherefore1 a commandment ,i give unto them1 that they shall not give these things unto the ,church1 neither unto the world2 #g4 ,nevertheless1 inasmuch as they receive more than is needful for their necessities and their wants1 it shall be given into my storehouse1 #h4 ,and the benefits shall be consecrated unto the inhabitants of ,zion1 and unto their generations1 inasmuch as they become heirs according to the laws of the kingdom4 #i4 ,behold1 this is what the lord requires of every man in his stewardship1 even as ,i1 the ,lord1 have appointed1 or shall hereafter appoint unto any man4 #aj4 ,and behold1 none are exempt from this law who belong to the ,church of the living ,god2 #aa4 ,yea1 neither the ,bishop1 neither the agent who keepeth the ,lord's storehouse1 neither he who is appointed in a stewardship over temporal things2 #ab4 ,he who is appointed to administer spiritual things1 the same is worthy of his hire1 even as those who are appointed to a stewardship1 to administer in temporal things2 #ac4 ,yea1 even more abundantly1 which abundance is multiplied unto them through the manifestation of the ,spirit2 #ad4 ,nevertheless1 in your temporal things you shall be equal1 and this not grudgingly1 otherwise the abundance of the manifestations of the ,spirit shall be withheld4 #ae4 ,now this commandment ,i give unto my servants for their benefit while they remain1 for a manifestation of my blessings upon their heads1 and for a reward of their diligence and for their security2 #af4 ,for food and for raiment2 for an inheritance2 for houses and for lands1 in whatsoever circumstances ,i1 the ,lord1 shall place them1 and whithersoever ,i1 the ,lord1 shall send them2 #ag4 ,for they have been faithful over many things2 and have done well inasmuch as they have not sinned4 #ah4 ,behold1 ,i1 the ,lord1 am merciful and will bless them1 and they shall enter into the joy of these things4 ,even so4 ,amen4 ,footnotes #a4 ,it would be more proper to say revision of the ,bible than translation of it2 as the ,prophet did not at any time pretend to a knowledge of the ancient languages that would enable him to translate from the ,hebrew or the ,greek as translation is commonly understood4 ,but what he did was to revise the ,english text of the ,bible under the inspiration of ,god2 and that led him not only to give different renderings of various passages1 but also to supply missing parts4 #b4 ,the miracle here referred to is thus related in ,hayden's ,history of the ,disciples 7a ,campbellite work71 pp4 #bej-a4 ,ezra ,booth1 of ,mantua1 a ,methodist preacher of much more than ordinary culture1 and with strong natural abilities1 in company with his wife1 ,mr4 and ,mrs4 ,johnson1 and some other citizens of this place ,hiram1 visited ,smith at his home in ,kirtland1 in #ahca4 ,mrs4 ,johnson had been afflicted for some time with a lame arm1 and was not at the time of the visit able to lift her hand to her head4 ,the party visited ,smith partly out of curiosity1 and partly to see for themselves what there might be in the new doctrine4 ,during the interview the conversation turned on the subject of supernatural gifts1 such as were conferred in the days of the apostles4 ,some one said1 ',here is ,mrs4 ,johnson with a lame arm2 has ,god given any power to man now on the earth to cure her8' ,a few moments later1 when the conversation had turned in another direction1 ,smith rose1 and walking across the room1 taking ,mrs4 ,johnson by the hand1 said in the most solemn and impressive manner3 ',woman1 in the name of the ,lord ,jesus ,christ ,i command thee to be whole1' and immediately left the room4 ,the company were awe-stricken at the infinite presumption of the man1 and the calm assurance with which he spoke4 ,the sudden mental and moral shock--,i know not how better to explain the well-attested fact--electrified the rheumatic arm--,mrs4 ,johnson at once lifted it up with ease1 and on her return home the next day she was able to do her washing without difficulty or pain4 #c4 ,see page #bab1 verses #ae1 #af4 #d4 ,it is generally supposed that ,ezra ,booth was the first to turn away from the faith2 but this is an error4 ,others denied the faith before him1 but he was the first apostate1 ,i think1 to publish anything against the ,church4 ,that he was not the first apostate1 however1 is evident from the fact that ,john ,whitmer in his history makes mention of others turning from the faith even before the journey of the ,elders to ,missouri was undertaken2 whereas ,booth did not announce his apostasy until his return from that journey in the month of ,september4 ,writing of a time previous to the assembling of the conference of ,june #crd-#fth1 #ahca1 ,john ,whitmer remarks3 ,about these days the disciples arrived from the state of ,new ,york to this place1 ,kirtland1 ,ohio4 ,they had some difficulty between themselves because of some that did not continue faithful--who denied the truth and turned to fables4 7,ch4 #h47 ,again in chapter #h he says3 ,after some of the ,elders had left i4 e41 for ,missouri1 and the time for ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 and others to leave had come--some of those who had been commanded to take their journey speedily1 had denied the faith and turned from the truth4 ,and still speaking of a time previous to the apostasy of ,booth1 and before detailing the events which happened on the land of ,zion among the ,elders who went there1 he says3 ,there was much trouble and unbelief among those who called themselves disciples of ,christ2 some apostatized and became enemies to the cause of ,god1 and persecuted the ,saints4 7,chapter #i47 ,all this was before ,booth's apostasy4 ,in the minutes of a conference held on the #fth of ,september1 #ahca1 and signed by ,oliver ,cowdery1 it is recorded3 ,upon testimony satisfactory to this conference1 it was voted that ,ezra ,booth be silenced from preaching as an ,elder in this ,church4 #e4 ,the series of letters referred to in the text above were nine in number1 and first appeared in the ,ohio ,star1 published at ,ravenna1 the county seat of ,portage county4 ,afterwards they were published in ,e4 ,d4 ,howe's ,book1 ,mormonism ,unveiled1 pp4 #age-bba4 #f4 ,orson ,hyde was born ,january #hth1 #ahje1 at ,oxford1 ,new ,haven county1 ,connecticut4 ,he was the son of ,nathan and ,sally ,hyde4 ,his father served in the ,united ,states army in the war of #ahab4 ,when ,orson was seven years old his mother died1 and the large family of ,nathan ,hyde1 consisting of nine sons and three daughters1 were scattered4 ,orson was taken in charge by a man of the name of ,nathan ,wheeler4 ,seven years later1 or when young ,hyde was fourteen years of age1 ,mr4 ,wheeler moved from the state of ,connecticut to ,ohio1 settling in the vicinity of ,kirtland4 ,orson accompanied him and continued to live with him in ,ohio for about four years1 after which he engaged in various occupations on his own account1 at last becoming a clerk in the firm of ,gilbert ,whitney1 merchants4 ,in the year #ahbg a religious revival of unusual fervor occurred in ,kirtland and vicinity1 and under its influence ,orson ,hyde became a convert to the ,methodist faith2 and shortly afterwards was made a class leader4 ,at about the same time1 writes ,edward ,tullidge1 in a biographical sketch of him1 he heard that a 'golden ,bible' had been dug out of a rock in the state of ,new ,york4 ,it was treated1 however1 as a hoax2 but1 on reading the report1 ,hyde remarked3 ',who knows but that this 'golden ,bible' may break up our religion and change its whole features and bearing4 7,utah and her ,founders1 ,biographical ,sketches1 p4 #gj74 ,some time subsequent to his becoming a ,methodist he heard ,sidney ,rigdon preach the ,campbellite faith1 and being convinced that the doctrine ,rigdon advocated was more scriptural than that which he had embraced1 he accepted it and was baptized into the ,campbellite church4 ,he also became a theological student under his new teacher's instruction1 with a view of becoming a minister of the new church2 and1 in fact1 began to preach and had already assisted in founding several ,campbellite congregations in ,lorain and ,huron counties4 ,in #ahcj1 he was made pastor over these congregations4 ,in the fall of that year the ,lamanite mission of the ,church of ,jesus ,christ arrived in the northeast part of ,ohio1 and soon the whole country was agitated by the presentation of the ,book of ,mormon and its attendant message1 the restored ,gospel of ,jesus ,christ4 ,at first ,orson ,hyde1 at the request of members of the ,campbellite faith1 opposed the ,book of ,mormon in public addresses2 but feeling reproved by the ,spirit for this course1 he suspended his opposition in order to make further inquiry1 with the result that after much prayer and some hesitancy he accepted the great latter-day message1 and was baptized1 as related in the text4 #g4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #fe4 #h4 ,this was a very important conference1 and continued through two days1 the #beth and #bfth of ,october--,tuesday and ,wednesday4 ,the minutes of it are contained in the ,far ,west ,record1 pp4 #aj-ae4 ,very many of the brethren holding the ,priesthood addressed the conference1 and each one expressed his willingness to consecrate all he possessed to ,god and ,his cause4 ,the minutes of the ,prophets remarks upon this subject1 as relating to his own willingness to consecrate all to the ,lord1 are of particular interest4 ,it stands as follows in the record3 ,brother ,joseph ,smith4 ,jun41 said that he had nothing to consecrate to the ,lord of the things of the earth1 yet he felt to consecrate himself and family4 ,was thankful that ,god had given him a place among ,his ,saints2 felt willing to labor for their good 7p4 #ac74 ,it appears at this time that the ,prophet and other leading ,elders of the ,church were much embarrassed in the work of translating the ,scriptures and preaching the ,gospel1 in consequence of the difficulty they encountered to do this work of the ministry and at the same time provide for their families4 ,it appears also that the ,saints were somewhat backward in providing means for the support of the ministry of the ,church4 ,referring to the subject the ,prophet1 according to the minutes above referred to1 said3 ,the ,lord held the ,church bound to provide for the families of the absent ,elders while proclaiming the ,gospel4 ,further said that ,god had often sealed up the heavens because of covetousness in the ,church 7p4 #ac74 ,the remarks of ,simeon ,carter1 one of the ,high ,priests in attendance at the conference1 are of interest and importance1 owing to the light they throw upon the views of the faithful brethren respecting the journey to the land of ,zion and the work that had been accomplished there4 ,the minute of his remarks stands as follows3 ,brother ,simeon ,carter said that he was thankful that he had been spared and preserved to go to the land of ,zion according to the commandment of the ,lord1 for he received it as from ,his mouth2 and also thanked the ,lord that his feet had trodden upon the consecrated ground which was the inheritance of the ,saints4 ,testified that the ,book of ,mormon was true4 ,mourned because of the falling away in ,kirtland since he took his journey to the land of ,zion 7p4 #ab74 ,another item of interest will be found in the following circumstance3 ,several of the brethren took occasion to testify to the truth of the ,book of ,mormon2 and now the minutes--,brother ,hyrum ,smith said that he thought best that the information of the coming forth of the ,book of ,mormon be related by ,joseph himself to the ,elders present1 that all might know for themselves4 ,brother ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 said that it was not intended to tell the world all the particulars of the coming forth of the ,book of ,mormon2 and also said that it was not expedient for him to relate these things 7p4 #ac74 ,this will account for the ,prophet confining himself to the merest generalities in all his statements concerning the coming forth of the ,book of ,mormon4 #i4 ,the exact date of the birth of ,william ,e4 ,m',lellin cannot be ascertained4 ,he was born in the state of ,tennessee about the year #ahjf4 ,he first heard the ,gospel preached by ,elders ,samuel ,h4 ,smith and ,reynolds ,cahoon1 while those brethren were en route from ,kirtland to ,independence1 ,missouri1 in the early summer of #ahca4 ,he closed up his affairs as soon as possible and followed these missionaries to ,jackson county4 ,on the way to that place he was baptized and ordained an ,elder4 ,during the same summer he made his way to ,kirtland1 where we find him in attendance at the special conference of ,october #beth1 seeking to learn the will of the ,lord1 through the ,prophet1 respecting himself4 #aj4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #ff4 #aa4 ,this special conference at ,hiram on ,november #ast1 should receive larger notice4 ,the number of copies in the edition of the ,book of ,commandments to be printed was considered and the decision reached that ten thousand should be published4 ,the conference lasted two days4 ,in the afternoon of the first day of the conference1 according to the minutes of the meeting1 the preface to the ,book of ,commandments was received by inspiration4 ,the same afternoon1 the following occurred3 ,brother ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 said that inasmuch as the ,lord had bestowed a great blessing upon us in giving commandments and revelations1 he asked the conference what testimony they were willing to attach to these commandments which would shortly be sent to the world4 ,a number of the brethren arose and said that they were willing to testify to the world that they knew that they were of the ,lord4 7,far ,west ,record1 p4 #af47 ,in the second day's proceedings of the conference it is recorded3 ,the revelation of last evening read by the moderator this was ,oliver ,cowdery4 ,the brethren then arose in turn and bore witness to the truth of the ,book of ,commandments2 after which ,brother ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 arose and expressed his feelings and gratitude concerning the commandments and preface received yesterday4 7,far ,west ,record1 p4 #af47 #ab4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #a4 ,this revelation which1 in the current edition1 and in fact in all editions of the ,doctrine and ,covenants1 stands as section #a1 is the ,lord's ,preface to the revelations which ,he has given to this ,dispensation of the ,fulness of ,times4 #ac4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #fg4 #ad4 ,this ,testimony to the truth of the ,book of ,commandments was doubtless drawn up with the intention of having it signed by the ,elders present at the conference2 but whether that was done or not does not appear in the ,ms4 of the ,prophet's history4 ,the testimony itself1 however1 is in the manuscript ,history4 ,this is remarked because it has not been published heretofore in the ,history of the ,prophet4 ,the matter appears to stand thus3 ,each of the ,elders present at the conference testified to the truth of the revelations then about to be published2 and1 as already seen 7p4 #bbb note71 expressed a willingness to testify to the truth of the revelations to all the world4 ,accordingly this testimony was prepared with the intention of having it signed and published in the ,book of ,commandments4 ,it may have been signed1 too1 and carried to ,missouri1 but owing to the fact that the printing press was destroyed by a mob before the ,book of ,commandments was all printed1 the ,testimony does not appear in the part of it that was printed4 ,the names of the ,elders present at this special conference1 according to the minutes of it in the ,far ,west ,record 7p4 #ae71 are as follows3 ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 ,oliver ,cowdery1 ,david ,whitmer1 ,john ,whitmer1 ,peter ,whitmer1 ,jun41 ,sidney ,rigdon1 ,william ,b4 ,m',lellin1 ,orson ,hyde1 ,luke ,johnson1 ,lyman ,e4 ,johnson4 #ae4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #fh4 #af4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #acc4 #ag4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #fi4 ,it must not be understood from the first paragraph of this revelation that ,oliver ,cowdery was untrustworthy1 and therefore it was necessary that a companion be provided for him4 ,the fact was that much of the journey between ,kirtland and ,independence1 or ,zion1 was through a sparsely settled country1 the western portion of it through a frontier country where there is always a gathering1 more or less1 of lawless people2 and it was at considerable risk that a person traveled through such a country1 especially when alone and carrying money with him4 ,it was wisdom then1 for the sake of ,oliver ,cowdery1 and to insure the safety of the money and the sacred things he was to carry with him1 that one should go with him that would be a true and faithful companion1 hence the appointment of ,john ,whitmer4 #ah4 ,in the minutes of the special conference of ,november #abth1 spoken of in the foregoing by the ,prophet1 occurs the following account of what took place in addition to what the ,prophet has written3 ,brother ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 said one item he wished acted upon was that our brothers ,oliver ,cowdery and ,john ,whitmer and the sacred writings which they have entrusted to them to carry to ,zion--be dedicated to the ,lord by the prayer of faith4 ,secondly1 ,brother ,oliver has labored with me from the beginning in writing1 c4 ,brother ,martin has labored with me from the beginning and ,brothers ,john ,whitmer and ,sidney ,rigdon also for a considerable time1 and as these sacred writings are now going to the ,church for its benefit1 that we may have claim on the ,church for recompense--if this conference think these things worth prizing to be had on record to show hereafter--,i feel that it will be according to the mind of the ,spirit1 for by it these things were put into my heart which ,i know to be the ,spirit of truth4 ,voted2 that ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 be appointed to dedicate and consecrate these brethren and the sacred writings and all they have entrusted to their care1 to the ,lord4 ,done accordingly4 99 99 99 99 ,voted2 that in consequence of the diligence of our brethren1 ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 ,oliver ,cowdery1 ,john ,whitmer1 and ,sidney ,rigdon in bringing to light by the grace of ,god these sacred things1--they be appointed to manage them according to the laws of the ,church and the commandments of the ,lord4 ,and also that in consequence of the families of ,joseph ,smith1 ,hyrum ,smith1 ,peter ,whitmer1 ,christian ,whitmer1 ,jacob ,whitmer1 ,hiram ,page and ,david ,whitmer administering to their wants in temporal things2 and also on account of the labors of ,samuel ,h4 ,smith1 ,peter ,whitmer1 ,jun41 ,william ,smith and ,don ,carlos ,smith--voted by the conference that the above named brethren be remembered to the ,bishop in ,zion as being worthy of inheritances among the people of the ,lord according to the laws of said ,church4--,far ,west ,record1 pp4 #ah1 #ai4 #ai4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #gj4 #bch ,chapter ,,xviii4 ,the ,amherst ,conference--,the ,vision of the ,degrees of ,glory in ,man's ,future ,life4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,labors of the ,prophet and ,sidney ,rigdon4 ,after ,oliver ,cowdery and ,john ,whitmer had departed for ,jackson county1 ,missouri1 ,i resumed the translation of the ,scriptures1 and continued to labor in this branch of my calling with ,elder ,sidney ,rigdon as my scribe1 until ,i received the following3 ,revelation1 given ,december #ast1 #ahca4 #a #a4 ,behold1 thus saith the ,lord unto you my servants1 ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 and ,sidney ,rigdon1 that the time has verily come1 that it is necessary and expedient in me that you should open your mouths in proclaiming my ,gospel1 the things of the kingdom1 expounding the mysteries thereof out of the ,scriptures1 according to that portion of ,spirit and power which shall be given unto you1 even as ,i will4 #b4 ,verily ,i say unto you1 proclaim unto the world in the regions round about1 and in the ,church also1 for the space of a season1 even until it shall be made known unto you4 #c4 ,verily this is a mission for a season1 which ,i give unto you1 #d4 ,wherefore1 labor ye in my vineyard4 ,call upon the inhabitants of the earth1 and bear record1 and prepare the way for the commandments and revelations which are to come4 #e4 ,now1 behold this is wisdom2 whoso readeth1 let him understand and receive also2 #f4 ,for unto him that receiveth it shall be given more abundantly1 even power2 #g4 ,wherefore1 confound your enemies2 call upon them to meet you both in public and in private2 and inasmuch as ye are faithful1 their shame shall be made manifest4 #bci #h4 ,wherefore1 let them bring forth their strong reasons against the ,lord4 #i4 ,verily1 thus saith the ,lord unto you1 there is no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper2 #aj4 ,and if any man lift his voice against you1 he shall be confounded in mine own due time2 #aa4 ,wherefore1 keep my commandments1 they are true and faithful4 ,even so4 ,amen4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,prophet's ,earnest ,labors in ,kirtland4 ,knowing now the mind of the ,lord1 that the time had come that the ,gospel should be proclaimed in power and demonstration to the world1 from the ,scriptures1 reasoning with men as in days of old1 ,i took a journey to ,kirtland1 in company with ,elder ,sidney ,rigdon on the #crd day of ,december1 to fulfil the above revelation4 ,on the #dth1 several of the ,elders and members assembled together to learn their duty1 and for edification1 and after some time had been spent in conversing about our temporal and spiritual welfare1 ,i received the following3 ,revelation1 given ,december #dth1 #ahca4 #b #a4 ,hearken and listen to the voice of the ,lord1 ,o ye who have assembled yourselves together1 who are the ,high ,priests of my ,church1 to whom the kingdom and power have been given4 #b4 ,for verily thus saith the ,lord1 it is expedient in me for a ,bishop to be appointed unto you1 or of you1 unto the ,church in this part of the ,lord's vineyard2 #c4 ,and verily in this thing ye have done wisely1 for it is required of the ,lord1 at the hand of every steward1 to render an account of his stewardship1 both in time and in eternity4 #d4 ,for he who is faithful and wise in time1 is accounted worthy to inherit the mansions prepared for him of my ,father4 #e4 ,verily ,i say unto you1 the ,elders of the ,church in this part of my vineyard1 shall render an account of their stewardship unto the ,bishop1 who shall be appointed of me1 in this part of my vineyard4 #f4 ,these things shall be had on record1 to be handed over unto the ,bishop in ,zion2 #g4 ,and the duty of the ,bishop shall be made known by the commandments which have been given1 and the voice of the conference4 #bdj #h4 ,and now1 verily ,i say unto you1 my servant ,newel ,k4 ,whitney is the man who shall be appointed and ordained unto this power4 ,this is the will of the ,lord your ,god1 your ,redeemer4 ,even so4 ,amen4 #i4 ,the word of the ,lord1 in addition to the law which has been given1 making known the duty of the ,bishop who has been ordained unto the ,church in this part of the vineyard1 which is verily this3 #aj4 ,to keep the ,lord's storehouse2 to receive the funds of the ,church in this part of the vineyard2 #aa4 ,to take an account of the ,elders as before has been commanded2 and to administer to their wants1 who shall pay for that which they receive1 inasmuch as they have wherewith to pay2 #ab4 ,that this also may be consecrated to the good of the ,church1 to the poor and needy2 #ac4 ,and he who hath not wherewith to pay1 an account shall be taken and handed over to the ,bishop of ,zion1 who shall pay the debt out of that which the ,lord shall put into his hands2 #ad4 ,and the labors of the faithful who labor in spiritual things1 in administering the ,gospel and the things of the kingdom unto the ,church1 and unto the world1 shall answer the debt unto the ,bishop in ,zion2 #ae4 ,thus it cometh out of the ,church1 for according to the law every man that cometh up to ,zion1 must lay all things before the ,bishop in ,zion4 #af4 ,and now1 verily ,i say unto you1 that as every ,elder in this part of the vineyard must give an account of his stewardship unto the ,bishop in this part of the vineyard1 #ag4 ,a certificate from the judge or ,bishop in this part of the vineyard1 unto the ,bishop in ,zion1 rendereth every man acceptable1 and answereth all things1 for an inheritance1 and to be received as a wise steward1 and as a faithful laborer2 #ah4 ,otherwise he shall not be accepted of the ,bishop of ,zion4 #ai4 ,and now1 verily ,i say unto you1 let every ,elder who shall give an account unto the ,bishop of the ,church1 in this part of the vineyard be recommended by the church or churches1 in which he labors1 that he may render himself and his accounts approved in all things4 #bj4 ,and again1 let my servants who are appointed as stewards over the literary concerns of my ,church1 have claim for assistance upon the ,bishop or ,bishops1 in all things1 #ba4 ,that the revelations may be published1 and go forth unto the ends of the earth2 that they also may obtain funds which shall benefit the ,church in all things1 #bb4 ,that they also may render themselves approved in all things1 and be accounted as wise stewards4 #bc4 ,and now1 behold1 this shall be an ensample for all the extensive #bda branches of my ,church1 in whatsoever land they shall be established4 ,and now ,i make an end of my sayings4 ,amen4 #bd4 ,a few words in addition to the laws of the kingdom1 respecting the members of the ,church4 ,they that are appointed by the ,holy ,spirit to go up unto ,zion1 and they who are privileged to go up unto ,zion1 #be4 ,let them carry up unto the ,bishop a certificate from three ,elders of the ,church1 or a certificate from the ,bishop1 #bf4 ,otherwise he who shall go up unto the land of ,zion shall not be accounted as a wise steward4 ,this is also an ensample4 ,amen4 ,sidenote3 ,effectiveness of the ,prophet's and ,sidney ,rigdon's ,labors4 ,from this time until the #hth or #ajth of ,january1 #ahcb1 myself and ,elder ,rigdon continued to preach in ,shalersville1 ,ravenna1 and other places1 setting forth the truth1 vindicating the cause of our ,redeemer2 showing that the day of vengeance was coming upon this generation like a thief in the night2 that prejudice1 blindness and darkness filled the minds of many1 and caused them to persecute the true ,church1 and reject the true light2 by which means we did much towards allaying the excited feelings which were growing out of the scandalous letters then being published in the ,ohio ,star1 at ,ravenna1 by the before-mentioned apostate1 ,ezra ,booth4 #c ,on the #ajth of ,january1 ,i received the following revelation making known the will of the ,lord concerning the ,elders of the ,church until the convening of the next conference4 #d ,revelation of ,january #ajth1 #ahcb4 #e #a4 ,for verily thus saith the ,lord1 it is expedient in me1 that they should continue preaching the ,gospel1 and in exhortation to the churches in the regions round about1 until conference2 #b4 ,and then1 behold1 it shall be made known unto them1 by the voice of the conference1 their several missions4 #c4 ,now1 verily1 ,i say unto you my servants1 ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 and ,sidney ,rigdon1 saith the ,lord1 it is expedient to translate again1 #d4 ,and1 inasmuch as it is practicable1 to preach in the regions round #bdb about until conference2 and after that it is expedient to continue the work of translation until it be finished4 #e4 ,and let this be a pattern unto the ,elders until further knowledge1 even as it is written4 #f4 ,now ,i give no more unto you at this time4 ,gird up your loins and be sober4 ,even so4 ,amen4 ,sidenote3 ,translation ,renewed4 ,upon the reception of the foregoing word of the ,lord1 ,i recommenced the translation of the ,scriptures1 and labored diligently until just before the conference1 which was to convene on the #beth of ,january4 ,during this period1 ,i also received the following1 as an explanation of the ,first ,epistle to the ,corinthians1 #gth chapter1 #adth verse3 ,revelation4 #f #a4 ,for the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife1 and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband1 else were your children unclean1 but now are they holy4 #b4 ,now1 in the days of the ,apostles the law of circumcision was had among all the ,jews who believed not the ,gospel of ,jesus ,christ4 #c4 ,and it came to pass that there arose a great contention among the people concerning the law of circumcision1 for the unbelieving husband was desirous that his children should be circumcised and become subject to the law of ,moses1 which law was fulfilled4 #d4 ,and it came to pass that the children1 being brought up in subjection to the law of ,moses1 gave heed to the traditions of their fathers and believed not the ,gospel of ,christ1 wherein they became unholy2 #e4 ,wherefore1 for this cause the ,apostle wrote unto the ,church1 giving unto them a commandment1 not of the ,lord1 but of himself1 that a believer should not be united to an unbeliever1 except the law of ,moses should be done away among them4 #f4 ,that their children might remain without circumcision2 and that the tradition might be done away1 which saith that little children are unholy2 for it was had among the ,jews1 #g4 ,but little children are holy1 being sanctified through the atonement of ,jesus ,christ2 and this is what the ,scriptures mean4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,amherst ,conference4 ,a few days before the conference was to commence in ,amherst1 ,lorain county1 ,i started with the ,elders that lived in my own vicinity1 and arrived in good time4 ,at this conference much harmony #bdc prevailed1 and considerable business was done to advance the kingdom1 and promulgate the ,gospel to the inhabitants of the surrounding country4 #g ,the ,elders seemed anxious for me to inquire of the ,lord that they might know ,his will1 or learn what would be most pleasing to ,him for them to do1 in order to bring men to a sense of their condition2 for1 as it was written1 all men have gone out of the way1 so that none doeth good1 no1 not one4 ,i inquired and received the following3 ,revelation1 given ,january1 #ahcb4 #h #a4 ,verily1 verily1 ,i say unto you1 ,i who speak even by the voice of my ,spirit2 even ,alpha and ,omega1 your ,lord and your ,god2 #b4 ,hearken1 ,o ye who have given your names to go forth to proclaim my ,gospel1 and to prune my vineyard4 #c4 ,behold1 ,i say unto you1 that it is my will that you should go forth and not tarry1 neither be idle but labor with your mights1 #d4 ,lifting up your voices as with the sound of a trump1 proclaiming the truth according to the revelations and commandments which ,i have given you1 #e4 ,and thus1 if ye are faithful ye shall be laden with many sheaves1 and crowned with honor1 and glory1 and immortality1 and eternal life4 #f4 ,therefore1 verily ,i say unto my servant ,william ,e4 ,m',lellin1 ,i revoke the commission which ,i gave unto him1 to go unto the eastern countries1 #g4 ,and ,i give unto him a new commission and a new commandment1 in the which ,i1 the ,lord1 chasten him for the murmurings of his heart2 #h4 ,and he sinned1 nevertheless1 ,i forgive him1 and say unto him again1 ,go ye into the south countries1 #i4 ,and let my servant ,luke ,johnson go with him and proclaim the things which ,i have commanded them1 #aj4 ,calling on the name of the ,lord for the ,comforter1 which shall teach them all things that are expedient for them1 #aa4 ,praying always that they faint not1 and inasmuch as they do this1 ,i will be with them even unto the end4 #ab4 ,behold1 this is the will of the ,lord your ,god concerning you4 ,even so4 ,amen4 #ac4 ,and again1 verily thus saith the ,lord1 let my servant ,orson ,hyde1 #bdd and my servant ,samuel ,h4 ,smith1 take their journey into the eastern countries1 and proclaim the things which ,i have commanded them2 and inasmuch as they are faithful1 lo1 ,i will be with them even unto the end4 #ad4 ,and again1 verily ,i say unto my servant ,lyman ,johnson1 and unto my servant ,orson ,pratt1 they shall also take their journey into the eastern countries2 and behold1 and lo1 ,i am with them also1 even unto the end4 #ae4 ,and again1 ,i say unto my servant ,asa ,dodds1 and unto my servant ,calves ,wilson1 that they also shall take their journey unto the western countries1 and proclaim my ,gospel1 even as ,i have commanded them4 #af4 ,and he who is faithful shall overcome all things1 and shall be lifted up at the last day4 #ag4 ,and again1 ,i say unto my servant ,major ,n4 ,ashly1 and my servant ,burr ,riggs1 let them take their journey also into the south country2 #ah4 ,yea1 let all those take their journey1 as ,i have commanded them1 going from house to house1 and from village to village1 and from city to city2 #ai4 ,and in whatsoever house ye enter1 and they receive you1 leave your blessing upon that house2 #bj4 ,and in whatsoever house ye enter1 and they receive you not1 ye shall depart speedily from that house1 and shake off the dust of your feet as a testimony against them2 #ba4 ,and you shall be filled with joy and gladness2 and know this1 that in the day of judgment you shall be judges of that house1 and condemn them2 #bb4 ,and it shall be more tolerable for the heathen in the day of judgment1 than for that house2 therefore gird up your loins and be faithful1 and ye shall overcome all things1 and be lifted up at the last day4 ,even so4 ,amen4 #bc4 ,and again1 thus saith the ,lord unto you1 ,o ye ,elders of my ,church1 who have given your names that you might know ,his will concerning you2 #bd4 ,behold1 ,i say unto you1 that it is the duty of the ,church to assist in supporting the families of those1 and also to support the families of those who are called and must needs be sent unto the world to proclaim the ,gospel unto the world2 #be4 ,wherefore1 ,i1 the ,lord1 give unto you this commandment1 that ye obtain places for your families1 inasmuch as your brethren are willing to open their heart2 #bf4 ,and let all such as can obtain places for their families1 and #bde support of the ,church for them1 not fail to go into the world1 whether to the east or to the west1 or to the north1 or to the south2 #bg4 ,let them ask and they shall receive1 knock and it shall be opened unto them and be made known from on high1 even by the ,comforter1 whither they shall go4 #bh4 ,and again1 verily ,i say unto you1 that every man who is obliged to provide for his own family1 let him provide1 and he shall in nowise lose his crown2 and let him labor in the ,church4 #bi4 ,let every man be diligent in all things4 ,and the idler shall not have place in the ,church1 except he repent and mend his ways4 #cj4 ,wherefore1 let my servant ,simeon ,carter1 and my servant ,emer ,harris1 be united in the ministry2 #ca4 ,and also my servant ,ezra ,thayre1 and my servant ,thomas ,b4 ,marsh2 #cb4 ,also my servant ,hyrum ,smith1 and my servant ,reynolds ,cahoon2 #cc4 ,and also my servant ,daniel ,stanton1 and my servant ,seymour ,brunson2 #cd4 ,and also my servant ,sylvester ,smith1 and my servant ,gideon ,carter2 #ce4 ,and also my servant ,ruggles ,eames1 and my servant ,stephen ,burnett2 #cf4 ,and also my servant ,micah ,b4 ,welton2 and also my servant ,eden ,smith4 ,even so4 ,amen4 ,sidenote3 ,revelation on the ,degrees of ,future ,glory4 ,upon my return from ,amherst conference1 ,i resumed the translation of the ,scriptures4 ,from sundry revelations which had been received1 it was apparent that many important points touching the salvation of man1 had been taken from the ,bible1 or lost before it was compiled4 ,it appeared self-evident from what truths were left1 that if ,god rewarded every one according to the deeds done in the body the term ,heaven1 as intended for the ,saints' eternal home must include more kingdoms than one4 ,accordingly1 on the #afth of ,february1 #ahcb1 while translating ,st4 ,john's ,gospel1 myself and ,elder ,rigdon saw the following vision3 ,vision of the ,glories4 #i #a4 ,hear ,o ye heavens1 and give ear ,o earth1 and rejoice ye #bdf inhabitants thereof1 for the ,lord is ,god1 and beside ,him there is no ,savior #b4 ,great is ,his wisdom1 marvelous are ,his ways1 and the extent of ,his doings none can find out2 #c4 ,his purposes fail not1 neither are there any who can stay ,his hand2 #d4 ,from eternity to eternity ,he is the same1 and ,his years never fail4 #e4 ,for thus saith the ,lord1 ,i1 the ,lord1 am merciful and gracious unto those who fear me1 and delight to honor those who serve me in righteousness and in truth unto the end2 #f4 ,great shall be their reward and eternal shall be their glory2 #g4 ,and to them will ,i reveal all mysteries1 yea1 all the hidden mysteries of my kingdom from days of old1 and for ages to come will ,i make known unto them the good pleasure of my will concerning all things pertaining to my kingdom2 #h4 ,yea1 even the wonders of eternity shall they know1 and things to come will ,i show them1 even the things of many generations2 #i4 ,and their wisdom shall be great1 and their understanding reach to heaven3 and before them the wisdom of the wise shall perish1 and the understanding of the prudent shall come to naught2 #aj4 ,for by my ,spirit will ,i enlighten them1 and by my power will ,i make known unto them the secrets of my will3 yea1 even those things which eye has not seen1 nor ear heard1 nor yet entered into the heart of man4 #aa4 ,we1 ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 and ,sidney ,rigdon1 being in the ,spirit1 on the sixteenth of ,february1 in the year of our ,lord1 one thousand eight hundred and thirty-two1 #ab4 ,by the power of the ,spirit our eyes were opened and our understandings were enlightened1 so as to see and understand the things of ,god-- #ac4 ,even those things which were from the beginning before the world was1 which were ordained of the ,father1 through ,his ,only ,begotten ,son1 who was in the bosom of the ,father1 even from the beginning1 #ad4 ,of whom we bear record2 and the record which we bear is the fullness of the ,gospel of ,jesus ,christ who is the ,son1 whom we saw and with whom we conversed in the heavenly vision4 #ae4 ,for while we were doing the work of translation1 which the ,lord had appointed unto us1 we came to the twenty-ninth verse of the fifth chapter of ,john1 which was given unto us as follows3 #af4 ,speaking of the resurrection of the dead1 concerning those who shall hear the voice of the ,son of ,man1 and shall come forth2 #ag4 ,they who have done good in the resurrection of the just1 and they who have done evil in the resurrection of the unjust4 #bdg #ah4 ,now this caused us to marvel1 for it was given unto us of the ,spirit2 #ai4 ,and while we meditated upon these things1 the ,lord touched the eyes of our understandings and they were opened1 and the glory of the ,lord shone round about2 #bj4 ,and we beheld the glory of the ,son1 on the right hand of the ,father and received of ,his fullness2 #ba4 ,and saw the holy angels1 and they who are sanctified before his throne1 worshiping ,god and the ,lamb1 who worship ,him forever and ever4 #bb4 ,and now1 after the many testimonies which have been given of ,him1 this is the testimony1 last of all1 which we give of him3 ,that ,he lives6 #bc4 ,for we saw ,him1 even on the right hand of ,god2 and we heard the voice bearing record that ,he is the ,only ,begotten of the ,father2 #bd4 ,that by ,him1 and through ,him1 and of ,him1 the worlds are and were created1 and the inhabitants thereof are begotten song and daughters unto ,god4 #be4 ,and this we saw also1 and bear record1 that an angel of ,god who was in authority in the presence of ,god1 who rebelled against the ,only ,begotten ,son whom the ,father loved and who was in the bosom of the ,father--was thrust down from the presence of ,god and the ,son1 #bf4 ,and was called ,perdition1 for the heavens wept over him--he was ,lucifer1 a son of the morning4 #bg4 ,and we beheld1 and lo1 he is fallen6 is fallen6 even a son of the morning4 #bh4 ,and while we were yet in the ,spirit1 the ,lord commanded us that we should write the vision1 for we beheld ,satan1 that old serpent--even the devil--who rebelled against ,god1 and sought to take the kingdom of our ,god1 and ,his ,christ1 #bi4 ,wherefore he maketh war with the ,saints of ,god and encompasseth them round about4 #cj4 ,and we saw a vision of the sufferings of those with whom he made war and overcame1 for thus came the voice of the ,lord unto us4 #ca4 ,thus saith the ,lord concerning all those who know my power1 and have been made partakers thereof1 and suffered themselves through the power of the devil1 to be overcome1 and to deny the truth and defy my power-- #cb4 ,they are they who are the sons of perdition1 of whom ,i say that it had been better for them never to have been born1 #cc4 ,for they are vessels of wrath1 doomed to suffer the wrath of ,god1 with the devil and his angels in eternity2 #bdh #cd4 ,concerning whom ,i have said there is no forgiveness in this world nor in the world to come1 #ce4 ,having denied the ,holy ,spirit after having received it1 and having denied the ,only ,begotten ,son of the ,father--having crucified ,him unto themselves and put ,him to an open shame4 #cf4 ,these are they who shall go away into the lake of fire and brimstone1 with the devil and his angels1 #cg4 ,and the only ones on whom the second death shall have any power2 #ch4 ,yea1 verily1 the only ones who shall not be redeemed in the due time of the ,lord1 after the sufferings of ,his wrath2 #ci4 ,for all the rest shall be brought forth by the resurrection of the dead1 through the triumph and the glory of the ,lamb1 who was slain1 who was in the bosom of the ,father before the worlds were made4 #dj4 ,and this is the ,gospel1 the glad tidings1 which the voice out of the heavens bore record unto us1 #da4 ,that ,he came into the world1 even ,jesus1 to be crucified for the world1 and to bear the sins of the world1 and to sanctify the world1 and to cleanse it from all unrighteousness2 #db4 ,that through ,him all might be saved whom the ,father had put into ,his power and made by ,him1 #dc4 ,who glorifies the ,father1 and saves all the works of ,his hands1 except those sons of perdition who deny the ,son after the ,father has revealed ,him2 #dd4 ,wherefore1 ,he saves all except them2 they shall go away into everlasting punishment1 which is endless punishment1 which is eternal punishment1 to reign with the devil and his angels in eternity1 where their worm dieth not1 and the fire is not quenched1 which is their torment2 #de4 ,and the end thereof1 neither the place thereof1 nor their torment1 no man knows1 #df4 ,neither was it revealed1 neither is1 neither will be revealed unto man1 except to them who are made partakers thereof3 #dg4 ,nevertheless1 ,i1 the ,lord1 show it by vision unto many1 but straightway shut it up again2 #dh4 ,wherefore the end1 the width1 the height1 the depth1 and the misery thereof1 they understand not1 neither any man except those who are ordained unto this condemnation4 #di4 ,and we heard the voice1 saying1 ,write the vision1 for lo6 this is the end of the vision of the sufferings of the ungodly4 #ej4 ,and again1 we bear record1 for we saw and heard1 and this is the testimony of the ,gospel of ,christ concerning them who shall come forth in the resurrection of the just2 #ea4 ,they are they who received the testimony of ,jesus1 and believed on ,his name and were baptized after the manner of ,his burial1 being #bdi buried in the water in ,his name1 and this according to the commandment which he has given1 #eb4 ,that by keeping the commandments they might be washed and cleansed from all their sins1 and receive the ,holy ,spirit by the laying on of the hands of him who is ordained and sealed unto this power1 #ec4 ,and who overcome by faith1 and are sealed by the ,holy ,spirit of promise1 which the ,father sheds forth upon all those who are just and true4 #ed4 ,they are they who are the church of the ,firstborn4 #ee4 ,they are they into whose hands the ,father hath given all things-- #ef4 ,they are they who are ,priests and ,kings1 who have received of ,his fullness1 and of ,his glory1 #eg4 ,and are ,priests of the ,most ,high1 after the order of ,melchisedek1 which was after the order of ,enoch1 which was after the order of the ,only ,begotten ,son2 #eh4 ,wherefore1 as it is written1 they are ,gods1 even the sons of ,god-- #ei4 ,wherefore all things are theirs1 whether life or death1 or things present1 or things to come1 all are theirs and they are ,christ's and ,christ is ,god's4 #fj4 ,and they shall overcome all things2 #fa4 ,wherefore let no man glory in man1 but rather let him glory in ,god1 who shall subdue all enemies under his feet-- #fb4 ,these shall dwell in the presence of ,god and ,his ,christ for ever and ever4 #fc4 ,these are they whom ,he shall bring with ,him1 when ,he shall come in the clouds of heaven to reign on earth over ,his people4 #fd4 ,these are they who shall have part in the first resurrection4 #fe4 ,these are they who shall come forth in the resurrection of the just4 #ff4 ,these are they who are come unto ,mount ,zion1 and unto the city of the living ,god1 the heavenly place1 the holiest of all4 #fg4 ,these are they who have come to an innumerable company of angels1 to the general assembly and church of ,enoch1 and of the ,firstborn4 #fh4 ,these are they whose names are written in heaven1 where ,god and ,christ are the ,judge of all4 #fi4 ,these are they who are just men made perfect through ,jesus the ,mediator of the new covenant1 who wrought out this perfect atonement through the shedding of ,his own blood4 #gj4 ,these are they whose bodies are celestial1 whose glory is that of the sun1 even the glory of ,god1 the highest of all1 whose glory the sun of the firmament is written of as being typical4 #ga4 ,and again1 we saw the terrestrial world1 and behold and lo1 these are they who are of the terrestrial1 whose glory differs from that of the #bej church of the ,firstborn1 who have received the fullness of the ,father1 even as that of the moon differs from the sun in the firmament4 #gb4 ,behold1 these are they who died without law1 #gc4 ,and also they who are the spirits of men kept in prison1 whom the ,son visited1 and preached the ,gospel unto them1 that they might be judged according to men in the flesh1 #gd4 ,who received not the testimony of ,jesus in the flesh1 but afterwards received it4 #ge4 ,these are they who are honorable men of the earth1 who were blinded by the craftiness of men4 #gf4 ,these are they who receive of ,his glory1 but not of ,his fullness4 #gg4 ,these are they who receive of the presence of the ,son1 but not of the fulness of the ,father2 #gh4 ,wherefore1 they are bodies terrestrial1 and not bodies celestial1 and differ in glory as the moon differs from the sun4 #gi4 ,these are they who are not valiant in the testimony of ,jesus2 wherefore they obtain not the crown over the kingdom of our ,god4 #hj4 ,and now this is the end of the vision which we saw of the terrestrial1 that the ,lord commanded us to write while we were yet in the ,spirit4 #ha4 ,and again1 we saw the glory of the telestial1 which glory is that of the lesser1 even as the glory of the stars differs from that of the glory of the moon in the firmament4 #hb4 ,these are they who received not the ,gospel of ,christ1 neither the testimony of ,jesus4 #hc4 ,these are they who deny not the ,holy ,spirit4 #hd4 ,these are they who are thrust down to hell4 #he4 ,these are they who shall not be redeemed from the devil1 until the last resurrection1 until the ,lord1 even ,christ the ,lamb shall have finished ,his work4 #hf4 ,these are they who receive not of ,his fullness in the eternal world1 but of the ,holy ,spirit through the ministrations of the terrestrial2 #hg4 ,and the terrestrial through the ministration of the celestial2 #hh4 ,and also the telestial receive it of the administering of angels who are appointed to minister for them1 or who are appointed to be ministering spirits for them1 for they shall be heirs of salvation4 #hi4 ,and thus we saw in the heavenly vision1 the glory of the telestial1 which surpasses all understanding1 #ij4 ,and no man knows it except him to whom ,god has revealed it4 #ia4 ,and thus we saw the glory of the terrestrial1 which excels in all things the glory of the telestial1 even in glory1 and in power1 and in might1 and in dominion4 #ib4 ,and thus we saw the glory of the celestial1 which excels in all #bea things--where ,god1 even the ,father1 reigns upon ,his throne for ever and ever2 #ic4 ,before whose throne all things bow in humble reverence1 and give him glory for ever and ever4 #id4 ,they who dwell in ,his presence are the church of the ,firstborn1 and they see as they are seen1 and know as they are known1 having received of ,his fulness and of ,his grace2 #ie4 ,and ,he makes them equal in power1 and in might1 and in dominion4 #if4 ,and the glory of the celestial is one1 even as the glory of the sun is one4 #ig4 ,and the glory of the terrestrial is one1 even as the glory of the moon is one4 #ih4 ,and the glory of the telestial is one1 even as the glory of the stars is one1 for as one star differs from another star in glory1 even so differs one from another in glory in the telestial world2 #ii4 ,for these are they who are of ,paul1 and of ,apollos1 and of ,cephas4 #ajj4 ,these are they who say they are some of one and some of another--some of ,christ and some of ,john1 and some of ,moses1 and some of ,elias1 and some of ,esaias1 and some of ,isaiah1 and some of ,enoch2 #aja4 ,but received not the ,gospel1 neither the testimony of ,jesus1 neither the prophets1 neither the everlasting covenant4 #ajb4 ,last of all1 these all are they who will not be gathered with the ,saints1 to be caught up unto the church of the ,firstborn1 and received into the cloud4 #ajc4 ,these are they who are liars1 and sorcerers1 and adulterers1 and whoremongers and whosoever loves and makes a lie4 #ajd4 ,these are they who suffer the wrath of ,god on earth4 #aje4 ,these are they who suffer the vengeance of eternal fire4 #ajf4 ,these are they who are cast down to hell and suffer the wrath of ,almighty ,god1 until the fullness of times1 when ,christ shall have subdued all enemies under ,his feet1 and shall have perfected ,his work2 #ajg4 ,when ,he shall deliver up the kingdom1 and present it unto the ,father1 spotless1 saying ,i have overcome and have trodden the wine-press alone1 even the wine-press of the fierceness of the wrath of ,almighty ,god4 #ajh4 ,then shall ,he be crowned with the crown of ,his glory1 to sit on the throne of ,his power to reign for ever and ever4 #aji4 ,but behold and lo1 we saw the glory and the inhabitants of the telestial world1 that they were as innumerable as the stars in the firmament of heaven1 or as the sand upon the sea shore1 #aaj4 ,and heard the voice of the ,lord1 saying--these all shall bow the #beb knee1 and every tongue shall confess to ,him who sits upon the throne for ever and ever4 #aaa4 ,for they shall be judged according to their works1 and every man shall receive according to his own works1 his own dominion1 in the mansions which are prepared1 #aab4 ,and they shall be servants of the ,most ,high2 but where ,god and ,christ dwell they cannot come1 worlds without end4 #aac4 ,this is the end of the vision which we saw1 which we were commanded to write while we were yet in the ,spirit4 #aad4 ,but great and marvelous are the works of the ,lord1 and the mysteries of ,his kingdom which ,he showed unto us1 which surpass all understanding in glory1 and in might1 and in dominion1 #aae4 ,which ,he commanded us we should not write while we were yet in the ,spirit1 and are not lawful for man to utter2 #aaf4 ,neither is man capable to make them known1 for they are only to be seen and understood by the power of the ,holy ,spirit1 which ,god bestows on those who love ,him1 and purify themselves before ,him2 #aag4 ,to whom he grants this privilege of seeing and knowing for themselves2 #aah4 ,that through the power and manifestation of the ,spirit1 while in the flesh1 they may be able to bear ,his presence in the world of glory4 #aai4 ,and to ,god and the ,lamb1 be glory1 and honor1 and dominion for ever and ever4 ,amen4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,prophet's ,views on the ,foregoing ,revelation4 ,nothing could be more pleasing to the ,saints upon the order of the kingdom of the ,lord1 than the light which burst upon the world through the foregoing vision4 ,every law1 every commandment1 every promise1 every truth1 and every point touching the destiny of man1 from ,genesis to ,revelation1 where the purity of the scriptures remains unsullied by the folly of men1 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 world4 ,the sublimity of the ideas2 the purity of the language2 the scope for action2 the continued duration for completion1 in order that the heirs of salvation may confess the ,lord and bow the knee2 the rewards for faithfulness1 and the punishments for sins1 are so much beyond the narrow-mindedness of men1 that #bec every honest man is constrained to exclaim3 ,it came from ,god4 ,sidenote3 ,a ,key to ,st4 ,john's ,book of ,revelation4 ,about the first of ,march1 in connection with the translation of the ,scriptures1 ,i received the following explanation of the ,revelation of ,st4 ,john3 ,revelation1 given at ,hiram1 ,portage ,county1 ,ohio4 #aj #a4 ,q4--,what is the sea of glass spoken of by ,john1 #dth chapter1 and #fth verse of the ,revelations8 ,a4 ,it is the earth1 in its sanctified1 immortal and eternal state4 #b4 ,q4 ,what are we to understand by the four beasts1 spoken of in the same verse8 ,a4 ,they are figurative expressions1 used by the ,revelator ,john1 in describing ,heaven1 the ,paradise of ,god1 the happiness of man1 and of beasts1 and of creeping things1 and of the fowls of the air2 that which is spiritual1 being in the likeness of that which is temporal2 and that which is temporal1 in the likeness of that which is spiritual2 the spirit of man in the likeness of his person1 as also the spirit of the beast1 and every other creature which ,god has created4 #c4 ,q4 ,are the four beasts limited to individual beasts1 or do they represent classes or orders8 ,a4 ,they are limited to four individual beasts1 which were shown to ,john1 to represent the glory of the classes of beings1 in their destined order or sphere of creation1 in the enjoyment of their eternal felicity4 #d4 ,q4 ,what are we to understand by the eyes1 and wings1 which the beasts had8 ,a4 ,their eyes are a representation of light1 and knowledge2 that is they are full of knowledge2 and their wings are a representation of power1 to move1 to act1 c4 #e4 ,q4 ,what are we to understand by the four and twenty ,elders1 spoken of by ,john8 ,a4 ,we are to understand that these ,elders whom ,john saw1 were ,elders who had been faithful in the work of the ministry and were dead2 who belonged to the seven churches1--and were then in the ,paradise of ,god4 #f4 ,q4 ,what are we to understand by the book which ,john saw1 which was sealed on the back with seven seals8 ,a4 ,we are to understand that it contains the revealed will1 mysteries1 and works of ,god2 the hidden things of ,his economy concerning this #bed earth during the seven thousand years of its continuance1 or its temporal existence4 #g4 ,q4 ,what are we to understand by the seven seals with which it was sealed8 ,a4 ,we are to understand that the first seal contains the things of the first thousand years1 and the second also of the second thousand years1 and so on until the seventh4 #h4 ,q4 ,what are we to understand by the four angels1 spoken of in the #gth chapter and #ast verse of ,revelations8 ,a4 ,we are to understand that they are four angels sent forth from ,god1 to whom is given power over the four parts of the earth1 to save life and to destroy2 these are they who have the everlasting ,gospel to commit to every nation1 kindred1 tongue1 and people2 having power to shut up the heavens1 to seal up unto life1 or to cast down to the regions of darkness4 #i4 ,q4 ,what are we to understand by the angel ascending from the east1 ,revelations1 #gth chapter and #bnd verse8 ,a4 ,we are to understand that the angel ascending from the east1 is he to whom is given the seal of the living ,god1 over the twelve tribes of ,israel2 wherefore1 he crieth unto the four angels having the everlasting ,gospel1 saying3 ,hurt not the earth1 neither the sea1 nor the trees1 till we have sealed the servants of our ,god in their foreheads2 ,and1 if you will receive it1 this is ,elias which was to come to gather together the tribes of ,israel and restore all things4 #aj4 ,q4 ,what time are the things spoken of in this chapter to be accomplished8 ,a4 ,they are to be accomplished in the sixth thousandth year1 or the opening of the sixth seal4 #aa4 ,q4 ,what are we to understand by sealing the one hundred and forty-four thousand1 out of all the tribes of ,israel2 twelve thousand out of every tribe8 ,a4 ,we are to understand that those who are sealed are ,high ,priests1 ordained unto the holy order of ,god1 to administer the everlasting ,gospel2 for they are they who are ordained out of every nation1 kindred1 tongue1 and people1 by the angels to whom is given power over the nations of the earth1 to bring as many as will come to the church of the ,firstborn4 #ab4 ,q4 ,what are we to understand by the sounding of the trumpets1 mentioned in the #hth chapter of ,revelations8 ,a4 ,we are to understand that as ,god made the world in six days1 and on the seventh day ,he finished ,his work1 and sanctified it1 and also formed man out of the dust of the earth2 even so1 in the beginning of the seventh thousand years will the ,lord ,god sanctify the earth1 and #bee complete the salvation of man1 and judge all things1 and shall redeem all things1 except that which ,he hath not put into ,his power1 when ,he shall have sealed all things1 unto the end of all things2 and the sounding of the trumpets of the seven angels are the preparing and finishing of ,his work1 in the beginning of the seventh thousand years2 the preparing of the way before the time of ,his coming4 #ac4 ,q4 ,when are the things to be accomplished1 which are written in the #ith chapter of ,revelations8 ,a4 ,they are to be accomplished after the opening of the seventh seal1 before the coming of ,christ4 #ad4 ,q4 ,what are we to understand by the little book which was eaten by ,john1 as mentioned in the #ajth chapter of ,revelations8 ,a4 ,we are to understand that it was a mission1 and an ordinance1 for him to gather the tribes of ,israel2 behold this is ,elias2 who1 as it is written1 must come and restore all things4 #ae4 ,q4 ,what is to be understood by the two witnesses1 in the eleventh chapter of ,revelations8 ,a4 ,they are two prophets that are to be raised up to the ,jewish nation in the last days1 at the time of the restoration1 and to prophesy to the ,jews1 after they are gathered1 and have built the city of ,jerusalem in the land of their fathers4 ,sidenote3 ,sundry ,revelations4 ,besides the work of translating1 previous to the #bjth of ,march1 ,i received the four following revelations3-- ,revelation1 given ,march1 #ahcb4 ,the ,order given of the ,lord to ,enoch1 ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 #aa for the purpose of establishing the poor4 #ab #a4 ,the ,lord spake unto ,enoch 7,joseph ,smith1 ,jun417 saying2 ,hearken unto me1 saith the ,lord your ,god1 who are ordained unto the ,high ,priesthood of my ,church1 who have assembled yourselves together2 #b4 ,and listen to the counsel of ,him who has ordained you from on high1 who shall speak in your ears the words of wisdom1 that salvation may be unto you in that thing which you have presented before me1 saith the ,lord ,god2 #c4 ,for verily ,i say unto you1 the time has come1 and is now at hand2 and behold1 and lo1 it must needs be that there be an organization of #bef my people1 in regulating and establishing the affairs of the storehouse for the poor of my people1 both in this place and in the land of ,zion1 #d4 ,or in other words1 the city of ,enoch1 7,joseph7 for a permanent and everlasting establishment and order unto my ,church1 to advance the cause1 which ye have espoused to the salvation of man1 and to the glory of your ,father who is in heaven1 #e4 ,that you may be equal in the bands of heavenly things2 yea1 and earthly things also1 for the obtaining of heavenly things2 #f4 ,for if ye are not equal in earthly things1 ye cannot be equal in obtaining heavenly things2 #g4 ,for if you will that ,i give unto you a place in the celestial world1 you must prepare yourselves by doing the things which ,i have commanded you and required of you4 #h4 ,and now1 verily thus saith the ,lord1 it is expedient that all things be done unto my glory1 by you who are joined together in this order2 #i4 ,or in other words1 let my servant ,ahashdah ,newel ,k4 ,whitney and my servant ,gazelam1 or ,enoch1 7,joseph ,smith1 ,jun417 and my servant ,pelagoram1 7,sidney ,rigdon71 sit in council with the ,saints which are in ,zion2 #aj4 ,otherwise ,satan seeketh to turn their hearts away from the truth1 that they become blinded and understand not the things which are prepared for them2 #aa4 ,wherefore a commandment ,i give unto you1 to prepare and organize yourselves by a bond or everlasting covenant that cannot be broken4 #ab4 ,and he who breaketh it shall lose his office and standing in the ,church1 and shall be delivered over to the buffetings of ,satan until the day of redemption4 #ac4 ,behold1 this is the preparation wherewith ,i prepare you1 and the foundation1 and the ensample which ,i give unto you1 whereby you may accomplish the commandments which are given you1 #ad4 ,that through my providence1 notwithstanding the tribulation which shall descend upon you1 that the ,church may stand independent above all other creatures beneath the celestial world1 #ae4 ,that you may come up unto the crown prepared for you1 and be made rulers over many kingdoms saith the ,lord ,god1 the ,holy ,one of ,zion1 who hath established the foundations of ,adam-ondi-,ahman2 #af4 ,who hath appointed ,michael your prince1 and established his feet1 and set him up on high1 and given unto him the keys of salvation under the counsel and direction of the ,holy ,one1 who is without beginning of days or end of life4 #ag4 ,verily1 verily ,i say unto you1 ye are little children1 and ye have not as yet understood how great blessings the ,father hath in ,his own hands and prepared for you2 #beg #ah4 ,and ye cannot bear all things now1 nevertheless be of good cheer1 for ,i will lead you along3 the kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours2 and the riches of eternity are yours2 #ai4 ,and he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious2 and the things of this earth shall be added unto him1 even an hundred fold1 yea1 more2 #bj4 ,wherefore1 do the things which ,i have commanded you1 saith your ,redeemer1 even the ,son of ,ahman1 who prepareth all things before ,he taketh you2 #ba4 ,for ye are the church of the ,firstborn1 and ,he will take you up in a cloud1 and appoint every man his portion4 #bb4 ,and he that is a faithful and wise steward shall inherit all things4 ,amen4 ,revelation1 given ,march1 #ahcb4 #ac #a4 ,verily ,i say unto you1 that it is my will that my servant ,jared ,carter should go again into the eastern countries1 from place to place1 and from city to city1 in the power of the ordination wherewith he has been ordained1 proclaiming glad tidings of great joy1 even the everlasting ,gospel2 #b4 ,and ,i will send upon him the ,comforter1 which shall teach him the truth and the way whither he shall go2 #c4 ,and inasmuch as he is faithful1 ,i will crown him again with sheaves2 #d4 ,wherefore1 let your heart be glad1 my servant ,jared ,carter1 and fear not1 saith your ,lord1 even ,jesus ,christ4 ,amen4 ,revelation1 given ,march1 #ahcb4 #ad #a4 ,verily1 thus saith the ,lord1 unto you my servant1 ,stephen ,burnett1 ,go ye1 go ye into the world and preach the ,gospel to every creature that cometh under the sound of your voice2 #b4 ,and inasmuch as you desire a companion1 ,i will give unto you my servant ,eden ,smith2 #c4 ,wherefore1 go ye and preach my ,gospel1 whether to the north or to the south1 to the east or to the west1 it mattereth not1 for ye cannot go amiss2 #d4 ,therefore1 declare the things which ye have heard and verily believe1 and know to be true4 #e4 ,behold1 this is the will of ,him who hath called you1 your ,redeemer1 even ,jesus ,christ4 ,amen4 ,revelation1 given ,march1 #ahcb4 #ae #a4 ,verily1 verily ,i say unto you my servant ,frederick ,g4 ,williams1 #beh listen to the voice of ,him who speaketh1 to the word of the ,lord your ,god1 and hearken to the calling wherewith you are called1 even to be a ,high ,priest in my ,church1 and a counselor unto my servant ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 #b4 ,unto whom ,i have given the keys of the kingdom1 which belong always unto the ,presidency of the ,high ,priesthood3 #af #c4 ,therefore1 verily ,i acknowledge him and will bless him1 and also thee1 inasmuch as thou art faithful in counsel1 in the office which ,i have appointed unto you1 in prayer1 always1 vocally and in thy heart1 in public and in private1 also in thy ministry in proclaiming the ,gospel in the land of the living1 and among thy brethren2 #d4 ,and in doing these things thou wilt do the greatest good unto thy fellow beings1 and wilt promote the glory of ,him who is your ,lord2 #e4 ,wherefore1 be faithful1 stand in the office which ,i have appointed unto you1 succor the weak1 lift up the hands which hang down1 and strengthen the feeble knees2 #f4 ,and if thou art faithful unto the end1 thou shalt have a crown of immortality and eternal life in the mansions which ,i have prepared in the house of my ,father4 #g4 ,behold1 and lo1 these are the words of ,alpha and ,omega1 even ,jesus ,christ4 ,amen4 ,footnotes #a4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #ga4 #b4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #gb4 #c4 ,these are the letters referred to at p4 #bag1 note4 #d4 ,this conference had been appointed to meet on the #beth of ,january1 at ,amherst1 ,lorain county1 ,ohio4 #e4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #gc4 #f4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #gd4 #g4 ,the chief item of interest connected with this ,amherst conference held on the #beth of ,january1 #ahcb1 is the fact that it was here that the ,prophet ,joseph was sustained and ordained as ,president of the ,high ,priesthood4 #h4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #ge4 #i4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #gf4 #aj4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #gg4 #aa4 ,it was not always desirable that the individuals whom the ,lord addressed in revelations should at the time be known by the world1 and hence in this and in some subsequent revelations the brethren were addressed by other than their own names4 ,the temporary necessity having passed for keeping the names of the individuals addressed unknown1 their real names were subsequently given in brackets4 #ab4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #gh4 #ac4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #gi4 #ad4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #hj4 #ae4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #ha4 #af4 ,it has been said that there was no ,first presidency in the ,church of ,jesus ,christ in former days and that this body is peculiar to the ,dispensation of the ,fulness of ,times4 ,here the ,lord declares that the keys of the kingdom belong always unto the presidency of the ,high ,priesthood4 ,in other words they belong to the ,presidency of the ,church4 ,in a discourse delivered ,july #b1 #ahci1 the prophet ,joseph ,smith said that ,adam held the keys of the ,first ,presidency1 then ,noah also held this office4 ,he said3 ,the ,priesthood is everlasting4 ,the ,savior1 ,moses and ,elias gave the keys to ,peter1 ,james and ,john1 on the mount1 when they were transfigured before him4 ,this being true1 then ,peter1 ,james and ,john were chosen by the ,lord as a ,first ,presidency and served in that capacity in the ,church of ,jesus ,christ in their dispensation4 ,it was by virtue of this calling that they were sent to confer upon ,joseph ,smith and ,oliver ,cowdery the keys of the kingdom4 7,d,c #bg3ac47 #bei ,chapter ,,xix4 ,mob ,violence at ,hiram--,the ,second ,journey of the ,prophet to ,zion1 and ,return to ,kirtland4 ,sidenote3 ,prospectus of ,the ,evening and ,morning ,star4 ,i received a letter from the brethren who went up to the land of ,zion1 stating that they had arrived at ,independence1 ,missouri1 in good health and spirits1 with a printing press and a store of goods4 ,agreeable to the instructions of the fall conference1 they also sent me the prospectus of a monthly paper1 ,the ,evening and ,morning ,star4 #a #bfj ,sidenote3 ,the ,prophet's ,life in ,hiram4 ,according to previous intentions1 we now began to make preparations to visit the brethren who had removed to the land of ,missouri4 ,before going to ,hiram to live with ,father ,johnson1 #b my wife had taken two children 7twins71 of ,john ,murdock's1 to rear4 #c ,she received them when only nine days old2 they were now nearly eleven months4 ,i would remark that nothing important had occurred since ,i came to reside in ,father ,johnson's house in ,hiram1 except that ,i had held meetings on the ,sabbaths and evenings1 and baptized a number4 ,sidenote3 ,a ,prophecy on ,olmsted ,johnson4 ,father ,johnson's son1 ,olmsted ,johnson1 about this time came home on a visit1 during which ,i told him if he did not obey the ,gospel1 the spirit he was of would lead him to destruction1 and when he went away1 he would never return or see his father again4 ,he went to the ,southern ,states and ,mexico2 on his return he took sick and died in ,virginia4 ,sidenote3 ,apostates4 ,in addition to the apostate ,ezra ,booth1 ,simonds ,ryder1 #d ,eli ,johnson1 ,edward ,johnson and ,john ,johnson1 ,jun41 had apostatized4 #bfa ,sidenote3 ,mob ,violence at ,hiram4 ,on the #bdth of ,march1 the twins before mentioned1 which had been sick of the measles for some time1 caused us to be broken of our rest in taking care of them1 especially my wife4 ,in the evening ,i told her she had better retire to rest with one of the children1 and ,i would watch with the sicker child4 ,in the night she told me ,i had better lie down on the trundle bed1 and ,i did so1 and was soon after awakened by her screaming murder1 when ,i found myself going out of the door1 in the hands of about a dozen men2 some of whose hands were in my hair1 and some had hold of my shirt1 drawers and limbs4 ,the foot of the trundle bed was towards the door1 leaving only room enough for the door to swing open4 ,my wife heard a gentle tapping on the windows which she then took no particular notice of 7but which was unquestionably designed for ascertaining whether or not we were all asleep71 and soon after the mob broke open the door and surrounded the bed in an instant1 and1 as ,i said1 the first ,i knew ,i was going out of the door in the hands of an infuriated mob4 ,i made a desperate struggle1 as ,i was forced out1 to extricate myself1 but only cleared one leg1 with which ,i made a pass at one man1 and he fell on the door steps4 ,i was immediately overpowered again2 and they swore by ,g--1 they would kill me if ,i did not be still1 which quieted me4 ,as they passed around the house #bfb with me1 the fellow that ,i kicked came to me and thrust his hand1 all covered with blood1 into my face and with an exulting hoarse laugh1 muttered ,ge1 gee1 ,g-- d-- ye1 ,i'll fix ye4 #e ,sidenote3 ,brutality of the ,mob4 ,they then seized me by the throat and held on till ,i lost my breath4 ,after ,i came to1 as they passed along with me1 about thirty rods from the house1 ,i saw ,elder ,rigdon stretched out on the ground1 whither they had dragged him by his heels4 ,i supposed he was dead4 ,i began to plead with them1 saying1 ,you will have mercy and spare my life1 ,i hope4 ,to which they replied1 ,g-- d-- ye1 call on yer ,god for help1 we'll show ye no mercy2 and the people began to show themselves in every direction2 one coming from the orchard had a plank2 and ,i expected they would kill me1 and carry me off on the plank4 ,they then turned to the right1 and went on about thirty rods further2 about sixty rods from the house1 and thirty from where ,i saw ,elder ,rigdon1 into the meadow1 where they stopped1 and one said1 ,simonds1 ,simonds1 7meaning1 ,i supposed1 ,simonds ,ryder17 pull up his drawers1 pull up his drawers1 he will take cold4 ,another replied3 ,ain't ye going to kill 'im8 ain't ye going to kill 'im6 when a group of mobbers collected a little way off1 and said3 ,simonds1 ,simonds1 come here2 and ,simonds charged those who had hold of me to keep me from touching the ground 7as they had done all the time71 lest ,i should get a spring upon them4 ,they held a council1 and as ,i could occasionally overhear a word1 ,i supposed it was to know whether or not it was best to kill me4 ,they returned after a while1 when ,i learned that they had #bfc concluded not to kill me1 but to beat and scratch me well1 tear off my shirt and drawers1 and leave me naked4 ,one cried1 ,simonds1 ,simonds1 where's the tar bucket8 ,i don't know1 answered one1 where 'tis1 ,eli's left it4 ,they ran back and fetched the bucket of tar1 when one exclaimed1 with an oath1 ,let us tar up his mouth2 and they tried to force the tar-paddle into my mouth2 ,i twisted my head around1 so that they could not1 and they cried out1 ,g--d--ye1 hold up yer head and let us give ye some tar4 ,they then tried to force a vial into my mouth1 and broke it in my teeth4 ,all my clothes were torn off me except my shirt collar2 and one man fell on me and scratched my body with his nails like a mad cat1 and then muttered out3 ,g--d---ye1 that's the way the ,holy ,ghost falls on folks6 ,sidenote3 ,the ,prophet's ,pitiable ,condition4 ,they then left me1 and ,i attempted to rise1 but fell again2 ,i pulled the tar away from my lips1 so that ,i could breathe more freely1 and after a while ,i began to recover1 and raised myself up1 whereupon ,i saw two lights4 ,i made my way towards one of them1 and found it was ,father ,johnson's4 ,when ,i came to the door ,i was naked1 and the tar made me look as if ,i were covered with blood1 and when my wife saw me she thought ,i was all crushed to pieces1 and fainted4 ,during the affray abroad1 the sisters of the neighborhood had collected at my room4 ,i called for a blanket1 they threw me one and shut the door2 ,i wrapped it around me and went in4 ,sidenote3 ,a ,case of ,mistaken ,identity4 ,in the meantime1 ,brother ,john ,poorman heard an outcry across the corn field1 and running that way met ,father ,johnson1 who had been fastened in his house at the commencement of the assault1 by having his door barred by the mob1 but on calling his wife to bring his gun1 saying he would blow a hole through the door1 the mob fled1 and ,father ,johnson1 seizing a club1 ran after the party that had ,elder ,rigdon1 and knocked down one man1 and raised his club to level another1 exclaiming1 ,what are you doing here8 when they left #bfd ,elder ,rigdon and turned upon ,father ,johnson1 who1 turning to run toward his own house1 met ,brother ,poorman coming out of the corn field2 each supposing the other to be a mobber1 and encounter ensued1 and ,poorman gave ,johnson a severe blow on the left shoulder with a stick or stone1 which brought him to the ground4 #f ,poorman ran immediately towards ,father ,johnson's1 and arriving while ,i was waiting for the blanket1 exclaimed1 ,i'm afraid ,i've killed him4 ,killed who1 asked one2 when ,poorman hastily related the circumstances of the rencounter near the corn field1 and went into the shed and hid himself4 ,father ,johnson soon recovered so as to come to the house1 when the whole mystery was quickly solved concerning the difficulty between him and ,poorman1 who1 on learning the facts1 joyfully came from his hiding place4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,prophet's ,undaunted ,spirit4 ,my friends spent the night in scraping and removing the tar1 and washing and cleansing my body2 so that by morning ,i was ready to be clothed again4 ,this being the ,sabbath morning1 the people assembled for meeting at the usual hour of worship1 and among them came also the mobbers2 viz43 ,simonds ,ryder1 a ,campbellite preacher and leader of the mob2 one ,mc,clentic1 who had his hands in my hair2 one ,streeter1 son of a ,campbellite minister2 and ,felatiah ,allen1 ,esq41 who gave the mob a barrel of whiskey to raise their spirits4 ,besides these named1 there were many others in the mob4 ,with my flesh all scarified and defaced1 ,i preached to the congregation as usual1 and in the afternoon of the same day baptized three individuals4 #g #bfe ,sidenote3 ,elder ,rigdon's ,condition4 ,the next morning ,i went to see ,elder ,rigdon1 and found him crazy1 and his head highly inflamed1 for they had dragged him by his heels1 and those1 too1 so high from the ground that he could not raise his head from the rough1 frozen surface1 which lacerated it exceedingly2 and when he saw me he called to his wife to bring him his razor4 ,she asked him what he wanted of it2 and he replied1 to kill me4 ,sister ,rigdon left the room1 and he asked me to bring his razor2 ,i asked him what he wanted of it1 and he replied he wanted to kill his wife2 and he continued delirious some days4 ,the feathers which were used with the tar on this occasion1 the mob took out of ,elder ,rigdon's house4 ,after they had seized him1 and dragged him out1 one of the banditti returned to get some pillows2 when the women shut him in and kept him a prisoner some time4 ,sidenote3 ,composition of the ,mob4 ,during the mobbing one of the twins contracted a severe cold1 continued to grow worse until ,friday1 and then died4 #h ,the mobbers were composed of various religious parties1 but mostly ,campbellites1 ,methodists and ,baptists1 who continued to molest and menace ,father ,johnson's house for a long time4 ,elder ,rigdon removed to ,kirtland with his family--then sick with the measles--the following ,wednesday2 and1 on account of the mob1 he went to ,chardon #i on ,saturday1 ,march #cast4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,prophet ,starts on ,his ,second ,visit to ,zion4 ,april first1 ,i started for ,missouri1 in company with ,newel ,k4 ,whitney1 ,peter ,whitmer1 and ,jesse ,gause1 to fulfil the revelation4 ,not wishing to go by ,kirtland1 as another mob existed in that neighborhood 7and indeed1 the spirit of mobocracy #bff was very prevalent through that whole region of country at the time71 brother ,george ,pitkin took us in his wagon by the most expeditious route to ,warren1 where we arrived the same day1 and were there joined by ,elder ,rigdon1 who left ,chardon in the morning2 and proceeding onward1 we arrived at ,wellsville the next day1 and the day following at ,steubenville where we left the wagon2 and on ,wednesday1 the #dth of ,april1 we took passage on board a steam packet for ,wheeling1 ,virginia2 where we purchased a lot of paper for the press in ,zion1 then in care of ,w4 ,w4 ,phelps4 ,sidenote3 ,incidents by the ,way4 ,after we left ,hiram1 fearing for the safety of my family1 on account of the mob1 ,i wrote to my wife 7in connection with ,bishop ,whitney7 suggesting that she go to ,kirtland and tarry with ,brother ,whitney's family until our return4 ,from ,wheeling we took passage on board the steamer ,trenton4 ,while at the dock1 during the night1 the boat was twice on fire1 burning the whole width of the boat through into the cabin1 but with so little damage that the boat went on in the morning2 and when we arrived at ,cincinnati1 some of the mob which had followed us1 left us1 and we arrived at ,louisville the same night4 ,captain ,brittle offered us protection on board of his boat1 and gave us supper and breakfast gratuitously4 ,at ,louisville we were joined by ,elder ,titus ,billings1 #aj who was journeying with a company of ,saints from ,kirtland to ,zion1 and we took passage on the steamer ,charleston for ,st4 ,louis1 where we parted from ,brother ,billings and company1 and by stage arrived at ,independence1 ,missouri1 on the twenty-fourth of ,april1 having traveled a distance of about three hundred miles from ,st4 ,louis4 ,we found the brethren in ,zion1 generally enjoying health and faith2 and they were extremely glad to welcome us among them4 #bfg ,sidenote3 ,the ,prophet ,acknowledged ,president of the ,high ,priesthood4 ,on the #bfth1 ,i called a general council of the ,church1 and was acknowledged as the ,president of the ,high ,priesthood1 according to a previous ordination at a conference of ,high ,priests1 ,elders and members1 held at ,amherst1 ,ohio1 on the #beth of ,january1 #ahcb4 ,the right hand of fellowship was given to me by the ,bishop1 ,edward ,partridge1 in behalf of the ,church4 ,the scene was solemn1 impressive and delightful4 ,during the intermission1 a difficulty or hardness which had existed between ,bishop ,partridge and ,elder ,rigdon1 was amicably settled1 and when we came together in the afternoon1 all hearts seemed to rejoice and ,i received the following3 #aa ,revelation1 given ,april1 #ahcb1 showing the order given to ,enoch1 and the ,church in his day4 #ab #a4 ,verily1 verily1 ,i say unto you1 my servants1 that inasmuch as you have forgiven one another your trespasses1 even so ,i1 the ,lord1 forgive you4 #b4 ,nevertheless there are those among you who have sinned exceedingly2 yea1 even all of you have sinned2 but verily ,i say unto you1 beware from henceforth1 and refrain from sin1 lest sore judgments fall upon your heads2 #c4 ,for unto whom much is given much is required2 and he who sins against the greater light shall receive the greater condemnation4 #d4 ,ye call upon my name for revelations1 and ,i give them unto you2 and inasmuch as ye keep not my sayings1 which ,i give unto you1 ye become transgressors1 and justice and judgment are the penalty which is affixed unto my law2 #e4 ,therefore1 what ,i say unto one ,i say unto all1 ,watch1 for the adversary spreadeth his dominions and darkness reigneth2 #f4 ,and the anger of ,god kindleth against the inhabitants of the earth2 and none doeth good1 for all have gone out of the way4 #g4 ,and now1 verily1 ,i say unto you1 ,i1 the ,lord1 will not lay any sin to your charge2 go your ways and sin no more2 but unto that soul who sinneth shall the former sins return1 saith the ,lord your ,god4 #bfh #h4 ,and again1 ,i say unto you1 ,i give unto you a new commandment1 that you may understand my will concerning you1 #i4 ,or1 in other words1 ,i give unto you directions how you may act before me1 that it may turn to you for your salvation4 #aj4 ,i1 the ,lord am bound when ye do what ,i say1 but when ye do not what ,i say1 ye have no promise4 #aa4 ,therefore1 verily ,i say unto you1 that it is expedient for my servants ,alam and ,ahashdah1 7,newel ,k4 ,whitney71 ,mahalaleel1 and ,pelagoram 7,sidney ,rigdon71 and my servant ,gazelam 7,joseph ,smith71 and ,horah and ,olihah 7,oliver ,cowdery71 and ,shalemanasseh and ,mahemson 7,martin ,harris71 to be bound together by a bond and covenant that cannot be broken by transgression1 7except judgment shall immediately follow17 in your several stewardships1 #ab4 ,to manage the affairs of the poor1 and all things pertaining to the bishopric both in the land of ,zion and in the land of ,shinehah 7,kirtland47 #ac4 ,for ,i have consecrated the land of ,shinehah 7,kirtland7 in mine own due time for the benefit of the saints of the ,most ,high1 and for a stake to ,zion4 #ad4 ,for ,zion must increase in beauty1 and in holiness2 her borders must be enlarged2 her stakes must be strengthened2 yea1 verily ,i say unto you1 ,zion must arise and put on her beautiful garments3 #ae4 ,therefore ,i give unto you this commandment1 that ye bind yourselves by this covenant1 and it shall be done according to the laws of the ,lord4 #af4 ,behold1 here is wisdom also in me for your good4 #ag4 ,and you are to be equal1 or in other words1 you are to have equal claims on the properties1 for the benefit of managing the concerns of your stewardships1 every man according to his wants and his needs1 inasmuch as his wants are just2 #ah4 ,and all this for the benefit of the ,church of the living ,god1 that every man may improve upon his talent1 that every man may gain other talents1 yea1 even an hundred fold1 to be cast into the ,lord's storehouse to become the common property of the whole ,church4 #ai4 ,every man seeking the interest of his neighbor1 and doing all things with an eye single to the glory of ,god4 #bj4 ,this order ,i have appointed to be an everlasting order unto you1 and unto your successors1 inasmuch as you sin not2 #ba4 ,and the soul that sins against this covenant1 and hardeneth his heart against it1 shall be dealt with according to the laws of my ,church1 and shall be delivered over to the buffetings of ,satan until the day of redemption4 #bb4 ,and now1 verily ,i say unto you1 and this is wisdom1 make unto #bfi yourselves friends with the mammon of unrighteousness1 and they will not destroy you4 #bc4 ,leave judgment alone with me1 for it is mine1 and ,i will repay4 ,peace be with you2 my blessings continue with you1 #bd4 ,for even yet the kingdom is yours1 and shall be for ever1 if you fall not from your steadfastness4 ,even so4 ,amen4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,purposes the ,prophet ,seeks to ,effect ,through ,church ,organization4 ,on the #bgth1 we transacted considerable business for the salvation of the ,saints1 who were settling among a ferocious set of mobbers1 like lambs among wolves4 ,it was my endeavor to so organize the ,church1 that the brethren might eventually be independent of every incumbrance beneath the celestial kingdom1 by bonds and covenants of mutual friendship1 and mutual love4 ,sidenote3 ,a ,visit to the ,colesville ,saints4 ,on the #bhth and #bith1 ,i visited the brethren above ,big ,blue river1 in ,kaw township1 a few miles west of ,independence1 and received a welcome only known by brethren and sisters united as one in the same faith1 and by the same baptism1 and supported by the same ,lord4 ,the ,colesville branch1 in particular1 rejoiced as the ancient ,saints did with ,paul4 #ac ,it is good to rejoice with the people of ,god4 ,on the #cjth1 ,i returned to ,independence1 and again sat in council with the brethren1 and received the following3 ,revelation1 given ,april1 #ahcb4 #ad #a4 ,verily1 thus saith the ,lord1 in addition to the laws of the ,church concerning women and children1 those who belong to the ,church1 who have lost their husbands or fathers4 #b4 ,women have claim on their husbands for their maintenance1 until their husbands are taken1 and if they are not found transgressors they shall have fellowship in the ,church4 #c4 ,and if they are not faithful1 they shall not have fellowship in the #bgj ,church2 yet they may remain upon their inheritances according to the laws of the land4 #d4 ,all children have claim upon their parents for their maintenance until they are of age4 #e4 ,and after that they have claim upon the ,church1 or in other words upon the ,lord's storehouse1 if their parents have not wherewith to give them inheritances4 #f4 ,and the storehouse shall be kept by the consecrations of the ,church1 and widows and orphans shall be provided for1 as also the poor4 ,amen4 ,sidenote3 ,literary ,affairs of the ,church ,considered4 ,our council was continued on the #ast of ,may1 when it was ordered that three thousand copies of the ,book of ,commandments be printed in the first edition2 #ae that ,william ,w4 ,phelps1 ,oliver ,cowdery1 and ,john ,whitmer1 be appointed to review and prepare such revelations for the press as shall be deemed proper for publication1 and print them as soon as possible at ,independence1 ,missouri2 the announcement to be made that they are ,published by ,w4 ,w4 ,phelps ,co4 ,it was also ordered that ,w4 ,w4 ,phelps correct and print the hymns which had been selected by ,emma ,smith in fulfilment of the revelation4 ,sidenote3 ,transaction of ,temporal ,business4 ,arrangements were also made for supplying the ,saints with stores in ,missouri and ,ohio1 which action1 with a few exceptions1 was hailed with joy by the brethren4 #af ,before we left ,independence1 ,elder ,rigdon preached two most powerful #bga discourses1 which1 so far as outward appearance was concerned gave great satisfaction to the people4 ,sidenote3 ,return ,journey to ,kirtland--,incidents by the ,way4 ,on the #fth of ,may ,i gave the parting hand to the brethren in ,independence1 and1 in company with ,brothers ,rigdon and ,whitney1 commenced a return to ,kirtland1 by stage to ,st4 ,louis1 from thence to ,vincennes1 ,indiana2 and from thence to ,new ,albany1 near the falls of the ,ohio river4 ,before we arrived at the latter place1 the horses became frightened1 and while going at full speed ,bishop ,whitney attempted to jump out of the coach1 but having his coat fast1 caught his foot in the wheel1 and had his leg and foot broken in several places2 at the same time ,i jumped out unhurt4 ,we put up at ,mr4 ,porter's public house1 in ,greenville1 for four weeks1 while ,elder ,rigdon went directly forward to ,kirtland4 ,during all this time1 ,brother ,whitney lost not a meal of victuals or a night's sleep1 and ,dr4 ,porter1 our landlord's brother1 who attended him1 said it was a pity we had not got some ,mormon there1 as they could set broken bones or do anything else4 ,i tarried with ,brother ,whitney and administered to him till he was able to be moved4 ,while at this place ,i frequently walked out in the woods1 where ,i saw several fresh graves2 and one day when ,i rose from the dinner table1 ,i walked directly to the door and commenced vomiting most profusely4 ,i raised large quantities of blood and poisonous matter1 and so great were the muscular contortions of my system1 that my jaw in a few moments was dislocated4 ,this ,i succeeded in replacing with my own hands1 and made my way to ,brother ,whitney 7who was on the bed71 as speedily as possible2 he laid his hands on me and administered to me in the name of the ,lord1 and ,i was healed in an instant1 although the effect of the poison was so powerful1 as to cause much of the hair to become loosened from my head4 ,thanks be to my ,heavenly ,father for ,his interference in my behalf at this critical moment1 in the name of ,jesus ,christ4 ,amen4 #bgb ,sidenote3 ,the ,foreknowledge of a ,seer4 ,brother ,whitney had not had his foot moved from the bed for nearly four weeks1 when ,i went into his room1 after a walk in the grove1 and told him if he would agree to start for home in the morning1 we would take a wagon to the river1 about four miles1 and there would be a ferry-boat in waiting which would take us quickly across1 where we would find a hack which would take us directly to the landing1 where we should find a boat1 in waiting1 and we would be going up the river before ten o'clock1 and have a prosperous journey home4 ,he took courage and told me he would go4 ,we started next morning1 and found everything as ,i had told him1 #ag for we were passing rapidly up the river before ten o'clock1 and1 landing at ,wellsville1 took stage coach to ,chardon1 from thence in a wagon to ,kirtland1 where we arrived some time in ,june4 ,footnotes #a4 ,the prospectus of ,the ,evening and ,morning ,star1 referred to above1 is a lengthy document1 from which the following is condensed3 it is announced that the ,star will be devoted to unfolding the meaning of the revelations of ,god from the earliest times to the present1 but more especially those revelations which ,god has given in the present dispensation2 that ,god made choice of ,israel in ancient times through whom to make known ,his will unto mankind2 but owing to transgression ,israel was taken captive and scattered1 among all nations2 ,god1 however1 promised that in the last days ,he would gather ,israel then scattered1 and bring them again into their own lands where they should be wonderfully prospered4 ,the time for the accomplishment of these things is rapidly approaching4 ,it will be attended with the sore judgments of ,god upon the wicked4 ,and as in all past ages1 before allowing judgments to fall upon the wicked1 ,god has sent them a word of warning and an opportunity to repent1 so too in the crisis pending the ,lord will not bring the threatened calamity upon mankind without sending forth due warning4 ,therefore1 in the fear of ,him 7the ,lord7 and to spread the truth among all nations1 kindreds1 tongues and people1 this paper is sent forth1 that a wicked world may know that ,jesus ,christ1 the ,redeemer1 who shall come to ,zion will soon appear4 ,the ,evening and ,morning ,star--in addition to being a herald of ,israel's return to the favor of ,god1 and a messenger of the everlasting ,gospel--will also contain whatever of truth or information that will benefit the ,saints of ,god temporally as well as spiritually1 without interfering with politics1 broils or the gainsaying of the world4 ,it is also announced that from the ,star press it may be expected1 as soon as wisdom directs1 that there will be issued many sacred records which have slept for ages4 ,the ,star was to be a royal quarto sheet1 issued monthly1 at one dollar a year1 until it should be deemed proper to publish it oftener4 ,the prospectus was issued in ,february1 and signed by ,w4 ,w4 ,phelps4 #b4 ,the ,johnson family was one of the typical ,american families of old colonial times--the men were large1 strong1 brave1 sensible1 honest1 well-to-do4 ,my grandfather1 ,israel ,johnson1 writes ,luke ,johnson in his autobiographical sketch1 lived in ,chesterfield1 ,new ,hampshire1 and was much respected by his neighbors for his honesty1 integrity and industry4 ,my father1 ,john ,johnson1 was born in ,chesterfield1 ,new ,hampshire1 ,april #aath1 #aggi4 ,he followed the occupation of farming on a large scale1 and was noted for paying his debts and living independently4 ,he moved from ,pomfret1 ,vermont1 to ,hiram1 ,portage county1 ,ohio4 ,he was connected with the ,methodist church for about five years previous to receiving the ,gospel4 ,luke ,johnson then relates the circumstance of the ,prophet1 through the power of ,god1 healing his mother of chronic rheumatism in the arm1 which converted ,ezra ,booth as already related on page #bae1 and then resumes3 ,my father was satisfied in regard to the truth of ',mormonism1' and was baptized by ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 in the winter of #ahcj-a1 and furnished him and his family a home1 while he translated a portion of the ,bible4 #c4 ,their names were ,joseph ,s4 and ,julia4 ,they were born in ,orange1 ,cuyahoga county1 ,ohio1 ,april #cj1 #ahca4 ,emma ,smith1 the ,prophet's wife1 had given birth to twins1 a boy and girl--on the same date4 ,they lived but three hours and ,emma ,smith took the motherless ,murdock twins in the fond hope that they would fill the void in her life occasioned by the loss of her own4 #d4 ,mention has already been made of ,simonds ,ryder's conversion to the ,gospel through the fulfilment of a prophecy relating to an earthquake in ,pekin1 ,china 7see p4 #aeh74 ,the initial point of his apostasy is equally interesting4 ,it appears that some time after his baptism he was ordained an ,elder of the ,church 7,far ,west ,record1 p4 #d72 and somewhat later informed by a communication signed by the ,prophet ,joseph and ,sidney ,rigdon1 that it was the will of the ,lord1 made known by the ,spirit1 that he should preach the ,gospel4 ,both in the letter he received and in the official commission to preach1 however1 his name was spelled ,r-i-d-e-r1 instead of ,r-y-d-e-r1 and is soberly stated in the ,history of the ,disciples on the ,western ,reserve 7,hayden7 that he thought if the ,spirit through which he had been called to preach could err in the matter of spelling his name1 it might have erred in calling him to the ministry as well2 or1 in other words1 he was led to doubt if he were called at all by the ,spirit of ,god1 because of the error in spelling his name6 ,the same circumstance is referred to in ,kennedy's ,early ,days of ,mormonism 7p4 #ajd74 ,kennedy also remarks that while in the uncertain mood excited by this incident ,ezra ,booth returned from ,missouri1 and a comparison of experiences led to a complete overthrow of all belief in the new creed in the minds of both4 #e4 ,the man whom the ,prophet struck was named ,waste4 ,he was regarded1 says ,luke ,johnson1 as the strongest man in the ,western ,reserve1 and had boasted that he could take the ,prophet out of the house alone4 ,at the time they the mob were taking him the ,prophet out of the house1 ,waste had hold of one foot4 ,joseph drew up his leg and gave him a kick1 which sent him sprawling into the street4 ,he afterwards said that the ,prophet was the most powerful man he ever had hold of in his life4 7,history of ,luke ,johnson1 by himself3 ,millennial ,star1 vol4 #bf1 p4 #hce47 #f4 ,this blow broke his collar bone1 according to the statement of his son1 ,luke ,johnson4 ,david ,whitmer laid his hands upon him1 and he was immediately healed4 7,millennial ,star1 vol4 #bf1 p4 #hce7 #g4 ,according to the statement of ,luke ,johnson 7autobiographical sketch1 ,millennial ,star1 vol4 #bf1 p4 #hcd-e71 there were about forty or fifty in the mob that attacked the ,prophet on this occasion4 ,he also states that a ,dr4 ,dennison1 a man of considerable influence in the community1 was a member of this mob1 and threatened to do the ,prophet great bodily injury1 but when he saw the ,prophet in the hands of his enemies his heart failed him4 ,carnot ,mason was the one who first seized the ,prophet and dragged him from his bed4 ,speaking of the fate that overtook some of the members of the mob1 ,johnson remarks that ,mason1 soon after the mobbing1 had an attack of spinal affection4 ,fullars1 another of the mob1 died of cholera1 in ,cleveland1 ,ohio2 and ,dr4 ,dennison was sent to the penitentiary for ten years 7but for what offense he does not say7 and died before the term expired4 #h4 ,this was ,joseph ,s4 ,murdock1 whose death occurred ,march #bi1 #ahcb1 his age being one day less than eleven months4 #i4 ,chardon was the county seat of ,geauga county1 and about five miles from ,kirtland4 #aj4 ,titus ,billings was born on ,march #beth1 #agic1 at ,greenfield1 ,franklin county1 ,massachusetts4 ,he is said to be the second person baptized in ,kirtland1 ,ohio1 the baptism taking place in ,november1 #ahcj4 #aa4 ,all differences1 says the minutes of this meeting1 recorded in the ,far ,west ,record--all differences settled1 and the hearts of all were united together in love4--7p4 #be47 #ab4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #hb4 #ac4 ,it should be remembered that these ,colesville ,saints were among the first to receive the ,gospel under the teachings of the ,prophet1 and hence his heart was naturally tender toward them1 and this visit was doubtless especially delightful both to the ,saints and the ,prophet4 #ad4 ,doctrine and covenants1 sec4 #hc4 #ae4 ,this action of course1 annulled the resolution at the ,kirtland conference to publish an edition of ten thousand4 7,see p4 #bbb47 #af4 ,the arrangements here referred to for the establishment of stores in ,missouri and ,ohio1 as disclosed by the minutes of these council meetings of the #bfth1 #bgth1 #cjth of ,april1 and the #ast of ,may1 were that the brethren in mercantile pursuits in ,kirtland and ,zion should be united in one firm1 and the establishments in ,kirtland and ,zion respectively were regarded merely as branches of the one firm2 ,still it was resolved that each of these branches should have a separate company name4 ,the name of the branch in ,zion was to be ,gilbert1 ,whitney ,company1 and the one in ,kirtland ,newel ,k4 ,whitney ,company4 ,w4 ,w4 ,phelps and ,a4 ,s4 ,gilbert were appointed to draft the bond for the united firm4 ,a4 ,s4 ,gilbert and ,newel ,k4 ,whitney were appointed to be the agents of the new firm4 ,it was also resolved that whenever any special business should arise it would be the duty of the united firm by its branches at ,jackson county1 ,missouri1 and ,geauga county1 ,ohio1 to regulate the same by special agency4 ,it was also resolved that the united firm negotiate a loan of fifteen thousand dollars at six per centum4 ,the firm of ,newel ,k4 ,whitney ,co4 was appointed to transact the business4 #ag4 ,this is an instance of the ,prophet ,joseph's power as a seer4 ,another example is given by ,david ,whitmer in his account of going to ,harmony1 ,pennsylvania1 after the ,prophet and ,oliver ,cowdery1 in order to take them to his father's home in ,fayette1 ,new ,york1 in the summer of #ahbi1 when the ,book of ,mormon was in course of translation4 ,when ,i arrived at ,harmony1 says ,david1 ,joseph and ,oliver were coming toward me1 and met me some distance from the house4 ,oliver told me that ,joseph had informed him when ,i started from home1 where ,i had stopped the first night1 how ,i read the sign at the tavern1 where ,i stopped the next night1 etc41 and that ,i would be there that day before dinner and this was why they had come out to meet me2 all of which was exactly as ,joseph had told ,oliver1 at which ,i was greatly astonished4 7,david ,whitmer's ,statement to ,orson ,pratt and ,joseph ,f4 ,smith1 ,millennial ,star1 vol4 #dj1 nos4 #di1 #ej47 #bgc ,chapter ,,xx4 ,the ,evening and ,morning ,star4 ,sidenote3 ,occupation of the ,prophet1 ,summer of #ahcb4 ,as soon as ,i could arrange my affairs1 ,i recommenced the translation of the ,scriptures1 and thus ,i spent most of the summer4 ,in ,july1 we received the first number of ,the ,evening and ,morning ,star1 which was a joyous treat to the ,saints4 ,delightful1 indeed1 was it to contemplate that the little band of brethren had become so large1 and grown so strong1 in so short a time as to be able to issue a paper of their own1 which contained not only some of the revelations1 but other information also1--which would gratify and enlighten the humble inquirer after truth4 ,sidenote3 ,opposition of the ,press4 ,so embittered was the public mind against the truth1 that the press universally had been arrayed against us2 and although many newspapers published the prospectus of our paper1 yet it appeared to have been done more to calumniate the editor1 than give publicity to the forthcoming periodical4 ,editors thought to do us harm1 while the ,saints rejoiced that they could do nothing against the truth but for it4 ,the following are extracts from ,the ,evening and ,morning ,star1 ,independence1 ,missouri1 ,june1 #ahcb--;first number3 ,to ,man4 ,with the help of ,god1 the first number of ,the ,evening and ,morning ,star comes to the world for the objects specified in its prospectus1 which was published last winter4 ,that we should now recapitulate some of its leading objects1 and briefly add a few remarks1 will #bgd naturally be expected2 and we cheerfully do so1 that this generation may know-- ,that the ,star comes in these last days as the friend of man1 to persuade him to turn to ,god and live1 before the great and terrible day of the ,lord sweeps the earth of its wickedness2 ,that it comes not only as the messenger of truth1 to bring the revelations and commandments of ,god which have been1 but to publish those that ,god gives now1 as in the days of old1 for ,he is the same ,god yesterday1 today1 and for ever2 99 99 99 99 ,that it comes as the harbinger of peace and good will to them that serve the ,lord with a determination to have part in the first resurrection1 and finally become ,kings and ,priests to ,god the ,father in the celestial kingdom1 where ,god and ,christ are1 and where they will be for eternity2 99 99 99 99 99 ,that it comes according to the will of ,god from those who are not ashamed to take upon them the name of ,christ1 and walk lowly in the valley of humiliation1 and let the solemnities of eternity rest upon them3 knowing that the great day of the ,lord will soon usher in the ,sabbath of creation1 for the rest of the ,saints1 that the ,savior may reign ,his thousand years of peace upon the earth while ,satan is bound2 ,that it comes in meekness and mercy to all mankind1 that they may do works meet for repentance and be saved in the first resurrection1 and afterwards dwell with the spirits of just men made perfect in the celestial kingdom4 ,that it comes to bring good tidings of great joy to all people1 but more especially to the house of ,israel scattered abroad1 that the day of their redemption is near1 for the ,lord hath set ,his hand again the second time to restore them to the lands of their inheritance2 ,that it comes to show that the ensign is now set up unto which all nations shall come1 and worship the ,lord1 the ,god of ,jacob1 acceptably2 ,that it comes when war1 and the plague1 or pestilence as it is called1 are sweeping their thousands and tens of thousands to the grave1 to show that the day of tribulation spoken of by our ,savior is nigh at hand1 even at the doors2 ,that it comes to repeat the great caution of ,paul3 ,beware lest any man spoil you1 7the disciples of ,christ71 through philosophy and vain deceit1 after the traditions of men and the rudiments of the world4 ,that it comes to prepare the way of the ,lord1 that when ,he comes ,he may have a holy people ready to receive ,him2 ,that it comes to show that no man can be too good to be saved1 but that many may be too bad2 #bge ,that it comes to declare that goodness consists in doing good1 not merely in preaching it2 ,that it comes to show that all men's religion is vain without charity2 ,that it comes to open the way for ,zion to rise and put on her beautiful garments and become the glory of the earth1 that her land may be joined1 or married 7according to the known translation of ,isaiah7 to ,jerusalem again1 and they be one as they were in the days of ,peleg4 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 ,man1 being created but little below the angels1 only wants to know for himself1 and not by another1 that1 by obeying the commands of his ,creator1 he can rise again after death1 in the flesh1 and reign with ,christ a thousand years on the earth without sin2 be changed in the twinkling of an eye1 and become a ,king and ,priest to ,god in eternity--to forsake his sins1 and say3 ,lord1 ,i am thine6 ,the first words of which we have any account that ,jesus ,christ spake concerning the things of eternal life1 were1 ,suffer it to be so now3 for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness4 ,then he was baptized3 and truly1 if it became the ,savior of the world1 holy as ,he was1 to be baptized in the meridian of time1 to fulfil all righteousness1 how much more necessary it is for man to be baptized in order to be saved4 99 99 99 ,as this paper is devoted to the great concerns of eternal things and the gathering of the ,saints1 it will leave politics1 the gainsaying of the world1 and many other matters1 for their proper channels1 endeavoring by all means to set an example before the world1 which1 when followed1 will lead our fellow-men to the gates of glory1 where the wicked cease from troubling1 and where the weary will find rest4 ,that there may be errors both in us and in the paper1 we readily admit1 but we mean to grow better1 till1 from little children1 we all come into the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the ,son of ,god1 unto a perfect man1 unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of ,christ1 which we pray may be the happy lot of thousands1 before ,he comes with the hundred and forty and four thousand that are without guile4 #a ,to the ,church of ,christ ,abroad in the ,earth4 ,it is the duty of the ,church of ,christ1 in ,zion1 to stand as an ensign to all nations1 that the ,lord has set ,his hand the second time to restore the house of ,israel to the lands of their inheritance2 and it behoves the members of this ,church to manifest before the world by a godly walk1 by a noble example1 as well as by sterling precept2 by #bgf prudence in living1 by plainness in dress1 by industry1 by economy1 by faith and works1 and1 above all1 by solemnity1 humility and patience1 that this is a day of warning and not a day of many words4 ,this being the order in ,zion1 how much more necessary is it1 that the churches of ,christ1 which have not yet come up to this land should show the world1 by well ordered conduct in all things1 that they are the children of the living ,god6 ,it is all-important1 and the salvation of many souls depends upon their faultless example4 ,they will1 therefore1 knowing that the ,lord will suddenly come to ,his temple1 do their part in preparing the way1 by observing the ,sabbath day1 and keeping it holy2 by teaching their children the ,gospel1 and teaching them to pray2 by avoiding extremes in all matters2 by shunning every appearance of evil2 by studying to be approved1 and doing unto others as they would have others do unto them2 by bearing trouble and persecution patiently1 without a murmur1 knowing that ,michael1 the ,arch-angel1 when contending with the devil--he disputed about the body of ,moses--durst not bring against him a railing accusation1 but said1 ,the ,lord rebuke thee4 ,they will not only set an example worthy of imitation1 but they will let their light so shine that others1 seeing their good works may go and do likewise4 ,example is the great thing that defies the world with all its vain glory2 by letting their moderation be known unto all men1 both in dress and in living2 in words and in deeds2 in watching and in praying2 in love and in labor1 and in works as well as in faith1 they1 the ,saints preach the world a lecture1 they set the inquirer an example1 and teach all ,christendom a lesson1 that studied preaching and pulpit eloquence have failed to accomplish4 ,common ,schools4 ,the disciples should lose no time in preparing schools for their children1 that they may be taught as is pleasing unto the ,lord1 and brought up in the way of holiness4 ,those appointed to select and prepare books for the use of schools1 will attend to that subject as soon as more weighty matters are finished4 #b ,but the parents and guardians in the ,church of ,christ need not wait--it is all-important that children to become good should be taught good4 ,moses1 while delivering the words of the ,lord to the congregation of ,israel1 that is1 to the parents1 says1 ,and these words which ,i command thee this day1 shall be in thy heart3 and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children1 and shalt #bgg talk of them when thou sittest in thy house1 and when thou walkest by the way1 and when thou liest down and when thou risest up4 ,and thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thy hand1 and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes4 ,if it were necessary them to teach their children diligently1 how much more necessary is it now1 when the ,church of ,christ is to be an ensign1 yea1 even an ensample to the world1 for good8 ,a word to the wise ought to be sufficient1 for children soon become men and women4 ,yes1 they are they that must follow us1 and perform the duties which not only appertain to this world1 but to the second coming of the ,savior1 even preparing for the ,sabbath of creation1 and for eternity4 ,the ,star ,office4 ,the ,star office is situated within twelve miles of the west line of the state of ,missouri2 which at present is the western limits of the ,united ,states1 and about #abj miles west of any press in the state1 in about #ci degrees of north latitude1 and about #ag #a_/b degrees of west longitude1 #b #a_/b miles south of ,missouri river2 #bhj miles by land1 or #ejj by water1 west of ,st4 ,louis2 nearly #a1bjj miles west of ,washington2 #a1cjj miles from ,new ,york1 and more than #a1ejj miles from ,boston4 ,sidenote3 ,second ,no4 of the ,star4 ,in ,august we were again delighted to receive the ,star4 ,the following is extracted from the second ,july number3 ,the ,elders in the ,land of ,zion1 to the ,church of ,christ ,scattered ,abroad4 ,brethren1 we think it proper to give you some general information respecting the present state of the ,church in ,zion1 and also the work of the gathering4 ,notwithstanding that nearly all ,christendom doubt the propriety of receiving revelations for the government of the ,church of ,christ in this age1 and generally adopt the ,scriptures of the ,old and ,new ,testaments as the only rule of faith and practice1 yet we believe1 from the ,scriptures of truth1 that to every church in past ages1 which the ,lord recognized to be ,his1 ,he gave revelations1 wisely calculated to govern them in the peculiar situation and circumstances under which they were placed1 and to enable them by authority to do the peculiar work which they were to perform4 ,the ,bible contains revelations given at different times to different people1 under different circumstances1 as will be seen by editorial articles in this paper4 ,the old world was destroyed for rejecting the revelations of ,god given to #bgh them through ,noah4 ,the ,israelites were destroyed in the wilderness for despising the revelations given to them through ,moses2 and ,christ said that the world1 in the days of the ,apostles1 would be condemned for not receiving the word of ,god through them3 ,thus we see that the judgments of ,god in the past ages have come upon the people1 not so much for neglecting the revelations given to their forefathers1 as for rejecting those given immediately to themselves4 ,of the blessings of heaven it may be said1 that they always rested upon the heads of those to whom they were promised4 ,therefore1 seeing that it not only was1 but1 as long as ,god remains the same1 always will be1 the privilege of the true ,church to receive revelations1 containing blessings and cursings1 peculiarly adapted to itself as a ,church1 we conclude that it is a mistaken notion that the ,scriptures of the ,old and ,new ,testaments are the only rule of faith and practice2 nevertheless1 inasmuch as the precepts and examples contained in them are truly applicable to us under our particular circumstances1 we are bound to be governed by them2 and we also can receive much benefit from such prophecies as point out the events that shall take place in our day and age4 ,of these there are many1 both in the ,old and the ,new ,testaments4 ,they speak plainly of great things that shall be accomplished in the last days2--such as preaching the everlasting ,gospel to all nations2 the gathering of the elect from the four winds of heaven2 the building up of ,zion and ,jerusalem1 or the ingathering of the remnants of ,jacob1 and the planting them in the lands of their fathers' inheritance2 the necessary preparation to meet the ,savior at ,his second coming1 with all the ,saints1 to dwell with them in the millennial reign4 ,and now1 who1 with the ,bible in his hand1 can suppose that these great and marvelous works can be accomplished by the ,church without more revelations from the ,lord8 ,we cannot1 for we worship the ,god of ,israel1 in whom is neither variableness nor shadow of turning2--consequently as in days of old1 so in these last days1 ,he has given us revelations by which we may know how to organize the ,church of ,christ1 and by ,his authority to perform the work which ,he has enjoined upon us4 ,and now brethren1 if we wish for blessings upon this ,church1 we must walk humbly before the ,lord1 and observe to keep all ,his commandments4 ,notwithstanding the work of the gathering will be accomplished1 we believe in a speedy manner1 yet the ,lord has commanded that it shall not be done in haste1 nor by flight1 but that all things shall be prepared before you2 and for this purpose ,he has made it the duty of the ,bishop or agent in the land of ,zion to make known1 from time to time1 the privileges of the land to the conferences1 which may determine and make known how many can be accommodated4 ,and the ,saints will remember that the ,bishop in the land of ,zion will not receive any1 as wise stewards1 #bgi without they bring a recommend from the ,bishop in ,ohio1 or from three ,elders4 ,the ,elders therefore1 will be careful not to recommend and send up churches to this place1 without first receiving information from the ,bishop in ,ohio1 or in the land of ,zion1 that they can be accommodated when they arrive1 so as to be settled without confusion1 which would produce pestilence4 ,therefore1 if a church is desirous to come to the land of ,zion1 we would recommend that first1 by letter or otherwise1 they make known their desires and their situation to the ,bishop in ,ohio1 or in the land of ,zion1 and receive information from them before they start4 ,brethren will perceive as well as we1 that where churches of fifty or a hundred souls each1 are coming to the land of ,zion1 from different parts of the nation1 and1 as soon will be the case1 from different nations1 without a knowledge of each other1 they would1 when they arrive1 be in a state of confusion1 and labor under many disadvantages which might be avoided by strictly observing the rules and regulations of the ,church4 ,moreover by being in haste1 and forcing the sale of property1 unreasonable sacrifices have been made1 and although this is a day of sacrifice and tithing1 yet to make lavish and unreasonable sacrifices is not well pleasing in the sight of the ,lord4 ,it is about one year since the work of the gathering commenced1 in which time between three and four hundred have arrived here1 and are mostly located upon their inheritances1 and are generally in good health and spirits and are doing well4 ,the expense of journeying and settling here1 together with the establishment of a printing office and store1 have probably exceeded the expectations of our brethren abroad1 and although ,zion1 according to the ,prophets1 is to become like ,eden1 or the garden of the ,lord1 yet1 at present it is as it were but a wilderness and desert1 and the disadvantages of settling in a new country1 you know1 are many and great4 ,therefore1 prudence would dictate the churches abroad1 at present1 not to come up to ,zion1 until preparations can be made for them1 and they receive information as above4 ,the prospect for crops in this region of country is1 at present1 tolerably good1 but calls for provisions will undoubtedly be considerable1 for besides the emigration of the whites1 the government of the ,united ,states is settling the ,indians 7or remnants of ,joseph71 immediately to the west1 and they must be fed4 ,brethren1 we drop the above remarks for your benefit1 until you can have the revelations to peruse for yourselves1 which will be published as soon as they consistently can be4 ,although the ,lord has said1 that it is ,his business to provide for ,his ,saints in these last days1 yet remember ,he is not bound so to do1 unless we observe ,his sayings and keep them4 #bhj ,to the ,elders of the ,church of ,christ1 ,who ,preach ,good ,tidings to the ,world4 ,brethren1 as stars of the ensign which is now set up for the benefit of all nations1 you are to enlighten the world1 you are to prepare the way for the people to come up to ,zion2 you are to instruct men how to receive the fullness of the ,gospel1 and the everlasting covenants1 even them that were from the beginning2 you are to carry the ark of safety before the wondering multitudes1 without fear1 entreating and beseeching all men to be saved2 you are to set an example of meekness and humility before ,saints and sinners1 as did the ,savior2 and when reviled you are not to revile again2 you are to reason with men1 as in days of old to bear patiently and answer as the spirit of truth shall direct1 allowing all credit for every item of good4 ,you are to walk in the valley of humility1 and pray for the salvation of all2 yes1 you are to pray for your enemies2 and warn in compassion without threatening the wicked with judgments which are to be poured out upon the world hereafter4 ,you have no right to take the judgments1 which fell upon the ungodly before the flood1 and pour them upon the head of this generation2 you have no authority to use the judgments which ,god sent upon ,pharaoh in ,egypt1 to terrify the inhabitants of ,america1 neither have you any direction by commandment1 to collect the calamities of six thousand years and paint them upon the curtain of these last days to scare mankind to repentance2 no1 you are to preach the ,gospel1 which is the power of ,god unto salvation1 even glad tidings of great joy unto all people4 ,again1 you are not to take the blessings of an individual1 or of a church1 from the days of ,enoch to the days of the ,apostles1 and place them upon an individual or a church in these last days2 but you are to teach all men that they shall be judged according to their works4 ,for1 if ,god is the same yesterday1 today1 and for ever1 ,his reward is always with ,him2 and ,his revelations and blessings and judgments1 before the flood1 were fitted for that people and that time1 in the days of ,abraham1 for that man and that time2 in the days of ,moses1 for that man and that time2 in the days of ,david1 for that man and that time2 in the days of ,paul1 for that man and that time2 and now1 for this generation and this time4 ,you therefore1 must reason from the ,bible and the ,book of ,mormon1 with great care and not pervert the meaning of ,god's sacred word4 ,if our ,heavenly ,father saw fit to destroy ,sodom and ,gomorrah for their wickedness1 ,nineveh for its abomination1 and ,jerusalem for a transgression of ,his commandments1 what have their destruction to do with the salvation of the world now8 ,the ,lord says1 ,vengeance is mine1 and ,i will repay4 ,teach all men to trust in ,god and not in man1 and do works meet for repentance4 ,again1 #bha teach all men that ,god is a ,god of the living and not of the dead4 ,finally1 whatever you do1 do it with an eye single to the glory of ,god4 ,you are the light of the world in matters of pure religion1 and many souls may be required at your hands4 ,let the idea not leave you1 that not only the eyes of the world1 but the eyes of the angels and of ,god are upon you4 ,foreign ,news4 ,it is a day of strange appearances4 ,everything indicates something more than meets the eye4 ,every nation is opening events which astonish mankind4 ,even the heart of man begins to melt at the prospect before him4 ,the unquenchable thirst for news2 the continuity of emigration1 the wars and rumors of wars1 with many other signs of the distress of nations1 from the old world--as the land is called across the ocean--whisper so loud to the understanding1 that he who runs may read the label on the eastern sky--,the end is nigh4 ,france is filled with a spirit of rebellion1 and when the cholera was sweeping its thousands mobs were collecting to slay their tens of thousands4 ,while the hospitals were crowded with the sick1 and the groans of the dying filled the air1 the fashionable ,french were holding cholera balls and dancing at the judgments of the ,almighty4 ,in ,england1 where an anxious multitude have been waiting for reformation in government for years1 disappointment is destruction4 ,the house of lords has rejected the ,reform ,bill1 and the proud-hearted ,englishman says3 ,reform or ,revolution6 ,no stop there2 for the sound comes across the ,atlantic3 ,reform or ruin6 ,all the kingdoms of the east seem to be preparing to act the part allotted to them1 when the ,lord rebukes the nations4 ,as on a morning of some great festival1 the church bell1 the cannon1 the small arms1 the music1 and the cheers of the multitude1 arouse all to what is going on1 and thunder to man3 ,behold the day6 ,so also earthquakes1 wars and rumors of wars1 the distress of nations1 the constant tide of emigration to the west1 the wide spreading ravages of the cholera1 and the joy of the ,saints of ,god as they come out of ,babylon1 alarm the world1 and whisper to every mortal3 ,watch ye1 for the time is at hand for the second coming of ,jesus ,christ1 the ,redeemer of ,israel1 with peace on earth and good will to man4 ,watch the signs of ,his coming1 that ye be not deceived4 ,items for the ,public4 ,in connection with the ,star1 we publish a weekly paper1 entitled the ,upper ,missouri ,advertiser4 ,it will contain sketches of the news of the day1 politics1 advertisements1 and whatever tends to promote the interest of the great west4 #bhb ,the ,august number of the ,star1 no4 #c contained the following3 ,the ,cholera4 ,this desolating sickness is spreading steadily over the ,united ,states4 ,the account of its ravages in many places1 we cannot give4 ,the whole number of cases in ,new ,york1 to ,july #cast1 is #c1gca4 ,deaths1 #a1ebj4 ,no man can stop the work of the ,lord1 for ,god rules the pestilence1 and the pestilence rules men4 ,forts1 sentinels1 and oceans may hinder men1 or money may bribe1 but when the pestilence rides on the wings of the wind1 the sentinel has no power2 the fort is no obstacle1 the ocean is no barrier2 and money has no value2 the destroying angel goes waving the banner of death over all2 and who shall escape his pointed arrow8 ,not he that could brave death at the cannon's mouth1 but shrinks at the sound of the cholera2 not he that worshiped his ,god in some stately chapel1 every ,sabbath till the cholera comes1 and then flees for his life2 no1 none but he that trusts in ,god1 shall be able to stand when a thousand shall fall at his side1 and ten thousand at his right hand by the noisome pestilence4 ,to the ,honorable ,men of the ,world4 ,to the honorable searchers for truth3 we1 in a spirit of candor and meekness are bound by every tie that makes man the friend of man1 by every endowment of heaven1 that renders intelligent beings seekers of happiness to show you the way to salvation4 ,in fact1 we are not only bound to do thus for those that seek the riches of eternity1 but1 to walk in the tracks of our ,savior1 we must love our enemies2 bless them that curse us2 do good to them that hate us1 and pray for them that despitefully use us1 and persecute us1 or else you and the world may know that we are not the children of ,god4 ,therefore to be obedient to the precepts of our divine ,master1 we say unto you--,search the ,scriptures--search the revelations which we publish1 and ask your ,heavenly ,father1 in the name of ,his ,son ,jesus ,christ1 to manifest the truth unto you1 and if you do it with an eye single to ,his glory1 nothing doubting1 ,he will answer you by the power of ,his ,holy ,spirit4 ,you will then know for yourselves and not for another4 ,you will not then be dependent on man for the knowledge of ,god2 nor will there be any room for speculation4 ,no2 for when men receive their instruction from ,him that made them1 they know how he will save them4 ,then again we say3 ,search the ,scriptures1 search the ,prophets1 and learn what portion of them belongs to you and the people of the nineteenth century4 ,you1 no doubt1 will agree with us1 and say1 that you have no right to claim the promises of the inhabitants before the flood2 that you cannot found your hopes of salvation upon the #bhc obedience of the children of ,israel when journeying in the wilderness2 nor can you expect that the blessings which the ,apostles pronounced upon the churches of ,christ1 eighteen hundred years ago1 were intended for you4 ,again1 if others' blessings are not your blessings1 others' curses are not your curses2 you stand then in these last days1 as all have stood before you1 agents unto yourselves1 to be judged according to your works4 ,every man lives for himself4 ,adam was made to open the ways of the world1 and for dressing the garden4 ,noah was born to save seed of everything1 when the earth was washed of its wickedness by the flood2 and the ,son of ,god came into the world to redeem it from the fall4 ,but except a man be born again1 he cannot see the kingdom of ,god4 ,this eternal truth settles the question of all men's religion4 ,a man may be saved1 after the judgment1 in the terrestrial kingdom1 or in the telestial kingdom1 but he can never see the celestial kingdom of ,god without being born of the water and the ,spirit4 ,he may receive a glory like unto the moon i4 e4 of which the light of the moon is typical1 or a star i4 e4 of which the light of the stars is typical1 but he can never come unto ,mount ,zion1 and unto the city of the living ,god1 the heavenly ,jerusalem1 and to an innumerable company of angels2 to the general assembly and ,church of the ,first-born1 which are written in heaven1 and to ,god the judge of all1 and to the spirits of just men made perfect1 and to ,jesus the ,mediator of the new covenant1 unless he becomes as a little child1 and is taught by the ,spirit of ,god4 ,wherefore1 we again say1 search the revelations of ,god3 study the prophecies1 and rejoice that ,god grants unto the world ,seers and ,prophets4 ,they are they who saw the mysteries of godliness2 they saw the flood before it came2 they saw angels ascending and descending upon a ladder that reached from earth to heaven3 they saw the stone cut out of the mountain1 which filled the whole earth2 they saw the ,son of ,god come from the regions of bliss and dwell with men on earth2 they saw the deliverer come out of ,zion1 and turn away ungodliness from ,jacob2 they saw the glory of the ,lord when ,he showed the transfiguration of the earth on the mount2 they saw every mountain laid low and every valley exalted when the ,lord was taking vengeance upon the wicked2 they saw truth spring out of the earth1 and righteousness look down from heaven in the last days1 before the ,lord came the second time to gather ,his elect2 they saw the end of wickedness on earth1 and the ,sabbath of creation crowned with peace2 they saw the end of the glorious thousand years1 when ,satan was loosed for a little season2 they saw the day of judgment when all men received according to their works1 and they saw the heaven and earth flee away to make room for the city of ,god1 when the righteous receive an #bhd inheritance in eternity4 ,and1 fellow sojourners upon earth1 it is your privilege to purify yourselves and come up to the same glory1 and see for yourselves1 and know for yourselves4 ,ask1 and it shall be given you2 seek1 and ye shall find2 knock1 and it shall be opened unto you4 ,footnotes #a4 ,the salutatory address was signed by ,w4 ,w4 ,phelps4 #b4 ,this is in plain allusion to the revelation on page #ahe where ,w4 ,w4 ,phelps and ,oliver ,cowdery are appointed a committee to prepare books for schools in the ,church1 that little children might receive instruction1 which is pleasing before the ,lord4 ,that revelation and the above article from the ,star of ,june1 #ahcb1 plainly foreshadow the great interest the ,church would take in education4 #bhe ,chapter ,,xxi4 ,larger ,views on the ,doctrine of ,priesthood ,revealed--,the ,meeting of the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 ,brigham ,young1 and ,heber ,c4 ,kimball4 ,sidenote3 ,baptism of ,elder ,george ,a4 ,smith4 ,on ,september the #ajth1 ,george ,a4 ,smith was baptized by ,joseph ,h4 ,wakefield1 at ,potsdam1 ,st4 ,lawrence county1 ,new ,york2 and confirmed by ,elder ,solomon ,humphry4 #a #bhf ,sidenote3 ,return of ,elders from ,missouri4 ,the ,elders during the month of ,september began to return from their missions to the ,eastern ,states1 and present the histories of their several stewardships in the ,lord's vineyard2 and while together in these seasons of joy1 ,i inquired of the #bhg ,lord1 and received on the #bbnd and #bcrd of ,september1 the following revelation on ,priesthood3 ,revelation4 #b #a4 ,a revelation of ,jesus ,christ unto his servant ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 and six elders1 as they united their hearts and lifted their voices on high4 #bhh #b4 ,yea1 the word of the ,lord concerning his church1 established in the last days for the restoration of his people1 as he has spoken by the mouth of his prophets1 and for the gathering of his saints to stand upon ,mount ,zion1 which shall be the city of ,new ,jerusalem4 #c4 ,which city shall be built1 beginning at the temple lot1 which is appointed by the finger of the ,lord1 in the western boundaries of the ,state of ,missouri1 and dedicated by the hand of ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 and others with whom the ,lord was well pleased4 #d4 ,verily this is the word of the ,lord1 that the city ,new ,jerusalem shall be built by the gathering of the saints1 beginning at this place1 even the place of the temple1 which temple shall be reared in this generation4 #e4 ,for verily this generation shall not all pass away until an house shall be built unto the ,lord1 and a cloud shall rest upon it1 which cloud shall be even the glory of the ,lord1 which shall fill the house4 #f4 ,and the sons of ,moses1 according to the ,holy ,priesthood which he received under the hand of his father-in-law1 ,jethro2 #g4 ,and ,jethro received it under the hand of ,caleb2 #h4 ,and ,caleb received it under the hand of ,elihu2 #i4 ,and ,elihu under the hand of ,jeremy2 #aj4 ,and ,jeremy under the hand of ,gad2 #aa4 ,and ,gad under the hand of ,esaias2 #ab4 ,and ,esaias received it under the hand of ,god4 #ac4 ,esaias also lived in the days of ,abraham and was blessed of him-- #ad4 ,which ,abraham received the priesthood from ,melchizedek1 who received it through the lineage of his fathers1 even till ,noah2 #ae4 ,and from ,noah till ,enoch1 through the lineage of their fathers3 #af4 ,and from ,enoch to ,abel1 who was slain by the conspiracy of his brother1 who received the priesthood by the commandments of ,god1 by the hand of his father ,adam1 who was the first man-- #ag4 ,which priesthood continueth in the church of ,god in all generations1 and is without beginning of days or end of years4 #ah4 ,and the ,lord confirmed a priesthood also upon ,aaron and his seed1 throughout all their generations1 which priesthood also continueth and abideth forever with the priesthood which is after the holiest order of ,god4 #ai4 ,and this greater priesthood administereth the gospel and holdeth the key of the mysteries of the kingdom1 even the key of the knowledge of ,god4 #bj4 ,therefore1 in the ordinances thereof1 the power of godliness is manifest4 #ba4 ,and without the ordinances thereof1 and the authority of the priesthood1 the power of godliness is not manifest unto men in the flesh2 #bhi #bb4 ,for without this no man can see the face of ,god1 even the ,father1 and live4 #bc4 ,now this ,moses plainly taught to the children of ,israel in the wilderness1 and sought diligently to sanctify his people that they might behold the face of ,god2 #bd4 ,but they hardened their hearts and could not endure his presence2 therefore1 the ,lord in his wrath1 for his anger was kindled against them1 swore that they should not enter into his rest while in the wilderness1 which rest is the fulness of his glory4 #be4 ,therefore1 he took ,moses out of their midst1 and the ,holy ,priesthood also2 #bf4 ,and the lesser priesthood continued1 which priesthood holdeth the key of the ministering of angels and the preparatory gospel2 #bg4 ,which gospel is the gospel of repentance and of baptism1 and the remission of sins1 and the law of carnal commandments1 which the ,lord in his wrath caused to continue with the house of ,aaron among the children of ,israel until ,john1 whom ,god raised up1 being filled with the ,holy ,ghost from his mother's womb4 #bh4 ,for he was baptized while he was yet in his childhood1 and was ordained by the angel of ,god at the time he was eight days old unto this power1 to overthrow the kingdom of the ,jews1 and to make straight the way of the ,lord before the face of his people1 to prepare them for the coming of the ,lord in whose hand is given all power4 #bi4 ,and again1 the offices of elder and bishop are necessary appendages belonging unto the high priesthood4 #cj4 ,and again1 the offices of teacher and deacon are necessary appendages belonging to the lesser priesthood1 which priesthood was confirmed upon ,aaron and his sons4 #ca4 ,therefore1 as ,i said concerning the sons of ,moses--for the sons of ,moses and also the sons of ,aaron shall offer an acceptable offering and sacrifice in the house of the ,lord1 which house shall be built unto the ,lord in this generation1 upon the consecrated spot as ,i have appointed-- #cb4 ,and the sons of ,moses and of ,aaron shall be filled with the glory of the ,lord1 upon ,mount ,zion in the ,lord's house1 whose sons are ye2 and also many whom ,i have called and sent forth to build up my church4 #cc4 ,for whoso is faithful unto the obtaining these two priesthoods of which ,i have spoken1 and the magnifying their calling1 are sanctified by the ,spirit unto the renewing of their bodies4 #cd4 ,they become the sons of ,moses and of ,aaron and the seed of ,abraham1 and the church and kingdom1 and the elect of ,god4 #ce4 ,and also all they who receive this priesthood receive me1 saith the ,lord2 #bij #cf4 ,for he that receiveth my servants receiveth me2 #cg4 ,and he that receiveth me receiveth my ,father2 #ch4 ,and he that receiveth my ,father receiveth my ,father's kingdom2 therefore all that my ,father hath shall be given unto him4 #ci4 ,and this is according to the oath and covenant which belongeth to the priesthood4 #dj4 ,therefore1 all those who receive the priesthood1 receive this oath and covenant of my ,father1 which he cannot break1 neither can it be moved4 #da4 ,but whoso breaketh this covenant after he hath received it1 and altogether turneth therefrom1 shall not have forgiveness of sins in this world nor in the world to come4 #db4 ,and wo unto all those who come not unto this priesthood which ye have received1 which ,i now confirm upon you who are present this day1 by mine own voice out of the heavens2 and even ,i have given the heavenly hosts and mine angels charge concerning you4 #dc4 ,and ,i now give unto you a commandment to beware concerning yourselves1 to give diligent heed to the words of eternal life4 #dd4 ,for you shall live by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of ,god4 #de4 ,for the word of the ,lord is truth1 and whatsoever is truth is light1 and whatsoever is light is ,spirit1 even the ,spirit of ,jesus ,christ4 #df4 ,and the ,spirit giveth light to every man that cometh into the world2 and the ,spirit enlighteneth every man through the world1 that hearkeneth to the voice of the ,spirit4 #dg4 ,and every one that hearkeneth to the voice of the ,spirit cometh unto ,god1 even the ,father4 #dh4 ,and the ,father teacheth him of the covenant which he has renewed and confirmed upon you1 which is confirmed upon you for your sakes1 and not for your sakes only1 but for the sake of the whole world4 #di4 ,and the whole world lieth in sin1 and groaneth under darkness and under the bondage of sin4 #ej4 ,and by this you may know they are under the bondage of sin1 because they come not unto me4 #ea4 ,for whoso cometh not unto me is under the bondage of sin4 #eb4 ,and whoso receiveth not my voice is not acquainted with my voice1 and is not of me4 #ec4 ,and by this you may know the righteous from the wicked1 and that the whole world groaneth under sin and darkness even now4 #ed4 ,and your minds in times past have been darkened because of unbelief1 and because you have treated lightly the things you have received-- #bia #ee4 ,which vanity and unbelief have brought the whole church under condemnation4 #ef4 ,and this condemnation resteth upon the children of ,zion1 even all4 #eg4 ,and they shall remain under this condemnation until they repent and remember the new covenant1 even the ,book of ,mormon and the former commandments which ,i have given them1 not only to say1 but to do according to that which ,i have written-- #eh4 ,that they may bring forth fruit meet for their ,father's kingdom2 otherwise there remaineth a scourge and judgment to be poured out upon the children of ,zion4 #ei4 ,for shall the children of the kingdom pollute my holy land8 ,verily1 ,i say unto you1 ,nay4 #fj4 ,verily1 verily1 ,i say unto you who now hear my words1 which are my voice1 blessed are ye inasmuch as you receive these things2 #fa4 ,for ,i will forgive you of your sins with this commandment--that you remain steadfast in your minds in solemnity and the spirit of prayer1 in bearing testimony to all the world of those things which are communicated unto you4 #fb4 ,therefore1 go ye into all the world2 and unto whatsoever place ye cannot go ye shall send1 that the testimony may go from you into all the world unto every creature4 #fc4 ,and as ,i said unto mine apostles1 even so ,i say unto you1 for you are mine apostles1 even ,god's high priests2 ye are they whom my ,father hath given me2 ye are my friends2 #fd4 ,therefore1 as ,i said unto mine apostles ,i say unto you again1 that every soul who believeth on your words1 and is baptized by water for the remission of sins1 shall receive the ,holy ,ghost4 #fe4 ,and these signs shall follow them that believe-- #ff4 ,in my name they shall do many wonderful works2 #fg4 ,in my name they shall cast out devils2 #fh4 ,in my name they shall heal the sick2 #fi4 ,in my name they shall open the eyes of the blind and unstop the ears of the deaf2 #gj4 ,and the tongue of the dumb shall speak2 #ga4 ,and if any man shall administer poison unto them it shall not hurt them2 #gb4 ,and the poison of a serpent shall not have power to harm them4 #gc4 ,but a commandment ,i give unto them1 that they shall not boast themselves of these things1 neither speak them before the world2 for these things are given unto you for your profit and for salvation4 #gd4 ,verily1 verily ,i say unto you1 they who believe not on your words and are not baptized in water in my name1 for the remission of #bib their sins1 that they may receive the ,holy ,ghost1 shall be damned1 ,i and shall not come into my ,father's kingdom where my ,father and ,i am4 #ge4 ,and this revelation unto you1 and commandment1 is in force from this very hour upon all the world1 and the gospel is unto all who have not received it4 #gf4 ,but1 verily ,i say unto all those to whom the kingdom has been given--from you it must be preached unto them1 that they shall repent of their former evil works2 for they are to be upbraided for their evil hearts of unbelief1 and your brethren in ,zion for their rebellion against you at the time ,i sent you4 #gg4 ,and again ,i say unto you1 my friends1 for from henceforth ,i shall call you friends1 it is expedient that ,i give unto you this commandment1 that ye become even as my friends in days when ,i was with them1 traveling to preach the gospel in my power2 #gh4 ,for ,i suffered them not to have purse or scrip1 neither two coats4 #gi4 ,behold1 ,i send you out to prove the world1 and the laborer is worthy of his hire4 #hj4 ,and any man that shall go and preach this gospel of the kingdom and fail not to continue faithful in all things1 shall not be weary in mind1 neither darkened1 neither in body1 limb1 nor joint2 and a hair of his head shall not fall to the ground unnoticed4 ,and they shall not go hungry1 neither athirst4 #ha4 ,therefore1 take ye no thought for the morrow1 for what ye shall eat or what ye shall drink1 or wherewithal ye shall be clothed4 #hb4 ,for1 consider the lilies of the field1 how they grow1 they toil not1 neither do they spin2 and the kingdoms of the world1 in all their glory are not arrayed like one of these4 #hc4 ,for your ,father1 who is in heaven1 knoweth that you have need of all these things4 #hd4 ,therefore1 let the morrow take thought for the things of itself4 #he4 ,neither take ye thought beforehand what ye shall say2 but treasure up in your minds continually the words of life1 and it shall be given you in the very hour that portion that shall be meted unto every man4 #hf4 ,therefore1 let no man among you1 for this commandment is unto all the faithful who are called of ,god in the church unto the ministry1 from this hour take purse or scrip1 that goeth forth to proclaim this gospel of the kingdom4 #hg4 ,behold1 ,i send you out to reprove the world of all their unrighteous deeds1 and to teach them of a judgment which is to come4 #hh4 ,and whoso receiveth you1 there ,i will be also1 for ,i will go before your face4 ,i will be on your right hand and on your left1 and my #bic ,spirit shall be in your hearts1 and mine angels round about you1 to bear you up4 #hi4 ,whoso receiveth you receiveth me2 and the same will feed you1 and clothe you1 and give you money4 #ij4 ,and he who feeds you1 or clothes you1 or gives you money1 shall in nowise lose his reward4 #ia4 ,and he that doeth not these things is not my disciple2 by this you may know my disciples4 #ib4 ,he that receiveth you not1 go away from him alone by yourselves1 and cleanse your feet even with water1 pure water1 whether in heat or in cold1 and bear testimony of it unto your ,father which is in heaven1 and return not again unto that man4 #ic4 ,and in whatsoever village or city ye enter1 do likewise4 #id4 ,nevertheless1 search diligently and spare not2 and wo unto that house1 or that village or city that rejecteth you1 or your words1 or your testimony concerning me4 #ie4 ,wo1 ,i say again1 unto that house1 or that village or city that rejecteth you1 or your words1 or your testimony of me2 #if4 ,for ,i1 the ,almighty1 have laid my hands upon the nations1 to scourge them for their wickedness4 #ig4 ,and plagues shall go forth1 and they shall not be taken from the earth until ,i have completed my work1 which shall be cut short in righteousness-- #ih4 ,until all shall know me1 who remain1 even from the least unto the greatest1 and shall be filled with the knowledge of the ,lord1 and shall see eye to eye1 and shall lift up their voice1 and with the voice together sing this new song1 saying3 #ii4 ,the ,lord hath brought again ,zion2 ,the ,lord hath redeemed his people1 ,israel1 ,according to the election of grace1 which was brought to pass by the faith ,and covenant of their fathers4 #ajj4 ,the ,lord hath redeemed his people2 ,and ,satan is bound and time is no longer4 ,the ,lord hath gathered all things in one4 ,the ,lord hath brought down ,zion from above4 ,the ,lord hath brought up ,zion from beneath4 #aja4 ,the earth hath travailed and brought forth her strength2 ,and truth is established in her bowels2 ,and the heavens have smiled upon her2 ,and she is clothed with the glory of her ,god2 ,for he stands in the midst of his people4 #ajb4 ,glory1 and honor1 and power1 and might1 #bid ,be ascribed to our ,god2 for he is full of mercy1 ,justice1 grace and truth1 and peace1 ,forever and ever1 ,amen4 #ajc4 ,and again1 verily1 verily1 ,i say unto you1 it is expedient that every man who goes forth to proclaim mine everlasting gospel1 that inasmuch as they have families1 and receive money by gift1 that they should send it unto them or make use of it for their benefit1 as the ,lord shall direct them1 for thus it seemeth me good4 #ajd4 ,and let all those who have not families1 who receive money1 send it up unto the bishop in ,zion1 or unto the bishop in ,ohio1 that it may be consecrated for the bringing forth of the revelations and the printing thereof1 and for establishing ,zion4 #aje4 ,and if any man shall give unto any of you a coat1 or a suit1 take the old and cast it unto the poor1 and go on your way rejoicing4 #ajf4 ,and if any man among you be strong in the ,spirit1 let him take with him him that is weak1 that he may be edified in all meekness1 that he may become strong also4 #ajg4 ,therefore1 take with you those who are ordained unto the lesser priesthood1 and send them before you to make appointments1 and to prepare the way1 and to fill appointments that you yourselves are not able to fill4 #ajh4 ,behold1 this is the way that mine apostles1 in ancient days1 built up my church unto me4 #aji4 ,therefore1 let every man stand in his own office1 and labor in his own calling2 and let not the head say unto the feet it hath no need of the feet2 for without the feet how shall the body be able to stand8 #aaj4 ,also the body hath need of every member1 that all may be edified together1 that the system may be kept perfect4 #aaa4 ,and behold1 the high priests should travel1 and also the elders1 and also the lesser priests2 but the deacons and teachers should be appointed to watch over the church1 to be standing ministers unto the church4 #aab4 ,and the bishop1 ,newel ,k4 ,whitney1 also should travel round about and among all the churches1 searching after the poor to administer to their wants by humbling the rich and the proud4 #aac4 ,he should also employ an agent to take charge and to do his secular business as he shall direct4 #aad4 ,nevertheless1 let the bishop go unto the city of ,new ,york1 also to the city of ,albany1 and also to the city of ,boston1 and warn the people of those cities with the sound of the gospel1 with a loud voice1 of the desolation and utter abolishment which await them if they do reject these things4 #bie #aae4 ,for if they do reject these things the hour of their judgment is nigh1 and their house shall be left unto them desolate4 #aaf4 ,let him trust in me and he shall not be confounded2 and a hair of his head shall not fall to the ground unnoticed4 #aag4 ,and verily ,i say unto you1 the rest of my servants1 go ye forth as your circumstances shall permit1 in your several callings1 unto the great and notable cities and villages1 reproving the world in righteousness of all their unrighteous and ungodly deeds1 setting forth clearly and understandingly the desolation of abomination in the last days4 #aah4 ,for1 with you saith the ,lord ,almighty1 ,i will rend their kingdoms2 ,i will not only shake the earth1 but the starry heavens shall tremble4 #aai4 ,for ,i1 the ,lord1 have put forth my hand to exert the powers of heaven2 ye cannot see it now1 yet a little while and ye shall see it1 and know that ,i am1 and that ,i will come and reign with my people4 #abj4 ,i am ,alpha and ,omega1 the beginning and the end4 ,amen4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,prophet's ,visit to ,eastern ,cities4 ,i continued the translation of the ,bible and ministering to the ,church1 through the fall1 excepting a hurried journey to ,albany1 ,new ,york and ,boston1 in company with ,bishop ,whitney1 from which ,i returned on the #fth of ,november1 immediately after the birth of my son ,joseph ,smith1 the third4 #c ,sidenote3 ,the ,arrival of the ,youngs at ,kirtland4 ,about the #hth of ,november ,i received a visit from ,elders ,joseph ,young1 #d ,brigham ,young1 and ,heber #bif ,c4 ,kimball #e of ,mendon1 ,monroe county1 ,new ,york4 ,they spent four or five days at ,kirtland1 during which we had many interesting moments4 ,at one of our interviews1 ,brother ,brigham ,young #f and ,john ,p4 ,greene spoke in tongues1 which was #big the first time ,i had heard this gift among the brethren2 others also spoke1 and ,i received the gift myself4 #g ,in answer to letters received from the brethren in ,missouri1 ,i wrote as follows3 ,kirtland1 ,nov4 #bgth1 #ahcb4 ,brother ,william ,w4 ,phelps3--,i say brother1 because ,i feel so #bih from the heart1 and although it is not long since ,i wrote a letter unto you1 yet ,i feel as though you would excuse me for writing this1 as ,i have many things which ,i wish to communicate4 ,some things which ,i will mention in this letter1 which are lying with great weight on my mind4 ,i am well1 and my family also2 ,god grant that you may enjoy the same1 and yours1 and all the brethren and sisters who remember to inquire after the commandments of the ,lord1 and the welfare of ,zion and such a being as myself2 and while ,i dictate this letter1 ,i fancy to myself that you are saying or thinking something similar to these words3--,my ,god1 great and mighty art ,thou1 therefore show unto ,thy servant what shall become of those who are essaying to come up unto ,zion1 in order to keep the commandments of ,god1 and yet receive not their inheritance by consecrations1 by order of deed from the ,bishop1 the man that ,god has appointed in a legal way1 agreeably to the law given to organize and regulate the ,church1 and all the affairs of the same4 ,brother ,william1 in the love of ,god1 having the most implicit confidence in you as a man of ,god1 having obtained this confidence by a vision of heaven1 therefore ,i will proceed to unfold to you some of the feelings of my heart1 and to answer the question4 ,firstly1 it is the duty of the ,lord's clerk1 #h whom ,he has appointed1 to keep a history1 and a ,general ,church ,record of all things that transpire in ,zion1 and of all those who consecrate properties and receive inheritances legally from the ,bishop2 and also their manner of life1 their faith1 and works and also of the apostates who apostatize after receiving their inheritances4 ,it is contrary to the will and commandment of ,god1 that those who receive not their inheritance by consecration1 agreeably to ,his law1 which he has given1 that ,he may tithe ,his people1 to prepare them against the day of vengeance and burning1 should have their names enrolled with the people of ,god2 neither is their genealogy to be kept1 or to be had where it may be found on any of the records or history of the ,church2 their names shall not be found neither the names of the fathers1 nor the names of the children written in the book of the law of ,god1 saith the ,lord of hosts4 ,yea1 thus saith the still small voice1 which whispereth through and pierceth all things1 and oftentimes it maketh my bones to quake while it maketh manifest1 saying3 and it shall come to pass1 that ,i1 the ,lord ,god1 will send one mighty and strong1 holding the sceptre of power in his hand1 clothed with light for a covering1 whose mouth shall utter words1 eternal words2 #bii while his bowels shall be a fountain of truth1 to set in order the house of ,god1 and to arrange by lot the inheritances of the ,saints1 whose names are found1 and the names of their fathers1 and of their children enrolled in the book of the law of ,god3 while that man1 who was called of ,god1 and appointed1 that putteth forth his hand to steady the ark of ,god1 shall fall by the shaft of death1 like as a tree that is smitten by the vivid shaft of lightning2 and all they who are not found written in the book of remembrance1 shall find none inheritance in that day but they shall be cut asunder1 and their portion shall be appointed them among unbelievers1 where are wailing and gnashing of teeth4 ,these things ,i say not of myself2 therefore1 as the ,lord speaketh1 ,he will also fulfil4 ,and they who are of the ,high ,priesthood1 whose names are not found written in the book of the law1 or that are found to have apostatized1 or to have been cut off from the ,church2 as well as the lesser ,priesthood1 or the members1 in that day1 shall not find an inheritance among the ,saints of the ,most ,high2 therefore it shall be done unto them as unto the children of the priest1 as will be found recorded in the second chapter1 and sixty-first and sixty-second verses of ,ezra4 #i ,now1 ,brother ,william1 if what ,i have said is true1 how careful men ought to be what they do in the last days1 lest they are cut short of their expectations1 and they that think they stand should fall1 because they keep not the ,lord's commandments2 whilst you1 who do the will of the ,lord and keep ,his commandments1 have need to rejoice with unspeakable joy1 for such shall be exalted very high1 and shall be lifted up in triumph above all the kingdoms of this world2 but ,i must drop this subject at the beginning of it4 ,oh1 ,lord1 when will the time come when ,brother ,william1 ,thy servant1 and myself1 shall behold the day that we may stand together and gaze upon eternal wisdom engraven upon the heavens1 while the majesty of our ,god holdeth up the dark curtain until we may read the round of eternity1 to the fulness and satisfaction of our immortal souls8 ,oh1 ,lord1 deliver us in due time from the little1 narrow prison1 almost as it were1 total darkness of paper1 pen and ink2--and a crooked1 broken1 scattered and imperfect language4 ,i have obtained ten subscribers for the ,star4 ,love for all the brethren4 ,yours in bonds4 ,amen4 ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun4 #cjj ,on the #fth of ,december1 #ahcb1 ,i received the following revelation explaining the parable of the wheat and tares3 ,revelation4 #aj #a4 ,verily1 thus saith the ,lord unto you my servants1 concerning the parable of the wheat and of the tares2 #b4 ,behold1 verily ,i say1 the field was the world1 and the apostles were the sowers of the seed2 #c4 ,and after they have fallen asleep1 the great persecutor of the church1 the apostate1 the whore1 even ,babylon1 that maketh all nations to drink of her cup1 in whose hearts the enemy1 even ,satan1 sitteth to reign--behold he soweth the tares2 wherefore1 the tares choke the wheat and drive the church into the wilderness4 #d4 ,but behold1 in the last days1 even now while the ,lord is beginning to bring forth the word1 and the blade is springing up and is yet tender-- #e4 ,behold1 verily ,i say unto you1 the angels are crying unto the ,lord day and night1 who are ready and waiting to be sent forth to reap down the fields2 #f4 ,but the ,lord saith unto them1 pluck not up the tares while the blade is yet tender 7for verily your faith is weak71 lest you destroy the wheat also4 #g4 ,therefore1 let the wheat and the tares grow together until the harvest is fully ripe2 then ye shall first gather out the wheat from among the tares1 and after the gathering of the wheat1 behold and lo1 the tares are bound in bundles1 and the field remaineth to be burned4 #h4 ,therefore1 thus saith the ,lord unto you1 with whom the priesthood hath continued through the lineage of your fathers-- #i4 ,for ye are lawful heirs1 according to the flesh1 and have been hid from the world with ,christ in ,god-- #aj4 ,therefore1 your life and the priesthood have remained1 and must needs remain through you and your lineage until the restoration of all things spoken by the mouths of all the holy prophets since the world began4 #aa4 ,therefore1 blessed are ye if ye continue in my goodness1 a light unto the ,gentiles1 and through this priesthood1 a savior unto my people ,israel4 ,the ,lord hath said it4 ,amen4 ,footnotes #a4 ,george ,albert ,smith was born at ,potsdam1 ,st4 ,lawrence county1 ,new ,york1 on the #bfth of ,june1 #ahag4 ,he was the son of ,john ,smith1 the sixth son of ,asael and ,mary ,smith4 ,john ,smith was therefore a brother of the ,prophet's father1 and ,george ,albert and the ,prophet were cousins4 ,in the fall of #ahbh1 ,asael ,smith1 grandfather of the subject of this note1 received a letter from ,joseph ,smith1 ,sen41 informing him of some of the visions the youthful ,prophet had received4 ,soon after this a letter from the young ,prophet himself was received by ,john ,smith1 and read in the hearing of ,george ,albert4 ,the letter declared that the judgments of ,god would overtake the wicked of this generation unless they repented4 ,the letter made a deep impression upon ,george ,albert2 while his father remarked that ,joseph wrote like a prophet4 ,in ,august1 #ahcj1 ,joseph ,smith1 ,sen41 visited his brother ,john1 bringing with him the ,book of ,mormon1 a copy of which he left at the former's residence4 ,during the temporary absence of his uncle1 who was visiting other branches of the family1 ,george ,albert championed the ,book of ,mormon1 and answered objections urged against it by the neighbors who came in to examine it4 ,meantime he formulated some objections of his own1 which his ,uncle ,joseph on his return answered to his complete satisfaction2 and he never afterwards ceased to advocate the divine authenticity of the ,book of ,mormon4 ,notwithstanding this conviction1 however1 he was not baptized until some two years had elapsed as will be seen by reference to the date of his baptism in the text of the ,prophet's narrative4 ,at this point ,i think it proper that a letter written by ,asael ,smith1 grandfather of the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith ,jun41 should be introduced4 ,a copy of the letter was obtained by ,george ,a4 ,smith1 the subject of the foregoing biographical note1 while on a visit to ,topsfield1 in #ahgb4 ,the original was in the hands of a son of ,mr4 ,jacob ,town1 then the town clerk of ,topsfield1 and who1 while unwilling to part with the original1 because written to and received by his father1 permitted ,president ,george ,a4 ,smith to copy it4 ,on the outside of the letter1 besides the superscription1 ,mr4 ,jacob ,town1 ,topsfield ,commonwealth of ,massachusetts1 is this3 ,rec'd ,feb4 #ad1 #agif1 from ,asael ,smith4 ,from which it appears1 when compared with the date under which it was written1 the letter was one month on the journey from ,tunbridge1 ,vt41 to ,topsfield1 a distance of #aej miles1 and was probably carried by private conveyance4 ,the letter is produced here for two reasons3 first for its own intrinsic interest as a literary relic of one of the ,prophet's ancestors1 and of the ,american ,revolutionary period2 second1 as showing the character of the stock from which the ,prophet ,joseph descended4 ,this letter exhibits in ,asael ,smith a noble independence of character1 united with a childlike humility before ,god1 together with unbounded faith and trust in the wisdom of ,providence and of ,his over-ruling hand in the affairs of nations4 ,loyalty to his country and faith in the stability of the government under the over-ruling providences of ,god are equally conspicuous4 ,the letter will go far towards refuting the slanders which untruthful writers have been pleased to circulate concerning the character of that race from which the ,prophet descended4 ,asael ,smith's ,letter to ,mr4 ,jacob ,town4 ,tunbridge4 ,jan4 #adth1 #agif4 ,respected ,sir3--,having a favorable opportunity1 altho' on very short notice1 ,i with joy and gratitude1 embrace it1 returning herewith my most hearty thanks for your respect shown in your favor of the #cjth of ,november1 by ,mr4 ,willis1 which ,i view as a singular specimen of friendship1 which has very little been practiced by any of my friends in ,topsfield1 altho' often requested4 ,my family are all1 through the goodness of the ,divine ,benediction1 in a tolerable good state of health1 and desire to be remembered to you and to all inquiring friends4 ,i have set me up a new house since ,mr4 ,willis was here and expect to remove into it next spring1 and begin again on an entire new farm1 and my son ,joseph will live on the old farm 7if this that has been but four years occupied can be called old71 and carry it on at the halves1 which half ,i hope will nearly furnish my family with food1 whilst ,i with my four youngest sons shall endeavor to bring to another farm1 etc4 ,as to news1 ,i have nothing as ,i know of1 worth noticing1 except that grain has taken a sudden rise amongst us about one-third4 ,as to the ,jacobin party1 they are not very numerous here1 or if they are they are pretty still2 there are some in this state1 viz41 in ,bennington1 who like other children crying for a rattle1 have blared out against their rulers1 in hopes to wrest from them1 if possible1 what they esteem the plaything of power and trust4 ,but they have been pretty well whipped and have become tolerably quiet again1 and ,i am in hopes if they live to to arrive to the years of discretion1 when the empire of reason shall take place1 that they will then become good members of society1 notwithstanding their noisy1 nucious behavior in their childhood1 for which they were either capable of hearing or giving any reason4 ,for my part1 ,i am so willing to trust the government of the world in the hands of the ,supreme ,ruler of universal nature1 that ,i do not at present wish to try to wrest it out of ,his hands1 and ,i have so much confidence in ,his abilities to teach our senators wisdom1 that ,i do not think it worth while for me to interpose1 from the little stock of knowledge that ,he has favored me with1 in the affair1 either one way or the other4 ,he has conducted us through a glorious ,revolution and has brought us into the promised land of peace and liberty1 and ,i believe that ,he is about to bring all the world into the same beatitude in ,his own time and way2 which1 altho' ,his ways may appear never so inconsistent to our blind reason1 yet may be perfectly consistent with ,his designs4 ,and ,i believe that the stone is now cut out of the mountain without hands1 spoken of by ,daniel1 and has smitten the image upon his feet1 by which the iron1 the clay1 the brass1 the silver and the gold1 7viz47 all the monarchial and ecclesiastical tyranny will be broken to pieces and become as the chaff of the summer threshing floor1 the wind shall carry them all away1 that there shall be no place found for them4 ,give my best regards to your parents and tell them that ,i have taken up with the eleventh commandment1 that the negro taught to the minister1 which was thus-- ,the minister asked the negro how many commandments there were1 his answer was ',eleben1 sir4' ',aye1' replied the other1 'what is the eleventh8 ,that is one ,i never heard of4' ',the eleventh commandment1 sir1 is mind your own business4' ,so ,i choose to do and give myself but little concern about what passes in the political world4 ,give my best regards to ,dr4 ,meriam1 ,mr4 ,willis1 ,joseph ,dorman and ,mr4 ,cree1 and tell ,mr4 ,cree ,i thank him for his respects and hope he will accept of mine4 ,write to me as often and as large as you can and oblige your sincere friend and well-wisher4 7,signed7 ,asael ,smith ,mr4 ,jacob ,town1 ,jun4 ,the following appears on the back of the first page of the letter1 being evidently of the nature of a postscript-- ,give my hearty thanks to ,mr4 ,charles ,rogers for his respects shown in writing me a few lines1 and tell him that ,i should a wrote to him now1 had ,i had time1 but now waive it for the present1 as ,i have considerable part of what ,i intended to a writ to you4 ,if ,i should live and do well1 ,i expect to come to ,topsfield myself next winter1 which1 if ,i do1 ,i shall come and pay you a visit4 ,farewell4 ,tell ,mr4 ,joseph ,cree that if he will come here and set up his trade1 ,i will warrant him as much work as he can do1 and good pay4 ,on the margin of the second page of the letter appears the following-- ,i expect my son ,joseph will be married in a few days4 #b4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #hd4 #c4 ,three children had previously been born to ,joseph and ,emma3 a son1 on ,june #ae1 #ahbh1 who died the same hour2 and a son and daughter1 on ,april #cj1 #ahca1 who lived three hours4 ,these latter children were born the same day as the ,murdock twins1 whose adoption into ,joseph's family at the age of nine days1 is mentioned on page #bfj4 #d4 ,joseph ,young1 mentioned above1 was named for his grandfather ,joseph ,young1 a physician and surgeon in the ,british-,american army during the ,french and ,indian war4 ,john ,young1 the father of ,joseph ,young1 subject of this note1 was a native of ,hopkinton1 ,middlesex county1 ,massachusetts4 ,he married ,nabby ,howe1 who bore to him eleven children1 of whom ,joseph was the seventh child and second son4 ,joseph was born on the #gth of ,april1 #agig1 in ,hopkinton1 ,middlesex county1 ,massachusetts4 ,in early life he became attached to religion1 and was very moral and devout4 ,in his youth he assisted his father in agricultural pursuits4 ,he was a ,methodist preacher for a number of years1 and labored in the ,united ,states and ,canada4 ,on ,april #fth1 #ahcb1 he was baptized into the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-day ,saints1 by ,elder ,daniel ,bowen1 in ,columbia1 ,pennsylvania2 and was ordained an ,elder a few days afterwards under the hands of ,ezra ,landon4 ,after preaching in the state of ,new ,york for several months1 he took a mission to ,canada1 in the summer of #ahcb1 in company with his brother ,phinehas1 ,eleazer ,miller and others4 ,they organized two small branches1 and returned to ,mendon in about four months4 ,he then went to ,kirtland with ,heber ,c4 ,kimball and his brother ,brigham1 as related in the text4 #e4 ,heber ,chase ,kimball was born ,june #ad1 #ahja1 in ,sheldon1 ,franklin county1 ,vermont4 ,his parents were ,american born1 though of ,scotch extraction1 the ancient name of the family being1 it is believed1 ,campbell4 ,his opportunities for acquiring an education even of the common school order were extremely limited4 ,at the age of nineteen he was apprenticed to his elder brother1 ,charles1 to learn the potter's trade4 ,he served some two years as an apprentice and then worked for his brother as a journeyman potter4 ,while yet in the employ of his brother they together moved to ,mendon1 ,monroe county1 where the latter established a pottery4 ,while living here ,heber married ,vilate ,murray1 of ,victor1 a town near ,mendon1 but in the adjoining county of ,ontario4 ,soon after his marriage he joined the ,baptist church4 ,three weeks later1 and some time in the winter of #ahca1 a number of the ,elders of the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-day ,saints began preaching in the town of ,victor1 and ,heber ,c4 ,kimball and a number of the ,youngs attended their meetings4 ,then followed the visit to the branch of the ,church in ,columbia1 ,pennsylvania1 mentioned in the biographical note of ,brigham ,young4 ,after his return from ,columbia he was baptized by ,alpheus ,gifford1 on the #aeth of ,april1 #ahcb4 ,during the summer of #ahcb ,heber ,c4 ,kimball was ordained an ,elder and with the ,youngs labored part of his time in the ministry1 and succeeded in raising up several small branches of the ,church4 ,in ,september he made the journey to ,kirtland1 spoken of by the ,prophet in his narrative4 #f4 ,brigham ,young was born in ,whitingham1 ,windham county1 ,vermont1 ,june #a1 #ahja4 ,he was the ninth child and fourth son of ,john and ,nabby ,howe ,young4 ,he was early taught by his parents to live a strictly moral life1 it was not until he was in his twenty-second year that he gave serious thought to religion4 ,he soon afterwards joined the ,methodist church4 ,on the #hth of ,october he married ,miriam ,works1 daughter of ,asa and ,jerusha ,works1 and for a number of years followed the trade of carpenter and joiner1 painter and glazier4 ,in the spring of #ahbi he made his home at ,mendon1 a small town some fifteen miles south and east of ,rochester1 in ,monroe county1 where his father also resided4 ,a year later he saw for the first time the ,book of ,mormon1 a copy that was left at the house of his brother1 ,phinehas ,h4 ,young1 by ,samuel ,h4 ,smith1 brother of the ,prophet4 ,in the fall of #ahca ,elders ,alpheus ,gifford1 ,elial ,strong and others appeared in the vicinity of ,mendon1 preaching the restored ,gospel1 as revealed through ,joseph ,smith the ,prophet1 and ,brigham believed their testimony4 ,in company with his brother1 ,phinehas1 and ,heber ,c4 ,kimball he visited a branch of the ,church in ,columbia1 ,bradford county1 ,pennsylvania4 ,the three brethren remained with the branch of the ,church about a week1 during which time their faith was much strengthened in the mission of the modern ,prophet4 ,on returning to ,mendon1 ,brigham ,young in company with ,john ,p4 ,greene started for ,canada to find ,joseph ,young1 an elder brother of ,brigham's1 then a preacher in the ,methodist church4 ,on meeting his brother ,brigham related what he had learned of the new dispensation and ,joseph rejoiced at hearing the glad tidings4 ,together they returned to ,mendon1 where they arrived in ,march1 #ahcb2 and on the #adth of ,april following1 ,brigham was baptized by ,eleazer ,miller1 and confirmed a member of the ,church at the water's edge4 ,almost immediately afterwards ,miller ordained him an ,elder in the ,church4 ,during the summer of #ahcb he preached in ,mendon and vicinity and assisted in raising up several branches of the ,church4 ,on the #hth of ,september his wife died of consumption1 leaving him with two small children1 both girls4 ,after the death of his wife he made his home with ,heber ,c4 ,kimball1 the latter's wife taking in charge his motherless babes4 ,in the same month of ,september1 in company with ,heber ,c4 ,kimball and his brother ,joseph1 he went to ,kirtland on his visit to the ,prophet1 as related in the text4 #g4 ,the above incident is thus related by ,president ,brigham ,young in his own history3--,in ,september1 #ahcb1 ,brother ,heber ,c4 ,kimball took his horse and wagon1 ,brother ,joseph ,young and myself accompanying him1 and started for ,kirtland to see the ,prophet ,joseph4 ,we visited many friends on the way1 and some branches of the ,church4 ,we exhorted them and prayed with them1 and ,i spoke in tongues4 ,some pronounced it genuine and from the ,lord1 and others pronounced it of the devil4 ,we proceeded to ,kirtland and stopped at ,john ,p4 ,greene's1 who had just arrived there with his family4 ,we rested a few minutes1 took some refreshments and started to see the ,prophet4 ,we went to his father's house and learned that he was in the woods chopping4 ,we immediately repaired to the woods1 where we found the ,prophet1 and two or three of his brothers1 chopping and hauling wood4 ,here my joy was full at the privilege of shaking the hand of the ,prophet of ,god1 and receiving the sure testimony1 by the spirit of prophecy1 that he was all that any man could believe him to be as a true prophet4 ,he was happy to see us and bid us welcome4 ,we soon returned to his house1 he accompanying us4 ,in the evening1 a few of the brethren came in1 and we conversed upon the things of the kingdom4 ,he called upon me to pray2 in my prayer ,i spoke in tongues4 ,as soon as we arose from our knees1 the brethren flocked around him1 and asked his opinion concerning the gift of tongues that was upon me4 ,he told them it was the pure ,adamic language4 ,some said to him they expected he would condemn the gift ,brother ,brigham had1 but he said1 ,no1 it is of ,god4--,millennial ,star1 vol4 #be1 p4 #dci4 ,the gift of tongues here spoken of was first exercised in one of the ,pennsylvania branches2 next at ,mendon1 where the ,youngs and ,kimballs resided2 then in the branches between ,mendon and ,kirtland2 then in ,kirtland under the circumstances above related1 and shortly afterwards it was a gift quite generally exercised by the ,saints in ,ohio4 ,and it came to pass1 writes ,john ,whitmer in his history of the ,church 7chap4 #aj71 that in the fall of #ahcb1 the disciples in ,ohio received the gift of tongues1 and in ,june1 #ahcc1 we received the gift of tongues in ,zion4 #h4 ,the part of the above letter1 beginning with the words1 ,it is the duty of the ,lord's clerk1 etc41 and ending with the words1 ,as will be found recorded in the second chapter and sixty-first and sixty-second verses of ,ezra1 was accepted afterwards as the word of the ,lord1 that is1 as a revelation upon the matters treated therein1 and appears in the ,doctrine and ,covenants as section #he4 #i4 ,and the children of the priests3 the children of ,habaiah1 the children of ,koz1 the children of ,barzillai2 which took a wife of the daughters of ,barzillai the ,gileadite1 and was called after their name3 these sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy1 but they were not found1 therefore were they1 as polluted1 put from the priesthood4--,ezra #b3fa1 #fb4 #aj4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 #hf4 #cja ,chapter ,,xxii4 ,the ,prophecy on the ,war of the ,rebellion--,the ,olive ,leaf--,communication to ,mr4 ,seaton--,warning to ,zion4 ,sidenote3 ,state of the ,world at the ,close of #ahcb4 ,appearances of troubles among the nations became more visible this season than they had previously been since the ,church began her journey out of the wilderness4 ,the ravages of the cholera were frightful in almost all the large cities on the globe4 ,the plague broke out in ,india1 while the ,united ,states1 amid all her pomp and greatness1 was threatened with immediate dissolution4 ,the people of ,south ,carolina1 in convention assembled 7in ,november71 passed ordinances1 declaring their state a free and independent nation2 and appointed ,thursday1 the #cast day of ,january1 #ahcc1 as a day of humiliation and prayer1 to implore ,almighty ,god to vouchsafe ,his blessings1 and restore liberty and happiness within their borders4 ,president ,jackson issued his proclamation against this rebellion1 called out a force sufficient to quell it1 and implored the blessings of ,god to assist the nation to extricate itself from the horrors of the approaching and solemn crisis4 ,on ,christmas day #ahcb1 ,i received the following revelation and prophecy on war4 ,revelation and ,prophecy4 #a #a4 ,verily1 thus saith the ,lord concerning the wars that will shortly come to pass1 beginning at the rebellion of ,south ,carolina1 which will eventually terminate in the death and misery of many souls2 #b4 ,and the time will come that war will be poured out upon all nations1 beginning at this place4 #c4 ,for behold1 the ,southern ,states shall be divided against the ,northern ,states1 and the ,southern ,states will call on other nations1 even the nation of ,great ,britain1 as it is called1 and they shall also call upon #cjb other nations1 in order to defend themselves against other nations2 and then war shall be poured out upon all nations4 #d4 ,and it shall come to pass1 after many days1 slaves shall rise up against their masters1 who shall be marshaled and discipled for war4 #e4 ,and it shall come to pass also that the remnants who are left of the land will marshal themselves1 and shall become exceedingly angry1 and shall vex the ,gentiles with a sore vexation4 #f4 ,and thus1 with the sword and by bloodshed the inhabitants of the earth shall mourn2 and with famine1 and plague1 and earthquake1 and the thunder of heaven1 and the fierce and vivid lightning also1 shall the inhabitants of the earth be made to feel the wrath1 and indignation1 and chastening hand of an ,almighty ,god1 until the consumption decreed hath made a full end of all nations2 #g4 ,that the cry of the saints1 and the blood of the saints1 shall cease to come up into the ears of the ,lord of ,sabaoth1 from the earth1 to be avenged of their enemies4 #h4 ,wherefore1 stand ye in holy places1 and be not moved1 until the day of the ,lord come2 for behold1 it cometh quickly1 saith the ,lord4 ,amen4 ,two days after the preceding prophecy1 on the #bgth of ,december1 ,i received the following3 ,revelation4 #b #a4 ,verily1 thus saith the ,lord unto you who have assembled yourselves together to receive his will concerning you3 #b4 ,behold1 this is pleasing unto your ,lord1 and the angels rejoice over you2 the alms of your prayer have come up into the ears of the ,lord of ,sabaoth1 and are recorded in the book of the names of the sanctified1 even them of the celestial world4 #c4 ,wherefore1 ,i now send upon you another ,comforter1 even upon you my friends1 that it may abide in your hearts1 even the ,holy ,spirit of promise2 which other ,comforter is the same that ,i promised unto my disciples1 as is recorded in the testimony of ,john4 #d4 ,this ,comforter is the promise which ,i give unto you of eternal life1 even the glory of the celestial kingdom2 #e4 ,which glory is that of the church of the ,firstborn1 even of ,god1 the holiest of all1 through ,jesus ,christ his ,son-- #f4 ,he that ascended up on high1 as also he descended below all #cjc things1 in that he comprehended all things1 that he might be in all and through all things1 the light of truth2 #g4 ,which truth shineth4 ,this is the light of ,christ4 ,as also he is in the sun1 and the light of the sun1 and the power thereof by which it was made4 #h4 ,as also he is in the moon1 and is the light of the moon1 and the power thereof by which it was made2 #i4 ,as also the light of the stars1 and the power thereof by which they were made2 #aj4 ,and the earth also1 and the power thereof1 even the earth upon which you stand4 #aa4 ,and the light which shineth1 which giveth you light1 is through him who enlighteneth your eyes1 which is the same light that quickeneth your understandings2 #ab4 ,which light proceedeth forth from the presence of ,god to fill the immensity of space-- #ac4 ,the light which is in all things1 which giveth life to all things1 which is the law by which all things are governed1 even the power of ,god who sitteth upon his throne1 who is in the bosom of eternity1 who is in the midst of all things4 #ad4 ,now1 verily ,i say unto you1 that through the redemption which is made for you is brought to pass the resurrection from the dead4 #ae4 ,and the spirit and the body are the soul of man4 #af4 ,and the resurrection from the dead is the redemption of the soul4 #ag4 ,and the redemption of the soul is through him that quickeneth all things1 in whose bosom it is decreed that the poor and the meek of the earth shall inherit it4 #ah4 ,therefore1 it must needs be sanctified from all unrighteousness1 that it may be prepared for the celestial glory2 #ai4 ,for after it hath filled the measure of its creation1 it shall be crowned with glory1 even with the presence of ,god the ,father2 #bj4 ,that bodies who are of the celestial kingdom may possess it forever and ever2 for1 for this intent was it made and created1 and for this intent are they sanctified4 #ba4 ,and they who are not sanctified through the law which ,i have given unto you1 even the law of ,christ1 must inherit another kingdom1 even that of a terrestrial kingdom1 or that of a telestial kingdom4 #bb4 ,for he who is not able to abide the law of a celestial kingdom cannot abide a celestial glory4 #bc4 ,and he who cannot abide the law of a terrestrial kingdom cannot abide a terrestrial glory4 #bd4 ,and he who cannot abide the law of a telestial kingdom cannot abide a telestial glory2 therefore he is not meet for a kingdom of glory4 #cjd ,therefore he must abide a kingdom which is not a kingdom of glory4 #be4 ,and again1 verily ,i say unto you1 the earth abideth the law of a celestial kingdom1 for it filleth the measure of its creation1 and transgresseth not the law4 #bf4 ,wherefore1 it shall be sanctified2 yea1 notwithstanding it shall die1 it shall be quickened again1 and shall abide the power by which it is quickened1 and the righteous shall inherit it4 #bg4 ,for notwithstanding they die1 they also shall rise again1 a spiritual body4 #bh4 ,they who are of a celestial spirit shall receive the same body which was a natural body2 even ye shall receive your bodies1 and your glory shall be that glory by which your bodies are quickened4 #bi4 ,ye who are quickened by a portion of the celestial glory shall then receive of the same1 even a fulness4 #cj4 ,and they who are quickened by a portion of the terrestrial glory shall then receive of the same1 even a fulness4 #ca4 ,and also they who are quickened by a portion of the telestial glory shall then receive of the same1 even a fulness4 #cb4 ,and they who remain shall also be quickened2 nevertheless1 they shall return again to their own place1 to enjoy that which they are willing to receive1 because they were not willing to enjoy that which they might have received4 #cc4 ,for what doth it profit a man if a gift is bestowed upon him1 and he receive not the gift8 ,behold1 he rejoices not in that which is given unto him1 neither rejoices in him who is the giver of the gift4 #cd4 ,and again1 verily ,i say unto you1 that which is governed by law is also preserved law and perfected and sanctified by the same4 #ce4 ,that which breaketh a law1 and abideth not by law1 but seeketh to become a law unto itself1 and willeth to abide in sin1 and altogether abideth in sin1 cannot be sanctified by law1 neither by mercy1 justice1 nor judgment4 ,therefore1 they must remain filthy still4 #cf4 ,all kingdoms have a law given2 #cg4 ,and there are many kingdoms2 for there is no space in the which there is no kingdom2 and there is no kingdom in which there is no space1 either a greater or a lesser kingdom4 #ch4 ,and unto every kingdom is given a law2 and unto every law there are certain bounds also and conditions4 #ci4 ,all beings who abide not in those conditions are not justified4 #dj4 ,for intelligence cleaveth unto intelligence2 wisdom receiveth wisdom2 truth embraceth truth2 virtue loveth virtue2 light cleaveth unto light2 mercy hath compassion on mercy and claimeth her own2 justice continueth its course and claimeth its own2 judgment goeth #cje before the face of him who sitteth upon the throne and governeth and executeth all things4 #da4 ,he comprehendeth all things1 and all things are before him1 and all things are round about him2 and he is above all things1 and in all things1 and is through all things1 and is round about all things2 and all things are by him1 and of him1 even ,god1 forever and ever4 #db4 ,and again1 verily ,i say unto you1 he hath given a law unto all things1 by which they move in their times and their seasons2 #dc4 ,and their courses are fixed1 even the courses of the heavens and the earth1 which comprehend the earth and all the planets4 #dd4 ,and they give light to each other in their times and in their seasons1 in their minutes1 in their hours1 in their days1 in their weeks1 in their months1 in their years--all these are one year with ,god1 but not with man4 #de4 ,the earth rolls upon her wings1 and the sun giveth his light by day1 and the moon giveth her light by night1 and the stars also give their light1 as they roll upon their wings in their glory1 in the midst of the power of ,god4 #df4 ,unto what shall ,i liken these kingdoms1 that ye may understand8 #dg4 ,behold1 all these are kingdoms1 and any man who hath seen any or the least of these hath seen ,god moving in his majesty and power4 #dh4 ,i say unto you1 he hath seen him2 nevertheless1 he who came unto his own was not comprehended4 #di4 ,the light shineth in darkness1 and the darkness comprehendeth it not2 nevertheless1 the day shall come when you shall comprehend even ,god1 being quickened in him and by him4 #ej4 ,then shall ye know that ye have seen me1 that ,i am1 and that ,i am the true light that is in you1 and that you are in me2 otherwise ye could not abound4 #ea4 ,behold1 ,i will liken these kingdoms unto a man having a field1 and he sent forth his servants into the field to dig in the field4 #eb4 ,and he said unto the first3 ,go ye and labor in the field1 and in the first hour ,i will come unto you1 and ye shall behold the joy of my countenance4 #ec4 ,and he said unto the second3 ,go ye also into the field1 and in the second hour ,i will visit you with the joy of my countenance4 #ed4 ,and also unto the third1 saying3 ,i will visit you2 #ee4 ,and unto the fourth1 and so on unto the twelfth4 #ef4 ,and the lord of the field went unto the first in the first hour1 and tarried with him all that hour1 and he was made glad with the light of the countenance of his lord4 #eg4 ,and then he withdrew from the first that he might visit the second also1 and the third1 and the fourth1 and so on unto the twelfth4 #cjf #eh4 ,and thus they all received the light of the countenance of their lord1 every man in his hour1 and in his time1 and in his season-- #ei4 ,beginning at the first1 and so on unto the last1 and from the last unto the first1 and from the first unto the last2 #fj4 ,every man in his own order1 until his hour was finished1 even according as his lord had commanded him1 that his lord might be glorified in him1 and he in his lord1 that they all might be glorified4 #fa4 ,therefore1 unto this parable ,i will liken all these kingdoms1 and the inhabitants thereof--every kingdom in its hour1 and in its time1 and in its season1 even according to the decree which ,god hath made4 #fb4 ,and again1 verily ,i say unto you1 my friends1 ,i leave these sayings with you to ponder in your hearts1 with this commandment which ,i give unto you1 that ye shall call upon me while ,i am near2 #fc4 ,draw near unto me and ,i will draw near unto you2 seek me diligently and ye shall find me2 ask1 and ye shall receive2 knock and it shall be opened unto you4 #fd4 ,whatsoever ye ask the ,father in my name it shall be given unto you1 that is expedient for you2 #fe4 ,and if ye ask anything that is not expedient for you1 it shall turn unto your condemnation4 #ff4 ,behold1 that which you hear is as the voice of one crying in the wilderness--in the wilderness1 because you cannot see him--my voice1 because my voice is ,spirit2 my ,spirit is truth2 truth abideth and hath no end2 and if it be in you it shall abound4 #fg4 ,and if your eye be single to my glory1 your whole bodies shall be filled with light1 and there shall be no darkness in you2 and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things4 #fh4 ,therefore1 sanctify yourselves that your minds become single to ,god1 and the days will come that you shall see him2 for he will unveil his face unto you1 and it shall be in his own time1 and in his own way1 and according to his own will4 #fi4 ,remember the great and last promise which ,i have made unto you2 cast away your idle thoughts and your excess of laughter far from you4 #gj4 ,tarry ye1 tarry ye in this place1 and call a solemn assembly1 even of those who are the first laborers in this last kingdom4 #ga4 ,and let those whom they have warned in their traveling call on the ,lord1 and ponder the warning in their hearts which they have received1 for a little season4 #gb4 ,behold1 and lo1 ,i will take care of your flocks1 and will raise up elders and send unto them4 #gc4 ,behold1 ,i will hasten my work in its time4 #gd4 ,and ,i give unto you1 who are the first laborers in this last kingdom1 a commandment that you assemble yourselves together1 and #cjg organize yourselves1 and prepare yourselves1 and sanctify yourselves2 yea1 purify your hearts1 and cleanse your hands and your feet before me1 that ,i may make you clean2 #ge4 ,that ,i may testify unto your ,father1 and your ,god1 and my ,god1 that you are clean from the blood of this wicked generation2 that ,i may fulfil this promise1 this great and last promise1 which ,i have made unto you1 when ,i will4 #gf4 ,also1 ,i give unto you a commandment that ye shall continue in prayer and fasting from this time forth4 #gg4 ,and ,i give unto you a commandment that you shall teach one another the doctrine of the kingdom4 #gh4 ,teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you1 that you may be instructed more perfectly in theory1 in principle1 in doctrine1 in the law of the gospel1 in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of ,god1 that are expedient for you to understand2 #gi4 ,of things both in heaven and in the earth1 and under the earth2 things which have been1 things which are1 things which must shortly come to pass2 things which are at home1 things which are abroad2 the wars and the perplexities of the nations1 and the judgments which are on the land2 and a knowledge also of countries and of kingdoms-- #hj4 ,that ye may be prepared in all things when ,i shall send you again to magnify the calling whereunto ,i have called you1 and the mission with which ,i have commissioned you4 #ha4 ,behold1 ,i sent you out to testify and warn the people1 and it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor4 #hb4 ,therefore1 they are left without excuse1 and their sins are upon their own heads4 #hc4 ,he that seeketh me early shall find me1 and shall not be forsaken4 #hd4 ,therefore1 tarry ye1 and labor diligently1 that you may be perfected in your ministry to go forth among the ,gentiles for the last time1 as many as the mouth of the ,lord shall name1 to bind up the law and seal up the testimony1 and to prepare the saints for the hour of judgment which is to come2 #he4 ,that their souls may escape the wrath of ,god1 the desolation of abomination which awaits the wicked1 both in this world and in the world to come4 ,verily1 ,i say unto you1 let those who are not the first elders continue in the vineyard until the mouth of the ,lord shall call them1 for their time is not yet come2 their garments are not clean from the blood of this generation4 #hf4 ,abide ye in the liberty wherewith ye are made free2 entangle not yourselves in sin1 but let your hands be clean1 until the ,lord comes4 #hg4 ,for not many days hence and the earth shall tremble and reel to #cjh and fro as a drunken man2 and the sun shall hide his face1 and shall refuse to give light2 and the moon shall be bathed in blood2 and the stars shall become exceedingly angry1 and shall cast themselves down as a fig that falleth from off a fig-tree4 #hh4 ,and after your testimony cometh wrath and indignation upon the people4 #hi4 ,for after your testimony cometh the testimony of earthquakes1 that shall cause groanings in the midst of her1 and men shall fall upon the ground1 and shall not be able to stand4 #ij4 ,and also cometh the testimony of the voice of thunderings1 and the voice of lightnings1 and the voice of tempests1 and the voice of the waves of the sea heaving themselves beyond their bounds4 #ia4 ,and all things shall be in commotion2 and surely1 men's hearts shall fail them2 for fear shall come upon all people4 #ib4 ,and angels shall fly through the midst of heaven1 crying with a loud voice1 sounding the trump of ,god1 saying3 ,prepare ye1 prepare ye1 ,o inhabitants of the earth2 for the judgment of our ,god is come3 behold1 and lo6 the ,bridegroom cometh1 go ye out to meet ,him4 #ic4 ,and immediately there shall appear a great sign in heaven1 and all people shall see it together4 #id4 ,and another angel shall sound his trump1 saying1 ,that great church1 the mother of abominations1 that made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication1 that persecuteth the ,saints of ,god1 that shed their blood2 she who sitteth upon many waters1 and upon the islands of the sea2 behold1 she is the tares of the earth1 she is bound in bundles1 her bands are made strong1 no man can loose them2 therefore1 she is ready to be burned4 ,and he shall sound his trump both long and loud1 and all nations shall hear it4 #ie4 ,and there shall be silence in heaven for the space of half an hour1 and immediately after shall the curtain of heaven be unfolded1 as a scroll is unfolded after it is rolled up1 and the face of the ,lord shall be unveiled2 #if4 ,and the ,saints that are upon the earth1 who are alive1 shall be quickened1 and be caught up to meet ,him4 #ig4 ,and they who have slept in their graves shall come forth2 for their graves shall be opened1 and they also shall be caught up to meet ,him in the midst of the pillar of heaven3 #ih4 ,they are ,christ's1 the first fruits3 they who shall descend with ,him first1 and they who are on the earth and in their graves1 who are first caught up to meet ,him3 and all this by the voice of the sounding of the trump of the angel of ,god4 #ii4 ,and after this another angel shall sound1 which is the second trump2 and then cometh the redemption of those who are ,christ's at #cji ,his coming2 who have received their part in that prison which is prepared for them1 that they might receive the gospel1 and be judged according to men in the flesh4 #ajj4 ,and again1 another trump shall sound1 which is the third trump2 and then come the spirits of men who are to be judged1 and are found under condemnation3 #aja4 ,and these are the rest of the dead1 and they live not again until the thousand years are ended1 neither again1 until the end of the earth4 #ajb4 ,and another trump shall sound1 which is the fourth trump1 saying1 ,there are found among those who are to remain until that great and last day1 even the end1 who shall remain filthy still4 #ajc4 ,and another trump shall sound1 which is the fifth trump1 which is the fifth angel who committeth the everlasting ,gospel1--flying through the midst of heaven1 unto all nations1 kindreds1 tongues1 and people2 #ajd4 ,and this shall be the sound of his trump1 saying to all people1 both in heaven and in earth1 and that are under the earth2 for every ear shall hear it1 and every knee shall bow1 and every tongue shall confess1 while they hear the sound of the trump1 saying1 ,fear ,god1 and give glory to ,him who sitteth upon the throne1 for ever and ever3 for the hour of ,his judgment is come4 #aje4 ,and again1 another angel shall sound his trump1 which is the sixth angel1 saying1 ,she is fallen who made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication3 she is fallen6 is fallen6 #ajf4 ,and again1 another angel shall sound his trump1 which is the seventh angel1 saying1 ,it is finished6 ,it is finished6 ,the ,lamb of ,god hath overcome and trodden the wine-press alone3 even the wine-press of the fierceness of the wrath of ,almighty ,god2 #ajg4 ,and then shall the angels be crowned with the glory of ,his might1 and the ,saints shall be filled with ,his glory1 and receive their inheritance and be made equal with ,him4 #ajh4 ,and then shall the first angel again sound his trump in the ears of all living1 and reveal the secret acts of men1 and the mighty works of ,god in the first thousand years4 #aji4 ,and then shall the second angel sound his trump1 and reveal the secret acts of men1 and the thoughts and intents of their hearts1 and the mighty works of ,god in the second thousand years4 #aaj4 ,and so on1 until the seventh angel shall sound his trump3 and he shall stand forth upon the land and upon the sea1 and swear in the name of ,him who sitteth upon the throne1 that there shall be time no longer2 and ,satan shall be bound1 that old serpent1 who is called the devil1 and shall not be loosed for the space of a thousand years4 #caj #aaa4 ,and then he shall be loosed for a little season1 that he may gather together his armies3 #aab4 ,and ,michael1 the seventh angel1 even the archangel1 shall gather together his armies1 even the hosts of heaven4 #aac4 ,and the devil shall gather together his armies1 even the hosts of hell1 and shall come up to battle against ,michael and his armies3 #aad4 ,and then cometh the battle of the great ,god2 and the devil and his armies shall be cast away into their own place1 that they shall not have power over the saints any more at all2 #aae4 ,for ,michael shall fight their battles1 and shall overcome him who seeketh the throne of him who sitteth upon the throne1 even the ,lamb4 #aaf4 ,this is the glory of ,god1 and the sanctified2 and they shall not any more see death4 #aag4 ,therefore1 verily ,i say unto you1 my friends1 call your solemn assembly1 as ,i have commanded you4 #aah4 ,and as all have not faith1 seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom2 yea1 seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom2 seek learning even by study1 and also by faith4 #aai4 ,organize yourselves1 prepare every needful thing1 and establish a house1 even a house of prayer1 a house of fasting1 a house of faith1 a house of learning1 a house of glory1 a house of order1 a house of ,god2 #abj4 ,that your incomings may be in the name of the ,lord2 that your outgoings may be in the name of the ,lord2 that all your salutations may be in the name of the ,lord1 with uplifted hands unto the ,most ,high4 #aba4 ,therefore1 cease from all your light speeches2 from all laughter2 from all your lustful desires2 from all your pride and light-mindedness1 and from all your wicked doings4 #abb4 ,appoint among yourselves a teacher1 and let not all be spokesmen at once2 but let one speak at a time and let all listen unto his sayings1 that when all have spoken1 that all may be edified of all1 and that every man may have an equal privilege4 #abc4 ,see that ye love one another2 cease to be covetous1 learn to impart one to another as the gospel requires3 #abd4 ,cease to be idle2 cease to be unclean2 cease to find fault one with another2 cease to sleep longer than is needful2 retire to thy bed early1 that ye may not be weary2 rise early1 that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated4 #abe4 ,and above all things1 clothe yourselves with the bond of charity1 as with a mantle1 which is the bond of perfectness and peace2 #abf4 ,pray always1 that ye may not faint1 until ,i come3 behold1 and lo1 ,i will come quickly1 and receive you unto myself4 ,amen4 #caa #abg4 ,and again1 the order of the house prepared for the presidency of the school of the prophets1 established for their instruction in all things that are expedient for them1 even for all the officers of the church1 or in other words1 those who are called to the ministry in the church1 beginning at the high priests1 even down to the ,deacons2 #abh4 ,and this shall be the order of the house of the presidency of the school3 ,he that is appointed to be president1 or teacher1 shall be found standing in his place in the house which shall be prepared for him4 #abi4 ,therefore1 he shall be first in the house of ,god1 in a place that the congregation in the house may hear his words1 carefully and distinctly1 not with loud speech4 #acj4 ,and when he cometh into the house of ,god1 7for he should be first in the house2 behold1 this is beautiful1 that he may be an example71 #aca4 ,let him offer himself in prayer upon his knees before ,god1 in token or remembrance of the everlasting covenant4 #acb4 ,and when any shall come in after him1 let the teacher arise1 and1 with uplifted hands1 to heaven2 yea1 even directly1 salute his brother or brethren with these words3 #acc4 ,art thou a brother or brethren8 ,i salute you in the name of the ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 in token or remembrance of the everlasting covenant1 in which covenant ,i receive you to fellowship1 in a determination that is fixed1 immovable1 and unchangeable1 to be your friend and brother through the grace of ,god1 in the bonds of love1 to walk in all the commandments of ,god blameless1 in thanksgiving1 forever and ever4 ,amen4 #acd4 ,and he that is found unworthy of this salutation1 shall not have place among you2 for ye shall not suffer that mine house shall be polluted by him4 #ace4 ,and he that cometh in and is faithful before me1 and is a brother1 or if they be brethren1 they shall salute the president or teacher with uplifted hands to heaven1 with this same prayer and covenant1 or by saying ,amen1 in token of the same4 #acf4 ,behold1 verily1 ,i say unto you1 this is an ensample unto you for a salutation to one another in the house of ,god1 in the school of the prophets4 #acg4 ,and ye are called to do this by prayer and thanksgiving as the ,spirit shall give utterance in all your doings in the house of the ,lord1 in the school of the prophets1 that it may become a sanctuary1 a tabernacle of the ,holy ,spirit to your edification4 #ach4 ,and ye shall not receive any among you into this school save he is clean from the blood of this generation2 #cab #aci4 ,and he shall be received by the ordinance of the washing of feet1 for unto this end was the ordinance of the washing of feet instituted4 #adj4 ,and again1 the ordinance of washing feet is to be administered by the president1 or ,presiding ,elder of the ,church4 #ada4 ,it is to be commenced with prayer2 and after partaking of bread and wine1 he is to gird himself according to the pattern given in the thirteenth chapter of ,john's testimony concerning me4 ,amen4 ,i wrote to ,n4 ,e4 ,seaton1 ,esq41 #c editor of the--1 as follows3 #d ,kirtland1 ,january #dth1 #ahcc4 ,mr4 ,editor3--,sir1 ,considering the liberal principles upon which your interesting and valuable paper is published1 myself being a subscriber1 and feeling a deep interest in the cause of ,zion1 and in the happiness of my brethren of mankind1 ,i cheerfully take up my pen to contribute my mite at this very interesting and important period4 ,for some length of time ,i have been carefully reviewing the state of things1 as it now appears1 throughout our ,christian land2 and have looked at it with feelings of the most painful anxiety4 ,while upon one hand ,i behold the manifest withdrawal of ,god's ,holy ,spirit1 and the veil of stupidity which seems to be drawn over the hearts of the people2 upon the other hand1 ,i behold the judgments of ,god that have swept1 and are still sweeping hundreds and thousands of our race 7and ,i fear unprepared7 down to the shades of death4 ,with this solemn and alarming fact before me1 ,i am led to exclaim1 ,o that my head were #cac waters1 and mine eyes a fountain of tears1 that ,i might weep day and night4 ,i think that it is high time for a ,christian world to awake out of sleep1 and cry mightily to that ,god1 day and night1 whose anger we have justly incurred4 ,are not these things a sufficient stimulant to arouse the faculties and call forth the energies of every man1 woman or child that possesses feelings of sympathy for their fellows1 or that is in any degree endeared to the budding cause of our glorious ,lord6 ,i leave an intelligent community to answer this important question1 with a confession1 that this is what has caused me to overlook my own inability1 and expose my weakness to a learned world2 but1 trusting in that ,god who has said that these things are hid from the wise and prudent and revealed unto babes1 ,i step forth into the field to tell you what the ,lord is doing1 and what you must do1 to enjoy the smiles of your ,savior in these last days4 ,the time has at last arrived when the ,god of ,abraham1 of ,isaac1 and of ,jacob1 has set ,his hand again the second time to recover the remnants of ,his people1 which have been left from ,assyria1 and from ,egypt1 and from ,pathros1 and from ,cush1 and from ,elam1 and from ,shinar1 and from ,hamath1 and from the islands of the sea1 and with them to bring in the fulness of the ,gentiles1 and establish that covenant with them1 which was promised when their sins should be taken away4 ,see ,isaiah xi1 ,romans xi1 #be1 #bf and #bg1 and also ,jeremiah xxxi1 #ca1 #cb and #cc4 ,this covenant has never been established with the house of ,israel1 nor with the house of ,judah1 for it requires two parties to make a covenant1 and those two parties must be agreed1 or no covenant can be made4 ,christ1 in the days of ,his flesh1 proposed to make a covenant with them1 but they rejected ,him and ,his proposals1 and in consequence thereof1 they were broken off1 and no covenant was made with them at that time4 ,but their unbelief has not rendered the promise of ,god of none effect3 no1 for there was another day limited in ,david1 which was the day of ,his power2 and then ,his people1 ,israel1 should be a willing people2--and ,he would write ,his law in their hearts1 and print it in their thoughts2 their sins and their iniquities ,he would remember no more4 ,thus after this chosen family had rejected ,christ and ,his proposals1 the heralds of salvation said to them1 ,lo1 we turn unto the ,gentiles2 and the ,gentiles received the covenant1 and were grafted in from whence the chosen family were broken off3 but the ,gentiles have not continued in the goodness of ,god1 but have departed from the faith that was once delivered to the ,saints1 and have broken the covenant in which their fathers were established 7,see ,isaiah xxiv1 #e72 and have #cad become high-minded1 and have not feared2 therefore1 but few of them will be gathered with the chosen family4 ,have not the pride1 high-mindedness1 and unbelief of the ,gentiles1 provoked the ,holy ,one of ,israel to withdraw ,his ,holy ,spirit from them1 and send forth ,his judgments to scourge them for their wickedness8 ,this is certainly the case4 ,christ said to ,his disciples 7,mark xvi3#ag and #ah71 that these signs should follow them that believe3--,in my name shall they cast out devils2 they shall speak with new tongues2 they shall take up serpents2 and if they drink any deadly thing it shall not hurt them2 they shall lay hands on the sick1 and they shall recover2 and also1 in connection with this1 read #ast ,corinthians1 #abth chapter4 ,by the foregoing testimonies we may look at the ,christian world and see the apostasy there has been from the apostolic platform2 and who can look at this and not exclaim in the language of ,isaiah1 ,the earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof2 because they have transgressed the laws1 changed the ordinances1 and broken the everlasting covenant8 ,the plain fact is this1 the power of ,god begins to fall upon the nations1 and the light of the latter-day glory begins to break forth through the dark atmosphere of sectarian wickedness1 and their iniquity rolls up into view1 and the nations of the ,gentiles are like the waves of the sea1 casting up mire and dirt1 or all in commotion1 and they are hastily preparing to act the part allotted them1 when the ,lord rebukes the nations1 when ,he shall rule them with a rod of iron1 and break them in pieces like a potter's vessel4 ,the ,lord declared to ,his servants1 some eighteen months since1 that ,he was then withdrawing ,his ,spirit from the earth2 and we can see that such is the fact1 for not only the churches are dwindling away1 but there are no conversions1 or but very few3 and this is not all1 the governments of the earth are thrown into confusion and division2 and ,destruction1 to the eye of the spiritual beholder1 seems to be written by the finger of an invisible hand1 in large capitals1 upon almost every thing we behold4 ,and now what remains to be done1 under circumstances like these8 ,i will proceed to tell you what the ,lord requires of all people1 high and low1 rich and poor1 male and female1 ministers and people1 professors of religion and non-professors1 in order that they may enjoy the ,holy ,spirit of ,god to a fulness1 and escape the judgments of ,god1 which are almost ready to burst upon the nations of the earth4 ,repent of all your sins1 and be baptized in water for the remission of them1 in the name of the ,father1 and of the ,son1 and of the ,holy ,ghost1 and receive the ordinance of the laying on of the hands of him who is ordained and sealed unto this power1 that ye may receive the ,holy ,spirit of ,god2 and this is according to the ,holy ,scriptures1 and the ,book of ,mormon2 and the only way that man can enter into the celestial #cae kingdom4 ,these are the requirements of the new covenant1 or first principles of the ,gospel of ,christ2 then ,add to your faith1 virtue2 and to virtue1 knowledge2 and to knowledge1 temperance2 and to temperance1 patience2 and to patience1 godliness2 and to godliness1 brotherly kindness3 and to brotherly kindness1 charity or love2 for if these things be in you1 and abound1 they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful1 in the knowledge of our ,lord ,jesus ,christ4 ,the ,book of ,mormon is a record of the forefathers of our western tribes of ,indians2 having been found through the ministration of an holy angel1 and translated into our own language by the gift and power of ,god1 after having been hid up in the earth for the last fourteen hundred years1 containing the word of ,god which was delivered unto them4 ,by it we learn that our western tribes of ,indians are descendants from that ,joseph which was sold into ,egypt1 and that the land of ,america is a promised land unto them1 and unto it all the tribes of ,israel will come1 with as many of the ,gentiles as shall comply with the requisitions of the new covenant4 ,but the tribe of ,judah will return to old ,jerusalem4 ,the city of ,zion spoken of by ,david1 in the one hundred and second ,psalm1 will be built upon the land of ,america1 ,and the ransomed of the ,lord shall return1 and come to ,zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads 7,isaiah xxxv3#aj72 and then they will be delivered from the overflowing scourge that shall pass through the land4 ,but ,judah shall obtain deliverance at ,jerusalem4 ,see ,joel ii3#cb2 ,isaiah xxvi3#bj and #ba2 ,jeremiah xxxi3#ab1 ,psalm #a3e2 ,ezekiel xxxiv3#aa1 #ab and #ac4 ,these are testimonies that the ,good ,shepherd will put forth ,his own sheep1 and lead them out from all nations where they have been scattered in a cloudy and dark day1 to ,zion1 and to ,jerusalem2 besides many more testimonies which might be brought4 ,and now ,i am prepared to say by the authority of ,jesus ,christ1 that not many years shall pass away before the ,united ,states shall present such a scene of bloodshed as has not a parallel in the history of our nation2 pestilence1 hail1 famine1 and earthquake will sweep the wicked of this generation from off the face of the land1 to open and prepare the way for the return of the lost tribes of ,israel from the north country4 ,the people of the ,lord1 those who have complied with the requirements of the new covenant1 have already commenced gathering together to ,zion1 which is in the state of ,missouri2 therefore ,i declare unto you the warning which the ,lord has commanded to declare unto this generation1 remembering that the eyes of my ,maker are upon me1 and that to him ,i am accountable for every word ,i say1 wishing nothing worse to my fellow-men than their eternal salvation2 therefore1 ,fear ,god1 and give glory to ,him1 for the hour of ,his judgment is come4 ,repent ye1 repent ye1 and embrace the everlasting #caf covenant1 and flee to ,zion1 before the overflowing scourge overtake you1 for there are those now living upon the earth whose eyes shall not be closed in death until they see all these things1 which ,i have spoken1 fulfilled4 ,remember these things2 call upon the ,lord while ,he is near1 and seek him while ,he may be found1 is the exhortation of your unworthy servant1 ,signed ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun4 ,important ,correspondence with the ,brethren in ,zion4 ,kirtland1 ,january #ad1 #ahcc4 ,brother ,william ,w4 ,phelps3 ,i send you the olive leaf which we have plucked from the ,tree of ,paradise1 #e the ,lord's message of peace to us2 for though our brethren in ,zion indulge in feelings towards us1 which are not according to the requirements of the new covenant1 yet1 we have the satisfaction of knowing that the ,lord approves of us1 and has accepted us1 and established ,his name in ,kirtland for the salvation of the nations2 for the ,lord will have a place whence ,his word will go forth1 in these last days1 in purity2 for if ,zion will not purify herself1 so as to be approved of in all things1 in ,his sight1 ,he will seek another people2 for ,his work will go on until ,israel is gathered1 and they who will not hear ,his voice1 must expect to feel ,his wrath4 ,let me say unto you1 seek to purify yourselves1 and also all the inhabitants of ,zion1 lest the ,lord's anger be kindled to fierceness4 ,repent1 repent1 is the voice of ,god to ,zion2 and strange as it may appear1 yet it is true1 mankind will persist in self-justification until all their iniquity is exposed1 and their character past being redeemed1 and that which is treasured up in their hearts be exposed to the gaze of mankind4 ,i say to you 7and what ,i say to you ,i say to all71 hear the warning voice of ,god1 lest ,zion fall1 and the ,lord sware in ,his wrath the inhabitants of ,zion shall not enter into ,his rest4 ,the brethren in ,kirtland pray for you unceasingly1 for1 knowing the terrors of the ,lord1 they greatly fear for you4 ,you will see that the ,lord commanded us1 in ,kirtland1 to build a house of ,god1 and establish a school for the ,prophets1 #f this is the word of the ,lord to us1 and we must1 yea1 the ,lord helping us1 we will obey3 as on conditions of our obedience ,he has promised us great things2 yea1 even a visit from the heavens to honor us with ,his own presence4 ,we greatly fear before the ,lord lest we should fail of this great honor1 which our #cag ,master proposes to confer on us2 we are seeking for humility and great faith lest we be ashamed in ,his presence4 ,our hearts are greatly grieved at the spirit which is breathed both in your letter and that of ,brother ,gilbert's1 the very spirit which is wasting the strength of ,zion like a pestilence2 and if it is not detected and driven from you1 it will ripen ,zion for the threatened judgments of ,god4 ,remember ,god sees the secret springs of human action1 and knows the hearts of all living4 ,brother1 suffer us to speak plainly1 for ,god has respect to the feelings of ,his ,saints1 and ,he will not suffer them to be tantalized with impunity4 ,tell ,brother ,gilbert that low insinuations ,god hates2 but ,he rejoices in an honest heart1 and knows better who is guilty than he does4 ,we send him this warning voice1 and let him fear greatly for himself1 lest a worse thing overtake him2 all we can say by way of conclusion is1 if the fountain of our tears be not dried up1 we will still weep for ,zion4 ,this from your brother who trembles for ,zion1 and for the wrath of heaven1 which awaits her if she repent not4 ,signed ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun4 ,p4 ,s4--,i am not in the habit of crying peace1 when there is no peace2 and1 knowing the threatened judgments of ,god1 ,i say1 ,wo unto them who are at ease in ,zion2 fearfulness will speedily lay hold of the hypocrite4 ,i did not suspect you had lost the commandments1 but thought from your letters you had neglected to read them1 otherwise you would not have written as you did4 ,it is in vain to try to hide a bad spirit from the eyes of them who are spiritual1 for it will show itself in speaking and in writing1 as well as in all our other conduct4 ,it is also needless to make great pretensions when the heart is not right2 the ,lord will expose it to the view of ,his faithful ,saints4 ,we wish you to render the ,star as interesting as possible1 by setting forth the rise1 progress1 and faith of the ,church1 as well as the doctrine2 for if you do not render it more interesting than at present1 it will fall1 and the ,church suffer a great loss thereby4 ,signed ,j4 ,s4 ,jun4 ,kirtland ,mills1 #g ,geauga ,co41 ,ohio1 ,january #ad1 #ahcc4 ,from a ,conference of ,twelve ,high ,priests1 to the ,bishop1 his ,council and the ,inhabitants of ,zion4 ,orson ,hyde1 and ,hyrum ,smith being appointed by the said #cah conference to write this epistle in obedience to the commandment1 given the #bbnd and #bcrd of ,september last1 which says3 ,but verily ,i say unto all those to whom the kingdom has been given1 from you it must be preached unto them1 that they shall repent of their former evil works1 for they are to be upbraided for their evil hearts of unbelief2 and your brethren in ,zion1 for their rebellion against you at the time ,i sent you4 #h ,brother ,joseph1 and certain others1 have written to you on this all-important subject1 but you have never been apprised of these things by the united voice of the conference of those ,high ,priests that were present at the time this commandment was given4 ,we therefore1 ,orson and ,hyrum1 the committee appointed by said conference to write this epistle1 having received the prayers of said conference1 that we might be enabled to write the mind and will of ,god upon this subject1 now take up our pen to address you in the name of the conference1 relying upon the arm of the ,great ,head of the ,church4 ,in the commandment above alluded to1 the children of ,zion were all1 yea1 even every one1 under condemnation1 and were to remain in that state until they repented and remembered the new covenant1 even the ,book of ,mormon1 and the former commandments1 which the ,lord had given them1 not only to say1 but to do them1 and bring forth fruit meet for the ,father's kingdom2 otherwise there remaineth a scourge and a judgment to be poured out upon the children of ,zion3 for shall the children of the kingdom pollute my holy land8 ,i say unto you1 ,nay4 #i ,the answers received from those letters1 which have been sent to you upon this subject1 have failed to bring to us that satisfactory confession and acknowledgment1 which the spirit of our ,master requires4 ,we1 therefore1 feeling a deep interest for ,zion1 and knowing the judgments of ,god that will come upon her except she repent1 resort to these last1 and most effectual means in our power1 to bring her to a sense of her standing before the ,most ,high4 ,at the time ,joseph1 ,sidney1 and ,newel left ,zion1 all matters of hardness and misunderstanding were settled and buried 7as they supposed71 and you gave them the hand of fellowship2 but1 afterwards1 you brought up all these things again1 in a censorious spirit1 accusing ,brother ,joseph in rather an indirect way of seeking after monarchial power and authority4 ,this came to us in ,brother ,corrill's letter of ,june #bnd4 ,we are sensible that this is not the thing ,brother ,joseph is seeking after1 but to magnify the high office and calling whereunto he has been called and appointed by the command of ,god1 and the united #cai voice of this ,church4 ,it might not be amiss for you to call to mind the circumstances of the ,nephites1 and the children of ,israel rising up against their ,prophets1 and accusing them of seeking after kingly power1 and see what befel them1 and take warning before it is too late4 ,brother ,gilbert's letter of ,december #ajth1 has been received and read attentively1 and the low1 dark1 and blind insinuations1 which were in it1 were not received by us as from the fountain of light1 though his claims and pretensions to holiness were great4 ,we are not unwilling to be chastened or rebuked for our faults1 but we want to receive it in language that we can understand1 as ,nathan said to ,david1 ,thou art the man4 ,we are aware that ,brother ,gilbert is doing much1 and has a multitude of business on hand2 but let him purge out all the old leaven1 and do his business in the spirit of the ,lord1 and then the ,lord will bless him1 otherwise the frown of the ,lord will remain upon him4 ,there is manifestly an uneasiness in ,brother ,gilbert1 and a fearfulness that ,god will not provide for ,his ,saints in these last days1 and these fears lead him on to covetousness4 ,this ought not so to be2 but let him do just as the ,lord has commanded him1 and then the ,lord will open ,his coffers1 and his wants will be liberally supplied4 ,but if this uneasy1 covetous disposition be cherished by him1 the ,lord will bring him to poverty1 shame1 and disgrace4 ,brother ,phelps' letter of ,december #aeth1 is also received and carefully read1 and it betrays a lightness of spirit that ill becomes a man placed in the important and responsible station that he is placed in4 ,if you have fat beef1 and potatoes1 eat them in singleness of heart1 and boast not yourselves in these things4 ,think not1 brethren1 that we make a man an offender for a word2 this is not the case2 but we want to see a spirit in ,zion1 by which the ,lord will build it up2 that is the plain1 solemn1 and pure spirit of ,christ4 ,brother ,phelps requested in his last letter that ,brother ,joseph should come to ,zion2 but we say that ,brother ,joseph will not settle in ,zion until she repent1 and purify herself1 and abide by the new covenant1 and remember the commandments that have been given her1 to do them as well as say them4 ,you may think it strange that we manifest no cheerfulness of heart upon the reception of your letters2 you may think that our minds are prejudiced so much that we can see no good that comes from you1 but rest assured1 brethren1 that this is not the case4 ,we have the best of feelings1 and feelings of the greatest anxiety for the welfare of ,zion3 we feel more like weeping over ,zion than we do like rejoicing over her1 for we know that the judgments of ,god hang over her1 and will fall upon her except she repent1 and purify herself before the ,lord1 and put away from her every foul spirit4 ,we now say to ,zion1 this once1 in the name of the ,lord1 ,repent6 repent6 #cbj awake1 awake1 put on thy beautiful garments1 before you are made to feel the chastening rod of ,him whose anger is kindled against you4 ,let not ,satan tempt you to think we want to make you bow to us1 to domineer over you1 for ,god knows this is not the case2 our eyes are watered with tears1 and our hearts are poured out to ,god in prayer for you1 that ,he will spare you1 and turn away ,his anger from you4 ,there are many things in the last letters from ,brothers ,gilbert and ,phelps that are good1 and we esteem them much4 ,the idea of having certain ones appointed to regulate ,zion1 and ,traveling ,elders have nothing to do with this part of the matter1 is something we highly approbate1 and you will doubtless know before this reaches you1 why ,william ,e4 ,m',lellin opposed you in this move4 ,we fear there was something in ,brother ,gilbert1 when he returned to this place from ,new ,york last fall1 in relation to his brother ,william1 that was not right3 for ,brother ,gilbert was asked two or three times about his brother ,william1 but gave evasive answers1 and at the same time1 he knew that ,william was in ,cleveland3 but the ,lord has taken him4 ,we merely mention this1 that all may take warning to work in the light1 for ,god will bring every secret thing to light4 ,we now close our epistle by saying unto you1 the ,lord has commanded us to purify ourselves1 to wash our hands and our feet1 that ,he may testify to ,his ,father and our ,father1 to ,his ,god and our ,god1 that we are clean from the blood of this generation2 and before we could wash our hands and our feet1 we were constrained to write this letter4 ,therefore1 with the feelings of inexpressible anxiety for your welfare1 we say again1 ,repent1 repent1 or ,zion must suffer1 for the scourge and judgment must come upon her4 ,let the ,bishop read this to the ,elders1 that they may warn the members of the scourge that is coming1 except they repent4 ,tell them to read the ,book of ,mormon1 and obey it2 read the commandments that are printed1 and obey them2 yea1 humble yourselves under the mighty hand of ,god1 that peradventure ,he may turn away ,his anger from you4 ,tell them that they have not come up to ,zion to sit down in idleness1 neglecting the things of ,god1 but they are to be diligent and faithful in obeying the new covenant4 ,there is one clause in ,brother ,joseph's letter which you may not understand2 that is this1 ,if the people of ,zion did not repent1 the ,lord would seek another place1 and another people4 ,zion is the place where the temple will be built1 and the people gathered1 but all people upon that holy land being under condemnation1 the ,lord will cut off1 if they repent not1 and bring another race upon it1 that will serve ,him4 ,the ,lord will seek another place to bring forth and prepare his word to go forth to the nations1 and as we said before1 so we say again4 #cba ,brother ,joseph will not settle in ,zion1 except she repent1 and serve ,god1 and obey the new covenant4 ,with this explanation1 the conference sanctions ,brother ,joseph's letter4 ,brethren1 the conference meets again this evening to hear this letter read1 and if it meet their minds1 we have all agreed to kneel down before the ,lord1 and cry unto ,him with all our hearts1 that this epistle1 and ,brother ,joseph's1 and the revelations also1 may have their desired effect1 and accomplish the thing whereunto they are sent1 and that they may stimulate you to cleanse ,zion1 that she mourn not4 ,therefore when you get this1 know ye that a conference of twelve ,high ,priests have cried unto the ,lord for you1 and are still crying1 saying1 ,spare thy people1 ,o ,lord1 and give not thy heritage to reproach4 ,we now feel that our garments are clean from you1 and all men1 when we have washed our feet and hands1 according to the commandment4 ,we have written plainly at this time1 but we believe not harshly4 ,plainness is what the ,lord requires1 and we should not feel ourselves clear1 unless we had done so2 and if the things we have told you be not attended to1 you will not long have occasion to say1 or to think rather1 that we may be wrong in what we have stated4 ,your unworthy brethren are determined to pray unto the ,lord for ,zion1 as long as we can shed the sympathetic tear1 or feel any spirit to supplicate the throne of grace in her behalf4 ,the ,school of the ,prophets will commence1 if the ,lord will1 in two or three days4 ,it is a general time of health with us4 ,the cause of ,god seems to be rapidly advancing in the eastern country2 the gifts are beginning to break forth so as to astonish the world1 and even believers marvel at the power and goodness of ,god4 ,thanks be rendered to ,his holy name for what ,he is doing4 ,we are your unworthy brethren in the ,lord1 and may the ,lord help us all to do ,his will1 that we may at last be saved in ,his kingdom4 ,orson ,hyde1 ,hyrum ,smith4 ,n4 ,b4--,we stated that ,brother ,gilbert1 when he was in ,kirtland1 knew that ,william was in ,cleveland last fall4 ,we wrote this upon the strength of hearsay2 but ,william being left at ,st4 ,louis1 strengthened our suppositions that such was the fact4 ,we stated further respecting this matter1 or this item1 than the testimony will warrant us4 ,with this exception the conference sanctions this letter4 ,o4 ,h4 ,h4 ,s4 ,footnotes #a4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 lxxxvii4 #b4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 lxxxviii4 ,this is the revelation referred to as ,the ,olive ,leaf1 plucked from the ,tree of ,paradise1 in the ,prophet's letter of ,january #aa1 #ahcc4 ,see page #caf4 #c4 ,this name is also spelled ,sexton in the ,ms4 ,history4 ,mr4 ,seaton lived at ,rochester1 ,new ,york1 and published a paper there1 but the name of the paper cannot be ascertained4 #d4 ,the ,prophet states subsequently that he wrote this communication by commandment of the ,lord4 ,the general condition of the world as noted by the ,prophet at the commencement of this chapter1 was doubtless the occasion of the ,lord sending forth such a note of warning to the inhabitants of the earth as is here presented4 ,it should be said1 however1 in addition to what is here set down1 i4e4 at the beginning of the chapter--that the plague1 or ,asiatic cholera1 which first broke out in ,india1 spread also throughout the ,united ,states in that same year4 ,one historian1 speaking of its ravages in the ,united ,states1 says3 ,it was on the #bast of ,june1 #ahcb1 that the eastern plague1 known as the ,asiatic cholera1 made its first appearance in the ,united ,states1 in the city of ,new ,york4 ,its rapid spread produced universal panic1 though it was less fatal in the ,south ,atlantic ,states than in the north and in the valley of the ,mississippi4 ,thousands of persons of all ages and conditions died of it within a few months4 ,the most robust constitutions in many instances became victims of its malignancy within thirty-six hours from its first attack4--,history ,u4 ,s41 ,stephens1 p4 #dej4 #e4 ,this is the revelation beginning on p4 #cjb1 and section lxxxviii of the ,doctrine and ,covenants4 #f4 ,see p4 #cja1 verses #aai-acf4 #g4 ,kirtland ,mills and ,kirtland are identical4 ,the name ,kirtland ,mills arose from the existence of some mills on the banks of the branch of the ,chagrin river on which ,kirtland is situated4 #h4 ,see p4 #bib1 verse #gf4 #i4 ,see p4 #bia1 verses #ee-ei4 #cbb ,chapter ,,xxiii4 ,the ,enjoyment of ,spiritual ,blessings in the ,church--,the ,word of ,wisdom4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,enjoyment of ,spiritual ,gifts4 ,this winter #ahcb-cc was spent in translating the ,scriptures2 in the ,school of the ,prophets2 and sitting in conferences4 ,i had many glorious seasons of refreshing4 ,the gifts which follow them that believe and obey the ,gospel1 as tokens that the ,lord is ever the same in ,his dealings with the humble lovers and followers of truth1 began to be poured out among us1 as in ancient days2--for as we1 viz43 ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 ,sidney ,rigdon1 ,frederick ,g4 ,williams1 ,newel ,k4 ,whitney1 ,hyrum ,smith1 ,zebedee ,coltrin1 #a ,joseph ,smith1 ,sen41 ,samuel ,h4 ,smith1 ,john ,murdock1 ,lyman ,e4 ,johnson1 #b ,orson ,hyde1 ,ezra ,thayer1 ,high ,priests2 and ,levi ,hancock1 #c and ,william ,smith1 #d ,elders1 were assembled in #cbc conference1 on the #bbnd day of ,january1 ,i spoke to the conference in another tongue1 and was followed in the same gift by ,brother ,zebedee ,coltrin1 and he by ,brother ,william ,smith1 after which the ,lord poured out ,his ,spirit in a miraculous manner1 until all the ,elders spake in tongues1 and several members1 both male and female1 exercised the same gift4 ,great and glorious were the divine manifestations of the ,holy ,spirit4 ,praises were sung to ,god and the ,lamb2 speaking and praying1 all in tongues1 occupied the conference until a late hour at night1 so rejoiced were we at the return of these long absent blessings4 ,sidenote3 ,ordinance of the ,washing of ,feet4 ,on the #bcrd of ,january1 we again assembled in conference2 when1 after much speaking1 singing1 praying1 and praising ,god1 all in tongues1 we proceeded to the washing of feet 7according to the practice recorded in the #acth chapter of ,john's ,gospel71 as commanded of the ,lord4 ,each ,elder washed his own feet first1 after which ,i girded myself with a towel and washed the feet of all of them1 wiping them with the towel with which ,i was girded4 ,among the number1 my father presented himself1 but before ,i washed his feet1 ,i asked of him a father's blessing1 which he granted by laying his hands upon my head1 in the name of ,jesus ,christ1 and declaring that ,i should continue in the ,priest's office until ,christ comes4 ,at the close of the scene1 ,brother ,frederick ,g4 ,williams1 being moved upon by the ,holy ,ghost1 washed my feet in token of his fixed determination to be with me in suffering1 or in journeying1 in life or in death1 and to be continually on my right hand2 in which ,i accepted him in the name of the ,lord4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,elders ,pronounced ,clean4 ,i then said to the ,elders1 ,as ,i have done so do ye2 wash ye1 therefore1 one another's feet2 and by the power of the ,holy ,ghost ,i pronounced them all clean from the blood of this generation2 but if any of them should sin wilfully after they were thus cleansed1 and sealed up unto eternal life1 they should be given over unto the buffetings of ,satan until #cbd the day of redemption4 ,having continued all day in fasting1 and prayer1 and ordinances1 we closed by partaking of the ,lord's supper4 ,i blessed the bread and wine in the name of the ,lord1 when we all ate and drank1 and were filled2 then we sang a hymn1 and the meeting adjourned4 ,sidenote3 ,revision of the ,new ,testament ,completed4 ,i completed the translation and review of the ,new ,testament1 on the #bnd of ,february1 #ahcc and sealed it up1 no more to be opened till it arrived in ,zion4 #e ,an ,epistle ,of the ,first ,presidency1 to the ,church of ,christ in ,thompson1 ,geauga ,county1 ,ohio4 ,kirtland1 ,february #fth1 #ahcc4 ,dear ,brethren1 ,we salute you1 by this our epistle1 in the bonds of love1 rejoicing in your steadfastness in the faith which is in ,christ ,jesus our ,lord3 and we desire your prosperity in the ways of truth and righteousness1 praying for you continually1 that your faith fail not1 and that you may overcome all the evils with which you are surrounded1 and become pure and holy before ,god1 even our ,father1 to whom be glory for ever and ever4 ,amen4 ,it has seemed good unto the ,holy ,spirit and unto us1 to send this our epistle to you by the hand of our beloved ,brother ,salmon ,gee1 your messenger1 who has been ordained by us1 in obedience to the commandments of ,god1 to the office of ,elder to preside over the ,church in #cbe ,thompson1 taking the oversight thereof1 to lead you and to teach the things which are according to godliness2 in whom we have great confidence1 as we presume also you have1 we therefore say to you1 yea1 not us only1 but the ,lord also1 receive him as such1 knowing that the ,lord has appointed him to this office for your good1 holding him up by your prayers1 praying for him continually that he may be endowed with wisdom and understanding in the knowledge of the ,lord1 that through him you may be kept from evil spirits1 and all strifes and dissensions1 and grow in grace and in the knowledge of our ,lord and ,savior ,jesus ,christ4 ,brethren beloved1 continue in brotherly love1 walk in meekness1 watching unto prayer1 that you be not overcome4 ,follow after peace1 as said our beloved brother ,paul1 that you may be the children of our ,heavenly ,father1 and not give occasion for stumbling1 to ,saint or sinner4 ,finally1 brethren1 pray for us1 that we may be enabled to do the work whereunto we are called1 that you may enjoy the mysteries of ,god1 even a fulness2 and may the grace of our ,lord ,jesus ,christ be with you all4 ,amen4 ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 ,sidney ,rigdon1 ,frederick ,g4 ,williams4 ,sidenote3 ,john ,murdock's ,message to the ,thompson ,branch4 ,the following letter was written by ,john ,murdock1 a ,high ,priest1 7who had previously been with the ,church in ,thompson71 to ,salmon ,gee1 ,elder of the ,church in ,thompson3 ,kirtland1 ,february #aa1 #ahcc4 ,beloved brethren and sisters in the ,lord and ,savior ,jesus ,christ1 ,i beseech you in the bowels of mercy to remember the exhortation which ,i gave you while ,i was yet present with you1 to beware of delusive spirits4 ,i rejoice that our ,heavenly ,father hath blessed you greatly1 as ,he also has me1 in enabling me to speak the praises of ,god and the mysteries of the kingdom in other tongues according to promise3 and this without throwing me down or wallowing me on the ground1 or any thing unbecoming or immoral2 also1 without any external operation of the system1 but it is the internal operation and power of the ,spirit of ,god1 so that ,i know that those odd actions and strange noises are not caused by the ,spirit of the ,lord as is represented by ,brother ,king4 ,therefore in the name of the ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 by the ,spirit of the living ,god1 according to the authority of the ,holy ,priesthood committed to me1 ,i command ,brother ,thomas ,king1 7as though ,i were present71 to #cbf cease from your diabolical acts of enthusiasm1 and also from acting as an ,elder in this ,church of ,christ1 until you come and give full testimony to the ,high ,priests in ,kirtland1 that you are worthy of that holy calling2 because those are the things of ,god1 and are to be used in the fear of ,god3 and ,i now not only command you1 but exhort you in behalf of your soul's salvation1 to submit1 and let ,brother ,gee be upheld by the prayer of faith of every brother and sister1 and if there be this union of spirit1 and prayer of faith1 every false spirit shall be bound1 and cast out from among you4 ,my beloved children in the bonds of the ,gospel1 and the bowels of mercy1 which is the everlasting love of ,god1 ,i do beseech you to live faithful and in obedience to the commandments of ,god2 and in the name of the ,lord ,jesus1 ,i say1 the blessings of ,god shall attend you4 ,john ,murdock4 ,sidenote3 ,concerning the ,prophet's ,communication to ,seaton4 ,february #ab4--;,having received ,seaton's paper1 from ,rochester1 ,new ,york1 containing a part of my communication1 written on the #dth of ,january1 ,i wrote as follows3 ,to ,n4 ,e4 ,seaton1 ,rochester4 ,dear ,sir3--,i was somewhat disappointed on receiving my paper with only a part of my letter inserted in it4 ,the letter which ,i wrote you for publication1 ,i wrote by the commandment of ,god1 and ,i am quite anxious to have it all laid before the public1 for it is of importance to them3 but ,i have no claim upon you1 neither do ,i wish to urge you1 beyond that which is reasonable1 to do it4 ,i have only to appeal to your extended generosity to all religious societies that claim that ,christ has come in the flesh2 and also to tell you what will be the consequence of a neglect to publish it4 ,some parts of the letter were very severe upon the wickedness of sectarianism1 ,i acknowledge2 and the truth1 remember1 is hard and severe against all iniquity and wickedness1 but this is no reason why it should not be published1 but the very reason why it should be4 ,i lay the ax at the root of the tree1 and ,i long to see many of the sturdy oaks1 which have long cumbered the ground1 fall prostrate4 ,i now say unto you1 that if you wish to clear your garments from the blood of your readers1 ,i exhort you to publish that letter entire2 but if not1 the sin be upon your head4 ,accept1 sir the good wishes and tender regard of your unworthy servant1 ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun4 #cbg ,sidenote3 ,case of ,burr ,riggs4 ,february #ac4--;,a council of ,high ,priests assembled to investigate the proceedings of ,brother ,burr ,riggs1 who was accused of failing to magnify his calling as ,high ,priest1 and had been guilty of neglect of duty1 of abusing the ,elders1 and of treating their admonitions with contempt4 ,after the council had considered the case1 ,brother ,riggs agreed to make satisfaction1 but did not show much humility4 ,february #ae4--;,in a council ,i ordained ,harpin ,riggs1 and ,isaac ,mc,wethy ,elders4 ,february #ag4--;,in conference ,i ordained ,john ,johnson to the office of ,elder4 ,sidenote3 ,consideration of ,missouri ,correspondence of the #aath and #abth of ,january4 ,february #bf4--;,a special council of ,high ,priests assembled in ,zion1 to take into consideration my letter to ,brother ,phelps1 of the #aath of ,january1 and the revelation called the ,olive ,leaf1 referred to in my letter1 and the epistle of ,orson ,hyde and ,hyrum ,smith of the #adth of ,january1 in behalf of the conference of ,high ,priests3 and ,oliver ,cowdery1 ,william ,w4 ,phelps1 and ,john ,corrill were appointed a committee to write an epistle from the conference to the brethren in ,kirtland2 which was written and sanctioned by the conference4 ,sidenote3 ,excommunication of ,burr ,riggs4 ,the same day a conference of ,high ,priests was again called in ,kirtland1 concerning ,brother ,burr ,riggs1 who was accused of neglecting to make satisfaction to the ,church as he had agreed1 and disgracing the ,high ,priesthood by neglect of duty1 and saying he did not care how soon he was cut off from the ,church4 ,he was cut off by a unanimous vote of the council4 ,february #bg4--;,i received the following revelation3 ,the ,word of ,wisdom4 #f ,a ,word of ,wisdom1 for the benefit of the council of high priests1 assembled in ,kirtland1 and the church2 and also the ,saints in ,zion4 ,to #cbh be sent greeting2 not by commandment or constraint1 but by revelation and the word of wisdom1 showing forth the order and will of ,god in the temporal salvation of all ,saints in the last days2 given for a principle with promise1 adapted to the capacity of the weak and the weakest of all ,saints1 who are or can be called ,saints4 #a4 ,behold1 verily1 thus said the ,lord unto you1 in consequence of evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days1 ,i have warned you1 and forewarn you1 by giving unto you this word of wisdom by revelation1 #b4 ,that inasmuch as any man drinketh wine or strong drink among you1 behold it is not good1 neither meet in the sight of your ,father1 only in assembling yourselves together to offer up your sacraments before him4 #c4 ,and1 behold1 this should be wine1 yea1 pure wine of the grape of the vine1 of your own make4 #d4 ,and1 again1 strong drinks are not for the belly1 but for the washing of your bodies4 #e4 ,and again1 tobacco is not for the body1 neither for the belly1 and is not good for man1 but is an herb for bruises and all sick cattle1 to be used with judgment and skill4 #f4 ,and again1 hot drinks are not for the body or belly4 #g4 ,and again1 verily ,i say unto you1 all wholesome herbs ,god hath ordained for the constitution1 nature1 and use of man4 #h4 ,every herb in the season thereof1 and every fruit in the season thereof2 all these to be used with prudence and thanksgiving4 #i4 ,yea1 flesh also of beasts and of the fowls of the air1 ,i1 the ,lord1 have ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving2 nevertheless they are to be used sparingly2 #aj4 ,and it is pleasing unto me that they should not be used only in times of winter1 or of cold1 or famine4 #aa4 ,all grain is ordained for the use of man and of beasts1 to be the staff of life1 not only for man but for the beasts of the field1 and the fowls of heaven1 and all wild animals that run or creep on the earth4 #ab4 ,and these hath ,god made for the use of man only in times of famine and excess of hunger4 #ac4 ,all grain is good for the food of man1 as also the fruit of the vine1 that which yieldeth fruit1 whether in the ground or above the ground4 #ad4 ,nevertheless1 wheat for man1 and corn for the ox1 and oats for the horse1 and rye for the fowls and for swine1 and for all beasts of the #cbi field1 and barley for all useful animals1 and for mild drinks1 as also other grain4 #ae4 ,and all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings1 walking in obedience to the commandments1 shall receive health in their naval and marrow to their bones1 #af4 ,and shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge1 even hidden treasures2 #ag4 ,and shall run and not be weary1 and shall walk and not faint2 #ah4 ,and ,i1 the ,lord1 give unto them a promise1 that the destroying angel shall pass by them1 as the children of ,israel1 and not slay them4 ,amen4 ,sidenote3 ,a ,word of ,comfort to the ,prophet ,march #h4--;,i received the following revelation3 ,revelation4 #g #a4 ,thus saith the ,lord1 verily1 verily ,i say unto you my son1 thy sins are forgiven thee1 according to thy petition1 for thy prayers and the prayers of thy brethren have come up into my ears2 #b4 ,therefore thou art blessed from henceforth that bear the keys of the kingdom given unto you2 which kingdom is coming forth for the last time4 #c4 ,verily ,i say unto you1 the keys of this kingdom shall never be taken from you1 while thou art in the world1 neither in the world to come2 #d4 ,nevertheless1 through you shall the oracles be given to another2 yea1 even unto the church4 #e4 ,and all they who receive the oracles of ,god1 let them beware how they hold them lest they are accounted as a light thing1 and are brought under condemnation thereby2 and stumble and fall1 when the storms descend1 and the winds blow1 and the rains descend1 and beat upon their house4 #f4 ,and again verily ,i say unto thy brethren1 ,sidney ,rigdon and ,frederick ,g4 ,williams1 their sins are forgiven them also1 and they are accounted as equal with thee in holding the keys of this last kingdom1 #g4 ,as also through your administration the keys of the school of the prophets1 which ,i have commanded to be organized1 #h4 ,that thereby they may be perfected in their ministry for the salvation of ,zion1 and of the nations of ,israel1 and of the ,gentiles1 as many as will believe2 #ccj #i4 ,that through your administration they may receive the word1 and through their administration the word may go forth unto the ends of the earth1 unto the ,gentiles first1 and then1 behold1 and lo1 they shall turn unto the ,jews3 #aj4 ,and then cometh the day when the arm of the ,lord shall be revealed in power in convincing the nations1 the heathen nations1 the house of ,joseph1 of the ,gospel of their salvation4 #aa4 ,for it shall come to pass in that day1 that every man shall hear the fulness of the ,gospel in his own tongue1 and in his own language1 through those who are ordained unto this power1 by the administration of the ,comforter1 shed forth upon them for the revelation of ,jesus ,christ4 #ab4 ,and now1 verily ,i say unto you1 ,i give unto you a commandment that you continue in the ministry and ,presidency1 #ac4 ,and when you have finished the translation of the ,prophets1 you shall from thenceforth preside over the affairs of the ,church and the school2 #ad4 ,and from time to time1 as shall be manifested by the ,comforter1 receive revelations to unfold the mysteries of the kingdom1 #ae4 ,and set in order the churches1 and study and learn1 and become acquainted with all good books1 and with languages1 tongues1 and people4 #af4 ,and this shall be your business and mission in all your lives1 to preside in council1 and set in order all the affairs of this church and kingdom4 #ag4 ,be not ashamed1 neither confounded2 but be admonished in all your high-mindedness and pride1 for it bringeth a snare upon your souls4 #ah4 ,set in order your houses2 keep slothfulness and uncleanness far from you4 #ai4 ,now1 verily ,i say unto you1 let there be a place provided as soon as it is possible1 for the family of thy counselor and scribe1 even ,frederick ,g4 ,williams4 #bj4 ,and let mine aged servant1 ,joseph ,smith1 ,sen41 continue with his family upon the place where he now lives1 and let it not be sold until the mouth of the ,lord shall name4 #ba4 ,and let my counselor1 even ,sidney ,rigdon1 remain where he now resides1 until the mouth of the ,lord shall name4 #bb4 ,and let the ,bishop search diligently to obtain an agent1 and let him be a man who has got riches in store--a man of ,god1 and of strong faith2 #bc4 ,that thereby he may be enabled to discharge every debt2 that the storehouse of the ,lord may not be brought into disrepute before the eyes of the people4 #cca #bd4 ,search diligently1 pray always1 and be believing1 and all things shall work together for your good if ye walk uprightly and remember the covenant wherewith ye have covenanted one with another4 #be4 ,let your families be small1 especially mine aged servant ,joseph ,smith's1 ,sen41 as pertaining to those who do not belong to your families2 #bf4 ,that those things that are provided for you1 to bring to pass my work1 be not taken from you and given to those that are not worthy1 #bg4 ,and thereby you be hindered in accomplishing those things which ,i have commanded you4 #bh4 ,and again1 verily ,i say unto you1 it is my will that my handmaid1 ,vienna ,jaques1 should receive money to bear her expenses1 and go up unto the land of ,zion2 #bi4 ,and the residue of the money may be consecrated unto me1 and she be rewarded in mine own due time4 #cj4 ,verily ,i say unto you1 that it is meet in mine eyes that she should go up unto the land of ,zion1 and receive an inheritance from the hand of the ,bishop1 #ca4 ,that she may settle down in peace inasmuch as she is faithful1 and not be idle in her days from henceforth4 #cb4 ,and behold1 verily ,i say unto you1 that ye shall write this commandment1 and say unto your brethren in ,zion1 in love greeting1 that ,i have called you also to preside over ,zion in mine own due time3 #cc4 ,therefore1 let them cease wearying me concerning this matter4 #cd4 ,behold1 ,i say unto you that your brethren in ,zion begin to repent1 and the angels rejoice over them2 #ce4 ,nevertheless1 ,i am not well pleased with many things1 and ,i am not well pleased with my servant ,william ,e4 ,m',lellin1 neither with my servant ,sidney ,gilbert2 and the ,bishop also1 and others have many things to repent of2 #cf4 ,but verily ,i say unto you1 that ,i1 the ,lord1 will contend with ,zion1 and plead with her strong ones1 and chasten her until she overcomes and is clean before me3 #cg4 ,for she shall not be removed out of her place4 ,i the ,lord1 have spoken it4 ,amen4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,apocrypha4 ,march #i4--;,having come to that portion of the ancient writings called the ,apocrypha1 ,i received the following3 ,revelation4 #h #a4 ,verily1 thus saith the ,lord unto you concerning the ,apocrypha1 #ccb there are many things contained therein that are true1 and it is mostly translated correctly4 #b4 ,there are many things contained therein that are not true1 which are interpolations by the hands of men4 #c4 ,verily1 ,i say unto you1 that it is not needful that the ,apocrypha should be translated4 #d4 ,therefore1 whoso readeth it1 let him understand1 for the ,spirit manifesteth truth2 #e4 ,and whoso is enlightened by the ,spirit1 shall obtain benefit therefrom2 #f4 ,and whoso receiveth not by the ,spirit1 cannot be benefited4 ,therefore it is not needful that it should be translated4 ,amen4 ,sidenote3 ,a ,mission to the ,east ,appointed4 ,march #ab4--;,a council of ,high ,priests assembled in the school room and decided that ,horace ,cowin and ,zerubbabel ,snow1 ,amasa ,m4 ,lyman #i and ,william ,f4 ,cahoon1 ,jenkins ,salisbury and ,truman ,wait1 journey east on a mission1 two by two1 #ccc paired as their names are written4 ,brothers ,cowin and ,salisbury were ordained at the same time4 ,sidenote3 ,case of ,brother ,lake4 ,march #ae4--;,a council was called to consider the case of ,brother ,lake1 from ,wooster1 ,wayne county1 ,ohio1 who came professing to have received revelations4 ,on investigation1 it was unanimously agreed1 that said ,brother ,lake was under the influence of an evil spirit1 and that his license as ,priest be taken from him4 ,the same day ,i received the following3 ,revelation to ,enoch 7,joseph ,smith1 ,jun417 given to the ,saints in ,kirtland4 #aj #a4 ,verily1 thus saith the ,lord1 ,i give unto the united order1 organized agreeable to the commandment previously given1 a revelation and commandment concerning my servant ,shederlaomach 7,frederick ,g4 ,williams71 that ye shall receive him into the order4 ,what ,i say unto one ,i say unto all4 #b4 ,and again1 ,i say unto you my servant ,shederlaomach1 7,frederick ,g4 ,williams71 you shall be a lively member in this order1 and inasmuch as you are faithful in keeping all former commandments you shall be blessed forever4 ,amen4 ,footnotes #a4 ,zebedee ,coltrin was born at ,ovid1 ,seneca county1 ,new ,york1 ,september #g1 #ahjd4 ,he was the son of ,john and ,sarah ,coltrin2 and was baptized into the ,church soon after its organization4 #b4 ,lyman ,e4 ,johnson was born in ,pomfret1 ,windsor county1 ,vermont1 ,october #bd1 #ahaa4 ,he was baptized into the ,church in ,february1 #ahca1 by ,sidney ,rigdon and was ordained an ,elder under the hands of the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith4 #c4 ,levi ,ward ,hancock was born ,april #g1 #ahjc1 in ,old ,springfield1 ,hampden county1 ,massachusetts4 ,he was the youngest son of ,thomas ,hancock and ,amy ,ward ,hancock4 ,when ,levi was about two years old his family removed from ,massachusetts to ,ohio1 settling in ,chagrin1 ,cayahoga county1 not far from ,kirtland4 ,here ,levi grew to manhood1 occupied chiefly in farming with his father4 ,in #ahbg1 however1 he purchased a farm in ,ashtabula county1 which is in the extreme northeast part of ,ohio4 ,he was directly in the pathway of ,elders ,cowdery1 ,pratt1 ,whitmer and ,peterson1 when journeying westward on their mission to the ,lamanites2 and shortly after they passed through his neighborhood he followed them to ,kirtland1 where he was baptized on the #afth of ,november1 #ahcj1 by ,elder ,parley ,p4 ,pratt1 and was soon afterwards ordained an ,elder under the hands of ,oliver ,cowdery4 #d4 ,william ,smith was the fifth son of ,joseph ,smith1 ,sen41 and ,lucy ,smith4 ,he was born in ,royalton1 ,windsor county1 ,vermont1 ,march #ac1 #ahaa2 and was baptized soon after the ,church was organized4 #e4 ,it was the intention of the ,prophet to have this revised version of the ,scriptures1 which he had made with such laborious care1 published in ,zion1 at the printing establishment of the ,church in that place1 7,new ,testament and ,book of ,mormon to be published together2 see p4 #cda71 but before the work could even be commenced1 the persecution arose which made the undertaking impracticable4 ,and such was the unsettled state of the ,church throughout the remaining years of the ,prophet's life that he found no opportunity to publish the revised ,scriptures1 and to this day there is no authoritative publication of his translation of the ,old and ,new ,testaments given to the world1 except in such excerpts as appear in the ,pearl of ,great ,price4 ,on this subject the late ,president ,george ,q4 ,cannon1 in his ,life of ,joseph ,smith1 remarks in a foot note 7p4 #adb7--,we have heard ,president ,brigham ,young state that the ,prophet1 before his death1 had spoken to him about going through the translation of the ,scriptures again and perfecting it upon points of doctrine which the ,lord had restrained him from giving in plainness and fulness at the time of which we write #bnd ,feb41 #ahcc4 #f4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 lxxxix4 #g4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 xc4 #h4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 xci4 #i4 ,amasa ,mason ,lyman was born in the township of ,lyman1 ,grafton county1 ,new ,hampshire1 on the #cjth of ,march1 #ahac4 ,he was the third son of ,boswell ,lyman and ,martha ,mason4 ,his father dying when ,amasa was about eight years of age1 and some time later his mother marrying again1 he was reared in the home of his grandfather1 on the maternal side1 ,perez ,mason1 until he was eleven years of age4 ,perez ,mason then retired from his farm to live with his eldest son1 ,perley ,mason2 with whom also1 according to the wishes of his mother1 ,amasa lived during the next seven years4 ,when young ,lyman was in his eighteenth year he became thoughtful on the subject of religion and earnestly sought the favor of the ,lord by righteous deportment1 though without connecting himself with any of the religious sects4 ,about one year later ,elders ,orson ,pratt and ,lyman ,e4 ,johnson passed through the section of ,new ,hampshire where young ,lyman lived1 on a preaching tour4 ,he believed the message proclaimed by these new evangels and was baptized on the #bgth of ,april1 #ahcb1 by ,elder ,lyman ,e4 ,johnson1 and confirmed on the following day by ,elder ,orson ,pratt4 ,in consequence of the ill feelings which arose in his uncle's family1 owing to his joining the ,church1 ,amasa departed from the home of his kindred1 and set out on foot for the gathering place of the ,saints in ,ohio4 ,after a journey of some seven hundred miles1 in which he endured many hardships--for much of the journey was made on foot and with but scant means of subsistence--he arrived at ,hiram in ,portage county1 and engaged to work for ,father ,johnson at ten dollars a month4 ,it was at this time that the ,prophet was making his home at ,father ,johnson's1 though on the arrival of young ,lyman at ,hiram he was absent in ,missouri4 ,about the first of ,july1 however1 ,joseph returned from his western journey1 and ,amasa had the joy of meeting the ,prophet of the new dispensation4 ,of that meeting and the impressions it produced1 he says3 ,of the impressions produced ,i will here say1 although there was nothing strange or different from other men in his personal appearance1 yet when he grasped my hand in that cordial way 7known to those who have met him in the honest simplicity of truth71 ,i felt as one of old in the presence of the ,lord2 my strength seemed to be gone1 so that it required an effort on my part to stand on my feet2 but in all this there was no fear1 but the serenity and peace of heaven pervaded my soul1 and the still small voice of the ,spirit whispered its living testimony in the depths of my soul1 where it has ever remained1 that he was the man of ,god4--,autobiographical ,sketch of ,amasa ,m4 ,lyman1 ,millennial ,star1 vol4 xxvii1 p4 #dgc4 #aj4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 xcii4 #ccd ,chapter ,,xxiv4 ,kirtland to ,be a ,stake of ,zion--,regulation of ,church ,affairs in ,missouri4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,school of the ,prophets4 ,march #ah4--;,great joy and satisfaction continually beamed in the countenances of the ,school of the ,prophets1 and the ,saints1 on account of the things revealed1 and our progress in the knowledge of ,god4 ,the ,high ,priests assembled in the school room of the ,prophets1 and were organized according to revelation2 prayer by ,sidney ,rigdon4 ,sidenote3 ,rigdon and ,williams ,ordained ,presidents4 ,doctor ,hurlburt was ordained an ,elder2 after which ,elder ,rigdon expressed a desire that himself and ,brother ,frederick ,g4 ,williams should be ordained to the offices to which they had been called1 viz41 those of ,presidents of the ,high ,priesthood1 and to be equal in holding the keys of the kingdom with ,brother ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 according to the revelation given on the #hth of ,march1 #ahcc4 ,accordingly ,i laid my hands on ,brothers ,sidney and ,frederick1 and ordained them to take part with me in holding the keys of this last kingdom1 and to assist in the ,presidency of the ,high ,priesthood1 as my ,counselors2 after which ,i exhorted the brethren to faithfulness and diligence in keeping the commandments of ,god1 and gave much instruction for the benefit of the ,saints1 with a promise that the pure in heart should see a heavenly vision2 and after remaining a short time in secret prayer1 the promise was verified2 for many present had the eyes of their understanding opened by the ,spirit of ,god1 so as to behold many things4 ,i then blessed the #cce bread and wine1 and distributed a portion to each4 ,many of the brethren saw a heavenly vision of the ,savior1 and concourses of angels1 and many other things1 of which each one has a record of what he saw4 ,sidenote3 ,kirtland a ,stake of ,zion4 ,march #bc4--;,a council was called for the purpose of appointing a committee to purchase land in ,kirtland1 upon which the ,saints might build a ,stake of ,zion4 ,brother ,joseph ,coe and ,moses ,dailey were appointed to ascertain the terms of sale of certain farms2 and ,brother ,ezra ,thayre to ascertain the price of ,peter ,french's farm4 ,the brethren agreed to continue in prayer and fasting for the ultimate success of their mission4 ,after an absence of about three hours ,brothers ,coe and ,dailey returned and reported that ,elijah ,smith's farm could be obtained for four thousand dollars2 and ,mr4 ,morley's for twenty-one hundred2 and ,brother ,thayre reported that ,peter ,french would sell his farm for five thousand dollars4 ,the council decided to purchase the farms1 and appointed ,ezra ,thayre and ,joseph ,coe to superintend the purchase2 and they were ordained under the hands of ,sidney ,rigdon1 and set apart as general agents of the ,church for that purpose4 ,sidenote3 ,matters ,relating to ,church ,government in ,zion ,settled4 ,on the #bfth of ,march a council of ,high ,priests1 twenty-one in number1 convened for the general welfare of the ,church1 in what was then called ,zion1 in ,jackson county1 ,missouri4 ,on account of a revelation1 my letter1 and an epistle from the ,church in ,kirtland1 a solemn assembly had been called1 and a sincere and humble repentance manifested1 insomuch that on the #bfth of ,february1 one month previous1 a general epistle had been written in conference1 which was satisfactory to the ,presidency and ,church at ,kirtland4 ,at the sitting of the council of the #bfth of ,march1 according to the plan taught at the solemn assembly1 which was1 that the seven ,high ,priests who were sent from ,kirtland to build up ,zion1 viz4--,oliver ,cowdery1 ,w4 ,w4 ,phelps1 ,john ,whitmer1 ,algernon #ccf ,sidney ,gilbert1 ,bishop ,partridge and his two counselors--should stand at the head of affairs relating to the ,church1 in that section of the ,lord's vineyard2 and these seven men1 with the common consent of the branches comprising the ,church were to appoint presiding ,elders1 to take the watch-care of the several branches1 as they were appointed3 now1 therefore1 as many of the ,high ,priests and ,elders--whose calling was to travel and preach to the world--went up to ,zion1 and commenced regulating and setting the branches in order1 and claiming for themselves as much power by the authority of their ,priesthood1 and gift of the ,holy ,ghost1 as those set apart and appointed to preside over the branches1 it became necessary to call the council now spoken of1 to set in order the ,elders of ,israel4 ,after a long discussion1 it was decided from the revelations1 that the order taught in the solemn assembly was correct2 and that the ,elders1 when they arrived at ,zion1 were bound by the authorities set in the ,church1 to be submissive to the powers that be2 their labors and callings being more particularly to push the people together from the ends of the earth to the places the ,lord had appointed4 ,this decision in council gave general satisfaction1 and the ,elders soon saw the beauty of every man standing in his place4 ,sidenote3 ,purchase of the ,french ,farm4 ,april #b4--;,f4 ,g4 ,williams was appointed by a council of ,high ,priests1 an agent to superintend and employ men to labor in the brick-yard on the ,french farm1 also to rent the farm4 ,the ,french farm was purchased on account of the facilities found there for making brick1 which was essential to the building up of the city4 ,the council also instructed ,brother ,ezra ,thayre to purchase the tannery of ,arnold ,mason1 in ,kirtland4 ,sidenote3 ,conference in ,zion4 ,on the #fth of ,april1 in the land of ,zion1 about eighty officials1 together with some unofficial members of the ,church1 met for instruction and the service of ,god1 at the ,ferry on ,big ,blue river near #ccg the western limits of ,jackson county1 which is the boundary line of the state of ,missouri and also of the ,united ,states4 ,it was an early spring1 and the leaves and blossoms enlivened and gratified the soul of man like a glimpse of ,paradise4 ,the day was spent in a very agreeable manner1 in giving and receiving knowledge which appertained to this last kingdom--it being just #ahjj years since the ,savior laid down ,his life that men might have everlasting life1 and only three years since the ,church had come out of the wilderness1 preparatory for the last dispensation4 ,the ,saints had great reason to rejoice3 they thought upon the time when this world came into existence1 and the morning stars sang together1 and all the sons of ,god shouted for joy2 they thought of the time when ,israel ate the ,passover1 as wailing came up for the loss of the firstborn of ,egypt2 they felt like the shepherds who watched their flocks by night1 when the angelic choir sweetly sang the electrifying strain1 ,peace on earth1 good will to man2 and the solemnities of eternity rested upon them4 ,this was the first attempt made by the ,church to celebrate the anniversary of her birthday1 and those who professed not our faith talked about it as a strange thing4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,state of the ,world4 ,while the ,church was thus rejoicing1 the news from abroad was1 that #cj1jjj out of a population of #ajj1jjj had died of starvation1 in consequence of the famine produced by three years' drouth1 followed by a flood1 in the ,cape ,verde ,islands2 that sixteen shocks of earthquake had been felt the previous ,february1 at ,st4 ,kitts and ,nevis1 in the ,west ,india ,islands2 that the ,polish ,jews were about to visit ,jerusalem2 that war was raging between ,turkey and ,egypt2 that a great fire had occurred in ,liverpool2 that volcanic eruptions1 wars and rumors of wars1 were prevailing in different sections of the earth1 and fire-balls and fearful signs were seen in the heavens1 with many other alarming appearances1 which caused the hearts of #cch the wicked to tremble1 none of which was more awful than the continued spread of the ,asiatic cholera in ,europe1 which had already swept from the earth1 in the short space of fifteen years1 about sixty millions of inhabitants4 #a ,brother ,jared ,carter presented me a letter1 which he had received from his brother1 and requested me to answer it1 which ,i did as follows3 ,kirtland1 ,april #ac1 #ahcc4 ,dear ,brother ,carter3--,your letter to ,brother ,jared is just put into my hand1 and ,i have carefully perused its contents1 and embrace this opportunity to answer it4 ,we proceed to answer your questions3 first concerning your labor in the region where you live2 we acquiesce in your feelings on this subject until the mouth of the ,lord shall name4 ,respecting the vision you speak of we do not consider ourselves bound to receive any revelation from any one man or woman without his being legally constituted and ordained to that authority1 and giving sufficient proof of it4 ,i will inform you that it is contrary to the economy of ,god for any member of the ,church1 or any one1 to receive instructions for those in authority1 higher than themselves2 therefore you will see the impropriety of giving heed to them2 but if any person have a vision or a visitation from a heavenly messenger1 it must be for his own benefit and instruction2 for the fundamental principles1 government1 and doctrine of the ,church are vested in the keys of the kingdom4 ,respecting an apostate1 or one who has been cut off from the ,church1 and who wishes to come in again1 the law of our ,church expressly says that such shall repent1 and be baptized1 and be admitted as at the first4 ,the duty of a ,high ,priest is to administer in spiritual and holy things1 and to hold communion with ,god2 but not to exercise monarchial government1 or to appoint meetings for the ,elders without their consent4 ,and again1 it is the ,high ,priests' duty to be better qualified to teach principles and doctrines1 than the ,elders3 for the office of ,elder is an appendage to the ,high ,priesthood1 and it concentrates and centers in one4 ,and again1 the process of laboring with members3 ,we are to deal with them precisely as the ,scriptures direct4 ,if thy brother trespass against thee1 take him between him and thee alone2 and1 if he make thee satisfaction1 thou hast saved thy brother2 and if not1 proceed to take another with thee1 etc41 and when there is #cci no ,bishop1 they are to be tried by the voice of the ,church2 and if an ,elder1 or a ,high ,priest be present1 he is to take the lead in managing the business2 but if not1 such as have the highest authority should preside4 ,with respect to preparing to go to ,zion3--,first it would be pleasing to the ,lord that the church or churches going to ,zion should be organized1 and a suitable person appointed who is well acquainted with the condition of the church1 and he be sent to ,kirtland to inform the ,bishop1 and procure a license from him agreeable to the revelation3 by so doing you will prevent confusion and disorder1 and escape many difficulties that attend an unorganized band in journeying in the last days4 ,and again1 those in debt1 should in all cases pay their debts2 and the rich are in no wise to cast out the poor1 or leave them behind1 for it is said that the poor shall inherit the earth4 ,you quoted a passage in ,jeremiah1 with regard to journeying to ,zion2 the word of the ,lord stands sure1 so let it be done4 ,there are two paragraphs in your letter which ,i do not commend1 a they were written blindly4 ,speaking of the ,elders being sent like lightning from the bow of ,judah2 the second1 no secrets in the councils of ,zion4 ,you mention these as if fear rested upon your mind1 otherwise we cannot understand it4 ,and again we never inquire at the hand of ,god for special revelation only in case of there being no previous revelation to suit the case2 and that in a council of ,high ,priests4 ,for further information on the subject about which you have written1 ,i will refer you to the ,elders who have recently left here for the east1 by commandment1 some of whom you will probably see soon4 ,you may depend on any information you may receive from them that are faithful4 ,you may expect to see ,brothers ,orson ,pratt and ,lyman ,e4 ,johnson for whom we have great fellowship4 ,it is a great thing to inquire at the hands of ,god1 or to come into ,his presence2 and we feel fearful to approach ,him on subjects that are of little or no consequence1 to satisfy the queries of individuals1 especially about things the knowledge of which men ought to obtain in all sincerity1 before ,god1 for themselves1 in humility by the prayer of faith2 and more especially a ,teacher or a ,high ,priest in the ,church4 ,i speak these things not by way of reproach1 but by way of instruction2 and ,i speak as if acquainted with you1 whereas we are strangers to each other in the flesh4 ,i love your soul1 and the souls of the children of men1 and pray and do all ,i can for the salvation of all4 ,i now close by sending you a salutation of peace in the name of the ,lord ,jesus ,christ4 ,amen4 ,the blessing of our ,lord ,jesus ,christ be and abide with you all4 ,amen4 ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun4 #cdj ,p4 ,s4--,if it be convenient to send a delegate to ,kirtland1 to procure license for the brethren to go to ,zion1 it can be done by two or more ,elders4 ,we have received two letters from ,brother ,sherwood1 stating the order and condition of the ,church1 and respecting the vision of his wife1 but on account of a multitude of business they have not been answered by us2 you will please read this letter to ,brother ,sherwood4 ,j4 ,s4 ,in ,april the ,school of the ,prophets closed to commence again in the fall4 ,a ,letter to the ,brethren in ,zion4 ,kirtland1 ,april #ba1 #ahcc4 ,dear ,brethren in ,zion3 ,agreeable to a notice we gave you1 in ,brother ,whitney's last letter to you with respect to answering your letters1 we now commence1 after giving thanks to our ,heavenly ,father for every expression of ,his goodness in preserving our unprofitable lives to the present time1 and for the health and other blessings which we now enjoy through ,his mercies4 ,with joy we received your general epistle1 written the #bfth of ,february1 which contained the confession of our brethren concerned1 all of which was to our entire satisfaction4 ,it was read by the brethren in ,kirtland with feelings of the deepest interest1 knowing as we did1 that the anger of the ,lord was kindled against you1 and nothing but repentance1 of the greatest humility1 would turn it away2 and ,i will assure you that expressions of joy beamed on every countenance when they saw that our epistle and the revelation had been received by our brethren in ,zion1 and had had the desired effect4 ,for your satisfaction1 ,i here insert a revelation given to ,shederlaomach ,frederick ,g4 ,williams1 the #aeth of ,march1 #ahcc1 constituting him a member of the ,united ,firm4 #b ,with respect to ,brother ,gilbert's letter of the #ajth of ,december1 ,i would say to him3 firstly1 he wrote it in all sincerity of heart1 and we were pleased with the style1 and composition2 but upon mature reflection1 and inquiry at the hands of the ,lord1 we find some things that are unreconcilable1 especially to some2 ,i mean with respect to hints given that are not clearly explained4 ,as every letter that comes from ,zion must go the rounds of the #cda brethren for inspection1 it is necessary that there should be no disguise in them1 but that every subject written upon by the brethren should be plain to the understanding of all1 that no jealousy may be raised1 and when we rebuke1 do it in all meekness4 ,the letter written the #bdth of ,february was not written in that contrition of heart in which it should have been1 for it appears to have been written in too much of a spirit of justification2 but the letter to ,brother ,whitney of the #bjth of ,march1 was written to our entire satisfaction4 ,now ,i would say to ,brother ,gilbert1 that ,i do not write this by way of chastisement1 but to show him the absolute necessity of having all his communications written in a manner to be clearly understood4 ,we are well aware of the great care upon his mind1 in consequence of much business1 but he must put his trust in ,god1 and he may rest assured that he has our prayers day and night1 that he may have strength to overcome every difficulty4 ,we have learned of the ,lord that it is his duty to assist all the poor brethren that are pure in heart1 and that he has done wrong in withholding credit from them1 as they must have assistance2 and the ,lord established him in ,zion for that express purpose4 ,it is not the will of the ,lord to print any of the ,new ,translation in the ,star2 but when it is published1 it will all go to the world together1 in a volume by itself2 and the ,new ,testament and the ,book of ,mormon will be printed together4 ,with respect to ,brother ,oliver's private letter to me on the subject of giving deeds1 and receiving contributions from brethren1 ,i have nothing further to say on the subject than to recommend that you make yourselves acquainted with the commandments of the ,lord1 and the laws of the state1 and govern yourselves accordingly4 ,brother ,elliot was here yesterday and showed me a letter from ,brother ,phelps1 and we were well pleased with the spirit in which it was written4 ,the probability is that he ,elliot will not go to ,zion at present1 as he has bought lands in ,chagrin4 ,we rejoice to hear that the ,seminary lands are reduced in price1 and are coming into market2 and be assured that we shall use our influence to send brethren to ,zion who are able to help you in the purchase of lands4 ,we have just received a letter from ,brother ,sidney1 he has built up a church of eight members1 in ,medina county1 ,ohio1 and has prospects of more4 ,with respect to the deaths in ,zion1 we feel to mourn with those that mourn1 but remember that the ,god of all the earth will do right4 ,and now1 my beloved brethren1 ,i commend you to ,god and ,his grace1 praying ,him to keep and preserve you blameless1 of the coming of our ,lord ,jesus ,christ4 ,amen4 ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun4 #cdb ,p4 ,s4--,say to ,brother ,corrill that his confession gave me great satisfaction1 and all things are now settled on my part4 ,j4 ,s4 ,sidenote3 ,first ,assembling of the ,mob in ,zion4 ,in the month of ,april1 the first regular mob rushed together1 in ,independence1 to consult upon a plan1 for the removal1 or immediate destruction1 of the ,church in ,jackson county4 ,the number of the mob was about three hundred4 ,a few of the first ,elders met in secret1 and prayed to ,him who said to the wind ,be still1 to frustrate them in their wicked designs4 ,the mob1 therefore1 after spending the day in a fruitless endeavor to unite upon a general scheme for moving the ,mormons out of their diggings 7as they asserted71 became a little the worse for liquor and broke up in a regular ,missouri row1 showing a determined resolution that every man would carry his own head4 ,sidenote3 ,conference of ,high ,priests in ,kirtland4 ,april #cj4--;,a conference of ,high ,priests assembled at the school room1 in ,kirtland1 and appointed ,brother ,albert ,brown a committee to circulate a subscription1 to procure money to pay for the use of the house where meetings had been held the past season4 ,john ,p4 ,greene was instructed to go and take charge of the branch of the ,church in ,parkham county1 carrying with him an epistle to the brethren2 and as soon as convenient he was to remove his family to that place4 ,it was also decided that ,sister ,vienna ,jaques should not proceed immediately on her journey to ,zion1 but wait until ,william ,hobert was ready1 and go in company with him4 ,sidenote3 ,another ,conference of ,high ,priests4 ,may #d4--;,a conference of ,high ,priests assembled in ,kirtland1 to take into consideration the necessity of building a school house1 for the accommodation of the ,elders1 who should come together to receive instruction preparatory for their missions1 and ministry1 according to a revelation on that subject1 given ,march #h1 #ahcc1 #c and by unanimous voice of the conference2 ,hyrum ,smith1 ,jared ,carter1 and #cdc ,reynolds ,cahoon were appointed a committee to obtain subscriptions1 for the purpose of erecting such a building4 ,sidenote3 ,council ,proceedings ,approved4 ,a council had previously been held in ,norton ,township1 ,medina county1 ,ohio1 at which ,sidney ,rigdon presided4 ,the council took into consideration the standing of ,baldwin ,welton1 ,aaron ,smith1 and----,hays1 ,elders2 and ,james ,braden1 ,priest2 and decided that their ordinations were illegal1 and that the churches should not receive them in their several offices4 ,the doings of the council were reviewed1 and sanctioned by the ,first ,presidency1 viz3 ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 ,sidney ,rigdon1 ,frederick ,g4 ,williams1 and entered on record in ,kirtland4 ,may #f4--;,i received the following3 ,revelation4 #d #a4 ,verily1 thus saith the ,lord1 ,it shall come to pass that every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me1 and calleth on my name1 and obeyeth my voice1 and keepeth my commandments1 shall see my face and know that ,i am1 #b4 ,and that ,i am the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world2 #c4 ,and that ,i am in the ,father1 and the ,father in me1 and the ,father and ,i are one3 #d4 ,the ,father because ,he gave me of ,his fullness1 and the ,son because ,i was in the world and made flesh my tabernacle1 and dwelt among the sons of men4 #e4 ,i was in the world and received of my ,father1 and the works of ,him were plainly manifest2 #f4 ,and ,john saw and bore record of the fulness of my glory1 and the fulness of ,john's record is hereafter to be revealed3 #g4 ,and he bore record1 saying1 ,i saw ,his glory1 that he was in the beginning1 before the world was2 #h4 ,therefore1 in the beginning the ,word was1 for ,he was the ,word1 even the messenger of salvation4 #i4 ,the light and the ,redeemer of the world2 the ,spirit of truth1 who came into the world1 because the world was made by ,him1 and in ,him was the life of men and the light of men4 #aj4 ,the worlds were made by ,him3 men were made by ,him3 all things were made by ,him1 and through ,him1 and of ,him4 #cdd #aa4 ,and ,i1 ,john1 bear record that ,i beheld ,his glory1 as the glory of the ,only ,begotten of the ,father1 full of grace and truth1 even the ,spirit of truth1 which came and dwelt in the flesh1 and dwelt among us4 #ab4 ,and ,i1 ,john1 saw that ,he received not of the fullness at the first1 but received grace for grace2 #ac4 ,and ,he received not of the fulness at first1 but continued from grace to grace1 until ,he received a fulness2 #ad4 ,and thus ,he was called the ,son of ,god1 because ,he received not of the fulness at the first4 #ae4 ,and ,i1 ,john1 bear record1 and lo1 the heavens were opened1 and the ,holy ,ghost descended upon ,him in the form of a dove1 and sat upon ,him1 and there came a voice out of heaven saying1 ,this is my beloved ,son4 #af4 ,and ,i1 ,john1 bear record that ,he received a fullness of the glory of the ,father2 #ag4 ,and he received all power1 both in heaven and on earth1 and the glory of the ,father was with ,him1 for ,he dwelt in ,him4 #ah4 ,and it shall come to pass1 that if you are faithful you shall receive the fulness of the record of ,john4 #ai4 ,i give unto you these sayings that you may understand and know how to worship1 and know what you worship1 that you may come unto the ,father in my name1 and in due time receive of ,his fullness1 #bj4 ,for if you keep my commandments you shall receive of ,his fullness1 and be glorified in me as ,i am in the ,father2 therefore1 ,i say unto you1 you shall receive grace for grace4 #ba4 ,and now1 verily ,i say unto you1 ,i was in the beginning with the ,father1 and ,i am the ,first ,born2 #bb4 ,and all those who are begotten through me are partakers of the glory of the same1 and are the church of the ,first ,born4 #bc4 ,ye were also in the beginning with the ,father2 that which is ,spirit1 even the ,spirit of truth1 #bd4 ,and truth is knowledge of things as they are1 and as they were1 and as they are to come2 #be4 ,and whatsoever is more or less than this is the spirit of that wicked one who was a liar from the beginning4 #bf4 ,the ,spirit of truth is of ,god4 ,i am the ,spirit of truth1 and ,john bore record of me1 saying--,he received a fulness of truth1 yea1 even of all truth1 #bg4 ,and no man receiveth a fulness unless he keepeth ,his commandments4 #bh4 ,he that keepeth ,his commandments receiveth truth and light1 until he is glorified in truth and knoweth all things4 #cde #bi4 ,man was also in the beginning with ,god4 ,intelligence1 or the light of truth1 was not created or made1 neither indeed can be4 #cj4 ,all truth is independent in that sphere in which ,god has placed it1 to act for itself1 as all intelligence also1 otherwise there is no existence4 #ca4 ,behold1 here is the agency of man1 and here is the condemnation of man1 because that which was from the beginning is plainly manifest unto them1 and they receive not the light4 #cb4 ,and every man whose spirit receiveth not the light is under condemnation1 #cc4 ,for man is spirit4 ,the elements are eternal1 and spirit and element1 inseparably connected1 receive a fulness of joy2 #cd4 ,and when separated1 man cannot receive a fulness of joy4 #ce4 ,the elements are the tabernacle of ,god2 yea1 man is the tabernacle of ,god1 even temples2 and whatsoever temple is defiled1 ,god shall destroy that temple4 #cf4 ,the glory of ,god is intelligence1 or1 in other words1 light and truth2 #cg4 ,light and truth forsake that evil one4 #ch4 ,every spirit of man was innocent in the beginning1 and ,god having redeemed man from the fall1 men became again in their infant state1 innocent before ,god4 #ci4 ,and that wicked one cometh and taketh away light and truth1 through disobedience1 from the children of men1 and because of the tradition of their fathers4 #dj4 ,but ,i have commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth2 #da4 ,but verily ,i say unto you1 my servant ,frederick ,g4 ,williams1 you have continued under this condemnation2 #db4 ,you have not taught your children light and truth1 according to the commandments1 and that wicked one hath power1 as yet1 over you1 and this is the cause of your affliction4 #dc4 ,and now a commandment ,i give unto you1 if you will be delivered1 you shall set in order your own house1 for there are many things that are not right in your house4 #dd4 ,verily1 ,i say unto my servant ,sidney ,rigdon1 that in some things he hath not kept the commandments concerning his children2 therefore1 first set in order thy house4 #de4 ,verily1 ,i say unto my servant ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 or in other words1 ,i will call you friends1 for you are my friends1 and ye shall have an inheritance with me2 #df4 ,i called you servants for the world's sake1 and ye are their servants for my sake-- #cdf #dg4 ,and now1 verily ,i say unto ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 you have not kept the commandments1 and must needs stand rebuked before the ,lord4 #dh4 ,your family must needs repent and forsake some things1 and give more earnest heed unto your sayings1 or be removed out of their place4 #di4 ,what ,i say unto one ,i say unto all2 pray always lest that wicked one have power in you1 and remove you out of your place4 #ej4 ,my servant ,newel ,k4 ,whitney1 also1 a ,bishop of my ,church1 hath need to be chastened and set in order his family1 and see that they are more diligent and concerned at home1 and pray always1 or they shall be removed out of their place4 #ea4 ,now1 ,i say unto you1 my friends1 let my servant ,sidney ,rigdon go on his journey1 and make haste1 and also proclaim the acceptable year of the ,lord1 and the gospel of salvation1 as ,i shall give him utterance1 and by your prayer of faith with one consent1 ,i will uphold him4 #eb4 ,and let my servants ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 and ,frederick ,g4 ,williams make haste also1 and it shall be given them even according to the prayer of faith1 and inasmuch as you keep my sayings1 you shall not be confounded in this world1 nor in the world to come4 #ec4 ,and verily1 ,i say unto you1 that it is my will that you should hasten to translate my ,scriptures1 and to obtain a knowledge of history1 and of countries1 and of kingdoms1 of laws of ,god and man1 and all this for the salvation of ,zion4 ,amen4 ,the same date 7,may #fth7 ,i received the following3 ,revelation4 #e #a4 ,and again1 verily ,i say unto you1 my friends1 a commandment ,i give unto you1 that ye shall commence a work of laying out and preparing a beginning and foundation of the city of the ,stake of ,zion1 here in the land of ,kirtland1 beginning at my house2 #b4 ,and behold1 it must be done according to the pattern which ,i have given unto you4 #c4 ,and let the first lot on the south be consecrated unto me for the building of a house for the ,presidency1 for the work of the ,presidency1 in obtaining revelations2 and for the work of the ministry of the ,presidency1 in all things pertaining to the ,church and kingdom4 #d4 ,verily ,i say unto you1 that it shall be built fifty-five by sixty-five feet in the width thereof and in the length thereof1 in the inner court2 #e4 ,and there shall be a lower court and a higher court1 according to the pattern which shall be given unto you hereafter2 #cdg #f4 ,and it shall be dedicated unto the ,lord from the foundation thereof1 according to the order of the ,priesthood1 according to the pattern which shall be given unto you hereafter3 #g4 ,and it shall be wholly dedicated unto the ,lord for the work of the ,presidency4 #h4 ,and ye shall not suffer any unclean thing to come in unto it2 and my glory shall be there1 and my presence shall be there2 #i4 ,but if there shall come into it any unclean thing1 my glory shall not be there2 and my presence shall not come into it4 #aj4 ,and again1 verily ,i say unto you1 the second lot on the south shall be dedicated unto me for the building of a house unto me1 for the work of the printing of the translation of my ,scriptures and all things whatsoever ,i shall command you2 #aa4 ,and it shall be fifty-five by sixty-five feet in the width thereof and the length thereof1 in the inner court2 and there shall be a lower and a higher court3 #ab4 ,and this house shall be wholly dedicated unto the ,lord from the foundation thereof1 for the work of the printing1 in all things whatsoever ,i shall command you1 to be holy1 undefiled according to the pattern in all things as it shall be given unto you4 #ac4 ,and on the third lot shall my servant ,hyrum ,smith receive his inheritance4 #ad4 ,and on the first and second lots on the north shall my servants ,reynolds ,cahoon and ,jared ,carter receive their inheritances4 #ae4 ,that they may do the work which ,i have appointed unto them1 to be a committee to build mine houses according to the commandment1 which ,i1 the ,lord ,god1 have given unto you4 #af4 ,these two houses are not to be built until ,i give unto you a commandment concerning them4 #ag4 ,and now ,i give unto you no more at this time4 ,amen4 ,sidenote3 ,signs of the ,times4 ,the signs of the times continued to attract the attention of the world4 ,the cholera had broken out at ,havana1 and it was reported that five hundred were perishing daily1 and ,oporto1 in the province of ,entre-,minho-e-,douro1 ,portugal1 was experiencing the same calamity4 ,the influenza was raging at ,st4 ,petersburg1 ,russia2 more than one hundred thousand were suffering from its effects1 and it was reported to be more violent at ,moscow4 ,so dreadful were the effects of the cholera1 which spread consternation among the inhabitants of the #cdh earth1 that it was reported that the eyes of some of the afflicted burst from their sockets4 ,sidenote3 ,removal of ,indians4 ,a treaty was entered into about this time with several tribes of ,indians1 some to be located on the east of ,winnebago lake1 and others to be removed west of the ,mississippi4 #f ,sidenote3 ,arrival of the ,prophet's ,relatives in ,kirtland4 ,may #be4--,my uncle1 ,john ,smith and family arrived in ,kirtland1 from ,potsdam1 ,new ,york1 my uncle being an ,elder in the ,church2 and his wife and eldest son1 ,george ,albert ,smith1 a lad of fifteen1 were members4 ,they were the first of my father's relatives who obeyed the ,gospel4 #g ,footnotes #a4 ,the above on the state of the world is condensed from the ,evening and ,morning ,star for ,april1 #ahcc4 #b4 ,here follows the revelation on page #ccc4 #c4 ,see p4 #cbi4 #d4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 xciii4 #e4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 xciv4 #f4 ,the above items of plagues and removal of ,indians are from the ,evening and ,morning ,star1 for ,may1 #ahcc4 #g4 ,for an account of their conversation to the ,gospel see page #bhe4 #cdi ,chapter ,,xxv4 ,preparation for ,building the ,kirtland ,temple--,trial and ,excommunication of ,doctor ,philastus ,hurlburt4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,house of the ,lord at ,kirtland4 ,june #a4--;,great preparations were making to commence a house of the ,lord2 and notwithstanding the ,church was poor1 yet our unity1 harmony and charity abounded to strengthen us to do the commandments of ,god4 ,the building of the house of the ,lord in ,kirtland was a matter that continued to increase in its interest in the hearts of the brethren1 and the building committee issued the following circular to the different branches of the ,church3 ,circular4 ,kirtland1 ,june #a1 #ahcc4 ,to the ,church of ,christ in---- ,we feel under obligations to write to you as well as to all the brethren of the different branches2 and we do this1 that you1 with us1 may exert yourselves to bring about the fulfillment of the command of the ,lord concerning the establishing1 or preparing a house1 wherein the ,elders who have been commanded of the ,lord so to do1 may gather themselves together1 and prepare all things1 and call a solemn assembly1 and treasure up words of wisdom1 that they may go forth to the ,gentiles for the last time2 and now1 in order to accomplish this1 we are directed1 yea1 we are under the necessity1 to call upon the whole ,church as a body1 that they make every possible exertion to aid temporally1 as well as spiritually1 in this great work that the ,lord is beginning1 and is about to accomplish4 ,and unless we fulfill this command1 viz3 establish an house1 and prepare all things necessary whereby the ,elders may gather into a school1 called the ,school of the ,prophets1 and #cej receive that instruction which the ,lord designs they should receive1 we may all despair of obtaining the great blessing that ,god has promised to the faithful of the ,church of ,christ2 therefore it is as important1 as our salvation1 that we obey this above-mentioned command1 as well as all the commandments of the ,lord4 ,therefore1 brethren1 we write this epistle to you1 to stir up your minds to make that exertion which the ,lord requires of you1 to lend a temporal aid in these things above written2 and in order that you may know how to conduct the business1 we will relate what we have done and are doing here4 ,we have met in conference1 and agreed to form a subscription1 and circulate it through the churches4 ,the conference also appointed ,hyrum ,smith1 ,reynolds ,cahoon1 and ,jared ,carter1 a committee to superintend this business1 viz3 that of circulating subscriptions to establish a fund to build a house1 and to aid the ,elders to attend this school4 ,the subscriptions are now in circulation among us1 and our ,heavenly ,father is opening the hearts of our brethren beyond the expectation of many2 and not one brother among us1 as yet1 refuses to exert himself to do something in a temporal way to bring about the establishing of this house and school2 and we say1 may our ,heavenly ,father open your hearts also1 that you1 with us1 may gather together something to aid as a temporal benefit4 ,probably you had better call the officers of the ,church immediately together1 and appoint someone to circulate a subscription that each individual1 after signing1 may have a sufficient time to make preparations to pay what he subscribes2 for it will be necessary1 wherever the brethren are at a distance from ,kirtland1 that they exert themselves to send on their gift or assistance as soon as they can to ,kirtland2 though they can1 if they believe best1 wait on those that sign until the first of ,september1 and then collect and send it to ,kirtland4 ,these considerations we have written to you1 knowing it to be our duty thus to do1 and may the ,lord help you to exert yourselves with us1 in raising the means to bring about the glorious work of the ,lord2 and may we all be kept by the grace of ,god unto eternal life4 ,amen4 ,hyrum ,smith1 ,reynolds ,cahoon1 ,jared ,carter1 ,committee4 ,the same day ,june #ast ,i received the following3 ,revelation4 #a #a4 ,verily1 thus saith the ,lord unto you1 whom ,i love1 and whom ,i #cea love ,i also chasten that their sins may be forgiven1 for with the chastisement ,i prepare a way for their deliverance in all things out of temptation1 and ,i have loved you4 #b4 ,wherefore ye must needs be chastened and stand rebuked before my face4 #c4 ,for ye have sinned against me a very grievous sin1 in that ye have not considered the great commandment in all things1 that ,i have given unto you concerning the building of mine house4 #d4 ,for the preparation wherewith ,i design to prepare mine apostles to prune mine vineyard for the last time1 that ,i may bring to pass my strange act1 that ,i may pour out my ,spirit upon all flesh4 #e4 ,but behold1 verily ,i say unto you1 ,there are many who have been ordained among you1 whom ,i have called1 but few of them are chosen2 #f4 ,they who are not chosen have sinned a very grievous sin1 in that they are walking in darkness at noon-day2 #g4 ,and for this cause ,i gave unto you a commandment that you should call your solemn assembly1 that your fastings and your mourning might come up into the ears of the ,lord of ,sabaoth1 which is by interpretation1 the ,creator of the first day1 the beginning and the end4 #h4 ,yea1 verily ,i say unto you1 ,i gave unto you a commandment1 that you should build a house1 in the which house ,i design to endow those whom ,i have chosen with power from on high2 #i4 ,for this is the promise of the ,father unto you1 therefore ,i command you to tarry1 even as mine apostles at ,jerusalem2 #aj4 ,nevertheless my servants sinned a very grievous sin1 and contentions arose in the ,school of the ,prophets1 which was very grievous unto me1 saith your ,lord2 therefore ,i sent them forth to be chastened4 #aa4 ,verily ,i say unto you1 it is my will that you should build a house4 ,if you keep my commandments you shall have power to build it2 #ab4 ,if you keep not my commandments1 the love of the ,father shall not continue with you1 therefore you shall walk in darkness4 #ac4 ,now here is wisdom1 and the mind of the ,lord2 let the house be built1 not after the manner of the world1 for ,i give not unto you that ye shall live after the manner of the world2 #ad4 ,therefore1 let it be built after the manner which ,i shall show unto three of you1 whom ye shall appoint and ordain unto this power4 #ae4 ,and the size thereof shall be fifty and five feet in width1 and let it be sixty-five feet in length1 in the inner court thereof4 #af4 ,and let the lower part of the inner court be dedicated unto me for your sacrament offering1 and for your preaching1 and your fasting1 and your praying1 and the offering up of your most holy desires unto me1 saith your ,lord4 #ceb #ag4 ,and let the higher part of the inner court be dedicated unto me for the school of mine apostles1 saith ,son ,ahman2 or1 in other words1 ,alphus2 or1 in other words1 ,omegus2 even ,jesus ,christ your ,lord4 ,amen4 ,sidenote3 ,trial of ,doctor ,hurlburt4 ,june #c4--;,a conference of ,high ,priests convened in the translating room in ,kirtland4 ,the first case presented was that of ,doctor ,philastus ,hurlburt1 who was accused of unchristian conduct with women1 while on a mission to the east4 ,on investigation it was decided that his commission be taken from him1 and that he be no longer a member of the ,church of ,christ4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,house of the ,lord to be ,built at ,kirtland4 ,the next matter before the conference was to ascertain what should be the dimensions or size of the house1 that is to be built for a house of worship and for the ,school of the ,prophets4 ,i had received a revelation on the size of the house in which the word of the ,lord was that it should be fifty-five feet wide1 and sixty-five feet long1 in the inner court4 ,the conference appointed ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 ,sidney ,rigdon and ,frederick ,g4 ,williams to obtain a draft or construction of the inner court of the house4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,french ,farm4 ,june #d4--;,a similar conference assembled at the same place and took into consideration how the ,french farm should be disposed of4 ,the conference could not agree who should take charge of it1 but all agreed to inquire of the ,lord2 accordingly we received the following3 ,revelation to ,enoch ,joseph ,smith ,jun4 ,showing the ,order of the ,city or ,stake of ,zion1 in ,shinehah ,kirtland1 given for a ,sample to the ,saints in ,kirtland4 #b #a4 ,behold1 ,i say unto you1 here is wisdom1 whereby ye may know how to act concerning this matter1 for it is expedient in me that this stake that ,i have set for the strength of ,zion should be made strong2 #b4 ,therefore1 let my servant ,ahashdah 7,newel ,k4 ,whitney7 take #cec charge of the place which is named among you1 upon which ,i design to build mine holy house2 #c4 ,and again1 let it be divided in lots1 according to wisdom1 for the benefit of those who seek inheritances1 as it shall be determined in council among you4 #d4 ,therefore1 take heed that ye see to this matter1 and that portion that is necessary to benefit mine order1 for the purpose of bringing forth my word to the children of men2 #e4 ,for behold1 verily ,i say unto you1 this is the most expedient in me1 that my word should go forth unto the children of men1 for the purpose of subduing the hearts of the children of men for your good4 ,even so4 ,amen4 #f4 ,and again1 verily ,i say unto you1 it is wisdom and expedient in me1 that my servant ,zombre 7,john ,johnson7 whose offering ,i have accepted1 and whose prayers ,i have heard1 unto whom ,i give a promise of eternal life inasmuch as he keepeth my commandments from henceforth-- #g4 ,for he is a descendant of ,seth 7,joseph71 and a partaker of the blessings of the promise made unto his fathers-- #h4 ,verily ,i say unto you1 it is expedient in me that he should become a member of the order1 that he may assist in bringing forth my word unto the children of men2 #i4 ,therefore ye shall ordain him unto this blessing1 and he shall seek diligently to take away incumbrances that are upon the house named among you1 that he may dwell therein4 ,even so4 ,amen4 ,sidenote3 ,john ,johnson ,ordained a ,high ,priest4 ,zombre ,john ,johnson was ordained by the conference to the ,high ,priesthood1 and admitted according to the revelation4 ,sidenote3 ,ground ,broken for ,kirtland ,temple4 ,june #e4--;,george ,a4 ,smith hauled the first load of stone for the ,temple1 and ,hyrum ,smith and ,reynolds ,cahoon commenced digging the trench for the walls of the ,lord's house1 and finished the same with their own hands4 ,sidenote3 ,action of ,conference with ,reference to the ,temple4 ,june #f4--;,a conference of ,high ,priests assembled1 and chose ,orson ,hyde a clerk to the ,presidency of the ,high ,priesthood4 ,this conference was more especially called to counsel the committee1 who had been appointed to take the oversight of the building of the house of the ,lord4 ,the conference voted that the committee1 7,reynolds ,cahoon1 ,jared #ced ,carter1 and ,hyrum ,smith71 proceeded immediately to commence building the house2 or to obtaining materials1 stone1 brick1 lumber1 etc41 for the same4 ,sidenote3 ,hurlburt's ,appeal4 ,june #ba4--;,doctor ,hurlburt being dissatisfied with the decision of the council on his case presented the following appeal3 ,i1 ,doctor ,philastus ,hurlburt1 having been tried before the ,bishop's council of ,high ,priests on a charge of unchristian-like conduct with the female sex1 and myself being absent at the time1 and considering that strict justice was not done me1 ,i do1 by these presents1 most solemnly enter my appeal unto the ,president's council of ,high ,priests for a re-hearing1 according to the privilege guaranteed to me in the laws of the ,church1 which council is now assembled in the school room1 in ,kirtland1 this #bast day of ,june1 #ahcc4 ,it was voted by the council present1 when this was received1 that ,brother ,hurlburt be granted a re-hearing2 and after prayer1 7which was customary at the opening of all councils of the ,church71 the council proceeded to ordain two ,high ,priests1 to make out the number1 7twelve7 that the council1 or ,church court1 might be organized4 ,by the choice of the council ,brothers ,john and ,william ,smith were ordained under the hands of ,elder ,rigdon4 ,brother ,hurlburt's case was then laid before the court1 and the testimony against him given by ,orson ,hyde and ,hyrum ,smith1 and duly investigated4 ,the decision of the court was1 that ,brother ,hurlburt should be forgiven1 because of the liberal confession which he made4 ,this court also decided that the ,bishop's council decided correctly on the case1 and that ,brother ,hurlburt's crime was sufficient to cut him off from the ,church2 but on his confession he was restored4 ,sidenote3 ,copley's ,case4 ,the ,president's court also took ,brother ,daniel ,copley's ,priest's license and membership from him1 because he refused to fulfil his mission according to the council of the ,high ,priesthood of the holy order of ,god4 #cee ,sidenote3 ,excommunication of ,doctor ,hurlburt4 ,june #bc4--;,doctor ,philastus ,hurlburt was again called in question1 by a general council2 and ,brother ,gee1 of ,thompson1 testified that ,brother ,hurlburt said that he deceived ,joseph ,smith's ,god1 or the spirit by which he is actuated4 ,there was also corroborating testimony brought against him by ,brother ,hodges4 ,the council cut him off from the ,church4 #c ,sidenote3 ,case of ,james ,higby4 ,a council of the ,elders of the church was held at ,westfield1 ,new ,york1 the same day4 ,elder ,gladden ,bishop was president1 and ,brother ,chester ,l4 ,heath clerk4 ,brother ,paul entered a complaint against ,brother ,james ,higby1 an ,elder1 for circulating false and slanderous reports1 and not observing the order of the ,gospel1 and presented evidence unimpeachable1 to substantiate the same to the satisfaction of the council2 upon which evidence--and from ,brother ,higby's own mouth1 and the spirit he manifested--he was declared #cef guilty by the council1 and he was cut off from the ,church4 ,the council then demanded his license and the ,church record1 which he utterly refused to give up2 therefore1 resolved that the proceedings of the council be sent to ,kirtland1 that it may be known among the different branches of the ,church4 #d ,footnotes #a4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 xcv4 #b4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 xcvi4 #c4 ,owing to the subsequent prominence of this man1 ,doctor ,philastus ,hurlburt1 as a bitter anti-,mormon1 more should be said of him than is given in the ,prophet's narrative4 ,he was not a physician1 as the title ,doctor would seem to indicate2 but being the seventh son in his father's family1 according to the old folklore superstition that the seventh son would possess supernatural qualities that would make him a physician1 he was called ,doc1 or ,doctor1 ,this said ',doctor1' wrote ,sidney ,rigdon in #ahci1 to the ,boston ,journal1 was never a physician at any time1 nor anything else but a base ruffian4 ,he was the seventh son and his parents called him ',doctor2' it was his name1 and not the title of his profession4 ,he once belonged to the ,methodist church1 and was excluded for immoralities4 ,he afterwards imposed himself on the ,church of ,latter-day ,saints1 and was excluded for using obscene language to a young lady1 a member of the said ,church1 who resented his insult with indignation which became both her character and profession4 ,joseph ,e4 ,johnson1 in a communication to the ,deseret ,evening ,news1 under date of ,december #bh1 #ahhj1 says of ,doctor ,hurlburt3 ,in the year ,a4 ,d4 #ahcc1 then living in ,kirtland1 ,ohio1 ,i became acquainted with a man subsequently known as ,dr4 ,hurlburt1 who came to investigate the truth of ,mormonism4 ,claiming to be satisfied1 he was baptized and became a member in full fellowship4 ,he was a man of fine physique1 very pompous1 good looking1 and very ambitious1 with some energy1 though of poor education4 ,soon after his arrival he came to my mother's house to board1 where he remained for nearly a year1 while he made an effort to get into a good practice of medicine1 sought position in the ,church and was ever striving to make marital connection with any of the first families4 ,finally 99 99 99 he was charged with illicit intercourse with the sex1 was tried and cut off from the ,church4 ,he denied1 expostulated1 threatened1 but to no use1 the facts were too apparent1 and he at once avowed himself the enemy of the ,church4 #d4 ,the account of the council of ,elders at ,westfield was copied into the ,kirtland ,church record on the #bith of ,june1 #ahcc4 #ceg ,,chapter ,,xxvi4 ,the ,plat of the ,city of ,zion--,its ,temples--,correspondence on ,affairs in ,zion and ,eugene4 ,an explanation of the plot of the city of ,zion1 sent to the brethren in ,zion1 the #beth of ,june1 #ahcc3 ,sidenote3 ,the ,general ,plan of the ,city of ,zion4 ,the plat contains one mile square2 all the squares in the plat contain ten acres each1 being forty rods square4 ,you will observe that the lots are laid off alternately in the squares2 in one square running from the south and north to the line through the center of the square2 and in the next1 the lots run from the east and west to the center line4 ,each lot is four perches in front and twenty back1 making one half of an acre in each lot1 so that no one street will be built on entirely through the street2 but on one square the houses will stand on one street1 and on the next one1 another1 except the middle range of squares1 which runs north and south1 in which range are the painted squares4 ,the lots are laid off in the squares1 north and south1 all of them2 because these squares are forty perches by sixty1 being twenty perches longer than the others1 their greatest length being east and west1 and by running all these squares1 north and south1 it makes all the lots in the city of one size4 #ceh ,sidenote3 ,the ,blocks ,set ,aside for ,temples4 ,the painted squares in the middle are for public buildings4 ,the one without any figures is for store-houses for the ,bishop1 and to be devoted to his use4 ,figure first is for temples for the use of the presidency2 the circles inside of the squares1 are the places for the temples4 ,you will see it contains twelve figures1 two are for the temples of the lesser ,priesthood4 ,it is also to contain twelve temples4 ,the whole plot is supposed to contain from fifteen to twenty thousand people3 you will therefore see that it will require twenty-four buildings to supply them with houses of worship1 schools1 etc42 and none of these temples are to be smaller than the one of which we send you a draft4 ,this temple is to be built in the square marked figure #a2 and to be built where the circle is which has a cross on it on the north end4 ,sidenote3 ,location of ,lands for the ,agriculturist4 ,south of the plot where the line is drawn1 is to be laid off for farms1 stables1 etc41 for the use of the city2 so that no barns or stables will be in the city among the houses2 the ground to be occupied for these must be laid off according to wisdom4 ,on the north and south are to be laid off the farms for the agriculturist1 and sufficient quantity of land to supply the whole plot2 and if it cannot be laid off without going too great a distance from the city1 there must also be some laid off on the east and west4 ,sidenote3 ,zion a ,group of ,cities4 ,when this square is thus laid off and supplied1 lay off another in the same way1 and so fill up the world in these last days2 and let every man live in the city for this is the city of ,zion4 ,all the streets are of one width1 being eight perches wide4 ,also1 the space round the outer edge of the painted squares1 is to be eight perches between the temple and the street on every side4 ,no one lot1 in this city1 is to contain more than one house1 and that to be built twenty-five feet back from the street1 leaving a small yard in front1 to be planted in a grove1 according to the taste of the builder2 the rest #cei of the lot for gardens2 all the houses are to be built of brick and stone4 ,the scale of the plot is forty perches to the inch4 ,sidenote3 ,names of the ,temples4 ,the names of the temples to be built on the painted squares as represented on the plot of the city of ,zion1 which is now about to be forwarded thither3--numbers #aj1 #aa1 and #ab1 are to be called1 ,house of the ,lord1 for the ,presidency of the ,high and most ,holy ,priesthood1 after the order of ,melchisedek1 which was after the order of the ,son of ,god1 upon ,mount ,zion1 ,city of the ,new ,jerusalem4 ,numbers #g1 #h1 and #i1 the ,sacred ,apostolic ,repository1 for the use of the ,bishop4 ,numbers #d1 #e1 and #f1 the ,holy ,evangelical ,house1 for the ,high ,priesthood of the ,holy ,order of ,god4 ,numbers #a1 #b1 and #c1 the ,house of the ,lord1 for the ,elders of ,zion1 an ,ensign to the ,nations4 ,numbers #bb1 #bc1 and #bd1 ,house of the ,lord for the ,presidency of the ,high ,priesthood1 after the ,order of ,aaron1 a ,standard for the ,people4 ,numbers #ai1 #bj1 and #ba1 ,house of the ,lord1 the ,law of the ,kingdom of ,heaven1 and ,messenger to the ,people2 for the ,highest ,priesthood after the ,order of ,aaron4 ,numbers #af1 #ag1 and #ah1 ,house of the ,lord for the ,teachers in ,zion1 ,messenger to the ,church4 ,numbers #ac1 #ad1 and #ae1 ,house of the ,lord for the ,deacons in ,zion1 ,helps in ,government4 ,underneath must be written on each house-- ,holiness to the ,lord4 ,a description of the ,house of the ,lord1 which is to be built first in ,zion3 ,sidenote3 ,the ,house of the ,lord for the ,presidency4 ,the house of the ,lord for the ,presidency1 is eighty-seven feet long and sixty-one feet wide1 and ten feet taken off of the east end for the stairway1 leaves the inner court1 seventy-eight feet by sixty-one1 which is calculated and divided for seats in the following manner1 viz3 the two aisles four #cfj feet wide each2 the middle block of pews are eleven feet ten inches long1 and three feet wide each2 and the two lines drawn through the middle are four inches apart2 in which space a curtain is to drop at right angles1 and divide the house into four parts if necessary4 ,the pews of the side blocks are fourteen and a half feet long1 and three feet wide4 ,the five pews in each corner of the house1 are twelve feet six inches long4 ,the open spaces between the corner and side pews are for fireplaces2 those in the west are nine feet wide1 and the east ones are eight feet and eight inches wide1 and the chimneys carried up in the wall where they are marked with a pencil4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,pulpits of the ,temple4 ,the pulpit in the west end of the house is to be occupied by the ,high ,priesthood1 as follows3--,number #a1 is for the ,president and his council2 number #b1 for the ,bishop and his council2 number #c1 for the ,high ,priests2 and number #d for the ,elders3 each of these is eight feet long1 containing three coves or stands for the respective speakers2 and those seats opposite them are for visiting officers1 who are to occupy seats according to their respective grades4 ,the two spaces in the middle are stairs two feet wide4 ,the middle pulpit is to be elevated2 the first seats one foot1 the second two feet1 the third three feet1 and the fourth four feet4 ,and those upon each side are also to be elevated3 the first one eight inches1 the second sixteen1 the third twenty-four1 the fourth thirty-two4 ,the corner seats are to be occupied by singers1 and elevated--the first seat six inches1 the second twelve1 the third eighteen1 the fourth twenty-four1 and the fifth thirty-two inches4 ,the pulpit in the east end of the house is to be occupied by the ,lesser ,priesthood4 ,number #a1 is for the ,presidency of the ,lesser ,priesthood2 number #b1 for the ,priests2 number #c1 for the ,teachers2 and number #d1 for the ,deacons2 and the seats by their sides1 are also to be #cfa occupied by visiting officers2 each one opposite his respective grade4 ,the pulpits are to be finished with panel work1 in the best workmanlike manner2 and the building to be constructed of stone and brick of the best quality4 ,observe particularly that as there are pulpits at each end of the house1 the backs of the congregation must be to one of them1 and they will want occasionally to change4 ,in order for this the house must have pews instead of slips1 and in the pews let the seats be loose1 that they may slip from one side of the pew to the other1 so as to face either pulpit1 as occasion may require4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,windows4 ,the side view represents five windows in each story4 ,the windows are to have each forty-eight lights1 of seven by nine glass1 six one way and eight the other2 the sides and lintels of the windows to be of hewn stone1 and on the top of the lintel is to be a ,gothic top1 as you see1 but the windows must have a lintel2 and so with the outside doors1 all with ,gothic tops4 ,sidenote3 ,general ,dimensions4 ,make your house fourteen feet high between the floors4 ,there will not be a gallery but a chamber2 each story to be fourteen feet high1 arched overhead with an elliptic arch4 ,let the foundation of the house be of stone2 let it be raised sufficiently high to allow of banking up so high as to admit of a descent every way from the house1 so far as to divide the distance between this house1 and the one next to it4 ,on the top of the foundation1 above the embankment1 let there be two rows of hewn stone1 and then commence the brick-work on the hewn stone4 ,the entire height of the house is to be twenty-eight feet1 each story being fourteen feet2 make the wall a sufficient thickness for a house of this size4 ,the end view represents five windows of the same size as those at the side1 the middle window excepted1 which is to be the same1 with the addition of side lights4 ,this middle window is designed to light the rooms both above and below1 as the upper floor is to be laid off in the same way as the lower one1 and arched overhead2 with the #cfb same arrangement of curtains1 or veils1 as before mentioned4 ,the doors are to be five feet wide1 and nine feet high1 and to be in the east end of the house4 ,the west end is to have no doors1 but in other respects is to be like the east1 except the windows are to be opposite the alleys which run east and west4 ,the roof of the house is to have one-fourth pitch1 the door to have ,gothic top1 the same as the windows4 ,the shingles of the roof to be painted before they are put on4 ,there is to be a fanlight1 as you see4 ,the windows and doors are all to have venetian blinds4 ,a belfry is to be in the east end1 and a bell of very large size4 ,sidenote3 ,arrangement of ,curtains4 ,you will be careful to have hooks and rings to suspend your veils on1 so that they can be let down or raised at any time1 at pleasure4 ,also1 as you see1 the pulpits are to have four seats1 rising one above another2 for instance1 the ,elder's seat is the lowest1 next comes the ,high ,priest's1 next the ,bishop's2 so each of these must have a veil that is suspended from the upper floor1 so as to be let down2 which will at any time when necessary be let down1 and shut off each stand or seat by itself4 ,sidenote3 ,important ,letter to ,brethren in ,zion4 ,the same day ,june #beth1 we wrote to ,brother ,w4 ,w4 ,phelps1 and others in ,zion1 from ,kirtland1 as follows3 ,brethren2--,we have received your last1 containing a number of questions which you desire us to answer2 this we do the more readily as we desire with all our hearts the prosperity of ,zion1 and the peace of her inhabitants2 for we have as great an interest in the welfare of ,zion1 as you can have4 ,first1 as respects getting the ,book of ,commandments bound1 we think it is not necessary4 ,they will be sold well without binding1 and there is no bookbinder to be had that we know of1 nor are there materials to be had for binding1 without keeping the books too long from circulation4 ,with regard to the copies of the ,book of ,mormon1 which are in the hands of ,brother ,burkett1 we say to you1 get them from ,brother #cfc ,burkett1 and give him a receipt for them in the name of the ,literary ,firm4 ,let ,brother ,gilbert pay ,brother ,chapin his money4 ,we have not found the ,book of ,jasher1 nor any other of the lost books mentioned in the ,bible as yet2 nor will we obtain them at present4 ,respecting the ,apocrypha1 the ,lord said to us that there were many things in it which were true1 and there were many things in it which were not true1 and to those who desire it1 should be given by the ,spirit to know the true from the false4 ,we have received some revelations within a short time back1 which you will obtain in due season4 ,as soon as we can get time1 we will review the manuscripts of the ,book of ,mormon1 after which they will be forwarded to you4 ,we commend the plan highly of your choosing a teacher to instruct the ,high ,priests1 that they may be able to silence gainsayers4 ,concerning ,bishops1 we recommend the following3 ,let ,brother ,isaac ,morley be ordained second ,bishop in ,zion1 and let ,brother ,john ,corrill be ordained third4 ,let ,brother ,edward ,partridge choose as counselors in their place1 ,brother ,parley ,p4 ,pratt and ,brother ,titus ,billings1 ordaining ,brother ,billings to the ,high ,priesthood4 ,let ,brother ,morley choose for his counselors1 ,brother ,christian ,whitmer1 whom ordain to the ,high ,priesthood1 and ,brother ,newel ,knight4 ,let ,brother ,corrill choose ,brother ,daniel ,stanton and ,brother ,hezekiah ,peck1 for his counselors2 let ,brother ,hezekiah also1 be ordained to the ,high ,priesthood4 ,zombre ,john ,johnson has been received as a member of the firm1 by commandment1 and has just come to ,kirtland to live2 as soon as we get a power of attorney signed agreeable to law1 for ,alam ,edward ,partridge we will forward it to him1 and will immediately expect one from that part of the firm to ,ahashdah ,newel ,k4 ,whitney1 signed in the same manner4 ,we would again say to ,alam ,edward ,partridge1 be sure to get a form according to law for securing a gift4 ,we have found by examining the law1 that a gift cannot be retained without this4 ,the truth triumphs gloriously in the east2 multitudes are embracing it4 ,i1 ,sidney1 who write this letter in behalf of the ,presidency1 had the privilege of seeing my aged mother baptized into the faith of the ,gospel1 a few weeks since1 at the advanced age of seventy-five4 ,she now resides with me4 ,we send by this mail1 a draft of the city of ,zion1 with explanations1 and a draft of the house to be built immediately in ,zion1 for the ,presidency1 as well as for the purpose of religion and instruction4 ,kirtland1 the stake of ,zion1 is strengthening continually4 ,when the #cfd enemies look at her they wag their heads and march along4 ,we anticipate the day when the enemies will have fled away and be far from us4 ,you will remember that the power of agency must be signed by the wives as well as the husbands1 and the wives must be examined in the matter separate and apart from the husbands1 the same as signing a deed1 and a specification to that effect inserted at the bottom1 by the justice before whom such acknowledgment is made1 otherwise the power of attorney will be of none effect4 ,should you not understand the explanations sent with the drafts1 you will inform us1 so that you may have a proper understanding1 for it is meet that all things should be done according to the pattern4 ,we have found the following errors in the ,commandments1 as printed3 fortieth chapter1 tenth verse1 third line1 instead of corruptable1 put corrupted4 ,fourteenth verse of the same chapter1 fifth line1 instead of respecter to persons1 put respecter of persons4 ,twenty-first verse1 second line of the same chapter1 instead of respecter to1 put respecter of4 ,forty-fourth chapter1 twelfth verse1 last line1 instead of hands1 put heads4 ,items of ,instruction ,concerning the ,consecration of ,property4 ,brother ,edward ,partridge3 ,sir3--,i proceed to answer your questions1 concerning the consecration of property3--,first1 it is not right to condescend to very great particulars in taking inventories4 ,the fact is this1 a man is bound by the law of the ,church1 to consecrate to the ,bishop1 before he can be considered a legal heir to the kingdom of ,zion2 and this1 too1 without constraint2 and unless he does this1 he cannot be acknowledged before the ,lord on the ,church ,books3 therefore1 to condescend to particulars1 ,i will tell you that every man must be his own judge how much he should receive and how much he should suffer to remain in the hands of the ,bishop4 ,i speak of those who consecrate more than they need for the support of themselves and their families4 ,the matter of consecration must be done by the mutual consent of both parties2 for to give the ,bishop power to say how much every man shall have1 and he be obliged to comply with the ,bishop's judgment1 is giving to the ,bishop more power than a king has2 and upon the other hand1 to let every man say how much he needs1 and the ,bishop be obliged to comply with his judgment1 is to throw ,zion into confusion1 and make a slave of the ,bishop4 ,the fact is1 there must be a balance or equilibrium of power1 between the ,bishop and the people1 and thus harmony and good will may be preserved among you4 ,therefore1 those persons consecrating property to the ,bishop in ,zion1 #cfe and then receiving an inheritance back1 must reasonably show to the ,bishop that they need as much as they claim4 ,but in case the two parties cannot come to a mutual agreement1 the ,bishop is to have nothing to do about receiving such consecrations2 and the case must be laid before a council of twelve ,high ,priests1 the ,bishop not being one of the council1 but he is to lay the case before them4 #a ,say to ,brother ,gilbert that we have no means in our power to assist him in a pecuniary way1 as we know not the hour when we shall be sued for debts which we have contracted ourselves in ,new ,york4 ,say to him that he must exert himself to the utmost to obtain means himself1 to replenish his store1 for it must be replenished1 and it is his duty to attend to it4 ,we were not a little surprised to hear that some of our letters of a public nature1 which we sent for the good of ,zion1 have been kept back from the ,bishops4 ,this is conduct which we highly disapprobate4 ,answers to ,queries to ,brother ,phelps' ,letter of ,june #dth4 ,first1 in relation to the poor3 ,when the ,bishops are appointed according to our recommendation1 it will devolve upon them to see to the poor1 according to the laws of the ,church4 ,in regard to the printing of the ,new ,translation3 ,it cannot be done until we can attend to it ourselves1 and this we will do as soon as the ,lord permits4 ,as to ,shederlaomach1 ,f4 ,g4 ,williams1 all members of the ,united ,firm are considered one4 ,the order of the ,literary ,firm is a matter #cff of stewardship1 which is of the greatest importance2 and the mercantile establishment ,god commanded to be devoted to the support thereof1 and ,god will bring every transgression unto judgment4 ,say to the brothers ,hulet and to all others1 that the ,lord never authorized them to say that the devil1 his angels or the sons of perdition1 should ever be restored2 for their fate of destiny was not revealed to man1 is not revealed1 nor ever shall be revealed1 save to those who are made partakers thereof3 consequently those who teach this doctrine1 have not received it of the ,spirit of the ,lord4 ,truly ,brother ,oliver declared it to be the doctrine of devils4 ,we therefore command that this doctrine be taught no more in ,zion4 ,we sanction the decision of the ,bishop and his council1 in relation to this doctrine being a bar to communion4 ,the number of disciples in ,kirtland is about one hundred and fifty4 ,we have commenced building the house of the ,lord1 in this place1 and it goes on rapidly4 ,good news from the east and south of the success of the laborers is often saluting our ears4 ,it is a general time of #cfg health among us2 families all well1 and day and night we pray for the salvation of ,zion4 ,we deliver ,brother ,ziba ,peterson over to the buffetings of ,satan1 in the name of the ,lord1 that he may learn not to transgress the commandments of ,god4 ,we conclude our letter by the usual salutation1 in token of the new and everlasting covenant4 ,we hasten to close1 because the mail is just going4 ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 ,sidney ,rigdon1 ,f4 ,g4 ,williams4 ,p4 ,s4--,we feel gratified with the way in which ,brother ,william ,w4 #cfh ,phelps is conducting the ,star at present1 we hope he will seek to render it more and more interesting4 ,in relation to the size of ,bishoprics3 ,when ,zion is once properly regulated there will be a ,bishop to each square of the size of the one we send you with this2 but at present it must be done according to wisdom4 ,it is needful1 brethren1 that you should be all of one heart1 and of one mind1 in doing the will of the ,lord4 ,there should exist the greatest freedom and familiarity among the rulers in ,zion4 ,we were exceedingly sorry to hear the complaint that was made in ,brother ,edward ,partridge's letter1 that the letters attending the ,olive ,leaf had been kept from him1 as it is meet that he should know all things in relation to ,zion1 as the ,lord has appointed him to be a judge in ,zion4 ,we hope1 dear brethren1 that the like occurrence will not take place again4 ,when we direct letters to ,zion to any of the ,high ,priests1 which pertain to the regulation of her affairs1 we always design that they should be laid before the ,bishop1 so as to enable him to perform his duty4 ,we say so much1 hoping it will be received in kindness1 and our brethren will be careful of one another's feelings1 and walk in love1 honoring one another more than themselves1 as is required by the ,lord4 ,yours as ever1 ,j4 ,s41 ,s4 ,r41 ,f4 ,g4 ,w4 ,a ,second ,communication to the ,brethren in ,zion4 ,kirtland1 ,july #bnd1 #ahcc4 ,to the ,brethren in ,zion3 ,we received your letters of ,june #gth3 one from ,brothers ,william ,w4 ,phelps and ,oliver ,cowdery2 one from ,brother ,david ,whitmer2 and one from ,brother ,sidney ,gilbert1 for which we are thankful to our ,heavenly ,father1 as also to hear of your welfare1 and the prosperity of ,zion4 ,having received your letters in the mail of today1 we hasten to answer1 in order that our reply may go with tomorrow's mail4 ,we are exceedingly fatigued1 owing to a great press of business4 ,we this day finished the translating of the ,scriptures1 for which we returned gratitude to our ,heavenly ,father1 and sat immediately down to answer your letters4 ,we rejoiced greatly to hear of the safe arrival of ,sister ,vienna ,jaques and ,brother ,william ,hobert1 and thank our ,heavenly ,father that their lives have been spared them until their arrival4 ,the health of the brethren and sisters in ,kirtland is good at present2 no case of sickness known to us4 ,brother ,joseph ,c4 #cfi ,kingsbury's wife is declining fast1 and cannot continue much longer1 but will soon be in the paradise of ,god4 ,we are engaged in writing a letter to ,eugene #b respecting the two ,smiths1 as we have received two letters from them2 one from ,john ,smith1 the other from the ,elder of the ,church4 #c ,as to the gift of tongues1 all we can say is1 that in this place1 we have received it as the ancients did3 we wish you1 however1 to be careful lest in this you be deceived4 ,guard against evils which may arise from any accounts given by women1 or otherwise2 be careful in all things lest any root of bitterness spring up among you1 and thereby many be defiled4 ,satan will no doubt trouble you about the gift of tongues1 unless you are careful2 you cannot watch him too closely1 nor pray too much4 ,may the ,lord give you wisdom in all things4 ,in a letter mailed last week1 you will doubtless1 before you receive this1 have obtained information about the ,new ,translation4 ,consign the box of the ,book of ,commandments to ,n4 ,k4 ,whitney ,co41 ,kirtland1 ,geauga county1 ,ohio1 care of ,kelly and ,walworth1 ,cleveland1 ,cuyahoga county1 ,ohio4 ,i1 ,sidney1 write this in great haste1 in answer to yours to ,brother ,joseph1 as ,i am going off immediately1 in company with ,brother ,frederick to proclaim the ,gospel2 we think of starting tomorrow4 ,having finished the translation of the ,bible1 a few hours since1 and needing some recreation1 we know of one way we can spend our time more to divine acceptance than in endeavoring to build up ,his ,zion in these last days1 as we are not willing to idle any time away which can be spent to useful purposes4 ,doors are opening continually for proclaiming the ,gospel4 ,the spirit of bitterness among the people is fast subsiding1 and a spirit of inquiry is taking its place4 ,i preached last ,sunday at ,chardon1 our county seat2 ,i had the court house2 there was a general turn-out1 good attention1 and a pressing invitation for more meetings1 which will be granted1 if the ,lord will1 when we return from this tour4 ,brother ,joseph is going to take a tour with ,brother ,george ,james1 of ,brownhelm1 as soon as ,brother ,george comes to this place4 ,we hope1 our brethren1 that the greatest freedom and frankness will exist between you and the ,bishop1 not withholding from one another any information from us1 but communicating with the greatest freedom1 lest you should produce evils of a serious character1 and the ,lord become offended3 for know assuredly1 if we1 by our wickedness1 bring evil on #cgj our own heads1 the ,lord will let us bear it till we get weary and hate iniquity4 ,brother ,frederick wants you to say to ,brother ,burke1 that the man from whom he expected to get the mill stones1 has run off1 so he will not be able to get them2 but ,brother ,burke can get them of the same man's make1 in ,st4 ,louis4 ,we conclude by giving our heartiest approbation to every measure calculated for the spread of the truth1 in these last days2 and our strongest desires1 and sincerest prayers for the prosperity of ,zion4 ,say to all the brethren and sisters in ,zion1 that they have our hearts1 our best wishes1 and the strongest desires of our spirits for their welfare1 temporal1 spiritual1 and eternal4 ,as ever1 we salute you in the name of the ,lord ,jesus4 ,amen4 ,sidney ,rigdon1 ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 ,f4 ,g4 ,williams4 ,correspondence over ,troubles in the ,eugene ,branch of the ,church4 ,kirtland1 ,july #bnd1 #ahcc4 ,brother ,john ,smith3 ,we have just received your letter1 of the #hth of ,june1 which seems to have been written in a spirit of justification on your part4 ,you will recollect that previous to your leaving this place1 you were tried before the ,bishop's court1 which found you guilty of misdemeanor1 and decided that you should no longer retain your authority in the ,church2 all of which we1 as ,presidents of the ,high ,priesthood1 sanction4 ,you name something in your letter1 that took place at ,brother ,olney's in ,shalersville1 on the #bgth and #bhth of ,august1 which we perfectly recollect1 and had you made such confession as you were required to1 at ,chippeway1 all things would have worked together for your good1 and as ,i told you2 but you did not manifest that degree of humility to the brethren that was required1 but remained obstinate2 for that reason ,god withdrew ,his ,spirit from you1 and left you in darkness4 ,in your letter you say many hard things against the brethren1 especially against ,father ,joseph ,smith1 ,brother ,reynolds ,cahoon1 and ,bishop ,whitney1 all of which we highly disapprove4 ,it seems also that your son ,eden is confederate with you1 and needs to be reproved1 together with yourself1 in all humility before the ,lord1 or you must expect to be dealt with according to the laws of the ,church4 ,we say you are no more than a private member in the ,church4 ,sidenote3 ,presidents4 ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 ,f4 ,g4 ,williams1 #cga ,kirtland1 ,july #bnd1 #ahcc4 ,to the ,church at ,eugene3 ,dear ,brethren3--,it is truly painful to be under the necessity of writing on a subject which engages our attention at this time1 viz3 the case of ,john ,smith1 and ,eden ,smith1 his son4 ,we have just received a letter from you concerning their standing in the ,church4 ,we do not hold them in fellowship4 ,we would inform you that ,john ,smith has been dealt with1 and his authority taken from him2 and you are required not to receive his teachings1 but to treat him as a transgressor1 until he repents and humbles himself before the ,lord1 to the entire satisfaction of the ,church3 and also1 you have authority to call a conference1 and sit in judgment on ,eden's case1 and deal with him as the law directs4 ,we feel to rebuke the ,elders of that branch of the ,church of ,christ1 for not magnifying their office1 and letting the transgressor go unpunished4 ,we1 therefore1 enjoin upon you1 to be watchful on your part1 and search out iniquity1 and put it down wherever it may be found4 ,you will see by this1 brethren1 that you have authority to sit in council on the ,smiths2 and if found guilty1 to deal with them accordingly4 ,we have this day directed a letter to ,john ,smith1 thereby making known to him our disapprobation of the course he has pursued4 ,we commend you to ,god and ,his grace1 ever praying ,he will keep and preserve you blameless till ,he come4 ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 ,sidney ,rigdon1 ,f4 ,g4 ,williams4 ,postscript by ,bishop ,whitney1 same date3 ,dear ,brethren3--,yours of the #crd of ,june1 came safe to hand the last mail1 and ,john ,smith's1 which was directed to ,brother ,joseph4 ,now1 my brethren1 on this sheet you have ,brother ,joseph's sanction to my proceedings1 and the letter ,i last wrote you1 and you will govern yourselves accordingly1 for you have full power and authority to call the two brothers ,smith to an account for their conduct2 and1 unless they repent and make satisfaction1 not only to your branch of the ,church1 but also to this branch1 they must be cut off from the body2 for under existing circumstances1 we have no fellowship with them4 ,brother ,john ,smith's authority1 as an officer in the ,church1 was taken from him before he left1 and he ought to have given up his license2 but he went away without doing so1 and it seems he has made use of it to impose upon you4 ,as to the two sisters you spoke of in your last1 if there is no testimony on either side1 all you can do is to forbid them to partake of the ,sacrament unworthily2 and pray much1 and ,god will bring all things to light4 ,n4 ,k4 ,whitney1 ,bishop4 ,footnotes #a4 ,the first of the following deed-forms was used in consecrating property to the ,church2 the second1 in securing the stewardships to those entering into the law of consecration and stewardship1 sometimes called the ,order of ,enoch1 because it was the law under which the ,patriarch ,enoch and his people lived4 ,these deed forms were found in the private papers of ,bishop ,edward ,partridge4 ,i4 ,be it known1 that ,i1 ,titus ,billings of ,jackson county1 and the state of ,missouri1 having become a member of the ,church of ,christ1 organized according to law1 and established by the revelations of the ,lord1 on the #fth day of ,april1 #ahcj1 do1 of my own free will and accord1 having first paid my just debts1 grant and hereby give unto ,edward ,partridge of ,jackson county1 and state of ,missouri1 ,bishop of said ,church1 the following described property1 viz43--sundry articles of furniture valued fifty-five dollars twenty-seven cents2 also two beds1 bedding and extra clothing valued seventy-three dollars twenty-five cents2 also farming utensils valued forty-one dollars1 also one horse1 two wagons1 two cows and two calves1 valued one hundred forty-seven dollars4 ,for the purpose of purchasing lands in ,jackson county1 ,mo41 and building up the ,new ,jerusalem1 even ,zion1 and for relieving the wants of the poor and needy4 ,for which ,i1 the said ,titus ,billings1 do covenant and bind myself and my heirs forever1 to release all my right and interest to the above described property1 unto him1 the said ,edward ,partridge1 ,bishop of said ,church4 ,and ,i1 the said ,edward ,partridge1 ,bishop of said ,church1 having received the above described property1 of the said ,titus ,billings1 do bind myself1 that ,i will cause the same to be expended for the above mentioned purposes of the said ,titus ,billings to the satisfaction of said ,church2 and in case ,i should be removed from the office of ,bishop of said ,church1 by death or otherwise1 ,i hereby bind myself and my heirs forever1 to make over to my successor in office1 for the benefit of said ,church1 all the above described property1 which may then be in my possession4 ,in testimony whereof1 we have hereunto set our hands and seals this44444444444 day of44444441 in the year of our ,lord1 one thousand1 eight hundred and thirty 44444 ,in the presence of ,signed1 ,titus ,billings4 ,edward ,partridge ,,ii4 ,be it known1 that ,i1 ,edward ,partridge1 of ,jackson county1 state of ,missouri1 ,bishop of the ,church of ,christ1 organized according to law1 and established by the revelations of the ,lord1 on the #fth day of ,april1 #ahcj1 have leased and by these presents do lease unto ,titus ,billings1 of ,jackson county1 and state of ,missouri1 a member of said ,church the following described piece or parcel of land1 being a part of section ,no4 three1 township ,no4 forty-nine1 range ,no4 thirty-two1 situated in ,jackson county1 and state of ,missouri1 and is bounded as follows1 viz3--,beginning eighty rods ,e4 from the ,s4,w4 corner of said section2 thence ,n4 one hundred and sixty rods2 thence ,e4 twenty-seven rods2 twenty-five links2 thence ,s4 one hundred and sixty rods2 thence ,w4 seventy-seven rods2 twenty-five links1 to the place of beginning1 containing twenty-seven and one-half acres1 be the same more or less1 subject to roads and highways4 ,and also have loaned the following #cfg described property1 viz3--,sundry articles of furniture1 valued fifty-five dollars twenty-five cents2 also two beds1 bedding and clothing1 valued seventy-three dollars twenty-seven cents2 also sundry farming utensils1 valued forty-one dollars2 also one horse1 two cows1 two calves1 and two wagons1 valued one hundred forty-seven dollars1 to have and to hold the above described property1 by him the said ,titus ,billings1 to be used and occupied as to him shall seem meet and proper4 ,and as a consideration for the use of the above described property ,i1 the said ,titus ,billings1 do bind myself to pay the taxes1 and also to pay yearly unto the said ,edward ,partridge1 ,bishop of said ,church1 or his successor in office1 for the benefit of said ,church1 all that ,i shall make or accumulate more than is needful for the support and comfort of myself and family4 ,and it is agreed by the parties that this lease and loan shall be binding during the life of the said ,titus ,billings1 unless he transgresses and is not deemed worthy by the authority of the ,church1 according to its laws1 to belong to the ,church4 ,and in that case ,i1 the said ,titus ,billings1 do acknowledge that ,i forfeit all claim to the above described leased and loaned property1 and hereby bind myself to give back the lease1 and also pay an equivalent1 for the loaned articles for the benefit of said ,church1 unto the said ,edward ,partridge1 ,bishop of said ,church1 or his successor in office4 ,and further1 in case of said ,titus ,billings' or family's inability in consequence of infirmity or old age to provide for themselves while members of this ,church1 ,i1 the said ,edward ,partridge ,bishop of said ,church1 do bind myself to administer to their necessities out of any fund in my hands appropriated for that purpose1 not otherwise disposed of1 to the satisfaction of the ,church4 ,and further1 in case of the death of the said ,titus ,billings1 his wife or widow1 being at the time a member of said ,church1 has claim upon the above described leased and loaned property1 upon precisely the same conditions that her said husband had them1 as above described2 and the children of the said ,titus ,billings1 in case of the death of both their parents1 also have claim upon the above described property1 for their support1 until they shall become of age1 and no longer2 subject to the same conditions yearly that their parents were2 provided1 however1 should the parents not be members of said ,church1 and in possession of the above described property at the time of their deaths1 the claim of the children as above described1 is null and void4 ,in testimony whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seals this4444444444 day of4444444444 in the year of our ,lord1 one thousand eight hundred and thirty4444 ,in presence of ,signed1 ,edward ,partridge1 ,titus ,billings4 #b4 ,this was a settlement in ,ohio where a branch of the ,church had been organized4 #c4 ,this was ,eden ,smith1 son of the ,john ,smith previously named1 and president of the branch of the ,church at ,eugene4 ,he is mentioned in a revelation given in ,march1 #ahcb4--7,see p4 #beg71 where he is appointed to travel as a missionary companion to ,stephen ,burnett4 #cgb ,chapter ,,xxvii4 ,preparations of the ,mob in ,jackson ,county to ,resort to ,violence--,important ,excerpts from the ,star4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,rise of ,mob ,force in ,jackson ,county4 ,july1 which once dawned upon the virtue and independence of the ,united ,states1 now dawned upon the savage barbarity and mobocracy of ,missouri4 ,most of the clergy acting as missionaries to the ,indians1 or to the frontier inhabitants1 were among the most prominent characters1 that rose up and rushed on to destroy the rights of the ,church1 as well as the lives of her members4 ,one ,reverend ,pixley #a1 who had been sent by the ,missionary ,society to civilize and #cgc ,christianize the heathen of the west1 was a black rod in the hands of ,satan2 as well as a poisoned shaft in the hands of our other foes4 ,he wrote horrible falsehoods about the ,saints which he sent to the religious papers in the ,east from time to time1 in order to sour the public mind against them2 and used his influence among both ,indians and whites to overthrow the ,church in ,jackson county4 ,on the first of ,july1 he wrote a slanderous tract entitled1 ,beware of ,false ,prophets1 which he carried from house to house1 to incense the inhabitants against the ,church1 to mob them1 and drive them away4 ,the ,july number of ,the ,evening and ,morning ,star1 pursued a mild and pacific course2 the first article therein1 entitled1 ,beware of ,false ,prophets1 was calculated to disabuse the honest public mind from ,pixley's falsehoods2 #b and the caution against ,free ,people of ,color1 settling in ,missouri1 was sufficient to silence the fears of every sober mind1 yet1 it was all in vain2 the hour of trial must come3 notwithstanding the constitution of ,missouri--as published in the same paper--says3 #cgd ,article #dth4 ,that all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship ,almighty ,god according to the dictates of their own consciences2 and that no man can be compelled to erect1 support1 or attend any place of worship1 or to maintain any minister of the ,gospel1 or teacher of religion2 that no human authority can control or interfere with the rights of conscience2 that no person can ever be hurt1 molested1 or restrained in his religious professions1 or sentiments1 if he do not disturb others in their religious worship4 #eth4 ,that no person1 on account of his religious opinions1 can be rendered ineligible to any office of trust or profit under this state2 that no preference can ever be given by law1 to any sect or mode of worship4 #c ,sidenote3 ,the ,mob ,ignores the ,constitutional ,guarantee of ,religious ,freedom4 ,yet1 because the ,saints in spiritual things believed and taught differently from their neighbors--although both the faith and the teachings of the ,saints were according to the laws of heaven--the mob drew up and published the following manifesto3 ,the ,manifesto of the ,mob4 #d ,we1 the undersigned1 citizens of ,jackson county1 believing that an important crisis is at hand1 as regards our civil society1 in consequence of a pretended religious sect of people1 that have settled1 and are still settling in our county1 styling themselves ,mormons2 and intending1 as we do1 to rid our society1 peaceably if we can1 forcibly if we must1 and believing as we do1 that the arm of the civil law does not afford us a guarantee1 or at least a sufficient one1 against the evils which are now inflicted upon us1 and seem to be increasing1 by the said religious sect1 deem it expedient1 and of the highest importance1 to form ourselves into a company for the better and easier accomplishment of our purpose--a purpose which we deem it almost superfluous to say1 is justified as well by the law of nature1 as by the law of self-preservation4 #cge ,it is more than two years since the first of these fanatics1 or knaves1 7for one or the other they undoubtedly are71 made their first appearance amongst us1 and pretended as they did1 and now do1 to hold personal communication and converse face to face with the ,most ,high ,god2 to receive communications and revelations direct from heaven2 to heal the sick by laying on hands2 and1 in short1 to perform all the wonder-working miracles wrought by the inspired ,apostles and ,prophets of old4 ,we believed them deluded fanatics1 or weak and designing knaves1 and that they and their pretensions would soon pass away2 but in this we were deceived4 ,the arts of a few designing leaders amongst them1 have thus far succeeded in holding them together as a society2 and since the arrival of the first of them1 they have been daily increasing in numbers2 and if they had been respectable citizens in society and thus deluded1 they would have been entitled to our pity rather than to our contempt and hatred2 but from their appearance1 from their manners1 and from their conduct since their coming among us1 we have every reason to fear that1 with but very few exceptions1 they were of the very dregs of that society from which they came1 lazy1 idle1 and vicious4 ,this we conceive is not idle assertion1 but a fact susceptible of proof1 for with these few exceptions above named1 they brought into our country little or no property with them and left less behind them1 and we infer that those only yoke themselves to the ,mormon car who had nothing earthly or heavenly to lose by the change2 and we fear that if some of the leaders amongst them1 had paid the forfeit due to crime1 instead of being chosen ambassadors of the ,most ,high1 they would have been inmates of solitary cells4 ,but their conduct here stamps their characters in their true colors4 ,more than a year since1 it was ascertained that they had been tampering with our slaves1 and endeavoring to sow dissensions and raise seditions amongst them4 ,of this their ,mormon leaders were informed1 and they said they would deal with any of their members who should again in like case offend4 ,but how spacious are appearances4 ,in a late number of the ,star1 published in ,independence by the leaders of the sect1 there is an article inviting free negroes and mulattoes from other states to become ,mormons1 and remove and settle among us4 ,this exhibits them in still more odious colors4 ,it manifests a desire on the part of their society1 to inflict on our society an injury that they know would be to us entirely insupportable1 and one of the surest means of driving us from the country2 for it would require none of the supernatural gifts that they pretend to1 to see that the introduction of such a caste amongst us would corrupt our blacks1 and instigate them to bloodshed4 ,they openly blaspheme the ,most ,high ,god1 and cast contempt on #cgf ,his holy religion1 by pretending to receive revelations direct from heaven1 by pretending to speak unknown tongues1 by direct inspiration1 and by divers pretenses derogatory to ,god and religion1 and to the utter subversion of human reason4 ,they declare openly that their ,god hath given them this county of land1 and that sooner or later they must and will have possession of our lands for an inheritance2 and1 in fine1 they have conducted themselves on many other occasions1 in such a manner1 that we believe it a duty we owe to ourselves1 our wives1 and children1 to the cause of public morals1 to remove them from among us1 as we are not prepared to give up our pleasant places and goodly possessions to them or to receive into the bosom of our families1 as fit companions for our wives and daughters1 the degraded and corrupted free negroes and mulattoes that are now invited to settle among us4 ,under such a state of things1 even our beautiful county would cease to be a desirable residence1 and our situation intolerable4 ,we1 therefore1 agree that after timely warning1 and receiving an adequate compensation for what little property they cannot take with them1 they refuse to leave us in peace1 as they found us--we agree to use such means as may be sufficient to remove them1 and to that end we each pledge to each other our bodily powers1 our lives1 fortunes and sacred honors4 ,we will meet at the court house1 at the town of ,independence1 on ,saturday next1 the #bjth inst41 ,july1 to consult on subsequent movements4 ,among the hundreds of names attached to the above document were3 ,lewis ,franklin1 jailor2 ,samuel ,c4 ,owens1 county clerk2 ,russel ,hicks1 deputy county clerk2 ,r4 ,w4 ,cummins1 ,indian agent2 ,james ,h4 ,flournoy1 postmaster2 ,s4 ,d4 ,lucas1 colonel and judge of the court2 ,henry ,chiles1 attorney-at-law2 ,n4 ,k4 ,olmstead1 ,m4 ,d42 ,john ,smith1 justice of the peace2 ,samuel ,weston1 justice of the peace2 ,william ,brown1 constable2 ,abner ,f4 ,staples1 captain2 ,thomas ,pitcher1 deputy constable2 ,moses ,g4 ,wilson and ,thomas ,wilson1 merchants4 #e #cgg ,free ,people of ,color4 #f ,to prevent any misunderstanding among the churches abroad1 respecting free people of color1 who may think of coming to the western boundaries of ,missouri1 as members of the ,church1 we quote the following clauses from the laws of ,missouri3 ,section #d4--;,be it further enacted1 that hereafter no free negro or mulatto1 other than a citizen of someone of the ,united ,states1 shall come into or settle in this state under any pretext whatever2 and upon complaint made to any justice of the peace1 that such person is in his county1 contrary to the provisions of this section1 if it shall appear that such person is a free negro or mulatto1 and that he hath come into this state after the passage of this act1 and such person shall not produce a certificate1 attested by the seal of some court of record in someone of the ,united ,states1 evidencing that he is a citizen of such state1 the justice shall command him forthwith to depart from this state2 and in case such negro or mulatto shall not depart from the state within thirty days after being commanded so to do as aforesaid1 any justice of the peace1 upon complaint thereof to him made may cause such person to be #cgh brought before him and may commit him to the common goal of the county in which he may be found1 until the next term of the circuit court to be held in such county4 ,and the said court shall cause such person to be brought before them and examine into the cause of commitment2 and if it shall appear that such person came into the state contrary to the provisions of this act1 and continued therein after being commanded to depart as aforesaid1 such court may sentence such person to receive ten lashes on his or her bare back1 and order him to depart the state2 and if he or she shall not depart1 the same proceedings shall be had and punishment inflicted1 as often as may be necessary1 until such person shall depart the state4 ,sec4 #e4--;,be it further enacted1 that if any person shall1 after the taking effect of this act1 bring into this state any free negro or mulatto1 not having in his possession a certificate of citizenship as required by this act1 7he or she7 shall forfeit any pay1 for every person so brought1 the sum of five hundred dollars1 to be recovered by action of debt in the name of the state1 to the use of the university1 in any court having competent jurisdiction2 in which action the defendant may be held to bail1 of right and without affidavit2 and it shall be the duty of the attorney-general or circuit attorney of the district in which any person so offending may be found1 immediately upon information given of such offenses to commence and prosecute an action as aforesaid4 ,slaves are real estate in this and other states1 and wisdom would dictate great care among the branches of the ,church of ,christ on this subject4 ,so long as we have no special rule in the ,church1 as to people of color1 let prudence guide1 and while they1 as well as we1 are in the hands of a merciful ,god1 we say3 ,shun every appearance of evil4 ,the ,evening and ,morning ,star ,extra4 #g ,july #af1 #ahcc4 ,having learned with extreme regret1 that an article entitled1 ,free #cgi ,people of ,color1 in the last number of the ,star1 has been misunderstood1 we feel in duty bound to state1 in this ,extra1 that our intention was not only to stop free people of color from emigrating to this state1 but to prevent them from being admitted as members of the ,church4 ,on the second column of the one hundred and eleventh page of the same paper1 may be found this paragraph3--,our brethren will find an extract of the law of this state1 relative to free people of color1 on another page of this paper4 ,great care should be taken on this point4 ,the ,saints must shun every appearance of evil4 ,as to slaves1 we have nothing to say2 in connection with the wonderful events of this age much is doing towards abolishing slavery1 and colonizing the blacks in ,africa4 ,we often lament the situation of our sister states in the south1 and we fear1 lest1 as has been the case1 the blacks should rise and spill innocent blood1 for they are ignorant1 and a little may lead them to disturb the peace of society4 ,to be short1 we are opposed to having free people of color admitted into the state2 and we say1 that none will be admitted into the ,church2 for we are determined to obey the laws and constitutions of our country1 that we may have that protection which the sons of liberty inherit from the legacy of ,washington1 through the favorable auspices of a ,jefferson and ,jackson4 ,the ,elders ,stationed in ,zion1 to the ,churches ,abroad1 in ,love ,greeting3 7,from ,the ,evening and ,morning ,star1 ,july number47 ,dear ,brethren3--,one year having passed since we addressed the #chj churches abroad1 on the situation of ,zion and the state of the gathering1 it seems to be our duty to again address the ,saints on the same subjects4 ,although you frequently learn through the medium of the ,star our situation and progress1 yet we indulge a hope1 that a circular from us1 particularly setting these things forth at this time1 will be received by you in fellowship4 ,we have abundant reason to thank the ,lord for ,his goodness and mercy manifested unto us1 since we were planted in this land4 ,with the exception of the winter season1 the gathering has continued slowly4 ,at present we have not the exact number of the disciples2 but suppose that there are near seven hundred1--include with these their children and those that belong to families1 and the number will probably amount to more than twelve hundred souls4 ,many have been planted upon their inheritances1 where blessed with a fruitful soil1 and a healthy climate1 they are beginning to enjoy some of the comforts of life4 ,this in connection with peace and satisfaction of pure and undefiled religion2 which is to visit the widow and fatherless in their afflictions and to keep ourselves unspotted from the world1 brings down the blessings of peace and love from our ,father1 and confirms our faith in the promise1 that we shall see ,him in the flesh1 when ,he comes to be glorified in ,his ,saints1 and to be admired in all them that believe in that day4 ,here let us remark1 that our duty urges us to notice a few letters which have been sent from this place1 by persons seeking the loaves and fishes1 or by such as have lost their standing among men of character in the world4 ,in the letters alluded to1 are some facts2 but most of the statements are false4 ,it is said that women go out to work2 this is a fact1 and not only women1 but men1 too2 for in the ,church of ,christ1 all that are able have to work to fulfil the commandments of the ,lord2 and the situation in which many have come up here1 has brought them under the necessity of seeking employment from those who do not belong to the ,church4 ,yet1 we can say as far as our knowledge extends1 that they have been honorably compensated4 ,and we are willing to decree concerning mankind1 ,thou shalt eat thy bread by the sweat of thy brow1 should be fulfilled4 ,members of the ,church have1 or will have1 deeds to their lands in their own name4 ,one ,bates1 from ,new ,london1 ,ohio--who subscribed fifty dollars for the purpose of purchasing lands1 and the necessaries for the ,saints--after his arrival here1 sued 7,bishop7 ,edward ,partridge1 and obtained a judgment for the same4 ,bates shortly after denied the faith1 and ran away on ,sunday1 leaving debts unpaid4 ,we do not mention this to cast reflection1 but to give a sample of his work manifested since he came to this land4 ,no man that has consecrated property to the ,lord1 #cha for the benefit of the poor and the needy1 by a deed of gift according to the laws of the land1 has thought of suing for it1 any more than the men of the world1 who give1 or donate to build meeting houses1 and colleges2 or send missionaries to ,india or the ,cape of ,good ,hope4 ,every ,saint that has come to this land to escape the desolations which await the wicked1 and prepare for the coming of the ,lord1 is well satisfied with the country1 and the order of the kingdom of our ,god2 and we are happy to say that the inhabitants of ,zion are growing in grace and in the knowledge of those things which lead to peace and eternal glory4 ,and our hearts are filled with thanksgiving for the privilege of bearing this testimony concerning our brethren on this land4 ,one object in writing this epistle is1 to give some instructions to those who come up to the land of ,zion4 ,through a mistaken idea many of the brethren abroad1 that had property1 have given some away1 and sacrificed some1 they hardly know how4 ,this is not right nor according to the commandments4 ,we would advise in the first place1 that every disciple1 if in his power1 pay his just debts so as to owe no man1 and then if he has any property left1 let him be careful of it2 and he can help the poor1 by consecrating some for their inheritances2 for as yet1 there has not been enough consecrated to plant the poor in inheritances1 according to the regulation of the ,church and the desire of the faithful4 ,this might have been done1 had such as had property been prudent4 ,it seems as though a notion was prevalent in ,babylon1 that the ,church of ,christ was a common stock concern4 ,this ought not so to be1 for it is not the case4 ,when a disciple comes to ,zion for an inheritance1 it is his duty1 if he has anything to consecrate to the ,lord for the benefit of the poor and needy1 or to purchase lands1 to consecrate it according to the law of the ,lord1 and also according to the law of the land1 and the ,lord has said1 that in keeping his laws we have no need to break the laws of the land2 and we have abundant reason to be thankful1 that we are permitted to establish ourselves under the protection of a government that knows no exceptions to sect or society1 but gives all its citizens the privilege of worshiping ,god according to their own desire4 ,again1 while in the world1 it is not the duty of a disciple to exhaust all his means in bringing the poor to ,zion2 and this because if all should do so1 there would be nothing to put in the storehouse in ,zion for the purpose which the ,lord has commanded4 ,do not think1 brethren1 by this1 that we would advise or direct that the poor be neglected in the least2 this is not the desire of our hearts2 for we are mindful of the word of our ,father1 which informs us that in ,his bosom it is decreed that the poor and the meek of the earth shall possess it4 ,the welfare of the poor has always a place in our hearts2 yet we #chb are confident that our experience1 even had we nothing else to prompt us to advise on this point1 and that wholly for the good of the cause in which we labor1 would be sufficient in the minds of our brethren abroad1 to excuse a plainness on this important part of our subject4 ,to see numbers of disciples come to this land1 destitute of means to procure an inheritance1 and much less the necessaries of life awakens1 a sympathy in our bosoms of no ordinary feeling2 and we should do injustice to the ,saints were we to remain silent1 when1 perhaps1 a few words1 by way of advice1 may be the means of instructing them1 that hereafter great difficulties may be avoided4 ,for the disciples to suppose that they can come to this land without ought to eat1 or to drink1 or to wear1 or anything to purchase these necessaries with1 is a vain thought4 ,for them to suppose that the ,lord will open the windows of heaven1 and rain down angel's food for them by the way1 when their whole journey lies through a fertile country1 stored with the blessings of life from ,his own hand for them to subsist upon1 is also vain4 ,for them to suppose that their clothes and shoes will not wear out upon the journey1 when the whole of it lies through a country where there are thousands of sheep from which wool in abundance can be procured to make them garments1 and cattle upon a thousand hills1 to afford leather for shoes1 is just as vain4 ,the circumstances of the ,saints in gathering to the land of ,zion in these last days are very different from those of the children of ,israel1 after they despised the promised rest of the ,lord1 after they were brought out of the land of ,egypt4 ,previous to that1 the ,lord promised them1 if they would obey ,his voice and keep ,his commandments1 that ,he would send the hornet before them1 and drive out those nations which then inhabited the promised land1 so that they might have peaceable possession of the same1 without the shedding of blood4 ,but in consequence of their unbelief and rebellion1 they were compelled to obtain it by the sword1 with the sacrifice of many lives4 ,but to suppose we can come up here and take possession of this land by the shedding of blood1 would be setting at naught the law of the glorious ,gospel and also the word of our great ,redeemer3 and to suppose we can take possession of this country without making regular purchases of the same1 according to the laws of our nation1 would be reproaching this great republic1 in which the most of us were born1 and under whose auspices we all have protection4 ,we feel as though enough was said on this point1 knowing that a word to the wise is sufficient2 and that all our brethren are aware of the fact1 that all the tithes cannot be gathered into the storehouse of the ,lord1 that the windows of heaven may be opened1 and a blessing be poured out that there is not room enough to contain it1 if all the #chc means of the ,saints are exhausted1 before they reach the place where they can have the privilege of so doing4 ,do not conclude from these remarks1 brethren1 that we doubt in the least1 that the ,lord will provide for ,his ,saints in these last days2 or think that we would extend our hands to steady the ark2 for this is not the case4 ,we know that the ,saints have the unchangeable word of ,god that they shall be provided for2 yet we know1 if any are imprudent1 or lavish1 or negligent1 or indolent1 in taking that proper care1 and making that proper use of what the ,lord has made them stewards over1 they are not counted wise2 for a strict account of every one's stewardship is required1 not only in time1 but will be in eternity4 ,neither do we apprehend that we shall be considered putting out our hands to steady the ark of ,god by giving advice to our brethren upon important points relative to their coming to ,zion1 when the experience of almost two years' gathering1 has taught us to revere that sacred word from heaven4 ,let not your flight be in haste1 but let all things be prepared before you4 ,then1 brethren1 we would advise1 that where there are many poor in a church1 that the ,elders counsel together1 and make preparations to send a part at one time1 and a part at another4 ,and let the poor rejoice in that they are exalted1 but the rich in that they are made low1 for there is no respect of persons in the sight of the ,lord4 ,the disciples of ,christ1 blessed with immediate revelations from ,him1 should be wise and not take the way of the world1 nor build air-castles1 but consider that when they have been gathered to ,zion1 means will be needed to purchase their inheritances1 and means will be needed to purchase food and raiment for at least one year2 or at any rate1 food2 and where disciples1 or churches1 are blessed with means to do as much as this1 they would be better off in ,zion than in the world1 troubled as it is1 and will shortly be1 with plagues1 famines1 pestilences1 and utter destruction upon the ungodly4 ,on the subject of false reports1 which are put in circulation by evil-minded men1 to ridicule the idea of the gathering of ,israel in these last days1 we would say to our brethren abroad1 believe them not2 ,the ,evening and ,morning ,star was established expressly to publish the truth1 and the word of the ,lord1 that the ,saints might not be deceived1 by such as make broad the borders of their garments1 and love the uppermost rooms at feasts2 yea1 by such as bind heavy burdens which are grievous to be borne1 and lay them upon men's shoulders but will not move them with one of their fingers4 ,yea1 we give this caution that the disciples may not give heed to the gainsaying of those who seek the honor of this world and the glory of the same1 rather than seek the honor of ,god and ,his glory2 nor those who have turned away from the ,church of ,christ1 and denied the faith delivered to ,his ,saints in these last days4 #chd ,brethren1 the ,lord has begun to gather ,his children1 even ,israel1 that they may prepare to enter into and enjoy ,his rest when ,he comes in ,his glory1 and ,he will do it4 ,no matter what your ideas1 or notions may be upon the subject2 no matter what foolish reports the wicked may circulate to gratify an evil disposition1 the ,lord will continue to gather the righteous1 and destroy the wicked1 till the sound goes forth--it is finished4 ,it ought to be known abroad that much improvement is needed in the cattle1 sheep1 and hogs in this part of the country4 ,as cows here are worth from ten to fifteen dollars1 our brethren would do well1 and we would advise them1 to purchase before they arrive in this region4 ,in fact1 if they journey according to the commandments of the ,lord1 pitching their tents by the way1 like ,israel in days of old1 it would be no more than right to drive cows enough to supply every family or company with milk on the way4 ,they would then have them when they arrived here1 and if they selected of the best breeds1 they would lay a foundation for improvement4 ,a thing of which all our brethren who are acquainted with raising stock will at once see the propriety4 ,the sheep of this state are large1 but as their wool is coarse1 the breed would soon be improved if our brethren would drive with them some merinos or saxons4 ,as soon as wool and flax are had among the brethren1 sufficient for the purpose1 they will manufacture cloth for their own use in the ,church4 ,the swine in this country are not good1 being the old fashioned shack breed1 and much inferior to the large1 white grass breed of the eastern states4 ,if any could introduce this breed1 what little pork might be wanted in the winter1 would be much better1 and easier raised4 ,it is a matter of much surprise to us1 that our brethren should come up to the land of ,zion1 as many do1 without bringing garden seeds1 and even seeds of all kinds4 ,the ,jaredites and ,nephites took with them of all kinds2 and the ,jaredites1 all kinds of animals4 ,and although the ,lord has said that it was ,his business to provide for ,his ,saints1 yet ,he has not said that ,he would do it1 unless they kept ,his commandments4 ,and notwithstanding the fullness of the earth is for the ,saints1 they can never expect it unless they use the means put into their hands to obtain the same in the manner provided by our ,lord4 ,when you flee to ,zion1 we enjoin the word1 prepare all things1 that you may be ready to labor for a living1 for the ,lord has promised to take the curse off the land of ,zion in ,his own due time1 and the willing and the obedient1 not the idle1 will eat the good of the same2 for they are to be had in remembrance before the ,lord4 ,one very important requisition for the ,saints that come up to the #che land of ,zion is1 that before they start1 they procure a certificate from three ,elders of the ,church1 or from the ,bishop in ,ohio1 according to the commandments2 and when they arrive1 to present it to the ,bishop in ,zion2 otherwise they are not considered wise stewards1 and cannot be received into fellowship with the ,church1 till they prove themselves by their own goodness4 ,some of our brethren may think1 at the first instant1 perhaps1 that this is useless and formal1 but a few reflections will be sufficient for them to see the propriety of it1 and more especially1 when they learn that it is a commandment given us of the ,lord4 ,on another page of this paper1 our brethren will find an extract of the law of this state relative to free people of color4 ,great care should be taken on this point4 ,the ,saints must shun every appearance of evil4 ,as to slaves1 we have nothing to say4 ,in connection with the wonderful events of this age1 much is doing towards abolishing slavery1 and colonizing the blacks in ,africa4 ,the foregoing remarks have been addressed to our brethren abroad1 considered as one general body1 and have been designed as general information to all4 ,we cannot close this epistle1 compatible with our duty1 without particularly addressing ourselves to our brethren1 the ,elders1 to whom is entrusted the preaching of the everlasting ,gospel1--the glad tidings of salvation to ,israel1 and to all the ,gentiles if they will listen to the invitation4 ,brethren1 we are aware of your many afflictions1 or at least in part1 some of us having been eye witnesses to the things of ,god1 and having been called to bear testimony of the same from the first1 since this ,gospel has been proclaimed in these last days4 ,the desire of our hearts for your prosperity we can truly say is inexpressible2 for when you are prospered1 we are1 and when you are blessed1 we are blessed also4 ,the afflictions which you are necessarily called to undergo in these days of tribulation and vengeance upon the wicked1 call forth from our hearts unceasing prayers to our common parents in your behalf1 that you may be enabled to deliver ,his message in the demonstration of ,his ,spirit1 and call together ,his elect from the ends of the earth1 to the place of the name of the ,lord of hosts1 even to ,mount ,zion4 ,by those few expressions1 you will see brethren1 how important we view your calling4 ,we do not consider that it is our duty to direct you in your missions2 but we will give you in few words what we have reason to expect relative to the gathering of the ,saints1 according to the revelations of the ,lord4 ,by the authority of your calling and ordination1 you1 no doubt1 will admit that it will be expected that you know your duty1 and at all times and in all places1 teach the disciples theirs2 but we are sorry to #chf say1 that in some instances1 some of our brethren have failed to do so4 ,we will remind our brethren of a clause in the covenants1 which informs us that all who are ordained in this ,church1 are to be ordained according to the gifts and callings of ,god unto them1 by the power of the ,holy ,ghost which is in the one who ordains them4 ,we would also remind them of one valuable caution recorded in ,paul's first letter to ,timothy1 which says1 ,lay hands suddenly on no man1 neither be partaker of other men's sins4 ,those cautions1 however1 are particularly addressed to our young brethren in the ministry4 ,we know that many of our brethren are wise in these important parts of their labors1 and have rid their garments of the blood of this generation1 and are approved before the ,lord4 ,we will proceed further1 brethren1 to notice some particular items immediately connected with your duties1 and what1 as we said before1 we have reason to expect from you1 according to the revelations4 ,in one given ,december #dth1 #ahca1 we learn that it is the duty of the ,elders of the ,church in the ,east to render an account of their stewardship unto the ,bishop appointed unto the ,church in that part of the ,lord's vineyard4 ,the ,lord says1 ,and now1 verily ,i say unto you1 that as every ,elder in this part of the vineyard1 7the ,east7 must give an account of his stewardship unto the ,bishop in this part of the vineyard1 a certificate from the judge or ,bishop in this part of the vineyard1 unto the ,bishop in ,zion1 rendereth every man acceptable1 and answereth all things for an inheritance1 and to be received as a wise steward1 and as a faithful laborer2 otherwise he shall not be accepted of the ,bishop in ,zion4 ,and now1 verily ,i say unto you1 let every ,elder who shall give an account unto the ,bishop of the ,church1 in this part of the vineyard1 7the ,east7 be recommended by the church or churches1 in which he labors1 that he may render himself and his accounts approved in all things4 ,we hope brethren1 that you will be particular to teach the disciples abroad prudence and economy in all things4 ,teach them in plainness1 that without regular recommends1 they cannot be received in fellowship with the ,church in ,zion1 until after they have proven themselves worthy by their godly walk4 ,and those who are recommended by you1 we expect will be such as are personally known to you to be disciples indeed1 and worthy the confidence of all ,saints4 ,viewing the quotation relative to your obtaining a certificate from the ,bishop in the ,east concerning your worthiness1 you cannot blame us1 brethren1 if we are strict on this point4 ,it may be understood1 #chg therefore1 by our brethren1 the ,e,iders1 who come from the ,east and do not bring a regular certificate showing that their labors have been accepted there1 that they cannot be accepted in ,zion4 ,we do not set ourselves up as judges in this2 we have only a desire to see the order of our ,redeemer's kingdom observed in all things2 for ,his commandments are precious with us2 we have them in our hands1 and they are sacred to our hearts4 ,our brethren who labor in the churches a distance to the west of the residence of the ,bishop in the ,east1 who do not render their accounts to him1 should be particular to bring recommends from the churches in which they do labor1 and present them with the accounts of their labors to the ,bishop immediately after their arrival here4 ,and those ,elders who labor continually in preaching the ,gospel to the world1 should also be particular to render their account of the same1 that they may show themselves approved in all things1 and be known to be worthy of the high office in which they stand in the ,church of ,christ4 ,having said considerable concerning those particular points which are necessary to be observed by our brethren who journey to this land1 and also a few words to the ,elders1 we deem it a privilege before we conclude1 to say something more to the ,church at large4 ,in the previous remarks1 however1 we presume our brethren may make many improvements2 and1 perhaps1 discover some errors2 if so1 we can say1 that the best of motives has prompted us to write to our brethren2 and if some small errors are to be found1 we are certain that the general ideas are correct1 and will be a means of doing good1 if those who are immediately interested in the same1 give heed to them4 ,dear brethren in the ,new ,covenant1 accept this as a token for a salutation in the name of the ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 from your brethren in ,zion4 ,while we are permitted to witness the great things which are continually taking place in fulfilment of the prophecies concerning the last days1 as the children of ,god are gathered home to prepare themselves for the supper of the ,lamb1 our language1 that is1 the ,english tongue1 fails to express our joy4 ,extracts from the ,elders' ,letters to the ,editor of the ,evening and ,morning ,star1 ,july ,number4 ,palmyra1 ,missouri1 ,may #afth1 #ahcc4 ,the ,lord is opening the eyes of the blind1 and blessing our labors4 ,we have baptized eighteen members in this settlement4 ,g4 ,m4 ,hinkle1 ,elisha ,h4 ,groves4 ,six ,miles from ,quincy1 ,mo41 ,june #c1 #ahcc4 ,every few days there are some honest souls born into the kingdom #chh of ,god4 ,persecution rages to a considerable extent4 ,it seems as if every denomination1 sect1 party1 and club1 were prepared to fight against the work of the ,lord4 ,a man has just told me that in ,palmyra1 in forty-eight hours1 the cholera had taken forty-seven to their graves4 ,the disease is in the country as well as the town1 and carries off all ages1 colors and conditions1 sparing none4 ,george ,m4 ,hinkle4 ,chenango ,point1 ,n4 ,y41 ,may #af1 #ahcc4 ,dear ,brother3--,it is about six weeks since ,i left ,kirtland to take a mission to the ,east2 since which time ,i have visited twelve churches1 and passed three others in coming to this place2 all of which are nearly in the course from ,kirtland to ,chenango1 ,n4 ,y42 so grows1 and so spreads the mighty work of the ,lord4 ,some of said churches are composed of nearly one hundred members2 and in nearly all of them1 the work is still going on4 ,o1 may the ,lord cause ,his glorious voice to be heard1 until error and superstition shall give way to the everlasting ,gospel of ,jesus4 ,i feel much weakness as a man1 but in the strength of ,christ1 ,i am resolved to blow the trumpet of the ,gospel until the people of ,god are delivered from the merchants and traffickers of souls unto the glorious liberty of the ,gospel4 ,i have baptized four since ,i left ,kirtland4 ,as for myself1 ,i intend1 if possible1 to attend the school at the latter ,jerusalem1 to which1 ,i am confident it is my privilege to go1 as often as the old ,apostles went to the former ,jerusalem4 ,i have traveled about five hundred miles in about six weeks1 and held fifteen meetings1 and ,i trust that ,i shall continue to receive the grace of ,god to support me even to the end4 ,sylvester ,smith4 ,state of the ,world4 7,from the ,july ,star47 ,the flood of waters1 occasioned by the great rains in the eastern and middle states1 did immense damage3 war between ,turkey and ,russia continued to rage3 and the epidemic disease of ,london continued its frightful ravages2 so terrible were its effects as to close all the principal places of amusement and suspend the court of reform for the metropolis4 ,sidenote3 ,council of ,elders in ,kirtland4 ,july #ac4--;,elder ,brigham ,young having returned from his mission to ,canada1 accompanied by some twenty or thirty of the brethren1 a council of ,elders assembled in ,kirtland4 ,there were present at the council ,gideon ,h4 ,carter1 ,jacob ,wood1 #chi ,dennis ,lake1 ,brigham ,young1 ,james ,lake1 ,newel ,k4 ,whitney1 ,john ,smith1 ,luke ,s4 ,johnson and myself4 ,elder ,james ,lake desired to know the will of the ,lord1 whether he should proceed on to ,zion1 or remain in ,kirtland4 ,it was decided that he should remain in ,kirtland4 ,footnotes #a4 ,the ,reverends ,finis ,ewing and ,isaac ,mc,coy were equally bitter and nearly as active4 ,the former was the head and front of the ,cumberland ,presbyterian church1 and is credited with publishing this statement3 ,the ,mormons are the common enemies of mankind and ought to be destroyed4 ,of this ,reverend ,pixley and the part taken by the clergy against the ,saints generally in these ,jackson county troubles1 ,elder ,newel ,knight1 in his journal1 published in ,scraps of ,biography1 page #gf1 says3 ,the sectarian priests and missionaries around us were among the first to come out both secretly and openly against us4 ,among the more active of these was a ,mr4 ,pixley1 who did not content himself in slandering us to the people of ,jackson county1 but also wrote to eastern papers telling horrible lies about us1 with the evident intention of rousing a spirit of hatred against us4 ,his talk was of the bitterest kind1 his speeches perfectly inflammatory2 and he appeared to have an influence among the people to carry them with him in his hellish designs4 ,nor did he confine his actions to the white settlers1 but tried to stir up the ,indians against us1 and use every means in his power to accomplish his purposes4 ,his efforts were seconded by such men as ,reverends ,mc,coy1 ,fitzhugh1 ,bogard1 ,kavanaugh1 ,lovelady1 ,likens1 ,hunter1 and others2 and by their perseverance at last1 the public mind became so excited that on the #bjth of ,july a meeting was called and largely attended by not only the rabble of the county1 but also the men holding official positions4 #b4 ,as stated in the ,prophet's narrative1 the article in the ,star1 ,beware of ,false ,prophets1 written as an answer to ,reverend ,pixley's tract1 was of a mild and pacific character4 ,it proceeds to place in contrast1 merely1 the course and character of true ,prophets and false ones--fixing many of the marks of false prophets1 however1 on the sectarian ministers of the times who1 while clinging to forms of godliness1 were denying the power thereof4 ,it makes no direct allusion to the tract of ,rev4 ,pixley1 nor does it say a personal word of the course he was pursuing3 but indirectly it evidently refers to him and his nefarious work in the following passages3 ,when1 therefore1 any man1 no matter who1 or how high his standing may be1 utters or publishes anything which afterwards proves to be untrue1 he is a false prophet4 ,and if he does it uncalled for1 for the purpose of injuring his fellow-beings1 or for the sake of gain1 or to deceive any man by putting a false coloring upon a matter of religion1 to lead astray or prejudice the minds of any to hinder them from receiving the truth1 wo unto him1 he is a false prophet6 99 99 99 99 ,here then we can say1 where we find a person uttering or publishing what he does not know to be a truth1 merely to make a noise1 whereby the least saint on earth might be offended--beware of false prophets4 99 99 99 99 ,did you ever hear1 or have you ever read of a true prophet that spake evil of any man1 or that would lie to further the cause of ,god or anything else8 ,if you have1 brethren1 then has the hypocrite an excuse for leaving his own fault unexposed1 and publishing his neighbor's to the world4 ,then has the false prophet an opportunity to plead his right to send his lying words abroad1 that he may obtain the praise and glory of this world1 and deceive the simple4 #c4 ,the comment of the editor of the ,star on this clause of ,missouri's constitution is--,it shows a liberality of opinion of the great men of the west1 and will vie with that of any other state4 ,it is good2 it is just1 and it is the citizen's right4 #d4 ,this document is sometimes referred to as ,the secret constitution1 and was doubtless regarded as a constitution by the mob1 by which they were bound together to accomplish the objects set forth in the document itself4 ,the ,saints became aware of its existence and the fact of its being circulated among the old settlers about the middle of ,july2 how long before that it had been circulated is not known1 but it was doubtless drawn up early in that month4 #e4 ,relative to the charges against the saints in the foregoing documents1 ,elder ,parley ,p4 ,pratt has the following pertinent comment in his ,history of the ,persecution of the ,saints1 pages #bf-bi3 ,i will briefly notice a few items of the foregoing bond of conspiracy1 for ,i consider most of it as too barefaced to need any comment4 ,in the first place ,i would inquire whether our belief as set forth in this declaration1 as to gifts1 miracles1 revelations and tongues1 is not the same that all the ,apostles and disciples taught1 believed and practiced1 and the doctrine of the ,new ,testament8 ,secondly--,i would inquire when the ,new ,testament religion ceased1 and a law revealed or instituted1 which made blasphemy of the belief and practice of it8 or what holy religion the ,jackson mob were speaking of1 which was thrown into contempt by the revival of the ,new ,testament religion8 ,thirdly--,they complain of our society being very poor as to property2 but have they never read in the ,new ,testament that ,god had chosen the poor in this world1 rich in faith1 and heirs of the kingdom of ,god8 ,and when did poverty become a crime known to the law8 ,fourthly--,concerning free negroes and mulattoes4 ,do not the laws of ,missouri provide abundantly for the removal from the state of all free negroes and mulattoes 7except certain privileged ones78 ,and also for the punishment of those who introduce or harbor them8 ,the statement concerning our invitation to them to become ,mormons1 and remove to this state1 and settle among us1 is a wicked fabrication1 as no such thing was ever published in the ,star1 or anywhere else1 by our people1 or anything in the shadow of it2 and we challenge the people of ,jackson county1 or any other people1 to produce such a publication from us4 ,in fact one dozen free negroes or mulattoes never belonged to our society in any part of the world1 from its first organization to this day 7#ahci74 ,fifthly--,as to crime or vice1 we solemnly appeal to all the records of the courts of ,jackson county1 and challenge the county to produce the name of any individual of our society on the list of indictments1 from the time of our first settlement in the county1 to the time of our expulsion1 a period of more than two years4 ,sixthly--,as it respects the ridiculous report of our threatening that we would have their lands for a possession1 it is too simple to require a notice1 as the laws of the country guarantee to every man his rights1 and abundantly protect him in their full enjoyment4 ,and we hereby declare1 that we settled no lands1 only such as our money purchased1 and that no such thing ever entered our hearts1 as possessing any inheritance in any other way4 ,seventhly--,we ask what public morals were in danger of being corrupted where officers of the peace could openly violate their several oaths in the most awful manner1 and join with hundreds of others in murder1 treason1 robbery1 house burning1 stealing1 etc4 #f4 ,this article1 ,free ,people of ,color1 referred to in the ,prophet's ,history1 but not quoted in extenso anywhere by him1 is here given entire1 and is followed with ,the ,evening and ,morning ,star extra1 published on the #afth of ,july1 #ahcc4 ,the importance of these documents justifies their introduction in this manner4 ,it will be observed that the mob in their manifesto charge that the ,saints in the first article in question1 ,invite free negroes and mulattoes from other states to become ',mormons1' and remove and settle among us4 ,on this false accusation the mob pretended to found the following apprehensions3 ,this exhibits them in still more odious colors4 ,it manifests a desire on the part of their society1 to inflict on our society an injury that they know would be to us entirely unsupportable1 and one of the surest means of driving us from the country2 for it would require none of the supernatural gifts that they pretend to1 to see that the introduction of such a caste among us would corrupt our blacks1 and instigate them to bloodshed4 ,the publication of the article1 ,free ,people of ,color completely refutes the false accusation of the mob against the ,saints4 #g4 ,this ,extra1 as soon as the brethren learned what construction was being put upon the article ,free ,people of ,color1 was printed in the form of a handbill and circulated as promptly as possible4 ,in it1 however1 the editor of the ,star goes too far when he says that no free people of color will be admitted into the ,church4 ,such was never the doctrine or policy of the ,church4 ,indeed in the article ,free ,people of ,color1 the editor himself had said3 ,so long as we have no special rule in the ,church as to free people of color1 let prudence guide4 ,and again1 in the ,address of the ,elders stationed in ,zion to the ,churches ,abroad1 published in the ,july number of the ,star1 and also found on page #cgi of this volume1 occurs the following3 ,our brethren will find an extract of the law of this state relative to free people of color on another page of this paper4 ,great care should be taken on this point4 ,the ,saints must shun every appearance of evil4 ,as to slaves we have nothing to say4 ,in connection with the wonderful events of this age1 much is doing towards abolishing slavery1 and colonizing the blacks in ,africa4 ,this1 with the passage from the article ,free ,people of ,color1 is quoted to show that the ,church had formulated no doctrine or policy with reference to slaves or free people of color2 and in forming his judgment of this matter the reader must remember that the statement about not admitting such people into the ,church is merely the view at that time of the editor of the ,star1 and by no means represents the policy of the ,church4 ,as a matter of fact there were very few1 if any1 people of color in the ,church at that time4 ,the fears of the ,missourians on that head were sheer fabrications of evil-disposed minds4 #cij ,chapter ,,xxviii4 ,mob ,violence in the ,land of ,zion4 ,sidenote3 ,demands of the ,mob4 ,on the #bjth of ,july1 the mob collected1 #a and demanded the discontinuance of the ,church printing establishment in ,jackson county1 the closing of the store1 and the cessation of all mechanical labors4 ,the brethren refused compliance1 and the consequence was that the house of ,w4 ,w4 ,phelps1 which contained the printing establishment1 was thrown down1 the materials taken possession of by the mob1 many papers destroyed1 and the family and furniture thrown out of doors4 #b ,sidenote3 ,the ,mob's ,treatment of ,edward ,partridge4 ,the mob then proceeded to violence towards ,edward ,partridge1 the ,bishop of the ,church1 as he relates in his autobiography3 ,i was taken from my house by the mob1 ,george ,simpson being their leader1 who escorted me about half a mile1 to the court house1 on the public square in ,independence2 and then and there1 a few rods from said court house1 surrounded by hundreds of the mob1 ,i was stripped of my hat1 coat and vest and daubed with tar from head to foot1 and then had a quantity of feathers put upon me2 and all this because ,i #cia would not agree to leave the county1 and my home where ,i had lived two years4 ,before tarring and feathering me ,i was permitted to speak4 ,i told them that the ,saints had suffered persecution in all ages of the world2 that ,i had done nothing which ought to offend anyone2 that if they abused me1 they would abuse an innocent person2 that ,i was willing to suffer for the sake of ,christ2 but1 to leave the country1 ,i was not then willing to consent to it4 ,by this time the multitude made so much noise that ,i could not be heard3 some were cursing and swearing1 saying1 call upon your ,jesus1 etc42 others were equally noisy in trying to still the rest1 that they might be enabled to hear what ,i was saying4 ,until after ,i had spoken1 ,i knew not what they intended to do with me1 whether to kill me1 to whip me1 or what else ,i knew not4 ,i bore my abuse with so much resignation and meekness1 that it appeared to astound the multitude1 who permitted me to retire in silence1 many looking very solemn1 their sympathies having been touched as ,i thought2 and as to myself1 ,i was so filled with the ,spirit and love of ,god1 that ,i had no hatred towards my persecutors or anyone else4 ,sidenote3 ,charles ,allen4 ,charles ,allen was next stripped and tarred and feathered1 because he would not agree to leave the county1 or deny the ,book of ,mormon4 ,others were brought up to be served likewise or whipped4 #c ,but from some cause the mob ceased operations1 and adjourned until ,tuesday1 the #bcrd4 ,elder ,sidney ,gilbert1 the keeper of the store1 agreed to close it2 and that may have been one reason why the work of destruction was suddenly stopped for two days4 ,sidenote3 ,reflections of the ,prophet4 ,in the course of this day's wicked1 outrageous1 and unlawful proceedings1 many solemn realities of human degradation1 as well as thrilling incidents were presented to the ,saints4 ,an armed and well organized mob1 in a government professing to be governed by law with the ,lieutenant ,governor 7,lilburn ,w4 ,boggs71 #cib the second officer in the state1 calmly looking on1 and secretly aiding every movement1 saying to the ,saints1 ,you now know what our ,jackson boys can do1 and you must leave the county2 and all the justices1 judges1 constables1 sheriffs1 and military officers1 headed by such western missionaries and clergymen as the ,reverends ,mc,coy1 ,kavanaugh1 ,hunter1 ,fitzhugh1 ,pixley1 ,likens1 and ,lovelady1 consisting of ,methodists1 ,baptists1 ,presbyterians1 and all the different sects of religionists that inhabited that country1 with that great moral reformer1 and register of the land office at ,lexington1 forty miles east1 known as the head and father of the ,cumberland ,presbyterians1 even the ,reverend ,finis ,ewing1 publicly publishing that ,mormons were the common enemies of mankind1 and ought to be destroyed--all these solemn realities were enough to melt the heart of a savage2 while there was not a solitary offense on record1 or proof1 that a ,saint had broken the law of the land4 #d ,when ,bishop ,partridge1 who was without guile1 and ,elder ,charles ,allen1 walked off1 coated like some #cic unnamed1 unknown bipeds1 one of the sisters cried aloud3 ,while you1 who have done this wicked deed1 must suffer the vengeance of ,god1 they1 having endured persecution1 can rejoice1 for henceforth for them1 is laid up a crown eternal in the heavens4 ,surely this was a time for awful reflection2 man1 unrestrained1 like the brute beast1 may torment the body2 but ,god will punish the soul6 ,sidenote3 ,aftermath of ,mob ,violence4 ,after the mob had retired1 and while evening was spreading her dark mantle over the scene1 as if to hide it from the gaze of day1 men1 women1 and children1 who had been driven or frightened from their homes1 by yells and threats1 began to return from their hiding places in thickets1 corn-fields1 woods1 and groves1 and view with heavy hearts the scene of desolation and wo3 and while they mourned over fallen man1 they rejoiced with joy unspeakable that they were accounted worthy to suffer in the glorious cause of their ,divine ,master4 ,there lay the printing office a heap of ruins2 ,elder ,phelps's furniture strewed over the garden as common plunder2 the revelations1 book works1 papers1 and press in the hands of the mob1 as the booty of highway robbers2 there was ,bishop ,partridge1 in the midst of his family1 with a few friends1 endeavoring to scrape off the tar which1 from its eating his flesh1 seemed to have been prepared with lime1 pearl-ash1 acid1 or some flesh-eating substance1 to destroy him2 and there was ,charles ,allen in the same awful condition4 ,the heart sickens at the recital1 how much more at the picture6 ,more than once1 those people1 in this boasted land of liberty1 were brought into jeopardy1 and threatened with expulsion or death1 because they desired to worship ,god according to the revelations of heaven1 the constitution of their country1 and the dictates of their own consciences4 ,oh1 liberty1 how art thou fallen6 ,alas1 clergymen1 where is your charity6 #cid ,sidenote3 ,the ,second ,gathering of the ,mob4 ,early in the morning of the #bcrd of ,july1 the mob again assembled1 armed with weapons of war1 and bearing a red flag2 whereupon the ,elders1 led by the ,spirit of ,god1 and in order to save time1 and stop the effusion of blood1 entered into a treaty with the mob1 to leave the county within a certain time4 #e ,the treaty was as follows3 ,memorandum of agreement between the undersigned of the ,mormon ,society in ,jackson ,county1 ,missouri1 and a committee appointed by a public meeting of the citizens of said county1 made on the #bcrd day of ,july1 #ahcc4 ,it is understood that the undersigned members of the society1 do give their solemn pledges1 each for himself1 as follows1 to-wit3 ,that ,oliver ,cowdery1 ,w4 ,w4 ,phelps1 ,william ,m',lellin1 ,edward ,partridge1 ,lyman ,wight1 ,simeon ,carter1 ,peter and ,john ,whitmer1 and ,harvey ,h4 ,whitlock1 shall remove with their families out of this county on or before the first day of ,january next1 and that they1 as well as the two hereinafter named1 use all their influence to induce all the brethren now here to remove as soon as possible3 one half1 say1 by the first of ,january next1 and all by the first day of ,april next2 to advise and try all means in their power to stop any more of their sect from moving to this county2 and as to those now on the road1 they will use their influence to prevent their settling permanently in the county1 but that they shall only make arrangements for temporary shelter1 till a new location is agreed on for the society4 ,john ,corrill and ,algernon ,sidney ,gilbert1 are allowed to remain as general agents to wind up the business of the society1 so long as necessity shall require2 and said ,gilbert may sell out his merchandise now on hand1 but is to make no new importation4 ,the ,star is not again to be published nor a press set up by any of the society in this county4 ,if the said ,edward ,partridge and ,w4 ,w4 ,phelps move their families by the first day of ,january1 as aforesaid1 that they themselves will be allowed to go and come1 in order to transact and wind up their business4 ,the committee pledge themselves to use all their influence to prevent #cie any violence being used1 so long as a compliance with the foregoing terms is observed by the parties concerned1 to which agreement is subscribed the names of the above named committee1 as also those of the ,mormon brethren named in the report as having been present4 #f ,which report of the committee was unanimously adopted by the meeting1 and thereupon the meeting adjourned sine die4 ,richard ,simpson1 ,chairman4 ,s4 ,d4 ,lucas1 ,j4 ,h4 ,flournoy1 ,secretaries4 ,sidenote3 ,a ,messenger ,sent to ,kirtland4 ,the execution of this treaty presented an opportunity for the brethren in ,zion to confer with the ,presidency of the ,church in ,ohio concerning their situation1 which they improved two or three days later by sending ,elder ,oliver ,cowdery as a special messenger to ,kirtland4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,western ,monitor on ,jackson ,county ,troubles4 ,on the second day of ,august1 the ,western ,monitor1 printed at ,fayette1 #g ,missouri1 edited by ,weston ,f4 ,birch1 published the proceedings of the mob as follows3 ,mormonism4 ,at a meeting of the citizens of ,jackson county1 ,missouri1 called for the purpose of adopting measures to rid themselves of the sect of fanatics1 called ,mormons1 held at ,independence on the #bjth day of ,july1 #ahcc1--which meeting was composed of gentlemen from every part of the county1 there being present between four and five hundred persons3 the meeting was organized by calling ,colonel ,richard ,simpson to the chair1 and appointing ,james ,h4 ,flournoy and ,colonel ,samuel ,d4 ,lucas1 secretaries1--it was resolved1 that a committee of seven be appointed to report an address to the public1 in relation to the object of this meeting2 and the chair named the following gentlemen to wit3 ,russel ,hicks1 ,esq41 ,robert ,johnson1 ,henry ,chiles1 ,esq41 ,colonel ,james ,hambright1 ,thomas ,hudspeth1 ,joel ,f4 ,chiles and ,james ,m4 ,hunter4 ,the meeting then adjourned1 and convened again1 when ,robert #cif ,johnson1 the chairman of the said committee1 submitted for the consideration of the meeting1 the following address3 ,this meeting1 professing to act1 not from the excitement of the moment1 but under a deep and abiding conviction1 that the occasion is one that calls for cool deliberation1 as well as energetic action1 deem it proper to lay before the public an expose of our peculiar situation1 in regard to this singular sect of pretended ,christians2 and a solemn declaration of our unalterable determination to amend it4 ,the evil is one that no one could have foreseen1 and is therefore unprovided for by the laws2 and the delays incident to legislation would put the mischief beyond remedy4 ,but little more than two years ago1 some two or three of these people made their appearance on the ,upper ,missouri1 and they now number some twelve hundred souls in this county2 and each successive autumn and spring pours forth its swarms among us1 with a gradual falling of the character of those who compose them2 until it seems that those communities from which they come1 were flooding us with the very dregs of their composition4 ,elevated1 as they mostly are1 but little above the condition of our blacks1 either in regard to property or education2 they have become a subject of much anxiety on that part1 serious and well grounded complaints having been already made of their corrupting influence on our slaves4 ,we are daily told1 and not by the ignorant alone1 but by all classes of them1 that we1 7the ,gentiles17 of this county are to be cut off1 and our lands appropriated by them for inheritances4 ,whether this is to be accomplished by the hand of the destroying angel1 the judgments of ,god1 or the arm of power1 they are not fully agreed among themselves4 ,some recent remarks in the ,evening and ,morning ,star1 their organ in this place1 by their tendency to moderate such hopes1 and repress such desires1 show plainly that many of this deluded and infatuated people have been taught to believe that our lands were to be won from us by the sword4 ,from this same ,star we learn that for want of more honest or commendable employment1 many of their society are now preaching through the states of ,new ,york1 ,ohio1 and ,illinois2 and that their numbers are increased beyond every rational calculation2 all of whom are required as soon as convenient to come up to ,zion1 which name they have thought proper to confer on our little village4 ,most of those who have already come1 are characterized by the profoundest ignorance1 the grossest superstition1 and the most abject poverty4 ,indeed1 it is a subject of regret by the ,star itself1 that they have come not only unable to buy an inheritance1 which means some fifteen acres of wild land for each family1 but destitute of the means of #cig procuring bread and meat4 ,when we reflect on the extensive field in which the sect is operating1 and that there exists in every country a leaven of superstition that embraces with avidity1 notions the most extravagant and unheard of1 and that whatever can be gleaned by them from the purlieus of vice1 and the abodes of ignorance1 is to be cast like a waif into our social circle1 it requires no gift of prophecy to tell that the day is not far distant when the civil government of the county will be in their hands2 when the sheriff1 the justices1 and the county judges will be ,mormons1 or persons wishing to court their favor from motives of interest or ambition4 ,what would be the fate of our lives and property1 in the hands of jurors and witnesses1 who do not blush to declare1 and would not upon occasion hesitate to swear1 that they have wrought miracles1 and have been the subjects of miraculous and supernatural cures1 have converse with ,god and ,his angels1 and possess and exercise the gifts of divination and of unknown tongues1 and fired with the prospect of obtaining inheritances without money and without price--may be better imagined than described4 ,one of the means resorted to by them1 in order to drive us to emigrate1 is an indirect invitation to the free brethren of color in ,illinois1 to come up like the rest1 to the land of ,zion4 ,true1 they say this was not intended to invite1 but to prevent their emigration2 but this weak attempt to quiet our apprehension1 is but a poor compliment to our understanding4 ,the article alluded to1 contained an extract from our laws1 and all necessary directions and cautions to be observed by colored brethren1 to enable them upon their arrival here1 to claim and exercise the rights of citizenship4 ,contemporaneous with the appearance of this article1 was the expectation among the brethren here1 that a considerable number of this degraded caste were only awaiting this information before they should set out on their journey4 ,with the corrupting influence of these on our slaves1 and the stench1 both physical and moral1 that their introduction would set afloat in our social atmosphere1 and the vexation that would attend the civil rule of these fanatics1 it would require neither a visit from the destroying angel1 nor the judgments of an offended ,god1 to render our situation here insupportable4 ,true1 it may be said1 and truly no doubt1 that the fate has marked the rise and fall of ,johanna ,southcote and ,ann ,lee1 will also attend the progress of ,joe ,smith2 but this is no opiate to our fears1 for when the fabric falls1 the rubbish will remain4 ,of their pretended revelations from heaven--their personal intercourse with ,god and ,his angels--the maladies they pretend to heal by the laying on of hands--and the contemptible gibberish with which they habitually profane the ,sabbath1 and which they dignify with the #cih appellation of unknown tongues1 we have nothing to say2 vengeance belongs to ,god alone4 ,but as to the other matters set forth in this paper1 we feel called on by every consideration of self-preservation1 good society1 public morals1 and the fair prospects1 that if not blasted in the germ1 await this young and beautiful county1 at once to declare1 and we do hereby most solemnly declare2-- '#a--,that no ,mormon shall in future move and settle in this county4 '#b--,that those now here1 who shall give a definite pledge of their intention1 within a reasonable time to remove out of the county1 shall be allowed to remain unmolested until they have sufficient time to sell their property1 and close their business1 without any material sacrifice4 '#c--,that the editor of the ,star be required forthwith to close his office1 and discontinue the business of printing in this county2 and as to all other stores and shops belonging to the sect1 their owners must in every case strictly comply with the terms of the second article of this declaration2 and upon failure1 prompt and sufficient measures will be taken to close the same4 '#d--,that the ,mormon leaders here1 are required to use their influence in preventing any further emigration of their distant brethren to this county1 and to counsel and advise their brethren here to comply with the above requisitions4 '#e--,that those who fail to comply with these requisitions1 be referred to those of their brethren who have the gifts of divination1 and of unknown tongues1 to inform them of the lot that awaits them4' ,which address being read and considered1 was unanimously adopted4 ,and thereupon it was resolved that a committee of twelve be appointed forthwith to wait on the ,mormon leaders1 and see that the foregoing requisitions are strictly complied with by them2 and upon their refusal1 that said committee do1 as the organ of this county1 inform them that it is our unwavering purpose and fixed determination1 after the fullest consideration of all the consequences and responsibilities under which we act1 to use such means as shall insure their full and complete adoption2 and that said committee1 so far as may be within their power1 report to this present meeting4 ,and the following gentlemen were named as said committee3-- ,robert ,johnson1 ,james ,campbell1 ,colonel ,moses ,wilson1 ,joel ,f4 ,chiles1 ,hon4 ,richard ,fristoe1 ,abner ,f4 ,staples1 ,garr ,johnson1 ,lewis ,franklin1 ,russell ,hicks1 ,esq41 ,colonel ,s4 ,d4 ,lucas1 ,thomas ,wilson1 and ,james ,m4 ,hunter1 to whom was added ,colonel ,r4 ,simpson1 chairman4 ,and after an adjournment of two hours1 the meeting again convened1 and the committee of twelve reported that they had called on ,mr4 ,phelps1 the editor of the ,star2 ,edward ,partridge1 the ,bishop of the sect2 #cii and ,mr4 ,gilbert1 the keeper of the ,lord's store house2 and some others2 and that they declined giving any direct answer to the requisitions made of them1 and wished an unreasonable time for consultation1 not only with their brethren here1 but in ,ohio4 ,whereupon it was unanimously resolved by the meeting1 that the ,star printing office should be razed to the ground1 the type and press secured4 ,which resolution was1 with the utmost order1 and the least noise and disturbance possible1 forthwith carried into execution1 as also some other steps of a similar tendency2 but no blood was spilled1 nor any blows inflicted4 ,the meeting then adjourned till the #bcrd instant1 to meet again to know further concerning the determination of the ,mormons4 ,resolved1 that a copy of these proceedings be posted up at the post-office in this place1 for the information of all concerned2 and that the secretaries of this meeting send copies of the same to the principal editors in the eastern and middle states for publication2 that the ,mormon brethren may know at a distance that the gates of ,zion are closed against them--that their interests will be best promoted by remaining among those who know and appreciate their merits4 ,richard ,simpson1 ,chairman1 ,s4 ,d4 ,lucas1 ,j4 ,h4 ,flournoy1 ,secretaries4 ,the citizens' meeting again convened on the #bcrd day of ,july1 #ahcc1 which was composed of gentlemen from all parts of the county1 and much more unanimously attended than the meeting of the #bjth instant4 ,the meeting was organized by the chairman taking his seat1 when the following gentlemen were appointed a committee1 to-wit3-- ,henry ,chiles1 ,esq41 ,dr4 ,n4 ,k4 ,olmstead1 ,h4 ,l4 ,brazile1 ,esq41 ,zachariah ,waller1 ,samuel ,weston1 ,esq41 ,william ,l4 ,irwin1 ,leonidas ,oldham1 ,s4 ,c4 ,owens1 ,esq41 ,george ,simpson1 ,captain ,benjamin ,majors1 ,james ,c4 ,sadler1 ,colonel ,william ,bowers1 ,henry ,younger1 ,russell ,hicks1 ,esq41 ,aaron ,overton1 ,john ,harris1 and ,harmon ,gregg1 to wait upon the ,mormon leaders1 who had intimated a wish to have a conference with said committee4 ,after an adjournment of two hours1 the meeting again convened1 when the committee reported to the meeting that they had waited on most of the ,mormon leaders1 consisting of the ,bishop1 ,mr4 ,partridge2 ,mr4 ,phelps1 ,editor of the ,star2 ,mr4 ,gilbert1 the keeper of the ,lord's store house1 and ,messrs4 ,corrill1 ,whitmer1 and ,morley1 ,elders of the ,church2 and that the said committee had entered into an amicable agreement with them1 which they had reduced to writing1 which they submitted3 and that the committee have assured ,mr4 ,phelps1 that #djj whenever he was ready to move1 that the amount of all his loses should be paid to him by the citizens4 ,the written agreement is as follows3 #h ,sidenote3 ,the ,prophet's ,comment on the ,monitor ,article4 ,the foregoing is copied entire to give one sample of hypocritical bombast1 and current falsehoods1 with which the country was flooded in the early days of this ,church4 ,the declaration of the mob1 by which they pledged to each other their lives1 their bodily powers1 fortunes1 and sacred honors to remove the ,church from ,jackson county1 is a very good climax for all the arguments used1 falsehoods set forth1 and even a full interpretation of the sublime admission that vengeance belongs to ,god alone4 ,the events that followed from this time till ,november1 explain the modus operandi much more clearly than the publication in the ,monitor1 or other papers that generally were so willing to give the western missionaries1 the doctors1 lawyers1 judges1 justices1 sheriffs1 constables1 military officers and other distinguished personages a fair chance against the ,mormons4 ,sidenote3 ,corner ,stones of ,kirtland ,temple ,laid4 ,on the same day 7,july #bcrd71 while the brethren in ,missouri were preparing to leave the county1 through the violence of the mob1 the corner stones of the ,lord's ,house were laid in ,kirtland1 after the order of the ,holy ,priesthood4 ,august #b4--;,i received the following3 ,revelation4 #i #a4 ,verily ,i say unto you my friends1 ,i speak unto you with my voice1 even the voice of my ,spirit1 that ,i may show unto you my will concerning your brethren in the land of ,zion1 many of whom are truly humble and are seeking diligently to learn wisdom and to find truth4 #dja #b4 ,verily1 verily ,i say unto you1 blessed are such1 for they shall obtain1 for ,i1 the ,lord1 show mercy unto all the meek1 and upon all whomsoever ,i will1 that ,i may be justified when ,i shall bring them unto judgment4 #c4 ,behold1 ,i say unto you1 concerning the school in ,zion1 ,i1 the ,lord1 am well pleased that there should be a school in ,zion1 and also with my servant ,parley ,p4 ,pratt1 for he abideth in me2 #d4 ,and inasmuch as he continueth to abide in me1 he shall continue to preside over the school in the land of ,zion1 until ,i shall give unto him other commandments2 #e4 ,and ,i will bless him with a multiplicity of blessings1 in expounding all scriptures and mysteries to the edification of the school1 and of the ,church in ,zion2 #f4 ,and to the residue of the school1 ,i1 the ,lord1 am willing to show mercy1 nevertheless1 there are those that must needs be chastened1 and their works shall be made known4 #g4 ,the ax is laid at the root of the trees1 and every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit1 shall be hewn down and cast into the fire3 ,i1 the ,lord1 have spoken it4 #h4 ,verily ,i say unto you1 all among them who know their hearts are honest1 and are broken1 and their spirits contrite1 and are willing to observe their covenants by sacrifice2 yea1 every sacrifice which ,i1 the ,lord1 shall command1 they are accepted of me4 #i4 ,for ,i1 the ,lord will cause them to bring forth as a very fruitful tree which is planted in a goodly land1 by a pure stream1 that yieldeth much precious fruit4 #aj4 ,verily1 ,i say unto you1 that it is my will that a house should be built unto me in the land of ,zion1 like unto the pattern which ,i have given you4 #aa4 ,yea1 let it be built speedily1 by the tithing of my people3 #ab4 ,behold1 this is the tithing and the sacrifice which ,i1 the ,lord1 require at their hands1 that there may be a house built unto me for the salvation of ,zion4 #ac4 ,for a place of thanksgiving for all ,saints1 and for a place of #djb instruction for all those who are called to the work of the ministry in all their several callings and offices1 #ad4 ,that they may be perfected in the understanding of their ministry--in theory1 in principle1 and in doctrine--in all things pertaining to the kingdom of ,god on the earth1 the keys of which kingdom have been conferred upon you4 #ae4 ,and inasmuch as my people build an house unto me in the name of the ,lord1 and do not suffer any unclean thing to come into it that it be not defiled1 my glory shall rest upon it2 #af4 ,yea1 and my presence shall be there1 for ,i will come into it1 and all the pure in heart that shall come into it shall see ,god2 #ag4 ,but if it be defiled ,i will not come into it1 and my glory shall not be there2 for ,i will not come into unholy temples4 #ah4 ,and1 now1 behold1 if ,zion do these things she shall prosper1 and spread herself and become very glorious1 very great1 and very terrible4 #ai4 ,and the nations of the earth shall honor her1 and shall say1 ,surely ,zion is the city of our ,god1 and surely ,zion cannot fall1 neither be moved out of her place1 for ,god is there1 and the hand of the ,lord is there4 #bj4 ,and ,he hath sworn by the power of ,his might1 to be her salvation and her high tower2 #ba4 ,therefore1 verily1 thus saith the ,lord1 let ,zion rejoice1 for this is ,zion--,the ,pure in ,heart2 therefore1 let ,zion rejoice1 while all the wicked shall mourn2 #bb4 ,for behold1 and lo1 vengeance cometh speedily upon the ungodly as the whirlwind1 and who shall escape it8 #bc4 ,the ,lord's scourge shall pass over by night and by day1 and the report thereof shall vex all people2 yea it shall not be stayed until the ,lord come2 #bd4 ,for the indignation of the ,lord is kindled against their abominations and all their wicked works2 #be4 ,nevertheless ,zion shall escape if she observe to do all things whatsoever ,i have commanded her1 #bf4 ,but if she observe not to do whatsoever ,i have commanded her1 ,i will visit her according to all her works1 with sore affliction1 with pestilence1 with plague1 with sword1 with vengeance1 with devouring fire2 #bg4 ,nevertheless1 let it be read this once to her ears1 that ,i1 the ,lord1 have accepted of her offering1 and if she sin no more1 none of these things shall come upon her1 #bh4 ,and ,i will bless her with blessings1 and multiply a multiplicity of blessings upon her1 and upon her generations forever and ever1 saith the ,lord your ,god4 ,amen4 #aj #djc ,august #fth4--,i received the following3 ,revelation4 #aa #a4 ,verily ,i say unto you my friends1 fear not1 let your hearts be comforted2 yea1 rejoice ever more1 and in everything give thanks1 #b4 ,waiting patiently on the ,lord1 for your prayers have entered into the ears of the ,lord of ,sabaoth1 and are recorded with this seal and testament2 the ,lord hath sworn and decreed that they shall be granted2 #c4 ,therefore ,he giveth this promise unto you1 with an immutable covenant that they shall be fulfilled1 and all things wherewith you have been afflicted1 shall work together for your good1 and to my name's glory1 saith the ,lord4 #d4 ,and now1 verily ,i say unto you concerning the laws of the land1 it is my will that my people should observe to do all things whatsoever ,i command them2 #e4 ,and that law of the land which is constitutional1 supporting that principle of freedom in maintaining rights and privileges1 belongs to all mankind1 and is justifiable before me3 #f4 ,therefore1 ,i1 the ,lord1 justify you1 and your brethren of my ,church1 in befriending that law which is the constitutional law of the land2 #g4 ,and as pertaining to law of man1 whatsoever is more or less than this cometh of evil4 #h4 ,i1 the ,lord ,god1 make you free1 therefore ye are free indeed2 and the law also maketh you free2 #i4 ,nevertheless1 when the wicked rule the people mourn2 #aj4 ,wherefore1 honest men1 and wise men should be sought for diligently1 and good men1 and wise men ye should observe to uphold1 otherwise whatsoever is less than these cometh of evil4 #aa4 ,and ,i give unto you a commandment1 that ye shall forsake all evil and cleave unto all good1 that ye shall live by every word which proceedeth forth out of the mouth of ,god2 #ab4 ,for ,he will give unto the faithful line upon line1 precept upon precept2 and ,i will try you and prove you herewith2 #ac4 ,and whoso layeth down his life in my cause1 for my name's sake1 shall find it again1 even life eternal3 #ad4 ,therefore be not afraid of your enemies1 for ,i have decreed in #djd my heart1 saith the ,lord1 that ,i will prove you in all things1 whether you will abide in my covenant1 even unto death1 that you may be found worthy2 #ae4 ,for if ye will not abide in my covenant1 ye are not worthy of me2 #af4 ,therefore renounce war and proclaim peace1 and seek diligently to turn the hearts of the children to their fathers1 and the hearts of the fathers to the children2 #ag4 ,and again1 the hearts of the ,jews unto the prophets1 and the prophets unto the ,jews1 lest ,i come and smite the whole earth with a curse1 and all flesh be consumed before me4 #ah4 ,let not your hearts be troubled1 for in my ,father's house are many mansions1 and ,i have prepared a place for you1 and where my ,father and ,i am1 there ye shall be also4 #ai4 ,behold1 ,i1 the ,lord1 am not well pleased with many who are in the ,church at ,kirtland1 #bj4 ,for they do not forsake their sins1 and their wicked ways1 the pride of their hearts1 and their covetousness1 and all their detestable things1 and observe the words of wisdom and eternal life which ,i have given unto them4 #ba4 ,verily ,i say unto you1 that ,i1 the ,lord1 will chasten them1 and will do whatsoever ,i list1 if they do not repent and observe all things whatsoever ,i have said unto them4 #bb4 ,and again ,i say unto you1 if ye observe to do whatsoever ,i command you1 ,i1 the ,lord1 will turn away all wrath and indignation from you1 and the gates of hell shall not prevail against you4 #bc4 ,now ,i speak unto you concerning your families3 if men will smite you1 or your families1 once1 and ye bear it patiently and revile not against them1 neither seek revenge1 ye shall be rewarded2 #bd4 ,but if ye bear it not patiently1 it shall be accounted unto you as being meted out as a just measure unto you4 #be4 ,and again1 if your enemy shall smite you the second time1 and you revile not against your enemy1 and bear it patiently1 your reward shall be an hundredfold4 #bf4 ,and again1 if he shall smite you the third time1 and ye bear it patiently1 your reward shall be doubled unto you four-fold2 #bg4 ,and these three testimonies shall stand against your enemy if he repent not1 and shall not be blotted out4 #bh4 ,and now1 verily ,i say unto you1 if that enemy shall escape my vengeance1 that he be not brought into judgment before me1 then ye shall see to it that ye warn him in my name1 that he come no more upon you1 neither upon your family1 even your children's children unto the third and fourth generation2 #dje #bi4 ,and then if he shall come upon you1 or your children1 or your children's children unto the third and fourth generation2 ,i have delivered thine enemy into thine hands4 #cj4 ,and then if thou wilt spare him1 thou shalt be rewarded for thy righteousness2 and also thy children and thy children's children unto the third and fourth generation2 #ca4 ,nevertheless thine enemy is in thine hands1 and if thou reward him according to his works1 thou art justified2 if he have sought thy life1 and thy life is endangered by him1 thine enemy is in thine hands and thou art justified4 #cb4 ,behold1 this is the law ,i gave unto my servant ,nephi1 and thy fathers1 ,joseph and ,jacob1 and ,isaac and ,abraham1 and all mine ancient prophets and apostles4 #cc4 ,and again1 this is the law that ,i gave unto mine ancients1 that they should not go out unto battle against any nation1 kindred1 tongue1 or people1 save ,i1 the ,lord1 commanded them4 #cd4 ,and if any nation1 tongue1 or people1 should proclaim war against them1 they should first lift a standard of peace unto that people1 nation1 or tongue2 #ce4 ,and if that people did not accept the offering of peace neither the second nor the third time1 they should bring these testimonies before the ,lord2 #cf4 ,then ,i1 the ,lord1 would give unto them a commandment1 and justify them in going out to battle against that nation1 tongue or people4 #cg4 ,and ,i1 the ,lord1 would fight their battles1 and their children's battles1 and their children's children's1 until they had avenged themselves on all their enemies1 to the third and fourth generation4 #ch4 ,behold1 this is an example unto all people1 saith the ,lord your ,god1 for justification before me4 #ci4 ,and again1 verily ,i say unto you1 if after thine enemy has come upon thee the first time1 he repent and come unto thee praying thy forgiveness1 thou shalt forgive him1 and shalt hold it no more as a testimony against thine enemy1 #dj4 ,and so on unto the second and third time2 and as oft as thine enemy repenteth of the trespass wherewith he has trespassed against thee1 thou shalt forgive him1 until seventy times seven4 #da4 ,and if he trespass against thee and repent not the first time1 nevertheless thou shalt forgive him2 #db4 ,and if he trespass against thee the second time1 and repent not1 nevertheless thou shalt forgive him2 #dc4 ,and if he trespass against thee the third time1 and repent not1 thou shalt also forgive him2 #djf #dd4 ,but if he trespass against thee the fourth time1 thou shalt not forgive him1 but shalt bring these testimonies before the ,lord1 and they shall not be blotted out until he repent and reward thee four-fold in all things wherewith he has trespassed against thee2 #de4 ,and if he do this1 thou shalt forgive him with all thine heart1 and if he do not this1 ,i1 the ,lord1 will avenge thee of thine enemy an hundred-fold3 #df4 ,and upon his children1 and upon his children's children of all them that hate me1 unto the third and fourth generation2 #dg4 ,but if the children shall repent1 or the children's children1 and turn to the ,lord their ,god1 with all their hearts1 and with all their might1 mind1 and strength and restore four-fold for all their trespasses1 wherewith they have trespassed1 or wherewith their fathers have trespassed1 or their father's fathers1 then thine indignation shall be turned away1 #dh4 ,and vengeance shall no more come upon them1 saith the ,lord thy ,god1 and their trespasses shall never be brought any more as a testimony before the ,lord against them4 ,amen4 ,footnotes #a4 ,the mob consisted of from three to five hundred4--,times and ,seasons1 vol4 #a1 p4 #ah4 #b4 ,the incident is thus described in the ,times and ,seasons1 vol4 #a1 p4 #ah3 ,in a short time hundreds of the mob gathered around the printing office1 which was a two story brick building1 which they soon threw down4 ,the press was thrown from the upper story1 and also the apparatus1 book work1 paper1 type1 etc4 ,a family residing in the lower story was also thrust out in great haste4 ,after destroying the printing establishment1 they proceeded to ,gilbert ,whitney's store for the same purpose1 but ,gilbert agreeing to box the goods1 soon1 they concluded to let it alone4 #c4 ,they succeeded in taking ,charles ,allen1 whom they tarred and feathered upon the public square1 surrounded by hundreds of the mob4 ,a number more were taken1 but they succeeded in making their escape1 through the over anxiety of their keepers1 who wished to have the sport of seeing those who were being tarred4--,times and ,seasons1 vol4 ,i1 p4 #ah4 #d4 ,the ,prophet's statement on this head is abundantly sustained even by those historians who become apologists for the actions of the mob1 and also by the declaration put forth by the mob themselves4 ,it will be remembered that in the ,mob ,manifesto1 or ,secret ,constitution1 7p4 #cgd1 this volume7 those who signed it justified their determination to rid their society of the ,mormons by resorting to mob violence because1 said they1 we believe that the arm of the civil law does not afford us a guarantee1 or at least a sufficient one1 against the evils which are now inflicted upon us4 ,in the address adopted at their meeting of the #bjth of ,july1 which was published in the ,western ,monitor 7see p4 #cif7 the mob further excuse their lawless intentions by saying3 ,the evil is one that no one could have foreseen1 and therefore is unprovided for by the laws2 and the delays incident to legislation would put the mischief beyond remedy4 ,in all of which one plainly sees unconscious admission that the ,saints were not guilty of infraction of the laws of the land4 ,as to the historian apologists referred to in the opening sentence of this note1 ,i quote the following statements from the ,history of ,jackson ,county1 ,missouri1 published by the ,union ,historical ,company1 ,kansas ,city1 ,missouri1 #ahha3 ,assuming this that they the ,saints were the holy people of the ,lord1 that the ,lord was the real owner of all things1 and that all ,his possessions were free to them1 they were not calculated to be very respectful of the rights and interests of their non-,mormon neighbors4 ,but though no overt acts of transgression upon such rights were being committed1 the rapidly gathering members of the ,mormons 99 99 99 made the new sect an object of profound solicitude to the people4 7,see also comment of ,parley ,p4 ,pratt on charges of the mob1 #eth paragraph in note at p4 #cgg this volume74 #e4 ,it was at this point1 too1 that several of the brethren stepped forward and offered themselves as a ransom for the ,church1 expressing themselves as being willing to be scourged or to die if that would appease the anger of the mob against the ,saints4 ,the mob would not accept the sacrifice of the brethren1 however1 but renewed their threats of violence against the whole ,church4 ,the brethren who offered themselves as a ransom for the ,saints were ,john ,corrill1 ,john ,whitmer1 ,william ,w4 ,phelps1 ,algernon ,s4 ,gilbert1 ,edward ,partridge1 and ,isaac ,morley4 #f4 ,this agreement was signed on the part of the brethren by ,edward ,partridge1 ,isaac ,morley1 ,john ,corrill1 ,w4 ,w4 ,phelps1 ,algernon ,s4 ,gilbert1 and ,john ,whitmer2 and on the part of the mob by the ,mob ,committee whose names are given in the article from the ,western ,monitor1 page #cii4 #g4 ,fayette was the county seat of ,howard county1 about one hundred and fifty miles directly east of ,independence4 #h4 ,the document is already printed in full on pages #cid1 #cie4 #i4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 xcvii4 ,respecting the ,school of the ,prophets referred to in the above revelation1 ,elder ,parley ,p4 ,pratt1 whose course is so highly commended in the revelation1 writes in his ,autobiography1 page #ajj3 ,in the latter part of the summer 7#ahcc7 and in the autumn1 ,i devoted almost my entire time in ministering among the churches1 holding meetings1 visiting the sick1 comforting the afflicted1 and giving counsel4 ,a school of ,elders was also organized1 over which ,i was called to preside4 ,this class1 to the number of about sixty1 met for instruction once a week4 ,the place of meeting was in the open air1 under some tall trees1 in a retired place in the wilderness1 where we prayed1 preached and prophesied1 and exercised ourselves in the gifts of the ,holy ,spirit4 ,here great blessings were poured out1 and many great and marvelous things were manifested and taught4 ,the ,lord gave me great wisdom1 and enabled me to teach and edify the ,elders1 and comfort and encourage them in their preparations for the great work which lay before us4 ,i was also much edified and strengthened4 ,to attend this school ,i had to travel on foot1 and sometimes with bare feet at that1 about six miles4 ,this ,i did once a week1 besides visiting and preaching in five or six branches a week4 #aj4 ,this revelation1 writes ,elder ,pratt 7,autobiography1 p4 #ajb71 was not complied with by the leaders and ,church in ,missouri as a whole 7notwithstanding many were humble and faithful72 therefore1 the threatened judgment was poured out to the uttermost1 as the history of the five following years will show4 #aa4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 xcviii4 #djg ,chapter ,,xxix4 ,minor ,events in ,zion and ,kirtland--,an ,appeal to the ,governor of ,missouri4 ,august #ba4--;,at a council of ,high ,priests in ,zion1 ,elder ,christian ,whitmer was ordained to the ,high ,priesthood4 ,and on the #bhth1 the council resolved1 that no ,high ,priest1 ,elder1 or ,priest1 shall ordain any ,priest1 ,elder1 or ,high ,priest in the land of ,zion1 without the consent of a conference of ,high ,priests4 #a ,soon after the arrival of ,oliver ,cowdery at ,kirtland1 #b arrangements were made to dispatch ,elders ,orson ,hyde and ,john ,gould #c to ,jackson county1 ,missouri1 with advice to the ,saints in their unfortunate situation1 through the late outrage of the mob4 ,sidenote3 ,prophet's ,letter to ,vienna ,jaques4 ,september #d4--;,i wrote as follows to ,sister ,vienna ,jaques1 at ,independence1 ,missouri3 ,dear ,sister3--,having a few leisure moments1 ,i sit down to communicate to you a few words1 which ,i know ,i am under obligation to improve for your satisfaction1 if it should be a satisfaction for you to receive a few words from your unworthy brother in ,christ4 ,i #djh received your letter some time since1 containing a history of your journey and your safe arrival1 for which ,i bless the ,lord2 ,i have often felt a whispering since ,i received your letter1 like this3 ,joseph1 thou art indebted to thy ,god for the offering of thy ,sister ,vienna1 which proved a savor of life as pertaining to thy pecuniary concerns4 ,therefore she should not be forgotten of thee1 for the ,lord hath done this1 and thou shouldst remember her in all thy prayers and also by letter1 for she oftentimes calleth on the ,lord1 saying1 ,o ,lord1 inspire thy servant ,joseph to communicate by letter some word to thine unworthy handmaiden1 and say all my sins are forgiven1 and art thou not content with the chastisement wherewith thou hast chastised thy handmaiden4 ,yea1 sister1 this seems to be the whispering of a spirit1 and judge ye what spirit it is4 ,i was aware when you left ,kirtland that the ,lord would chasten you1 but ,i prayed fervently in the name of ,jesus that you might live to receive your inheritance1 agreeable to the commandment which was given concerning you4 ,i am not at all astonished at what has happened to you1 neither to what has happened to ,zion1 and ,i could tell all the whys and wherefores of all these calamities4 ,but alas1 it is in vain to warn and give precepts1 for all men are naturally disposed to walk in their own paths as they are pointed out by their own fingers and are not willing to consider and walk in the path which is pointed out by another1 saying1 this is the way1 walk ye in it1 although he should be an unerring director1 and the ,lord his ,god sent him4 ,nevertheless1 ,i do not feel disposed to cast any reflections1 but ,i feel to cry mightily unto the ,lord that all things1 which have happened may work together for good2 yea1 ,i feel to say1 ,o ,lord1 let ,zion be comforted1 let her waste places be built up and established an hundred fold2 let ,thy ,saints come unto ,zion out of every nation2 let her be exalted to the third heavens1 and let ,thy judgment be sent forth unto victory2 and after this great tribulation1 let ,thy blessing fall upon ,thy people1 and let ,thy handmaid live till her soul shall be satisfied in beholding the glory of ,zion2 for notwithstanding her present affliction1 she shall yet arise and put on her beautiful garments1 and be the joy and glory of the whole earth4 ,therefore let your heart be comforted2 live in strict obedience to the commandments of ,god1 and walk humbly before ,him1 and ,he will exalt thee in ,his own due time4 ,i will assure you that the ,lord has respect unto the offering you made4 ,brother ,david ,w4 ,patten has just returned from his tour to the east1 and gives us great satisfaction as to his ministry4 ,he has raised up a church of about eighty-three members in that part of the country where his friends live--in the state of ,new ,york4 ,many were healed through his instrumentality1 several cripples were restored4 ,as many as twelve that were afflicted came at a time from a distance to be healed2 he and #dji others administered in the name of ,jesus1 and they were made whole4 ,thus you see that the laborers in the ,lord's vineyard are laboring with their might1 while the day lasts1 knowing the night soon cometh when no man can work4 ,signed ,joseph ,smith4 ,september #aa4--,the following members1 residing in ,kirtland1 viz43 ,f4 ,g4 ,williams1 ,sidney ,rigdon1 ,n4 ,k4 ,whitney1 with myself1 and ,oliver ,cowdery1 delegate to represent the residue of the members in ,independence1 ,missouri1 met in council1 to consider the expediency of establishing a printing press in ,kirtland1 when it was ,resolved1 unanimously1 that a press be established1 and conducted under the firm name of ,f4 ,g4 ,williams ,co4 ,resolved1 that the above firm publish a paper1 as soon as arrangements can be made1 entitled the ,latter-day ,saints' ,messenger and ,advocate4 ,resolved1 also1 that ,the ,evening and ,morning ,star1 formerly published in ,jackson county1 ,missouri1 by the firm of ,f4 ,g4 ,williams ,co41 to be conducted by ,oliver ,cowdery1 one of the members of the firm1 until it is transferred to its former location4 ,the same day ,bishop ,partridge was acknowledged by the council in ,zion1 to be the head of the ,church in ,zion at that time2 and by virtue of his office1 was acknowledged the moderator or president of the councils or conferences4 ,ten ,high ,priests were appointed to watch over the ten branches of the ,church in ,zion4 #d ,a hymn1 concerning the travels1 toils1 troubles1 and tribulations of the ,nephites1 was sung in tongues by ,elder ,w4 ,w4 ,phelps1 interpreted by ,elder ,lyman ,wight4 ,september #bf4--,the council again assembled in ,zion1 #daj and ordained ,jesse ,hitchcock1 ,elias ,higbee1 #e and ,isaac ,higbee1 #f ,high ,priests4 ,brother ,john ,tanner #g sent his two sons to ,kirtland to learn the will of the ,lord1 whether he should remove to ,zion or ,kirtland4 ,it was decided by the unanimous voice of the council1 on the #bhth of ,september1 that it was the will of the ,lord for all who were able and willing1 to build up and strengthen the stake in ,kirtland4 ,brother ,tanner was counseled accordingly4 ,about this time1 ,elders ,hyde and ,gould arrived in ,zion1 and the ,church having made the necessary preparations1 ,elders ,w4 ,w4 ,phelps and ,orson ,hyde were despatched to the ,governor of ,missouri1 residing at ,jefferson ,city1 the capital of the state1 with the following3 ,petition4 ,september #bh1 #ahcc4 ,to ,his ,excellency ,daniel ,dunklin1 ,governor of the ,state of ,missouri3 ,we1 the undersigned1 citizens of the ,republic of the ,united ,states of ,america1 inhabitants of the state of ,missouri1 and residents of ,jackson county1 members of the ,church of ,christ1 vulgarly called #daa ,mormons1 believing in ,god1 and worshiping ,him according to ,his revealed will contained in the ,holy ,bible1 and the fullness of the ,gospel contained in the ,book of ,mormon1 and the revelations and commandments of ,god through ,jesus ,christ1 respectfully show3-- ,that we1 your petitioners1 having purchased lands of the ,united ,states1 and of the ,state of ,missouri1 and of the inhabitants of said state1 for the purpose of improving the same1 and peaceably enjoying our rights1 privileges immunities1 and religion1 according to the constitution and laws of the state and national governments1 have suffered unjustly and unlawfully in property1 in person1 and in reputation1 as follows3-- ,first1 in the spring of #ahcb1 some persons1 in the deadly hours of the night1 commenced stoning or brick-batting some of our houses1 and breaking in our windows1 disturbing ourselves1 our wives1 and our children2 and also1 some few days after1 they called a county meeting to consult measures to remove us1 but after some confusion among themselves1 they dispersed with doing no more than threatening on that day4 ,in the fall of the same year1 they1 or some one1 burned a large quantity of hay in the stack1 and soon after commenced shooting into some of our houses1 and at many times insulting with abusive language4 ,secondly1 about the middle of ,july last1 yea1 in fact1 previous1 they commenced brick-batting our houses again1 and breaking in our windows4 ,at this time1 ,july #ahth1 the following document was in circulation3 #h 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 ,on ,saturday1 the #bjth of ,july last1 according to the foregoing document1 there assembled1 suddenly1 in the town of ,independence1 at the court house1 between four and five hundred persons1 who sent ,robert ,johnson1 ,james ,campbell1 ,moses ,wilson1 ,joel ,f4 ,chiles1 ,richard ,bristoe1 ,abner ,f4 ,staples1 ,garr ,johnson1 ,lewis ,franklin1 ,russell ,hicks1 ,s4 ,d4 ,lucas1 ,thomas ,wilson1 ,james ,m4 ,hunter1 and ,richard ,simpson to some of your petitioners1 namely1 ,edward ,partridge1 ,a4 ,s4 ,gilbert1 ,john ,corrill1 ,isaac ,morley1 ,john ,whitmer1 and ,w4 ,w4 ,phelps1 and demanded that we should immediately stop the publication of the ,evening and ,morning ,star1 and close printing in ,jackson county2 and that we1 as ,elders of said ,church1 should agree to remove out of the county forthwith4 ,we asked for three months for consideration4 ,they would not grant it4 ,we asked for ten days4 ,they would not grant it1 but said fifteen minutes was the longest1 and refused to hear any reasons4 ,of course the conversation broke up4 ,the four or five hundred persons1 as a mob1 then proceeded to demolish or raze to the ground1 the printing office and dwelling house of ,w4 ,w4 ,phelps ,co4 ,mrs4 ,phelps1 with a sick infant and the #dab rest of her children1 together with the furniture in the house1 were thrown out of doors--the press was broken1 the type pied--the bookwork1 furniture1 apparatus1 property1 etc41 of the office1 were principally destroyed1 and the office thrown down1 whereby seven hands were thrown out of employment1 and three families left destitute of the means of subsistence4 ,the loss of the whole office1 including the stoppage of ,the ,evening and ,morning ,star a monthly paper1 and the ,upper ,missouri ,advertiser1 a weekly paper1 was about six thousand dollars1 without the damages which must result in consequence of their suspension4 ,the mob then proceeded to demolish the store-house and destroy the goods of ,gilbert1 ,whitney ,co42 but ,mr4 ,gilbert assuring them the goods should be packed by the #bcrd inst41 ,july1 they then stopped the destruction of property1 and proceeded to do personal violence4 ,they took ,edward ,partridge1 the ,bishop of the ,church1 from his dwelling house by force1 and a ,mr4 ,allen1 and stripping them of their coats1 vests1 and hats1 or causing them to do it themselves1 tarred and feathered them in the presence of the mob1 before the court house4 ,they caught other members of the ,church to serve them in like manner1 but they made their escape4 ,with horrid yells and the most blasphemous epithets they sought for other leading ,elders1 but found them not4 ,it being late1 they adjourned until the #bcrd inst4 ,on the #bcrd inst41 early in the day1 the mob again assembled to the number of about five hundred1 many of them armed with rifles1 dirks1 pistols1 clubs and whips2 one or two companies riding into town bearing the red flag1 raising again the horrid yell4 ,they proceeded to take some of the leading ,elders by force1 declaring it to be their intention to whip them with from fifty to five hundred lashes apiece1 to demolish their dwelling houses1 and let their negroes loose to go through our plantations1 and lay open our fields for the destruction of our crops4 ,whereupon ,john ,corrill1 ,john ,whitmer1 ,w4 ,w4 ,phelps1 ,a4 ,s4 ,gilbert1 ,edward ,partridge1 and ,isaac ,morley1 made no resistance1 but offered themselves a ransom for the ,church1 willing to be scourged or die1 if that would appease their anger towards the ,church1 but were assured by the mob1 that every man1 woman1 and child would be whipped or scourged1 until they were driven out of the county1 as the mob declared that either they or the ,mormons must leave the county1 or they1 or the ,mormons must die4 ,the mob then chose a new committee1 consisting of ,samuel ,c4 ,owens1 ,leonidas ,oldham1 ,g4 ,w4 ,simpson1 ,m4 ,l4 ,irwin1 ,john ,harris1 ,henry ,chiles1 ,harvey ,h4 ,younger1 ,hugh ,l4 ,brazile1 ,n4 ,k4 ,olmstead1 ,james ,c4 ,sadler1 ,william ,bowers1 ,benjamin ,majors1 ,zachariah ,waller1 ,herman ,gregg1 ,aaron ,overton1 and ,samuel ,weston1 who1 with #dac ,edward ,partridge1 ,isaac ,morley1 ,john ,corrill1 ,w4 ,w4 ,phelps1 ,a4 ,s4 ,gilbert1 and ,john ,whitmer1 entered into the following stipulation3-- ,memorandum of agreement between the undersigned of the ,mormon society1 in ,jackson county1 ,missouri1 and a committee appointed by a public meeting of the citizens of said county1 made the #bcrd day of ,july1 #ahcc4 ,it is understood that the undersigned members of the society do give their solemn pledge each for himself1 as follows1 to-wit3-- ,that ,oliver ,cowdery1 ,w4 ,w4 ,phelps1 ,william ,e4 ,m',lellin1 ,edward ,partridge1 ,lyman ,wight1 ,simeon ,carter1 ,peter and ,john ,whitmer1 and ,harvey ,whitlock1 shall remove with their families out of this county on or before the first day of ,january next2 and that they1 as well as the two hereinafter named1 use all their influence to induce all the brethren now here1 to remove as soon as possible--one half1 say1 by the first of ,january next1 and all by the first day of ,april next2 to advise and try all means in their power1 to stop any more of their sect from moving to this county1 and as to those now on the road1 they will use their influence to prevent their settling permanently in the county1 but that they shall only make arrangements for temporary shelter1 till a new location is agreed on for the society4 ,john ,corrill and ,algernon ,s4 ,gilbert1 are allowed to remain as general agents to wind up the business of the society1 so long as necessity shall require2 and said ,gilbert may sell out his merchandise now on hand1 but is to make no new importations4 ,the ,star is not again to be published1 nor a press set up by any of the society in this county4 ,if the said ,edward ,partridge and ,w4 ,w4 ,phelps move their families by the first day of ,january as aforesaid1 they themselves will be allowed to go and come in order to transact and wind up their business4 ,the committee pledge themselves to use all their influence to prevent any violence being used so long as a compliance with the foregoing terms is observed by the parties concerned4 ,to which agreement are subscribed the names of the above-named committee1 as also those of the ,mormon brethren named in the report as having been present4 ,the damages which your petitioners have sustained in consequence of this outrage and stipulation are1 at present1 incalculable4 ,a great number of industrious inhabitants who were dependent on their labors for support1 have been thrown out of employment1 and are kept so by the threatenings of those who compose the mob4 ,see their resolutions as published in the ,western ,monitor1 numbers #a1 #b1 #c1 #d and #e1 ,august #b1 #ahcc4 ,in estimating the damages which have resulted from #dad the beginning to this time from those illegal and inhuman proceedings against your poor and persecuted petitioners1 were they to name many thousands of dollars1 it would be short of a remuneration4 ,most of the mechanics' shops have been closed2 two pair of blacksmith's bellows have been cut in pieces2 our merchant1 as you will see by the foregoing stipulation1 has been forbidden to import or bring into the country any more goods1 by which his business has been ruined4 ,soon after the above stipulation was made1 some of your petitioners proceeded to make a new location in ,van ,buren county on the south1 but the settlers in that county drew up an agreement among themselves to drive us from that county1 after we had commenced laboring there2 they threatened to shoot our cattle1 and destroy our labor1 and in fact1 the foxes have holes1 and the birds of the air have nests1 but we have no where to lay our heads4 ,we were obliged to return4 ,since the stipulation was entered into1 some of our houses have been broken open1 and the inmates threatened to be shot if they stirred2 and also some of our houses have been stoned or brick-batted4 ,also1 that since some publications have appeared in the ,western ,monitor and other papers1 censuring the conduct of the mob1 the leaders have begun to threaten life1 declaring that if any of the ,mormons attempted tempted to seek redress by law or otherwise1 for character1 person1 or property1 they shall die6 ,now therefore1 for ourselves1 as members of the ,church1 we declare1 with the exception of poverty1 which has not yet become a crime by the laws of the land1 that the crimes charged against us1 so far as we are acquainted1 contained in the documents above written1 and those in the proceedings of the mob1 as published in the ,western ,monitor of ,august #bnd1 are not true4 ,in relation to inviting free people of color to emigrate to this section of country1 and other matters relative to our society1 see the #ajith1 #aajth1 and #aaath pages of ,the ,evening and ,morning ,star1 and the ,extra accompanying the same1 dated ,july #afth1 which are annexed to this petition4 ,our situation is a critical one2 we are located on the western limits of the state1 and of the ,united ,states2 where desperadoes can commit outrages1 and even murder1 and escape in a few minutes beyond the reach of process2 where the most abandoned of all classes from almost every state may too often pass to the ,mexican states1 or to the more remote regions of the ,rocky ,mountains to escape the grasp of justice2 where numerous tribes of ,indians1 located by the ,general ,government amid the corrupting influence of mid-day mobs1 might massacre our defenseless women and children1 with impunity4 ,influenced by the precepts of our beloved ,savior when we have been smitten on the one cheek1 we have turned the other also2 when we have #dae been sued at the law1 and our coat been taken1 we have given them our cloak also2 when they have compelled us to go with them a mile1 we have gone with them twain2 we have borne the above outrages without murmuring2 but we cannot patiently bear them any longer2 according to the laws of ,god and man1 we have borne enough4 ,believing with all honorable men1 that whenever that fatal hour shall arrive that the poorest citizen's person1 property1 or rights and privileges1 shall be trampled upon by a lawless mob with impunity1 that moment a dagger is plunged into the heart of the constitution1 and the union must tremble6 ,assuring ourselves that no republican will suffer the liberty of the press1 the freedom of speech1 and the liberty of conscience1 to be silenced by a mob1 without raising a helping hand to save his country from disgrace1 we solicit assistence to obtain our rights1 holding ourselves amenable to the laws of our county whenever we transgress them4 ,knowing as1 we do1 that the threats of this mob1 in most cases1 have been put into execution1 and knowing also that every officer1 civil and military1 with a very few exceptions1 has pledged his life and honor to force us from the county1 dead or alive2 and believing that civil process cannot be served without the aid of the executive2 and not wishing to have the blood of our defenseless women and children to stain the land which has once been stained by the blood of our fathers to purchase our liberty1 we appeal to the ,governor for aid1 asking him to raise by express proclamation1 or otherwise1 a sufficient number of troops1 who1 with us1 may be empowered to defend our rights1 that we may sue for damages for the loss of property1 for abuse1 for defamation1 as to ourselves1 and if advisable try for treason against the government2 that the law of the land may not be defiled1 or nullified1 but peace be restored to our country4 ,and we will ever pray4 ,this petition was signed by ,edward ,partridge and nearly all the members of the ,church in ,jackson county4 ,footnotes #a4 ,there were twenty ,high ,priests present at the council meeting4 ,the minutes of the meeting are found in the ,far ,west ,record pages #ce1 #cf4 #b4 ,the exact date of ,elder ,cowdery's arrival in ,kirtland as a special messenger from the brethren in ,zion cannot be ascertained4 #c4 ,this was the same ,john ,gould who was subsequently ordained a member of the ,first ,council of ,seventy4 #d4 ,the minutes of the council are contained in the ,far ,west ,record1 page #cf4 ,the names of the presidents of the branches and the number of the branch each presided over respectively are given as follows3 ,newel ,knight1 ,branch ,no4 #a2 ,daniel ,stanton1 ,branch ,no4 #b2 ,david ,whitmer1 ,branch ,no #c2 ,john ,corrill1 ,branch ,no #d2 ,thomas ,b4 ,marsh1 ,branch ,no4 #e2 ,peter ,dustin1 ,branch ,no4 #f2 ,lyman ,wight1 ,branch ,no4 #g2 ,parley ,p4 ,pratt1 ,branch ,no #h2 ,simeon ,carter1 ,branch ,no4 #i2 ,calvin ,beebe1 ,branch ,no4 #aj4 #e4 ,the ,higbee family subsequently became very prominent in the ,church4 ,elias ,higbee was the son of ,isaac and ,sophia ,higbee4 ,he was born #bcrd of ,october1 #agie1 in ,galloway1 ,gloucester county1 ,new ,jersey4 ,at the age of twenty-two he married ,sarah ,ward and removed to ,cincinnati4 ,he received the ,gospel in the spring of #ahcb1 and during the summer following went to ,jackson county1 ,missouri1 but returned to ,cincinnati the following winter1 where he was ordained an ,elder by his ,brother ,isaac1 on the #bjth of ,february1 #ahcc4 ,he returned to ,missouri with his family1 arriving in ,zion in the month of ,march1 #ahcc1 and on the #bfth of ,september following he was ordained a ,high ,priest4--7,millennial ,star1 vol4 xxi1 page #bjc2 also ,far ,west ,record1 page #cg47 #f4 ,isaac ,higbee was also the son of ,isaac and ,sophia ,higbee4 ,he was born in ,galloway1 ,gloucester county1 ,new ,jersey1 on the #bcrd of ,december1 #agig4 ,when between five and six years old he removed with his parents to ,ohio4 ,february #aath1 #ahai1 he married ,heziah ,string4 ,about the first of ,may1 #ahcb1 his parents received the ,gospel1 and a few months afterwards himself and wife did the same4 ,in the spring of #ahcc he removed with his family to ,zion1 and in ,september following1 as stated by the ,prophet1 was ordained a ,high ,priest4 #g4 ,john ,tanner was the son of ,joshua and ,thankful ,tefft ,tanner4 ,he was born at ,hopkinton1 ,rhode ,island1 ,august #ae1 #aggh4 ,according to the tradition of the family1 ,francis ,tanner1 the grandfather of ,john ,tanner1 the subject of this sketch1 came from ,england with his two brothers--,nathan and ,william--and settled in the state of ,rhode ,island1 about the year #agah4 #h4 ,document will be found on pages #cgd-cgf4 ,it was the mob's secret constitution4 #daf ,chapter ,,xxx4 ,the ,prophet's ,mission to ,canada4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,prophet ,starts for ,canada4 ,october #e4--;,i started on a journey to the east1 and to ,canada1 in company with ,elders ,rigdon and ,freeman ,nickerson1 #a and arrived the same day at ,lamb's tavern1 in ,ashtabula2 #b and the day following1 the ,sabbath1 we arrived in ,springfield1 whilst the brethren were in meeting1 and ,elder ,rigdon spoke to the congregation4 ,a large and attentive congregation assembled at ,brother ,rudd's in the evening1 to whom we bore our testimony4 #c ,we continued at ,springfield #d #dag until the #hth of ,october1 when we removed to ,brother ,roundy's at ,elk ,creek2 and continuing our journey on the evening of the #ith1 we arrived at a tavern1 and on the #ajth1 at ,brother ,job ,lewis1' in ,westfield #e where we met the brethren according to previous appointment1 and spoke to them as the ,spirit gave utterance1 greatly to their gratification4 ,sidenote3 ,letter to ,saints in ,zion4 ,this day1 ,october #ajth1 ,elder ,frederick ,g4 ,williams wrote as follows from ,kirtland to the ,saints in ,missouri3 ,dear ,brethren3--,it is a long time since we have received any intelligence from you1 save a letter received by ,brother ,elliott from ,elder ,john ,whitmer1 which informed us that he had written four letters since ,elder ,oliver ,cowdery left1 but we have not received any of them1 nor any others from ,zion1 except one from ,bishop ,partridge1 of ,august #acth1 and have had no information1 to be depended upon1 concerning the riot1 and the situation of the brethren in ,zion2 and considering that the enemy have commenced intercepting our letters1 ,i direct this to ,mrs4 ,billings1 thinking1 by so doing that you may get it4 ,the brethren here are all engaged in the work of the ,lord1 and are using every exertion in their power for the welfare of ,zion and for the promotion of the great cause of our ,redeemer4 ,immediately after the arrival of ,oliver ,cowdery1 we sat in council to know what should be done4 ,the decision of the council was1 that measures should be immediately taken to seek redress by the laws of our country1 for your grievances2 accordingly two messengers were dispatched for that purpose4 7,let this suffice1 for this may fall into the hands of the enemy74 ,we have not received any revelation for a long time 7which has been written71 and none concerning the present situation of ,zion2 but it has been manifested to ,joseph1 and communicated to me by him1 that the brethren in ,zion should not sell any of their inheritances1 nor move out of the county1 save those who signed the agreement to go1 and if it becomes necessary for those to move for their personal safety1 let them be directed by wisdom1 and seek for homes where the ,lord shall open the way4 ,if ,elder ,phelps is obliged to move from that place1 let him take his family and ,elder ,cowdery's wife1 and come to ,kirtland1 but not to bring anything with him1 except his bedding and clothing2 and let ,elder ,gilbert furnish him with the means to bear his expenses2 but it would not be expedient for ,elder ,phelps to come1 provided the prospect is favorable for a reconciliation to the extent that the ,saints are not obliged #dah to leave the county4 ,we can do no more for you than we are doing2 but we have this great consolation1 that ,god will deliver ,zion1 and establish you upon the land of your everlasting inheritance4 ,remember that this is only for the trial of your faith1 and he that overcomes and endures to the end1 will be rewarded a hundred fold in this world1 and in the world to come will receive eternal life2 so1 brethren1 you have great reason to rejoice1 for your redemption draweth nigh4 ,presidents ,smith and ,rigdon are absent on a mission1 and we do not expect their return until some time in ,november4 ,they have gone down the lake to ,niagara1 from thence they expect to go into ,upper ,canada1 as far as ,long ,point1 and preach in all the most noted places on their way4 ,we held a council meeting this morning1 on the subject of building1 etc4 ,it was decided by the council that we should discontinue the building of the ,temple during the winter1 for want of materials2 and to prepare and get all things in readiness to recommence it early in the spring4 ,it was also agreed that we should set the hands immediately to erect a house for the printing office1 which is to be thirty by thirty-eight feet on the ground2 the first story to be occupied for the ,school of the ,prophets this winter1 and the upper story for the printing press4 ,oliver ,cowdery started for ,new ,york on the first of ,october for the printing establishment1 with eight hundred dollars4 ,there will be as many hands employed upon the house as can work1 and every exertion made to get the printing into operation1 republish the ,star1 commencing from the last number printed1 to be conducted by ,oliver ,cowdery 7until an opportunity offers to transfer it again to ,zion1 to be conducted by ,w4 ,w4 ,phelps ,co41 as usual71 and also publish a paper under the firm-name of ,f4 ,g4 ,williams ,co41 entitled the ,latter-day ,saints' ,messenger and ,advocate1 which will be forwarded to subscribers for the ,star by the first of ,december4 ,oliver has written to you for the names and residences of the subscribers for the ,star1 and if you have not sent them1 we wish you to send them immediately1 that there may be no delay in the papers going to subscribers as soon as they can be printed4 ,bishop ,whitney1 also1 started for ,new ,york at the same time1 to replenish his store in ,kirtland1 with money enough to pay all the debts of both establishments1 and expects to bring a larger supply of goods than at any former time4 ,thus you see the goodness and mercy of ,god in providing for ,his ,saints4 ,not one week before ,bishop ,whitney started1 the way seemed hedged up1 and ten or twelve hundred dollars was the most that he had1 and knew not where to obtain the amount he wanted2 but by a remarkable interposition of ,divine ,providence1 he was furnished with all he wanted1 for which let us raise our hearts in gratitude to ,god1 and praise ,his holy name1 that ,he is a present help in every time of need4 #dai ,we have seen a letter1 written to ,sister ,whitney1 in ,nelson1 that has a great deal to say about the gift of tongues1 and the interpretation which was given by way of prophecy1 namely1 that ,zion would be delivered by judgments2 and that certain ones named1 would go to such and such places among the ,lamanites1 and great things would be done by them2 and also1 that two ,lamanites were at a meeting1 and the following prophecy was delivered to them3--,that they were our friends and that the ,lord had sent them there2 and the time would soon come1 when they would embrace the ,gospel2 and1 also1 that if we will not fight for ourselves1 the ,indians will fight for us4 ,though all this may be true1 yet1 it is not needful that it should be spoken1 for it is of no service to the ,saints and has a tendency to stir up the people to anger4 ,no prophecy spoken in tongues should be made public1 for this reason3--,many who pretend to have the gift of interpretation are liable to be mistaken1 and do not give the true interpretation of what is spoken2 therefore1 great care should be taken as respects this thing1 but1 if any speak in tongues a word of exhortation1 or doctrine1 or the principles of the ,gospel1 etc41 let it be interpreted for the edification of the ,church4 ,when you receive this letter1 ,i wish you to write immediately and direct your letters to ,david ,elliott1 ,chagrin1 ,cuyahoga county1 ,ohio1 and put this mark ,x on the back of it1 if you do not wish it broken open1 and he will forward it to us2 and you will please to name in your letter1 where and to whom we shall direct our reply1 and thus we may evade interception4 ,yours in the bonds of love1 ,f4 ,g4 ,williams4 ,sidenote3 ,distraction ,about ,zion4 ,at this time the evil and designing circulated a report1 that ,zion was to be extended as far east as ,ohio1 which in some degree tended to distract the minds of the ,saints1 and produced a momentary indecision about removing thither1 according to the commandments2 but the report was soon corrected1 and the brethren continued to remove to ,zion and ,kirtland4 ,sidenote3 ,narrative of ,canada ,journey ,renewed4 ,on the #aath of ,october1 we left ,westfield1 and continuing our journey1 staid that night with a man named ,nash1 an infidel1 with whom we reasoned1 but to no purpose4 #f ,on the #abth1 #dbj arrived at ,father ,nickerson's1 at ,perrysburg1 ,new ,york1 #g where ,i received the following revelation3 ,revelation4 #h #a4 ,verily1 thus saith the ,lord unto you1 my friends ,sidney1 and ,joseph1 your families are well2 they are in mine hands1 and ,i will do with them as seemeth me good2 for in me there is all power2 #b4 ,therefore1 follow me1 and listen to the counsel which ,i shall give unto you4 #c4 ,behold1 and lo1 ,i have much people in this place1 in the regions round about1 and an effectual door shall be opened in the regions round about in this eastern land4 #d4 ,therefore1 ,i1 the ,lord1 have suffered you to come unto this place2 for thus it was expedient in me for the salvation of souls2 #e4 ,therefore1 verily1 ,i say unto you1 lift up your voices unto this people1 speak the thoughts that ,i shall put into your hearts1 and you shall not be confounded before men2 #f4 ,for it shall be given you in the very hour1 yea1 in the very moment1 what ye shall say4 #g4 ,but a commandment ,i give unto you1 that ye shall declare whatsoever thing ye declare in my name1 in solemnity of heart1 in the spirit of meekness in all things4 #h4 ,and ,i give unto you this promise1 that inasmuch as ye do this1 the ,holy ,ghost shall be shed forth in bearing record unto all things whatsoever ye shall say4 #i4 ,and it is expedient in me that you1 my servant ,sidney1 should be a spokesman unto this people2 yea1 verily1 ,i will ordain you unto this calling1 even to be a spokesman unto my servant ,joseph2 #aj4 ,and ,i will give unto him power to be mighty in testimony2 #aa4 ,and ,i will give unto thee power to be mighty in expounding all ,scriptures1 that thou mayest be a spokesman unto him1 and he shall be a revelator unto thee1 that thou mayest know the certainty of all things pertaining to the things of my kingdom on the earth4 #ab4 ,therefore1 continue your journey and let your hearts rejoice2 for behold1 and lo1 ,i am with you even unto the end4 #ac4 ,and now ,i give unto you a word concerning ,zion4 ,zion shall be redeemed1 although she is chastened for a little season4 #ad4 ,thy brethren1 my servants ,orson ,hyde1 and ,john ,gould1 are in my hands2 and inasmuch as they keep my commandments they shall be saved4 #dba #ae4 ,therefore1 let your hearts be comforted1 for all things shall work together for good to them that walk uprightly1 and to the sanctification of the ,church4 #af4 ,for ,i will raise up unto myself a pure people1 that will serve me in righteousness2 #ag4 ,and all that call upon the name of the ,lord1 and keep ,his commandments1 shall be saved4 ,even so4 ,amen4 ,sidenote3 ,at ,father ,nickerson's4 ,on the day following 7,october #acth71 ,elder ,rigdon preached to a large congregation1 at ,freeman ,nickerson's1 and ,i bore record while the ,lord gave ,his ,spirit in a remarkable manner4 ,sidenote3 ,through ,upper ,canada4 ,monday1 #ad4--;,continued our journey towards ,canada1 and arrived at ,lodi1 where we had an appointment1 and preached in the evening to a small assembly1 and made an appointment for ,tuesday1 the #aeth1 at #aj o'clock a4 m41 to be in the ,presbyterian meeting house4 ,when the hour arrived1 the keeper of the house refused to open the doors1 and the meeting was thus prevented4 ,we came immediately away1 leaving the people in great confusion1 and continued our journey till ,friday1 the #ahth1 when we arrived at the house of ,freeman ,a4 ,nickerson1 in ,upper ,canada1 having passed through a fine and well-cultivated country1 after entering the province1 and having had many peculiar feelings in relation to both the country and people4 ,we were kindly received by ,freeman ,a4 ,nickerson1 who lived at ,mount ,pleasant1 which was near ,brantford1 the county seat of ,brant county4 ,sidenote3 ,meeting at ,brantford4 ,sunday1 #bj4--;,at #aj o'clock we met an attentive congregation at ,brantford2 and the same evening a large assembly at ,mount ,pleasant1 at ,mr4 ,nickerson's4 ,the people gave good heed to the things spoken4 ,sidenote3 ,at ,colburn4 ,tuesday1 #bb4--,we went to the village of ,colburn2 and although it snowed severely1 we held a meeting by candle-light on ,wednesday evening1 and were publicly opposed by a ,wesleyan ,methodist4 ,he was very tumultuous1 but exhibited a great lack of reason1 knowledge1 and wisdom1 and gave us no opportunity to reply4 #dbb ,sidenote3 ,at ,waterford4 ,thursday1 #bd4--;,at the house of ,mr4 ,beman1 in ,colburn1 whence we left for ,waterford1 #i where we spoke to a small congregation2 thence to ,mount ,pleasant1 and preached to a large congregation the same evening1 when ,freeman ,a4 ,nickerson and his wife declared their belief in the work1 and offered themselves for baptism4 ,great excitement prevailed in every place we visited4 #aj ,sidenote3 ,meetings and ,baptisms at ,mt4 ,pleasant4 ,saturday1 #bf4--,preached at ,mount ,pleasant2 the people were very tender and inquiring4 ,sunday1 #bg4--,preached to a large congregation at ,mount ,pleasant1 after which ,i baptized twelve1 and others were deeply impressed1 and desired another meeting1 which ,i appointed for the day following4 ,monday1 #bh4--;,in the evening1 we broke bread1 and laid on hands for the gift of the ,holy ,ghost1 and for confirmation1 having baptized two more4 ,the ,spirit was given in great power to some1 and peace to others4 #aa ,tuesday1 #bi4--;,after preaching at #aj o'clock a4 m41 ,i baptized two1 and ,confirmed them at the water's side4 ,last evening we ordained ,f4 ,a4 ,nickerson an ,elder2 and one of the sisters received the gift of tongues1 which made the ,saints rejoice exceedingly4 #ab ,tuesday1 the #bith of ,october1 also we took our departure from ,mount ,pleasant1 on our return to ,kirtland1 and arrived at ,buffalo1 ,new ,york1 on the #cast4 ,sidenote3 ,return to ,kirtland4 ,friday1 ,november #a4--;,i left ,buffalo1 ,new ,york1 at #h o'clock a4 m41 and arrived at my house in ,kirtland on ,monday1 the #dth1 #aj a4 m41 and #dbc found my family well1 according to the promise of the ,lord in the revelation of ,october #abth1 for which ,i felt to thank my ,heavenly ,father4 ,sidenote3 ,action of ,governor ,dunklin on ,petition4 ,on the #hth of ,october ,elders ,phelps and ,hyde had presented the petition of the ,saints in ,jackson county to the ,governor of ,missouri1 who at that time gave them for an answer that the ,attorney-,general of the ,state was absent1 but promised that on his return he would inform them of his conclusions by mail1 addressed at ,independence1 whither the brethren immediately returned4 ,about the #bhth of ,october1 in pursuance of ,governor ,dunklin's promise1 the brethren in ,zion received the following communication from him in reply to their petition of ,september #bh3 ,city of ,jefferson1 ,executive ,department1 ,october #ai1 #ahcc4 ,to ,edward ,partridge1 ,w4 ,w4 ,phelps1 ,isaac ,morley1 ,john ,corrill1 ,a4 ,s4 ,gilbert1 ,john ,whitmer and others3 ,your memorial1 soliciting my interposition against violence threatened you1 and redress for injuries received by a portion of the citizens of ,jackson county1 has been received1 and its contents duly considered4 ,i should think myself unworthy the confidence with which ,i have been honored by my fellow-citizens1 did ,i not promptly employ all the means which the constitution and laws have placed at my disposal1 to avert the calamities with which you are threatened4 ,ours is a government of laws2 to them we owe all obedience2 and their faithful administration is the best guarantee for the enjoyment of our rights4 #dbd ,no citizen1 nor number of citizens1 have a right to take the redress of their grievances1 whether real or imaginary1 into their own hands4 ,such conduct strikes at the very existence of society1 and subverts the foundation on which it is based4 ,not being willing to persuade myself that any portion of the citizens of the state of ,missouri are so lost to a sense of these truths as to require the exercise of force1 in order to ensure a respect for them1 after advising with the ,attorney-,general1 and exercising my best judgment1 ,i would advise you to make a trial of the efficacy of the laws4 ,the judge of your circuit is a conservator of the peace2 if an affidavit is made before him by any of you1 that your lives are threatened1 and you believe them in danger1 it would be his duty to have the offenders apprehended and bind them to keep the peace4 ,justices of the peace in their respective counties1 have the same authority1 and it is made their duty to exercise it4 ,take1 then1 this course3--obtain a warrant1 let it be placed in the hands of the proper officer1 and the experiment will be tested1 whether the laws can be peaceably executed or not4 ,in the event they cannot be1 and that fact is officially notified to me1 my duty will require me to take such steps as will enforce a faithful execution of them4 ,with regard to the injuries you have sustained by destruction of property1 etc41 the law is open to redress2 ,i cannot permit myself to doubt that the courts will be open to you1 nor believe that you will find difficulty in procuring legal advocates to sue for damages therein4 ,respectfully1 your obedient servant1 ,daniel ,dunklin4 ,w4 ,w4 ,phelps1 ,esq41 ,independence1 ,jackson ,county1 ,mo4 ,sidenote3 ,preparation for ,asserting ,rights4 ,immediately on receipt of the ,governor's letter1 the members of the ,church generally1 7though they had lain idle since the outrage in ,july71 began to labor as usual1 and build and set in order their houses1 gardens1 etc4 ,the brethren in ,zion were also busily engaged in devising means of redress for their grievances2 and having consulted with four lawyers from ,clay county1 then attending court in ,independence1 they received from them the following letter on the day written2 which ,i will copy entire1 that the principles by which the lawyers of this generation are actuated may be recorded1 as well as the difficulties the ,saints had to encounter in following the ,governor's instructions3 ,independence1 ,oct4 #cj1 #ahcc4 ,gentlemen3--,the first thing necessary to be done1 under #dbe circumstances like ours1 is to ascertain and fix upon the amount of fee to be paid1 and to secure the payment thereof by the necessary papers3 and then the responsibility of advising falls upon us4 ,we are now laboring under all the disadvantages of an engagement without any of its advantages2 it therefore becomes us to know whether we can agree as to the fee or not2 and that we should be paid1 too1 according to the situation in which we place ourselves4 ,we have been doing a practice here among these people1 to a considerable extent1 and by this engagement we must expect to lose the greatest part of it1 which will be to all of us a considerable loss2 besides that1 the amount involved must be very considerable1 and the amount involved must be generally the criterion of the fee4 ,taking all these matters into consideration we propose to you to bring all the suits you may want brought1 and attend to them jointly throughout1 for the sum of two hundred and fifty dollars each1 making for all four of us1 the sum of one thousand dollars4 ,this may seem to be a large sum for a fee for lawyers in this country1 but the circumstances here involved make it necessary4 ,this matter must be attended to in the first place1 and then such advice1 for the present1 as may seem to be dictated by wisdom1 and be necessary we will give you2 and in the proper time we will bring the suits4 ,if this proposal suits1 you will please execute notes1 and send them to us2 and if not agreed to1 apprise us by letter immediately1 for we can be engaged on the opposite side in all probability4 ,we prefer to bring your suits1 as we have been threatened by the mob1 we wish to show them we disregard their empty bravadoes4 7,signed7 ,wood1 ,reese1 ,doniphan1 ,atchison4 ,sidenote3 ,counsel ,employed4 ,as a dernier ressort1 the brethren accepted the foregoing proposition1 and ,brothers ,phelps and ,partridge gave their note of one thousand dollars1 endorsed by ,gilbert ,whitney4 ,no sooner had this news spread among the mob1 than they began to congregate and prepare for battle4 ,footnotes4 #a4 ,freeman ,nickerson was born in ,south ,dennis1 ,barnstable county1 ,massachusetts1 ,february #e1 #aggh4 ,his ,father's name was ,eleazer ,nickerson1 his mother's ,thankful ,chase ,nickerson4 ,her father was a seaman4 ,in #ahjj ,freeman emigrated to ,vermont1 and settled in ,windsor county2 and here he married ,huldah ,chapman1 daughter of ,eliphalet and ,abigail ,chase ,chapman1 on ,january #aj1 #ahja4 ,he served in the war of #ahab and was commissioned a lieutenant4 ,he received the ,gospel at ,dayton1 ,cattaraugus county1 ,new ,york1 in ,april1 #ahcc1 being baptized by ,elder ,zerubbabel ,snow1 and was soon after ordained a ,deacon4 ,brother ,nickerson performed a mission among the ,saints in ,kirtland and vicinity in the early fall of #ahcc1 and on the #eth of ,october started for ,canada in company with the ,prophet and ,sidney ,rigdon1 taking them on this journey with his own team and conveyance4--,obituary ,record1 7,ms471 page #de4 #b4 ,ashtabula is in ,ashtabula county1 ,ohio1 some forty miles northeast of ,kirtland4 #c4 ,while on this journey to ,canada the ,prophet kept a daily journal1 from which the narrative he gives in the text was evidently taken4 ,this journal is in the ,prophet's own handwriting1 and is one of the interesting relics among the records of the ,church4 ,at various points in the ,prophet's narrative of this mission1 ,i shall quote whatever may be of interest in addition to the narrative given in the text4 ,of this meeting at ,rudd's the ,prophet says3 ,had a great congregation--paid good attention4 ,o ,god1 seal our testimony to their hearts6--7,page #f74 #d4 ,springfield is in the western part of ,erie county1 ,pennsylvania4 #e4 ,westfield was in ,chautauqua county1 ,new ,york1 near the shore of ,lake ,erie4 #f4 ,the ,prophet in his ,journal also says under this date 7#aath of ,october73 ,i feel very well in my mind4 ,the ,lord is with us1 but have much anxiety about my family4--7,journal page #g74 #g4 ,this was ,brother ,freeman ,nickerson who was conveying them to ,canada1 and this ,perrysburg1 ,cattaraugus county1 ,new ,york1 was his place of residence4 #h4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 c4 #i4 ,waterford is immediately south of ,brantford1 in the adjoining county of ,norfolk4 #aj4 ,the result is in the hands of ,god1 adds the ,prophet4 7,journal1 page #ad47 ,i also add the ,prophet's entry for the #beth1 which is omitted in his narrative4 ,friday1 #beth ,this afternoon1 at a ,mr4 ,patrick's1 expect to hold a meeting this evening4 ,people very superstitious4 ,o ,god1 establish thy word among this people4 ,held a meeting this evening2 had an attentive congregation2 the spirit gave utterance4 7,page #ad47 #aa4 ,may ,god carry on ,his work in this place1 adds the ,prophet1 till all shall know ,him4 ,amen4 7,page #af47 #ab4 ,may ,god1 adds the ,prophet1 increase the gifts among them for ,his ,son's sake4 7,journal1 page #ag47 ,on the #bith the ,prophet's party started for home4 ,may the ,lord prosper our journey4 ,amen1 he writes in his ,journal1 page #ag4 ,these excerpts from the ,prophet's ,daily ,journal omitted from the narrative made up from it1 have been reproduced in these notes in order that the deeply religious and prayerful nature of the ,prophet might be observed4 ,they are indeed gems of expression1 and exhibit the ,prophet's profound reliance upon ,god and his blessings4 ,o ,god1 seal our testimony to their hearts3 ,i feel very well in my mind4 ,the ,lord is with us2 ,the ,lord gave ,his spirit in a remarkable manner to some ,saints1 for which ,i am thankful to the ,god of ,abraham1 he exclaims4 ,lord bless my family1 and preserve them1 is a frequent prayer4 ,this day we expect to start for ,canada4 ,lord be with us on our journey4 ,amen4 ,and thus in all things he remembers the ,lord1 seeks the guidance of ,his ,spirit1 trusts in ,him1 relies upon ,him for success1 and pleads for the presence of ,his protecting power4 #dbf ,chapter ,,xxxi4 ,expulsion of the ,saints from ,jackson ,county4 ,sidenote3 ,attack on the ,saints ,settled on ,big ,blue4 ,thursday night1 the #cast of ,october1 gave the ,saints in ,zion abundant proof that no pledge on the part of their enemies1 written or verbal1 was longer to be regarded2 for on that night1 between forty and fifty persons in number1 many of whom were armed with guns1 proceeded against a branch of the ,church1 west of the ,big ,blue1 and unroofed and partly demolished ten dwelling houses2 and amid the shrieks and screams of the women and children1 whipped and beat in a savage and brutal manner1 several of the men3 while their horrid threats frightened women and children into the wilderness4 ,such of the men as could escape fled for their lives2 for very few of them had arms1 neither were they organized2 and they were threatened with death if they made any resistance2 such therefore as could not escape by flight1 received a pelting with stones and a beating with guns and whips4 ,on ,friday1 the first of ,november1 women and children sallied forth from their gloomy retreats1 to contemplate with heartrending anguish the ravages of a ruthless mob1 in the lacerated and bruised bodies of their husbands1 and in the destruction of their houses1 and their furniture4 ,houseless and unprotected by the arm of the civil law in ,jackson county1 the dreary month of ,november staring them in the face and loudly proclaiming an inclement season at hand2 the continual threats of the mob that they would #dbg drive every ,mormon from the county2 and the inability of many to move1 because of their poverty1 caused an anguish of heart indescribable4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,saints at the ,prairie ,settlement ,attacked4 ,on ,friday night1 the #ast of ,november1 a party of the mob proceeded to attack a branch of the ,church settled on the prairie1 about twelve or fourteen miles from the town of ,independence4 ,two of their number were sent in advance1 as spies1 viz41 ,robert ,johnson1 and ---- ,harris1 armed with two guns and three pistols4 ,they were discovered by some of the ,saints1 and without the least injury being done to them1 said mobber ,robert ,johnson struck ,parley ,p4 ,pratt over the head with the breach of his gun1 after which they were taken and detained till morning2 which action1 it was believed1 prevented a general attack of the mob that night4 ,in the morning the two prisoners1 notwithstanding their attack upon ,parley ,p4 ,pratt the evening previous1 were liberated without receiving the least injury4 #a ,sidenote3 ,mobbings at ,independence4 ,the same night1 7,friday71 another party in ,independence commenced stoning houses1 breaking down doors and windows and destroying furniture4 ,this night the brick part attached to the dwelling house of ,a4 ,s4 ,gilbert1 was partly pulled down1 and the windows of his dwelling broken in with brickbats and rocks1 while a gentleman1 a stranger1 lay sick with fever in his house4 ,the same night three doors of the store of ,messrs4 ,gilbert ,whitney were split open1 #dbh and after midnight the goods1 such as calicos1 handkerchiefs1 shawls1 cambrics1 lay scattered in the streets4 ,an express came from ,independence after midnight to a party of the brethren who had organized about half a mile from the town for the safety of their lives1 and brought the information that the mob were tearing down houses1 and scattering goods of the store in the streets4 ,upon receiving this information the company of brethren referred to marched into ,independence1 but the main body of the mob fled at their approach4 ,one ,richard ,mc,carty1 however1 was caught1 in the act of throwing rocks and brickbats into the doors1 while the goods lay scattered around him in the streets4 ,he was immediately taken before ,samuel ,weston1 ,esq41 justice of the peace1 and complaint was then made to said ,weston1 and a warrant requested1 that ,mc,carty might be secured2 but ,weston refused to do anything in the case at that time1 and ,mc,carty was liberated4 #b ,sidenote3 ,other ,incidents at ,independence4 ,the same night some of the houses of the ,saints in ,independence had long poles thrust through the shutters and sash into the rooms of defenseless women and children1 from whence their husbands and fathers had been driven by the dastardly attacks of the mob1 which were made by ten1 fifteen1 or twenty men upon a house at a time4 ,saturday1 the #bnd of ,november1 all the families of the ,saints in ,independence moved with their goods about half a mile out of town and organized to the number of thirty1 for the preservation of life and personal effects4 ,the same night a party from ,independence met a party from west of the ,blue1 and made an attack upon a branch of the ,church #dbi located at the ,blue1 about six miles from the village of ,independence4 ,here they tore the roof from one dwelling and broke open another house2 they found the owner1 ,david ,bennett1 sick in bed1 and beat him most inhumanly1 swearing they would blow out his brains4 ,they discharged a pistol at him1 and the ball cut a deep gash across the top of his head4 ,in this skirmish a young man of the mob1 was shot in the thigh2 but by which party the shot was fired is not known4 ,sidenote3 ,an ,appeal to the ,circuit ,court4 ,the next day1 ,sunday1 ,november #crd1 four of the brethren1 viz41 ,joshua ,lewis1 ,hiram ,page1 and two others1 #c were dispatched for ,lexington1 to see the circuit judge1 and obtain a peace warrant4 ,two other brethren called on ,esquire ,silvers1 in ,independence1 and asked him for a peace warrant1 but he refused to issue one on account1 as he afterwards declared1 of his fears of the mob4 ,this day many of the citizens1 professing friendship1 advised the ,saints to leave the county as speedily as possible2 for the ,saturday night affray had enraged the whole county1 and the people were determined to come out on ,monday and massacre indiscriminately2 and1 in short1 it was commonly declared among the mob1 that ,monday would be a bloody day4 ,sidenote3 ,events of ,monday1 ,november #dth4 ,monday came1 and a large party of the mob gathered at the ,blue1 took the ,ferry boat belonging to the ,church1 threatened lives1 etc4 ,but they soon abandoned the ferry1 and went to ,wilson's store1 about one mile west of the ,blue4 ,word had been previously sent to a branch of the ,church1 several miles west of the ,blue1 that the mob were destroying property on the east side of the river1 and the sufferers there wanted help to preserve lives and property4 ,nineteen #dcj men volunteered1 and started to their assistance2 but discovering that fifty or sixty of the mob had gathered at said ,wilson's they turned back4 ,at this time two small boys passed on their way to ,wilson's1 who gave information to the mob1 that the ,mormons were on the road west of them4 ,between forty and fifty of the mob armed with guns1 immediately started on horseback and on foot in pursuit2 after riding about two or two and a half miles1 they discovered them1 when the said company of nineteen brethren immediately dispersed1 and fled in different directions4 ,the mob hunted them1 turning their horses meantime into a corn field belonging to the ,saints4 ,corn fields and houses were searched1 the mob at the same time threatening women and children that they would pull down their houses and kill them if they did not tell where the men had fled4 ,thus they were employed in hunting the men and threatening the women1 when a company of thirty of the brethren from the prairie1 armed with seventeen guns1 made their appearance4 #d ,sidenote3 ,the ,battle4 ,the former company of nineteen had dispersed1 and fled1 and but one or two of them returned in time to take part in the subsequent battle4 ,on the approach of the latter company of thirty men1 some of the mob ,cried1 ,fire1 ,g-- d-- ye1 fire4 ,two or three guns were then fired by the mob1 which fire was returned by the other party without loss of time4 ,this company is the same that is represented by the mob as having gone forth in the evening of the above incident bearing the olive branch of peace4 ,the mob retreated immediately after the first fire1 leaving some of their horses in ,whitmer's corn field1 and two of their number1 ,hugh ,l4 ,brazeale and ,thomas ,linvill dead on the ground4 ,thus fell ,hugh ,l4 ,brazeale1 who had been heard to say1 ,with ten fellows1 ,i will wade to my knees in blood1 but that ,i will drive the ,mormons from ,jackson county4 ,the next morning the #dca corpse of ,brazeale was discovered on the battle ground with a gun by his side4 ,several were wounded on both sides1 but none mortally among the brethren except ,andrew ,barber1 who expired the next day4 #e ,this attack of the mob was made about sunset1 ,monday1 ,november the #dth2 and the same night1 runners were dispatched in every direction under pretense of calling out the militia2 spreading every rumor calculated to alarm and excite the uninformed as they went2 such as that the ,mormons had taken ,independence1 and that the ,indians had surrounded it1 the ,mormons and ,indians being colleagued together4 ,sidenote3 ,gilbert et al on ,trial4 ,the same evening1 ,november #dth--not being satisfied with breaking open the store of ,gilbert ,whitney1 and demolishing a part of the dwelling house of said ,gilbert the ,friday night previous--the mob permitted the said ,mc,carty1 who was detected on ,friday night as one of the breakers of the store doors1 to take out a warrant1 and arrest the said ,gilbert and others of the ,church1 for a pretended assault1 and false imprisonment of said ,mc,carty4 ,late in the evening1 while the court was proceeding with their trial in the court house1 a gentleman unconnected with the court1 as #dcb was believed1 perceiving the prisoners to be without counsel and in imminent danger1 advised ,brother ,gilbert and his brethren1 to go to jail as the only alternative to save life2 for the north door of the court house was already barred1 and an infuriated mob thronged the house1 with a determination to beat and kill2 but through the interposition of this gentleman 7,samuel ,c4 ,owens1 clerk of the county court1 so it was afterwards learned71 said ,gilbert and four of his brethren were committed to the county jail of ,jackson county1 the dungeon of which must have been a palace compared with a court room where dignity and mercy were strangers1 and naught but the wrath of man as manifested in horrid threats shocked the ears of the prisoners4 ,sidenote3 ,assault on the ,prisoners4 ,the same night1 the prisoners1 ,gilbert1 ,morley1 and ,corrill1 were liberated from the jail1 that they might have an interview with their brethren1 and try to negotiate some measures for peace2 and on their return to jail about #b o'clock1 ,tuesday morning1 in the custody of the deputy sheriff1 an armed force of six or seven men stood near the jail and hailed them4 ,they were answered by the sheriff1 who gave his name and the names of the prisoners1 crying1 ,don't fire1 don't fire1 the prisoners are in my charge4 ,they1 however1 fired one or two guns1 when ,morley and ,corrill retreated2 but ,gilbert stood1 firmly held by the sheriff1 while several guns were presented at him4 ,two1 more desperate than the rest1 attempted to shoot1 but one of their guns flashed1 and the other missed fire4 ,gilbert was then knocked down by ,thomas ,wilson1 who was a grocer living at ,independence4 ,about this time a few of the inhabitants of the town arrived1 and ,gilbert again entered the jail1 from which he1 with three of his brethren1 were liberated about sunrise1 without further prosecution of the trial4 ,william ,e4 ,m',lellin was one of the prisoners4 ,sidenote3 ,incidents of the #eth of ,november4 ,on the morning of the #eth of ,november1 ,independence began to be crowded with individuals from different #dcc parts of the county armed with guns and other weapons2 and report said the militia had been called out under the sanction or at the instigation of ,lieutenant ,governor ,boggs2 and that one ,colonel ,pitcher had the command4 ,among this militia 7so-called7 were included the most conspicuous characters of the mob2 and it may truly be said that the appearance of the ranks of this body was well calculated to excite suspicion of their horrible designs4 ,sidenote3 ,one ,hundred ,volunteers4 ,very early on the same morning1 several branches of the ,church received intelligence that a number of their brethren were in prison1 and the determination of the mob was to kill them2 and that the branch of the ,church near the town of ,independence was in imminent danger1 as the main body of the mob was gathered at that place4 ,in this critical situation1 about one hundred of the ,saints1 from different branches1 volunteered for the protection of their brethren near ,independence1 #f and proceeded on the road towards ,independence1 and halted about one mile west of the town1 where they awaited further information concerning the movements of the mob4 ,they soon learned that the prisoners were not massacred1 and that the mob had not fallen upon the branch of the ,church near ,independence1 as had been reported4 ,they were also informed1 that the militia had been called out for their protection2 but in this they placed little confidence1 for the body congregated had every appearance of a mob2 and subsequent events fully verified their suspicions4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,demands of the ,mob-,militia4 ,on application to ,colonel ,pitcher1 it was found that there was no alternative1 but for the ,church to leave the county forthwith1 and deliver into his hands certain men to be tried for murder1 said to have been committed by them in the #dcd battle1 as he called it1 of the previous evening4 ,the arms of the ,saints were also demanded by ,colonel ,pitcher4 ,among the committee appointed to receive the arms of the brethren were several of the most unrelenting of the old ,july mob committee1 who had directed in the demolishing of the printing office1 and the personal injuries inflicted on brethren that day1 viz41 ,henry ,chiles1 ,abner ,staples1 and ,lewis ,franklin1 who had not ceased to pursue the ,saints1 from the first to the last1 with feelings the most hostile4 ,these unexpected requisitions of the ,colonel1 made him appear like one standing at the head of both civil and military law1 stretching his authority beyond the constitutional limits that regulate both civil and military power in our ,republic4 ,rather than to have submitted to these unreasonable requirements1 the ,saints would have cheerfully shed their blood in defense of their rights1 the liberties of their country and of their wives and children2 but the fear of violating law1 in resisting this pretended militia1 and the flattering assurance of protection and honorable usage promised by ,lieutenant ,governor ,boggs1 in whom1 up to this time1 they had reposed confidence1 induced the ,saints to submit1 believing that he did not tolerate so gross a violation of all law1 as had been practiced in ,jackson county4 #g ,but as so glaringly exposed in the sequel1 it was the design and craft of this man to rob an innocent people of their arms by stratagem1 and leave more than one thousand defenseless men1 women and #dce children to be driven from their homes among strangers in a strange land to seek shelter from the stormy blast of winter4 ,all earth and hell cannot deny that a baser knave1 a greater traitor1 and a more wholesale butcher1 or murderer of mankind ever went untried1 unpunished1 and unhung--since hanging is the popular method of execution among the ,gentiles in all countries professing ,christianity1 instead of blood for blood1 according to the law of heaven4 #h ,the conduct of ,colonels ,lucas and ,pitcher1 had long proven them to be open and avowed enemies of the ,saints4 ,both of these men had their names attached to the mob circular1 as early as the ,july previous1 the object of which was to drive the ,saints from ,jackson county4 ,but with assurances from the ,lieutenant ,governor and others that the object was to disarm the combatants on both sides1 and that peace would be the result1 the brethren surrendered their arms to the number of fifty or upwards4 #i ,the men present1 who were accused of being in the battle the evening before1 also gave themselves up for trial2 but after detaining them one day and a night on a pretended trial for murder1 in which time they were threatened #dcf and brick-batted1 ,colonel ,pitcher1 after receiving a watch of one of the prisoners to satisfy costs of court1 took them into a corn field1 and said to them1 ,clear6 ,meaning1 of course1 clear out1 leave4 ,sidenote3 ,savagery of the ,mob4 ,after the ,saints had surrendered their arms1 which had been used only in self-defense1 the tribes of ,indians in time of war let loose upon women and children1 could not have appeared more hideous and terrific1 than did the companies of ruffians who went in various directions1 well armed1 on foot and on horseback1 bursting into houses without fear1 knowing the arms were secured2 frightening distracted women with what they would do to their husbands if they could catch them2 warning women and children to flee immediately1 or they would tear their houses down over their heads1 and massacre them before night4 ,at the head of these companies appeared the ,reverend ,isaac ,mc,coy1 with a gun upon his shoulder1 ordering the ,saints to leave the county forthwith1 and surrender what arms they had4 ,other pretended preachers of the ,gospel took a conspicuous part in the persecution1 calling the ,mormons the common enemy of mankind1 and exulting in their afflictions4 ,sidenote3 ,events of #eth and #fth of ,november4 ,on ,tuesday and ,wednesday nights1 the #eth and #fth of ,november1 women and children fled in every direction before the merciless mob4 ,one party of about one hundred and fifty women and children fled to the prairie1 where they wandered for several days with only about six men to protect them4 ,other parties fled to the ,missouri river1 and took lodging for the night where they could find it4 ,one ,mr4 ,barnet opened his house for a night's shelter to a wandering company of distressed women and children1 who were fleeing to the river4 ,during this dispersion of the women and children1 parties of the mob were hunting the men1 firing upon some1 tying up and whipping others1 and pursuing others with horses for several miles4 #dcg ,sidenote3 ,scenes on the ,banks of the ,missouri4 ,thursday1 ,november #gth1 the shores of the ,missouri river began to be lined on both sides of the ferry1 with men1 women and children2 goods1 wagons1 boxes1 chests1 and provisions2 while the ferrymen were busily employed in crossing them over4 ,when night again closed upon the ,saints1 the wilderness had much the appearance of a camp meeting4 ,hundreds of people were seen in every direction2 some in tents1 and some in the open air1 around their fires1 while the rain descended in torrents4 ,husbands were inquiring for their wives1 and women for their husbands2 parents for children1 and children for parents4 ,some had the good fortune to escape with their families1 household goods1 and some provisions2 while others knew not the fate of their friends1 and had lost all their effects4 ,the scene was indescribable1 and would have melted the hearts of any people upon earth1 except the blind oppressor1 and the prejudiced and ignorant bigot4 ,next day the company increased1 and they were chiefly engaged in felling small cottonwood trees1 and erecting them into temporary cabins1 so that when night came on1 they had the appearance of a village of wigwams1 and the night being clear1 the occupants began to enjoy some degree of comfort4 ,sidenote3 ,lieutenant ,governor ,boggs4 ,lieutenant ,governor ,boggs has been represented as merely a curious and disinterested observer of these events2 #aj yet he was evidently the head and front of the mob2 for as may easily be seen by what follows1 no important move was made without his sanction4 ,he certainly was the secret mover in the affairs of the #bjth and #bcrd of ,july2 and1 as will appear in the sequel1 by his authority the mob was converted into militia1 to effect by stratagem what he knew1 as well as his hellish host1 could not be done by legal force4 ,as ,lieutenant ,governor1 he had only to wink1 and the mob went from maltreatment to murder4 ,the #dch horrible calculations of this second ,nero were often developed in a way that could not be mistaken4 ,early on the morning of the #eth1 say at #a o'clock a4 m41 he came to ,phelps1 ,gilbert1 and ,partridge1 and told them to flee for their lives4 ,now1 unless he had given the order to murder no one would have attempted it1 after the ,church had agreed to go away4 ,his conscience1 however1 seemed to vacillate at its moorings1 and led him to give the secret alarm to these men4 #aa ,sidenote3 ,in ,exile4 ,the ,saints who fled from ,jackson county1 took refuge in the neighboring counties1 chiefly in ,clay county1 the inhabitants of which received them with some degree of kindness4 ,those who fled to the county of ,van ,buren were again driven1 and compelled to flee1 and these who fled to ,lafayette county1 were soon expelled1 or the most of them1 and had to move wherever they could find protection4 #ab #dci ,sidenote3 ,the ,stars ,fall4 ,november #ac4--;,about #d o'clock a4 m4 ,i was awakened by ,brother ,davis knocking at my door1 and calling on me to arise and behold the signs in the heavens4 ,i arose1 and to my great joy1 beheld the stars fall from heaven like a shower of hailstones2 a literal fulfilment of the word of ,god1 as recorded in the holy ,scriptures1 and a sure sign that the coming of ,christ is close at hand4 ,in the midst of this shower of fire1 ,i was led to exclaim1 ,how marvelous are ,thy works1 ,o ,lord6 ,i thank ,thee for ,thy mercy unto ,thy servant2 save me in ,thy kingdom for ,christ's sake4 ,amen4 ,the appearance of these signs varied in different sections of the country3 in ,zion1 all heaven seemed enwrapped in splendid fireworks1 as if every star in the broad expanse had been suddenly hurled from its course1 and sent lawless through the wilds of ether4 ,some at times appeared like bright shooting meteors1 with long trains of light following in their course1 and in numbers resembled large drops of rain in sunshine4 ,these seemed to vanish when they fell behind the trees1 or came near the ground4 ,some of the long trains of light following the meteoric stars1 were visible for some seconds2 these streaks would curl and twist up like serpents writhing4 ,the appearance was beautiful1 grand1 and sublime beyond description2 #ddj and it seemed as if the artillery and fireworks of eternity were set in motion to enchant and entertain the ,saints1 and terrify and awe the sinners of the earth4 ,beautiful and terrific as was the scenery1 it will not fully compare with the time when the sun shall become black like sack-cloth of hair1 the moon like blood1 and the stars fall to the earth--,rev4 vi3 #ac4 #ac ,footnotes #a4 ,it was evening4 ,i was out in the act of posting guards a short distance from the dwellings1 when two men assailed us1 armed with guns and pistols2 and supposing it against our principles to make any defense1 they attacked the guards4 ,i was without arms1 but stepped forward to interfere between them1 when one of them drew his gun backwards1 and1 with both hands struck the barrel of it across the top of my head4 ,i staggered back1 but did not fall2 the blood came streaming down my face1 and ,i was for an instant stunned by the blow2 but1 recovering myself1 ,i called help from the house and disarmed them1 and put them under guard till morning4 ,their arms were then restored1 and they let go in peace4 ,the taking of these two men proved a preventive against an attack that night4 ,they were the advance of a party of men who were about to come upon the settlement1 but were disconcerted by this means4 7,autobiography of ,p4 ,p4 ,pratt1 p4 #ajc47 #b4 ,mc,carty was arrested and taken before ,squire ,weston1 says ,lyman ,wight1 in an affidavit upon the subject1 and although seven persons testified against him1 he was acquitted without delay4 ,the next day the witnesses were taken before the same man 7,squire ,weston7 for false imprisonment1 and by the testimony of this one burglar were found guilty and committed to jail4 ,in relation to this matter1 ,john ,corrill tersely remarked1 ,although we could not obtain a warrant against him for breaking open the store1 yet he had gotten one for us for catching him at it4 #c4 ,the other two members were ,parley ,p4 ,pratt and ,mr4 ,marsh1 supposed to be ,thomas ,b4 ,marsh4 ,they called upon ,judge ,ryland at ,lexington and made oath concerning the outrages committed against them and the ,saints in ,jackson county1 but the judge refused to issue any process against the mob1 and advised that the ,saints fight and kill the mob whenever the latter came upon them4--,pratt's ,persecutions1 page #cg4 #d4 ,this company of brethren was led by ,david ,whitmer4 7,see ,john ,whitmer's ,history of the ,church1 chapter #aj47 #e4 ,andrew ,barber1 who fell on this occasion was the first direct martyr to the cause4 ,among those wounded was ,philo ,dibble of ,ohio4 ,he was wounded in the abdomen at the first fire of the mob4 ,newel ,knight in his ,journal1 7,scraps of ,biography1 page #ha17 says that he was examined by a surgeon of great experience who had served in the ,mohawk ,war1 and he said he never knew a man to live who was wounded in such a manner4 ,knight also gives the following account of his visit to the wounded man1 and the manner in which he was healed by the power of ,god3 ,the next day 7,november #eth71 ,i went to see ,brother ,dibble1 and found the house where he lay surrounded by the mob4 ,i managed to get in1 and went to the bed2 two men came and seated themselves at the door2 as ,i looked upon ,brother ,dibble lying there in extreme agony1 ,i drew the bed curtains with one hand and laid the other on his head1 praying secretly to our ,heavenly ,father in his behalf4 ,i then left1 as ,i did not want to put myself into the power of the mob2 and the next day business took me some ten miles from the place1 where ,i met ,brother ,dibble making his escape from the county4 ,he told me that as soon as ,i placed my hand upon his head1 the pain and soreness seemed gradually to move as before a power driving it1 until in a few minutes it left his body4 ,he then discharged about a gallon of putrid matter1 and the balls and pieces of cloth which had passed into his body4 #f4 ,this company of volunteers was led by ,lyman ,wight1 a bold and courageous man1 7,wight's ,affidavit before ,municipal ,court of ,nauvoo4--,millennial ,star1 vol4 xxi1 page #ejf74 #g4 ,another circumstance which embarrassed the ,saints not a little in their movements against the mob was the fact that they were divided as to what action it would be proper for them to take in the premises4 ,parley ,p4 ,pratt in his ,persecutions of the ,saints1 page #ca1 says that the ,saints1 having passed through the most aggravating insults and injuries without making the least resistance1 a general inquiry prevailed at that time throughout the ,church as to the propriety of self-defense4 ,some claimed the right of defending themselves and their families from destruction1 while others doubted the propriety of self-defense4 ,under these conditions it can be readily understood that the defense of the ,saints was not so effective against their enemies as it might have been had they been perfectly agreed as to the extent to which they would be justified in defending themselves and their families against the violence of the mob4 #h4 ,whoso sheddeth man's blood1 by man shall his blood be shed4 ,gen4 ix3 #f4 ,newel ,knight1 in his ,journal1 ,scraps of ,biography1 page #he1 speaks of ,governor ,boggs as follows3 ,although ,governor ,boggs did not come out and show himself openly in his true colors1 we have sufficient evidence that he sustained all the moves of the mob and even directed them4 ,he it was who put in motion the movements of ,july #bjth and #bcrd1 and continued his exertions until he had accomplished all his hellish designs4 #i4 ,lyman ,wight in an affidavit before the ,municipal ,court of ,nauvoo1 in #ahdc1 said of this incident of disarming the ,saints3 ,i here agreed1 that the ,church would give up their arms provided the said ,colonel ,pitcher would take the arms from the mob4 ,to this the ,colonel cheerfully agreed1 and pledged his honor with that of ,lieutenant ,governor ,boggs1 ,owens and others4 ,this treaty entered into1 we returned home resting secured on their honor1 that we should not be further molested2 but this solemn contract was violated in every sense of the word4 ,the arms of the mob were never taken away1 and the majority of the militia1 to my certain knowledge1 were engaged the next day with the mob1 ,colonel ,pitcher and ,boggs not excepted1 going from house to house in gangs of from sixty to seventy in number1 threatening the lives of women and children if they did not leave forthwith4--7,millennial ,star1 xxi3#ejf47 ,wight's statement is also supported by ,john ,corrill4 ,brief ,history of the ,church of ,christ1 page #bj1 7#ahci47 #aj4 ,see ,history of the ,mormons1 ,samuel ,m4 ,smucker1 pp4 #hi1 #ij4 #aa4 ,elders ,w4 ,w4 ,phelps1 ,a4 ,s4 ,gilbert1 and ,william ,e4 ,m',lellin 7the last named had also been imprisoned with the others71 after their escape through the warning of ,boggs1 went into ,clay county and made an affidavit embodying substantially the foregoing narrative concerning events which had occurred in ,jackson county from the #cast of ,october1 and forwarded the same to ,governor ,dunklin by express4 #ab4 ,of the extent of the injuries inflicted upon the ,saints in this ,jackson county persecution ,i would add that according to a statement made in a petition to ,congress for redress of their ,jackson county grievances1 it is represented that ,the houses of the ,mormons in the county of ,jackson1 amounting to about two hundred1 were burned down or otherwise destroyed by the mob1 as well as much of their crops1 furniture1 and stock4 ,the damage done to the property of the ,mormons by the mob in the county of ,jackson1 as above related1 as near as they can ascertain1 would amount to the sum of #age1jjj4jj4 ,the number of ,mormons thus driven from the county of ,jackson amounted to about twelve hundred souls4--7,millennial ,star1 vol4 #ag1 page #dce47 ,according to a statement made in an affidavit before the ,municipal ,court of ,nauvoo1 ,parley ,p4 ,pratt also states that the number driven from the county was twelve hundred1 and that two hundred and three houses were destroyed4 ,lyman ,wight1 in an affidavit before the same body also says of the mob1 that they burned two hundred and three houses and one grist mill1 these being the only residences of the ,saints in ,jackson county4 ,of the spirit of cruelty with which the mob prosecuted their determination to expel the ,saints from ,jackson county1 the following instances are given in addition to what is said in the ,prophet's narrative4 ,lyman ,wight1 in the before mentioned affidavit1 says3 ,i saw one hundred and ninety women and children driven thirty miles across the prairie in the month of ,november1 with three decrepit men only in their company2 the ground was thinly crusted with sleet1 and ,i could easily follow on their trail by the blood that flowed from their lacerated feet on the stubble of the burnt prairie4 ,this company not knowing the situation of the county or the extent of ,jackson county1 built quite a number of cabins that proved to be in the border of ,jackson county4 ,the mob1 infuriated at this1 rushed on them in the month of ,january1 #ahcd1 burned these scanty cabins and scattered the inhabitants to the four winds1 from which cause many were taken suddenly ill and of this illness died4--7,millennial ,star1 vol4 xxi1 page #ejf47 ,another instance is thus related by ,newel ,knight in his ,journal1 ,scraps of ,biography1 pages #hd and #he3 ,i must not omit to mention one act of cruelty1 which1 if possible1 seems to surpass all others4 ,in one of the settlements in ,jackson county were four families of very old men infirm and very poor4 ,they seemed to think that they would not be molested and so remained behind1 but no sooner did the mob learn of it1 than they went to their houses1 broke their windows and doors1 and hurled great stones into their rooms1 endangering their lives3 thus were these poor old men1 and their families1 driven before the ruthless mob in midwinter4 ,these men had served in the ,revolutionary ,war--and ,brother ,jones had been one of ,general ,washington's body guard--but this availed them nothing1 for they were of the hated people4 ,thus were all the saints compelled to flee into ,clay county1 where the sympathies of the people were extended toward them4 #ac4 ,speaking of this event as it appeared to the exiled ,saints bivouacked on the ,missouri bottoms1 ,e,ider ,parley ,p4 ,pratt in his ,autobiography1 7page #aaj7 says3 ,about #b o'clock the next morning ,november #acth1 we were called up by the cry of signs in the heavens4 ,we arose1 and to our great astonishment all the firmament seemed envolved in splendid fireworks1 as if every star in the broad expanse had been hurled from its course1 and sent lawless through the wilds of ether4 ,thousands of bright meteors were shooting through space in every direction1 with long trains of light following in their course4 ,this lasted for several hours1 and was only closed by the dawn of the rising sun4 ,every heart was filled with joy at this majestic display of signs and wonders1 showing the near approach of the coming of the ,son of ,god4 ,stephens in his ,history of the ,united ,states 7page #dee71 thus speaks of the same event3 ,during the fall of #ahcc occurred a natural phenomenon of a most wonderful character4 ,this was on the night of the #acth of ,november4 ,it was what is known as the 'meteoric shower1' or the 'falling of the stars4' ,it was witnessed with amazement and astonishment throughout the entire limits of the ,united ,states4 #dda ,chapter ,,xxxii4 ,remembrance of ,canada ,saints--,correspondence and ,petition ,relative to ,missouri ,affairs4 ,sidenote3 ,letter to ,moses ,c4 ,nickerson4 ,november #ai4--;,i wrote as follows1 from ,kirtland1 to ,moses ,c4 ,nickerson1 ,mount ,pleasant1 ,upper ,canada3 ,brother ,moses3--,we arrived at this place on the fourth ultimo1 after a fatiguing journey1 during which we were blessed with usual health4 ,we parted with ,father and ,mother ,nickerson at ,buffalo1 in good health1 and they expressed a degree of satisfaction for the prosperity and blessings of their journey4 ,since our arrival here1 ,brother ,sidney has been afflicted with sore eyes1 which is probably the reason why you have not previously heard from us1 as he was calculating to write you immediately4 ,but though ,i expect he will undoubtedly write you soon1 as his eyes are evidently better1 yet1 lest you should be impatient to learn something concerning us1 ,i have thought that perhaps a few lines from me1 though there may be a lack of fluency according to the literati of the age1 might be received with a degree of satisfaction on your part1 at least1 when you call to mind the near relation with which we are united by the everlasting ties of the ,gospel of our ,lord ,jesus ,christ4 ,we found our families and the ,church in this place well1 generally4 ,nothing of consequence happened while we were absent1 except the death of one of our brethren--,david ,johnson--a young man of great worth as a private citizen among us1 the loss of whom we justly mourn4 ,we were favored with frequent intelligence from different sections of our country1 respecting the progress of the ,gospel1 and our prayers are daily to our ,father1 that it may greatly spread1 even till all nations shall hear the glorious news and come to a knowledge of the truth4 ,we have received letters from our brethren in ,missouri of late1 but we cannot tell1 from their contents1 the probable extent to which those persons who are desirous to expel them from that country will carry their unlawful and unrighteous purposes4 ,our brethren have applied to the executive of the state1 who has promised them all the #ddb assistance that the civil law can give2 and in all probability a suit has been commenced ere this4 ,we are informed1 however1 that those persons are very violent1 and threaten immediate extermination upon all those who profess our doctrine4 ,how far they will be suffered to execute their threats1 we know not1 but we trust in the ,lord1 and leave the event with ,him to govern in his own wise providence4 ,i shall expect a communication from you on receipt of this1 and hope you will give me information concerning the brethren1 their health1 faith1 etc41 also inform me concerning our friends with whom we formed acquaintance4 ,you are aware1 no doubt1 dear brother1 that anxieties inexpressible crowd themselves continually upon my mind for the ,saints1 when ,i consider the many temptations to which we are subject1 from the cunning and flattery of the great adversary of our souls3 and ,i can truly say1 with much fervency have ,i called upon the ,lord for our brethren in ,canada4 ,and when ,i call to mind with what readiness they received the word of truth by the ministry of ,brother ,sidney and myself1 ,i am truly under great obligations to humble myself before ,him4 ,when ,i contemplate the rapidity with which the great and glorious day of the coming of the ,son of ,man advances1 when ,he shall come to receive ,his ,saints unto ,himself1 where they shall dwell in ,his presence1 and be crowned with glory and immortality2 when ,i consider that soon the heavens are to be shaken1 and the earth tremble and reel to and fro2 and that the heavens are to be unfolded as a scroll when it is rolled up2 and that every mountain and island are to flee away1 ,i cry out in my heart1 ,what manner of persons ought we to be in all holy conversation and godliness6 ,you remember the testimony which ,i bore in the name of the ,lord ,jesus1 concerning the great work which ,he has brought forth in the last days4 ,you know my manner of communication1 how that in weakness and simplicity1 ,i declared to you what the ,lord had brought forth by the ministering of ,his holy angels to me for this generation4 ,i pray that the ,lord may enable you to treasure these things in your mind1 for ,i know that ,his ,spirit will bear testimony to all who seek diligently after knowledge from ,him4 ,i hope you will search the ,scriptures to see whether these things are not also consistent with those things which the ancient ,prophets and ,apostles have written4 ,i remember ,brother ,freeman and wife1 ,ransom also1 and ,sister ,lydia1 and little ,charles1 with all the brethren and sisters4 ,i entreat for an interest in all your prayers before the throne of mercy1 in the name of ,jesus4 ,i hope the ,lord will grant that ,i may see you all #ddc again1 and above all that we may overcome1 and sit down together in the kingdom of our ,father4 ,your brother1 etc41 ,joseph ,smith4 ,sidenote2 ,the ,prophet's ,reflections4 ,nothing of note occurred from the falling of the stars on the #acth1 to this date1 ,november #aith1 when my heart is somewhat sorrowful1 but ,i feel to trust in the ,lord1 the ,god of ,jacob4 ,i have learned in my travels that man is treacherous and selfish1 but few excepted4 ,sidenote3 ,sidney ,rigdon4 ,brother ,sidney is a man whom ,i love1 but he is not capable of that pure and steadfast love for those who are his benefactors that should characterize a ,president of the ,church of ,christ4 ,this1 with some other little things1 such as selfishness and independence of mind1 which too often manifested destroy the confidence of those who would lay down their lives for him--these are his faults4 ,but notwithstanding these things1 he is a very great and good man2 a man of great power of words1 and can gain the friendship of his hearers very quickly4 ,he is a man whom ,god will uphold1 if he will continue faithful to his calling4 ,o ,god1 grant that he may1 for the ,lord's sake4 ,amen4 ,sidenote3 ,a ,prophecy4 ,and again1 blessed be ,brother ,sidney3 notwithstanding he shall be high and lifted up1 yet he shall bow down under the yoke like unto an ass that ,croucheth beneath his burthen1 that learneth his master's will by the stroke of the rod2 thus saith the ,lord3 yet1 the ,lord will have mercy on him1 and he shall bring forth much fruit1 even as the vine of the choice grape1 when her clusters are ripe1 before the time of the gleaning of the vintage2 and the ,lord shall make his heart merry as with sweet wine1 because of ,him who putteth forth ,his hand1 and lifteth him up out of deep mire1 and pointeth him out the way1 and guideth his feet when he stumbles1 and humbleth him in his pride4 ,blessed are his generations3 nevertheless one shall hunt after them as a man #ddd hunteth after an ass that has strayed in the wilderness1 and straightway findeth him and bringeth him into the fold4 ,thus shall the ,lord watch over his generation1 that they may be saved4 ,even so4 ,amen4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,prophet's ,maxims4 ,the man who willeth to do well1 we should extol his virtues1 and speak not of his faults behind his back4 ,a man who wilfully turneth away from his friend without a cause1 is not easily forgiven4 ,the kindness of a man should never be forgotten4 ,that person who never forsaketh his trust1 should ever have the highest place of regard in our hearts1 and our love should never fail1 but increase more and more1 and this is my disposition and these my sentiments4 ,sidenote3 ,frederick ,g4 ,williams4 ,brother ,frederick ,g4 ,williams is one of those men in whom ,i place the greatest confidence and trust1 for ,i have found him ever full of love and brotherly kindness4 ,he is not a man of many words1 but is ever winning1 because of his constant mind4 ,he shall ever have place in my heart1 and is ever entitled to my confidence4 ,he is perfectly honest and upright1 and seeks with all his heart to magnify his ,presidency in the ,church of ,christ1 but fails in many instances1 in consequence of a want of confidence in himself4 ,god grant that he may overcome all evil4 ,blessed be ,brother ,frederick1 for he shall never want a friend1 and his generation after him shall flourish4 ,the ,lord hath appointed him an inheritance upon the land of ,zion3 yea1 and his head shall blossom1 and he shall be as an olive branch that is bowed down with fruit4 ,even so4 ,amen4 ,sidenote3 ,attorney-,general's ,letter to the ,exiles' ,counsel4 ,the following is a copy of a letter from the ,attorney-,general of ,missouri to the counsel employed by the ,church to prosecute the mob in ,jackson county3 ,city of ,jefferson1 ,november #ba1 #ahcc4 ,messrs4 ,doniphan and ,atchison3 ,gentlemen3 ,from conversation ,i have had with the ,governor1 ,i #dde believe ,i am warranted in saying to you1 and through you to the ,mormons1 that if they desire to be replaced in possession of their property1 that is1 their houses in ,jackson county1 an adequate force will be sent forthwith to effect that object4 ,perhaps a direct application had better be made to him for that purpose1 if they wish thus to be re-possessed4 ,the militia have been ordered to hold themselves in readiness4 ,if the ,mormons will organize themselves into regular companies1 or a regular company of militia1 either volunteers or otherwise1 they will1 ,i have no doubt1 be supplied with public arms4 ,this must be upon application therefor4 ,a volunteer company must be accepted by the ,colonel1 and that is a matter in his discretion4 ,perhaps the best way would be to organize and elect officers as is done in ordinary cases--not volunteers2 you could give them the necessary directions on these points4 ,if the ,colonel should refuse to order an election of company officers1 after they have reported themselves to him for that purpose1 he would1 ,i presume1 be court-martialed1 on representation to the ,governor of the facts4 ,as only a certain quantity of public arms can be distributed in each county1 those who first apply will be most likely to receive them4 ,the less1 therefore1 that is said upon the subject the better4 ,i am1 with great respect1 your obedient servant1 7,signed7 ,r4 ,w4 ,wells4 ,sidenote3 ,judge ,ryland's ,letter to ,amos ,reese4 ,again1 ,judge ,ryland wrote ,amos ,reese1 ,esq41 ,circuit ,attorney1 also of counsel for the exiled ,saints1 as follows3 ,new ,lexington1 ,november #bd1 #ahcc4 ,dear ,sir3--,i have been requested by the ,governor1 to inform him about the outrageous acts of unparalleled violence that have lately happened in ,jackson county1 and have also been requested to examine into these outrages1 and take steps to punish the guilty and screen the innocent4 ,i cannot proceed unless some person shall be willing to make the proper information before me4 ,i now request you to inform me whether the ,mormons are willing to take legal steps against the citizens of ,jackson county2 whether they wish to return there or not2 and let me know all the matters connected with this unhappy affair4 ,it will be necessary for you to see the persons injured1 and be informed of their desires and intentions4 ,the military force will repair to ,jackson county1 to aid the execution of any order ,i make on this subject4 ,be particular in your information to me4 ,i am willing to go any time to #ddf ,jackson county1 for the purpose of holding a court of inquiry1 and binding over to keep the peace such persons as ,i shall think ought to be restrained4 ,it is a disgrace to the state for such acts to happen within its limits1 and the disgrace will attach to our official characters1 if we neglect to take proper means to insure the punishment due such offenders4 ,i wish to know whether ,joshua ,lewis and ,hyrum ,page handed the writ to the sheriff of ,jackson county1 that ,i made and issued on their affidavit1 against some of the ringleaders of the mob in ,jackson county1 dated the sixth of this month4 ,i will know why he refused to execute the writ1 if it ever came to his hands4 ,inquire into this subject and let me know4 ,i should be glad to see you1 and agree upon what course to take4 ,after you have sufficiently informed yourself1 come down and see me4 ,as you live near the scene of these outrages1 you are better able to receive all information necessary1 and prepare for future action1 than ,i am4 ,write me as soon as you are properly informed1 and state when you can come down and see me on this business4 ,keep copies of all the letters you write on this subject4 ,your friend1 7,signed7 ,john ,f4 ,ryland4 ,november #bb4--,my brother ,don ,carlos came to live with me and learn the art of printing4 ,sidenote3 ,hyde and ,gould ,return to ,kirtland4 ,elders ,orson ,hyde and ,john ,gould returned from ,missouri to ,kirtland on the #beth1 and brought the melancholy intelligence of the mob in ,jackson county persecuting the brethren4 ,elder ,a4 ,s4 ,gilbert wrote the ,governor of ,missouri as follows3 7,confidential47 ,liberty1 ,clay ,county1 ,november #bi1 #ahcc4 ,dear ,sir3--,yesterday ,i saw ,mr4 ,doniphan1 an attorney of this place1 who informed me that he saw the ,attorney-,general1 ,mr4 ,wells1 in ,saline county1 last ,saturday week1 and that ,mr4 ,wells had acquainted him with your intention of ordering a court of inquiry to be held in ,jackson county1 in relation to the late riotous proceedings in that county4 ,mr4 ,doniphan is of opinion1 from the conversation he had with ,mr4 ,wells1 that said order will be suspended till a communication is received from our people1 or their counsel4 ,this is therefore to acquaint your ,excellency1 that most of the heads of our ,church had an #ddg interview yesterday on the subject of an immediate court of inquiry1 to be held in ,jackson county2 and by their request to me1 ,i hasten to lay before your ,excellency serious difficulties attending our people on an immediate court of inquiry being called4 ,our ,church is at this time scattered in every direction3 some in the new county of ,van ,buren2 a part in this county2 and a part in ,lafayette1 and ,ray4 ,some of our principal witnesses would be women and children1 and while the rage of the mob continues1 it would be impossible to gather them in safety at ,independence4 ,that your ,excellency may know of the unabating fury with which the last remnant of our people remaining in that county are pursued at this time1 ,i here state that a few families1 perhaps fifteen or twenty1 who settled themselves more than two years ago on the prairie1 about fifteen miles from the county seat of ,jackson county1 had hoped from the obscurity of their location that they might escape the vengeance of the enemy through the winter2 consequently they remained on their plantations1 receiving occasionally1 a few individual threats1 till last ,sunday1 when a mob made their appearance among them2 some with pistols cocked1 and presented to their breasts1 commanded them to leave the county in three days1 or they would tear their houses down over their heads1 etc41 etc4 ,two expresses arrived here from said neighborhood last ,monday morning1 for advice1 and counsel advised their speedy removal for the preservation of life and their personal effects4 ,i suppose these families will be out of the county of ,jackson this week4 ,in this distressed situation1 in behalf of my brethren1 ,i pray your ,excellency to await a further communication1 which will soon follow this1 setting forth among other things the importance of our people being restored to their possessions1 that they may have an equal chance with their enemies in producing important testimony before the court1 which the enemy are now determined to deprive them of4 ,i trust that your ,excellency will perceive the agitation and consternation that must necessarily prevail among most of our people at this day1 from the unparalleled usage they have received1 and many of them wandering at this time destitute of shelter4 ,an immediate court of inquiry called while our people are thus situated1 would give our enemies a decided advantage in point of testimony1 while they are in possession of their own homes1 and ours also2 with no enemy in the county to molest or make them afraid4 ,very respectfully1 your obedient servant1 ,a4 ,s4 ,gilbert4 ,to his ,excellency ,daniel ,dunklin1 ,jefferson ,city1 ,mo4 ,i have seen and read the above letter1 and on reflection1 ,i concur #ddh entirely in the opinion therein expressed4 ,i also think that at the next regular term of the court1 an examination of the criminal matter cannot be gone into1 without a guard for the court and witnesses4 7,signed7 ,amos ,reese4 ,sidenote3 ,remnants ,scattered4 ,those who were threatened by the mob on ,sunday1 the #bdth1 fled into ,clay county1 and encamped on the banks of the ,missouri river4 ,a number of the families went into ,van ,buren county3 their whole number of men1 women1 and children1 being upwards of one hundred and fifty4 ,sidenote3 ,new ,church ,press4 ,about the #ast of ,december1 ,elder ,cowdery and ,bishop ,whitney arrived at ,kirtland with a new press and type1 and on the #dth commenced distributing the type4 ,december #e4--;,i wrote to ,bishop ,partridge1 ,liberty1 ,clay county1 ,missouri1 as follows3 ,kirtland1 ,december #e1 #ahcc4 ,dear ,brethren3--,we have just received a letter from ,brother ,phelps1 dated #fth and #gth ,november1 at ,liberty1 which gives us the painful intelligence of the rage of the enemy1 and your present unsettled situation4 ,but ,i must inform you that there is a great dubiety resting upon our minds1 with regard to the true state of affairs of ,zion2 for there seems to be some difference in the statements of ,elder ,phelps' letter1 and that of ,elder ,hyde's communication to the editors of the ,missouri ,republican4 #a ,elder ,hyde states that on ,monday1 the #dth1 the mob collected in ,independence1 to the number of two or three hundred1 well armed2 that a part of their number went above ,blue1 to drive away our people1 and destroy our property2 but they were met by a party of our people1 who1 being prepared1 poured a deadly fire upon them2 two of their number fell dead on the ground1 and a number were mortally wounded1 among the former was ,brazeale4 ,tuesday morning there were a number of the mob missing1 and could not be accounted for2 and while we were at ,liberty landing1 on ,wednesday1 a messenger rode up1 saying that he had just come from #ddi the seat of war1 and that the night before1 another battle was fought1 in which ,mr4 ,hicks fell1 having three balls and some buck-shot through his body1 and about twenty more shared a similar fate2 and also1 that one or two of our men were killed1 and as many wounded2 and he 7,hyde7 heard the cannonading distinctly2 and also1 stated that the man who broke open the store1 took ,gilbert1 ,phelps1 and one more1 for false imprisonment1 and put them in prison1 and as near as he could learn1 never to let them escape alive4 ,this statement of ,elder ,hyde is somewhat different from that of ,elder ,phelps1 who states that on ,friday night the brethren had mustered about forty or fifty men1 armed1 and marched into the village1 took one prisoner and fired one gun 7through mistake72 and on ,saturday the mob fell upon our brethren above ,blue1 and one of ,manship's sons was mortally wounded4 ,on ,monday a regular action was fought near ,christian ,whitmer's1 under the command of ,elder ,david ,whitmer4 ,we had four wounded2 they had five wounded and two killed1 viz43 ,linvill and ,brazeale4 ,from ,friday till ,tuesday1 our brethren were under arms1 when one hundred and fifty of them came forth1 like ,moroni1 to battle4 ,on ,tuesday morning the mob had collected to the number of three hundred1 and before any blood was shed1 we agreed to go away immediately1 and the enemy took our guns4 ,elder ,phelps also states that since the above was written 7viz43 on the #fth71 another horrid scene has transpired3 after our people surrendered their arms1 a party of the mob went above ,blue1 and began to whip1 and even murder2 and the brethren have been driven into the woods1 and are fleeing to the ferry2 and also the mob have hired the ferrymen to carry them across the river 7but they made the brethren pay the ferryage72 and it was reported that the mob had killed two more of the brethren4 ,it appears1 brethren1 that the above statements were made mostly from reports1 and there is no certainty of their being correct2 therefore1 it is difficult for us to advise1 and we can only say1 that the destinies of all people are in the hands of a just ,god1 and ,he will do no injustice to any one2 and this one thing is sure1 that they who will live godly in ,christ ,jesus1 shall suffer persecution2 and before their robes are made white in the blood of the ,lamb1 it is to be expected1 according to ,john the ,revelator1 they will pass through great tribulation4 ,i wish1 when you receive this letter1 that you would collect every particular1 concerning the mob1 from the beginning1 and send us a correct statement of facts1 as they occurred from time to time1 that we may be enabled to give the public correct information on the subject1 and inform us also of the situation of the brethren1 with respect to their means of sustenance4 #dej ,i would inform you1 that it is not the will of the ,lord for you to sell your lands in ,zion1 if means can possibly be procured for your sustenance without4 ,every exertion should be made to maintain the cause you have espoused1 and to contribute to the necessities of one another1 as much as possible1 in this your great calamity1 and remember not to murmur at the dealings of ,god with ,his creatures4 ,you are not as yet brought into as trying circumstances as were the ancient ,prophets and ,apostles4 ,call to mind a ,daniel1 the three ,hebrew children1 ,jeremiah1 ,paul1 ,stephen1 and many others1 too numerous to mention1 who were stoned1 sawn asunder1 tempted1 slain with the sword1 and wandered about in sheep skins and goat skins1 being destitute1 afflicted1 tormented1 of whom the world was not worthy4 ,they wandered in deserts and in mountains1 and hid in dens and caves of the earth2 yet they all obtained a good report through faith2 and amidst all their afflictions they rejoiced that they were counted worthy to receive persecutions for ,christ's sake4 ,we know not what we shall be called to pass through before ,zion is delivered and established2 therefore1 we have great need to live near to ,god1 and always to be in strict obedience to all ,his commandments1 that we may have a conscience void of offense toward ,god and man4 ,it is your privilege to use every lawful means in your power to seek redress for your grievances from your enemies1 and prosecute them to the extent of the law2 but it will be impossible for us to render you any temporal assistance1 as our means are already exhausted1 and we are deeply in debt1 and know of no means whereby we shall be able to extricate ourselves4 ,the inhabitants of this county threaten our destruction1 and we know not how soon they may be permitted to follow the example of the ,missourians2 but our trust is in ,god1 and we are determined1 ,his grace assisting us1 to maintain the cause and hold out faithful unto the end1 that we may be crowned with crowns of celestial glory1 and enter into the rest that is prepared for the children of ,god4 ,we are now distributing the type1 and intend to commence setting today1 and issue a paper the last of this week1 or beginning of next4 ,we wrote to ,elder ,phelps some time since1 and also sent by ,elder ,hyde1 for the list of names of subscribers to the ,star1 which we have not yet received1 and1 until we receive it1 the most of the subscribers will be deprived of the paper2 and when you receive this1 if you have not sent the list1 ,i wish you to attend to it immediately1 as much inconvenience will follow a delay4 ,we expect shortly to publish a political paper1 weekly1 in favor of the present administration2 the influential men of that party have offered a liberal patronage to us1 and we hope to succeed1 for thereby we can #dea show the public the purity of our intention in supporting the government under which we live4 ,we learn by ,elder ,phelps1 that the brethren have surrendered their arms to the ,missourians and are fleeing across the river4 ,if that is the case1 it is not meet that they should recommence hostilities with them2 but if not1 you should maintain the ground as long as there is a man left1 as the spot of ground upon which you are located1 is the place appointed of the ,lord for your inheritance1 and it is right in the sight of ,god that you contend for it to the last4 ,you will recollect that the ,lord has said1 that ,zion should not be removed out of her place2 therefore the land should not be sold1 but be held by the ,saints1 until the ,lord in ,his wisdom shall open a way for your return2 and until that time1 if you can purchase a tract of land in ,clay county for present emergencies1 it is right you should do so1 if you can do it1 and not sell your land in ,jackson county4 ,it is not safe for us to send you a written revelation on the subject1 but what is stated above is according to wisdom4 ,i haste to a close to give room for ,brother ,oliver1 and remain yours in the bonds of the everlasting covenant1 ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun4 ,sidenote3 ,dedication of the ,new ,press4 ,december #f4--;,being prepared to commence our labors in the printing business1 ,i ask ,god in the name of ,jesus1 to establish it for ever1 and cause that ,his work may speedily go forth to the nations of the earth1 to the accomplishing of ,his great work in bringing about the restoration of the house of ,israel4 ,this day1 also1 the ,elders in ,missouri sent the following petition ,to his ,excellency1 ,daniel ,dunklin1 ,governor of the ,state of ,missouri3 ,we1 the undersigned leading members of the ,church of ,christ1 vulgarly called ,mormons1 would respectfully represent to your ,excellency--in addition to the petition presented to you by ,messrs4 ,phelps and ,hyde1 and the affidavit of ,messrs4 ,phelps1 ,gilbert1 and ,m',lellin1 after having read also the letters of the ,attorney-,general and ,district ,judge of this circuit to ,mr4 ,reese--that whereas1 our society1 men1 women1 and children1 after having been in some cases wounded1 scourged1 and threatened with death1 have been driven by force of arms from their lands1 houses1 and much of their property in ,jackson county--most of which lands1 houses1 and property1 have been possessed by the mob of ,jackson county1 or others1 and are now #deb unlawfully detained from the use and possession of our people2 that whereas our people have been driven and scattered into the counties of ,clay1 ,ray1 ,van ,buren1 ,lafayette1 and others1 where1 in many cases1 they are destitute of the common necessaries of life1 even in this winter season2 that whereas1 the guns which were taken from our people1 as set forth in the affidavit1 are kept from them2 therefore1 in behalf of our society1 which is so scattered and suffering1 we1 your petitioners1 ask aid and assistance of your ,excellency1 that we may be restored to our lands1 and houses1 property1 and protected in them by the militia of the state1 if legal1 or by a detachment of the ,united ,states ,rangers1 which might be located at ,independence1 instead of at ,cantonment ,leavenworth1 till peace can be restored4 ,this could be done1 probably1 by conferring with the ,president1 or perhaps with ,colonel ,dodge4 ,also1 we ask that our men may be organized into companies of ,jackson ,guards1 and be furnished with arms by the state1 to assist in maintaining their rights against the unhallowed power of the mob of ,jackson county4 ,and then1 when arrangements are made to protect us in our persons and property 7which cannot be done without an armed force1 nor would it be prudent to risk our lives there without guards1 till we receive strength from our friends to protect ourselves71 we wish a court of inquiry instituted1 to investigate the whole matter of the mob against the ,mormons3 and we will ever pray4 ,w4 ,w4 ,phelps1 ,john ,whitmer1 ,john ,corrill1 ,isaac ,morley1 ,edward ,partridge1 ,a4 ,s4 ,gilbert4 ,the following letter accompanied the foregoing petition3 ,liberty1 ,december #f1 #ahcc4 ,dear ,sir3--,your ,excellency will perceive by the petition1 bearing date with this letter1 that we intend to return to ,jackson county as soon as arrangements can be made to protect us after we are reinstated in our possessions4 ,we do not wish to go till we know that our lives are not in danger from a lawless mob4 ,your ,excellency will understand that at this inclement season it will require time to restore us1 and troops to protect us after we are there1 for the threats of the mob have not ceased4 ,your obedient servant1 ,w4 ,w4 ,phelps4 ,to ,daniel ,dunklin1 ,governor of ,missouri4 ,footnotes #a4 ,the slight discrepancies which the ,prophet notes between the report of ,elder ,hyde and the communications of ,w4 ,w4 ,phelps lie chiefly from the inaccuracy of the reports current at that time4 ,it will be seen that they are not very important1 but doubtless on account of the anxiety of the ,prophet and brethren at ,kirtland1 seemed so at the time1 and at any rate were somewhat confusing4 #dec ,chapter ,,xxxiii4 ,the ,prophet's ,sympathy for the ,exiled ,saints--,reasons for ,their ,expulsion from ,zion4 ,a ,letter from the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith to the ,exiled ,saints in ,missouri4 #a ,kirtland ,mills1 ,ohio1 ,december #aj1 #ahcc4 ,edward ,partridge1 ,w4 ,w4 ,phelps1 ,john ,whitmer1 ,a4 ,s4 ,gilbert1 ,john ,corrill1 ,isaac ,morley1 and all the ,saints whom it may concern4 ,beloved ,brethren3--,this morning's mail brought letters from ,bishop ,partridge1 and ,elders ,corrill and ,phelps1 all mailed at ,liberty1 ,november #aith1 which gave us the melancholy intelligence of your flight from the land of your inheritance1 having been driven before the face of your enemies in that place4 ,from previous letters we learned that a number of our brethren had been slain1 but we could not learn from the letters referred to above1 that there had been more than one killed1 and that one ,brother ,barber1 and that ,brother ,dibble was wounded in the bowels4 ,we were thankful to learn that no more had been slain1 and our daily prayers are that the ,lord will not suffer ,his ,saints1 who have gone up to ,his land to keep ,his commandments1 to stain ,his holy mountain with their blood4 ,i cannot learn from any communication by the ,spirit to me1 that ,zion has forfeited her claim to a celestial crown1 notwithstanding the ,lord has caused her to be thus afflicted1 except it may be some individuals1 who have walked in disobedience1 and forsaken the new covenant2 all such will be made manifest by their works in due time4 ,i have always expected that ,zion would suffer some affliction1 from what ,i could learn from the commandments which have been given4 ,but ,i would remind you of a certain clause in one which says1 that after much tribulation cometh the blessing4 #b ,by this1 and also others1 and also one received of late1 ,i know that ,zion1 in the due time of the ,lord1 #ded will be redeemed2 but how many will be the days of her purification1 tribulation1 and affliction1 the ,lord has kept hid from my eyes2 and when ,i inquire concerning this subject1 the voice of the ,lord is3 ,be still1 and know that ,i am ,god6 all those who suffer for my name shall reign with me1 and he that layeth down his life for my sake shall find it again4 ,now1 there are two things of which ,i am ignorant2 and the ,lord will not show them unto me1 perhaps for a wise purpose in ,himself--,i mean in some respects--and they are these3 ,why ,god has suffered so great a calamity to come upon ,zion1 and what the great moving cause of this great affliction is2 and again1 by what means ,he will return her back to her inheritance1 with songs of everlasting joy upon her head4 ,these two things1 brethren1 are in part kept back that they are not plainly shown unto me2 but there are some things that are plainly manifest which have incurred the displeasure of the ,almighty4 ,when ,i contemplate upon all things that have been manifested1 ,i am aware that ,i ought not to murmur1 and do not murmur1 only in this1 that those who are innocent are compelled to suffer for the iniquities of the guilty2 and ,i cannot account for this1 only on this wise1 that the saying of the ,savior has not been strictly observed3 ,if thy right eye offend thee1 pluck it out1 and cast it from thee2 or if thy right arm offend thee1 cut it off1 and cast it from thee4 ,now the fact is1 if any of the members of our body is disordered1 the rest of our body will be affected with it1 and then all are brought into bondage together2 and yet1 notwithstanding all this1 it is with difficulty that ,i can restrain my feelings when ,i know that you1 my brethren1 with whom ,i have had so many happy hours--sitting1 as it were1 in heavenly places in ,christ ,jesus2 and also1 having the witness which ,i feel1 and ever have felt1 of the purity of your motives--are cast out1 and are as strangers and pilgrims on the earth1 exposed to hunger1 cold1 nakedness1 peril1 sword--,i say when ,i contemplate this1 it is with difficulty ,i can keep from complaining and murmuring against this dispensation2 but ,i am sensible that this is not right1 and may ,god grant that notwithstanding your great afflictions and sufferings1 there may not anything separate us from love of ,christ4 ,brethren1 when we learn your sufferings1 it awakens every sympathy of our hearts2 it weighs us down2 we cannot refrain from tears1 yet1 we are not able to realize1 only in part1 your sufferings3 and ,i often hear the brethren saying1 they wish they were with you1 that they might bear a part of your sufferings2 and ,i myself should have been with you1 had not ,god prevented it in the order of ,his providence1 that the yoke of affliction might be less grievous upon you1 ,god having forewarned me1 concerning these things1 for your sake2 and also1 ,elder #dee ,cowdery could not lighten your afflictions by tarrying longer with you1 for his presence would have so much the more enraged your enemies2 therefore ,god hath dealt mercifully with us4 ,o brethren1 let us be thankful that it is as well with us as it is1 and we are yet alive and peradventure1 ,god hath laid up in store great good for us in this generation1 and may grant that we may yet glorify ,his name4 ,i feel thankful that there have no more denied the faith2 ,i pray ,god in the name of ,jesus that you all may be kept in the faith unto the end2 let your sufferings be what they may1 it is better in the eyes of ,god that you should die1 than that you should give up the land of ,zion1 the inheritances which you have purchased with your moneys2 for every man that giveth not up his inheritance1 though he should die1 yet1 when the ,lord shall come1 he shall stand upon it1 and with ,job1 in his flesh he shall see ,god4 ,therefore1 this is my counsel1 that you retain your lands1 even unto the uttermost1 and employ every lawful means to seek redress of your enemies2 and pray to ,god1 day and night1 to return you in peace and in safety to the lands of your inheritance3 and when the judge fail you1 appeal unto the executive2 and when the executive fail you1 appeal unto the president2 and when the president fail you1 and all laws fail you1 and the humanity of the people fail you1 and all things else fail you but ,god alone1 and you continue to weary ,him with your importunings1 as the poor woman did the unjust judge1 ,he will not fail to execute judgment upon your enemies1 and to avenge ,his own elect that cry unto ,him day and night4 ,behold1 ,he will not fail you6 ,he will come with ten thousand of ,his ,saints1 and all ,his adversaries shall be destroyed with the breath of ,his lips6 ,all those who keep their inheritances1 notwithstanding they should be beaten and driven1 shall be likened unto the wise virgins who took oil in their lamps4 ,but all those who are unbelieving and fearful1 will be likened unto the foolish virgins1 who took no oil in their lamps3 and when they shall return and say unto the ,saints1 ,give us of your lands--behold1 there will be no room found for them4 ,as respects giving deeds1 ,i would advise you to give deeds as far as the brethren have legal and just claims for them1 and then let every man answer to ,god for the disposal of them4 ,i would suggest some ideas to ,elder ,phelps1 not knowing that they will be of any real benefit1 but suggest them for consideration4 ,i would be glad if he were here1 were it possible for him to come1 but dare not advise1 not knowing what shall befall us1 as we are under very heavy and serious threatenings from a great many people in this place4 ,but1 perhaps1 the people in ,liberty may feel willing1 ,god having power to soften the hearts of all men1 to have a press established there2 and if not1 in some other place2 any place where it can be the most #def convenient1 and it is possible to get to it2 ,god will be willing to have it in any place where it can be established in safety4 ,we must be wise as serpents and harmless as doves4 ,again1 ,i desire that ,elder ,phelps should collect all the information1 and give us a true history of the beginning and rise of ,zion1 and her calamities4 ,now hear the prayer of your unworthy brother in the new and everlasting covenant3--,o ,my ,god6 ,thou who hast called and chosen a few1 through ,thy weak instrument1 by commandment1 and sent them to ,missouri1 a place which ,thou didst call ,zion1 and commanded ,thy servants to consecrate it unto ,thyself for a place of refuge and safety for the gathering of ,thy ,saints1 to be built up a holy city unto ,thyself2 and as ,thou hast said that no other place should be appointed like unto this1 therefore1 ,i ask ,thee in the name of ,jesus ,christ1 to return ,thy people unto their houses and their inheritances1 to enjoy the fruit of their labors2 that all the waste places may be built up2 that all the enemies of ,thy people1 who will not repent and turn unto ,thee may be destroyed from off the face of the land2 and let a house be built and established unto ,thy name2 and let all the losses that ,thy people have sustained1 be rewarded unto them1 even more than four-fold1 that the borders of ,zion may be enlarged forever2 and let her be established no more to be thrown down2 and let all thy ,saints1 when they are scattered1 as sheep1 and are persecuted1 flee unto ,zion1 and be established in the midst of her2 and let her be organized according to ,thy law2 and let this prayer ever be recorded before ,thy face4 ,give ,thy ,holy ,spirit unto my brethren1 unto whom ,i write2 send ,thine angels to guard them1 and deliver them from all evil2 and when they turn their faces toward ,zion1 and bow down before ,thee and pray1 may their sins never come up before ,thy face1 neither have place in the book of ,thy remembrance2 and may they depart from all their iniquities4 ,provide food for them as ,thou doest for the ravens2 provide clothing to cover their nakedness1 and houses that they may dwell therein2 give unto them friends in abundance1 and let their names be recorded in the ,lamb's book of life1 eternally before ,thy face4 ,amen4 ,finally1 brethren1 the grace of our ,lord ,jesus ,christ be with you all until ,his coming in ,his kingdom4 ,amen4 ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun4 ,sidenote3 ,expulsion of ,saints from ,van ,buren ,county4 ,december #ab4--;,an express arrived at ,liberty1 from ,van ,buren county1 with information that those families1 which had fled from ,jackson county1 and located there1 were about to be driven from that county1 after building their houses and carting #deg their winter's store of provisions1 grain1 etc41 forty or fifty miles4 ,several families are already fleeing from thence4 ,the contaminating influence of the ,jackson county mob1 is predominant in this new county of ,van ,buren1 the whole population of which is estimated at about thirty or forty families4 ,the destruction of crops1 household furniture1 and clothing1 is very great1 and much of their stock is lost4 ,the main body of the ,church is now in ,clay county1 where the people are as kind and accommodating as could reasonably be expected4 ,the continued threats of deaths to individuals of the ,church1 if they make their appearance in ,jackson ,county1 prevent the most of them1 even at this day1 from returning to that county1 to secure personal property1 which they were obliged to leave in their flight4 ,sidenote3 ,sad ,condition of the ,saints4 ,the following is an extract of a letter to me1 from ,elder ,phelps1 dated-- ,clay ,county1 ,missouri4 ,december #ae1 #ahcc4 ,the condition of the scattered ,saints is lamentable1 and affords a gloomy prospect4 ,no regular order can be enforced1 nor any usual discipline kept up2 among the world1 yea1 the most wicked part of it1 some commit one sin1 and some another 7,i speak of the rebellious1 for there are ,saints that are as immovable as the everlasting hills71 and what can be done8 ,we are in ,clay1 ,ray1 ,lafayette1 ,jackson1 ,van ,buren and other counties1 and cannot hear from one another oftener than we do from you4 ,i know it was right that we should be driven out of the land of ,zion1 that the rebellious might be sent away4 ,but1 brethren1 if the ,lord will1 ,i should like to know what the honest in heart shall do8 ,our clothes are worn out2 we want the necessaries of life1 and shall we lease1 buy1 or otherwise obtain land where we are1 to till1 that we may raise enough to eat8 ,such is the common language of the honest1 for they want to do the will of ,god4 ,i am sensible that we shall not be able to live again in ,zion1 till ,god or the ,president rules out the mob4 ,the ,governor is willing to restore us1 but as the constitution gives him no power to guard us when back1 we are not willing to go4 ,the mob swear if we come we shall die6 ,if1 from what has been done in ,zion1 we1 or the most of us1 have got to be persecuted from city to city1 #deh and from synagogue to synagogue1 we want to know it2 for there are those among us that would rather earn eternal life on such conditions than lose it2 but we hope for better things1 and shall wait patiently for the word of the ,lord4 ,our people fare very well1 and when they are discreet1 little or no persecution is felt4 ,the militia in the upper counties is in readiness at a moment's warning1 having been ordered out by the ,governor1 to guard a court martial and court of inquiry2 but we cannot attend a court of inquiry1 on account of expense1 till we are restored and protected4 7,signed7 ,w4 ,w4 ,phelps4 ,december #af4--;,i received the following3 ,revelation4 #c #a4 ,verily ,i say unto you1 concerning your brethren who have been afflicted1 and persecuted1 and cast out from the land of their inheritance1 #b4 ,i1 the ,lord1 have suffered the affliction to come upon them1 wherewith they have been afflicted1 in consequence of their transgressions2 #c4 ,yet ,i will own them1 and they shall be mine in that day when ,i shall come to make up my jewels4 #d4 ,therefore1 they must needs be chastened and tried1 even as ,abraham1 who was commanded to offer up his only son2 #e4 ,for all those who will not endure chastening but deny me1 cannot be sanctified4 #f4 ,behold1 ,i say unto you1 there were jarrings1 and contentions1 and envyings1 and strifes1 and lustful and covetous desires among them2 therefore by these things they polluted their inheritances4 #g4 ,they were slow to hearken unto the voice of the ,lord their ,god1 therefore the ,lord their ,god is slow to hearken unto their prayers1 to answer them in the day of their trouble4 #h4 ,in the day of their peace they esteemed lightly my counsel2 but1 in the day of their trouble1 of necessity they feel after me4 #i4 ,verily ,i say unto you1 notwithstanding their sins1 my bowels are filled with compassion towards them3 ,i will not utterly cast them off2 and in the day of wrath ,i will remember mercy4 #aj4 ,i have sworn1 and the decree hath gone forth by a former commandment which ,i have given unto you1 that ,i would let fall the sword of mine indignation in behalf of my people2 and even as ,i have said1 it shall come to pass4 #dei #aa4 ,mine indignation is soon to be poured out without measure upon all nations1 and this will ,i do when the cup of their iniquity is full4 #ab4 ,and in that day all who are found upon the watch tower1 or in other words1 all mine ,israel1 shall be saved4 #ac4 ,and they that have been scattered shall be gathered2 #ad4 ,and all they who have mourned shall be comforted2 #ae4 ,and all they who have given their lives for my name shall be crowned4 #af4 ,therefore let your hearts be comforted concerning ,zion2 for all flesh is in mine hands2 be still and know that ,i am ,god4 #ag4 ,zion shall not be moved out of her place1 notwithstanding her children are scattered2 #ah4 ,they that remain1 and are pure in heart1 shall return1 and come to their inheritances1 they and their children1 with songs of everlasting joy1 to build up the waste places of ,zion2 #ai4 ,and all these things that the prophets might be fulfilled4 #bj4 ,and1 behold1 there is none other place appointed than that which ,i have appointed2 neither shall there be any other place appointed than that which ,i have appointed1 for the work of the gathering of my ,saints1 #ba4 ,until the day cometh when there is found no more room for them2 and then ,i have other places which ,i will appoint unto them1 and they shall be called ,stakes1 for the curtains or the strength of ,zion4 #bb4 ,behold1 it is my will1 that all they who call on my name1 and worship me according to mine everlasting ,gospel1 should gather together and stand in holy places1 #bc4 ,and prepare for the revelation which is to come1 when the veil of the covering of my temple1 in my tabernacle1 which hideth the earth1 shall be taken off1 and all flesh shall see me together4 #bd4 ,and every corruptible thing1 both of man1 or of the beasts of the field1 or of the fowls of the heavens1 or of the fish of the sea1 that dwells upon all the face of the earth1 shall be consumed2 #be4 ,and also that of element shall melt with fervent heat2 and all things shall become new1 that my knowledge and glory may dwell upon all the earth4 #bf4 ,and in that day the enmity of man1 and the enmity of beasts1 yea1 the enmity of all flesh1 shall cease from before my face4 #bg4 ,and in that day whatsoever any man shall ask1 it shall be given unto him4 #bh4 ,and in that day ,satan shall not have power to tempt any man4 #bi4 ,and there shall be no sorrow because there is no death4 #cj4 ,in that day an infant shall not die until he is old1 and his life shall be as the age of a tree4 #dfj #ca4 ,and when he dies he shall not sleep 7that is to say in the earth71 but shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye1 and shall be caught up1 and his rest shall be glorious3 #cb4 ,yea1 verily ,i say unto you1 in that day when the ,lord shall come1 ,he shall reveal all things-- #cc4 ,things which have passed1 and hidden things which no man knew--things of the earth1 by which it was made1 and the purpose and the end thereof-- #cd4 ,things most precious--things that are above1 and things that are beneath--things that are in the earth1 and upon the earth1 and in heaven4 #ce4 ,and all they who suffer persecution for my name1 and endure in faith1 though they are called to lay down their lives for my sake1 yet shall they partake of all this glory4 #cf4 ,wherefore1 fear not even unto death2 for in this world your joy is not full1 but in me your joy is full4 #cg4 ,therefore1 care not for the body1 neither the life of the body2 but care for the soul1 and for the life of the soul2 #ch4 ,and seek the face of the ,lord always1 that in patience ye may possess your souls1 and ye shall have eternal life4 #ci4 ,when men are called unto mine everlasting ,gospel1 and covenant with an everlasting covenant1 they are accounted as the salt of the earth1 and the savor of men2 #dj4 ,they are called to be the savor of men4 ,therefore1 if that salt of the earth lose its savor1 behold1 it is thenceforth good for nothing1 only to be cast out1 and trodden under the feet of men4 #da4 ,behold1 here is wisdom concerning the children of ,zion1 even many1 but not all2 they were found transgressors1 therefore they must needs be chastened4 #db4 ,he that exalteth himself shall be abased1 and he that abaseth himself shall be exalted4 #dc4 ,and now1 ,i will show unto you a parable1 that you may know my will concerning the redemption of ,zion4 #dd4 ,a certain nobleman had a spot of land1 very choice2 and he said unto his servants1 ,go ye unto my vineyard1 even upon this very choice piece of land1 and plant twelve olive trees1 #de4 ,and set watchmen round about them1 and build a tower1 that one may overlook the land round about1 to be a watchman upon the tower1 that mine olive trees may not be broken down1 when the enemy shall come to spoil and take unto themselves the fruit of my vineyard4 #df4 ,now1 the servants of the nobleman went and did as their lord commanded them2 and planted the olive trees1 and built a hedge round about1 and set watchmen1 and began to build a tower4 #dfa #dg4 ,and while they were yet laying the foundation thereof1 they began to say among themselves1 ,and what need hath my lord of this tower8 #dh4 ,and consulted for a long time1 saying among themselves1 ,what need hath my lord of this tower1 seeing this is a time of peace8 #di4 ,might not this money be given to the exchanges8 for there is no need of these things6 #ej4 ,and while they were at variance one with another they became very slothful1 and they hearkened not unto the commandments of their lord1 #ea4 ,and the enemy came by night1 and broke down the hedge1 and the servants of the nobleman arose and were affrighted1 and fled2 and the enemy destroyed their works1 and broke down the olive trees4 #eb4 ,now behold1 the nobleman1 the lord of the vineyard1 called upon his servants1 and said unto them1 ,why6 what is the cause of this great evil8 #ec4 ,ought ye not to have done even as ,i commanded you1 and--after ye had planted the vineyard1 and built the hedge round about1 and set watchmen upon the walls thereof1--built the tower also1 and set a watchman upon the tower1 and watched for my vineyard1 and not have fallen asleep1 lest the enemy should come upon you8 #ed4 ,and behold1 the watchman upon the tower would have seen the enemy while he was yet afar off1 and then ye could have made ready and kept the enemy from breaking down the hedge thereof1 and saved my vineyard from the hands of the destroyer4 #ee4 ,and the lord of the vineyard said unto one of his servants1 ,go and gather together the residue of my servants1 and take all the strength of mine house1 which are my warriors1 my young men1 and they that are of middle-age also among all my servants1 who are the strength of mine house1 save those only whom ,i have appointed to tarry2 #ef4 ,and go ye straightway unto the land of my vineyard1 and redeem my vineyard1 for it is mine1 ,i have bought it with money4 #eg4 ,therefore1 get ye straightway unto my land2 break down the walls of mine enemies2 throw down their tower1 and scatter their watchmen4 #eh4 ,and inasmuch as they gather together against you1 avenge me of mine enemies1 that by and by ,i may come with the residue of mine house1 and possess the land4 #ei4 ,and the servant said unto his lord1 ,when shall these things be8 #fj4 ,and he said unto his servant3 ,when ,i will2 go ye straightway1 and do all things whatsoever ,i have commanded you2 #dfb #fa4 ,and this shall be my seal and blessing upon you--a faithful and wise steward in the midst of mine house1 a ruler in my kingdom4 #fb4 ,and his servant went straightway1 and did all things whatsoever his lord commanded him1 and after many days all things were fulfilled4 #fc4 ,again1 verily ,i say unto you1 ,i will show unto you wisdom in me concerning all the churches1 inasmuch as they are willing to be guided in a right and proper way for their salvation1 #fd4 ,that the work of the gathering together of my ,saints may continue1 that ,i may build them up unto my name upon holy places2 for the time of harvest is come1 and my word must needs be fulfilled4 #fe4 ,therefore1 ,i must gather together my people1 according to the parable of the wheat and the tares1 that the wheat may be secured in the garners to possess eternal life1 and be crowned with celestial glory when ,i shall come in the kingdom of my ,father1 to reward every man according as his work shall be1 #ff4 ,while the tares shall be bound in bundles1 and the their bands made strong1 that they may be burned with unquenchable fire4 #fg4 ,therefore1 a commandment ,i give unto all the churches1 that they shall continue to gather together unto the places which ,i have appointed2 #fh4 ,nevertheless1 as ,i have said unto you in a former commandment1 let not your gathering be in haste1 nor by flight2 but let all things be prepared before you3 #fi4 ,and in order that all things be prepared before you1 observe the commandment which ,i have given concerning these things1 #gj4 ,which saith1 or teacheth1 to purchase all the lands with money1 which can be purchased for money1 in the region round about the land which ,i have appointed to be the land of ,zion1 for the beginning of the gathering of my ,saints2 #ga4 ,all the land which can be purchased in ,jackson county1 and the counties round about1 and leave the residue in mine hand4 #gb4 ,now1 verily ,i say unto you1 let all the churches gather together all their monies2 let these things be done in their time1 but not in haste2 and observe to have all things prepared before you4 #gc4 ,and let honorable men be appointed1 even wise men1 and send them to purchase these lands2 #gd4 ,and the churches in the eastern counties2 when they are built up1 if they will harken unto this counsel1 they may buy lands and gather together upon them1 and in this way they may establish ,zion4 #ge4 ,there is even now already in store sufficient1 yea1 even an abundance1 to redeem ,zion1 and establish her waste places1 no more to #dfc be thrown down1 were the churches1 who call themselves after my name1 willing to hearken to my voice4 #gf4 ,and again ,i say unto you1 those who have been scattered by their enemies1 it is my will that they should continue to importune for redress1 and redemption1 by the hands of those who are placed as rulers1 and are in authority over you1 #gg4 ,according to the laws and constitution of the people which ,i have suffered to be established1 and should be maintained for the rights and protection of all flesh1 according to just and holy principles1 #gh4 ,that every man may act in doctrine and principle pertaining to futurity1 according to the moral agency which ,i have given unto him1 that every man may be accountable for his own sins in the day of judgment4 #gi4 ,therefore1 it is not right that any man should be in bondage one to another4 #hj4 ,and for this purpose have ,i established the constitution of this land1 by the hands of wise men whom ,i raised up unto this very purpose1 and redeemed the land by the shedding of blood4 #ha4 ,now1 unto what shall ,i liken the children of ,zion8 ,i will liken them unto the parable of the woman and the unjust judge 7for men ought always to pray and not to faint7 which saith1 #hb4 ,there was in a city a judge which feared not ,god1 neither regarded man4 #hc4 ,and there was a widow in that city1 and she came unto him1 saying1 ,avenge me of mine adversary4 #hd4 ,and he would not for a while1 but afterward he said within himself1 ,though ,i fear not ,god1 nor regard man1 yet because this widow troubleth me ,i will avenge her1 lest1 by her continual coming she weary me4 #he4 ,thus will ,i liken the children of ,zion4 #hf4 ,let them importune at the feet of the ,judge2 #hg4 ,and if he heed them not1 let them importune at the feet of the ,governor2 #hh4 ,and if the ,governor heed them not1 let them importune at the feet of the ,president2 #hi4 ,and if the ,president heed them not1 then will the ,lord arise and come forth out of ,his hiding place1 and in ,his fury vex the nation1 #ij4 ,and in ,his hot displeasure1 and in ,his fierce anger1 in ,his time1 will cut off those wicked1 unfaithful1 and unjust stewards1 and appoint them their portion among hypocrites1 and unbelievers2 #ia4 ,even in outer darkness1 where there is weeping1 and wailing1 and gnashing of teeth4 #ib4 ,pray ye1 therefore1 that their ears may be opened unto your #dfd cries1 that ,i may be merciful unto them1 that these things may not come upon them4 #ic4 ,what ,i have said unto you1 must needs be1 that all men may be left without excuse2 #id4 ,that wise men and rulers may hear and know that which they have never considered2 #ie4 ,that ,i may proceed to bring to pass my act1 my strange act1 and perform my work1 my strange work1 that men may discern between the righteous and the wicked1 saith your ,god4 #if4 ,and again1 ,i say unto you1 it is contrary to my commandment1 and my will that my servant ,sidney ,gilbert1 should sell my storehouse1 which ,i have appointed unto my people1 into the hands of mine enemies4 #ig4 ,let not that which ,i have appointed be polluted by mine enemies1 by the consent of those who call themselves after my name2 #ih4 ,for this is a very sore and grievous sin against me1 and against my people1 in consequence of those things which ,i have decreed and which are soon to befall the nations4 #ii4 ,therefore1 it is my will that my people should claim1 and hold claim upon that which ,i have appointed unto them1 though they should not be permitted to dwell thereon2 #ajj4 ,nevertheless1 ,i do not say they shall not dwell thereon2 for inasmuch as they bring forth fruit and works meet for my kingdom1 they shall dwell thereon2 #aja4 ,they shall build1 and another shall not inherit it2 they shall plant vineyards1 and they shall eat the fruit thereof4 ,even so4 ,amen4 ,footnotes #a4 ,this letter was1 as will be seen by the text of it1 written after the first definite and detailed account of what had taken place in ,missouri reached the ,prophet's hand4 ,we know of nothing written by him that better manifests the nobility of his soul1 or the gentle sympathy of his nature1 than this communication4 #b4 ,page #aia1 verses #c and #d4 #c4 ,doctrine and ,covenants1 sec4 ci4 ,the revelation explains why the ,saints were driven from ,zion4 #dfe ,chapter ,,xxxiv4 ,a ,press ,established at ,kirtland--,blessings upon the ,prophet's ,family--,responsibility for ,lawless ,acts in ,missouri4 ,dedication of the ,printing ,press4 ,december #ah4--,the ,elders assembled in the printing office1 and bowed down before the ,lord1 and ,i dedicated the printing press1 and all that pertained thereunto1 to ,god1 which dedication was confirmed by ,elder ,rigdon1 and my brother1 ,hyrum ,smith4 ,we then proceeded to take the first proof sheet of the reprinted ,star1 #a edited by ,elder ,oliver ,cowdery4 ,sidenote3 ,strength and ,weakness of ,oliver ,cowdery4 ,blessed of the ,lord is ,brother ,oliver1 nevertheless there are two evils in him that he must needs forsake1 or he cannot altogether escape the buffetings of the adversary4 ,if he forsake these evils he shall be forgiven1 and shall be made like unto the bow which the ,lord hath set in the heavens2 he shall be a sign and an ensign unto the nations4 ,behold1 he is blessed of the ,lord for his constancy and steadfastness in the work of the ,lord2 wherefore1 he shall be blessed in his generation1 and they shall never be cut off1 and he shall be helped out of many troubles2 and if he keep the commandments1 and hearken unto the counsel of the ,lord1 his rest shall be glorious4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,prophet's ,blessing upon his ,father's ,house4 ,and again1 blessed of the ,lord is my father1 and also #dff my mother1 and my brothers and my sisters2 for they shall yet find redemption in the house of the ,lord1 and their offspring shall be a blessing1 a joy1 and a comfort unto them4 ,sidenote3 ,his ,mother4 ,blessed is my mother1 for her soul is ever filled with benevolence and philanthropy2 and notwithstanding her age1 yet she shall receive strength1 and shall be comforted in the midst of her house1 and she shall have eternal life4 ,sidenote3 ,his ,father4 ,and blessed is my father1 for the hand of the ,lord shall be over him1 for he shall see the affliction of his children pass away2 and when his head is fully ripe1 he shall behold himself as an olive tree1 whose branches are bowed down with much fruit2 he shall also possess a mansion on high4 ,sidenote3 ,his ,brother ,hyrum4 ,blessed of the ,lord is my brother ,hyrum1 for the integrity of his heart2 he shall be girt about with truth1 and faithfulness shall be the strength of his loins3 from generation to generation he shall be a shaft in the hands of his ,god to execute judgment upon his enemies2 and he shall be hid by the hand of the ,lord1 that none of his secret parts shall be discovered unto his hurt2 his name shall be accounted a blessing among men2 and when he is in trouble1 and great tribulation hath come upon him1 he shall remember the ,god of ,jacob2 and he will shield him from the power of ,satan2 and he shall receive counsel in the house of the ,most ,high1 that he may be strengthened in hope1 that the goings of his feet may be established for ever4 ,sidenote3 ,his ,brother ,samuel4 ,blessed of the ,lord is my brother ,samuel1 because the ,lord shall say unto him1 ,samuel1 ,samuel2 therefore he shall be made a teacher in the house of the ,lord1 and the ,lord shall mature his mind in judgment1 and thereby he shall obtain the esteem and fellowship of his brethren1 and his soul shall be established and he shall benefit the house of the ,lord1 because he shall obtain answer to prayer in his faithfulness4 #dfg ,sidenote3 ,prophecy on the ,head of his ,brother ,william4 ,brother ,william is as the fierce lion1 which divideth not the spoil because of his strength2 and in the pride of his heart he will neglect the more weighty matters until his soul is bowed down in sorrow2 and then he shall return and call on the name of his ,god1 and shall find forgiveness1 and shall wax valiant1 therefore1 he shall be saved unto the uttermost2 and as the roaring lion of the forest in the midst of his prey1 so shall the hand of his generation be lifted up against those who are set on high1 that fight against the ,god of ,israel2 fearless and undaunted shall they be in battle1 in avenging the wrongs of the innocent1 and relieving the oppressed2 therefore1 the blessings of the ,god of ,jacob shall be in the midst of his house1 notwithstanding his rebellious heart4 ,sidenote3 ,a ,prayer4 ,and now1 ,o ,god1 let the residue of my father's house ever come up in remembrance before ,thee1 that ,thou mayest save them from the hand of the oppressor1 and establish their feet upon the ,rock of ,ages1 that they may have place in ,thy house1 and be saved in ,thy kingdom2 and let all things be even as ,i have said1 for ,christ's sake4 ,amen4 ,sidenote3 ,messengers to ,zion4 ,december #ai4--,william ,pratt and ,david ,patten took their journey to the land of ,zion1 for the purpose of bearing dispatches to the brethren in that place1 from ,kirtland1 ,o may ,god grant that they may be a blessing to ,zion1 as kind angels from heaven4 ,amen4 ,the following circular was published in the ,december number of the ,star3 ,the ,elders in ,kirtland to ,their ,brethren ,abroad4 ,dear ,brethren in ,christ1 and ,companions in ,tribulation3--,it seemeth good unto us to drop a few lines to you1 giving you some instruction relative to conducting the affairs of the kingdom of ,god1 which has been committed unto us in these latter times1 by the will and testament of our ,mediator1 whose intercessions in our behalf are lodged in the #dfh bosom of the ,eternal ,father1 and ere long will burst with blessings upon the heads of all the faithful4 ,we have all been children1 and are too much so at the present time2 but we hope in the ,lord that we may grow in grace and be prepared for all things which the bosom of futurity may disclose unto us4 ,time is rapidly rolling on1 and the prophecies must be fulfilled4 ,the days of tribulation are fast approaching1 and the time to test the fidelity of the ,saints has come4 ,rumor with her ten thousand tongues is diffusing her uncertain sounds in almost every ear2 but in these times of sore trial1 let the ,saints be patient and see the salvation of ,god4 ,those who cannot endure persecution1 and stand in the day of affliction1 cannot stand in the day when the ,son of ,god shall burst the veil1 and appear in all the glory of ,his ,father1 with all the holy angels4 ,on the subject of ordination1 a few words are necessary4 ,in many instances there has been too much haste in this thing1 and the admonition of ,paul has been too slightingly passed over1 which says1 ,lay hands suddenly upon no man4 ,some have been ordained to the ministry1 and have never acted in that capacity1 or magnified their calling at all4 ,such may expect to lose their appointment1 except they awake and magnify their office4 ,let the ,elders abroad be exceedingly careful upon this subject1 and when they ordain a man to the holy ministry1 let him be a faithful man1 who is able to teach others also2 that the cause of ,christ suffer not4 ,it is not the multitude of preachers that is to bring about the glorious millennium6 but it is those who are called1 and chosen1 and faithful4 ,let the ,elders be exceedingly careful about unnecessarily disturbing and harrowing up the feelings of the people4 ,remember that your business is to preach the ,gospel in all humility and meekness1 and warn sinners to repent and come to ,christ4 ,avoid contentions and vain disputes with men of corrupt minds1 who do not desire to know the truth4 ,remember that it is a day of warning1 and not a day of many words4 ,if they receive not your testimony in one place1 flee to another1 remembering to cast no reflections1 nor throw out any bitter sayings4 ,if you do your duty1 it will be just as well with you1 as though all men embraced the ,gospel4 ,be careful about sending boys to preach the ,gospel to the world2 if they go1 let them be accompanied by some one who is able to guide them in the proper channel1 lest they become puffed up1 and fall under condemnation1 and into the snare of the devil4 ,finally1 in these critical times1 be careful2 call on the ,lord day and night2 beware of pride2 beware of false brethren1 who will creep in among you to spy out your liberties4 ,awake to righteousness1 and sin not2 let your light shine1 and show yourselves workmen that need not be ashamed1 rightly #dfi dividing the word of truth4 ,apply yourselves diligently to study1 that your minds may be stored with all necessary information4 ,we remain your brethren in ,christ1 anxiously praying for the day of redemption to come1 when iniquity shall be swept from the earth1 and everlasting righteousness brought in4 ,farewell4 ,sidenote3 ,a ,life ,guard of ,washington ,driven from ,jackson ,county4 ,monday night1 the #bdth of ,december1 four aged families1 living near the town of ,independence1 whose penury and infirmities1 incidents to old age1 forbade a speedy removal1 were driven from their homes by a party of the mob1 who tore down their chimneys1 broke in their doors and windows1 and hurled large stones into their houses1 by which the life of old ,mr4 ,miller1 in particular1 was greatly endangered4 ,mr4 ,miller is aged sixty-five years1 and the youngest man in the four families4 ,some of these men have toiled and bled in the defense of their country2 and old ,mr4 ,jones1 one of the sufferers1 served as life guard to ,general ,george ,washington1 in the ,revolution4 ,well may the soldier of ,seventy-six contemplate with horror the scenes which surround him at this day in ,jackson county1 where liberty1 law1 and equal rights1 are trodden under foot4 ,it is now apparent that no man embracing the faith of the ,latter-day ,saints1 whatever be his age or former standing in society1 may hope to escape the wrath of the ,jackson county mob whenever it is in their power to inflict abuse4 ,sidenote3 ,court of ,inquiry4 ,a court of inquiry was held at ,liberty1 ,clay county1 ,missouri1 the latter part of this month1 to inquire into the ,conduct of ,colonel ,pitcher1 for driving the ,saints1 or ,mormons1 from ,jackson county1 which resulted in his arrest for further trial by a court-martial4 ,sidenote3 ,excommunications at ,kirtland4 ,december #bf4--;,james ,blanchard and ,alonzo ,rider were cut off from the ,church by a council of ,elders1 in ,kirtland1 for repeated transgressions1 and promising to reform1 and never fulfilling4 ,nelson ,acre was also cut off1 on account of his absenting himself from the meetings1 and saying #dgj that he wanted no more of the ,church1 and that he desired to be cut off4 ,none of these being present1 the council notified them of their expulsion by letters4 ,this evening a ,bishop's court was called to investigate the case of ,elder ,ezekiel ,rider1 who had said many hard things against ,bishop ,whitney3 that ,brother ,whitney was not fit for a ,bishop2 that he treated the brethren who came into the store with disrespect2 that he was overbearing1 and fain would walk on the necks of the brethren4 ,brother ,story was also in a similar transgression4 ,i rebuked them sharply1 and told them that the ,church must feel the wrath of ,god except they repent of their sins and cast away their murmurings and complainings one of another4 ,elder ,rigdon also lectured them on the same principles4 ,brothers ,rider and ,story confessed their wrongs1 and all forgave one another4 ,sidenote3 ,elliot1 ,haggart1 and ,babbitt ,cases4 ,december #bg4--;,a bishop's court was called to investigate complaints made against ,brothers ,elliot1 ,haggart1 and ,babbitt1 and their wives1 and ,jenkins ,salisbury1 all of whom were present2 but the accusers not being present1 the court adjourned sine die4 ,sidenote3 ,disposition of the ,star ,press4 ,the mob in ,jackson county sold the materials1 or rather gave ,messrs4 ,davis and ,kelly leave to take ,the ,evening and ,morning ,star establishment to ,liberty1 ,clay county1 where they commenced the publication of ,the ,missouri ,enquirer1 a weekly paper4 ,they 7that is1 ,davis and ,kelly7 also paid our lawyers1 employed as counsel against the mob1 three hundred dollars1 on the one thousand dollar note1 on agreement2 a small amount towards an establishment which1 with book work and furniture1 had cost some three or four thousand dollars4 ,sidenote3 ,where ,responsibility ,rests4 ,from the very features of the celebrated mob circular1 previously inserted1 #b it will be seen that they meditated a most daring infraction of the constitution of our country #dga that they might gratify a spirit of persecution against an innocent people4 ,to whom shall blame be attached in this tragedy8 ,in ,july last they boldly made known their determination to drive the ,mormons from ,jackson county1 peaceably if they could1 forcibly if they must1 openly declaring1 that the arm of the civil law did not afford them a sufficient guarantee against the increasing evils of this religious sect2 and in their circular they further say1 ,we deem it expedient1 and of the highest importance1 to form ourselves into a company for the better and easier accomplishment of our purposes2 and conclude with these hightoned words3 ,we therefore agree1 that after timely warning1 and upon receiving an adequate compensation for what little property they cannot take with them1 they refuse to leave us in peace1 as they found us--we agree to use such means as may be sufficient to remove them2 and to this end1 we each pledge to each other our lives1 our bodily powers1 fortunes1 and sacred honors4 ,in answer to their bold and daring resolves to guard against anticipated evils1 ,i give the following extract from the ,governor's letter in relation to this affair1 dated ,october #aith1 #ahcc3 ,no citizen nor number of citizens1 have a right to take the redress of their grievances1 whether real or imaginary1 into their own hands2 such conduct strikes at the very existence of society1 and subverts the foundation on which it is based4 ,i ask again1 to whom shall blame be attached for this tragedy8 ,when the mob previously and publicly declared their intentions2 and the principles involved were understood by the ,executive1 as appears by the foregoing2 and also by the judiciary1 according to ,judge ,ryland's letter2 #c while the constitution of the land guarantees equal rights and privileges to all--all this considered1 to whom should blame be attached1 but to ,jackson county mobbers1 and to ,missouri8 ,footnotes #a4 ,all the numbers of ,the ,evening and ,morning ,star from the first issued1 in ,june1 #ahcb1 up to and including the number for ,july1 #ahcc 7fourteen numbers in all17 were reprinted at ,kirtland3 though in the reprint the page was changed from quarto to octavo form4 ,the last number issued in ,zion was in ,july1 #ahcc2 the first reprinted number was issued in ,december of the same year4 #b4 ,pages #cgd-f4 #c4 ,page #dde4 #dgb ,chapter ,,xxxv4 ,important ,correspondence on ,jackson ,county ,affairs1 ,chiefly between ,leading ,officials of the ,church in ,zion and ,state ,officials of ,missouri4 #a ,algernon ,sidney ,gilbert's ,letter to ,governor ,dunklin4 ,liberty1 ,clay ,county1 ,mo41 ,january #i1 #ahcd4 ,dear ,sir3--,since my communication of the #bith of ,november1 and a petition dated #fth of ,december last1 to which my name was attached1 ,i am induced to trespass again upon your patience1 with further particulars in relation to the unfortunate faction in ,jackson county1 on which subject ,i should be silent1 were it not that ,i entertain a hope of suggesting some ideas that may ultimately prove useful in ameliorating the present suffering conditions of my brethren1 and in some degree restoring peace to both parties4 ,being particularly acquainted with the situation of both parties at this day1 my desire is to write impartially2 notwithstanding ,i feel very sensibly the deep wound that has been inflicted upon the ,church of which ,i am a member1 by the citizens of ,jackson county4 ,the petition to your ,excellency1 dated the #fth of ,december last1 was drawn up hastily by ,mr4 ,phelps1 and signed by several of us1 just before the closing of the mail2 and there is one item in particular in said petition1 that needs some explanation2 the request that our men may be organized into companies of ,jackson ,guards1 and furnished with arms by the state1 was made at the instance of disinterested advisers2 and also a communication from the ,attorney ,general to ,messrs4 ,doniphan and ,atchison1 dated the #bast of ,november last1 gives his views as to the propriety of organizing into regular companies1 etc4 ,the necessity of being compelled to resort to arms1 to regain our possessions in ,jackson county1 is by no means agreeable to the feelings of the ,church and would never be thought of but from pure necessity4 ,in relation to a court of inquiry1 serious difficulties continue to exist1 well calculated to preclude the most important testimony of our ,church2 #dgc and there appears to be no evil which man is capable of inflicting upon his fellow-man1 but what our people are threatened with at this day by the citizens of ,jackson county4 ,this intimidates a great many1 particularly women and children1 and no military guard would diminish their fears so far as to induce them to attend the court in that county4 ,this1 with other serious difficulties1 will give a decided advantage to the offenders1 in a court of inquiry1 while they triumph in power1 numbers1 etc4 ,the citizens of ,jackson county are well aware that they have this advantage1 and the leaders of the faction1 if they must submit to such a court1 would gladly hasten it4 ,the ,church are anxious for a thorough investigation into the whole affair1 if their testimony can be taken without so great peril as they have reason to fear4 ,it is my opinion1 from present appearances1 that not one-fourth of the witnesses of our people can be prevailed upon to go into ,jackson county to testify4 ,the influence of the party that compose that faction is considerable1 and this influence operates in some degree upon the drafted militia1 so far as to lessen confidence in the loyalty of that body2 and ,i am satisfied that the influence of the ,jackson county faction will not be entirely put down while they have advocates among certain religious sects4 ,knowing that your ,excellency must be aware of the unequal contest in which we are engaged1 and that the little handful that compose our ,church are not the only sufferers that feel the oppressive hand of priestly power2 with these difficulties existing1 and many others not enumerated1 it would be my wish to adopt such measures as are best calculated to allay the rage of ,jackson county1 and restore the injured to their rightful possessions2 and to this end1 ,i would suggest the propriety of purchasing the possessions of the most violent leaders of the faction2 and if they assent to this proposition1 if the holdings of about twenty of the most influential in that county 7which would embrace the very leaders of the faction71 could be obtained1 ,i think the majority would cease in their persecutions1 at least1 when a due exercise of executive counsel and authority was manifested4 ,i suggest this measure because it is of a pacific nature1 well knowing that no legal steps are calculated to subdue their obduracy1 only when pushed with energy by the highest authorities of the state4 ,in this proposal1 ,i believe that ,i should have the concurrence of my brethren4 ,i therefore give this early intimation of an intention1 on the part of some of the leading men in the ,church1 to purchase out some of the principal leaders of the faction1 if funds sufficient can be raised2 hoping thereby to regain peaceful possession of their homes2 and in making a trial of this measure at a future day1 we would deem it important1 and of great utility1 if we could avail ourselves of counsel and directions #dgd from your ,excellency1 believing there will be a day1 in negotiations for peace1 in which an executive interposition would produce a salutary effect upon both parties4 ,in this communication1 with honesty of heart1 ,i have endeavored briefly to touch upon a few interesting points1 in plain truth1 believing that ,i have given no wrong bias on either side1 and with earnest prayers to our great ,benefactor1 that the chief ruler of this state may come to a full knowledge of the gross outrages in ,jackson county1 ,i subscribe myself1 ,your obedient servant1 ,algernon ,s4 ,gilbert4 ,to his ,excellency1 ,daniel ,dunklin1 ,jefferson ,city1 ,missouri4 ,letter of the ,first ,presidency to the ,scattered ,saints4 ,greeting3 ,we1 your companions in tribulation1 embrace the present opportunity of sending you this token of our love and good will1 assuring you that our bowels are filled with compassion1 and that our prayers are daily ascending to ,god in the name of ,jesus ,christ1 in your behalf4 ,we have just received intelligence from you1 through the medium of ,brother ,elliot1 of ,chagrin1 making inquiries concerning the course which you are to pursue4 ,in addition to the knowledge contained in the above on this subject1 we say1 if it is not the duty of the ,governor to call out and keep a standing force in ,jackson county to protect you on your lands 7which it appears must be done1 as we understand the mob are determined to massacre you1 if the ,governor take you back upon your lands1 and leave you unprotected71 it will become your duty to petition the ,governor to petition the ,president to send a force there to protect you1 when you are reinstated4 ,the ,governor proposes to take you back to your lands whenever you are ready to go 7if we understand correctly72 but cannot keep up an army to guard you2 and while the hostile feelings of the people of ,jackson county remain unabated1 probably you dare not go back to be left unguarded4 ,therefore1 in your petition to the ,governor1 set all these things forth in their proper light1 and pray him to notify the ,president1 of your situation2 and also petition the ,president yourselves1 according to the direction of the ,lord4 ,we have petitioned ,governor ,dunklin in your behalf1 and enclosed in it a printed revelation1 the same as this which we now send you4 ,the petition was signed by something like sixty brethren1 and mailed for ,jefferson city1 one week ago3 and he will probably receive it two weeks before you receive this4 ,we also intend to send a petition and this revelation to the ,president forthwith1 in your behalf1 and then we will act the part of the poor widow to perfection1 if possible1 and let our rulers read their destiny #dge if they do not lend a helping hand4 ,we exhort you to prosecute and try every lawful means to bring the mob to justice as fast as circumstances will permit4 ,with regard to your tarrying in ,clay county1 we cannot advise1 you must be governed by circumstances2 perhaps you will have to hire out1 and take farms to cultivate1 to obtain bread until the ,lord delivers you4 ,we sent you a fifty dollar ,united ,states note some time ago2 if you have received it1 please acknowledge the receipt of it to us1 that we may be satisfied you received it4 ,we shall do all that is in our power to assist you in every way we can4 ,we know your situation is a trying one1 but be patient1 and murmur not against the ,lord1 and you shall see that all these things shall turn to your greatest good4 ,inquire of ,elder ,marsh1 and find out the entire secret of mixing and compounding lead and antimony1 so as to make type metal1 and write us concerning it4 ,joseph has sent you another fifty dollar note1 making in all one hundred dollars2 write us concerning it4 ,there is a prospect of the eastern churches doing something handsome towards the deliverance of ,zion1 in the course of a year1 if ,zion is not delivered otherwise4 ,though the ,lord said this affliction came upon you because of your sins1 polluting your inheritances1 etc41 yet there is an exception of some1 namely1 the heads of ,zion2 for the ,lord said1 ,your brethren in ,zion begin to repent1 and the angels rejoice over them4 ,you will also see an exception at the top of the second column of this revelation2 therefore1 this affliction came upon the ,church to chasten those in transgression1 and prepare the hearts of those who had repented1 for an endowment from the ,lord4 ,we shall not be able to send you any more money at present1 unless the ,lord puts it into our hands unexpectedly4 ,there is not quite so much danger of a mob upon us as there has been4 ,the hand of the ,lord has thus far been stretched out to protect us4 ,doctor ,philastus ,hurlburt1 an apostate ,elder from this ,church1 has been to the state of ,new ,york1 and gathered up all the ridiculous stories that could be invented1 and some affidavits respecting the character of ,joseph and the ,smith family2 and exhibited them to numerous congregations in ,chagrin1 ,kirtland1 ,mentor1 and ,painsville2 and he has fired the minds of the people with much indignation against ,joseph and the ,church4 ,hurlburt also made many harsh threats1 that he would take the life of ,joseph1 if he could not destroy ,mormonism without4 ,brother ,joseph took him with a peace warrant1 and after three days' trial1 and investigating the merits of our religion1 in the town of ,painsville1 by able attorneys on both sides1 he was bound over to the county court4 ,thus his influence was pretty much destroyed1 and since the trial1 the #dgf spirit of hostility seems to be broken down in a good degree2 but how long it will continue so1 we cannot say4 ,you purchased your inheritances with money1 therefore1 behold you are blessed3 you have not purchased your lands by the shedding of blood1 consequently you do not come under the censure of this commandment which says1 ,if by blood1 lo your enemies are upon you1 and ye shall be driven from city to city2 give yourselves no uneasiness on this account4 ,farewell1 in the bonds of the new covenant1 and partakers in tribulation4 7,signed7 ,orson ,hyde1 ,clerk of the ,presidency of the ,church4 ,governor ,dunklin to the ,brethren in ,missouri4 ,city of ,jefferson1 ,february #d1 #ahcd4 ,gentlemen3--,your communication of the #fth ,december1 was regularly received1 and duly considered2 and had ,i not expected to have received the evidence brought out on the inquiry ordered into the military conduct of ,colonel ,pitcher1 in a short time after ,i received your petition1 ,i should have replied to it long since4 ,last evening ,i was informed that the further inquiry of the court was postponed until the #bjth inst4 ,then1 before ,i could hear anything from this court1 the court of civil jurisdiction will hold its session in ,jackson county2 consequently1 ,i cannot receive anything from one1 preparatory to arrangements for the other4 ,i am very sensible indeed of the injuries your people complain of1 and should consider myself very remiss in the discharge of my duties were ,i not to do everything in my power consistent with the legal exercise of them1 to afford your society the redress to which they seem entitled4 ,one of your requests needs no evidence to support the right to have it granted2 it is that your people be put in possession of their homes1 from which they have been expelled4 ,but what may be the duty of the ,executive after that1 will depend upon contingencies4 ,if1 upon inquiry1 it is found that your people were wrongfully dispossessed of their arms by ,colonel ,pitcher1 then an order will be issued to have them returned2 and should your men organize according to law--which they have a right to do1 indeed it is their duty to do so1 unless exempted by religious scruples--and apply for public arms1 the ,executive could not distinguish between their right to have them1 and the right of every other description of people similarly situated4 ,as to the request for keeping up a military force to protect your people1 and prevent the commission of crimes and injuries1 were ,i to #dgg comply1 it would transcend the powers with which the ,executive of this state is clothed4 ,the ,federal ,constitution has given to ,congress the power to provide for calling forth the militia to execute the laws of the ,union1 suppress insurrection1 or repel invasion2 and for these purposes1 the ,president of the ,united ,states is authorized to make the call upon the executive of the respective states2 and the laws of this state empower the commander-in-chief1 in case of actual or threatened invasion1 insurrection or war1 or public danger1 or other emergency1 to call forth into actual service1 such portion of the militia as he may deem expedient4 ,these1 together with the general provision of our state constitution that the ,governor shall take care that the laws are faithfully executed1 are all upon this branch of executive powers4 ,none of these1 as ,i consider1 embraces this part of your request4 ,the words1 or other emergency1 in our militia law1 seem quite broad2 but the emergency to come within the object of that provision1 should be of a public nature4 #b ,your case is certainly a very emergent one1 and the consequences as important to your society1 as if the war had been waged against the whole state1 yet1 the public has no other interest in it1 than that the laws be faithfully executed2 thus far ,i presume the whole community feel a deep interest2 for that which is the case of the ,mormons today1 may be the case of the ,catholics tomorrow1 and after them1 any other sect that may become obnoxious to a majority of the people of any section of the state4 ,so far as a faithful execution of the laws is concerned1 the ,executive is disposed to do everything consistent with the means furnished him by the legislature1 and ,i think ,i may safely say the same of the judiciary4 ,as now advised1 ,i am of the opinion that a military guard will be necessary to protect the state witnesses and officers of the court1 and to assist in the execution of its orders1 while sitting in ,jackson county4 ,by this mail ,i write to ,mr4 ,reese1 enclosing him an order on the captain of the ,liberty ,blues1 requiring the captain to comply with the requisition of the circuit attorney1 in protecting the court and officers1 #dgh and executing their precepts and orders during the progress of these trials4 ,under the protection of this guard1 your people can1 if they think proper1 return to their homes in ,jackson county1 and be protected in them during the progress of the trial in question1 by which time1 facts will be developed upon which ,i can act more definitely4 #c ,the ,attorney-,general will be required to assist the ,circuit ,attorney1 if the latter deem necessary4 ,on the subject of civil injuries1 ,i must refer you to the courts2 such questions rest with them exclusively4 ,the laws are sufficient to afford a remedy for every injury of this kind2 and1 whenever you make out a case entitling you to damages1 there can be no doubt entertained of their ample award4 ,justice is sometimes slow in its progress1 but is not less sure on that account4 ,very respectfully1 your obedient servant1 7,signed7 ,daniel ,dunklin4 ,to ,messrs4 ,w4 ,w4 ,phelps1 ,isaac ,morley1 ,john ,whitmer1 ,edward ,partridge1 ,john ,corrill and ,a4 ,s4 ,gilbert4 ,letter of ,algernon ,s4 ,gilbert to ,a4 ,leonard1 ,esq41 ,attorney4 ,liberty1 ,clay ,county1 ,missouri1 ,february #ac1 #ahcd4 ,a4 ,leonard1 ,esq43 ,dear ,sir3--,i have received a line from ,william ,pratt1 who called on you a few weeks since1 to inquire if your services could be secured in the prosecution of claims for damages by our ,church against the citizens of ,jackson county2 and by his letter it appears that you are willing to engage in our case4 ,so far as ,i have conversed with the principal leaders of our ,church1 they are desirous to secure your services1 which also meets the approbation of our counsel in this county1 viz41 ,messrs4 ,reese1 ,doniphan1 ,atchison1 and ,wood4 ,i write this a few moments before closing the mail1 and have not time to state particulars1 as to the extent of the suits1 but believe that four or five suits have been brought by ,phelps ,co41 for the destruction of the printing office1 etc41 etc41 and by ,partridge and others for personal abuse4 ,i understand that at the next ,monday term of the circuit court1 petition will be made for a change of venue in ,jackson county1 and ,i suppose no case can be tried before next ,june #dgi or ,october term4 ,if it is expedient1 some one of our people will call on you in a few days1 and during the interim1 wish you to drop me a line if convenient4 ,we have this day received a communication of the #dth instant1 from the ,governor1 in which he states1 that he is of opinion that a military guard will be necessary1 to protect the state witnesses and officers of the court1 and to assist in the execution of its orders1 while sitting in ,jackson county4 ,by this mail ,i write to ,mr4 ,reese1 enclosing him an order on the captain of the ,liberty ,blues1 requiring the captain to comply with the requisition of the circuit attorney1 in protecting the court and officers1 and executing their precepts and orders during the progress of these trials4 ,the foregoing relates to a court of inquiry into criminal matters1 to be held in ,jackson county1 next ,monday week4 ,very respectfully1 your obedient servant1 ,algernon ,s4 ,gilbert4 ,the ,brethren in ,clay ,county1 ,missouri1 to ,judge ,ryland4 ,liberty1 ,february #ai1 #ahcd4 ,to the ,hon4 ,john ,f4 ,ryland1 ,judge of the ,fifth ,circuit ,court1 ,missouri3 ,sir3--,learning that a court of inquiry is to be held in ,jackson county1 at the next regular term of the circuit court for that county1 or that some kind of legal proceeding is to be commenced for the purpose of obtaining the facts1 as far as can be1 or bringing to punishment the guilty in that county1--,we1 therefore1 pray your honor to avail yourself of every means in your power to execute the law and make it honorable2 and believing that the testimony of some of the members of our ,church will be important1 and deeming it unsafe to risk our persons in that county without a guard1 we request that the order from the ,executive1 already transmitted1 may be put in force4 ,respectfully1 etc41 ,edward ,partridge1 ,a4 ,s4 ,gilbert1 ,w4 ,w4 ,phelps1 ,john ,corrill1 ,john ,whitmer4 ,another request similar to the above was sent1 same date1 to ,amos ,reese1 ,circuit ,attorney4 ,letter of ,w4 ,w4 ,phelps et al4 to ,judge ,woodward4 ,liberty1 ,february #ai1 #ahcd4 ,george ,woodward1 ,judge ,advocate1 in the case of the ,state of ,missouri1 versus ,colonel ,thomas ,pitcher3 ,sir3--,the undersigned request of you1 if it be consistent with #dhj custom and law1 an official copy of the proceedings recorded by you1 in the above stated case1 for the purpose of preservation1 as an important link in the history of our unfortunate society4 ,respectfully1 ,w4 ,w4 ,phelps1 ,edward ,partridge1 ,algernon ,s4 ,gilbert4 ,affidavit of ,abigail ,leonard4 ,i1 ,abigail ,leonard1 depose and say1 that on the night of the #bjth of ,february1 #ahcd1 in the county of ,jackson and ,state of ,missouri1 a company of men1 about fifty or sixty in number1 armed with whips and guns1 came to the house of my husband3 among them were ,john ,young1 ,mr4 ,yocum1 ,mr4 ,cantrell1 ,mr4 ,patterson and ,mr4 ,noland4 ,five of the number entered the house2 among them was ,john ,young4 ,they ordered my husband to leave the house1 threatening to shoot him if he did not4 ,he not complying with their desires1 one of the five took a chair and struck him upon the head1 knocking him down1 and then dragging him out of the house2 ,i1 in the meantime1 begging of them to spare his life1 when one of the number called to the others1 telling them to take me into the house1 for ,i would overpower every devil of them4 ,three of the company then approached me1 and1 presenting their guns1 declared with an oath1 if ,i did not go in1 they would blow me through4 ,while this was happening ,mr4 ,patterson jumped upon my husband with his heels2 my husband then got up1 they stripped all his clothes from him excepting his pantaloons1 then five or six attacked him with whips and gun sticks1 and whipped him till he could not stand1 and he fell to the ground4 ,i then went to them1 and took their whips from them2 ,i then called to ,mr4 ,bruce1 who lived in the same house with us1 to come out and help me carry my husband into the house4 ,when carried in he was very much lacerated and bruised1 and unable to lie upon a bed1 and also unable to work for a number of months4 ,also1 at the same time and place1 ,mr4 ,josiah ,sumner was taken from the house1 and came in very bloody and bruised from whipping4 7,signed7 ,abigail ,leonard4 ,the following letter from ,w4 ,w4 ,phelps reached the hand of the ,prophet at ,kirtland at a time when he had received some eastern papers deploring the success attending upon the preaching of ,mormonism in the ,east4 ,the ,prophet introduces the letter of ,elder ,phelps in his history in the following language3 ,thus1 while the press was mourning the prosperity of the work1 and the #dha ,saints were rejoicing in the ,east1 troubles changed and multiplied in the ,west1 as may be seen by the following letter3 ,letter of ,wm4 ,w4 ,phelps to the ,brethren in ,kirtland1 ,detailing the ,farcical ,effort of the ,officers of ,missouri to ,enforce the ,law4 ,clay ,county1 ,missouri1 ,feb4 #bg1 #ahcd4 ,dear ,brethren--,the times are so big with events1 and the anxiety of everybody so great to watch them1 that ,i feel somewhat impressed to write oftener than ,i have done1 in order to give you more of the strange acts of this region4 ,i have just returned from ,independence1 the seat of war in the ,west4 ,about a dozen of our brethren1 among whom were ,bishop ,partridge1 ,elder ,corrill and myself1 were subpoenaed in behalf of the state2 and on the #bcrd of ,february1 about #ab o'clock1 we were on the bank opposite ,everett's ,ferry1 where we found ,captain ,atchison's company of ,liberty ,blues--nearly fifty rank and file--ready to guard us into ,jackson county4 ,the soldiers were well armed with ,united ,states muskets1 bayonets fixed1 etc41 and to me the scene was passing strange1 and long to be remembered2 the martial law in force to guard the civil6 ,about twenty-five men crossed over to effect a landing in safety1 and when they came near the warehouse they fired six or eight guns1 though the enemy had not gathered to witness the landing4 ,after we were all across1 and waiting for the baggage wagon1 it was thought most advisable to encamp in the woods1 and the witnesses1 with half the company1 marched nearly a mile towards ,independence1 to build night fires1 as we were without tents1 and the weather cold enough to snow a little4 ,while on the way1 the quartermaster and others1 that had gone on ahead to prepare quarters in town1 sent an express back1 which was not of the most pacific appearance4 ,captain ,atchison continued the express to ,colonel ,allen for the two hundred drafted militia1 and also to ,liberty for more ammunition2 and the night passed off in warlike style1 with the sentinels marching silently at a proper distance from the watch fires4 ,early in the morning we marched1 strongly guarded by the troops1 to the seat of war1 and quartered in the blockhouse1 formerly the tavern stand of ,s4 ,flournoy2 after breakfast we were visited by the ,district ,attorney1 ,mr4 ,reese1 and the ,attorney-,general1 ,mr4 ,wells4 ,from them we learned that all hopes of criminal prosecutions were at an end4 ,mr4 ,wells had been sent by the governor to investigate1 as far as possible1 the ,jackson outrage2 but the bold front of the mob2 bound even unto death 7as ,i have heard71 was not to be penetrated by civil law1 or awed by executive influence4 ,shortly after1 ,captain #dhb ,atchison informed me that he had just received an order from the judge that his company's service was no longer wanted in ,jackson county2 and we were marched out of town to the tune of ,yankee ,doodle1 in quick time1 and soon returned to our camp without the loss of any lives4 ,this order was issued by the court1 apparently1 on account of the speedy gathering of the old mob1 or citizens of ,jackson county1 and their assuming such a boisterous and mobocratic appearance4 ,much credit is due to ,captain ,atchison for his gallantry and hospitality1 and ,i think ,i can say of the officers and company1 that their conduct as soldiers and men1 is highly reputable2 so much the more so1 knowing as ,i do1 the fatal results of the trial had the militia come or not come4 ,i can add that the ,captain's safe return refreshed my mind with ,xenophon's safe retreat of the ,ten ,thousand6 ,thus ends all hope of redress1 even with a guard ordered by the ,governor for the protection of the court and witnesses4 #d ,before a crop is harvested it becomes ripe of itself4 ,the dreadful deeds now done in ,jackson county1 with impunity1 must bring matters to a focus shortly4 ,within two or three weeks past some of the most savage acts ever witnessed have been committed by these bitter branches4 ,old ,father ,lindsey1 whose locks have been whitened by the blasts of nearly seventy winters1 had his house thrown down1 after he was driven from it2 his goods1 corn1 etc41 piled together and fire put to it1 but fortunately after the mob retired1 his son extinguished it4 ,the mob has quit whipping and now beats with clubs4 ,lyman ,leonord1 one of the number that returned from ,van ,buren county had two chairs broken to splinters upon him1 and was then dragged out of doors and beat with clubs till he was supposed to be dead1 but he is #dhc yet alive4 ,josiah ,sumner and ,barnet ,cole were severely beaten at the same time4 ,the mob have commenced burning houses1 stacks1 etc42 and we shall not think it out of their power1 by any means1 to proceed to murder any of our people that shall try to live in that county1 or perhaps1 only go there4 ,such scenes as are happening around us are calculated to arouse feelings and passions in all1 and to strengthen the faith and fortify the hearts of the ,saints for great things4 ,our ,savior laid down ,his life for our sakes1 and shall we1 who profess to live by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of ,god--shall we1 the servants of the ,lord of the vineyard1 who are called and chosen to prune it for the last time--shall we1 yea1 verily we1 who are enlightened by the wisdom of heaven--shall we fear to do at least this much for ,jesus who has done so much for us8 ,no2 we will obey the voice of the ,spirit1 that ,god may overcome the world4 ,i am a servant1 etc41 ,w4 ,w4 ,phelps4 ,second ,petition to the ,president of the ,united ,states4 ,liberty1 ,clay ,county1 ,missouri1 ,april #aj1 #ahcd4 ,to the ,president of the ,united ,states of ,america3 ,we1 the undersigned1 your petitioners1 citizens of the ,united ,states of ,america1 and residents of the county of ,clay1 in the state of ,missouri1 being members of the ,church of ,christ1 reproachfully called ,mormons1 beg leave to refer the ,president to our former petition1 dated in ,october last2 and also to lay before him the accompanying hand-bill1 dated ,december #abth1 #ahcc1 with assurances that the said hand-bill exhibits but a faint sketch of the sufferings of your petitioners and their brethren1 up to the period of its publication4 ,the said hand-bill shows1 that at the time of dispersion a number of our families fled into the new and unsettled county of ,van ,buren2 but being unable to procure provisions in that county through the winter1 many of them were compelled to return to their homes in ,jackson county or perish of hunger4 ,but they had no sooner set foot upon that soil--which a few months before they had purchased of the ,united ,states--than they were again met by the citizens of ,jackson county1 and a renewal of savage barbarities was inflicted upon these families by beating with clubs and sticks1 presenting knives and fire arms1 and threatenings of death if they did not flee from the county4 ,these inhuman assaults upon a number of these families were repeated at two or three different times through the past winter1 till they were compelled at last to abandon their possessions in ,jackson county1 and flee with their wounded bodies into this county1 here to mingle their tears #dhd and unite their supplications1 with hundreds of their brethren1 to our ,heavenly ,father and the chief ruler of our nation4 ,between one and two thousand of the people called ,mormons have been driven by force of arms from the county of ,jackson in this state since the first of ,november last1 being compelled to leave their highly cultivated fields--the greater part of their lands having been bought of the ,united ,states--and all this on account of our belief in direct revelation from ,god to the children of men according to the ,holy ,scriptures4 ,we know that such illegal violence has not been inflicted upon any sect or community of people by the citizens of the ,united ,states since the ,declaration of ,independence4 ,that this is a religious persecution is notorious throughout our country2 for while the officers of the county1 both civil and military1 were accomplices in these unparalleled outrages1 engaged in the destruction of the printing office1 dwelling houses1 etc41 yet the records of the judicial tribunals of that county are not stained by any record of crime committed by our people4 ,our numbers being greatly inferior to the enemy were unable to stand in self defense2 and our lives1 at this day1 are continually threatened by that infuriated people1 so that our personal safety forbids one of our number going into that county on business4 ,we beg leave to state that no impartial investigation into this criminal matter can be made1 because the offenders must be tried in the county where the offense was committed1 and the inhabitants of the county1 both magistrates and people1 with the exception of a few1 being combined1 justice cannot be expected4 ,at this day your petitioners do not know of a solitary family belonging to our ,church in ,jackson county but what has been violently expelled from that county by the inhabitants thereof4 ,your petitioners have not gone into detail with an account of their individual sufferings from death1 and bruised bodies1 and the universal distress which prevails at this day1 in a greater or less degree throughout our community4 ,not only have those sacred rights guaranteed to every religious sect been publicly invaded in open hostility to the spirit and genius of our free government2 but such of their houses as have not been burnt1 and their lands and most of the products of the labor of their hands for the last year1 have been wrested from them by a band of outlaws congregated in ,jackson county1 on the western frontiers of the ,united ,states1 and this within about thirty miles of the ,united ,states military post at ,fort ,leavenworth1 on the ,missouri river4 ,your petitioners say that they do not enter into a minute detail of their sufferings in this petition lest they should weary the patience of their venerable chief1 whose arduous duties they know are great1 and daily accumulating4 ,we only hope to show him that this is an #dhe unprecedented emergency in the history of our country1 that the magistracy thereof is set at defiance1 and justice checked in open violation of its laws2 and that we1 your petitioners1 who are almost wholly native born citizens of these ,united ,states1 of whom we purchased our lands in ,jackson county1 ,missouri1 with intent to cultivate the same as peaceable citizens1 are now forced from them1 and are now dwelling in the counties of ,clay1 ,ray and ,lafayette1 in the state of ,missouri1 without permanent homes1 and suffering all the privations which must necessarily result from such inhuman treatment4 ,under these sufferings your petitioners petitioned the governor of this state in ,december last1 in answer to which they received the following letter3 #e 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 ,by the foregoing letter from the ,governor1 the ,president will perceive a disposition manifested by him to enforce the laws as far as means have been furnished him by the legislature of this state4 ,but the powers vested in the executive of this state appear to be inadequate for relieving the distresses of your petitioners in their present emergency4 ,he is willing to send a guard to conduct our families back to their possessions1 but is not authorized to direct a military force to be stationed any length of time for the protection of your petitioners4 ,this step would be laying the foundation for a more fatal tragedy than the first1 as our numbers at present are too small to contend single handed with the mob of said county2 and as the ,federal ,constitution has given to ,congress the power to provide for calling forth the militia to execute the laws of the ,union1 suppress insurrections1 or repel invasions3 and for these purposes the ,president of the ,united ,states is authorized to make the call upon the executive of the respective states2 therefore1 we1 your petitioners1 in behalf of our society1 which is so scattered and suffering1 most humbly pray that we may be restored to our lands1 houses1 and property in ,jackson county1 and protected in them by an armed force1 till peace can be restored4 ,and as in duty bound1 will ever pray4 ,here followed one hundred and fourteen signatures1 among whom were3 ,edward ,partridge1 ,john ,corrill1 ,john ,whitmer1 ,isaac ,morley1 ,a4 ,s4 ,gilbert1 ,w4 ,w4 ,phelps1 etc41 etc4 ,letter of ,algernon ,s4 ,gilbert et al4 to the ,president ,accompanying ,foregoing ,petition4 ,liberty1 ,clay ,county1 ,missouri1 ,april #aj1 #ahcd4 ,to the ,president of the ,united ,states3 ,we1 the undersigned1 some of the leading members of the ,church of #dhf ,christ1 whose names are subscribed to the accompanying petition1 beg leave to refer the ,president to the petition and hand-bill herewith4 ,we are not insensible to the multiplicity of business and numerous petitions1 by which the cares and perplexities of our chief ruler are daily increased2 and it is with diffidence that we venture to lay before the executive1 at this emergent period1 these two documents1 wherein is briefly portrayed the most unparalleled persecution and flagrant outrage of law that has disgraced the country since the adoption of the ,declaration of ,independence1 but knowing the independent fortitude1 and vigorous energy for preserving the rights of the citizens of this republic1 which has hitherto marked the course of our chief magistrate1 we are encouraged to hope1 that this communication will not pass unnoticed1 but that the ,president will consider our location on the extreme western frontier of the ,united ,states1 exposed to many ignorant and lawless ruffians1 who are already congregated1 and determined to nullify all law that will secure to your petitioners the peaceable possession of their lands in ,jackson county4 ,we again repeat1 that our society are wandering in adjoining counties at this day1 bereft of their houses and lands1 and threatened with death by the aforesaid outlaws of ,jackson county4 ,and lest the ,president should have been deceived in regard to our true situation1 by the misrepresentations of certain individuals1 who from religious1 political1 and speculative motives1 are disposed to cover the gross outrages of the mob1 we beg leave to refer him to the ,governor of this state1 at the same time informing him that the number of men composing the mob of ,jackson county1 may be estimated at from three to five hundred1 most of them equipped with fire-arms4 ,after noting the statements here made1 if it should be the disposition of the ,president to grant aid1 we most humbly entreat that early relief may be extended to suffering families1 who are now expelled from their possessions by force of arms4 ,our lands in ,jackson county1 are about thirty miles distant from ,fort ,leavenworth1 on the ,missouri river4 ,with due respect1 we are1 sir1 your obedient servants1 ,a4 ,s4 ,gilbert1 ,w4 ,w4 ,phelps1 ,edward ,partridge4 ,p4 ,s4--,in ,february last a number of our people were marched under a guard furnished by the governor of the state1 into ,jackson county1 for the purpose of prosecuting the mob criminally2 but the ,attorney-,general of the state1 and the ,district ,attorney1 knowing the force and power of the mob1 advised us to relinquish all hope of criminal prosecution to effect anything against that band of outlaws1 and we returned under guard1 without the least prospect of ever obtaining our rights and possessions in ,jackson county1 by any other means than a few #dhg companies of the ,united ,states regular troops1 to guard and assist us till we are safely settled4 ,a4 ,s4 ,g4 ,w4 ,w4 ,p4 ,e4 ,p4 ,the foregoing letter and petition were forwarded by mail the same day1 ,april #ajth2 also the following3 ,letter of the ,brethren to ,governor ,dunklin1 ,asking ,him to ,write the ,president in ,connection with ,their ,petition4 ,liberty1 ,clay ,county ,missouri1 ,april #aj1 #ahcd4 ,to ,his ,excellency1 ,daniel ,dunklin1 ,governor of ,missouri3 ,dear ,sir3--,notwithstanding you may have become somewhat tired of receiving communications from us1 yet we beg of your ,excellency to pardon us for this1 as we have this day forwarded a petition to the ,president of the ,united ,states1 setting forth our distressed condition1 together with your ,excellency's views of it1 as well as the limited powers with which you are clothed1 to afford that protection which we need1 to enjoy our rights and lands in ,jackson county4 ,a few lines from the ,governor of the state1 in connection with our humble entreaties for our possessions and privileges1 we think would be of considerable consequence towards bringing about the desired result1 and would be gratefully acknowledged by us1 and our society1 and we may add1 by all honorable men4 ,we therefore1 as humble petitioners1 ask as a favor of your ,excellency to write to the ,president of the ,united ,states1 that he may assist us1 or our society1 in obtaining our rights in ,jackson county1 and help protect us when there1 till we are safe4 ,as in duty bound1 we will ever pray4 7,signed7 ,w4 ,w4 ,phelps1 ,john ,whitmer1 ,a4 ,s4 ,gilbert1 ,edward ,partridge1 ,john ,corrill4 ,letter of ,w4 ,w4 ,phelps to ,u4,s4 ,senator ,benton of ,missouri on the ,subject of the ,petition to the ,president4 ,liberty1 ,clay ,county1 ,missouri4 ,april #aj1 #ahcd4 ,dear ,sir3--,as our society has just sent a petition and hand-bill to #dhh the ,president of the ,united ,states1 setting forth their distressed condition since expelled from their homes by the ,jackson county mob2 and as you may remember that ,i was about to establish last summer1 previous to the destruction of my office by the mob1 a weekly newspaper1 in favor of the present administration1 ,i have thought best to address this communication to your honor1 and refer you to said petition and hand-bill1 and assure you1 at the same time1 that my determination is to publish a weekly paper1 in ,jackson county1 in favor of the present administration as soon as our society is restored to its legal rights and possessions4 ,as a people we are bound to support our republican government and its institutions2 and more than all1 my press1 which was wrested from me1 is now printing a mean opposition paper1 by ,kelly and ,davis4 ,any communication from you will be well received by ,your obedient servant1 ,w4 ,w4 ,phelps4 ,hon4 ,thomas ,h4 ,benton4 ,letter from ,governor ,dunklin to the ,brethren1 ,answering the ,one ,inviting ,him to ,write the ,president on the ,subject of the ,saints' ,petition4 ,city of ,jefferson1 ,april #bj1 #ahcd4 ,to ,messrs4 ,w4 ,w4 ,phelps1 ,edward ,partridge1 ,john ,corrill1 ,john ,whitmer1 and ,a4 ,s4 ,gilbert3 ,gentlemen3--,yours of the #ajth inst41 was received yesterday1 in which you request me as executive of this state to join you in an appeal to the ,president of the ,united ,states for protection in the enjoyment of your rights in ,jackson county4 ,it will readily occur to you1 no doubt1 the possibility of your having asked of the ,president protection in a way that he1 no more than the executive of this state1 can render4 ,if you ask for that which ,i may be of opinion he has power to grant1 ,i should have no objection to join in urging it upon him2 but ,i could no more ask the ,president--however willing ,i am to see your society restored and protected in their rights--to do that which ,i may believe he has no power to do1 than ,i could do such an act myself4 ,if you will send me a copy of your petition to the ,president1 ,i will judge of his right to grant it2 and if of opinion he possesses the power1 ,i will write in favor of its exercise4 ,i am now in correspondence with the federal government1 on the subject of deposits of munitions of war on our northern and western borders1 and have no doubt but ,i shall succeed in procuring one1 which will be located1 if left to me1 7and the ,secretary of ,war seems willing #dhi to be governed by the opinion of the executive of this state71 somewhere near the state line1 either in ,jackson or ,clay county4 ,the establishment will be an arsenal1 and will probably be placed under the command of a lieutenant of the army4 ,this will afford you the best means of military protection1 the nature of your case will admit4 ,although ,i can see no direct impropriety in making the subject of this paragraph public1 yet ,i should prefer it not to be so considered for the present1 as the erection of an arsenal is only in expectancy4 ,permit me to suggest to you1 that as you now have greatly the advantage of your adversaries1 in public estimation1 there is a great propriety in retaining that advantage1 which you can easily do by keeping your adversaries in the wrong4 ,the laws1 both civil and military1 seem deficient in affording your society proper protection2 nevertheless1 public sentiment is a powerful corrector of error1 and you should make it your policy to continue to deserve it4 ,with much respect1 and great regard1 ,i am your obedient servant1 ,daniel ,dunklin4 ,the ,brethren in ,missouri to ,governor ,dunklin1 ,informing ,him ,that ,they ,expect the ,arrival of ,reinforcements from ,their ,brethren in the ,east4 ,liberty1 ,clay ,county1 ,mo41 ,april #bd1 #ahcd4 ,dear ,sir3--,in our last communication of the #ajth instant1 we omitted to make inquiry concerning the evidence brought up before the court of inquiry1 in the case of ,colonel ,pitcher4 ,the court met pursuant to adjournment1 on the #bjth of ,february last1 and for some reason unknown to us1 we have not been able to obtain information concerning the opinion or decision of that court2 we hoped that the testimony would have been transmitted to your ,excellency before this1 that an order might be issued for the return of our arms1 of which we have been wrongfully dispossessed1 as we believe will clearly appear to the commander-in-chief1 when the evidence is laid before him4 ,as suggested in your communication of the #dth of ,february1 we have concluded to organize according to law1 and apply for public arms2 but we feared that such a step1 which must be attended with public ceremonies1 might produce some excitement2 and we have thus far delayed any movement of that nature1 hoping to regain our arms from ,jackson county1 that we might independently equip ourselves1 and be prepared to assist in the maintenance of our constitutional rights and liberties1 as guaranteed to us by our country2 and also to defend our persons and property from a lawless mob1 when it shall #dij please the executive at some future day1 to put us in possession of our homes1 from which we have been most wickedly expelled4 ,we are happy to make an expression of our thanks for the willingness manifested by the executive to enforce the laws1 so far as he can consistently with the means furnished him by the legislature2 and we are firmly persuaded that a future day will verify to him that whatever aid we may receive from the executive has not been lavished upon a band of traitors1 but upon a people whose respect and veneration for the laws of our country1 and its pure republican principles are as great as that of any other society in these ,united ,states4 ,as our ,jackson foes and their correspondents are busy in circulating slanderous and wicked reports concerning our people1 their views1 etc41 we have deemed it expedient to inform your ,excellency that we have received communications from our friends in the ,east1 informing us that a number of our brethren1 perhaps two or three hundred1 would remove to ,jackson county in the course of the ensuing summer2 and we are satisfied that when the ,jackson mob get the intelligence that a large number of our people are about to remove into that county1 they will raise a great hue-and-cry1 and circulate many bugbears through the medium of their favorite press2 but we think your ,excellency is well aware that our object is purely to defend ourselves and possessions against another outrageous attack from the mob1 inasmuch as the executive of this state cannot keep up a military force to protect our people in that county1 without transcending his powers4 ,we want1 therefore1 the privilege of defending ourselves and the constitution of our county1 while ,god is willing we should have a being on ,his footstool4 ,we do not know at what time our friends will arrive1 but expect more certain intelligence in a few weeks4 ,whenever they do arrive1 it would be the wish of our people in this county1 to return to our homes1 in company with our friends1 under guard2 and when once in legal possession of our homes in ,jackson county1 we shall endeavor to take care of them1 without further wearying the patience of our worthy chief magistrate4 ,we will write hereafter1 or send an express4 ,during the intermediate time1 we would be glad to hear of the prospects of recovering our arms4 ,with due respect1 we are1 sir1 your obedient servants1 7,signed7 ,a4 ,s4 ,gilbert1 ,edward ,partridge1 ,w4 ,w4 ,phelps1 ,john ,corrill1 ,john ,whitmer4 ,p4 ,s4 ,many of the brethren who are expected here soon1 had made #dia arrangements to emigrate to this state before the outrages of the mob last fall4 ,we hope the painful emergency of our case will plead an excuse for our frequent communications4 ,letter of ,governor ,dunklin ,replying to the ,communication of ,april #bdth from the ,brethren in ,clay ,county4 ,city of ,jefferson1 ,may #b1 #ahcd4 ,to ,messrs4 ,w4 ,w4 ,phelps and others3 ,gentlemen3--,yours of the #bdth ultimo is before me1 in reply to which ,i can inform you1 that becoming impatient at the delay of the court of inquiry in making their report in the case of ,lieutenant-,colonel ,pitcher1--on the #aath ultimo ,i wrote to ,general ,thompson for the reasons of such delay2 last night ,i received his reply1 and with it the report of the court of inquiry1 from the tenor of which1 ,i find no difficulty in deciding that the arms your people were required to surrender on the #eth of last ,november1 should be returned2 and have issued an order to ,colonel ,lucas to deliver them to you or your order1 which order is here enclosed4 ,respectfully1 your obedient servant1 7,signed7 ,daniel ,dunklin4 ,following is the order referred to above3 ,city of ,jefferson1 ,may #b1 #ahcd4 ,to ,samuel ,d4 ,lucas1 ,col4 #ccrd ,regiment3 ,sir3--,the court ordered to inquire into the conduct of ,lieutenant-,colonel ,pitcher1 in the movement he made on the #eth of ,november last1 report it as their unanimous opinion that there was no insurrection on that day1 and that ,colonel ,pitcher was not authorized to call out his troops on the #eth of ,november1 #ahcc4 ,it was then unnecessary to require the ,mormons to give up their arms4 ,therefore1 you will deliver to ,w4 ,w4 ,phelps1 ,edward ,partridge1 ,john ,corrill1 ,john ,whitmer1 and ,a4 ,s4 ,gilbert1 or their order1 the fifty-two guns and one pistol reported by ,lieutenant-,colonel ,pitcher to you on the #crd ,december last1 as having been received by him from the ,mormons on the #eth of the preceding ,october1 ,november4 ,respectfully1 ,daniel ,dunklin1 ,commander-in-,chief4 ,letter to ,governor ,dunklin ,answering ,his of ,april the #bjth ,wherein ,he ,cautioned the ,saints to ,keep ,their ,enemies in the ,wrong4 ,liberty1 ,clay ,county1 ,may #g1 #ahcd4 ,dear ,sir3--,your favor of the #bjth ultimo1 came to hand the #ast #dib instant1 which gives us a gleam of hope that the time will come when we may experience a partial mitigation of our sufferings4 ,the salutary advice at the conclusion of your letter is received with great deference4 ,since our last of the #bdth ultimo1 the mob of ,jackson county have burned our dwellings2 as near as we can ascertain1 between one hundred and one hundred and fifty were consumed by fire in about one week2 our arms were also taken from the depository 7the jail7 about ten days since1 and distributed among the mob4 ,great efforts are now making by said mob to stir up the citizens of this county 7,clay7 and ,lafayette1 to similar outrages against us2 but we think they will fail of accomplishing their wicked designs in this county4 ,we here annex a copy of the petition to the ,president1 signed by about one hundred and twenty4 ,with great respect1 etc41 7,signed7 ,a4 ,s4 ,gilbert1 ,w4 ,w4 ,phelps4 ,daniel ,dunklin1 ,governor of ,missouri3 ,letter to ,colonel ,s4 ,d4 ,lucas ,asking about ,arms ,surrendered at ,independence4 ,liberty1 ,clay ,county1 ,missouri1 ,may #ae1 #ahcd4 ,colonel ,s4 ,d4 ,lucas3 ,sir3--,we have this day received a communication from the ,governor of this state1 covering the order herewith1 and we hasten to forward the said order to you by the bearer1 ,mr4 ,richardson1 who is instructed to receive your reply4 ,we would further remark that under existing circumstances1 we hope to receive our arms on this side the river1 and we would name a place near one of the ferries for your convenience3 as the arms are few in number1 we request that they may be delivered with as little delay as possible4 ,respectfully yours1 7,signed7 ,a4 ,s4 ,gilbert1 ,w4 ,w4 ,phelps1 ,john ,corrill1 ,edward ,partridge1 ,john ,whitmer4 ,p4 ,s4--,we will thank you for a written communication1 in answer to this letter1 and the accompanying order4 #f #dic;,all hope for relief from the general government was destroyed on receipt of the following communication from the city of ,washington3 ,reply of the ,general ,government to the ,petition of the ,saints4 ,war ,department1 ,may #b1 #ahcd4 ,gentlemen3--,the ,president has referred to this department the memorial and letter addressed to him by yourselves and other citizens of ,missouri1 requesting his interposition in order to protect your persons and property4 ,in answer1 ,i am instructed to inform you1 that the offenses of which you complain1 are violations of the laws of the state of ,missouri1 and not of the laws of the ,united ,states4 ,the powers of the ,president under the constitution and laws1 to direct the employment of a military force1 in cases where the ordinary civil authority is found insufficient1 extend only to proceedings under the laws of the ,united ,states4 ,where an insurrection in any state exists1 against the government thereof1 the ,president is required on the application of such state1 or of the executive 7when the legislature cannot be convened71 to call forth such number of the militia1 as he may judge sufficient to suppress such insurrection4 ,but this state of things does not exist in ,missouri1 or if it does1 the fact is not shown in the mode pointed out by law4 ,the ,president cannot call out a militia force to aid in the execution of the state laws1 until the proper requisition is made upon him by the constituted authorities4 ,very respectfully1 your most obedient servant1 7,signed7 ,lewis ,cass4 ,to ,messrs4 ,a4 ,s4 ,gilbert1 ,w4 ,w4 ,phelps1 ,edward ,partridge1 and others ,liberty1 ,clay ,county1 ,missouri4 ,end of ,volume ,i4 ,footnotes #a4 ,in order to group the correspondence concerning the troubles in ,jackson county as close to the recital of those events in the text of the ,prophets narrative as may be1 several of the communications in this chapter are taken from the place assigned them by previous editors and given in this concluding chapter of ,volume ,i4 #b4 ,in my judgment1 it does seem that under the powers conferred upon the executive by the provision of the fundamental law of the state--the constitution--and the militia law he quotes1 the governor could have granted the request of the ,saints to be protected in their homes1 until peace was restored4 ,surely the clause1 or other emergency1 in the section of the law just referred to1 was broad enough to justify him in protecting1 by the ,state militia1 twelve hundred citizens of the ,united ,states in their homes until mob-violence had subsided--until respect for the civil law had been restored1 and these citizens allowed to dwell in safety upon the lands they had purchased from the general government4 ,under these provisions he could have curbed those cruel devils of their will1 without doing even a little wrong1 in order to do a great right--without wresting the law to his authority4 #c4 ,it required no great wisdom1 however1 to forsee that for the ,saints to return to their homes1 and then be left there without protection--left to the mercy of human wretches1 in whose veins ran none of the milk of human kindness--would not be far removed from suicide1 as the mob greatly outnumbered the ,saints4 ,to return under these circumstances would only be laying the foundation for a greater tragedy than the one already enacted2 and the brethren wisely concluded not to attempt to regain possession of their homes1 until some measure was adopted to protect them when there--until ,god or the ,president ruled out the mob4 #d4 ,thus ended the only effort that was ever made by the officers of ,missouri to bring to justice these violators of the law4 ,one class of citizens had conspired against the liberties of another class1 and being the stronger had1 without the authority of the law1 or shadow of justification1 driven twelve hundred of them from their possessions1 and there was not virtue enough in the executive of the state and his associates to punish the offenders4 ,the determination of the mob to resist the law was stronger than the determination of the state officers to execute it and make it honorable4 ,and yet the constitution of the state made it the imperative duty of the executive to take care that the laws are faithfully executed2 and the laws of the state empowered the commander-in-chief of the militia 7the governor7 in case of 99 99 99 insurrection1 or war1 or public danger1 or other emergency1 to call forth into actual service such portion of the militia as he might deem expedient4 ,with this power placed in his hands by the laws of the state1 ,governor ,dunklin permitted mobs to overawe the court of inquiry he himself had ordered1 and allowed them to continue unchecked in their unhallowed deeds of devastation and violence4 ,and while the mobocrats triumphed over law and order1 the governor's letters to the leading ,elders of the ,church contained many pretty1 patriotic sentiments1 but he lacked the moral courage to execute the law of the state4 #e4 ,the letter here referred to will be found on pages #dgf-h4 #f4 ,the arms were never returned to their owners4 ,before ,lucas received the ,governor's order1 forwarded to him by the brethren1 he had left ,jackson county1 settled in ,lexington1 ,missouri1 and resigned his commission4 ,subsequently ,governor ,dunklin issued a second requisition for the arms1 this time directing it to ,colonel ,pitcher2 but between the issuing of the two orders1 the first to ,lucas and the second to ,pitcher1 the arms were distributed among the mob1 and they insolently boasted that the arms should not be returned notwithstanding the order of the chief executive of the state4 ,end of ,volume ,i4 #did #die ,,index ,,to ,,volume ,i4 ,a ,addresses1--,elders in ,zion to churches abroad1 #cgi1 et seq4 ,agreement1--memorandum of1 between ,jackson county mob and ,saints1 #cid4 ,allen1 ,elder ,charles1--abused by mob1 #cia and note4 ,anthon1 ,prof4 ,charles1--acknowledges visit of ,martin ,harris with transcript of ,nephite ,characters1 #bj4 ,apocrypha1--revelation concerning1 #cca4 ,apostates1--,ezra ,booth1 #bae2 first1 7note7 #baf2 at ,hiram1 ,ohio1 #bfj4 ,b ,bainbridge1 ,south1 ,chenango county1 ,n4 ,y41--,prophet married at1 #ag2 ,prophet arraigned in court at1 #hi4 ,baptisms1--first in new ,dispensation1 #db2 early at ,fayette1 #ea2 number of previous to organization of ,church 7note71 #gf1 #gg2 efforts to prevent at ,colesville1 #hf4 ,baptism of ,prophet's parents1 #gi2 of ,martin ,harris1 #gi2 ,orrin ,porter ,rockwell1 #gi2 desire of some to join ,church without 7revelation71 #gi4 ,barber1 ,andrew1--death of1 #dca1 and 7note71 #dca4 ,bend1 ,mc,ilwaine's1--revelation given at1 #bjc4 ,bennett1 ,david1--attacked by mob1 #dbi1 ,bentley1 ,adamson1--7,baptist7 7note71 #aba4 ,benton1--swears out warrant against ,prophet1 #ig4 ,bishop1 ,gladden1--president of ,church at ,westfield1 ,n4 ,y41 #cce4 ,blue1 ,big1 river in ,jackson county1--meeting of ,saints on banks of1 #ccf1 #ccg2 gathering of mob at ferry of1 #dbi2 the battle of1 #dcj1 #dca and note4 ,boggs1 ,lieutenant ,governor ,lilburn ,w41--secretly aids ,jackson county mob1 #cia1 #cib4 ,book of ,mormon1--existence of revealed to ,joseph ,smith1 #ac2 plates of first seen by ,joseph ,smith1 #af2 delivered to the ,prophet1 #ah3 translation of began1 #bj2 ,oliver ,cowdery assists in1 #cb1 #cc2 several of the ,witnesses ditto1 #di3 the ,prophet's preface to1 #ef2 copyright of 7note71 #eh2 author and proprietor of1 #eh2 title page by ,moroni1 #ga2 difficulties attending translation of 7note71 #ge1 #gf2 two copies of ,ms4 made 7note71 #ge2 counted as a strange thing1 #hd4 ,booth1 ,ezra1--appointed on mission to ,missouri1 #agh2 arrives in ,zion1 #aia2 apostatizes at ,kirtland1 #bae1 #baf1 and note4 ,boyington1 ,dr41 #ig4 ,brazeale1 ,hugh ,d41--boast of1 #dcj2 death of1 #dca4 ,burch1 ,attorney1--assists to prosecute ,prophet1 #ib4 ,c ,cahoon1 ,william ,f41--appointed on mission1 #ccb4 ,campbell1 ,alexander1--founder of #dif sect ,the ,disciples1 relations with ,sidney ,rigdon 7note71 #abj4 ,canada1 ,upper1--,prophet's journey through1 #dba4 ,charges1--false1 against ,saints refuted 7note71 #cgf1 #cgg4 ,china1--earthquake in 7note71 #aeh4 ,cholera1--in ,united ,states1 #bhb2 ravages of1 #cja4 ,church1--the1 reasons for writing history of1 #a2 time when written1 #b2 prophecy concerning rise of1 #db2 instructions how to organize1 #fa2 government of 7revelation71 #fd1 et seq42 first ,elder of1 #dj1 #fa2 day of organization of1 #gg2 commanded to move from ,new ,york to ,ohio1 #aci2 at ,thompson1 breaks covenant 7note71 #ahj2 in ,zion1 divided into ten branches 7note71 #dji4 ,churches1--sectarian1 all wrong1 #f4 ,circular1--on building ,temple at ,kirtland1 #cdi1 #cej4 ,coburn1 ,emily1--efforts to prevent her joining ,church1 #hg2 baptism of1 #hg4 ,coe1 ,joseph1--accompanies ,prophet to ,zion1 #ahh4 ,cole1 ,squire1--attempts to anticipate publication of ,book of ,mormon1 #gf4 ,colesville1 ,broome county1 ,n4 ,y41 #ha2 home of ,knight family1 #dg2 ,prophet's ministry at1 #ha1 #hf2 opposition to work at1 #hf1 #hg2 efforts to prevent baptism at1 #hg1 #hh4 ,colesville1 branch1--removed to ,ohio1 #agc2 settled at ,thompson 7note71 #ahj2 removed to ,missouri 7note71 #aha2 arrive in ,zion1 #aia2 number of 7note71 #aif4 ,colburn1 ,village1 ,canada1--,prophet preaches in1 #dba4 ,color1 ,free ,people of1 #cgc2 article on1 #cgg1 et seq4 and note4 ,coltrin1 ,zebedee1--biography1 7note71 #cbb2 speaks in tongues in ,kirtland1 #cbc4 ,commandments1 ,book of1 number of copies of first edition1 #bbb2 testimony of ,elders to1 #bbf and note2 dedicated by prayer1 #bcd2 how esteemed by ,church #bce1 #bcf and note2 ,joseph ,smith et al4 appointed stewards of1 #bcf and note2 first edition ordered printed1 #bgj4 ,conference1--first of ,church1 #hd2 date of 7note71 #hd2 spiritual manifestations at1 #he2 second of ,church1 #aae2 results of1 #aah2 third of ,church1 #adj2 fourth of ,church1 ,kirtland1 ,june #crd1 #age2 date of1 7note71 #age2 spiritual manifestations at 7note71 #agf2 at ,hiram1 #bai2 special at ,kirland1 #bai and note2 at ,hiram1 #bba1 #bbb and note2 at ,amherst1 ,lorain county1 ,ohio1 #bdb1 #bdc and note2 of ,high ,priests and ,elders at ,kirtland1 #cbb1 #cbc2 in ,zion1 first on #fth of ,april1 #ccf2 of ,high ,priests in ,kirtland1 #cdb1 #ceb1 #ced4 ,confirmation1--of members1 first1 #gh2 ,lydia ,knight and ,emma ,smith1 #ajf1 #ajh4 ,constitution1 article from ,mo41 #cgd and note2 secret of mob1 #cgd and note4 ,copley1 ,leman1 ,quaker1--embraces the ,gospel1 #afg and note2 revelation to #afg1 et seq4 ,copley1 ,daniel1 ,priest's license taken from1 #ced4 ,corrill1 ,john1--offers himself a ransom for ,saints in ,jackson county1 #bid4 ,council1 ,a1--appoints committee to purchase land in ,kirtland1 #cce2 in ,zion to effect reconciliation with brethren in ,kirtland1 #cce1 to consider standing of ,baldwin ,welton et al41 #cdc2 doings of reviewed1 #cdc2 of ,high ,priests in ,zion1 #djg4 ,counsel employed by ,saints1 #dbd1 #dbe4 ,covill1 ,james1 ,baptist minister1--makes covenant1 #adc3 revelation to1 #adc1 et seq42 reasons for breaking covenant1 revelation on1 #ade4 ,cowdery1 ,oliver1--biography 7note71 #cb2 becomes acquainted #dig with ,smith family1 7note71 #cb2 meets ,david ,whitmer at ,palmyra 7note71 #cb2 becomes scribe to the ,prophet1 #cb2 receives divine evidence of ,prophet's inspiration 7revelation71 #cc1 #ce2 desires power to translate1 granted1 7revelation71 #cf2 fails1 reasons why1 7revelation71 #cg1 #ch2 receives ,aaronic ,priesthood1 #ci2 baptized1 #da2 describes ,john1 the ,baptist's administration 7note71 #db1 #dc2 desires to become one of the ,three ,witnesses1 #ec2 obtains view of plates1 #ed2 ,second ,elder in the ,church1 #da1 #fa2 ordains ,prophet ,joseph the ,first ,elder of the ,church1 #gh2 revelation to1 #hj2 first public discourse preached by1 #ha2 baptizes at ,colesville1 #hh2 falls into error in commanding ,prophet1 #aje2 accepts revelation of ,hyrum ,page1 #aaj2 revelation to1 instructing him to be obedient1 #aaj2 appointed to ,lamanite mission1 7note71 #aah2 departs on mission1 #abj2 visits ,catteraugus tribe1 7note71 #abj2 arrives at ,kirtland1 #abj2 public ministry at ,kirtland1 #abd1 #abe2 released as ,church ,historian 7revelation71 #aff and note2 reports ,lamanite mission by letter1 7note71 #ahb1 #ahc2 returns to ,kirtland with ,prophet1 #bjf2 appointed to carry manuscript of ,book of ,commandments to ,zion1 7note71 #bba1 #bbb1 and #bbi1 #bcd1 7note72 special messenger of ,saints in ,zion to ,kirtland1 #che2 appointed editor of ,saints' ,messenger and ,advocate at ,kirtland1 also editor of re-printed ,star1 #dji4 ,cowin1 ,horace1--appointed to mission1 #ccb4 ,cumorah1--the ,hill1 #ae2 description of1 7note71 #ae2 ,joseph ,smith's first visit to1 #af4 ,d ,davidson1 ,james1--counsel for ,prophet1 #hi2 defends ,prophet at second trial1 #ic4 ,deeds1 of consecration and stewardship1--forms of1 7note71 #cfe1 et seq4 ,dennison1 ,dr41--member of ,hiram mob1 7note71 #bfd4 ,dibble1 ,philo1 miraculously healed 7note71 #dca4 ,discourse1--first public in new dispensation1 #ha4 ,dogberry ,paper1 periodical1 attempt to publish ,book of ,mormon in1 7note71 #gf4 ,e ,elders1 in ,zion1--address of to ,church1 #bgg et seq42 of ,church1 address to1 #bhj2 address of ,elders stationed in ,zion to ,churches abroad1 #cgc et seq4 ,enemies1 eyes of1 blinded1 #aji4 ,enoch1--prophecy of1 #acc et seq4 ,epistles1 see letters4 ,ewing1 ,rev4 ,finis1--opposes ,church1 7note71 #cgb1 #cib4 ,f ,family1 ,the1--at ,kirtland1 7note71 #adf4 ,farm1 ,french1--purchase of1 #cce1 #ccf4 ,fayette1 residence of ,whitmers1 #di2 ,prophet moves to1 #di2 ,church organized at1 #gf1 #gg2 first public meeting held at1 #ha2 ,prophet removes to1 #aji4 ,fayette1--county seat of ,howard county1 ,mo41 7note71 #cie4 ,feet1--ordinance of washing of1 #cbc4 ,firms1--,gilbert ,whitney1 ,ohio1 7note71 #ade2 ,united ,zion and ,kirtland1 #bgj4 ,fitzhugh1 ,rev4 connected with ,jackson county mob1 #cgb1 #cib4 ,g ,gilbert1 ,algernon ,sidney1--senior member of ,gilbert ,whitney1 ,kirtland 7note71 #ade2 enquires of #dih the ,lord concerning duty 7revelation71 #agi2 accompanies ,prophet to ,zion1 #ahh2 agrees with mob to close store in ,zion1 #cia2 offers himself as ransom for ,saints in ,jackson county1 #cid2 committed to ,jackson county prison1 #dcb2 assaulted by ,thomas ,wilson1 #dcb4 ,gilbert ,whitney1 ,messrs41 ,merchants4--store wrecked1 #dbh4 ,gilbert1 ,j4 ,h41--principal compositor on ,book of ,mormon1 7note71 #ge4 ,gould1 ,john1--accompanies ,orson ,hyde as special messenger to ,zion 7note71 #djg2 dispatched from ,zion with petition to governor of ,missouri1 #daj4 ,grandin1 ,egbert ,b41--prints ,book of ,mormon1 #ga4 ,green1 ,john ,p41--speaks in tongues1 #bif2 appointed to preside over ,parkman branch1 #cdb4 ,h ,hale1 ,isaac1--of ,harmony1 ,penn41 ,prophet boards with1 #ag2 embittered against the ,prophet1 #ajh4 ,hale1 ,emma1--time and place of birth1 7note71 #ag2 marries ,prophet1 #ag2 baptism of1 #hh4 ,hale1 ,levi1--baptism of1 #hh4 ,hancock ,levi ,ward1--biography of1 #cbb4 ,harding1 ,stephen ,s41--statement respecting translation of ,book of ,mormon1 7note71 #ge4 ,harris1--,spy for mob 7note71 #dbg2 ,harris1 ,martin4--biography 7note71 #ai2 aids ,prophet1 #ai2 presents transcript of ,nephite characters to ,dr4 ,mitchell and ,prof4 ,anthon1 #bj2 asks privilege of showing manuscript to friends1 #ba2 loses manuscript1 #ba2 desires witness that the ,prophet has the plates of ,book of ,mormon1 #bh2 desires to become one of ,three ,witnesses1 #ec2 failure at first effort1 #ed2 final success1 #ee2 accompanies ,prophet to ,zion1 #ahh4 ,higbee1 ,isaac1 ,sen41--father of ,elias and ,isaac ,higbee1 ,jun41 7note71 #daj4 ,higbee1 ,sophia1--mother of ,elias and of ,isaac ,higbee1 ,jun4 7note71 #daj4 ,higbee1 ,elias1--ordained a ,high ,priest1 biography 7note71 #daj4 ,higbee1 ,isaac1 ,jun41--ordained ,high ,priest1 #daj2 biography 7note71 #daj4 ,higbee1 ,james1--trial of in ,kirtland1 #cee4 ,hiram1 ,township1 ,portage county1 ,ohio1--home of ,johnson family1 #bae2 ,prophet removes to1 #bae2 mob at1 #bfa4 ,history of ,church1--,prophet's reason for writing1 #a2 time of writing1 #b4 ,history1--,hayden's of ,disciples 7note71 #aeh2 7note7 #bae1 #bfa4 ,historian and ,recorder1--,oliver ,cowdery acts as 7note71 #aff2 ,john ,whitmer appointed as 7note71 #aff4 ,house1 of the ,lord in ,zion1 #cei1 et seq42 corner stone of laid in ,kirtland1 #djj4 ,howe1 ,e4 ,d41--author1 ,mormonism ,unveiled 7note71 #bag4 ,hubble1--false prophetess1 #aed1 and note4 ,hurlburt1 ,doctor ,philastus1--ordained ,elder1 #ccd2 trial of1 #cec2 appeal of from decision1 #ced2 excommunication1 #cee2 character of 7note71 #cee4 ,hunter1 ,rev41--connected with ,jackson county mob1 #cib and note4 ,hyde1 ,orson1--biography 7note71 #bag2 clerk for ,gilbert ,whitney1 #bag2 revelation to1 #bah2 chosen clerk1 first presidency1 #cec2 sent from ,kirtland to ,zion as special messenger1 #djg2 dispatched from ,zion with petition to governor of ,missouri1 #daj4 ,j ,jaques1 ,vienna1--in ,kirtland1 #cdb2 in ,zion1 #djg1 #djh4 #dii ,john1 ,the ,baptist1--confers ,aaronic ,priesthood on ,joseph ,smith and ,oliver ,cowdery1 #ci2 acts under direction of ,peter1 ,james1 and ,john1 #dj4 ,john1 the ,apostle1--difference of opinion of ,joseph and ,oliver respecting1 settled1 #ce1 #cf4 ,johnson1 ,lyman ,e41--biography 7note71 #cbb4 ,johnson1 ,robert1--spy for mob1 #dbg and note4 ,johnson1 family 7note71 #bf4 ,johnson1 ,olmstead1--prophecy concerning1 #bfj4 ,jolley1 ,william1--baptized1 #ha4 ,jolley1 ,elizabeth1--baptized1 #ha4 ,jolley1 ,vincent1--baptize1 #ha4 ,jolley1 ,julia ,ann1--baptism of1 #hf4 ,jolley1 ,harriet1--baptism of1 #hf4 ,journal1--,prophet's daily1 7note7 #daf1 and note1 #dbb1 #dbc4 ,k ,kavanaugh1 ,rev41--connected with mob1 #cgb1 #cib and note4 ,kennedy1 ,j4 ,h41--author1 ,early ,days of ,mormonism1 7note71 #aeh4 ,kimball1 ,heber ,chase1--biography 7note71 #bif2 visits ,prophet in ,kirtland1 #bif4 ,kirtland1 ,ohio1--arrival of ,lamanite mission at1 #abj2 false spirits in ,church at1 #adf4 ,knight1 ,newel1--,prophet's labors with1 #hb2 seized by evil spirit1 #hc2 devil cast out of1 #hc2 visions of1 #he2 witness of ,prophet's trial1 #ib2 perplexes ,attorney ,seymour1 #ic2 appointed to go to ,missouri1 #aha2 appointed leader of ,colesville branch in moving to ,zion 7note71 #aha4 ,knight1 ,joseph ,sen14--early acquaintance with the ,prophet 7note71 #dg2 goes in search of ,prophet's assailants 7note71 #dg2 supplies provisions to the ,prophet and ,cowdery1 #dg2 desires to know his duty in connection with new dispensation 7revelation71 #dh2 revelation to1 #hj2 baptism of1 #hh2 mob at house of1 #hh2 employs lawyers to defend ,prophet1 #hi4 ,knight1 ,joseph1 ,jun41--baptism of1 #hh4 ,knight1 ,polly1 ,baptism of1 #hh2 death of in ,zion1 #aii and note4 ,knight1 ,lydia1 wife of ,newel1--dream of1 #aja4 ,l ,lake1 ,elder ,james1--attends council at ,kirtland1 #chi2 commanded to remain in ,kirtland1 #chi4 ,lake1 a ,priest1--license taken from1 #ccc4 ,lamanites1--mission to1 #aah2 extent and importance of 7note71 #ahc1 et seq4 ,lands1--purchase of in ,ohio1 #aff4 ,letters1--,oliver ,cowdery to1 ,joseph ,smith and ,church at ,kirtland1 #ahb2 ,booth's series of 7note71 #bag2 ,asael ,smith to ,jacob ,town1 #bhf1 #bhg2 ,joseph ,smith the ,prophet1 to ,william ,w4 ,phelps1 #big1 et seq42 of ,prophet to ,mr4 ,n4 ,e4 ,seaton for publication1 written by commandment 7note71 #cab1 et seq42 ,joseph ,smith to ,w4 ,w4 ,phelps1 warning for inhabitants of ,zion1 #caf1 #cag2 of ,council of ,high ,priests to ,bishop and ,saints in ,zion1 #cag1 et seq42 ,first ,presidency1 to branch in ,thompson1 #cbd2 ,john ,murdock1 to ,thompson branch1 #cbe2 ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 to ,n4 ,e4 ,seaton1 #cbf3 ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 to ---- ,carter1 #cch1 #cci2 ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 to brethren in ,zion1 #cfh-cgj2 ,first ,presidency1 to ,john ,smith at ,eugene1 #cgj2 ,first ,presidency1 to church at ,eugene1 #cga2 ,n4 ,k4 ,whitney1 to church at ,eugene1 #cga2 extracts of1 from ,elders to editor of ,star1 #ejj #chg1 #chh2 ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 to ,vienna ,jaques1 #djg2 ,frederick ,g4 ,williams1 to ,saints in ,zion1 #dag-dai2 ,wood1 ,reese1 ,doniphan1 ,atchinson1 to ,saints in ,zion1 #dbe2 the ,prophet ,joseph1 to ,moses ,c4 ,nickerson1 #ddd-dde2 ,r4 ,w4 ,wells1 attorney general of ,missouri1 to ,messrs4 ,doniphan and ,atchinson1 #ddd2 ,judge ,ryland1 to ,amos ,reese1 ,esq41 #dde2 ,a4 ,s4 ,gilbert to ,governor ,dunklin1 #ddf-g2 ,amos ,reese to ,governor ,dunklin1 #ddg2 ,prophet ,joseph ,smith to ,bishop ,partridge1 #ddh1 et seq42 ,prophet ,joseph ,smith to ,edward ,partridge1 et al41 #dec1 et seq42 ,w4 ,w4 ,phelps1 to ,joseph ,smith1 #deg2 ,a4 ,s4 ,gilbert1 to ,governor ,dunklin1 #dgb1 et seq42 ,first ,presidency1 to the scattered ,saints1 #dge1 et seq42 ,governor ,dunklin to brethren in ,zion1 #dgf1 et seq42 ,a4 ,s4 ,gilbert1 to ,a4 ,leonard1 ,esq41 #dgh2 ,edward ,partridge1 et al41 to ,judge ,ryland1 #dgi2 ,w4 ,w4 ,phelps1 et al41 to ,judge ,woodward1 #dgi2 ,w4 ,w4 ,phelps1 to the brethren in ,kirtland1 #dha1 et seq42 ,a4 ,s4 ,gilbert1 et al41 to the ,president of the ,united ,states1 accompanying second petition to the ,president1 #dhe-f2 ,w4 ,w4 ,phelps1 et al41 to ,governor ,dunklin1 #dhg2 ,w4 ,w4 ,phelps to ,u4,s4 ,senator ,benton1 #dhg2 ,governor ,dunklin1 to brethren in ,missouri1 #dhh-i2 ,a1 ,s4 ,gilbert1 et al41 to ,governor ,dunklin1 #dhi1 #dij2 ,governor ,dunklin1 to ,w4 ,w4 ,phelps1 et al41 #dia2 ,governor ,dunklin to ,samuel ,d4 ,lucas1 #dia2 ,gilbert and ,phelps1 to ,governor ,dunklin1 #dia-b2 ,a4 ,s4 ,gilbert et al41 to ,colonel ,s4 ,d4 ,lucas1 #dib2 ,lewis ,cass1 ,secretary of ,war ,department to ,a4 ,s4 ,gilbert1 et al41 #dic4 ,lewis1 ,joshua1--sent as messenger from ,saints in ,missouri to ,judge ,ryland1 #dbi4 ,likens1 ,rev41--connected with ,jackson county mob1 #cgb 7note71 and #chb and note4 ,lodi1 ,n4 ,y41--,prophet ,joseph and ,sidney ,rigdon preach in1 #dba4 ,lovelady1 ,rev41--connected with ,jackson county mob1 #cgb1 #cib and note4 ,lyman1 ,amasa ,mason1--biography 7note71 #ccb2 appointed on mission1 #ccb4 ,m ,mack1 ,lucy1--ancestry of 7note71 #b4 ,marsh1 ,thomas ,baldwin1--biography 7note71 #aag2 revelation to1 #aaf1 appointed to go to ,missouri with ,ezra ,thayre1 #agh2 enquires of the ,lord1 #ahf2 revelation to1 #ahf1 #ahg4 ,mason1 ,carnot1--member of ,hiram mob1 7note71 #bfd4 ,mc,carty1 ,richard1 mobber1--breaks into ,gilbert ,whitney's store1 #dbh and note2 takes out warrant for ,sidney ,gilbert1 et al41 #dca4 ,mc,coy1 ,rev4 ,isaac1--opposes ,church1 #cgb1 #cib and note4 ,m',lellin1 ,william ,e41--biography 7note71 #bbj2 revelation to1 #bbj2 tries to imitate language of revelations1 #bbf4 ,mc,masters1 ,cyrus1 #ig4 ,mc,wethy1 ,isaac1--ordained ,elder1 #cbg4 ,meetings1--public1 to be conducted by the ,spirit1 7note71 #afc2 ,elders instructed in ancient order of1 #bai4 ,mentor1 ,ohio1--,gospel preached in1 #abd4 ,messenger and ,advocate1--,latter-day ,saints1 resolution to publish1 #dji4 ,ministers1 ,sectarian1--opposition of1 #cgb and note2 connection of with ,jackson county mobbing1 #cib and note4 ,miracles1--first in new #eja dispensation1 #hb1 #hc2 in ,hiram 7note71 #bae4 ,misrepresentation1--published in newspapers1 #aeh4 ,mission1--,lamanite1 #ahh2 departure of1 #abj2 visit of to ,catteraungus tribe1 #abj2 arrive at ,kirtland1 #abj2 arrived at ,independence1 #ahb2 report of1 #ahb-ahe1 and notes4 ,mitchell1 ,dr41--,martin ,harris calls upon1 #bj2 visited second time by ,martin ,harris 7note71 #bj4 ,mob1 ,a1--collects at ,knight's residence1 ,colesville1 #hh2 second collection of at ,knight's1 #ig2 brutality of at ,hiram1 #bfa1 et seq42 composition of at ,hiram1 #bfd1 #bfe and note2 first gathering of at ,independence1 #cdb2 manifesto of1 #cgd1 et seq42 proceedings of on #bjth of ,july1 #ahcc1 #cij1 et seq42 proceedings of ,july #bcrd1 #ahcc1 #cid2 treaty between1 and ,saints1 #cid2 action of in ,jackson county1 #dbf1 et seq4 ,monitor1 ,western1--on ,mormon troubles in ,jackson county1 #cib1 et seq4 ,mormonism1--,western1 ,monitor on1 #cie1 et seq4 ,morley1 ,isaac1--appointed on mission to ,missouri1 #agh2 arrives in ,zion1 #aia2 offers himself a ransom for ,saints in ,jackson county1 #cid4 ,moroni1 ,nephite ,prophet1--first1 visit to ,joseph ,smith1 #aa2 erroneously called ,nephi 7note71 #aa2 description of1 #aa2 second appearing to ,joseph ,smith1 #ac2 third visit to ,joseph ,smith1 #ad2 fourth visit to ,joseph ,smith1 #ad4 ,moses1--word of ,god revealed to1 revealed to ,joseph ,smith1 #hi1 et seq4 ,mt4 ,pleasant1 ,upper ,canada1--ministry of ,prophet and ,sidney ,rigdon in1 #dba1 et seq4 ,murdock1 ,joseph ,s41--birth of1 7note71 #bfj2 death of 7note71 #bfe4 ,murdock1 ,julia1--birth of1 #bfj4 ,n ,nephite1 ,record1--see ,book of ,mormon4 ,nickerson1 ,freeman1--accompanies ,prophet ,joseph on mission to ,canada1 #daf2 biography 7note71 #daf4 ,nickerson1 ,freeman ,a1 son of ,freeman ,nickerson1 receives ,prophet and ,sidney ,rigdon1 #dab2 accepts the ,gospel1 #dbb2 ordained an ,elder1 #dbc4 ,o ,ordination1--to ,aaronic ,priesthood1 #ch2 to ,melchisedek ,priesthood 7note71 #dj1 et seq42 of first ,elders of ,church1 #gg1 #gh2 to different offices of ,priesthood1 #gi2 regulated in ,zion by council of ,priesthood1 #djg4 ,p ,page1 ,hiram1--baptized1 #ha2 received false revelations1 #aji2 renounces seer stone1 #aae2 messenger from ,saints in ,zion to ,judge ,ryland1 #dbi4 ,page1 ,katharine1--baptized1 #ha4 ,palmyra1 ,wayne county1 ,n4 ,y41--,prophet's family moves to1 #b2 ,book of ,mormon published at #ga4 ,partridge1 ,bishop ,edward1--biography 7note71 #abh1 #abi2 visits ,prophet at ,fayette1 #abh2 revelation to1 #aca2 accompanies ,prophet to ,zion1 #ahh2 violence of mob toward1 #cij2 his own narrative of mob treatment1 #cij1 #cia2 offers himself as ransom for ,saints in ,jackson county1 #cid2 acknowledged head of ,church in ,zion1 #dji4 ,paul1 ----1--enters complaint #cee4 ,peck1 ,hezekiah1--baptized1 #hh4 ,perrysburg1 ,n4 ,y41--,prophet preaches at1 #dba4 #ejb ,persecution1 commencement of1 against the ,prophet1 #f2 extends to his family1 #ai2 spirit of at ,harmony1 #dd2 reflections of ,prophet on1 #ig2 in ,missouri 7see mob74 ,persecutors1--,mc,master1 #ig2 ,boyington1 ,dr41 #ig2--;,benton1 #ig4 ,peterson1 ,richard ,b41--baptized1 #ha4 ,peterson1 ,ziba1--revelation to1 #aah2 appointed to mission to ,lamanites1 #aai2 dropped from office1 #aie4 ,petition1--of ,missouri ,saints to ,governor ,dunklin1 #daj1 et seq42 second to ,governor ,dunklin1 #dea-b2 of ,saints to ,president of ,u4,s41 #dhc4 ,phelps1 ,william ,wine1--arrival in ,kirtland1 #ahd2 biography 7note71 #ahf2 preaches over western boundary of ,u4 ,s41 #aij2 attacked by mob1 #cij2 offers himself a ransom for ,saints in ,jackson county1 #cid2 dispatched from ,zion with petition to ,governor of ,missouri1 #daj4 ,pitkin1 ,george1--assists ,prophet on ,journey1 #bff4 ,pixley1 ,rev41--agent of missionary society in western ,missouri1 #cgb2 opposes the ,church1 #cgb1 #cgc and note4 ,poorman1 ,john1--baptism of1 #hf2 defends ,prophet against mob1 #bfc4 ,pratt1 ,parley ,p41--biography 7note71 #aah1 #aai2 appointed to ,lamanite mission1 #aah2 relations of1 to ,sidney ,ridgon1 #aba2 presents ,book of ,mormon to ,ridgdon1 #abb2 appointed a mission to ,quakers 7revelation71 #afg1 7note7 #afi2 reports his mission to ,lamanites1 #aha and note1 #ahc1 et seq42 ministry in ,zion 7note71 #djj1 #dja2 assaulted by mob spies1 #dbg and note4 ,pratt1 ,orson1--biography 7note71 #abg2 enquires of the ,lord concerning his duty1 #abg4 ,press1--,purchase of for ,church1 #bag2 opposition of1 #bgc2 ,star taken by mob1 #cij and note2 resolutions to establish at ,kirtland1 #dji4 ,priesthood1--,aaronic1 restored1 #di2 powers of1 #ci4 ,priesthood1 ,melchisedek1--restored of 7note71 #dj1 #da2 power of ,melchisedek manifested1 #age1 #agf2 manner of manifestation 7note17 #age4 ,prophet1 ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun4 7see ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun47 ,prophets1--school of established 7revelation71 #caj1 #caa2 meeting of1 #cbb2 organization of1 #ccd2 in ,zion 7note71 #djj4 ,prophecy1--of earthquake in ,china 7note71 #aeh2 on head of ,olmstead ,johnson1 #bfj2 on war of rebellion4 ,prophets1 ,false1--article on1 #cgc1 and note4 ,q ,quakers1--sect of1 character of 7note71 #afg4 ,r ,reid1 ,john1--counsel for ,prophet1 #hi2 defends ,prophet in second trial1 #ic2 account of early prosecution of ,prophet 7note71 #id1 #ie4 ,reserve1 ,western1--history of ,disciples on 7note71 #aeh4 ,revelation1--manner of receiving 7note71 #agc2 to ,joseph ,smith on lost manuscript1 #bb2 on changes in manuscript1 #bc2 to ,joseph ,smith1 ,sen41 #bh2 to ,oliver ,cowdery1 making known secret thoughts1 #cc2 to ,joseph ,smith and ,oliver ,cowdery concerning ,john the ,revelator1 #cf2 to ,oliver ,cowdery granting power to translate #cf2 to ,oliver ,cowdery on the manner of translation1 #cg2 to ,hyrum ,smith1 making known his duty1 #de2 to ,joseph ,knight1 ,sen41 making known his duty1 #dh2 to ,david #ejc ,whitmer1 calling him to ministry1 #di2 to ,john ,whitmer1 calling him to ministry1 #ej2 to ,peter ,whitmer1 ,jun41 making known his calling1 #ea2 to ,three ,witnesses1 #ec2 making known calling of the ,twelve ,apostles1 #fb2 on ,church government1 #fd2 to ,martin ,harris1 atonement and eternal punishment1 #gb1 et seq42 to ,church1 appointing ,prophet1 ,seer and ,revelator to1 #gh2 on re-baptism1 #gi2 to ,oliver ,cowdery1 ,hyrum ,smith1 ,joseph ,smith1 ,sen41 ,joseph ,knight1 ,sen41 on duties of1 #hj2 to ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 words of ,god to ,moses1 #ih2 to ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun4 and ,oliver ,cowdery1 instructions in duties1 #aja et seq42 to ,emma ,smith1 #ajc2 to ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 ,oliver ,cowdery1 and ,john ,whitmer1 how time of to be spent1 #ajd2 on sacrament1 #ajf1 #ajg2 to ,oliver ,cowdery1 but one man at a time to receive revelations for ,church1 #aaj2 in presence of six ,elders1 #aaa2 to ,david ,whitmer1 ,peter ,whitmer1 ,jun41 and ,john ,whitmer1 defining duties of1 #aaf2 to ,thomas ,b4 ,marsh1 calling him to ministry1 #aaf2 to ,parley ,p4 ,pratt1 and ,ziba ,peterson1 appointing mission1 #aah2 to ,ezra ,thayer and ,northrop ,sweet1 call of to ministry1 #abf2 to ,orson ,pratt explaining duty of1 #abh2 to ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 and ,sidney ,rigdon making known calling of latter1 #abi1 et seq42 to ,edward ,partridge1 making known duty of1 #aca2 making known prophecy of ,enoch1 #acc2 et seq42 to ,joseph ,smith and ,sidney ,rigdon commanding ,church to move to ,ohio1 #aci2 received at third conference1 promising to give law in ,ohio1 #adj1 et seq42 to ,james ,coville1 making known duties of1 #adc2 second concerning ,james ,coville1 why he broke covenant1 #ade2 to ,church at ,kirland1 instructions to leading ,elders at1 #adg2 to ,church at ,kirtland in presence of twelve ,elders embracing the law of the ,church1 #adh1 et seq42 to ,elders of ,church repudiating revelations by a woman1 #aed1 et seq42 to ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 ,sidney ,rigdon1 calling ,elders to conference1 #aeg2 to ,church at ,kirtland1 ,zion and her future1 #aei1 et seq42 to ,church at ,kirtland on spiritual gifts1 #afc2 to ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 appointing ,john ,whitmer historian1 #aff2 on purchase of lands in ,ohio1 #aff2 to ,sidney ,rigdon and ,leman ,copley1 appointing mission to ,quakers1 #afg1 et seq42 to ,church explaining spirit manifestations1 #agj1 et seq41 and note1 #agj1 and note1 #agc2 to ,edward ,partridge1 giving directions to settle ,n4 ,y4 ,saints at ,kirtland1 #agc1 #agd2 to ,church appointing ,elders to travel two and two to ,missouri1 #agg1 et seq42 to ,algernon ,sidney ,gilbert concerning his calling1 #agi2 to ,newel ,knight1 directing him to move to ,missouri1 #aha2 to ,william ,w4 ,phelps calling him to ministry1 #ahe2 to ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 designating the site of ,zion1 #ahi1 #aij2 to ,joseph ,smith making known purpose for which ,elders were called to ,zion1 #aia1 et seq42 to ,saints in ,zion commanding them to return east1 #bja2 to prophet and companions concerning the dangers in traveling by water1 #bjc2 to ,elders en route to ,zion1 commanding them to assemble in ,zion1 #bjf2 to ,saints in ,kirtland1 concerning ,saints in ,zion1 #bjg1 et seq42 prayer given by1 #bah2 to ,william ,e4 ,m',lellin1 #bbj1 #bba2 ,preface to ,book of ,commandments1 #bbb1 and note2 on language of1 #bbe2 to ,orson ,hyde and others1 explaining powers of ,priesthood1 #bbg4 et seq42 called appendix1 #bbi1 et #ejd seq42 to ,joseph ,s,mith and ,sidney ,ridgon1 directing them to engage in public ministry1 #bch2 to ,high ,priests in ,kirtland1 explaining duties in ,priesthood1 #bci1 et seq42 to ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 on duties of ,elders1 #bda2 explaining #gth chap4 #ad v4 ,i ,cor41 #bdb2 at ,amherst conference1 appointing the ,elders to ministry1 #bdc2 et seq42 on different degrees of glory1 #bde1 et seq42 to ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 explaining the ,apocalypse1 #bec1 et seq42 to ,joseph ,smith on ,order of ,enoch1 #bee1 #bef2 to ,jared ,carter1 appointing him to ministry1 #beg2 to ,stephen ,burnett1 appointing him to ministry1 #beg2 to ,f4 ,g4 ,williams1 appointing him to ministry1 #beg2 to ,stephen ,burnett1 appointing him to ministry1 #beg2 to ,f4 ,g4 ,williams1 appointing him counselor to ,prophet1 #beg4 #beh2 to ,church in ,zion on ,order of ,enoch1 #bfg1 et seq42 respecting orphans and their claims1 #bfi2 on ,priesthood1 #bhg1 et seq42 explaining wheat and tares1 #cja2 appointing ,school of ,prophets1 called ,olive ,leaf1 #cjb1 et seq42 the ,word of ,wisdom1 #cbg1 et seq42 to ,joseph ,smith1 ,jun41 for encouragement to1 #cbi1 et seq42 on ,apocrypha1 #cba2 directing ,f4 ,g4 ,williams to be received into the ,united ,order1 #ccc2 explaining oneness of ,father and ,son1 #cdc1 et ,seq42 directing the building of the ,house of the ,lord at ,kirtland1 #cdf2 directing ,kirtland ,temple to be built1 #cej1 #cea2 establishing ,united ,order at ,kirtland1 #ceb2 defining ,zion--,the ,pure in ,heart1 #djj-djb2 defining duties of ,saints respecting laws of the land1 #djb1 #djf2 to ,prophet while in ,canada1 #dbj4 ,rigdon1 ,sidney1--biography 7note71 #abj1 et seq42 ,book of ,mormon presented to1 #abb2 relations of to authorship of ,book of ,mormon 7note7 #abb1 et seq42 investigates ,mormonism1 #abd2 conversion of1 #abe2 visits ,prophet at ,fayette1 #abh2 revelation to1 #abi2 appointed to a mission to ,quakers1 #afg2 fulfills mission 7note71 #afi2 accompanies ,prophet to ,missouri1 #ahh2 dedicates land of ,zion1 #aif and note2 appointed to write description of the land of ,zion1 #aig2 removes to ,hiram--scribe to ,prophet1 #bai2 assists the ,prophet in public ministry in ,kirtland and vicinity1 #bci1 #bda2 accompanies ,prophet on second visit to ,missouri1 #bff2 reconciled to ,bishop ,partridge1 #bfg and note2 preaches at ,independence1 #bgj and #bga2 departs from ,zion with ,prophet for ,kirtland1 #bga2 ordained ,counselor in ,first ,presidency1 #ccd2 presides at a council at ,modina county1 ,ohio1 #cdb2 accompanies ,prophet on mission to ,canada1 #daf4 ,rigdon1 ,john ,w41--son of ,sidney1 writes biography of father 7note71 #abb1 et seq4 ,riggs1 ,burr1--trial and excommunication of1 #cbg4 ,riggs1 ,harpin1--ordained ,elder1 #cbg4 ,rockwell1 ,orrin ,porter1--baptism of1 #gi4 ,rockwell1 ,peter1--baptism of1 #hf4 ,rockwell1 ,caroline1--baptism of1 #hf4 ,rockwell1 ,electa1 baptism of1 #hf4 ,rudd1 ,brother1--meeting at house of1 #daf4 ,rumors1--spread by ,jackson mob1 #dca4 ,ryder1 ,simons1--converted by fulfillment of prophecy 7note71 #aeh2 apostasy of1 #bfj and note4 ,s ,sacrament1--prayer of consecration of1 #fi2 first administered in ,church1 #gh2 authorizing use of water in1 #ajf4 ,saints1 ,new ,york1--commanded to assemble in ,ohio 7revelation71 #aci2 from ,new ,york arrive in ,ohio1 #agc2 settling of 7revelation71 #agc and note2 petition of1 #eje to ,governor of ,missouri1 #daj2 renewed activity of1 #dbd on ,big ,blue attacked1 #dbf2 on prairie attacked1 #dbg2 attack on1 at ,independence1 #dbg4 ,salisbury1 ,jenkins1--appointed on mission1 #ccb4 ,school1--common1 #bgf and note4 ,scott1 ,rev4 ,walter1--,reformed ,baptist1 relations with ,sidney ,rigdon1 #aba2 opposes the ,prophet ,joseph1 #ahh4 ,scriptures1--lost books of1 #acb and note2 ,prophet ,joseph translates ancient1 #agj2 translation renewed at ,hiram1 #bae and note2 translation of ,new testament completed1 #cbd and note4 ,scriptures1--passages of ancient1 quoted by ,moroni1 #ab2 understanding of ,prophet opened respecting1 #dc4 ,seymour1 ,attorney1--prosecutes ,prophet1 #ib2 ,newel ,knight's answer to1 #ib1 #ic4 ,shearer1 ,rev41--opposition of1 #hg4 ,silvers1 ,esq41--refuses to issue process against mob1 #dbi4 ,simpson1 ,richard1--chairman of mob meeting1 #cie4 ,smith1 ,joseph1 ,jun41 the ,prophet1--birth and ancestry of1 #b2 attracted by religious excitement1 #b1 #c2 reflection of on divided ,christendom1 #c2 becomes partial to ,methodist1 #c2 instructed by ,james1 #d2 first prayer1 #e2 seized by evil power1 #e2 first vision1 #e1 #e2 relates vision to sectarian priest1 #f2 sectarian persecution of1 #g1 #h2 character of early youth1 #i1 #aj2 letter on personal character 7note7 #aj2 first visit of ,moroni to1 #aa2 angel's message and instruction1 #ab2 name to be evil spoken of1 #aa2 repetition of visits and instructions of angel #aj1 #ac1 #ad2 commanded to tell father his vision1 #ae2 first visit to ,cumorah1 #af2 four annual meetings with ,moroni1 #af2 employed by ,josiah ,stoal1 #ag2 story of being a money digger1 #ag2 marriage to ,emma ,hale1 #ag2 obtains plates of ,book of ,mormon1 #ah2 charges concerning plates1 #ah2 efforts of enemies to wrest plates of ,book of ,mormon from1 #ah2 leaves ,manchester for ,harmony1 ,penn41 #ai2 commences translation of ,nephite records1 #ai2 intrusts manuscript of ,book of ,mormon to ,martin ,harris1 #ba2 visits father's family1 #ba2 loses possession of plates and ,urim and ,thummim for season1 #ba2 ,moroni temporarily returns ,urim and ,thummim1 #ba2 revelation to1 concerning lost manuscript1 #bb2 design of enemies in relation to manuscript revealed to1 #bc2 sacred records and ,urim and ,thummim restored to1 #bc2 purchases farm of ,isaac ,hale1 #bh2 visited by his father and mother1 #bh2 received revelation for ,martin ,harris--promise that ,three special ,witnesses shall see the plates1 #bh1 et seq42 receives ,aaronic ,priesthood1 #ci2 baptized1 #db2 assisted by ,joseph ,knight1 ,sen41 #dg2 becomes acquainted with ,whitmer family1 #dh2 removes tot he ,whitmer residence1 ,fayette1 ,seneca county1 #ea2 with the ,three ,witnesses at time of angel's visitation1 #ed1 #ee2 the first ,elder of the ,church1 #da1 #fa2 ordains ,oliver ,cowdery an ,elder in the ,church1 #gg2 appointed ,seer1 ,translator1 and ,prophet to the ,church 7revelation7 #gh2 ministry at ,colesville1 #hh2 escapes from mob1 #hi2 arraigned in court1 #hi2 acquitted1 #ia2 second arrest of1 #ia2 abused by constable1 #ia2 trial at ,colesville1 #ib2 acquittal of1 #if2 copies and arranges revelations1 #ajd2 corrects ,cowdery and ,whitmer as to doctrine1 #ajd1 #aje2 instructed on administering #ejf sacrament 7revelation71 #ajf2 removes from ,harmony to ,fayette1 #aji2 accompanies ,elders ,rigdon and ,partridge to ,kirtland1 #ade2 persuades ,saints at ,kirtland to give up common stock concern1 #adf2 receives number of important revelations1 #adg-agj3 translates ancient ,scripture1 #agj2 leaves ,kirtland for ,missouri1 #ahh2 meeting with ,rev4 ,walter ,scott1 ,cincinnati1 #ahh2 arrives at ,independence1 ,mo41 #ahh2 reflections on state of society in ,missouri1 #ahi2 dedicates ,temple site in ,zion1 #aii2 leaves ,zion for ,kirtland1 #bjb2 meets ,elders en route for ,zion1 #bje2 arrives in ,kirtland1 #bjf2 dedicates ,book of ,commandments by prayer1 #bcd2 appointed steward over commandments1 etc4 7revelation71 #bcf2 public ministry at ,shalersville and ,ravenna with ,sidney ,rigdon 7revelation71 #bda2 attends conference at ,amherst1 and is ordained president of the ,high ,priesthood1 #bdb1 #bdc and note2 returns from ,amherst conference1 and receives vision of the ,three glories1 #bde2 mobbed at ,hiram1 #bfj1 et seq42 second visit to ,missouri1 #bfe2 arrives second time in ,zion1 #bff2 acknowledged in ,zion ,president of ,high ,priesthood1 #bfg2 organized ,church with a view to independence1 #bfi2 visits ,colesville branch on ,big ,blue1 #bfi and note2 gives directions concerning literary affairs and stores in ,zion1 #bgj and note2 leaves ,zion for ,kirtland1 #bga2 poison administered to1 #bga2 instances of gift of seer-ship1 #bgb and note2 arrival at ,kirtland1 #bgb2 recommences translation of ,scripture1 #bgc2 receives first copy ,evening and ,morning ,star1 #bgc2 visits ,albany1 ,new ,york and ,boston1 #bie2 receives visit from ,brigham ,young and ,heber ,c4 ,kimball1 #bie1 #bif2 receives gift of tongues1 #big1 reviews state of world close of #ahcb1 #cja2 writes for the press on same subject1 #cab2 et seq42 introduces ordinance of washing feet1 #cbc2 completes translation of ,new ,testament1 #cbd2 reflection on mob violence in ,jackson county1 #cic1 #djj2 mission to ,canada1 #daf1 et seq42 return to ,kirtland from ,canada mission1 #dbb4 ,smith1 ,jos41 ,sen41--birth1 place of residence1 marriage to ,lucy ,mack1 #b2 encourages ,prophet to follow instruction of ,moroni1 #ae2 visits his son ,joseph at ,harmony1 #bh2 revelation to1 #hj4 ,smith1 ,hyrum1 brother of the ,prophet1--birth 7note7 #dd2 visits the ,prophet at ,harmony and inquires respecting the work1 #de2 revelations to1 #de1 #hj2 breaks ground for ,kirtland ,temple1 #ceb4 ,smith1 ,samuel ,h41 brother of the ,prophet1--birth 7note7 #dd2 conversion and baptism of1 #dd2 revelation to1 #hj4 ,smith1 ,william1--brother of the ,prophet1--biography of 7note71 #cbb2 baptism of1 #hf2 speaks in tongues in ,kirtland1 #cbc4 ,smith1 ,don ,c41 brother of the ,prophet--baptism of1 #hf4 ,smith1 ,alvin1 brother of the ,prophet--death of1 #b1 #af4 ,smith1 ,george ,albert1--birth and ancestry1 #bhe and note2 baptism of1 #bhe2 arrives in ,kirtland1 #cdh2 labors on ,temple1 #cec4 ,smith1 ,asael1 grandfather of the ,prophet1--letter from 7note71 #bhe1 et seq4 ,smith1 ,john1 uncle to the ,prophet1--visit of ,joseph ,smith1 ,sen41 to #bhe2 arrives in ,kirtland1 #cdh4 ,smith1 ,emma1--revelation to1 #ajc2 adopts ,murdock twins1 #bfj2 removes to ,hiram1 #bff4 ,smith1 ,jerusha1--baptism of1 #hf4 ,smith1 ,katherine1--baptism of1 #hf4 #ejg ,snow1 ,zerubbabel1--appointed on mission1 #ccb4 ,star1 ,evening and ,morning1--purchase of press for1 #bag2 prospectus oc1 #bei and note2 first issue of1 #bgc2 purpose of publication of1 #bgd2 articles from1 #bgc1 #bge1 #bgf1 #bgg1 #bhj1 #bhb1 #bhc1 #cgg2 ,extra1 #cgh1 #cgi and note1 #cgi1 #chg2 press of demolished1 #cij2 resolution to publish at ,kirtland1 #dji2 office of1 #bgg4 ,star1 ,ohio1--publishes ,ezra ,booth's letters1 #bda4 ,stoal1 ,josiah1--employs the ,prophet1 #ag2 testifies at ,prophet's trial1 #hi2 daughters of1 testify at ,prophet's trial1 #ij4 ,store1 ,wilson's1--gathering of mob at1 #dcj4 ,stringham1 ,william and wife1--baptized1 #hh4 ,stringham1 ,julia1--baptized1 #hh4 ,t ,tanner1 ,john1--sends sons to ,kirtland to learn will of the ,lord1 #daj2 biography 7note71 #daj4 ,tarbill1 ,squire1--,prophet and ,emma ,hale married at the house of1 #ag4 ,temple1 ,kirtland1--corner stones laid1 #djj4 ,temple1--side of in ,zion 7revelation71 #ahi2 dedication of site of1 #aii2 at ,kirtland1 preparations to build1 #cdi2 circular on ,kirtland1 #cdi2 in ,zion1 #cei2 first description of1 in ,zion1 #cei1 et seq4 ,thayre1 ,ezra1--appointed on mission to ,missouri1 #agh2 revelation to1 #ahf4 ,thompson1--church at1 #ahj2 difficulties in 7note71 #ahj1 #aha4 ,times1--signs of the1 #cdg4 ,tongues1--first of first exercised 7note71 #big2 ,brigham ,young speaks in1 #big and note2 hymn sung in1 #dji2 gift exercised in ,canada1 #dbb4 ,township1--,kaw1 ,jackson county1 ,mo4--,colesville branch settled in1 #aif2 conference held in1 #aii4 ,u ,urim and ,thummim1--deposited with ,nephite plates1 #ab not to be shown except to chosen witnesses1 #ac2 first seen by ,joseph ,smith1 #af2 delivered to the ,prophet1 #ah4 ,w ,wait1 ,truman1--appointed on mission1 #ccb4 ,waste1--member of ,hiram mob1 #bfb and note4 ,waterford1 village of ,canada1--,prophet and ,sidney ,rigdon preach in1 #dbb4 ,westfield1 ,chautauqua county1 ,n4 ,y41--meetings at1 #dag1 #dai4 ,weston1 ,samuel1 ,justice of the ,peace1--connected with the mob1 #cgf2 liberates ,richared ,mc,carty1 #dbh4 ,whitmer1 ,david1--birth of1 7note71 #cb2 goes to ,harmony to take the ,prophet to his father's house1 #di2 revelation to1 #di2 desires to become one of ,three ,witnesses1 #eb2 behold ,nephite records1 #ed4 ,whitmer1 ,john1--birth of1 7note71 #di2 interest in the work1 #di2 revelation to1 #ej2 assists ,prophet to copy and arrange revelations1 #ajd2 appointed ,historian of the ,church1 #aff2 appointed to accompany ,oliver ,cowdery to ,zion1 #bcd and note1 #bce2 offers himself a ransom for ,saints in ,jackson county1 #cid4 ,whitmer1 ,peter1 ,jun41--birth 7note71 #di2 interest in work1 #di2 revelation to1 #ea4 ,whitmer1 ,jacob1--baptized1 #ha4 ,whitmer1 ,mary1--baptized1 #ha4 ,whitmer1 ,elizabeth ,ann1--baptized1 #ha4 ,whitmer1 ,christian1--baptized1 #ha4 ,whitmer1 ,annie1--baptized1 #ha4 ,whitmer1 ,elizabeth1--baptized1 #ha4 ,whitney1 ,bishop ,newel ,kimball1--biography 7note71 #ade1 #adf2 #ejh welcomes ,prophet and wife to his home at ,kirtland1 #ade2 accompanies ,prophet on ,second visit to ,zion1 #bfe2 returns to ,kirtland with ,prophet1 #bga2 accident by the way1 #bga2 renewal of journey to ,kirtland1 #bgb2 accompanies ,prophet to ,albany1 ,new ,york and ,boston1 #bie4 ,williams1 ,dr4 ,frederick ,g41--biography 7note71 #abe2 joins ,lamanite mission1 #abe2 ordained counselor in ,first ,presidency1 #ccd4 ,wisdom1 ,word of1 #cbg4 ,witnesses1--,three promised 7revelation71 #bh1 et seq42 referred to in ,book of ,mormon 7note71 #eb2 revelation to1 #ec2 with the ,prophet seek promise of testimony1 #ed2 details connected with testimony of 7note71 #ee2 formal testimony of1 #ef1 #eg4 ,witnesses1--eight testimony of1 #eg2 time and place of receiving testimony 7note71 #eg4 ,world1--state of1 #bha1 #cja1 #chh2 ,prophet's letter on1 #cab2 in ,april1 #ahcc1 #ccg4 ,y ,young1 ,brigham1--biography 7note71 #bif2 visits the ,prophet1 #bie2 speaks in tongues1 #big and note2 returns to ,kirtland from mission to ,canada1 #chh4 ,young1 ,joseph1--biography 7note71 #bie2 visits ,prophet1 #bie4 ,z ,zion1--site of revealed1 #ahi2 first ,sabbath in1 #aij2 first house in1 #aif2 ,prophet's description of the land of1 #aig1 #aih2 first conference in1 #aii2 first death in1 #aii and note2 city of and plat1 #ceg et seq42 reports concerning extensions of1 #dai4